The image training for chain conjuration moved on to the next stage. As I continued the training, I began dreaming of chains every night, and when I reported this to Aisha, she took away the real chains from me.
After that, time passed without any chains around, but before long I began to see chains as hallucinations. According to Aisha, the training was progressing smoothly, but from my perspective, I wondered if my mind had finally snapped from being so immersed in chains.
With nothing else to do, my days were spent endlessly repeating Ten, Zetsu, and Ren. Apparently, moving the training to the next stage before successfully conjuring the chains would actually be less efficient.
As more time passed, the hallucinated chains began to feel real—I could sense their weight and coldness. Today, I even heard the sound of chains scraping against each other.
…I feel like I'm just about to grasp something. As that sensation continued, I suddenly felt as though a set of gears inside me clicked perfectly into place.
Before I realized it, I was no longer fiddling with hallucinated chains, but with chains I had actually conjured.
"…I did it."
Five chains, one attached to each finger of my right hand. And one more chain on my left hand… At last, I had succeeded in conjuration. Wanting to make sure these weren't hallucinations, I swung one of the chains toward the wall.
A sharp sound echoed through the room, and a part of the wall cracked… It's real. Not a hallucination—chains I conjured myself…!
…I'll have to pay for the damage to the wall.
But whatever. More importantly, joy surged through me. At long last—at long last—I now had chains with which to bind them.
"Phew…"
I let out a deep breath. When I checked the clock, I saw that I was already two hours past the time I was supposed to have dinner with Aisha. I must have been completely absorbed. Still, that wasn't a bad thing. The more focused I was, the faster the training would bear fruit—and it had, since I successfully conjured the chains.
…But something felt odd. Aisha being this late was unusual. As far as I could remember, she had never once broken a promise about time…?
That worries me a little. The training had reached a good stopping point, so maybe I should go check on her. No—first, I'll try calling her.
Prrrr… prrrr…
…She's not picking up?
Why? Is she unable to answer? Did something happen to Aisha? Could she be under attack—by Hisoka, perhaps!?
In any case, I should go to Aisha's room first. If she's not there, then I'll check Gon and Killua's room. If I still can't find her after that, then something must have happened.
And it must be some unexpected situation even Aisha couldn't handle! Otherwise, it makes no sense for her to be late without so much as a message.
I have to confirm Aisha's safety—now!
"…P-please, enough already…"
When I approached Aisha's room, I heard her anguished voice coming from inside.
"Alright. I'll make this the last time."
"N-no! I don't want that! I'd rather—!"
"Oh? Are you planning to break your promise with Riina?"
"Y-yes, a promise is a promise, after all."
"Ugh! …F-fine. Do whatever you want."
I couldn't make out everything clearly, but Aisha sounded like she was being cornered badly! This is bad. But even if I joined in, I doubted I'd be much help against whoever had Aisha pinned down.
Still, I couldn't just stand by. If I don't step in now, what kind of comrade am I!? I'm coming, Aisha!
"Hm? This presence…? Crap! I was too distracted to notice! Riina, Bisky! Wait a sec—"
"Aisha! Are you okay!?"
In my panic, I barged into Aisha's room without checking first, and—
Inside were Aisha and two unfamiliar women, with no sign of a fight having taken place. That in itself was fine. Aisha didn't have a single injury on her body, which was a relief.
The problem was…
For some reason, Aisha was almost completely naked.
Her body was beautiful, pale, and flawless—not a single blemish in sight. I could literally confirm that she had no injuries. Faced with such a sight, my mind went blank and I found myself thinking utterly pointless things.
"K-Kurapika, um… we're a bit busy right now…"
"Ah—y-yes, it seems so. S-sorry, I'll come back later…"
I have to get out of here! Apologize later! Aisha looked flustered but smiled politely—however, the killing intent coming from the two unfamiliar women was terrifying! I'm going to die!
"Well, hello there… you pervert."
"N-nice to—n-no! I'm not a pervert!!!"
How humiliating! Me, being treated like a pervert!? That role belongs to Leorio, doesn't it!?
Well, admittedly, barging into this kind of situation—whatever kind of situation this even is—makes it understandable why they'd think that, but still…!
"Silence! Perverts must die! Iyaaah!"
She's not listening at all! One of the two women—a tall one—closed in on me at high speed, releasing an aura even more overwhelming than Hisoka's during his fight with Kastro!
Damn it! There's no way to dodge!
"Gwaah!"
S-strong! I was blown away before I could even conjure my chains. I managed to defend myself by activating Ren on instinct, but the gap in our strength was obvious!
"You guarded with Ken on the spot, did you? I was holding back, but that was a good reaction. Still, you should have guarded with Gyo instead."
Ken? No, I used Ren—wait, that's not the point. H-holding back… you say? That was holding back!?
Still, given that aura, if I had taken that attack head-on, my current defenses wouldn't have been able to withstand it.
This is bad! Just as I thought that, Aisha stepped in to stop her. It looked like she had covered herself with cloth from above. Honestly, that was a relief—I had no idea where to look otherwise.
"Riina! Stop it!"
"But Mas—ah, Aisha-sa....n... This man committed the vile act of peeping at Aisha-sa....n's bare skin!"
…It hurts that I can't deny it, but why does this woman hesitate so much when calling Aisha by name?
"He's fine. Kurapika, are you alright?"
"Y-yes… I'm fine. No real problems."
Thanks to boosting my aura with Ren, I minimized the damage, but… guarding with Gyo, huh. Watching Hisoka fight Kastro made it clear too—experienced Nen users really do fight by constantly shifting offense and defense with Gyo.
"I'm glad to hear that. Then, I'll get dressed, so could you wait a bit?"
"Understood. I'll step outside."
I left the room before even finishing my sentence. Staying in there any longer would destroy my character.
Damn it, why isn't Leorio here? If he were, he'd be the one taking this role!
…What am I even thinking? Maybe I'm more tired than I realized.
As I waited outside, calming my thoughts, a voice came from inside the room.
"You can come in now, Kurapika."
"Then excuse me."
When I stepped inside, Aisha was there, dressed in a cute, feminine outfit unlike anything she had worn before.
…I was honestly surprised. This was the first time I'd seen Aisha like this—no, actually, she had been wearing something similar when we reunited after the Hunter Exam. Back then, though, she quickly changed into her usual practical clothes.
"I'd like to apologize again. I'm truly sorry about what happened earlier."
Saying that, I bowed deeply in earnest. Even if it had been unavoidable, I had seen a woman changing. That wasn't something an apology could truly make up for.
"It's fine. It's not like anything was lost," she said lightly.
"No, that's not how it—"
"She really has no sense of crisis, this one…"
"Yes. Seeing M—Aisha-sa…n in such an indecent state is far too grave to be dismissed with the word 'crime.' The death penalty might even be too lenient."
A very real killing intent washed over me. Terrifying.
No—death itself isn't frightening. When I swore to take revenge on the Phantom Troupe, I had already offered up my life as the price.
What's more frightening than death… is the feeling that something far worse might be done to me.
"The one who was seen says it's fine, so it's fine. That's the end of this discussion."
"That's what she says, Riina."
"I understand!"
The woman who had been hurling killing intent, anger, and jealousy at me without restraint since earlier seemed to be named Riina. Frankly, it was exhausting. Being subjected to such an aura from someone clearly stronger than me was no joke.
"Riina, calm down. I really don't mind."
"U–u-understood…"
Her aura settled slightly. It seemed this woman, Riina, was weak when it came to Aisha. What kind of relationship did they have?
"Let me introduce him properly. This is Kurapika—my friend, and the one I'm currently teaching Nen."
"So he's the one…!"
—! F-for just an instant, I felt an utterly terrifying killing intent. Compared to that, the killing intent I'd sensed earlier didn't even register.
…Was that my imagination? I couldn't feel anything now. If anything, Aisha seemed to be radiating irritation, and for some reason the tall woman who had questioned me earlier was trembling.
Still, it wouldn't do to let Aisha do all the introductions. They were clearly acquaintances of hers, so I decided to introduce myself.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Kurapika. …If you don't mind, who are you?"
"…Yes, pardon my rudeness. My name is Riina Rockbelt. I am the head of the Kazama-ryu Aiki Jujutsu."
The head of Kazama-ryu!? One of the two great martial schools said to stand alongside Shingen-ryu!!
If she's the head, that makes her one of the very pinnacles of the martial world! Why would someone like that be in Aisha's room!?
"My name is Biscuit Krueger. Pleased to meet you, Kurapika."
"Ah—y-yes. Likewise."
This woman—no, calling her a girl would be more accurate. Just who was she? She looked like nothing more than an ordinary, cute young girl… Was she also connected to Kazama-ryu?
"Bisky, what I asked of you was to help with Kurapika's training. You'll be with us for a while, so stop putting on an act."
"G–g-got it, already!"
…Already?
The atmosphere suddenly collapsed.
From a graceful maiden to… how should I put it, more like a meddlesome auntie!?
"—Hey. Did you just think something rude?"
"N-no! N-nothing at all! I wasn't thinking anything!"
I was going to die. Right here. I was standing on the razor's edge between life and death. If I hadn't answered like that, I doubt I would have seen tomorrow's sunrise.
Even if I'm prepared to die, I don't want to die for such a stupid reason.
"…Hmph. Fine, then. I'll introduce myself properly. My name's Biscuit Krueger. I'm a Shingen-ryu master and a professional Hunter. Aisha asked me to support your training, so let's get along."
W-what!? A Shingen-ryu master!? What is going on!? Why are two major figures of the martial world gathered in Aisha's room!?
And she's here to help with my training? Is this what Aisha meant by a "special instructor" back then? Too many sudden developments—I can't keep my thoughts straight. I need to hear Aisha's explanation first.
"What is going on, Aisha?"
"Mind your honorifics, you big-foreheaded punk—"
"Riina?"
"…It's nothing."
…In this incomprehensible situation, there are only two things I'm certain of.
One: Riina absolutely hates me. Probably to a catastrophic degree. This should be our first meeting, so why does she dislike me this much?
Two: for some reason, Riina fears Aisha. More than that, she treats Aisha as someone above her. Why would the head of Kazama-ryu act that way toward Aisha?
"Kurapika, I had Bisky come all this way to improve the efficiency of your training. The difference she makes is night and day."
…So it's not that she'll simply replace Aisha as my instructor. Otherwise, Aisha wouldn't have called it "support."
Still, what kind of support? A special training method to increase efficiency…? Or Nen? If she has a Nen ability suited for that, it would make sense.
"Well, even so, it'll be after you finish your conjuration training."
"Ah, that part's already done."
"…Yes, I had a feeling that might be the case. I'll stop being surprised by your talent."
Was it really that fast? From my perspective, I'd actually taken longer than usual because I made some improvements and additions to my ability.
"In any case, if conjuration is complete, that makes things easier. With Bisky's help, let's begin training to improve your fundamentals and work on applications."
"Aisha says you've got quite the talent~. I can't say for sure until I see it myself, but you look worth polishing. …And you're handsome too. Which do I like better, you or Kastro, I wonder?"
Huh? I couldn't quite catch that last part… Well, whatever.
"M–Aisha-sa…n, may I accompany you as well?"
"Hm? Don't you have your own matters to attend to?"
"N-no! My business is but a trivial—"
"Wait, are you planning to just leave Kastro alone?"
"…Ah."
"Is something the matter with Kastro-san?"
"Well, um…"
"See, Riina took Kastro in as her disciple. Only for Nen techniques, though."
What!? Kastro became Riina's disciple!? Even though he lost to Hisoka, Kastro's ability is undeniable. For Kastro to submit himself as a disciple, Riina-sama must possess truly exceptional skill. Could she even be stronger than Hisoka?
"I see. With Riina guiding him, Kastro-san's abilities should improve even further. From what I've observed, he possesses considerable talent and conviction. I've also judged that he's not the sort to misuse his power. He could endure your training and become a rare and exceptional fighter. Taking him as a student was a wise decision. As expected of you, Riina."
"Th-thank you very much!"
"Then, since you're keeping Kastro-san waiting, you should head to him for now."
"Understood. Then please excuse me. …A-Aisha-sa…n. We'll meet again at the dojo."
"Yes. Without fail."
With that, Riina left the room—glancing back again and again with clear reluctance.
…She was glaring at me the entire time.
I don't get it. Is she truly the head of Kazama-ryu? The name matches—Riina Rockbelt should indeed be the head. But she looks to be in her early twenties at most, a woman in the prime of her life.
And if my knowledge is correct, Riina Rockbelt should be over seventy years old this year. Even if Nen users age slowly, isn't there a limit?
She clearly respects and reveres Aisha, but the connection between them is a mystery. Aisha should be from Meteor City—how could she have ties to the head of Kazama-ryu?
…Could it be that Riina taught Aisha Nen? If so—assuming she really is the true head of Kazama-ryu—that would explain Aisha's strength.
But even then, it still wouldn't explain why Riina treats Aisha with such deference.
"…You seem to have a lot of questions."
"! N-no, I—"
"It's fine. Anyone would wonder. You're probably puzzled by Riina's youth and her attitude toward Aisha, right?"
…Was my confusion really that obvious on my face? I need to work on my poker face.
"I'll answer your questions. First—despite how she looks, Riina is seventy-one years old."
"…Nen?"
"Exactly. Normally, even Nen users start to look their age once they pass seventy. In other words, that's just an ability that keeps her looking young."
I see. That explains it. But is it really okay to reveal information about such an ability so casually?
"That's not a problem. You'll find out sooner or later anyway. It's my ability, after all."
"Then… you too?"
"Mm… this is just how I normally look."
…She looked even younger than Aisha—calling her a girl wouldn't be an exaggeration. Around ten or twelve years old, perhaps.
"And the reason Riina treats Aisha with such respect is—"
"Bisky..."
Aisha, who had remained silent until now, cut in.
Was this something she didn't want revealed?
If so… then I shouldn't hear it from anyone else. I want Aisha herself to explain it to me, in a way I can accept.
I want her to tell me when she feels ready to confide in me. That's how it should be.
"No. I'll wait for Aisha to tell me herself. …There must be a reason."
"Kurapika…"
"…I see. Well then. …Aisha, you've got a good friend."
"Yes! My very best friend."
Hearing her say it so directly was… embarrassing.
A friend, huh…
Pairo… Father, Mother, Elder, and all my people—
I swear, I will reclaim the stolen eyes and take revenge on the vile criminals who attacked our village. It may take some time yet, but please wait for me.
"You know… Aisha seems to be pushing herself this hard for a reason."
…My emotions must have slipped out again. If I don't control them, it could lead to mistakes in battle.
"So you haven't heard about my circumstances from Aisha."
"Nope. All I was asked was to support the training of Aisha's disciple. I've got no interest in your personal business."
…At least, not until now—
Lady Biscuit said, studying me carefully.
"…If I have your strength, can I become strong?"
"Yes. At the very least, you'll grow stronger much faster than if Aisha trained you alone."
Her face was brimming with confidence. There was no lie in her words.
"Alright. Then I'll tell you why I seek power."
◆
Kurapika is explaining to Bisky why he wants to become stronger.
It's not something that can be spoken of lightly. A dark, tragic past. No—rather than something of the past, for Kurapika, it's likely something that is still ongoing.
Kurapika seeks power for the sake of revenge. It's hard to say that this is an admirable motive.
People often say that revenge gives birth to nothing—that it only leaves emptiness. You hear such words now and then in books or on television. But aren't those words something only someone uninvolved can say?
If it actually happened to you—if your family, your friends, your lover were taken away unjustly—anyone would grieve, and to a greater or lesser extent, harbor thoughts of revenge.
And yet, it's also true that from a third party's perspective, it's hard to accept.
They might sympathize. They would feel anger toward the target of that revenge. Even so, many would still believe that revenge should not be carried out. They would say it should be left to the judgment of the law.
To be honest, I can't say I have positive feelings toward revenge myself. Having lived once in a peaceful world, I can't help but feel an aversion to killing.
…That said, I do have the resolve to take a life, and the resolve to have my own life taken. Even if an awareness of being "someone who enjoys training" was implanted in me, years as a martial artist naturally lead to that kind of resolve. But even so, I can't bring myself to want to kill people.
Still, I can't stop Kurapika's revenge. His suffering, his sorrow, his anger—only he can truly understand them. Because of that, I can't tell him not to seek revenge. Even if I did, I know it would be futile given the strength of his will.
So instead, I want to give Kurapika power. If he has power, he won't die. With sufficient strength, he could subdue and capture his enemies without needlessly killing them.
…If Netero knew, he'd probably say I'm being soft. That man lives by swallowing both the pure and the tainted alike. Otherwise, he wouldn't have even a partial connection with the Zoldyck family.
Either way, I do believe the Phantom Troupe deserves to be judged. They destroy, steal, and kill for pleasure. I looked into them on the Hunter Site, and they're involved in a staggering number of incidents. There are likely countless crimes that were never even discovered.
Among them, the Kurta Clan massacre was especially horrific…
The villagers were slaughtered in brutal ways meant to deepen the scarlet hue of their eyes, regardless of age or gender—no, rather, the children were inflicted with even more wounds so as to draw out greater rage, leaving behind especially惨 miserable corpses, from what I've learned…
And then… every Kurta's eyes were completely carved out from their heads. As for outsiders who had entered the village, their eyes weren't taken—but all of them were crushed.
Such acts are nauseating beyond words! Those vile creatures who can carry out such deeds without hesitation have no right to walk freely in this world—that's what I believe. If Kurapika seeks power to capture them, I won't spare any effort to help him.
What about Bisky, I wonder? Will she affirm Kurapika's revenge? Or will she deny it?
Either is fine with me. Whatever Bisky thinks or feels is hers alone. If that leads her to refuse helping with Kurapika's training… then I'll simply have to accept it.
"—That is why I must become stronger."
"…I see. I understand your reason."
"Bisky…"
"Hey, don't make that face. I'll take the job. Besides, I'm not the type to casually break a contract once I've accepted it."
"R-Really!?"
Thank goodness! I was prepared to accept it if she refused, but having Bisky makes an overwhelming difference in how effective the training will be! I'm truly glad she didn't turn us down!
"Is it really okay? The power he seeks is for revenge."
"I'm not going to say something naïve like 'I oppose revenge.' From what I heard, it sounds like justified revenge. …Well, whether revenge can ever truly be 'justified' is another matter. Besides, you're Aisha's friend, right?"
"Yeah. Of course."
"Then that's fine. I trust Aisha's judgment of people, not you directly. If Aisha believes in you, then I'm sure you won't easily use the power you gain for anything other than revenge."
To think Bisky trusts me that much… I can feel a swell of happiness rising in my chest.
"Thank you, Bisky."
"Yeah, thanks, Biscuit-san."
"You can just call me Bisky."
"Understood. Then call me Kurapika. I look forward to working with you."
"I'll be strict, Kurapika. Prepare yourself."
A lot happened, but with that, there were no longer any issues regarding Kurapika's training. Now all that remains is a relentless routine of training day after day. Before my contract with Bisky ends in September, I want him to be able to maintain Ken for over three hours, and to have mastered a full range of applications as well. Once our business in Yorknew is finished, I'll have Bisky make time again and devote ourselves to training.
…Huh? Why were we going to Yorknew in September in the first place? I wasn't there at the time, so I don't know the details, but I think after Gon and the others reunited safely at the Zoldyck estate, they decided that the next place they'd meet would be Yorknew.
September in Yorknew means the once-a-year world's largest auction—the Yorknew Dream Auction. Maybe they're planning to attend that?
Hmm… probably. Something feels off, but among the fragments of knowledge I still retain, the image of the Yorknew auction faintly surfaces.
The remaining problem is Riina…
I did silence her regarding Kurapika by using my authority as his master, but it's true that she must be dissatisfied. From Riina's perspective, it probably feels like her own training under me was replaced by some unknown outsider. She likely sees Kurapika as some kind of homewrecker.
When I told her about borrowing disciples at the main dojo for Kurapika's combat experience, I also said I'd watch over her training at that time, and she reluctantly accepted.
…I never expected persuading Riina to lead into a discussion about my clothes. D-Damn you, Bisky. That was obviously said just for her own amusement, and yet she had the audacity to include my changing outfits as part of convincing Riina!
And Riina too! She just went along with Bisky and added my outfit changes as a condition! Thanks to that, I ended up being treated like a dress-up doll for a while… I'll never be able to get married now.
Well, what's done is done.
Besides, Riina has endured a lot of hardship because of me. The reason the Kazama Style has continued to flourish after Ryusho's death is entirely thanks to her efforts. If I think of it as repaying her for that, this level of humiliation is nothing. In a different way from Kurapika, she's an important person to me—a disciple, and almost like a child.
Though I do wish she'd become just a little more independent from her master…
Thinking that, I glanced at the time and realized it was already past 9 p.m. Come to think of it, I still hadn't eaten. Now that I remembered, my stomach started growling…
Meals are an essential part of training—fundamental to building the body day by day. I need to eat properly.
"Shall we have dinner soon, you two? It's getting late, so let's talk about the training schedule while we eat."
"That's true. So much happened, I forgot."
"Yeah, now that you mention it."
"Then let's go."
And so, the three of us ate while chatting about various things, bringing this day to an end.
All in all, it was an exhausting day. Seriously, how did it come to this? No—actually, I know. It's because Riina and Shion showed up.
Those two with their outrageous personalities. Both practitioners of the Kazama Style… n-no! It's just those two who are especially unhinged! The other disciples were normal… probably!
That's what I want to believe…
◆
The day after Kurapika was introduced to me, I immediately checked his current level of training…
"Hey, Aisha, I'll ask again. How long has it been since Kurapika started training in Nen?"
"As I said, less than two months. He began Nen training on March 9th."
It's just the beginning of May now, so yes—definitely less than two months.
Alright. That part is fine.
"Then his Nen was forcibly—"
"No. He awakened properly through meditation in just one week."
"...I see."
What is that supposed to mean? This is what people call a genius.
Less than two months, and he's already mastered the basics—on top of that, he's learned Conjuration.
Good looks, sharp mind from what I can tell, and now a Nen prodigy too.
This is bad. It might finally be my era.
Aisha strictly trains Kurapika. I gently soothe him. Slowly, the distance between the two shrinks, their relationship deepens… hehehe!
Ugh, seriously! Just like Kastro, my eyes keep wandering!
Which one should I choose? Physically, Kastro wins, but if we're talking pure looks, Kurapika's fragile, fleeting vibe is really nice too.
And Kastro is already mostly complete, while Kurapika is still an unpolished gem. Just imagine what kind of brilliance he'll show once refined! I want to polish him—thoroughly polish him! With talent like Kurapika's, I wouldn't even need payment!
Hm? Right. Payment. Let's not take money this time. Instead…
"Aisha, just like you said, Kurapika really does possess remarkable talent."
"Indeed, doesn't he?"
"He's talented enough that I'd want to raise him even without your request."
"Request? Aisha, what exactly does she mean by that?"
Ah. Looks like Aisha didn't tell Kurapika about the request.
"Aisha hired me. To support your training."
"What!? Aisha, doesn't that mean it cost a considerable amount of money?"
"No, it wasn't that much."
"No, that's not acceptable. This is for my training—then it's only right that I pay. Bisky, how much was it?"
Just as I thought. I knew Kurapika would say that. That's probably why Aisha didn't tell him in the first place. She should've told me to keep my mouth shut.
"One hundred million."
"…What?"
"I said one hundred million Jenny."
"Ah—no, that's… that's far too—"
"Too expensive? Are you making fun of me? I'm not bragging, but there are fewer than a hundred Nen users of my caliber in the world. And when it comes to raising disciples, there are even fewer who are more suited than me. Do you really think someone like that can be hired for the same price as some bargain-bin nobody?"
You really lack knowledge about Nen users. Well, that's to be expected—you're barely more than a novice. You don't understand how rare and valuable Nen users are. You don't even realize what kind of existence the Nen user standing beside you is. She's not just world-class—she's one of the strongest people I know.
"…I understand. One hundred million, then. I'll pay it. That should be fine, right?"
"Nope. If you were the client, I wouldn't work for just one hundred million."
"!? What do you mean? You accepted Aisha's—"
"Aisha and you have different levels of trust. I'm not exactly free, you know. I'm not kind enough to work for some stranger. In fact, the only reason it's one hundred million is because it's Aisha. If it were anyone else—even someone reliable—I'd easily charge double."
That's only natural. It's not like I lack things to do. If I were going to work for strangers, I'd rather be out hunting jewels.
Well, now that I've met Kurapika, I don't feel like doing anything other than training him—but there's no need to say that out loud.
"Then what should I do?"
"Kurapika, like I said, she's someone I hired. You don't need to worry about the money. This was my decision."
Aisha, you're too kind… Honestly, I'm worried you'll end up supporting some deadbeat in the future.
"But I can't accept that!"
"Okay, okay—let me talk for a second."
I step between the two of them. Letting this argument continue would just waste time.
"About the money—I don't need it, Aisha."
"Huh? Why not?"
"I came here planning to work, but after seeing Kurapika's talent, I decided I want to train him of my own free will. So I don't need payment this time."
"But that's—"
Yeah, Aisha wouldn't be comfortable letting me work for free. But if we find a compromise, she'll accept it.
"It's fine. Besides, at this rate neither of you is going to back down, right? Then it's better to just not take money in the first place—less trouble that way."
"Are you sure? May I accept your offer?"
"Of course."
Yes, I won't take money. Money, that is.
"…I'm sorry. This is because of me."
"Don't worry about it. Though, I do want something in return from Aisha."
"What is it? If it's something I can do, I'll do anything."
I was waiting for that line!
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Anything?"
"Well… as long as it's something I can do."
"Oh, don't worry~. It's something only you can do, Aisha!"
"Eh? What exactly…?"
Hehehehehe! Good thing I brought my camera!
"It's simple—every day, you'll change into outfits I coordinate for you!!"
"W-What!? P-Please wait a moment!"
"…If it's something I can do, I'll do anything."
I quietly repeat the words Aisha herself just said. The effect is immediate.
"Ugh! B-But still, in that case I'd rather pay the one hundred million—!"
"Nope. That won't do. Then money might come between you and your friend, right?"
"No, something like that wouldn't—"
"You, be quiet."
"…Yes."
I shut Kurapika up instantly. Silencing someone at your level is child's play. Experience matters, you know!
"Now then, Aisha. You said you'd listen to anything, right? I'm not asking for something impossible~."
"Ugh… fine. I understand."
"Then I'll change clothes in her place—"
"You really need to shut up."
"…Sorry, Aisha."
Yahoo! Now I can photograph her daily outfit changes and sell them to Riina for a premium! With talent like Kurapika's, I'd gladly train him even if I had to pay—so it's a win-win! And thanks to the bet being brushed aside, I don't even have to pay my losses.
Lady Luck is smiling on me—hehehe!
"…That's the face of someone plotting something nasty."
"Mmm. Even I can tell that much."
Oops. Gotta be careful. My personality's already exposed, but if I want Kurapika to keep a good impression of me, I need to dial back the scheming a bit.
"Ahem! Well then, let's get serious about training. What was your plan, Aisha?"
"First, Gyo. Any Nen user who neglects Gyo in combat won't live long."
"That's true. To reinforce it, I'll link Gyo to a certain action of mine throughout the day."
Whenever something suspicious appears in battle, you use Gyo. Absolute basics. He needs to be able to activate it as naturally and swiftly as focusing his eyes when looking into the distance. From now on, whenever I raise a finger, Kurapika will use Gyo.
"We'll spend half the day improving his basic abilities, and the other half extending the duration of Ken. Without a certain amount of endurance with Ken, training Gyo or Ryu is meaningless. Once that's done, we'll add Gyo, Ryu, and category-based training. We'll mix in sparring occasionally, and before sleep, focus as much as possible on Ken. Bisky, I'd like you to heal Kurapika with your ability during breaks—otherwise, he'll probably collapse midway."
"…That doesn't sound very gentle."
That reaction's understandable, but wow—this is even harsher than I expected. A schedule that outright assumes my ability will be used.
Normally, you'd focus mostly on basic ability improvement, but doing everything in parallel like this is brutal. Still, there's only until September. And it sounds like they'll be heading to the Kazama Style headquarters later too—no room to slack off.
"What kind of training do you have planned for basic improvement?"
"Digging holes. About 150 kilometers east of here, there's an uninhabited mountain region. He'll run there at full speed, then dig holes to thoroughly work every muscle in his body. By using Shu on the digging tools, we'll also aim to increase his total aura and technical proficiency. It should provide some mental training as well."
"I see~. As expected of you, Aisha. You've thought it through."
"…Why does it feel oddly unsettling when you say that, Bisky?"
Why? It's not like you copied my methods or anything.
"But is it okay to dig holes freely in that mountain area? What about ownership or rights?"
"That won't be an issue. I looked into it, and the entire area happens to be up for sale. We'll have it purchased under the Kazama Style's name."
"You say that so casually…"
Sure, with the Kazama Style's funds—or rather, Riina's personal assets—that's totally doable. She was a conglomerate heiress and a company president, after all. I think she handed the CEO position to her son and became chairwoman in name only, right?
If we ask Riina, she'll buy it without hesitation. She should share some of that wealth with me too.
"I plan to grant her request in return."
"…You should be careful about saying you'll do anything so easily."
"Yes. I've learned that lesson from you firsthand."
Huh? Whatever could that mean?
"Then let's spice up the Gyo training with punishment games."
"Sounds good. But the punishment should also be training-related."
"Of course. Then how about this—"
"…Without my input, they're deciding training methods that feel suspiciously like torture. I don't understand some of it, but I can clearly tell it's excessive… Will I even survive long enough to exact my revenge…?"
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Next chapter 24 : Gido vs Kurapika & Kastro vs Aisha