"Yes, great-grandfather," Kaizen said respectfully.
Maha nodded. "That's enough for today. Return to your quarters and come back tomorrow morning."
"Understood."
Kaizen opened his bag and retrieved a few small, intricately crafted items.
"Great-grandfather, these are gifts I brought for you," he said, setting them on the table before turning to leave the yard.
Maha glanced at the trinkets, his usually stern expression softening into a faint smile.
His decision to personally train Kaizen was partly due to the boy losing his parents at a young age. But more importantly, it was because of Kaizen's extraordinary talent. Over time, Maha's affection for Kaizen had grown stronger than his feelings for any other member of the Zoldyck family.
"Master Kaizen," called out two figures standing at the gate.
One was Shinji, a butler that Zeno had brought back from Meteor City. The other was Sanghir, a challenger who had once dared to trespass into the Zoldyck estate and had since become an ally.
Kaizen nodded in acknowledgment. "Sanghir, inform the kitchen that I'll need extra portions for dinner tonight."
"Yes, Master Kaizen."
"Shinji, come with me," he instructed.
The two entered the lounge, where Kaizen took a seat while Shinji stood at attention.
Kaizen studied Shinji for a moment, noting the transformation over the past year. When Shinji had first joined, he was a novice with barely any understanding of Nen. But now, Shinji had matured into a capable Nen user.
"Shinji, how is your ability development progressing?"
"I've completed it, Master Kaizen. My ability revolves around flames."
"Show me."
Shinji raised a hand, and with a sharp boom, a ball of fire materialized in his palm. Kaizen could feel the searing heat from where he sat, certain it would be devastating in combat.
"Now let me sense your aura," Kaizen ordered.
Shinji closed his eyes and began focusing. Moments later, a surge of energy radiated from him, strong and controlled.
"Not bad," Kaizen remarked. "Your strength is at a solid D-rank. While you're no match for me, you'd easily handle the rookie assassins at Heavens Arena."
Kaizen then asked, "What about Sanghir?"
"Sanghir is an Enhancer. His ability focuses on strengthening physical attacks."
Kaizen nodded. "That's similar to Uvogin from the Phantom Troupe. Many Enhancers favor straightforward and powerful abilities like that."
He leaned forward slightly. "Shinji, memorize this mailbox number."
Kaizen dictated a sequence of numbers, the contact for Altan, one of his reliable informants.
"In the future, if you need to reach me or receive instructions, use this email. And whatever tasks are sent through that mailbox, you're to complete them to the best of your ability. Understood?"
"Yes, Master Kaizen."
"Good. You're dismissed for now."
Shinji bowed and exited the lounge, leaving Kaizen alone to ponder.
Instead of sleeping, Kaizen leaned back in his chair, letting his body relax as he focused his thoughts. Over the past year, he had refined his understanding of Nen and developed advanced techniques under Maha Zoldyck's tutelage.
Kaizen mused aloud, "Hiding isn't too difficult. Great-grandfather explained it clearly. It's all about mastering two key aspects: refining Ten and controlling the Aura Nodes.
"To hide effectively, I need to partially open and close specific Aura Nodes. That balance is the essence of stealth."
He raised a hand and began practicing his control, his mind drifting to the future.
"I also need to work on Aura Control," he muttered. "In the original story, Biscuit taught Gon and Killua how to use it effectively on Greed Island. They used shovels to excavate stone—simple but effective."
Kaizen tapped his fingers on the armrest, deep in thought.
"Aura Control is vital for fighters who rely on weapons. But for me, with the Killer Queen's abilities, my tools aren't bound by durability. I can delay focusing on Aura Control for now.
"Instead, I'll prioritize mastering En. It's crucial for sensing and defending myself in combat."
Kaizen clenched his fist. "Great-grandfather was right—my physical body is my weak link. While the Killer Queen and my other Nen Beasts are powerful, they split my aura into five parts. My opponents will exploit that if they can."
To counter this weakness, Kaizen needed to make his body stronger—strong enough to rival any one of his Nen Beasts individually.
"This way, even if my beasts are unavailable, I can still hold my ground in battle. That's the balance I need."
Kaizen stood and resumed his training, fully aware of the path ahead. His ultimate goal was clear: to achieve a perfect harmony between himself and his Nen Beasts, ensuring no enemy could find a fatal weakness in his defenses.
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