After escorting Ponzu to her hotel so she can change into her standard attire, we return to Heavens Arena for her registration as a fighter. As always, the queue for challengers is incredibly long, so I stay with Ponzu to continue chatting with her and kill time. After about 52 minutes, she finally reaches the counter and checks in with fighter number 575.
"Very good. You're now ready to start fighting in the tower. Remember, you must win in one hit to be taken directly to the 50th floor." I tell her as we walk down the hallway to the first floor.
"Understood. I'll do my best." She answers very enthusiastically.
When we arrive, I head with Ponzu to the stadium stands, and after a couple of minutes of waiting, Ponzu is called over by the PA system to fight in ring A.
"It looks like it's my turn. I'm a little nervous." She says a little fidgeting.
"You don't have to worry. With your preparation and Nen, this will be a piece of cake. Just stay strong and finish quickly." I respond, giving her an encouraging smile along a thumbs up before she walks away.
Ignoring the sexist and hurtful comments from the spectators, she quickly arrives at the ring where the referee and her opponent are waiting for her—a tall, muscular man with a hard face that looks like he's forgotten to shave and an eye patch over his right eye.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Looks like I'm lucky with first opponent being a little pretty girl. Maybe a bit flat-chested, but still not bad. When I'm done with you in the ring, how about we go outside the tower just the two of us to have some fun?" The man asks with a repulsive face and manner.
Faced with her opponent's unpleasant offer, Ponzu simply gives a flat stare, sighing as if the conversation was just a mere inconvenience for her.
"It's a first-floor fight, so we'll focus on evaluating your fighting skills. You're allowed three minutes to demonstrate your capabilities. BEGIN!!!" The referee shouts, starting the fight.
"Let's finish quickly!" The man yells launching a straight left punch.
Ponzu effortlessly dodges it by moving to the side, and closing the distance, she jumps onto her opponent's shoulder to get behind him, locking his arms with her legs and performing a choke hold. Under Ponzu's strong grip, the lecherous man trembles helplessly until he falls unconscious after a few seconds.
Hearing the crowd's applause at her crushing victory, Ponzu releases her grip on her opponent and receives a pass from the referee to advance directly to the 50th floor, displaying a satisfied smile.
"Great work in your first fight. You've taught that scum a good lesson." I tell Ponzu after she receives her payment on the 50th floor.
"The truth is, it's been easier than I expected. I'm even a little disappointed." She says drinking the can of coffee she bought with her payment.
"It was your first fight, so it couldn't be avoided. From now on, I want you to test your opponents and absorb their fighting styles to condition your body for combat. No more one-hit wins or using Nen. Is that clear?" I ask.
"Yes." She answers.
"Good. Now that you understand, head to the waiting room and wait for another fight. Since you weren't hurt, they'll be calling you back soon, and you'll surely feel more motivated after getting paid. We'll meet after that to continue our training." I instruct her.
"Ok, Kai. I'll see you later then." Ponzu says, heading to the waiting room while waving me off.
After saying goodbye to Ponzu, I return to the penthouse, where Nicholas is waiting training his aura control with a knowing grin. "You're finally back. How did it go, boss?" He asks.
"It went well. She already knows the most interesting places in the city, and I feel that our bond as teacher and disciple has become stronger." I say, trying to manage the mix of satisfaction and warmth that I'm feeling in my chest.
"Glad to hear it. Now, what's our plan for the afternoon?" Nicholas asks.
"We're going to get back to training, of course. We still have a lot of ground to cover." I tell him while calling a number on my cell phone. "Hi, Wing. Am I catching you at a good time? Good. You see, about the meeting to discuss my fight against Sadaso with the boys, do you think we could do it now? After lunch better? Okay, see you then."
Hanging up the phone after setting up the appointment with Wing, I turn on the TV in the room to watch Ponzu fight on the 50th floor while Nicholas and I prepare our lunch.
In the battle, Ponzu follows the instructions I gave her, and after a few minutes she defeats her opponent with a single blow. After that, I call her on the cell phone and tell her to wait for us at the café near the tower after lunch so we can head to Wing's hotel together.
Around 4:00 pm, Nicholas and I finally meet up with Ponzu, and after having a cup of coffee and discussing Ponzu's performance in her fight, we head to the hotel where Wing and the kids are waiting for us. Once there we knock on Wing's room, and once he opens it and lets us in, we can see Gon, Killua and Zushi practicing practicing their Ten.
"Kai, I'm glad to see you! I see Ponzu's accompanying you! Have you finished the matters you had to deal with her?" Gon asks cheered.
"Yes, Kai. Have you finished those very important "matters" that you had to deal with her?" Killua asks the same thing as Gon, clearly trying to evoke a different meaning to tease me.
Despite being annoyed by Killua's cocky attitude, Nicholas manages to calm me down, and after clarifying that I'm done preparing Ponzu to join our training from now on, I pull up the footage of my fight with Sadaso into Wing's TV to begin the pending lecture.
"Alright guys, let's break it down. Can you tell me what goes wrong and what goes rigth in my fight against Sadaso?" I ask as the fight recording continues to play out.
"Umm, I don't see any mistakes in your moves, boss." Nicholas answers hesitantly.
"I think the same. In the fight you show great versatility and skill in hand-to-hand combat, not just using punches, but kicks and evasive maneuvers too." Zushi adds.
"Yes, but with his level couldn't Kai have finished the fight much earlier?" Gon asks.
"Exactly." I agree, stopping the recording and starting to explain. "For starters, from the beginning of the fight, I focused on keeping in sync with each of my opponent's moves, anticipating and countering them in order to prolong the fight and disrupt his rhythm. While this isn't a wrong approach to fighting, it'd have been a better idea to end the fight immediately."
"Then, why didn't you just do that?" Killua asks this time.
"That's a good question. The reason I acted the way I did in my match was because I wasn't just looking to win, but I also wanted to put on a great show that would make me look good as a Heavens Arena fighter in front of the public. You could say my main goal in that match was to increase my reputation with what the commentator girl described as ." I answer.
"While I had to do it in this way for my personal interests, you mustn't follow my example in the future. If you're able to end the fight quickly or with one move, you must do so."
The five disciples sitting on the plush couch nod at my statement, prompting me to continue playing the recording. After a couple of minutes of playing, I start commenting again.
"As you can see, at this point in the fight I had already adjusted to the fighting style and the Nen ability of my opponent, so I started taking a more aggressive approach. However, adopting this stance can be quite recklessness in a Nen battle."
"Zushi, do you remember what you said about my way of fighting?"
"Yes, I do. I said you showed great ability in hand-to-hand combat. I think you were possibly even at master Wing's level." Zushi confidently assures.
"That's exactly what I mean. While that style may be fine for a martial artist fight, it wouldn't work in the same way against some Nen abilities. Did you guys see the match between Kastro and Hisoka a few weeks ago?" I ask.
"They both saw the recording, but I saw it live. What's up with that?" Killua asks nonchalantly.
"In that battle, although Kastro used a well-developed Nen ability, he relied more on hand-to-hand combat. Even though he had a certain level of proficiency, the reason Hisoka was able to beat him was because his Nen abilities were more versatile and had many more applications to overcome someone who solely relies on their physical abilities." I say, recalling the versatility of Hisoka's abilities in canon.
"While the most standardized use of the aura is to enhance physical performance, the abilities that one can create with their own will are practically limitless, ranging from manipulating people like puppets, passing through walls, and even instantly incapacitating an enemy upon meeting certain conditions."
"That's why I emphasize so much in that you must be more vigilant and prepared for a wider variety of attacks."
"But in the end, you managed to defeat Sadaso without taking a single hit. Doesn't that mean you can overcome those unique Nen abilities as long as you're strong enough?" Gon asks intrigued.
I chuckle at his innocent question before answering. "It's true that it worked out in that instance, but it could have not. Look at this" I say replaying a segment of my fight.
"What do you think would have happened if Sadaso had also been physically capable enough to trap me with his "Phantom Hands"? Or if his technique had had special applications like Hisoka's "Bungee Gum"? If it had been something like that, my initiative to confront him physically would have resulted in my defeat before the fight even began."
"That's why in the future life-or-death fights you will face, you'll have to focus more on defense and evasion than on attack, trying to strategize the better way of exploiting your opponents's weaknesses, either by luring them into a trap or using ranged attacks."
"Ranged attacks? Do you refer to using guns? I don't think we need them given our abilities. If anything, relying on an inferior tool we're not familiar with would be more counterproductive than beneficial." Killua says, apparently taking the lesson more seriously than before.
"Certainly, pistols would be considered long-range, but that's not what I was specifically referring to. What I mean by a ranged attack is using your aura to fight from a distance. This can be by summoning a conjured object, projecting your energy outside your body, or even using aura-enhanced objects, be it a gun, a rock or even a piece of paper." I say while taking out a pen.
"After all, ranged fighters always have an advantage over those who specialize in melee combat. And while most specialize more in physical confrontation, it also helps to have a few ranged moves up your sleeve. That way..." Without finishing my sentence, I throw the Shu-covered pen right next to a shaken Killua, pinning it to the wall behind him, startling Zushi and Nicholas beside him and giving me the opportunity to place my hands turned into claws against Killua and Zushi's necks. "...you can either finish off opponents from a distance, or distract them to catch them off guard. In my opinion, that would be the most effective strategy."
As Zushi and Killua look agitated as sweat runs down their cheeks, Wing grabs the hand I point at Zushi with a rather angry look. "Kai, I understand that you were trying to make your point clear through a strong impression. However, I must ask you not to use such an aggressive method against my students again." He says, squeezing my left wrist tighter.
"I get it, I get it. I also think I've been a little too aggressive this time. I'll try to take a different approach in the future." I say raising my other hand with an apologetic face.
At my mild apology, Wing's expression finally relaxes, releasing my wrist and allowing me to return next to the TV to continue my lesson.
'What the heck?! He caught me completely off guard! Even though he partially diverted my attention by throwing that pen, his speed and accuracy were perfect. And not only that, but he also seems to have mastered the muscle control technique I taught him! I knew he was stronger than he let on, but not that much! If we ever had to fight, I wonder if I'd be able to kill him!' Killua thinks with a frightened expression while I continue with the lesson.
For the rest of the evening, we work on new strategies for differrent battle situations and hone our combat skills through intense workouts, sparring sessions, and focused Nen training, and when night finally falls, we decide to leave the group training for today, saying goodbye to Wing, Zushi and Ponzu to return to our rooms at Heavens Arena with the promise that they will watch my match of tomorrow.
Once back, the remaining four of us eat dinner at one of the tower restaurants recommended by Killua, and after finishing it and each of us returning to our rooms on the 200th floor, I take a quick shower and change my clothes before getting into bed waiting for he upcoming match of tomorrow.
Date: May 26th, 2011
On the stadium of the 233rd floor, Gido and I arrive at the center of the ring as the crowd roars with excitement as Cocco begins her introduction to the fight.
"Ha ha ha. I sincerely doubt it." Gido says spinning a top on his index finger.
Unintered in Gido arrogant claim, I scan the stadium to locate my training partners. I quickly position everyone, including Wing, who seems to have been motivated to come after my announcement that I would be using my Hatsu in this fight.
Aside from them, I also locate Sadaso, who still looks upset and frustrated by his defeat at my hands. 'He must have come because he thought my fighting skills wouldn't be enough to match Gido's Nen ability. The poor guy has no idea.' I think condescendingly to myself as the referee takes position.
"Points system and knockouts, no time limit! BEGIN!!!" The referee shouts, raising his hand to signal the start of the fight.
Letting my rival take the lead, Gido brings out his dancing tops and I quickly find myself surrounded by them.
"In the fight against Sadaso, you were able to defeat him by dodging his attacks and running freely around the ring. But now that you're surrounded by 30 tops that can attack you in all directions, you have no chance of escape." Gido says as I find myself dodging the spinning tops that crash into each other.
'Actually, there are several ways I could escape this situation, but I promised to put on a show with my Hatsu, and I'm a man of my word.' I think as several of the tops fly towards me from different directions.
However, I am able to reject them easily, leaving everyone inside the stadium shocked with their mouths open at what they are seeing, including Gido.
'That bastard defended himself from Gido's attack using my exact technique! It doesn't make sense! I had to go through months of training to develop a Hatsu that would suit my needs, and that asshole managed to replicate it in two days after having faced me once?! How is that even possible?!' Sadaso thinks from the stands while gritting his teeth in incredible frustration.
"No way! You're saying you learned to use Sadaso's Nen ability in just two days?! What kind of monstrous Nen user are you to pull something like that off?!" Gido asks, quite agitated by my little display.
Certainly, from the view of the external eye it may seem that I have perfectly copied the Nen ability of the Phantom Hands, but in reality this is just one of the applications of my Orbital Orbs: Barrier Orb.
This orb employs Transmutation to change its shape according to my needs, whether it's forming a barrier in front of me or creating an aura fist like right now. This more or less solid consistency is achieved by applying Transmutation so that it absorbs the kinetic energy of solid objects and can thus "touch" or "block" them despite it being made of energy.
Of course, this orb isn't without its weaknesses. Since I'm an Emitter, I can only achieve a little more than half of its functionality, making it impossible to fully block a truly powerful attack. Furthermore, since I've only had 4 months of training, I can't hope to achieve the level of performance of Zeno Zoldyck's energy dragon, who is a Nen expert with decades of experience.
However, after having carefully studied Sadaso's ability during our fight, countering the weak attacks of Gido's Dancing Tops with this ability is no problem for me.
'Now that we've wowed the audience, let's get this show over with.' I think running towards Gido while I reject with the Nen fist the tops that fly in my direction.
"I admit that you have impressed me, but even if you can defend yourself from my spins, you won't be able to attack me!" Gido states using his Tornado Top, turning into an untouchable human cyclone.
"Easy," I say wrapping Gido spinning body with my giant aura hand. "I will trap him with my aura until he stops and drowns."
For the next few seconds, I dodge the remaining spinning tops in the ring until Gido finally stops his spinning, choking from the inability to breathe until he falls unconscious and the tops in the ring finally fall inert. Releasing him from my Barrier Orb, Gido's body falls to the floor, unconscious, prompting the referee to inspect him.
"Gido is unconscious! By virtue of a knockout, Kai wins!" The referee says, provoking cheers from the audience.
"Wow, Kai really knows how to get the crowd going with his battles." Gon says in the stands with his eyes wide open.
"Yes, he really does." Wing responds with a pleased smile.
A few minutes later, after filling out a new application to fight any day from May 27 to June 12, I find myself reunited with the group, who are very excited and restless about my performance in today's fight. The first one to speak out his thoughts is, of course, Nicholas.
"Boss, you were spectacular! No matter what kind of move Gido tried to pull off, you managed to outperform him without him being able to do anything to stop you!" Nicholas yells excitedly at my victory.
"That's exactly what I wanted to convey to you with yesterday's lessons; the infinite versatility of Nen abilities can lead to unexpected situations that can catch you off guard and finish you off instantly if you're not alert and prepared at all times." I explain to Nicholas and the group.
"Still, I don't think it was a good idea to copy Sadaso's ability. Nen is very specific to each user depending on their category and preferences, so copying a Transmuter ability as an Emitter could have been quite detrimental to your fight, just like it was with Kastro." Wing explains with a serious look, trying to make me and everyone understand the seriousness of that statement.
"I understand your point, and for the most part I agree with it. However, I should make it clear that this wasn't Sadaso's ability, but rather one of the applications of my own personal ability to impress the spectators, so you don't have to worry about it." I reply to calm Wing worries.
"That sounds like a fairy tale to me. Sure you didn't just memorize the armless guy ability and try to pass it off as something else to look cooler? That would be truly pathetic." Killua asks trying to tease me.
"It's your decision whether you want to think that way. But I warn you that such naive thinking can end up putting you and others in mortal danger." I reply condescendingly, annoying Killua for being unable to bother me.
"Okay, Nicholas, tomorrow is your debut match on the 200th floor against Sadaso. The outcome of that match will determine whether you're ready to begin developing your own Hatsu, or if you'll simply continue strengthening your foundation at a more intense level. Are you then ready to take on your first real challenge as a Hunter and Nen user?" I ask with obvious excitement and expectation in my voice.
And in direct contrast to his initial personality, Nicholas gives me a firm answer full of confidence. "Osu!"
However, in a corner far from us, the rookie crusher trio are spying on our group with tense and angry expressions.
"Damn Kai. We won't let you and your friend humiliate us anymore." Sadaso angrily states, gritting his teeth and making a fist with his right hand.