After Nicholas's first victory, we spent the next few days training even harder than before so that he could develop his Nen abilities. The first step was to discuss what kind of ability Nicholas wanted to create, and to my surprise, he had thought of the same type of ability as me—an ability based on his knowledge and use of computers.
With this in mind, I explain in detail the Nen ability he should create, the categories it should belong to, and the training he'll need to complete to develop it. However, after explaining what his primary ability will be, I feel compelled to remind him that this won't be a Specialization one, and that he should also create an ability in this category, since these are incredibly relevant, even in the world of Nen.
Without him having any idea what kind of superpower could fall into this specific category, I inform him of the recommendations I have been able to come up with taking into account the incredible growth potential his primary Nen ability will have, instructing him to take his time choosing which one he feels most comfortable with so that he can inform me if he wants to create one of these powers or come up with a completely different one.
After Nicholas's motivated response to my guidance, he, Ponzu, and I began our new training schedule. In the morning, we would focus on developing our physical and combat abilities as we had been doing until then, but for the afternoon Nen trainings, while Ponzu and I would practice the 4 principles and advanced applications of Nen, Nicholas would dedicate most of this time in training the Manipulation and Conjuration categories, having only about half an hour to train in other aura applications.
Outside of training, things went pretty smoothly. The match between Sadaso and Killua was exactly like the manga, letting me know that everything had gone smoothly despite my participation.
Also during this time, I received at the tower the packages I had been waiting for—the unlicensed firearms we would be using on some of our assignments and the super-heavy equipment I had requested from Satotz several weeks ago. Much to both Nicholas and Ponzu chagrin, these were going to take our training to a new level.
As for our performances in the tower, we all made progress in our objectives as fighters:
In the May 31st match against Gido on the 206th floor, Nicholas showed off his experience gained from fighting for the first time on the 200th floor and from watching my previous fight against him, using Ponzu's help to create a homemade sleeping gas bomb that he threw as soon as Gido tried to defend himself from his attacks using the Tornado Top.
This caused Gido to stop his spin and fall asleep on the floor, and despite the audience booing at this peculiar tactic, as the use of any type of weapon is permitted on the 200th floor, the referee awarded him the victory.
His third fight was something that surprised me quite a bit given the opponent he had to face—Zushi. It seems that between trainings, he had fought on the lower floors until he reached the 200th, asking Nicholas to have a fight with him to test his own skills.
This surprised me because in canon it seemed that Wing hadn't let him advance during his training with Gon and Killua due to his cautious personality. Perhaps he did but it wasn't deployed, or that my involvement had changed his approach to training his disciple.
Anyway, Nicholas agreed and the two had their confrontation on the 214th floor. Given Zushi's inexperience with Nen, I forbade Nicholas from using Ren in the fight, causing the two to push each other to their limits in a fierce battle that had everyone watching buzzing with excitement, including Wing and me.
In the end, after a hard-fought contest, Nicholas managed to win by a score of 10-8, but the two fighters still shook hands in a sign of respect, causing the crowd to erupt in applause at the moving display of sportsmanship happening in the ring.
As for me, I had 3 other matches against fighters who had not appeared in the canon series:
Third Fight: The Shadow
My first original fight was against a tall man dressed in dark, flowing robes. His face was obscured by a hood, and his eyes glowed with an eerie light. The aura he emitted was cold and menacing, sending shivers down my spine despite the difference in power.
His Nen ability consisted of conjuring a Nen Beast composed primarily of sharp and deadly tendrils that lashed out at me. It was a good ability that combined offense and defense at the same time, with the intensity of his ranged attacks forcing me to use my Barrier Orb in several instances to hold my ground and deflect his strikes.
Still, by intensifying my Ren to enhance my speed and strength, I was easily able to exploit the weak points of his ability and counterattack to close the distance with him, managing to land several hits and crashing him out of the ring unconscious and defeated by the force of my final blow, thus giving me the victory.
Fourth Fight: Riven
The next fight was against Rivel, a towering man with muscles bulging with raw power. Outside of the Floor Masters, he was renowned as one of the powerhouses of the 200th floor, known as a formidable fighter for his brute strength and mastery of Enhancement-type Nen abilities.
Despite displaying a somewhat cocky attitude when we met in the ring, he proved to be a worthy opponent thanks to his Nen ability "Animalphorming", which used Enhancement and Transmutation to transform parts of his body into animal parts to enhance his performance, such as turning his arm into a bear's to increase strength or turning his legs into a impala's to increase his jumping ability and speed. It was basically like Menthuthuyoupi's ability, but much less powerful.
Even using a good percentage of my Ren, I was still forced onto the defensive at the start of the fight due to his Enhancement abilities and his fierce combat behavior. However, after several collisions, I was able to use my keen analytical skills to discern Riven's attack and defense patterns, and apply my mastery of martial arts to break through his defenses and land swift, precise blows at his most critical points, causing him to grunt in pain despite his defense.
In the end, I achieved victory by accumulating 10 points, but even though he was gasping for air and bleeding from his mouth, he was still standing. Even though I hadn't used 100% of my capacity, his Nen-enhanced durability and endurance had allowed him to withstand my onslaught of attacks, proving himself as a skilled fighter on the 200th floor and earning my respect.
Fifth Fight: The Ceramist
In my fifth tower match I had to fight a man who dressed in robes and turban carrying a big harpoon-trident hybrid as a weapon for battle. As the referee signaled the start of the match, the man wasted no time, the man stuck his weapon into the ground, and pushing forward a sudden large clump of ground launched itself at me like a great tentacle.
With my quick reflexes I managed to jump to the side to dodge it, and after the attack collided with the ring, I watched how the ground around my opponent contorted as if it were a mat filled with water, marking it as a Manipulation skill.
During the fight, my opponent used fancy spins and swerves to launch clumps and waves of ground at me, trying to crush me or pin me down while he closed the distance to try and attack me with his weapon. I did my best to counter his attacks and maintain my distance, fearing that this ability would cause the ground to swallow my feet and leave me vulnerable to a direct hit.
Realizing that this battle couldn't be won with physical skills alone without revealing my true abilities and thus discouraging other fighters from facing me in the future, I decided to reveal one of my hidden aces.
Having calculated the approximate area of effect of his ability after seeing it several times, for the first time in the fight I closed the distance with my opponent, and before entering his range I jumped, which lifted me several meters into the air and left me vulnerable to the ceramist, who launched several tentacles of ground at me.
What neither he nor anyone else expected was that I would use my Barrier Orb to create a platform at my feet with which I could propel myself in mid-air, dodging his attack and closing the distance with him to knock him out with a well-placed punch in the face, thus giving me the victory.
However, despite Cocco's praise and the crowd applause echoing through the arena, I was a little disappointed to have to reveal one of my hidden aces, encouraging me to think of more strategies to solve these situations without having to reveal my abilities.
Even with all these exciting matches, Ponzu was the one who stood out the most during this period, quickly advancing to the 100th floor to move in with us at Heavens Arena, and reaching the 200th floor not long after and joining the rest of us as a 200th floor fighter, with the notable difference of not encountering the trio of rookie crushers upon check-in.
Date: June 5th, 2011
Back in the mountains away from the city, Nicholas, Ponzu and I found ourselves training to be able to let loose without worrying about how it'll affect our surroundings. Nicholas is currently training in the advanced applications of Nen and in the categories of Manipulation and Conjuration to develop his ability, while Ponzu and I are sparring to improve her aura control in combat.
At this instant, she jumps into the air, aiming a downward kick. Her attack is easy to read, so I sidestep, but she suddenly changes her move mid-air into a back kick that I barely manage to block with my forearm to prevent it from hitting me in the face as she takes distance.
Pulling myself together, I run at her to launch a frontal kick, which she blocks, followed by a low sweep, which she jumps over, giving me the chance to use a primary lotus upper kick to her face from which she manages to defend herself by crossing her two arms, being sent flying a few meters back before landing gasping for air.
"Your proficiency in real martial arts has improved significantly. At this rate, it won't be long before you can start registering for 200th floor matches." I say pleased and proud of her growth.
"If so, then I would be careful that my disciple did not steal the first point of my career if I were you." Ponzu replies by taking a fighting stance with a smug smile.
"Oh, you really think so? Then maybe I should start playing hardball." I say with a threatening tone of voice, preparing to show her the huge skill gap that still exists between us.
After several hours of exhausting Ponzu and Nicholas with training, we all return to Heavens Arena, and once we finish lunch at one of the restaurants inside the tower, we met up with Gon, Killua and Zushi at the entrance of the tower to head together to Wing's hotel. Once there, we continue reinforcing the four basic principles and sparring alternately between everyone present, including Wing and me.
The Enhancer master has shown slightly noticeable growth since I used my Development Orb on him, and despite wearing the super-heavy equipment, Nicholas and Ponzu prove to be tough opponents in their sparring matches against Gon and Zushi as well. Killua however was still far above their capabilities, with me being the only one who can give him a run for his money.
As we finish our joint training several hours later, before we head back to Heavens Arena, Killua unexpectedly approaches me, prompting the rest to stop in confusion.
"Kai, do you have a moment? I'd like to talk to you about something privately." Killua asks.
"Okay, fine. Guys, wait a moment while I take care of this." I say to Nicholas and Ponzu, who nod in response before I go with Killua to an alley between buildings to have more privacy.
"Well, what did you wanted to talk, Kil?"
At my innocent question, Killua raises his head to reveal an unreadable expression on his face. "You are hiding something from all of us, right?" He asks in a deadpan voice, leaving me wary at this unexpected question.
"What do you mean by that?" I ask, trying to emulate a more cautious than ignorant behavior.
"Since we met several months ago, you've always been like an unsolvable mystery to me." Killua starts to explain.
"Helping people you didn't know at all, mulling over something you didn't share with anyone else, always acting at the right moment in the face of unexpected events... All of these things gave me the impression that you hid more of yourself than you initially let on. And now I know it's true."
Point of View Switch: Killua
Flashback to May 29th, 2011:
After coldly threatening Sadaso to leave Heavens Arena after he broke his promise, I headed to the wheelchair-bound guy's room to give him a clear warning of what would happen if he tried to cross us again.
Once I reached the door to his private room, I could hear him from outside having a conversation with the legless man Gon had confronted. However, the tone and content of the conversation surprised me.
"Damn, this is a mess! As if that monster of Kai wasn't enough, now it turns out that kid Killua is also dangerous! Damn it all!" The voice of the guy in the wheelchair named Riehlvelt was yellinng very upset at the other side.
'Kai? What does he have to do with this?' I think intrigued as I start eavesdropping.
"Do you think Kai warned that boy to come after us?" The voice of the other guy, Gido, asks in concern.
"No, I don't think so. He let us escape unharmed after the incident with that girl, and we haven't tried to do anything to any of his acquaintances since. Besides, I get the impression that if he wanted to do something to us, he wouldn't turn to someone else to do it." Riehlvelt answers still nervous.
'That girl? Is he referring to Ponzu? If something like that happened, why didn't she or Kai inform us about it?' I ask myself, somewhat annoyed by his obsession with keeping secrets.
"It seems we've underestimated them too much. Perhaps the best thing at this point is to retreat, just like Sadaso." Gido says.
"That's not an option, at least not for me. I've had to fight and sacrifice too much to achieve my goal to give up now. Even if I have to face two monsters like them, I'll do whatever it takes to become a Floor Master." Riehlvelt replies.
"Once I get that title, not only will I get an entire floor all to myself, but I'll be able to give lectures, consult, or open a martial arts school in my own name to solve the rest of my life. I won't give up that future just because a couple of scary individuals stand in my way."
"Then tell me, what will we do if that boy or Kai comes here to threaten us too?" Gido asks slightly scared.
At this question, Riehlvelt remains silent for a moment before answering, lacking confidence. "They seem to be acting in favor of ensuring the safety of their friends, so as long as we don't involve ourselves further with the newcomers and keep a low profile, they should be satisfied and not come seeking revenge agains us. We will avoid further cheating and win fairly to avoid angering them."
"Yeah, I think you're right." Gido replies.
Seeing that the matter was settled and that I didn't need to get further involved, I walked away. However, my mind was now completely clouded with doubts surrounding Kai's existence.
I really can't understand that guy. Until now, despite his unpredictable and mysterious nature, I'd always thought he was a pure, kind-hearted man who cared for those around him, much like Gon. However, now I've discovered a second side to him that I can't ignore: a dark and ruthless side, capable of traumatizing others to protect his loved ones. Just like me.
Seriously, who is Kai, really? Is he someone who grew up in the shadow world like me? Is he somehow related to my family, and that's why I'm running into him so often? Or does he have an even more bizarre origin? Whatever the case, I can no longer ignore it.
The curiosity I felt turned to concern, and now I need to discover the truth about Kai no matter what it takes.
End of the flashback.
Point of View Switch: Kai
"I know you mean no harm to me or Gon. Deep down, I know that's absolutely true. And yet, I can't shake this unsettling worry that you're hiding something from me and everyone else. So, in order to finally clarify this uncertainty that bothers me so much and avoid future problems for me and Gon, I want you to be honest with me about who you really are." Killua asks very seriously and darkly after narrating what happened with the trio of rookie crushers.
After hearing his demand, we both stared into each other's eyes, very silent, for a few seconds. 'I guess I should have expected it. In his adventures with Gon, Killua had always been the more cautious and level-headed of the two, so he was obviously going to feel concerned about the involvement of a mysterious and peculiar individual like me in their lives.' I think to myself while looking at him.
'I consider Killua a friend, just like Nicholas and everyone else, and I'd really like to be honest with them about my origins and the truth about this world. Even so...'
"I'm afraid that's something I can't share, not with you or anyone else." I respond shaking my head.
"It's not that I don't trust you or that I want to deceive you, but there are simply some things one can't share, even with those closest to them. As much as others want to deny it, that is the truth."
"I understand your frustration at my refusal to open up, and I won't blame you if you want me to stop getting involved with Gon and you. But these are my principles, and I'm a man who will stand by them no matter what. So I'm sorry, but I won't say anything more to you. Goodbye." I say turning to the side and starting to walk away from the place.
"Nicholas told me what your goal is at Heavens Arema: to become Floor Master without losing a single point." Killua comments, making me stop in my marks.
"According to the conversation I remember from your battle with Hanzo during the Hunter Exam, failing to achieve the goal you've set for yourself would also be failing those principles you claim to uphold, right? That being the case, how about we make a bet?"
"What bet are you referring to?" I ask, pretty much getting an idea.
"At Heavens Arena, we'll both register to fight tomorrow on the 200th floor. Without using your Nen ability, if I manage to take a single point from you, then you'll have to reveal to me that secret you're so desperately guarding." He responds, making me smile in amusement.
"Are you serious? Even without my Orbital Orbs, I'm an advanced Nen user with quite a bit of combat experience. For a novice like you with barely a month of training to think you can outrun me is..." I mockingly start saying before falling silent at the sensation of a dangerous and sharp feeling of threat.
In less than a second, I move my head to the side to avoid the attack of Killua's claws, who instantly appears behind me as a bleeding cut opens on my cheek.
"As you can see, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. So, what do you say? Will you accept my challenge to try getting another victory, or is the proud warrior too scared to take the risk?" Killua asks with the same mocking tone I just used on him.
Certainly irked by his disrespectful attitude and his unwavering determination to uncover the truth, I reply: "Alright. I'll accept your challenge on the condition that you'll have to do whatever I ask if you fail. After all, it wouldn't be fair or honorable for me to be the only one risking anything in this bet, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, that's fine for me. As long as it's not something that directly affects Gon or Zushi, I don't mind risking your request if it gives me the opportunity to unravel that great aura of mystery that seems to surround your very existence." Killua answers while putting both hands behind his head in agreement.
Having established our agreement, we both rejoin the group to return to Heavens Arena while bearing the weight of a new, unexpected challenge on our shoulders. Once we arrive, we decide to order dinner from the tower service instead of going to a restaurant together, so once we reach the 200th floor via elevator, we each head back to our own private rooms to order dinner.
After finishing my food delivered by the tower, I go to the bathroom to wipe away the fatigue and sweat from the training of today. As I keep drying myself while leaving the steamy bathroom, I receive a notification on my monitor with the information of my fight against Killua: June 6th at 3 pm on the 220th floor.
Seeing this, I lie down on my luxurious bed and let out a sigh as I think out loud, "Having to fight the deuteragonist of the series I admired so much. How can things have gone so wrong?"