Chapter 188: Yoruichi’s +18 shower. Introducing Tatsumaki.

"So Dream Walker," Robin says, propping herself on one elbow, her black hair disheveled from sleep. "The implications for discovery are... considerable."

"You're already thinking about research applications," you say with a grin.

"I'm thinking about a lot of applications," she admits, her blue eyes sharp despite the early hour. "Can contracted servants initiate it voluntarily?"

"That's what the ability description says. They can have dreams of submitting to their master, and I'll remember them."

Kurumu presses closer against your side, her tail still curled around your wrist. "So I could..." She trails off, her blue hair hiding her flushed cheeks.

"Use it whenever you wanted personal time," you finish for her. "Yes."

Albedo speaks from behind you, her fingers still threading through your hair. "The strategic applications alone-"

"Are not what anyone's thinking about right now," Yoruichi interrupts, stretching with feline grace as she rises from the sheets. Her dark skin catches the morning light filtering through the Mansion's windows. "What I'm thinking about is a shower. And I'm claiming him first."

"Not alone you're not," Kurumu says immediately, her wings folding tight as she sits up.

Liza rises from beside Tuka with quiet determination, her scaled forearms catching light, her tail already wagging. She doesn't speak. She simply moves toward the bathroom door with purpose.

The Mansion's shower is enormous - marble and gold, multiple heads, steam rising. Yoruichi pins you against the tile within thirty seconds of the water hitting your skin, her purple hair plastered to her shoulders, her dark skin gleaming wet. She wraps her legs around your waist and sinks onto your cock with a satisfied groan, her yellow eyes finding yours.

"Watch," she purrs to the other two women.

Kurumu leans beside you, water cascading over her blue hair and full breasts. You reach down, your fingers finding her pussy - slick with more than water - and begin working her clit in slow circles while Yoruichi rides you against the marble wall. The succubus gasps, her wings folded tight against her back to avoid the spray, her hands gripping your thigh for balance.

Liza stands on your other side, her scaled forearms pressed against the tile, her stoic face betraying nothing except the rapid wagging of her tail behind her. Your free hand finds her pussy, two fingers pressing against her entrance without penetrating, your thumb circling her clit. A low hiss escapes her throat.

Yoruichi rides you with athletic intensity, her hips rolling in tight circles, her breasts bouncing with each thrust. She's deliberately performing - moaning louder than necessary, arching her back, making sure Kurumu and Liza can see everything.

Kurumu comes first. Your fingers work her clit in rapid strokes and she shatters against the tile, her wings snapping open, a keening cry echoing off marble. Her pussy clenches around nothing, her thighs trembling, her tail lashing in the air behind her.

Liza follows within a minute - her orgasm arriving as a full-body shudder, her stoic expression finally cracking into something soft and wondering, her tail going rigid before resuming its satisfied wagging. A guttural sound escapes her throat.

Yoruichi clenches around your cock and comes with a sharp cry, her nails digging into your shoulders, her hips grinding against you. You release inside her with a groan, her pussy milking you in powerful pulses.

"Good morning," she says breathlessly, grinning.

- - -

The galley is bustling when you arrive, towel-dried and dressed. The Heroes' Feast table has reset, laden with fresh food. Bulma and Rika occupy the corner, Witchblade projected on the wall. They must have been watching all night.

"Episode seventeen," Bulma announces without looking up, chopsticks in one hand, her blue ponytail slightly limp. "She just abandoned her daughter again. For a man she met three days ago."

"Two days," Rika corrects, tactical vest laying next to her, taking notes on a tablet. "And he's a convicted felon. The pattern is-"

"Consistent with pre-existing dysfunction amplified by artifact bonding," Bulma finishes. "We're going to finish a comprehensive report by tonight."

Asia sets a plate of eggs and toast in front of you with a gentle smile. Mikasa takes the seat to your left, already eating. Erza sits across from you, half-plate cleared, her scarlet hair still damp from her own shower.

"The five are still sleeping," Erza reports between bites. "Sango's on watch. Their vitals look stronger than yesterday."

"One thing you should keep in mind," you say between bites of toast, pointing your fork at the screen where Masane is making another terrible decision. "We don't actually know when in the timeline this Masane is from. And there's the bonus gamble of what timeline variant she could be."

Bulma pauses, chopsticks halfway to her mouth. Her blue eyes narrow behind her glasses. "You're right. So far none of the dimensional travelers have been confirmed as canon timelines. Most are explicitly variants."

"Which means her personality problems could be worse or better depending on which version we're dealing with," Rika adds, tapping her tablet. "The artifact amplifies existing problems, so the baseline matters enormously."

"Another data point we won't have until she's awake and talking."

Bulma nods slowly, filing it away. "Seven more episodes. We'll have the full picture by tonight."

You turn to Robin, who's nursing tea at the far end of the table, her black hair still damp. "Robin. Would you spread your sight to cover watch? I'd like to recall everyone interested in being present when I wake the five."

Robin's blue eyes sharpen. "Of course." Arms sprout from the galley walls, the ceiling, the corridor outside - dozens of eyes spreading through the ship in seconds. "I have full coverage."

You open the Telepathy Web and broadcast. "Everyone. I'm waking the sleeping five. If you want to be present, come to the galley."

Responses flood back. Mikasa is already beside you. Erza rises from her seat, plate cleared. Albedo's wings fold as she strides in from the corridor, her white gown pristine. Hinata appears within thirty seconds, miniskirt maid uniform fresh. Kurumu hurries next to you with her tail wagging, still flushed from the morning. Yoruichi stretches in with feline grace. Maria smooth's her black dress. Violet enters with precise steps. Riveria walks in, white lingerie exposing her femininity, jade eyes confident. Nami's voice comes through the Web - she's on her way from the Icon bridge. Roxanne trots in, ears perked. Liza follows silently, tail swaying. Tuka enters beside Emilia. Sinon leans against the far wall, arms crossed.

You rise from the table and step through the Mansion door. The four women lie in separate rooms - Tatsumaki in her child's medical gown, green hair splayed across silk; Hancock in her tattered slave tunic, regal even unconscious; Akame in her torn Night Raid uniform, Murasame with her; Yugito in torn Cloud kunoichi wraps, blonde hair matted.

Telekinesis lifts them simultaneously. Four women float from their beds like sleeping dolls, their bodies limp and peaceful under the Sleep spell's gentle hold. You float Esdeath in white top and dark pants off her gurney before pushing it to the side of the galley, settling all five at a slight angle just an inch above the deck - suspended, visible, vulnerable.

You pull five rings from your inventory. Mana flows through your fingertips as you enchant each one, threading the connection framework into the metal, linking them to the network. Anchoring Bands. You hold them in your palm, five circles of silver catching the galley lights.

The gathered women form a large semicircle around the sleeping five. Albedo stands at your left shoulder, wings half-spread. Mikasa flanks your right. Robin's manifested eyes watch from every surface.

"Everyone's here who wants to be," you confirm, scanning the room. "Tatsumaki would have been the most volatile. Her psychic burnout is healing faster than expected, but she probably can't be a danger yet."

"I can hold her," Mikasa says flatly.

"Physical restraint won't stop telekinesis," Rika warns from her corner, tablet forgotten. "You need magical suppression."

Albedo's gold eyes gleam. "Shall I prepare a binding?"

"You're overestimating what she can do right now," you say flatly, cutting through the tactical discussion. "Her psychic burnout is severe. Even with accelerated healing, she's looking at months instead of years - but months still means she can barely lift a spoon with her mind. She's been reduced to a bratty child."

You pause, a thought striking you. "Though I wonder if this Tatsumaki actually is a child. The canon version had her growth stunted by her psychic potential - she was twenty-eight but looked twelve."

Mikasa glances at the floating green-haired figure. "She looks young."

"That's the question, lets find out." Appraisal sweeps across all five.

[NAME: Boa Hancock]

[Origin/Species: Human/Kuja Pirate Empress (One Piece universe, Variant Age 18)]

[Magical System/Status: Mero Mero no Mi (Love-Love Fruit) & Haki (Severely World-Suppressed by Dimensional Transition)]

[Abilities: Emotion-Triggered Petrification, Enhanced Physical Conditioning, Latent Haki Affinity, Kuja Combat Instincts]

[Trustworthiness: Low (28%) - Trauma-Driven Distrust; Potential for High Loyalty] [Notable Skills: Kuja Martial Arts, Seductive Manipulation, Intimidation, Combat Adaptation, Regal Authority]

[Special Note: Too young to be canon. Did not reach Amazon Lily to claim it's throne. Requires restoration of personal autonomy and demonstrable proof of safety before meaningful trust can develop.]

[NAME: Esdeath]

[Origin/Species: Human (Akame ga Kill! universe, Variant Age 18; Mid-Empire Young Hunter)]

[Magical System/Status: Imperial Arms - Demon's Extract (Recently Assimilated; Cryokinetic Manifestation Partially Suppressed by Dimensional Transition)]

[Abilities: Cryokinesis, Ice Shaping, Enhanced Physical Conditioning, Predatory Instincts, Environmental Control]

[Trustworthiness: Low (32%) - Power-Oriented Pragmatism; Potential for Conditional Loyalty]

[Notable Skills: Northern Partisan Hunting, Survivalism, Tracking, Imperial Swordplay, Field Dressing, Combat Adaptation]

[Special Note: Exceptional compatibility, physical resilience and combat efficiency. Her recently acquired power and still-developing worldview provide opportunities for disciplined growth, but her belief that strength determines survival presents a significant ethical and behavioral risk.]

[NAME: Tatsumaki]

[Origin/Species: Human / Esper (One Punch Man universe, Variant Age 23)]

[Magical System/Status: Psychokinesis (Severely Burned Out Following Catastrophic Neural and Physical Overexertion)]

[Abilities: Telekinetic Force Manipulation, Gravitational Disruption, Kinetic Barriers, Aerial Levitation - All Severely Impaired]

[Trustworthiness: Low (25%) - Hostile Captive Response; Potential for Strong Conditional Loyalty]

[Notable Skills: Threat Detection, Environmental Manipulation, Defensive Barrier Formation, High-Output Telekinetic Combat]

[Psychological Profile: Fiercely Proud, Abrasive, Volatile, Hypervigilant, Deeply Resistant to Restraint]

[NAME: Akame]

[Origin/Species: Human (Akame ga Kill! universe; Night Raid Assassin Variant)]

[Magical System/Status: Teigu - Murasame (One-Cut Killer; World-Suppressed, Secured by Mechanical Scabbard Locks)]

[Abilities: Superhuman Agility and Reflexes, Lethal Cursed Blade, Enhanced Sensory Awareness, Killing Intent Suppression]

[Trustworthiness: Medium (48%) - Principled but Deeply Betrayed; High Potential for Earned Loyalty]

[Notable Skills: Elite Assassination, Swordsmanship, Stealth, Tracking, Survivalism, Tactical Assessment, Culinary Preparation and Meat Preservation]

[Special Note: Her strong protective instincts and preference for honesty make her a promising ally once she can independently verify that the environment is safe.]

[NAME: Yugito Nii]

[Origin/Species: Human / Two-Tails Jinchūriki (Naruto universe, Variant: Naruko)]

[Magical System/Status: Chakra Manipulation & Two-Tails (Matatabi) Jinchūriki Seal - Advanced Techniques and Tailed Beast Manifestation Suppressed by Dimensional Transition]

[Abilities: Blue Fire Release, Enhanced Durability, Accelerated Recovery, Feline Agility, Partial Beast Transformation - Currently Restricted]

[Trustworthiness: Medium (55%) - Protective and Duty-Bound; Deep Mistrust of Captors; High Potential for Earned Loyalty]

[Notable Skills: Kumogakure Taijutsu, Tactical Leadership, Perimeter Defense, Covert Tracking, Scouting, Chakra-Based Combat]

[Special Note: Her defining vulnerability is her willingness to sacrifice herself for civilians and other innocents.]

"Huh, my appraisal gave me some of their timeline-variant details, and this Tatsumaki is Twenty-three." Then Paralyze locks their muscles in place, five bodies going rigid mid-float. You dispel the Sleep spells one by one.

Their eyes open.

Five pairs of eyes - green, dark, ice-blue, red, and gold - snap open to find themselves suspended an inch above the galley deck, paralyzed, surrounded by a semicircle of armed women. Confusion, fury, and fear ripple across their faces in varying degrees.

"We'll give them a moment to process," you say calmly. "Asia, would you please tell them where they are."

Asia steps forward, her modified habit rustling softly. Her warm brown eyes meet each of them in turn, her voice gentle but steady.

"My name is Asia Argento. You're safe. I know this is confusing." She clasps her hands together. "You've been brought to a different world - one experiencing a zombie apocalypse. People from other universes - like us - are being pulled here without warning. You were all purchased from a slave market by Brad." She gestures to you. "He's an enchanter. He's been gathering people like us - dimensional travelers - to help them survive and eventually find ways home. We are not your enemies."

Hancock's dark eyes blaze with immediate hostility. Esdeath's ice-blue gaze sweeps the room with predatory calculation. Akame remains perfectly still, cataloging exits. Yugito's golden eyes narrow with feline wariness. And Tatsumaki -

You lower her gently to the deck and release her Paralysis.

She immediately tries to float. Her face contorts with effort - veins bulging at her temples, green hair whipping - and nothing happens. Her feet stay planted on cold metal.

"What the FUCK-" she shrieks, spinning toward you. "Who the hell are you?! Release me this instant or I'll-"

"You'll what?" you ask, arms crossed. "The Tatsumaki I know would be floating three feet off the ground so she could look down on everyone around her. The fact that you're standing on the floor proves you have zero access to your telekinesis. You're a bratty child throwing a tantrum."

Her green eyes blaze with absolute fury. She reaches out psychically - you feel the faintest brush against your mind, like a moth hitting glass - and her face goes white.

"Try again," you offer.

She can't. The silence stretches. Her fists clench at her sides, trembling with impotent rage.

"Nobody here is trapping you," you continue, your tone even. "If you want to leave, there's the door. But outside right now? Undead monsters, no food, no shelter, slave markets hunting people like you. Your choice." You float an Anchoring Band across to her, the silver ring spinning gently. "I'm an enchanter. These rings provide sustenance, temperature regulation, basic protection, and health acceleration. Wear it or don't. But you're not strong enough to survive out there alone right now."

Tatsumaki stares at the ring, then at you, her small body rigid with fury. Behind her, the other four watch - paralyzed but alert, processing everything.

"None of you are prisoners here," you repeat, addressing all five while keeping your focus on Tatsumaki. "You each have the choice to leave. It took several days to gather each of you from the slave traders, during which most of you recovered physically from malnutrition and various poisonings."

Tatsumaki's green eyes narrow, her small fists still clenched at her sides. The ring hovers in front of her, spinning gently on your telekinesis.

"It was simply easier to have this event as a group instead of re-explaining everything individually," you continue. "The women next to you, like yourself, are prideful and as likely to attack us out of misunderstanding the situation as you were. I'm having them wait their turns so they have an extra minute to understand that we're not going to force them to stay or harm them, unless they attack us first."

You gesture toward the four paralyzed women. Hancock's dark eyes burn with barely contained fury, her slave tunic hanging loose on her frame. Esdeath watches you with predatory stillness, ice-blue gaze tracking every movement. Akame's red eyes flick between exits and weapons with professional detachment. Yugito's golden eyes narrow with feline wariness.

"That's why I chose to let you down first, Tatsumaki. With your psychic burnout, you're literally harmless while still being understandably angry at the situation. If you want to go prancing in front of zombies and rapists, that's your choice. Or there are warm beds in the magic mansion behind you and endless food on the table here. And-" you pause.

You turn to Asia. "Would you please make a large banner or sign with all the effects from the Anchoring Bands? It'll be easier having it on the wall for everyone instead of explaining it repeatedly."

Asia giggles, her warm brown eyes crinkling. "I'll have it up before lunch, Brad-san."

Tatsumaki's jaw tightens. She hasn't taken the ring. Her pride wars visibly with her situation - a twenty-three-year-old woman with stunted growth, stripped of the power that defined her entire identity.

"Tatsumaki," you say, lowering your voice slightly. "The only thing we know is that you were being held and sold by a group of scientists. Would you please tell us what you've experienced of this world so far?"

Silence stretches. Then she speaks, her voice smaller than her earlier shriek, the bravado cracking.

"I was... walking through town. One second I was on the street, the next I was in the middle of a city full of... monsters. Dead things. Moving." Her green eyes go distant. "I flattened them. All of them. Every single one in sight. And then..." She touches her temple. "I woke up strapped to a table. People in white suits. Needles. They kept me sedated after that."

"That fits," you say, nodding. "This world limits the abilities of otherworlders it pulls in. When you were pulled here, you were capped at what I'd call C-tier. But you still used an S-tier scale power while limited to C-tier. The power exceeded your new limit and the backlash knocked you out and crippled you."

Her face goes pale.

"You would probably have to wait years to recover your abilities. With the multiple enchantments I have active on this ship though, you seem to be recovering fast. I'm betting months instead of years to use C-tier abilities."

Tatsumaki stares at you. Her lower lip trembles - just once, barely visible - before she crushes the emotion with sheer willpower. Her hand reaches out and snatches the ring from the air.

"Fine," she says, her voice tight. "But I'm not your slave."

"Never said you were."

Behind her, Hancock's paralyzed body trembles with barely suppressed rage. Esdeath's ice-blue eyes have locked onto you with something that isn't quite hostility anymore - it's assessment. Interest. The kind of look a predator gives something it hasn't decided whether to hunt or follow.

Akame's red gaze has softened fractionally. The mention of food - the smell of the Heroes' Feast table behind you - has reached her. Her stomach growls audibly despite her professional control.

Yugito's golden eyes have been watching the gathered women - how they stand, how they interact with you, how none of them show signs of captivity or fear. Her feline pupils dilate slightly as she processes this.