Hearing this request, Tokugawa's aged face bloomed into a chrysanthemum-like smile. His left hand reached into his robe.
If Sett had asked for anything else, Tokugawa Mitsunari might have hesitated. But this? Mere pocket change. He had more than enough.
"If you're short on funds, use this first. There's about a billion yen on this card... If that's not enough, come find me anytime."
He produced two cards and a key, sliding them across the low table. One was a standard bank card. The other was entirely silver-white, elegant script identifying it as a premium gym membership.
"As for housing, this key belongs to the nearest property. You'll find it easily enough."
Tokugawa leaned back, taking a leisurely sip of his tea. He didn't rush to explain further, curious to see how this unusual boy would react.
Sett scooped up the cards and key, pocketing them without ceremony. A billion yen... He wasn't sure exactly how that converted to other currencies, but it was more than enough to live on for a while.
He pulled out the silver-white card, turning it over. "What's this for? Free access to your underground arena?"
Tokugawa shook his head. "That's a gym I invested in years ago. There's a trainer there named Kureishi Shinogi. If you train under him, your recovery time might shorten considerably."
Tokugawa had already mentally categorized Sett as someone carrying an old injury, someone not yet at their peak. The boy's thin frame told him enough.
Sett rubbed his chin thoughtfully, then tucked the membership card away. He could train on his own, sure, but he wasn't an expert in recovery and conditioning. Having professional help would make things easier.
"One more thing." Sett met Tokugawa's eyes. "I need to fight strong opponents."
Now that he was in the world of Baki, fighting strong enemies was the fastest path to experience. The system would reward him handsomely.
Tokugawa's smile widened. Now that was a request he understood. Every fighter who came to his table made the same one eventually. Whether for the love of battle or the pursuit of glory, it didn't matter. And this boy clearly wanted to fight for its own sake.
"That so?" Tokugawa's expression shifted slightly. "Then you're in luck. There's an event coming up—the Boxing Aspirations Tournament. But it's not just an ordinary competition anymore... It's become something more intense. A desperate knockout brawl. If you want strong opponents... that's where you'll find them."
Boxing Aspirations Tournament.
Sett nearly choked on his own spit.
The Boxing Aspirations Tournament?! Wasn't that the Hanma family's domain?! Coming from the Bloodthirsty Old Man's mouth, this wasn't some minor event—it was the real deal!
"What's wrong?" Tokugawa raised an eyebrow. "You think the Boxing Aspirations Tournament is too small-time? I was about to say, you're definitely not ready for the truly strong fighters yet, and then—"
"It's perfect."
Sett cut him off. In the world of Baki, the Boxing Aspirations Tournament might seem like small potatoes compared to what came later... but for him right now? For a Level 1 champion who hadn't even unlocked half his kit? It was exactly where he needed to be.
The smart strategy was clear: farm experience in the tournament first, level up, unlock his skills, and then challenge the real monsters of the Baki world.
"No, I think the Boxing Aspirations Tournament suits me just fine," Sett said, wiping the corner of his mouth. "When I'm fully recovered, I'll go seek out Hanma for a match."
Tokugawa slapped his thigh, laughing heartily. "That's right! A truly strong man should fear no challenge!"
His laughter faded, replaced by a more serious expression. "But... do you need someone to manage your daily affairs? If so, I can arrange it based on your preferences. Including... that aspect, if you're interested."
Sett knew exactly what "that aspect" meant. But he'd seen enough of that in his previous life. His appetite for such things had long since been eclipsed by his hunger for battle.
"Not necessary. But if you're really offering... find me someone who can fight and cook. Preferably Chinese."
With that, Sett stood.
"Alright. If there's a fight later... give me a call. I'm going to find something to eat now."
He waved dismissively and walked out, even sliding the door closed behind him.
Hands in his pockets, a billion yen in his wallet, Sett strolled confidently out of the underground arena.
---
Only a few minutes after Sett left, Baki emerged from a hidden door in the room, stretching his body which had grown stiff from staying still too long.
Tokugawa simply took another sip of tea as Baki appeared. "What do you think?" he asked quietly. "What kind of man is he in your eyes?"
Tokugawa had seen countless fights, arranged countless competitions. But his own perception couldn't match that of a true fighter. And fighters—they had the sharpest instincts of all.
Baki didn't hesitate. His stretching paused, and his eyes grew serious as he met Tokugawa's gaze.
"He's strong. Like a lavish feast stretching to the horizon." A pause. "If he weren't so weakened right now, I'd rush to challenge him immediately."
Baki's brow furrowed.
"But what's strange is... he said he's not related to that man. And I don't sense any Hanma bloodline in him at all..."
He shook his head slowly.
"If that's true... it makes it even more incredible. To have that kind of power without the bloodline... I might even be able to have a real conversation with Yujiro about it someday."
He chuckled at himself.
"Ridiculous. Where did that thought even come from?"