sepration of couple

When Haruno and Huo eventually found Ravihiro, he was seated in a secluded part of the forest, where the air was thick with spiritual energy. His eyes were closed, but his awareness of their presence was immediate. Without opening his eyes, Ravihiro spoke, his voice low but commanding.

"I've thought long and hard about what has transpired," he began, still not facing them. "Before I agree to anything regarding the future of my sister, and this child... there are conditions you must meet, Huo."

Haruno glanced at Huo nervously. Ravihiro’s tone left no room for negotiation, and she feared what demands he might make. Huo, on the other hand, stood resolute, ready to face whatever Ravihiro laid out.

Ravihiro finally opened his eyes and turned to face them, his expression unreadable. "There are three conditions."

Huo nodded, bracing himself.

"First," Ravihiro said, his eyes narrowing. "You must prove your strength. I will not allow my sister and her child to be bound to someone weak. You need to fight me. No holding back. I will know if you're serious about protecting her."

Haruno’s eyes widened in shock. "Brother, no! You can't—"

But Ravihiro raised his hand to silence her. "This is non-negotiable. If he can’t fight for her now, how will he protect her in the future?"

Huo took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. "I accept."

Ravihiro’s gaze lingered on Huo for a moment before continuing. "Second, you must undergo the Trial of Purification. You’ve already been tainted by the darkness that nearly consumed you when you first met Haruno. I can see it in your soul. The Trial will cleanse you of this corruption, but it’s dangerous. Most who undergo it don’t survive."

Haruno’s heart clenched. She had heard of the Trial before, an ancient and painful process that involved facing one’s deepest fears and sins. But she knew that without this purification, Huo would never truly be free from his past.

Huo’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t hesitate. "I will do it. Whatever it takes."

Ravihiro gave a slight nod, impressed by the immediate acceptance. "Good. Now for the final condition."

He stood up and walked toward them, his expression hardening. "You must swear an unbreakable oath of loyalty to Haruno and the child. This isn’t just about protecting her physically. You will be bound by soul to never betray, harm, or abandon them. If you do… your soul will shatter, and you will cease to exist."

Haruno’s breath hitched. This was no simple vow—it was a soul-binding contract that would tie Huo to her for life, with severe consequences for breaking it. She turned to Huo, worry in her eyes. "Huo, you don’t have to do this. I don’t want to force you—"

But Huo reached out and gently took her hand, his expression calm and filled with resolve. "Haruno, I would never betray you. I would give my life for you and our child. I accept the oath."

Ravihiro’s intense gaze softened for a moment as he watched the exchange. Then, with a slight nod of approval, he spoke again. "Very well. We will begin with the first condition—the fight. Prepare yourself."

The air around them crackled with energy as Ravihiro’s aura flared, signaling the beginning of a confrontation that would determine Huo’s worthiness. The fight would not be easy, and the path ahead would be filled with even more challenges. But Huo’s unwavering determination, combined with Haruno’s fierce love, would be the foundation they needed to face whatever came next.

Ravihiro, despite his harsh demeanor, was prepared to test Huo to the limits. Only then would he be satisfied that Haruno and her unborn child would be safe.

As the tense conversation continued, Ravihiro stepped back slightly, his eyes fixed on Huo with unwavering intensity.

"You accepted my conditions without hesitation," Ravihiro said, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of authority. "But the first condition will not be fulfilled today. You are not yet strong enough to face me. You have five years, Huo. Five years to become strong enough to protect my sister and prove yourself worthy. When you return, we will battle. If you fail, I will take Haruno and the child under my protection, and you will leave forever."

Huo’s jaw clenched, understanding the gravity of what Ravihiro was offering—time, but also a challenge that would push him beyond his limits. He looked at Haruno, who stood silently beside him, worry evident in her eyes.

"I’ll do it," Huo said, his voice firm. "Five years… I will use that time to become stronger, to prove I can protect Haruno and our child. I won’t fail."

Haruno stepped forward, her hands trembling as she reached for Huo. "But… do you really have to leave? What if something happens? What if—"

Huo gently placed his hand over hers, his expression softening. "I have to do this, Haruno. I need to become stronger for you, for our child. And I promise, I will come back."

Ravihiro, watching the exchange, remained silent for a moment before speaking. "Your decision is wise, Huo. The path to true strength is not short, and you’ll face many dangers. But know this—if you fail, I will not hesitate to do what I must to protect Haruno."

Huo nodded, understanding the weight of Ravihiro's words. He then turned to Haruno, pulling her into a brief but tight embrace. "I’ll come back," he whispered. "I promise."

Haruno fought back tears, her heart heavy with the thought of Huo leaving. "I’ll be waiting for you."

With that, Huo took a step back, his resolve clear in his eyes. He turned to Ravihiro, bowing slightly in respect. "I’ll return in five years."

Ravihiro nodded, his expression still unreadable, but the smallest glint of respect for Huo's determination shone in his eyes. "Go. Your time begins now."

As Huo turned and walked away, disappearing into the vast wilderness to begin his journey, the air between Haruno and Ravihiro grew thick with silence. Haruno watched him leave, her heart aching, but she knew this was something he had to do.

Ravihiro stood still for a few moments, then finally spoke, his voice quieter than before. "You’ve chosen a difficult path, Haruno. But it is your path to walk."

Haruno turned to her brother, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and determination. "He’ll come back, brother. He promised."

Ravihiro didn't respond immediately. Instead, he looked out into the distance, his mind already focused on the future. "For his sake, I hope he does." Then, without another word, Ravihiro turned and walked away, leaving Haruno alone in the quiet of the forest, her thoughts heavy with the promise of what was to come.

The countdown to the battle had begun. Five years—time enough for Huo to either become a protector worthy of Haruno and their child or to fail and lose everything.

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