After checking in for a fight at the 200th floor reception, I head to my room with the rest of the group to start celebrating my return, with the guys giving me a detailed account of how things have gone in my absence.
Apparently, although at a more moderate level, Wing has kept his promise to train Ponzu and Nicholas in their Nen development according to my methodology, triggering this in discussions with Gon, Killua and Zushi because they also wanted to increase the level of demand of their own training.
Wanting to verify the veracity of these statements, I ask both of them to demonstrate their current level. Upon this request, they both begin a brief demonstration of their mastery of the 4 basic principles of Nen, and after that, they both engage me in a brief one-on-one sparring match.
From what I can see, Ponzu seems to have a clearer grasp of the basic principles than before, and her proficiency in physically combating using her aura has also improved. She may still be weaker than I was when we first met, but I can say that her understanding of how to wield her aura is more refined than mine was then.
As for Nicholas, there's no doubt his growth as a Nen user has astounded me. Not only has his mastery of the 4 basic principles improved, but his effectiveness in combining them in advanced applications has become much greater, handling our small spar with considerable skill and speed.
In addition, he also has the confidence to give us a satisfying demonstration of his current mastery of Hatsu, putting on a entertaining show by shaping the water in a basin and drawing the laptop model that best suited his interests without difficulty.
"Wow, it's clear you've been practicing diligently the trainings I taught you every day. With this learning speed, I think it won't be long before you can create your Hatsu abilities." I say to Nicholas, feeling very proud and impressed by his growth.
"Are you serious, boss? Does that mean I'll soon be able to face my rivals in Heavens Arena with a Nen ability of my own just like you?" Nicholas asks with his eyes full of expectation.
"Well, you're not there yet, but you're pretty close. With a little more practice, you'll eventually become capable of using those Nen abilities in combat. But remember that these will be primarily support-oriented, so don't get too hung up on getting stronger and stay focused on what matters." I remind him raising my index finger.
"Yes, boss." Nicholas firmly responds.
"Nicholas, have you already decided what kind of ability you want to create? What is it?" Gon asks quite curiously.
"Sorry, Gon, but that's a secret. One shouldn't reveal their Nen abilities to others unless it's necessary to deal with a specific emergency situation, even if they are close friends." I tell him with a mischievous smile.
"Oh, come on, don't be like that. I promise we won't tell anyone. Please, tell us what it's." Gon asks again whimpering in disappointment.
In the end, we don't budge from our refusal to tell them about Nicholas developing abilities, but in return, we let them see Nicholas's water divination, which leave them quite surprised and pleased to see for the first time a possible resulting effect of the Specialist category.
After a while, Zushi and Wing also arrive at my room, joining the lively atmosphere resulting from the impromptu welcome party. For the next few hours, we put aside training and other daily responsibilities to chat and play in the large, luxurious room I had earned fighting in the tower, with me sharing my stories across the continents of Caltia and Yorbia with the attendees, and hearing in return the events that had happened to them in Gelsea.
Amidst the conversations and humorous moments, I notice some unusual behaviors from Ponzu and Killua; She is in a different mood than usual, becoming closer to me and acting with a enchanting air that makes me feel very nervous and abashed. He, for his part, displays a friendly and pleasant demeanor, but his eyes remains serious and steady as they inspect my room.
In spite of these oddities, I continue partying happily with them until it gets late and everyone has to return to their respective tower rooms (except Wing, who was returning to his hotel). As I bid everyone goodnight, Ponzu suddenly grabs my bandaged right hand with her small and soft hands.
"I've really enjoyed meeting back all together after a while. I'm looking forward to getting back to training tomorrow under your guidance. I've really missed the intensity of your discipline, and you too." Ponzu says looking at me with eyes that I swear for the god who brought me into this world, are bright and adorable.
Feeling my face redden and my head go all fluffy, for the first time in a long season, I punch myself hard in the face with my free hand. "Yeah, I'm looking forward to it too. It's been a bit lonely training on my own these past few weeks, so I'm glad to be back in the routine." I say smiling with a nosebleed that I can't tell for sure if it's from the punch or the excitement.
In contrast to past experiences, Ponzu pouts in annoyance before letting go of my hand and walking off with the rest of the group, leaving Nicholas and me alone in my room.
"I guess I don't need to explain why I asked only you to stay, right?" I ask.
"Obviously not, boss. It's pretty easy to see what you're up to." Nicholas states with a cool stance before looking directly at me. "Suddenly you feel that the feelings you had for Ponzu have changed and you want to talk about how to..."
He's not able to finish speaking when I land a good blow that leaves a smoking bump on his well-combed head.
"I've told you many times to stop joking about things like that." I say, irked by his teasing attitude.
"I'm sorry boss. I was just playing." Nicholas says apparently regretful. "Okay, now let's get serious. You asked me to stay with you so we could talk about developing my Specialist ability, right?"
"That's right. We've been talking a while back about what abilities you can create for that particular category, and since you've almost mastered the Conjuration and Manipulation categories, I think it's a good time to discuss your natural Nen category." I state.
"Well, let me know how it went for you. Have you decided on any of the abilities I recommended? Or perhaps you've come up with a different Nen ability to create?"
"In fact, boss Kai, I've decided to go with one of the skills you recommended." He states something embarrassed.
"Seriously? That's great. I'm glad my suggestions inspired you. And tell me, which one did you choose?" I ask expectantly.
"Well..." With this somewhat nervous start, Nicholas begins to explain to me the ability he wants to create and why he wants to do it.
"Are you sure that's what you want? I know I was the one who suggested it in a first place, but using it isn't something easy to take lightly. And besides, although I'm no expert in this category, I suspect that you can't create different Specialist abilities unless they're related to your primary ability." I ask, trying to confirm Nicholas's commitment with this decision.
"I've thought about this very carefully for some time. All the abilities you recommended are fantastic and could prove very useful in our careers as Hunters, but considering the kind of duties and circumstances that the Blacklist Hunter profession entails, I truly believe this is the most appropriate ability to properly fulfill that role. I know getting to use it won't be easy or simple, but I'll do my best to achieve it." Nicholas answers with complete seriousness and conviction.
Confirming the firmness in his decision, I give Nicholas a nod before beginning to discuss with him the steps, requirements, and creation that this ability will require. This turns out to be somewhat complex and will takes us quite a while, since canon depicts Specialists spontaneously creating their abilities, and neither Wing nor Satotz seemed to have any clue how to develop this rare category when I asked them, so we'll have to rely mostly on trial and error until Nicholas can successfully execute this ability.
Confirming the approach we'll be taking with this from now on, I dismiss Nicholas from my room and brush my teeth before lying down in bed. However, I'm unable to fall asleep, flooded by today memories of the sweet and cute expressions Ponzu has shown me, and of the slightly excessive physical contact with her soft body.
"Fuck. She was so cute." I think irritated because I can't stop thinking about Ponzu.
Point of View Switch: Nicholas
After saying goodbye to the boss, I sneakily head to Ponzu's private room, and upon opening the door I find her lying face down in bed with her face buried in the pillow.
"Hey, Ponzu, how are you feeling?" I ask in a friendly manner, closing the door behind me.
"I feel so humiliated I could die. Showing up in front of Kai dressed in such feminine clothes, trying to act so sweet and flirtatious to charm him, and in the end he just rejected me like he always does. I shouldn't have played along with this stupid plan of yours. I wish the earth would swallow me up." Ponzu says embarrassed, gripping her pillow tighter.
"Come on, come on, don't be so upset. I know it must be hard for you to act so out of character, but you already knew the mission to seduce Chief Kai was going to be difficult and demanding. Besides, I can assure you that your efforts weren't in vain." I say trying to comfort her as I sit on the bed next to her.
"Why do you think that? You've seen how he resisted my flirtatious conversations and touching. How is that different from usual?" Ponzu asks, raising her face and giving me a sideways glance.
"The difference lies in the impact it has on the boss." I state, preparing to start my explanation.
"Look, up until now, whenever Chief Kai hurt himself to deny his attraction to a woman, it was a one-off, very mild situation that wouldn't affect practically anyone in the normal world. However, by acting more aggressively and directly like today, the impact you have on the boss's mind should be so strong that he won't be able to forget it as easily as before."
"By acting so close and intimate on a consistent basis, you'll be able to slowly chip away at his defenses until he's finally infatuated enough with you to be willing to be more than just friends."
"Do you really think that's going to work?" Ponzu asks somewhat unsurely, raising her gaze further.
"Trust me. I've been with boss Kai longer than anyone, so I know exactly what affects him the most. Also, I've researched numerous websites and social media platforms that discuss starting romantic relationships, and based on the data I've compiled to help you, what most helps a strong relationship to blossom is having meaningful experiences together, getting to know each other on a deeper level, and having moments that increase your attraction to each other." I say trying to strengthen my statements.
"You've mostly covered points 1 and 2 at this point, so what we need to do now is increase the mutual attraction between you two so that we can break his self-imposed moral shackles and so that he can seek happiness in that part of himself that he has so strongly repressed."
"So what do you say, Ponzu? Will you keep trying and let me help you change the boss's inflexible mindset, or would you rather give up on the idea of trying to be anything more with him? Either way, I won't hold it against you."
Faced with my challenging question, Ponzu gets up from the pillow to look at me seriously with a frown. "This experience may have made me feel a little downcast and embarrassed, but I made it clear to you at the time, didn't I? That I wouldn't decide what kind of relationship I wanted with Kai until I was confident enough to live up to his conviction." She says raising her clenched fists.
"That's why, no matter what happens and no matter what I say, I'm fully determined to change Kai's rigid way of thinking and become something more with him, and I hope I can continue to count on your help to achieve this, Nicholas!"
Seeing the determination in her eyes, I nod contentedly and continue discussing with Ponzu the next steps she needs to take to get closer and seduce boss Kai.
Date: July 2nd, 2011
Point of View Switch: Kai
Back to our usual routine, Ponzu and Nicholas meet in my room to begin their morning workout in the makeshift gym of my penthouse room. However, unlike before I left, Ponzu today comes with her hair in a ponytail and dressed in sneakers, shorts, and a sports bra, giving off a sporty look.
'When did she go back to Gusto's store for all those new clothes?!' I think as I stare at her with a blushing face.
Despite being required to wear the super-heavey training vest, the way Ponzu moves and exposes her body while doing stretching and using the training equipment I bought in the city makes it hard for me to concentrate on giving her and Nicholas proper guidance while training alongside them.
After several hours of enjo-, ahem, being exposed to Ponzu's peculiar behavior, who in addition to exposing her skin demands physical contact with her to help her in her sessions with the weights and other tools, the time finally arrives for my arranged match at 12:30 pm today.
So, heading to the 228th floor of Heavens Arena, I head towards the ring where a former opponent of Nicholas, The Elementalist, is waiting for me along with the impatient spectators in the stands.
"Come on Kai, crush him with your unparalleled skill!"
"Kyaa! Kai, you're so mean to make us wait to see you again! But I still love you!"
Just as I remember, the cheers of my ever-growing fan club can be heard even amid the screams of the rest of the stadium. Fortunately, I'm pretty used to filtering and ignoring them from my previous fights. However...
"Go ahead Kai! You're way stronger than that guy, so go and scrub the floor with him already! Go go, Kai! Yeah!"
Instantly recognizing the voice amidst the noise with my heightened sense of hearing, I turn my gaze in shock to the stands to see Ponzu cheering me on and and conveying her feelings of support with a smile and some pompoms like if she's my cheerleader, much to the discomfort of Nicholas, Gon, and Killua who are accompanying her.
'But what the fuck is she doing now?!' I think in confusion as my cheeks blush.
"I see you're suddenly feeling very drawn to the stands. What's going on? Do you have a girlfriend cheering you on among those groupies or something?" The Elementalist asks mockingly, not realizing the grave mistake he just made.
"BEGIN!!!" The referee shouts, starting the fight.
My opponent begins by spitting a torrent of fire into the ring, causing the flames to surround him without seemingly burning him.
Not even listening to Cocco's comments or my opponent's taunt, I crouch down, grabbing the edge of one of the ring flagstones.
Cocco doesn't have time to finish her question as I send the flagstone straight to my shocked rival. The Elementalist quickly dodges this unexpected move to the left, with the flagstone crashing in the wall below the stands, greatly surprising the public.
'It's the same strategy that kid named Gon used in his fight against Riehlvelt. Having anticipated it in advance, I'll be the one to attack him unawares.' The Elementalist thinks as he runs with fire in his hands ready to attack head on.
However, to his confusion, Kai is nowhere to be seen.
'What? Where is he? Where has that...?' The Elementalist wonders in his head, looking from side to side until his thoughts are abruptly interrupted by Kai grabbing his head from behind him and colliding it against the ring, cracking the flagstone on impact and causing massive bleeding in his head.
The entire stadium falls silent for a moment as Kai glares down at the opponent he has just severely injured and defeated in just 10 seconds, in stark contrast to his previous battles, which were much more dragged on.
'Damn pyrokinetic. Why did he have to say the g-word?' I mumble internally leaving the stadium very irritated because of the shame.
After leaving the 228th floor, Nicholas and the others greet me with a mixture of concern and disappointment at my unexciting performance in this fight after so long outside. The only exception is Ponzu, who throws herself to hugs me all excited, cheering me up by praising the incredible strength I've shown in the fight.
After this somewhat awkward moment for me and the others present, I instruct Ponzu and Nicholas to return to my room to continue training until lunchtime and wish Killua and Gon luck with their training at Hatsu.
Several minutes after the three of us return, the phone in my room suddenly rings, interrupting our physical training. I stand up from the weight machine and walk over to pick up the phone and check who it is.
"Hello?" I ask.
"Are you Kai Ikeda?" An unknown male voice ask.
"Yes, I'm. Who's calling?" I reply, cautious.
"We are simply employees hired by members of the Hunters Association to take care of external affairs of minor importance. Our current employer is interested in scheduling an appointment with you at this time, and as representatives, we have come to request your assistance." The man says.
I am taken aback for a moment at this unexpected request. "I see. And what would happen if I refused to attend this suspicious meeting?" I ask.
"Our instructions are limited to informing you of the invitation, not requiring your attendance. If you are unwilling to attend, we will inform our employer of your decision. However, in my personal opinion, it would be a waste of a great opportunity if you decide not to attend." The man states.
Listening to his words, I carefully ponder how this situation might unfold for a few seconds before giving my answer. "Okay, I'll go. Where and when does this employer of yours want me to meet him?"
"The boss will discuss the details of this meeting at the café near Heavens Arena at 3 pm. Please come alone and unarmed." The man responds.
"Sounds reasonable. Okay, I'll see you later then." I reply hanging up the phone.
After hanging up the phone, I turn to Nicholas and Ponzu, who are looking at me quite worried.
"It seems the buzz around your skills has attracted not only fans but also individuals with particular interests. Do you think it's a good idea to go see that stranger in private?" Nicholas asks.
"As the man on the phone said, it's a good opportunity to start building relationships with powerful individuals. Besides, we signed up as fighters at Heavens Arena precisely to get opportunities like this, so it's only natural that I'd take advantage of it now." I answer as I rummage through one of the bags in my room.
"But you haven't just performed as a fighter in Heavens Arena; you've also worked as a Blacklist Hunter across two continents. What if it's a trap orchestrated by a stray or associate of one of the criminal groups you arrested? You could be in the crosshairs of a crime syndicate without even knowing it." Ponzu says worriedly, adopting an attitude I'm more familiar with.
"I don't see it as likely. While it's true that I made certain mistakes while serving as a Blacklist Hunter, I always made sure to remain completely anonymous and pursue criminal groups without any significant backing from the mafia, so I don't think I'm in any family's sights. Still..." I say taking a pack of hidden earpieces of a small bag.
"It is true that we don't know who is trying to contact me or what their intentions are for doing so, and although we cannot immediately counter any threat that may arise if we take Nen into account, I'll still take all possible precautions to try to avoid getting caught in a situation from which I won't be able to emerge unscathed."
Ponzu and Nicholas share a look before looking back at me and nodding in confirmation, so we all put our training aside for the moment, and as the key hour approaches, we make all kinds of preparations for my imminent private meeting with this unknown entity.