Chapter 8: Full Recovery Begins — Hikari's Joyful Return

"Let's keep going!"

Since the results were extraordinary, there was no reason to stop now. The combination of exercise and Sea King meat accelerated digestion and rejuvenation. In fact, thanks to the potent meat, Gin didn't feel fatigue or pain—only a steady surge of strength and vitality.

[You consumed Sea King meat while performing health maintenance exercises. Mastery +3. Lifespan +3. Lifespan +3. Life Source +0.01.]

[You consumed Sea King meat while performing health maintenance exercises. Mastery +3. Lifespan +3. Lifespan +3. Life Source +0.01.]

The rich, otherworldly nutrients of the Sea King flesh were rapidly broken down, transformed into raw life force that flowed through Gin's body. The changes were visible even to the naked eye—the pale, sickly tint of his skin was replaced with a warm, healthy glow.

After over ten cycles of this training, Gin began to feel pleasantly worn out. The meat in his stomach was nearly digested. Breathing heavily and wiping sweat from his brow, he sat down with a satisfied smile—it felt like a heavy weight had lifted from his shoulders.

Sitting at the table, he stored the remaining meat through the space-time gate into a stasis-preserved storage realm. Thanks to his complete control over the gate, it was as easy as breathing.

Then he checked his current status.

[Lifespan]: 7 months and 12 days(Congenital Deficiency — Life Source: 3.43/10)

His eyes widened. There had been a major breakthrough—not only had his life expectancy increased by over a month, but a hidden condition had now become visible, and the state of his life source had been revealed.

"So a normal six-year-old has a life source of 10... No wonder mine was so low. That explains my weakness... and my height."

His gaze turned determined.

"Right now, each training session with Sea King meat restores 0.01 to my life source. With a daily limit of about 15 sessions... if I continue like this, full restoration will only take two months!"

A grin spread across his face.

"Only two months! That's far faster than I expected! Hahaha!"

Already, his mind was racing ahead—imagining the moment when his body would be fully healed. With his talent and relentless drive, he would soar through the ninja world, and one day... dominate even the pirate world beyond.

"That day isn't far off!" Gin muttered, clenching his small fist.

Just then, the door creaked open.

"What's all the shouting about?" a soft voice asked.

It was Hikari.

Her eyes instantly widened at the sight of him. She rushed forward, taking his hand, and scanned his body with chakra.

"How...? Your condition... it's improved so much?! How did this happen so fast? Was it the Sea King meat?"

"Yes," Gin nodded. Once she closed the door, he quickly explained."It's a combination of the Sea King meat and exercise. I left the restaurant earlier because my digestion was too slow. I figured I'd try exercising to help—and it worked. The effect was phenomenal!"

He continued, voice confident and bright,"The synergy not only doubled the results of the training but allowed me to go longer without exhaustion. More importantly, it began repairing my life source. According to my calculations, I can fully eliminate my congenital flaws within two months. If we add the right medicinal aids, I could do it even faster!"

Hikari's eyes welled up with tears of hope.

"Truly...? This method can really cure your defect?"

"Yes. And I believe it can work for you too," Gin said sincerely."You also suffer from a weakened life source. If you train alongside me, with your stronger physique and better digestion, your recovery should be even faster than mine. You just need to grasp the essence of the exercises."

"Then it's settled!" Hikari nodded, smiling radiantly. She gently cupped her son's cheek."From now on, I'll follow your lead. I'll train hard—no excuses."

And so, she began. While Gin returned to copying and studying medical scrolls, he occasionally offered pointers to his mother as she practiced. With her natural talent, her progress was breathtaking.

Within a dozen sets, she wasn't even winded. Her powerful body had quickly digested the Sea King meat, and thanks to its restorative qualities, she was far from reaching her physical limits.

By the end of the session, her Health Maintenance Mastery had climbed from Beginner to Professional.

Days later…

Hikari had broken through once more—reaching the level of Grandmaster in health exercises.

Sitting beside her son, she laughed joyfully.

"Ha! Gin, I think I've nearly returned to my peak form! This training—combined with the Sea King's meat—not only healed my old wounds and illnesses, but has also partially restored my life source!"

She closed her eyes and smiled deeply."I estimate I'll recover it fully in another 20 days."

Then, her tone dropped slightly."If only the soul source were as easy to restore…"

Fortunately, the lack of a complete soul source wouldn't drastically shorten her lifespan. With a fully restored life source, she could live for decades more. And with continuous body strengthening, her restored vitality would naturally nourish and even begin to regenerate her damaged soul.

Who would have imagined that something as simple as combining nutritious meat with restorative exercise would yield such miraculous results?

Even her once-blind right eye tingled faintly with warmth—as if it, too, was beginning to awaken.