Preserved and enhance
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Chapter: Training, Farewell, and the Path Forward
The development of each new Nen ability demands tremendous time and energy.
For most people, mastering even one Nen ability can become a lifelong pursuit.
Take Chairman Netero, for example. At the age of 46, he felt his body and martial arts had reached their peak. Determined to surpass his limits, he began an extreme training regimen.
Regardless of blistering heat or biting cold, Netero performed 10,000 daily punches of gratitude without fail.
Control your breathing. Align your posture. Bring your hands together.
Pray—then strike.
This seemingly simple straight punch ritual, repeated relentlessly, soon became something far more profound.
At first, it took him 18 hours a day to complete. Each session left him utterly drained.
But after two years, things changed.
He could finish all 10,000 punches before the sun set.
By year three, he completed them by mid-afternoon.
Five years in, he had undergone a total metamorphosis.
10,000 straight punches in one hour!
His fists had become faster than sound itself.
> "Absolute focus breeds absolute strength."
Kai Vexley understood that truth well.
But unlike others, he was a transmigrant with access to Nen derived from a system. The rules of common sense did not apply to him.
> "With [Virtual Reality] as the core—my Specialization ability—I'll branch it into the other five Nen types and build abilities that suit each one."
> "Enhancement will serve as my foundation with [Hundred-Style Shura]. The other types will support it, slowing the speed of my growth just enough to maintain balance."
This was the path Kai had chosen to grow stronger.
And as someone born with a Trait-type affinity, he wasn't limited to creating just one ability per category.
Still, even with great talent, time and energy remained finite.
> "When I've grown stronger—when no external threats remain—I'll explore other paths."
With the Dawn Group now operating smoothly, Kai threw himself into intensive training.
But he didn't forget about Machi and the others.
Every few days, the group reunited for special sparring sessions.
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After one such match...
"Damn, Kai... you're getting too strong..."
Uvogin lay on the ground, face bruised and battered, stripped of his usual hearty laughter.
He looked... contemplative. Maybe even uncertain.
Nobunaga, leaning nearby, observed quietly.
They had known each other since childhood. Nobunaga could read Uvogin like an open book.
And he knew.
> "Maybe... it's time we had a talk with Kai."
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The Next Day — Meteor City, Dawn Group HQ
"You want to go out and train?" Kai blinked, caught off guard by their request.
"Yeah," Uvogin said simply. "You've grown way too strong. If we don't push ourselves, we'll be left behind."
He never cared for subtlety. Always said what he felt.
Kai opened his mouth, ready to argue—but then he met Machi's eyes.
There was a fire there. Determination. The same look she'd had when they first met.
"…So you've already made up your minds."
He smiled faintly.
"Alright. I won't stop you. But give me a few days—I'll prepare a few things. Even if it's just training, you need to come back alive."
The three nodded in agreement.
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A Few Days Later
Kai sat cross-legged on the carpet, pale from exhaustion. In front of him were three neat piles of supplies.
"Each of you gets 2 billion Jenny," he said. "Money won't win battles, but it keeps you alive—food, shelter, travel, all of it costs."
He looked at Uvogin.
"Especially you. You like to fight—don't waste your time on random street punks."
He handed him a small pouch.
"Here—20 Senzu Beans. I know you'll get injured more than the others."
Uvogin didn't speak. He just reached up, ruffling his own afro.
"…Thanks, Kai."
His tone was quiet. Flat.
But that only made it feel more genuine.
Kai froze, surprised for a second, then smiled.
He turned to Nobunaga.
"This sword is for you—Enma."
Nobunaga raised an eyebrow.
"It's powerful. But it's a cursed blade."
> [Enma] — In another world, known as one of the 21 Great Grade Swords. Once wielded by Kozuki Oden, a blade said to draw out tremendous power—but only if the user can control it.
"In this world," Kai continued, "its side effects changed. Instead of releasing Armament Haki on its own, it'll siphon off your aura instead."
"If you can't tame it, don't draw it."
The sword let out a faint hum, as if offended.
Nobunaga scoffed.
> "A weapon with attitude, huh?"
The sword vibrated harder, aura bursting forth like a beast baring its fangs.
Sensing its hostility, Nobunaga's own aura flared in response.
> "Let's see who tames who."
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While Nobunaga and Enma silently battled for dominance, Kai turned to Machi.
"Decided where you're going?"
"Not yet," she replied calmly.
"I have a suggestion—the Sky Arena."
He'd mentioned it before in passing.
> Sky Arena — Located in the Republic of Batokia. A skyscraper dedicated to combat, with 251 floors and more than a billion annual spectators. Real Nen battles begin at the 200th floor.
"There are strong fighters there," he said. "Real challenges—and a way to earn money."
At the word money, Machi's ears perked up.
He grinned.
"Win or lose, you'll still earn. First floor, 152 Jenny. Reach the 50th, it's around 50,000. By Floor 100, you're looking at 1 million. At 150? Over 10 million."
"Reach Floor 190, and you can earn 200 million Jenny in one fight."
The numbers weren't much to the Dawn Group's financial officer—Machi had seen billions.
But Kai knew her well.
It wasn't about the money—it was the act of making money that excited her.
Machi gave a nod. "Got it."
Kai held out one more item.
"This is a skin care set. Use it nightly. It'll keep your skin from drying out…"
He trailed off, voice soft.
His usual nagging somehow eased the weight of goodbye.
And Machi—cool, sharp Machi—didn't realize how much she'd come to depend on his presence.
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After they left, the silence in the HQ felt heavier than expected.
> "Maybe... it's time for me to go somewhere too."
The thought came unbidden.
But it didn't feel wrong.
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