Chapter 9: Training

That evening, as Kai returned to his apartment, he replayed the events of the day in his mind. Each interaction, each glance from his classmates, and every technique he'd observed was now tucked away for future use. This world, so full of talent and potential, had him eager to see how he'd measure up. He had come here to become the strongest, and every lesson, even the basics, would be part of that journey.

After a quick meal, he set out again, heading for the training grounds by the river.

The moon cast a pale glow over the water as Kai stood in the quiet clearing, his katana in hand. The shadows danced as he began his routine, warming up his body with basic strikes and footwork. But his mind was focused on something deeper, pushing himself beyond what he'd shown earlier at the academy.

("I need to sharpen every skill, test every limit. My dojutsu is a powerful asset, but I don't want to depend on it alone. I have to master everything on my own first.")

He shifted into a low stance, channeling the styles he had studied in his past life, letting the forms blend naturally with each swing of his blade. His movements were sharp and precise, drawing from the rapid, elegant techniques of Bleach's swordsmanship. In his mind, he pictured battling countless hollows and Shinigami, perfecting his speed and precision.

As he continued, he incorporated One Piece's fierce, powerful attacks, grounding himself firmly with each strike, letting his whole body flow into the movement. He visualized the ocean, the storms, the chaotic power of each swing. His strikes felt heavier, each one leaving an imaginary impact on the ground.

Then, switching to the graceful fluidity of Demon Slayer's breathing styles, he controlled his breaths, letting his body and blade move like water. His swings were seamless, each motion carrying a sense of rhythm and timing that blended with the gentle night breeze.

But even as he tested these styles, he kept his own vision in mind: a style that could combine all he had learned with the unique power of his dojutsu, which he only used as a last resort.

Eventually, he slowed down, sheathing his katana and catching his breath.

("Now, let's try something more… ambitious.")

He closed his eyes, drawing on his chakra and feeling the familiar, dark heat of Amaterasu deep within him. Carefully, he allowed the flames to gather around his katana. The black flames licked the blade's edge, creating a dangerous, ethereal aura. Kai could feel the power radiating from his sword, its strength nearly overwhelming.

He lifted the blade and made a slow, controlled swing. The flames followed the path of his strike, leaving a blackened trail in the air that seemed to defy the night itself. It was mesmerizing, the flames dancing as he moved, each arc of his blade a dangerous flare of power. Yet he had to remain cautious—Amaterasu was unpredictable, and if he pushed it too far, he could lose control.

For several minutes, he continued his practice, swinging his katana with Amaterasu's flames until he felt himself reaching his limit. He could sense the strain on his chakra, the heat building in his body.

("That's enough for now. I have to perfect this in stages. Rushing it would only lead to disaster.")

As he released the flames and sheathed his katana, a deep satisfaction settled over him. He had made progress tonight, small but meaningful. And with each step forward, his goal grew closer.

Finally, he returned to his apartment, feeling the ache of exertion settling into his muscles. After a quick shower, he lay down, letting the night's quiet fill the room.

("One day, I'll be strong enough to reshape this world. But until then, I'll keep moving forward, step by step.")

With that last thought, Kai drifted off to sleep, his mind filled with visions of battles yet to come and the limitless power he knew he would one day wield.