Chapter 31: Training Results

Date: April 24nd, 2011

Waking up sitting on the ground, I move out of the way of the large rock above my head, releasing my grap in the rope holding it and letting it fall to the ground. After this I prepare breakfast, and after finishing eating, I pack everything I need into my travel bag, preparing everything to leave the bunker.

Outside, the natural and relaxed scenery is accompanied by the sound of birds and the rustling of vegetation in the wind. Combined with the light of sunrise bathing the scene, it creates a feeling of calm and anticipation in my heart. This event was always my favorite part during my training days, and today was the last time I would experience it for a long time.

"So... Are you leaving now?" Satotz asks, emerging from the cave behind me with his normally stoic expression.

"Yes, I'm going. I have reached the end of my 3 months Nen training, and honestly, I feel very accomplished with the results." I state as I begin to recap my intensive training period in this forest.

Flashback narrating the last three months:

A few days after thinking about what my Hatsu ability should be, I had completely mastered the transition to Zetsu, so I asked Satotz about the advanced applications of the aura that he had mentioned to me at the beginning, as well as training to be able to develop the different categories of Nen and thus be able to create my own particular ability.

Although surprised by my rapid growth, Satotz maintained his chivalrous composure and informed me about the more advanced applications of Nen, as well as training for the Enhancement, Transmutation, Emission and Manipulation categories.

I was especially interested in the one about Manipulation, which did not appear in the canon: Satotz would bring buckets of water or sand, dump them into a hole, ask me to put my hand over them, and try to project my aura to force movement on them. At first it was something basic like making them spin, but as I got better at it, I had to do more complex things, like making them rise off the ground, take on shapes, or a combination of both.

After he explained to me the methods for training the advanced applications of Nen, I reduced my physical training to 2 hours, and devoted the remaining 4 hours to practicing with the categories. However, although not different from Biscuit Krueger's teachings, Satotz was not as competent a teacher as she was.

Unlike Biscuit's intensive, tailored methods, Satotz followed a more relaxed and easygoing training methodology, like Wing's. When I started smashing rocks with the Enhancement, or increasing the duration of my Ken and Ren until I almost fell to the ground covered in sweat, Satotz showed serious concern at my reckless attitude, and repeatedly tried to convince me to slow down and rest. Despite my physical discomfort, I stubbornly insisted that I was fine and could continue.

Despite his disagreement with my decision, Satotz continued to train me, sparring with me to learn how to adjust my aura flow using Ken, Ryu and Ko in combat, and granting my sudden request to create Nen numbers with his finger from time to time to get me used to using Gyo.

Of course, I didn't just focus on training. During my daily study hour, I would try to learn more things about this world that did not appear in the canon, and I would also analyze the future events I had recorded to think about what would be the most appropriate route to take to deal with them.

After all, the main reason I had decided to become a Blacklist Hunter was not only to preserve order in society and stop criminals, but because the connections that came with it would make it easier for me to get involved in important events, such as the Yorknew City Underground Auction or the Succession Contest.

But the path forward was not easy. The job as a Blacklist Hunter surely has many work options, either working for a mafia family or hunting criminals on your own. The connection with a mafia family will be a necessary element for the future, so the best options were the Xi-Yu family, the Cha-R family or directly the Nostrade family.

Although I had to get involved with them, I don't want to commit to any of them, and there could be other families to associate with, so I had to carefully consider my steps and think about the best way to approach things in each situation. What I did know for sure was that in order to achieve any of this, both Nicholas and I had to gain a certain reputation in the underworld, so we would have to try to be active in order to gain notoriety.

As the days passed, both my skills and my plans were taking shape, laying the foundations for my future career as a Hunter. Satotz himself was amazed at how quickly I developed the use of my aura, both in category training and in sparring, and as the deadline approached, Satotz decided it was time for a final test.

He arranged a mock battle scenario where I had to use the techniques that I had been polishing to surpass him. However, despite my former appreciation for Satotz's fighting ability, the test wasn't challenging, and I managed to use my Nen to effectively overpower him.

By the end of the test, Satotz was more than satisfied with my progress, recognizing that he had nothing more he could teach me. Knowing that, I asked him to contact Lippo to tell Nicholas that it was time for us to move on with our Hunter work, and that I needed him to book a flight to Heaven's Arena on the Caltia continent.

Once Satotz made the call and confirmed things with the other side, I set about preparing everything necessary to leave the place and begin building my reputation as a Hunter in a new environment.

End of the flashback.

"Very well." Satotz starts talking again. "Taking into account your performance, I can say with complete conviction that you can now be considered a true Hunter." He states.

"You've shown astounding potential and determination, reaching in three months a level that would take any normal Hunter several years of training to reach. But remember, Nen is a lifelong journey, and the Hunter's path is full of difficulties that cannot be overcome by strength alone."

"You have to keep practicing and refining your abilities, and use that intelligence and sagacity that you have so often demonstrated to succeed in this industry. Although knowing what you are capable of, I have no doubt that you will be able to overcome the challenges that come your way and move forward. Therefore, I wish you the best of luck in your journey."

"Thank you, master. I will. I truly hope that one day I can repay you for all the help you have given me. Bye." I say bowing in respect before starting to run away from the place.

With my Nen training mostly complete, I feel more prepared and motivated than ever to begin a new chapter in my journey as a Hunter.

Point of View Switch: Satotz

As I watch the young Hunter named Kai walk away into the distance, I can't help but think to myself. 'Repay me for my help? No, Mr. Kai. I am the one thanking you for showing me how negligent I was as a teacher.'

When I agreed to serve as his Nen teacher, I had initially intended to reinforce his foundation on the 4 basic principles and then move on to developing a Hatsu ability. However, that man went far beyond that point.

Not only did he begin an excessive and damaging physical training, but he also set out to master advanced aura applications without giving a second thought to his fatigue or discomfort. You would think that within a week at most, he would have given up and opted for a gentler program. But he didn't. He continued with the training regardless of his excessive fatigue or the pain in his body.

Watching him writhe in pain and vomit blood, I tried to convince him many times to rest or slow down, but he always repeated the same thing: "I can't slow down now. I need to get stronger as soon as possible to achieve my goals." His unwavering attitude piqued my interest, so I continued training him despite my reservations.

But what terrified me the most was his incredibly fast growth in Nen. Within the first month of sparring, he had achieved the speed of action and decision-making that was typical of an average Hunter, and two weeks after that, he even surpassed me in combat. It's not that I'm a particularly strong Hunter, but I didn't expect a rookie to surpass me in such a short time.

'A normal person wouldn't be able to go through something so severe just to become stronger sooner. Seriously, that guy is a complete lunatic.' I think as I start walking towards the city of Myjeeling.

'That's why I'm pretty sure he'll do well on his journey. After all, no great successful Hunter can be said to be sane.'

Point of View Switch: Kai

For the next hour, I keep running at full speed through the road and the city of Silbaro until reaching the airship port where I am to meet up with Nicholas. A curious fact that some fans may not notice and that I discovered after my training: Nen does not increase the body speed.

While aura can increase the momentum with which you launch yourself towards someone (like Netero in that ball game), it does not increase the speed at which your body moves. However, it turns out that Nen training not only improves the flow and intensity of your aura, but also the capacity and performance of your body.

This is because by subjecting your body to a strain and capacity far greater than normal due to the use of the aura, your muscles, nerves and bones have to adapt to be able to sustain and manage the new capacity that the Nen brings to your body.

That's why by training with Nen, my body has become much stronger and faster than it was before (which was already a superhuman level), allowing me to cover a distance of 60 km in just one hour.

Apparently I am the first to arrive, so going to the reception, I receive my ticket and sit by the window, immersed in my thoughts while waiting for Nicholas to arrive. 'It's been a full 3 months since I last saw him. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of his training.'

According to what Satotz had told me in our occasional chats, Nicholas training under Lippo's guidance had also been progressing. He also said that Lippo has other unconventional training methods different from his own, more suited for a brainiac like Nicholas, and he was rapidly developing his own Nen abilities, as well as expanding his knowledge as a Blacklist Hunter.

After a while lost in my thoughts, I am approached by someone from behind. I can feel his approach but sense no killing intent, so I allow him to reach me. The person soon taps on my shoulder and says with a familiar voice, "Excuse me, you are Kai Ikeda, right?"

I turn to see who the figure is, and I am met with a slim man with slicked-back black hair. He wears a white dress shirt with a red bow tie, blue dress pants with suspenders, shoes, and black sunglasses. He looks like a teenage fashion model. Also, he is nearly as tall as I am, about 175 cm, if I had to guess.

Without letting my guard down, I answer, "Yeah, I'm Kai Ikeda. But who's asking? I don't think I know you."

"What?! Come on boss, don't tell me you don't recognize me! It's me, Nicholas!" He says with a cheerful smile, shocking me.

"What?" I ask in surprise. "No, no, no. There's no way you're Nicholas. You look like a completely different person!" I adamantly declare while losing my usual composure.

"I do? I mean, I know I lost some weight and all, but I think I look the same as always." He replies.

"Hell no, you don't! You better check a mirror—you look like a model! I mean, I'm not trying to say you were ugly before, but you are practically unrecognizable now! For the fuck of god, you are even taller than three months ago!" I yell becoming more out of control at his out of place statement.

"Um, boss, I know you're trying to make a point, but you're hurting my feelings." He says with his eyes going dead.

At that moment, an attractive woman walks up during our conversation. "Excuse me, handsome, would you ming giving me your contact info? I would love to meet up one of these days for a chat or a drink." She says smiling, visually dazzled by Nicholas new attractive.

"Um, I'm sorry miss, but we have to go to another continent, so you won't have the chance to do that. " I say trying to dissuade the stranger.

"I'm not talking to you, you unkempt barbarian, so don't get involved in what doesn't concern you and stay away from me. Just looking at you makes me nauseous." The woman says, crushing my heart with those harsh words.

Nicholas obliges the woman with his contact information, and she soon walks away to other

women in the distance who were giggling. After doing so, Nicholas turns to me only to find me lost in a daze, muttering "barbarian" over and over again.

"Boss, are you okay?" Nicholas asks me with a worried look.

"Am I okay? Did you not hear that woman call me an ugly barbarian?" I ask in shock for what I have just heard.

"Boss, I don't think she used the word 'ugly.'" He says trying to comfort me.

"No, that's definitely what she meant. I'm sure of it." I respond with complete conviction.

"Well, I think you need to calm down and let it slide, boss. After all, you're not in the most presentable condition right now, so it's understandable why she reacted that way." At Nicholas's comment, I look down to see my current appearance.

After spending three months isolated in a bunker in the middle of the forest, my hair has grown to reach my hips and is wildly disheveled, and my clothes are ragged from not having changed them during the training. I didn't want to waste a single minute of preparation during the last 3 months, so I had ignored everything else, including my appearance.

I sigh, realizing he is right. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I did just finish a grueling three-month training session in the wilderness, and I haven't spent almost any time on anything else."

"Exactly, boss. I'm sure if she had seen you with your normally neat image, she would have asked you for your contact information and not me." He says very passionately and convinced.

"You think so?" I ask, getting a confirmation nod from Nicholas.

"Let's first get to our destination at Heavens Arena, and once there we can buy new clothes and give you a makeover." 

After a moment of hesitation, I nod, feeling more composed and encouraged by Nicholas words. "Alright, let's do that. Let's go grab your ticket at the reception and get going." I say with a confident smile while picking up my travel bag. "And Nicolas... thanks for being a good friend."

"Always, boss." He replies with a warm smile.

With that cleared off, and getting Nicholas ticket, we head to the runway where we would take the blimp with a flight to Heavens Arena, with a stopover in Kikuroku City in the Mimbo Republic.

'When I first set out into the known world, I cringed in fear at the thought of having to board an aircraft. But now, after all the times I've been through it, I finally feel confident that I've overcome the trauma I'd carried over from my past life.' I think back to my past memories as I board the blimp with Nicholas.

On our way to Heaves Arena, Nicholas and I discussed what our next steps should be as Blacklist Hunters.

"As new Hunters, we now have access to a vast array of resources and opportunities not available to the general public, so we must use them wisely, but always remembering the responsibilities that come with this title." I say as Nicholas takes out his laptop.

"Very true, boss. Lippo shared some of his contacts as a Blacklist Hunter, so we've got some connection to the shadow community for whatever we need. I think we could start by busting some criminals with bounties or looking for security contracts for some company." Nicholas says typing on his keyboard.

"You're not wrong about that, but you're thinking in a very narrow way. You lack a broader perspective." I say with a mischievous smile, much to Nicholas's confusion.

After thinking a lot about what would be the most appropriate path to follow as a Blacklist Hunter, I finally came up with the option that had the best future prospects—Setting up a mercenary agency that operates in the underworld.

"But boss, weren't we supposed to work as Blacklist Hunters to stop evildoers and ensure order in society?" Nicholas replies, putting on an expression that clearly shows his rejection and disappointment at my declaration.

Fortunately, I had already thoughtly thought out my speech on this matter. "And that's exactly what we're going to do. I know the word "mercenary" may be a bit shocking, but it's just a term of convenience. Let me explain in more detail what our approach as Hunters will be."

As a Blacklist Hunter, there are many career paths one can take. You can dedicate yourself to hunting criminals, either with or without a bounty, and deal with their subsequent management as prisoners, just like Lippo does. Alternatively, you can also seek out jobs provided by crime syndicates or major companies, whether it be security, smuggling, gambling, etc.

Despite the advantages that one option has over the other, there are also disadvantages. For example, if you dedicate yourself only to chasing criminals or stray Hunters, your influence and notoriety will not grow much, even if you become one of the best. On the other hand, if you decide to work in the service of someone, that would imply accepting a commitment with that entity, reducing both your freedom of action and the possibility of making a name for yourself. It is true that with the massacre of Yorknew City, you could take advantage of it to carry out a coup d'état and take control, but that would take time, and also with the consequent loss of members and influence, the spoils of war were going to be very scarce.

That's why forming a mercenary agency on the deep web was the most viable option. Mercenaries are hired to do a wide variety of jobs, including bounty hunting, security work, information gathering, obtaining important objects, or even assassination. That means there are plenty of opportunities to gain some fame and reputation, even if it's just in the underworld.

Also, while mercenaries may work for a company or a crime syndicate, at the end of the day they are just hired labor, with no loyalty or obligations to their employers beyond fulfilling the work order. This means they don't have to remain tied to anyone, but can still forge opportunistic connections with different branches of the underworld.

Not that being a mercenary doesn't have its drawbacks, too. Because they accept all kinds of jobs, mercenaries aren't looked upon favorably, even in the mafia world. It's kind of like, "You'll do anything I ask as long as I pay you, right?"

Early development must also be taken into account. Forming an agency that works on the dark side of society is practically the same as raising a mafia family. Without the proper resources or influence, it is easy to be underestimated by established groups as a flourishing business, not only lacking job opportunities, but also running the risk of being crushed by a more powerful organization.

Luckily, I've already thought of all of those scenarios. Even though we label ourselves as contract workers, we're not obligated to accept whatever is presented to us. Part of the freedom of mercenaries is being able to accept which jobs to take and which not to take. The agency I'll set up with Nicholas will decide which jobs to take to increase our notoriety based on the application of our personal principles (more mine than his at the end of the day).

As for our credentials, I have my own plans to ensure that we are taken seriously within the community. Admittedly, that will take some time, so we will have to postpone the creation of the agency until we have met the goals I have set for ourselves, but once all the preparations are in place, I am quite convinced that we will be showered with job offers, even if they are only from minor groups.

At my elaborate explanation, though less repulsed by the idea, Nicholas still shows some reluctance. "Even with all that, we would still be working for criminals, right? I told you at the time that I had decided to become a Hunter to raise the prestige of my family, so getting involved in shady business would be betraying the expectations that my parents and the rest of my family have placed on me."

I can only sigh in frustration as I listen to the naive words of a Nicholas still oppressed by the ambitions of others.

"Nicholas, have you forgotten what I told you in the Hunter Exam?" At my question, Nicholas tilts his head uncertainly. "That there are several things you have to get to be a Blacklist Hunter." These words make Nicholas skip, remembering our conversation in Trick Tower.

"To fight crime, it's a given that you have to enter the criminal world. Even the police, who don't have the freedom of action or resources of the Hunters, are no strangers to placing undercover agents or making deals with criminal groups."

"Even though we have to work with people from the criminal world, that doesn't mean that we won't do it in accordance with our personal principles and objectives. That's why, Nicholas, I ask you not to let those concerns hold you back, and to accompany me on this path so that we can make things better. Okay?"

At my motivational speech, Nicholas briefly lowers his gaze in thought before turning to me. "Boss, where did you come from?"

Faced with his unexpected question full of connotations, I decide to evade it with a friendly laugh. "So you're curious to know more about me, huh? I like that inquisitive attitude of yours. Sadly, though, that's kind of irrelevant right now. Peeking into my past won't bring either of us anything. Besides, for a Hunter, it's better to not have past at all." I state with a cheered smile and a closed eye.

Nicholas then sighs in defeat, finally accepting my plan to forge our reputation as Blacklist Hunters, and typing away on his laptop, he begins to debate with me on the steps and elements necessary to accomplish this ideal.

While talking with Nicholas about the next steps to follow, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for the future ahead. It is true that in this vast world there are many dangers and powers in the darkness that I am still unaware of, but it is also true that there are many adventures wonders yet to come. With my Hunter license in hand, my Nen abilities strenuously trained, and the connections with the people I've met along the way, I am ready to take on this world.