2
Starting from that day, Reo spent his days practicing Shirogami swordsmanship and doing the basic training that Heisatsu had assigned him.
Every day he woke up at 5 am and immediately washed his face, early in the morning he began by sweeping the Shirogami residence and cleaning the dojo along with the equipment he would use for training. Heisatsu doesn't have a household assistant at home, everything is done by Iris, so to make her work easier, Reo decides to help her do the cleaning work from then on, even though her nature towards everyone is still cold as usual.
When the sun rises, Reo finally starts his sword training with Heisatsu and Takashi in the Dojo. And after finishing practicing, he immediately went to school. Actually Heisatsu wanted to call a private teacher to teach Reo in person. But Reo refused because he was curious about the atmosphere of schools in Japan and how the interaction of school teenagers that occurred there.
Heisatsu, who understood well Reo's reasons, finally agreed. And he eventually entered the same high school as Iris, surprisingly Iris was quite popular in her school and was dubbed the Ice Queen because of her nature. And in the end, her character hasn't changed at all after 3 years, even when Reo approached her because he tried to find out how Iris felt after Reo heard the story from Heisatsu about her past.
And after school, Reo immediately went to the park to do the exercise menu that Heisatsu had given. Everything he did was disciplined and organized, although the training given by Heisatsu was very heavy especially for a 12-year-old kid like him. And Reo continues to do all these activities every day.
During those 3 years, he learned the basics of the sword and had mastered everything fully in the first 3 months since he began learning it. That was an extraordinary achievement even for Heisatsu. In fact, Heisatsu who took 6 months to master the basics of sword was considered a sword genius.
After mastering the basics, Reo then began to study Shirogami swordsmanship from Heisatsu personally. But as Heisatsu said, there was nothing he could teach other than the concept of the Shirogami Sword Style itself, because how the shape of his sword style would depend on each of its users. Which means, Reo must find his own sword style by relying on the Shirogami sword style that was taught to him.
Season changes, day after day slowly passes. And three years have passed quickly since Reo first set foot in Japan. And he is currently meeting his fourth spring.
***
Right now, inside the Dojo of the Shirogami residence. Seen two people who were fighting using Shinai.
The first person was an albino child around 15 years old, with snow white hair and pale skin. The boy was seen to have an athletic body with perfect muscles and not excessive, that person was none other than Reo.
While in front of him was a middle-aged man with slowly graying black hair, the man was Heisatsu, the age factor seemed to have clearly affected his physique.
* clack *
The sound of wood clinking could be heard when the Shinai used by Reo and Heisatsu collided with each other. They are currently doing spar as a warm up before starting their training as usual this morning.
* clack * * clack *
"What's up, old man !? Is your ability getting dull? Your movements have become very easy to read !?" Said Reo, he was seen holding the Shinai in his hand using his right hand.
"Don't compare my old, old body to you, you brat." Meanwhile, in contrast to Reo, Heisatsu uses both hands to grab the handle of his Shinai. They continued to exchange attacks using their respective sword styles.
If people who didn't understand anything about swordsmanship saw their battles, maybe they would assume that Reo and Heisatsu used different swordsmanship. But if you look carefully, their different movements are based on the same foundation, which is the Shirogami Sword Style.
'I must be able to distance myself from him, otherwise he will immediately attack me with his speed and make me not have time to respond to his attack. '
Although he hated to admit it, but Heisatsu was very depressed by the speed and agility that Reo had at this time. Even though he didn't use Ki of Magic Energy to strengthen his body, and his body which was also getting older made his fighting abilities drop drastically, but Heisatsu was still an S-Rank Hunter who had a superhuman body.
And Reo who is an ordinary human being can compensate in all aspects, even beyond it in speed and agility. It is an achievement that is impossible to achieve without effort, talent, and hard work.
However, as a teacher, Heisatsu already realized that potential from within Reo. He was truly someone born to fight, and his ability had been honed by hunting in the forest since childhood.
Meanwhile, even though he had the upper hand, Reo did not underestimate Heisatsu in the slightest.
'This is the right time ...'
As he planned, Heisatsu stepped back to distance himself from Reo.
* tap *
However, Reo would not let Heisatsu just come out from the distance of his attack, he turned his Shinai aside and muttered.
"Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu ..."
2
Hearing that, Heisatsu raised his eyebrows immediately trying to make a stance. But...
"... Silent Step."
* blink *
Reo then took one step forward and in an instant was right in front of Heisatsu without making any sound.
* swing *
And without wasting time directly swinging his Shinai vertically into Heisatsu's shoulder, luckily Heisatsu had anticipated that and he managed to fend off Reo's slash easily. However, Reo only grinned while turning his body 180 degrees quickly.
'He aimed for my waist.' Heisatsu thought as he watched Reo use movements that had even damaged the essence of traditional Japanese sword style itself.
Reo then immediately sent an attack right at Heisatsu's waist and locked his movements, his attack was full of precision and very fast.
* clack *
But again the sound of wood clinking was heard when Reo's attack was successfully parried by Heisatsu, he placed his sword in a straight line beside his body to defend against Reo's attack. But Reo who had expected that would happen immediately dropped his body and used his hand as a pedestal, while he used his right foot to step on the tip of Heisatsu hakama who touched the floor.
Heisatsu, who felt his body begin to lose balance because of Reo's dirty actions, cursed in his mind.
'This brat... '
However, that wasn't enough to take down Heisatsu. And Reo's attack didn't stop there, he twisted his hand 180 ° like someone who did a breakdance and sent a circular kick using his left foot right towards Heisatsu's wide open stomach.
1
* fwuuut * * bump *
'... he deliberately lured me to put my Shinai beside my body so that my front part was wide open. Good strategy. '
Heisatsu was pushed back slightly due to Reo's kick that was strong enough to break a wooden plank, but he quickly regained his posture. Likewise with Reo, who immediately jumped and stood up. Looking at Heisatsu, Reo thought.
'I can't beat this old man in the normal way, I think I have to use that. Although It's still not perfect, but this is the right time to try it in a real battle situation. '
Reo then changed his stance and clutched Shinai using both hands diagonally, Heisatsu who saw that raised his eyebrows because he had never seen the stance.
1
"Shirogami Itto-Ryu, Hiken (Secret Technique) ..."
Reo's golden eyes glowed and without wasting time he immediately glided towards Heisatsu using the wooden floor below as a foothold.
* fwuosh *
Reo arrived in front of Heisatsu in an instant, and then set foot on the floor using the tips of his fingers to stop his momentum in an instant, his speed immediately dropped to 0, truly a terrifying agility. And then he muttered softly.
"... Tsubame Gaeshi. (Turning Swallow Strike)"
3
And as if time stopped, Reo quickly sent three consecutive slash from three different directions to Heisatsu in almost the same time span.
Tsubame Gaeshi, a technique created by Reo that he practiced by killing Swallow birds mid-flight using his sword. A technique that sends three slashes at the same time from three different directions, a technique that is meant to be unavoidable by anyone.
1
* slash * * slash * * slash *
Reo bit his lip as he felt pain in his shoulder after using the technique he had not perfected.
'I think it's a bad idea to use this technique now, it's a little painful. ' Reo thought, but the look on his face didn't change one bit.
In addition, Reo also knew that the attack speed from his technique just now was far from his expectations. That's because the perfection of this technique is how short the time span is between one slash and another, the shorter the time span, the more deadly this technique will be.
'But this is enough, although the old man can ward off one of my cuts, the other two will hit his body, so I will win the spar this time.' Reo thought.
Meanwhile, Heisatsu who was attacked by Reo using his strange technique closed his eyes calmly while thinking.
'So this is the technique he was talking about, I don't even know where he learned such terrifying techniques ... but unfortunately, this technique is far from perfect ...'
And when Heisatsu opened his eyes, the whole world seemed to slow down.
Reo who saw Heisatsu opened his eyes, realized that his mind just now was too naive. And in an instant, Heisatsu moved his body gracefully and dodged the three slashes at once.
'This old man, why is his presence suddenly changing ...'
He then raised his Shinai up, and Reo who saw that realized that the spar was over.
* swing * * plak *
* bump *
Reo who was hit by the Heisatsu attack immediately released the Shinai from his hand reflexively and sat on the floor while stroking his head. The fight was declared over when Reo released the Shinai from his hand.
Heisatsu then exhaled, while Reo seemed to not understand why Heisatsu could avoid his attack just now.
"Old man, what was that just now?" Reo asked.
"Nothing, I'm just using Ki to avoid your attacks."
Hearing that, Reo raised his eyebrows and murmured softly.
"Ki? Can Ki also be used like that? ... No, rather than that, isn't using Ki violating the rules? ... How dare you tarnish the holy battle between two swordsmen."
Hearing that, Heisatsu frowned and looked at Reo strangely.
"Oi, Oi, I don't want to hear that from someone who is trying to use dirty methods to bring me down."
Reo pretended to be stupid and shrugged his shoulders.
"Dirty method? What are you talking about ... That is one of my version's special Shirogami sword style moves. And don't throw your mistakes at others."
"Geh ... bullshit."
1
Heisatsu then stretched his hand towards Reo, and Reo accepted it to stand up, but he felt the joints on his shoulders shift slightly because he had previously used the Tsubame Gaeshi technique. Even though Reo didn't look in pain, Heisatsu was aware of Reo's injury.
"So that's the technique you've been secretly practicing all this time?"
Reo just shrugged his shoulders, and Heisatsu continued.
"I don't know where you got the inspiration to use such terrifying techniques, but it seems like your technique had a bad side effect for your body." Heisatsu murmured, Reo also seemed to have stood in front of him. Heisatsu then continued what he said.
"Your body is currently unable to bear the burden of using that technique, don't use that dangerous technique again before you can master Ki to strengthen your body fully."
Hearing that, Reo just put on a tired expression.
"You don't need to worry, after all I don't plan to use it again before I perfect the technique completely."
"Isn't that the same."
After that, the two of them saluted each other by bowing as a sign of the end of their spar, before they sat down in seiza and faced each other.
Reo then looked towards the blooming cherry blossoms trees in the courtyard from the Dojo's open door.
"It's been three years already," Reo murmured while supporting his chin. He paused for a moment, before turning his gaze towards Heisatsu in front of him.
"Old man, isn't this the right time for you to teach me about Ki? I have finished all the sword training you gave me, and even defeated you in sword fighting."
"I don't remember you ever winning against me." Heisatsu said calmly, and Reo fell silent ... well he never won against Heisatsu even once.
"Even so ... you're right, I think it's time to open the flow of Ki that is in your body," said Heisatsu who then stood up and walked to the luggage closet in the corner of the room.
Hearing confirmation from Heisatsu, Reo's eyes shone with enthusiasm.
Heisatsu then opened the locked cupboard, it was the same as another item, containing Shinai, Kendo GI, and other kendo equipment, but everything looked worn out and had not been used for a long time.
Heisatsu paused for a moment, before he finally took a wooden box the size of a fist that was placed behind the Shinai stack.
Although made of wood, but miraculously the box still looks intact and shiny without any bite termites. That's quite surprising when compared with the wooden cupboard where he was placed. Heisatsu looked at the wooden box in his hand with a complex look while thinking.
' I didn't expect, I had to open this box again on my life, and even teach someone how to use Ki. Even though I have thought to stop passing it on to the next generation. '
After a pause, he then closed his closet before sitting down in front of Reo, and put the box in front of him.
* tap *
Reo who saw the box in front of him said.
"Is this box a tool for performing the ritual you mentioned before?"
"No, not this box ... but the thing inside this box."
Hearing that, Reo whistled with interest, and focused his attention on the wooden box.
"But before we begin the process, first I want to explain to you what Ki is in detail, so that when the ritual starts you will understand what you have to do to make the process successful."
Reo nodded and prepared to listen to Heisatsu's long explanation.
"Okay, then I'll start the explanation. First, I want to explain what Ki is in general."
"Basically, Ki is a further application of an intention. An intention referred to here is the will of a human being that can influence the actions that accompany it." Heisatsu said, he then continued.
"That means, Ki is an embodiment of someone's will in the form of energy. That energy is referred to as Ki or Life Force."
3
Hearing that, Reo tilted his head, because the Ki concept explained by Heisatsu was too ambiguous for him to understand.
"But that does not explain the power possessed by Ki, I mean we take the example of magic energy. The application of magic energy is explained in detail in the Magic Guidebook created by the Central Hunter Association. There it is explained that magic energy is a mysterious energy beyond human reason, which enters the human body due to the Gate's appearance. "Rek then continued.
3
"That mysterious energy is a basic energy that has a limit of usage depending on the body's capacity of the user itself. And for the Hunters of the Mage class, they have many special class branches, one of which is the Elemental Mage that can convert the magic energy into a physical form in the form of lightning, fire, or even ice depends on the affinity of the user's magic. "
Reo said based on his experience reading the Magic Guidebook. Magic Guidebook is one of the two Guidebooks distributed to Hunters. The Magic Guidebook contained a full explanation of the magic power scale system, the classification of magic, and everything related to magic energy all explained in detail there.
Heisatsu who heard Reo's words nodded.
" That's right. "
"My question is, can Ki also be converted into another physical form like lightning?" Reo asked.
"That's a good question, explaining it verbally will be a little difficult, therefore I will practice it myself in front of you." Heisatsu said, then stretched out his hand and nothing happened.
"Can you see something in my hand?"
Hearing that, Reo shook his head, because he did not see anything. Then, a few moments later a yellow aura slowly enveloped Heisatsu's hand.
"Now I can see it," Reo murmured.
"Of course you can see it, what you just saw is magic energy. While the form of energy that you couldn't see before is Ki."
"The reason why you couldn't see my Ki before was because logically the will is not a physical object, and it can't be seen. The intention to kill, the evil intention, and even a lie, all of that is a will and can't be seen."
"But by opening up the flow of Ki, someone can feel or even in extreme cases see the will of others in physical form. Even though it only exists in fairy tales."
4
Reo continued to listen carefully to Heisatsu's explanation.
"And when someone's Ki flow is opened, then they can realize the Ki generated from their will into physical form."
Then, Heisatsu's hand which was stretched earlier was slowly covered by a blue layer that covered his entire hand.
1
"He ~, so this is the physical form of Ki?" Reo's eyes shine.
"That's right, this blue layer is the physical form of Ki which is commonly used for fighting. But this dense Ki form normally can only be used in one part of the body, and when we try to drain it throughout the body, its energy density will decrease drastically and the Ki will weaken because it has been distributed evenly throughout the body. "
Then, slowly the layer that enveloped Heisatsu's hand disappeared and spread throughout the body and made his body look like it was covered in a kind of thick, translucent blue liquid.
"This is the form of Ki when the concentration is broken down, and distributed evenly throughout the body. But actually, the strength and the amount of Ki depends on the user. So, that does not mean you will have the same Ki power as me later," said Heisatsu.
"So that's how you avoid my attacks before?" Said Reo with a frown.
Heisatsu nodded.
"Yup, I focused my Ki in the eye and made my vision clearer and as if the world was slowing down, even though it isn't, the technique was called Observation Ki. In addition, by using Ki you also could know someone's position from a distance without having to see them directly, I won't explain the techniques for using Ki further before you can open your Ki stream later. "
1
Hearing that, Reo nodded and digested everything Heisatsu explained as a sponge that absorbs water, but he suddenly remembered something.
"Wait a minute, doesn't that mean that the pressure you exerted on me 3 years ago is also one of Ki's applications?"
"Ding Dong !! That's right! That technique is called Domination Ki, which is a Ki application technique that is used by forcibly suppressing the opponent's will by strengthening our killing intent using Ki. That's why you can't stand at that time, because your will is dominated by my will."
5
Hearing that, Reo grinned because of how terrifying the potential that Ki had.
"So, the answer to your previous question is yes ... Ki has physical form, but unlike magic energy that can be Element or something like that, the physical form of Ki is purely a reinforcing energy that has no affinity for a certain element, but with Ki, you can even strengthen your magic energy. At least that's what I know. "Heisatsu explained.
Hearing uncertainty in Heisatsu's tone as he talked about his last sentence, Reo asked.
" What do you mean? "
"Actually, I've heard from my father who also taught Ki to me, our ancestors used to be able to change Ki into a physical form like lightning and such. But I don't know whether it is real or not, and even it is said that someone can see the future with using Observation Ki. "
5
Reo who heard that was speechless. He already understood the basic concepts of Ki. But there is still much that he does not understand from Heisatsu's explanation. He then said.
"But if that's true, doesn't that mean all living things can use Ki as long as they have enough will?"
Heisatsu shook his head.
"No, the concept of using Ki is not that simple. Basically, Ki is classified into two types, positive Ki and negative Ki. As the name suggests, positive Ki is a Ki that represents the positive will of the user, while negative Ki is Ki which represents the negative will. "
"The reason why not everyone can use Ki is because not everyone has a number of positive wills that far exceed the negative will that is in him. Because if that happens, then that person's consciousness will be taken over by their negative Ki completely before it is completely right to be crazy and out of control, the situation is permanent so the only way to calm it down is by ...
1
... killing him. "Heisatsu said with a serious expression, their eyes met and looked at each other.
"Because of that, Ki slowly became extinct and disappeared, many ancient martial arts experts stopped teaching Ki to their offspring, because they didn't want to see them go crazy."
"..."
"And actually, the talent to open up the Ki stream that I explained to you 3 years ago is just a bullshit. Everyone can open their Ki stream, but not everyone can get through the process." Heisatsu then continued.
"Therefore I told you to prepare everything carefully for the past 3 years, you have a clear goal to be strong, and I see a high commitment from you. Because of that, I decided to help you and pass on Ki to you. Because I think you will get through the process. "
Hearing that, finally Reo found out why people who still use Ki can only be counted on fingers. That is because many Ki users do not want to continue their knowledge for previous reasons. So that the end is really on the verge of extinction in modern times.
"Thank you, old man. But I am still curious, is there anyone besides you who is a Ki user? I mean, someone who still uses it actively. "
Hearing that Heisatsu touched his chin.
"Hmm ... there is one person who is still actively using Ki to fight until now, no ... maybe two people?"
"Maybe?" Reo tilted his head.
"Yes, because I also don't really know very well about the second person, but I know enough about the first person."
"Who is that?" Reo asked.
"The Hero of China, the fifth strongest being on the earth, National Level Hunter Rank 5th, Liu Zhigang."
Hearing a familiar name, Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Liu Zhigang, one of the people who took part in the Komodo Island Raid 3 years ago?"
Hearing Reo's question, Heisatsu nodded.
"Yes, that person is the only person I know for sure is still using Ki until now. If I use Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu as my sword art, he has an ancient martial arts called Demon Arts that utilizes a combination of magic energy and Ki itself. So that makes him able to exceed his limits and expend 120% of his strength. "
"Then who is the second person?"
Hearing that, Heisatsu looked doubtful.
"This is only an estimate but it seems like the Chairman of the Chinese Hunter Association, National Level Hunter Rank 2nd, " The Empress " Qin Fengyin is also a Ki user. Although I don't know for sure because she is a very closed person to the public, I don't know what she looks like, but many people say that she is the most beautiful woman in the world." Heisatsu said.
"Why are you so sure?"
"Well, actually there is news that she has the ability to see the future, and if she does have that ability. I think the possibility of her being able to use Observation Ki is worth considering," Heisatsu said. Hearing that, Reo nodded and looked thoughtful.
"But looking at it, aren't all Ki users in Asia? Are there no outsiders who can use Ki?"
Hearing that Heisatsu shook his head.
"Since ancient times, only martial artists from eastern Asia such as China practiced Ki or Qi, before that knowledge slowly spread to neighboring countries like Japan. So the possibility of outsiders from Asia to find out about Ki is close to zero. "
Hearing that Reo could only grin broadly, his interest in Ki became even greater. Reo paused before saying.
"Then can a Ki user get stronger?" Reo asked. He asked the question to Heisatsu because he was also curious whether the potential of a Ki user would be limited like the Awakened.
It was common for an Awakened to not to get stronger, because their magic capacity would never change. Although there are some unusual ways that can slightly increase this limit. That reason was also the background for Martius' departure to the United Kingdom with Agatha.
"Of course, a Ki user can continue to grow and get stronger without having concrete limits as long as they are still developing as a human."
5
Hearing that, Reo tilted his head in confusion.
"Developing as a human? What does a power have to do with someone's development?"
"As I said before, Ki is a power that is truly unique. In contrast to the magic energy which basically has the form of energy (physical) when entering into the human body. Ki is the result of manifestation of the will of a human, and basically they comes from something very ambiguous and invisible. That's why I say Ki has no limits to develop, because every time the ' Will ' gets stronger, the stronger Ki will also have. "
Reo who heard that could only be stunned.
"Then, does that mean, people like you and Zhigang who have magic energy and Ki to strengthen it have unlimited potential?"
Hearing that Heisatsu shook his head.
"No, from the moment we became Awakened. Our Ki stopped developing, meaning it couldn't get any stronger. I don't know the cause, but it seems like it is still influenced by the magic energy in our bodies."
"So that's how it is," Reo said.
Heisatsu then resumed his explanation.
"Basically there are two different ways for a Ki user to get stronger depending on the type of Ki that is in our body. Positive Ki can grow stronger as we develop as humans and indirectly strengthen the will that we have, while its use can be perfected by how to practice. While negative Ki can get stronger when we eliminate the will of others, which is to kill. "
Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Wait a minute, killing someone reinforces the negative Ki? Isn't it dangerous if the negative Ki continues to get stronger? Because even though we hold ourselves back, killing other people in the present age is inevitable especially when becoming a Hunter."
"First you are wrong, not someone else, but kill any living thing including monsters, as long as they still have a Will. And secondly, negative Ki will not be able to take over someone who has successfully passed the Ki stream opening process."
Heisatsu then pointed towards himself.
"Even though you might not be able to see it, I still have a negative Ki inside me. I didn't use that negative ki due to some side effects, but it didn't disappear and because I became an Awakened, the negative Ki didn't get stronger when I killed other living creatures. "
Heisatsu then continued.
"Even though I didn't use it, but that doesn't mean it can't be used for fighting. There are people who specifically use that negative Ki to drastically increase their body strength, one example is Liu Zhigang. That person prefers to use negative Ki rather than positive Ki. "
"If you see hia battle directly you can understand, negative Ki and positive Ki have different colors when manifested into physical form, whitish blue for positive, and blackish red for negative. That is the clearest difference between the two."
3
Hearing that, Reo quickly digested the information without forgetting a word. That doesn't matter because from the beginning he did have more memory than other human, because if not then he would have difficulty mastering 9 languages like now.
"So that's about the explanation of the basics of Ki. I will explain various techniques for using Ki, but that will be done after you have succeeded in opening your Ki stream," said Heisatsu, ending their Ki theory lesson.
He then took the wooden box that was on the floor and held it in the palm of his hand.
"Remember Reo, I can't help you in the process of opening your Ki stream, it all depends on whether you can defeat the negative Ki figure that is in your subconscious. If you win then you can use Ki, and if you lose then you will go crazy and act ferociously. At that time, I will personally kill you, do you understand? "
Reo nodded without hesitation with a deadpan expression. However, Heisatsu could not just let his student go through that terrible process. That doubt could be clearly seen on his face, he looked down and cold sweat began to drip on his forehead.
Heisatsu's hands trembled, and he smiled bitterly while thinking.
'As I thought, I can't do it ... there's no way I let my other students go through things like this anymore. Should I just stop, and tell Reo to forget his goal. '
Bad memories from the past slowly entered Heisatsu's mind, he returned to remember the memories he wanted to forget. His fatal mistake was in the past, and the reason why he closed his Dojo to the public.
Then, a scene where their family ate together appeared in Heisatsu's vision. Reo, Phil, Takashi, Aisya, Iris, Char and even himself, joking around at the dining table, the view of a small family shrouded in warmth.
'I ...'
Heisatsu bit his lip, before he felt a hand stop his trembling hand.
"You don't need to worry, old man, I will be able to go through this process, believe me." Reo said with a sweet smile.
Heisatsu's eyes widened when he saw that, while Reo's two golden eyes looked towards Heisatsu's eyes.
"Heh, I'm not worried at all," Heisatsu said, he calmed down and his hands had stopped shaking. Hearing that Reo closed his mouth and looked at Heisatsu with a mock look.
"Pfu, Pfu, Tsun ~ Tsun ~."
2
"... Alright, I will trust you. I will begin the ritual and what you need is simple, defeat the manifestation of the negative will within you to open up your Ki stream."
Reo just nodded while smiling. He then sat cross-legged and closed his eyes like someone who was meditating, he was ready to do the process.
Heisatsu who saw that looked back at the wooden box in his hand and thought.
'That's right, what for doubt now. Didn't I decide before myself? That I will help this weird kid in front of me to become strong. '
"Phew ~, all right."
Heisatsu then sighed before he covered his entire body using Ki and slowly opened the wooden box. His expression became serious and when the wooden box opened, a terrible amount of negative Ki spread into the air, but because of that Heisatsu was there.
* fwuossh *
He then pressed the negative Ki using Domination Ki and put all the negative energy into Reo's body.
"Arrrrrrghhh !!" Reo shouted in pain as the negative Ki from the box slowly entered his body, he had never done it in his life so you could see how painful the process was.
And as a teacher, Heisatsu who sees it can only pray for the safety of his students.
***
Then, Reo's vision slowly opened up as he felt the extreme pain he had felt before had subsided. And when Reo opened his eyes, he saw a place surrounded by a blue sky full of clouds.
'So this place is my subconscious? '
Reo then looked down and realized that he was currently standing on clear and calm water. Instead of worrying, Reo looked excited when he looked around.
Until suddenly a voice came from behind.
"Are you another me?"
Hearing that, Reo who was still smiling sweetly looked back, and there he saw someone standing. That person had the same features as him, but the difference was that he had reddish skin and black hair, no eyeballs, and his entire body was covered with wounds.
Seeing the negative figure of himself, Reo looked calm and greeted him with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, my pathetic self."
2
Starting from that day, Reo spent his days practicing Shirogami swordsmanship and doing the basic training that Heisatsu had assigned him.
Every day he woke up at 5 am and immediately washed his face, early in the morning he began by sweeping the Shirogami residence and cleaning the dojo along with the equipment he would use for training. Heisatsu doesn't have a household assistant at home, everything is done by Iris, so to make her work easier, Reo decides to help her do the cleaning work from then on, even though her nature towards everyone is still cold as usual.
When the sun rises, Reo finally starts his sword training with Heisatsu and Takashi in the Dojo. And after finishing practicing, he immediately went to school. Actually Heisatsu wanted to call a private teacher to teach Reo in person. But Reo refused because he was curious about the atmosphere of schools in Japan and how the interaction of school teenagers that occurred there.
Heisatsu, who understood well Reo's reasons, finally agreed. And he eventually entered the same high school as Iris, surprisingly Iris was quite popular in her school and was dubbed the Ice Queen because of her nature. And in the end, her character hasn't changed at all after 3 years, even when Reo approached her because he tried to find out how Iris felt after Reo heard the story from Heisatsu about her past.
And after school, Reo immediately went to the park to do the exercise menu that Heisatsu had given. Everything he did was disciplined and organized, although the training given by Heisatsu was very heavy especially for a 12-year-old kid like him. And Reo continues to do all these activities every day.
During those 3 years, he learned the basics of the sword and had mastered everything fully in the first 3 months since he began learning it. That was an extraordinary achievement even for Heisatsu. In fact, Heisatsu who took 6 months to master the basics of sword was considered a sword genius.
After mastering the basics, Reo then began to study Shirogami swordsmanship from Heisatsu personally. But as Heisatsu said, there was nothing he could teach other than the concept of the Shirogami Sword Style itself, because how the shape of his sword style would depend on each of its users. Which means, Reo must find his own sword style by relying on the Shirogami sword style that was taught to him.
Season changes, day after day slowly passes. And three years have passed quickly since Reo first set foot in Japan. And he is currently meeting his fourth spring.
***
Right now, inside the Dojo of the Shirogami residence. Seen two people who were fighting using Shinai.
The first person was an albino child around 15 years old, with snow white hair and pale skin. The boy was seen to have an athletic body with perfect muscles and not excessive, that person was none other than Reo.
While in front of him was a middle-aged man with slowly graying black hair, the man was Heisatsu, the age factor seemed to have clearly affected his physique.
* clack *
The sound of wood clinking could be heard when the Shinai used by Reo and Heisatsu collided with each other. They are currently doing spar as a warm up before starting their training as usual this morning.
* clack * * clack *
"What's up, old man !? Is your ability getting dull? Your movements have become very easy to read !?" Said Reo, he was seen holding the Shinai in his hand using his right hand.
"Don't compare my old, old body to you, you brat." Meanwhile, in contrast to Reo, Heisatsu uses both hands to grab the handle of his Shinai. They continued to exchange attacks using their respective sword styles.
If people who didn't understand anything about swordsmanship saw their battles, maybe they would assume that Reo and Heisatsu used different swordsmanship. But if you look carefully, their different movements are based on the same foundation, which is the Shirogami Sword Style.
'I must be able to distance myself from him, otherwise he will immediately attack me with his speed and make me not have time to respond to his attack. '
Although he hated to admit it, but Heisatsu was very depressed by the speed and agility that Reo had at this time. Even though he didn't use Ki of Magic Energy to strengthen his body, and his body which was also getting older made his fighting abilities drop drastically, but Heisatsu was still an S-Rank Hunter who had a superhuman body.
And Reo who is an ordinary human being can compensate in all aspects, even beyond it in speed and agility. It is an achievement that is impossible to achieve without effort, talent, and hard work.
However, as a teacher, Heisatsu already realized that potential from within Reo. He was truly someone born to fight, and his ability had been honed by hunting in the forest since childhood.
Meanwhile, even though he had the upper hand, Reo did not underestimate Heisatsu in the slightest.
'This is the right time ...'
As he planned, Heisatsu stepped back to distance himself from Reo.
* tap *
However, Reo would not let Heisatsu just come out from the distance of his attack, he turned his Shinai aside and muttered.
"Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu ..."
2
Hearing that, Heisatsu raised his eyebrows immediately trying to make a stance. But...
"... Silent Step."
* blink *
Reo then took one step forward and in an instant was right in front of Heisatsu without making any sound.
* swing *
And without wasting time directly swinging his Shinai vertically into Heisatsu's shoulder, luckily Heisatsu had anticipated that and he managed to fend off Reo's slash easily. However, Reo only grinned while turning his body 180 degrees quickly.
'He aimed for my waist.' Heisatsu thought as he watched Reo use movements that had even damaged the essence of traditional Japanese sword style itself.
Reo then immediately sent an attack right at Heisatsu's waist and locked his movements, his attack was full of precision and very fast.
* clack *
But again the sound of wood clinking was heard when Reo's attack was successfully parried by Heisatsu, he placed his sword in a straight line beside his body to defend against Reo's attack. But Reo who had expected that would happen immediately dropped his body and used his hand as a pedestal, while he used his right foot to step on the tip of Heisatsu hakama who touched the floor.
Heisatsu, who felt his body begin to lose balance because of Reo's dirty actions, cursed in his mind.
'This brat... '
However, that wasn't enough to take down Heisatsu. And Reo's attack didn't stop there, he twisted his hand 180 ° like someone who did a breakdance and sent a circular kick using his left foot right towards Heisatsu's wide open stomach.
1
* fwuuut * * bump *
'... he deliberately lured me to put my Shinai beside my body so that my front part was wide open. Good strategy. '
Heisatsu was pushed back slightly due to Reo's kick that was strong enough to break a wooden plank, but he quickly regained his posture. Likewise with Reo, who immediately jumped and stood up. Looking at Heisatsu, Reo thought.
'I can't beat this old man in the normal way, I think I have to use that. Although It's still not perfect, but this is the right time to try it in a real battle situation. '
Reo then changed his stance and clutched Shinai using both hands diagonally, Heisatsu who saw that raised his eyebrows because he had never seen the stance.
1
"Shirogami Itto-Ryu, Hiken (Secret Technique) ..."
Reo's golden eyes glowed and without wasting time he immediately glided towards Heisatsu using the wooden floor below as a foothold.
* fwuosh *
Reo arrived in front of Heisatsu in an instant, and then set foot on the floor using the tips of his fingers to stop his momentum in an instant, his speed immediately dropped to 0, truly a terrifying agility. And then he muttered softly.
"... Tsubame Gaeshi. (Turning Swallow Strike)"
3
And as if time stopped, Reo quickly sent three consecutive slash from three different directions to Heisatsu in almost the same time span.
Tsubame Gaeshi, a technique created by Reo that he practiced by killing Swallow birds mid-flight using his sword. A technique that sends three slashes at the same time from three different directions, a technique that is meant to be unavoidable by anyone.
1
* slash * * slash * * slash *
Reo bit his lip as he felt pain in his shoulder after using the technique he had not perfected.
'I think it's a bad idea to use this technique now, it's a little painful. ' Reo thought, but the look on his face didn't change one bit.
In addition, Reo also knew that the attack speed from his technique just now was far from his expectations. That's because the perfection of this technique is how short the time span is between one slash and another, the shorter the time span, the more deadly this technique will be.
'But this is enough, although the old man can ward off one of my cuts, the other two will hit his body, so I will win the spar this time.' Reo thought.
Meanwhile, Heisatsu who was attacked by Reo using his strange technique closed his eyes calmly while thinking.
'So this is the technique he was talking about, I don't even know where he learned such terrifying techniques ... but unfortunately, this technique is far from perfect ...'
And when Heisatsu opened his eyes, the whole world seemed to slow down.
Reo who saw Heisatsu opened his eyes, realized that his mind just now was too naive. And in an instant, Heisatsu moved his body gracefully and dodged the three slashes at once.
'This old man, why is his presence suddenly changing ...'
He then raised his Shinai up, and Reo who saw that realized that the spar was over.
* swing * * plak *
* bump *
Reo who was hit by the Heisatsu attack immediately released the Shinai from his hand reflexively and sat on the floor while stroking his head. The fight was declared over when Reo released the Shinai from his hand.
Heisatsu then exhaled, while Reo seemed to not understand why Heisatsu could avoid his attack just now.
"Old man, what was that just now?" Reo asked.
"Nothing, I'm just using Ki to avoid your attacks."
Hearing that, Reo raised his eyebrows and murmured softly.
"Ki? Can Ki also be used like that? ... No, rather than that, isn't using Ki violating the rules? ... How dare you tarnish the holy battle between two swordsmen."
Hearing that, Heisatsu frowned and looked at Reo strangely.
"Oi, Oi, I don't want to hear that from someone who is trying to use dirty methods to bring me down."
Reo pretended to be stupid and shrugged his shoulders.
"Dirty method? What are you talking about ... That is one of my version's special Shirogami sword style moves. And don't throw your mistakes at others."
"Geh ... bullshit."
1
Heisatsu then stretched his hand towards Reo, and Reo accepted it to stand up, but he felt the joints on his shoulders shift slightly because he had previously used the Tsubame Gaeshi technique. Even though Reo didn't look in pain, Heisatsu was aware of Reo's injury.
"So that's the technique you've been secretly practicing all this time?"
Reo just shrugged his shoulders, and Heisatsu continued.
"I don't know where you got the inspiration to use such terrifying techniques, but it seems like your technique had a bad side effect for your body." Heisatsu murmured, Reo also seemed to have stood in front of him. Heisatsu then continued what he said.
"Your body is currently unable to bear the burden of using that technique, don't use that dangerous technique again before you can master Ki to strengthen your body fully."
Hearing that, Reo just put on a tired expression.
"You don't need to worry, after all I don't plan to use it again before I perfect the technique completely."
"Isn't that the same."
After that, the two of them saluted each other by bowing as a sign of the end of their spar, before they sat down in seiza and faced each other.
Reo then looked towards the blooming cherry blossoms trees in the courtyard from the Dojo's open door.
"It's been three years already," Reo murmured while supporting his chin. He paused for a moment, before turning his gaze towards Heisatsu in front of him.
"Old man, isn't this the right time for you to teach me about Ki? I have finished all the sword training you gave me, and even defeated you in sword fighting."
"I don't remember you ever winning against me." Heisatsu said calmly, and Reo fell silent ... well he never won against Heisatsu even once.
"Even so ... you're right, I think it's time to open the flow of Ki that is in your body," said Heisatsu who then stood up and walked to the luggage closet in the corner of the room.
Hearing confirmation from Heisatsu, Reo's eyes shone with enthusiasm.
Heisatsu then opened the locked cupboard, it was the same as another item, containing Shinai, Kendo GI, and other kendo equipment, but everything looked worn out and had not been used for a long time.
Heisatsu paused for a moment, before he finally took a wooden box the size of a fist that was placed behind the Shinai stack.
Although made of wood, but miraculously the box still looks intact and shiny without any bite termites. That's quite surprising when compared with the wooden cupboard where he was placed. Heisatsu looked at the wooden box in his hand with a complex look while thinking.
' I didn't expect, I had to open this box again on my life, and even teach someone how to use Ki. Even though I have thought to stop passing it on to the next generation. '
After a pause, he then closed his closet before sitting down in front of Reo, and put the box in front of him.
* tap *
Reo who saw the box in front of him said.
"Is this box a tool for performing the ritual you mentioned before?"
"No, not this box ... but the thing inside this box."
Hearing that, Reo whistled with interest, and focused his attention on the wooden box.
"But before we begin the process, first I want to explain to you what Ki is in detail, so that when the ritual starts you will understand what you have to do to make the process successful."
Reo nodded and prepared to listen to Heisatsu's long explanation.
"Okay, then I'll start the explanation. First, I want to explain what Ki is in general."
"Basically, Ki is a further application of an intention. An intention referred to here is the will of a human being that can influence the actions that accompany it." Heisatsu said, he then continued.
"That means, Ki is an embodiment of someone's will in the form of energy. That energy is referred to as Ki or Life Force."
3
Hearing that, Reo tilted his head, because the Ki concept explained by Heisatsu was too ambiguous for him to understand.
"But that does not explain the power possessed by Ki, I mean we take the example of magic energy. The application of magic energy is explained in detail in the Magic Guidebook created by the Central Hunter Association. There it is explained that magic energy is a mysterious energy beyond human reason, which enters the human body due to the Gate's appearance. "Rek then continued.
3
"That mysterious energy is a basic energy that has a limit of usage depending on the body's capacity of the user itself. And for the Hunters of the Mage class, they have many special class branches, one of which is the Elemental Mage that can convert the magic energy into a physical form in the form of lightning, fire, or even ice depends on the affinity of the user's magic. "
Reo said based on his experience reading the Magic Guidebook. Magic Guidebook is one of the two Guidebooks distributed to Hunters. The Magic Guidebook contained a full explanation of the magic power scale system, the classification of magic, and everything related to magic energy all explained in detail there.
Heisatsu who heard Reo's words nodded.
" That's right. "
"My question is, can Ki also be converted into another physical form like lightning?" Reo asked.
"That's a good question, explaining it verbally will be a little difficult, therefore I will practice it myself in front of you." Heisatsu said, then stretched out his hand and nothing happened.
"Can you see something in my hand?"
Hearing that, Reo shook his head, because he did not see anything. Then, a few moments later a yellow aura slowly enveloped Heisatsu's hand.
"Now I can see it," Reo murmured.
"Of course you can see it, what you just saw is magic energy. While the form of energy that you couldn't see before is Ki."
"The reason why you couldn't see my Ki before was because logically the will is not a physical object, and it can't be seen. The intention to kill, the evil intention, and even a lie, all of that is a will and can't be seen."
"But by opening up the flow of Ki, someone can feel or even in extreme cases see the will of others in physical form. Even though it only exists in fairy tales."
4
Reo continued to listen carefully to Heisatsu's explanation.
"And when someone's Ki flow is opened, then they can realize the Ki generated from their will into physical form."
Then, Heisatsu's hand which was stretched earlier was slowly covered by a blue layer that covered his entire hand.
1
"He ~, so this is the physical form of Ki?" Reo's eyes shine.
"That's right, this blue layer is the physical form of Ki which is commonly used for fighting. But this dense Ki form normally can only be used in one part of the body, and when we try to drain it throughout the body, its energy density will decrease drastically and the Ki will weaken because it has been distributed evenly throughout the body. "
Then, slowly the layer that enveloped Heisatsu's hand disappeared and spread throughout the body and made his body look like it was covered in a kind of thick, translucent blue liquid.
"This is the form of Ki when the concentration is broken down, and distributed evenly throughout the body. But actually, the strength and the amount of Ki depends on the user. So, that does not mean you will have the same Ki power as me later," said Heisatsu.
"So that's how you avoid my attacks before?" Said Reo with a frown.
Heisatsu nodded.
"Yup, I focused my Ki in the eye and made my vision clearer and as if the world was slowing down, even though it isn't, the technique was called Observation Ki. In addition, by using Ki you also could know someone's position from a distance without having to see them directly, I won't explain the techniques for using Ki further before you can open your Ki stream later. "
1
Hearing that, Reo nodded and digested everything Heisatsu explained as a sponge that absorbs water, but he suddenly remembered something.
"Wait a minute, doesn't that mean that the pressure you exerted on me 3 years ago is also one of Ki's applications?"
"Ding Dong !! That's right! That technique is called Domination Ki, which is a Ki application technique that is used by forcibly suppressing the opponent's will by strengthening our killing intent using Ki. That's why you can't stand at that time, because your will is dominated by my will."
5
Hearing that, Reo grinned because of how terrifying the potential that Ki had.
"So, the answer to your previous question is yes ... Ki has physical form, but unlike magic energy that can be Element or something like that, the physical form of Ki is purely a reinforcing energy that has no affinity for a certain element, but with Ki, you can even strengthen your magic energy. At least that's what I know. "Heisatsu explained.
Hearing uncertainty in Heisatsu's tone as he talked about his last sentence, Reo asked.
" What do you mean? "
"Actually, I've heard from my father who also taught Ki to me, our ancestors used to be able to change Ki into a physical form like lightning and such. But I don't know whether it is real or not, and even it is said that someone can see the future with using Observation Ki. "
5
Reo who heard that was speechless. He already understood the basic concepts of Ki. But there is still much that he does not understand from Heisatsu's explanation. He then said.
"But if that's true, doesn't that mean all living things can use Ki as long as they have enough will?"
Heisatsu shook his head.
"No, the concept of using Ki is not that simple. Basically, Ki is classified into two types, positive Ki and negative Ki. As the name suggests, positive Ki is a Ki that represents the positive will of the user, while negative Ki is Ki which represents the negative will. "
"The reason why not everyone can use Ki is because not everyone has a number of positive wills that far exceed the negative will that is in him. Because if that happens, then that person's consciousness will be taken over by their negative Ki completely before it is completely right to be crazy and out of control, the situation is permanent so the only way to calm it down is by ...
1
... killing him. "Heisatsu said with a serious expression, their eyes met and looked at each other.
"Because of that, Ki slowly became extinct and disappeared, many ancient martial arts experts stopped teaching Ki to their offspring, because they didn't want to see them go crazy."
"..."
"And actually, the talent to open up the Ki stream that I explained to you 3 years ago is just a bullshit. Everyone can open their Ki stream, but not everyone can get through the process." Heisatsu then continued.
"Therefore I told you to prepare everything carefully for the past 3 years, you have a clear goal to be strong, and I see a high commitment from you. Because of that, I decided to help you and pass on Ki to you. Because I think you will get through the process. "
Hearing that, finally Reo found out why people who still use Ki can only be counted on fingers. That is because many Ki users do not want to continue their knowledge for previous reasons. So that the end is really on the verge of extinction in modern times.
"Thank you, old man. But I am still curious, is there anyone besides you who is a Ki user? I mean, someone who still uses it actively. "
Hearing that Heisatsu touched his chin.
"Hmm ... there is one person who is still actively using Ki to fight until now, no ... maybe two people?"
"Maybe?" Reo tilted his head.
"Yes, because I also don't really know very well about the second person, but I know enough about the first person."
"Who is that?" Reo asked.
"The Hero of China, the fifth strongest being on the earth, National Level Hunter Rank 5th, Liu Zhigang."
Hearing a familiar name, Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Liu Zhigang, one of the people who took part in the Komodo Island Raid 3 years ago?"
Hearing Reo's question, Heisatsu nodded.
"Yes, that person is the only person I know for sure is still using Ki until now. If I use Shirogami Itto-Ryu Kenjutsu as my sword art, he has an ancient martial arts called Demon Arts that utilizes a combination of magic energy and Ki itself. So that makes him able to exceed his limits and expend 120% of his strength. "
"Then who is the second person?"
Hearing that, Heisatsu looked doubtful.
"This is only an estimate but it seems like the Chairman of the Chinese Hunter Association, National Level Hunter Rank 2nd, " The Empress " Qin Fengyin is also a Ki user. Although I don't know for sure because she is a very closed person to the public, I don't know what she looks like, but many people say that she is the most beautiful woman in the world." Heisatsu said.
"Why are you so sure?"
"Well, actually there is news that she has the ability to see the future, and if she does have that ability. I think the possibility of her being able to use Observation Ki is worth considering," Heisatsu said. Hearing that, Reo nodded and looked thoughtful.
"But looking at it, aren't all Ki users in Asia? Are there no outsiders who can use Ki?"
Hearing that Heisatsu shook his head.
"Since ancient times, only martial artists from eastern Asia such as China practiced Ki or Qi, before that knowledge slowly spread to neighboring countries like Japan. So the possibility of outsiders from Asia to find out about Ki is close to zero. "
Hearing that Reo could only grin broadly, his interest in Ki became even greater. Reo paused before saying.
"Then can a Ki user get stronger?" Reo asked. He asked the question to Heisatsu because he was also curious whether the potential of a Ki user would be limited like the Awakened.
It was common for an Awakened to not to get stronger, because their magic capacity would never change. Although there are some unusual ways that can slightly increase this limit. That reason was also the background for Martius' departure to the United Kingdom with Agatha.
"Of course, a Ki user can continue to grow and get stronger without having concrete limits as long as they are still developing as a human."
5
Hearing that, Reo tilted his head in confusion.
"Developing as a human? What does a power have to do with someone's development?"
"As I said before, Ki is a power that is truly unique. In contrast to the magic energy which basically has the form of energy (physical) when entering into the human body. Ki is the result of manifestation of the will of a human, and basically they comes from something very ambiguous and invisible. That's why I say Ki has no limits to develop, because every time the ' Will ' gets stronger, the stronger Ki will also have. "
Reo who heard that could only be stunned.
"Then, does that mean, people like you and Zhigang who have magic energy and Ki to strengthen it have unlimited potential?"
Hearing that Heisatsu shook his head.
"No, from the moment we became Awakened. Our Ki stopped developing, meaning it couldn't get any stronger. I don't know the cause, but it seems like it is still influenced by the magic energy in our bodies."
"So that's how it is," Reo said.
Heisatsu then resumed his explanation.
"Basically there are two different ways for a Ki user to get stronger depending on the type of Ki that is in our body. Positive Ki can grow stronger as we develop as humans and indirectly strengthen the will that we have, while its use can be perfected by how to practice. While negative Ki can get stronger when we eliminate the will of others, which is to kill. "
Reo raised his eyebrows.
"Wait a minute, killing someone reinforces the negative Ki? Isn't it dangerous if the negative Ki continues to get stronger? Because even though we hold ourselves back, killing other people in the present age is inevitable especially when becoming a Hunter."
"First you are wrong, not someone else, but kill any living thing including monsters, as long as they still have a Will. And secondly, negative Ki will not be able to take over someone who has successfully passed the Ki stream opening process."
Heisatsu then pointed towards himself.
"Even though you might not be able to see it, I still have a negative Ki inside me. I didn't use that negative ki due to some side effects, but it didn't disappear and because I became an Awakened, the negative Ki didn't get stronger when I killed other living creatures. "
Heisatsu then continued.
"Even though I didn't use it, but that doesn't mean it can't be used for fighting. There are people who specifically use that negative Ki to drastically increase their body strength, one example is Liu Zhigang. That person prefers to use negative Ki rather than positive Ki. "
"If you see hia battle directly you can understand, negative Ki and positive Ki have different colors when manifested into physical form, whitish blue for positive, and blackish red for negative. That is the clearest difference between the two."
3
Hearing that, Reo quickly digested the information without forgetting a word. That doesn't matter because from the beginning he did have more memory than other human, because if not then he would have difficulty mastering 9 languages like now.
"So that's about the explanation of the basics of Ki. I will explain various techniques for using Ki, but that will be done after you have succeeded in opening your Ki stream," said Heisatsu, ending their Ki theory lesson.
He then took the wooden box that was on the floor and held it in the palm of his hand.
"Remember Reo, I can't help you in the process of opening your Ki stream, it all depends on whether you can defeat the negative Ki figure that is in your subconscious. If you win then you can use Ki, and if you lose then you will go crazy and act ferociously. At that time, I will personally kill you, do you understand? "
Reo nodded without hesitation with a deadpan expression. However, Heisatsu could not just let his student go through that terrible process. That doubt could be clearly seen on his face, he looked down and cold sweat began to drip on his forehead.
Heisatsu's hands trembled, and he smiled bitterly while thinking.
'As I thought, I can't do it ... there's no way I let my other students go through things like this anymore. Should I just stop, and tell Reo to forget his goal. '
Bad memories from the past slowly entered Heisatsu's mind, he returned to remember the memories he wanted to forget. His fatal mistake was in the past, and the reason why he closed his Dojo to the public.
Then, a scene where their family ate together appeared in Heisatsu's vision. Reo, Phil, Takashi, Aisya, Iris, Char and even himself, joking around at the dining table, the view of a small family shrouded in warmth.
'I ...'
Heisatsu bit his lip, before he felt a hand stop his trembling hand.
"You don't need to worry, old man, I will be able to go through this process, believe me." Reo said with a sweet smile.
Heisatsu's eyes widened when he saw that, while Reo's two golden eyes looked towards Heisatsu's eyes.
"Heh, I'm not worried at all," Heisatsu said, he calmed down and his hands had stopped shaking. Hearing that Reo closed his mouth and looked at Heisatsu with a mock look.
"Pfu, Pfu, Tsun ~ Tsun ~."
2
"... Alright, I will trust you. I will begin the ritual and what you need is simple, defeat the manifestation of the negative will within you to open up your Ki stream."
Reo just nodded while smiling. He then sat cross-legged and closed his eyes like someone who was meditating, he was ready to do the process.
Heisatsu who saw that looked back at the wooden box in his hand and thought.
'That's right, what for doubt now. Didn't I decide before myself? That I will help this weird kid in front of me to become strong. '
"Phew ~, all right."
Heisatsu then sighed before he covered his entire body using Ki and slowly opened the wooden box. His expression became serious and when the wooden box opened, a terrible amount of negative Ki spread into the air, but because of that Heisatsu was there.
* fwuossh *
He then pressed the negative Ki using Domination Ki and put all the negative energy into Reo's body.
"Arrrrrrghhh !!" Reo shouted in pain as the negative Ki from the box slowly entered his body, he had never done it in his life so you could see how painful the process was.
And as a teacher, Heisatsu who sees it can only pray for the safety of his students.
***
Then, Reo's vision slowly opened up as he felt the extreme pain he had felt before had subsided. And when Reo opened his eyes, he saw a place surrounded by a blue sky full of clouds.
'So this place is my subconscious? '
Reo then looked down and realized that he was currently standing on clear and calm water. Instead of worrying, Reo looked excited when he looked around.
Until suddenly a voice came from behind.
"Are you another me?"
Hearing that, Reo who was still smiling sweetly looked back, and there he saw someone standing. That person had the same features as him, but the difference was that he had reddish skin and black hair, no eyeballs, and his entire body was covered with wounds.
Seeing the negative figure of himself, Reo looked calm and greeted him with a smile.
"Nice to meet you, my pathetic self."
