Chapter 40: PonzuxFights

Two weeks pass in what feels like the blink of an eye.

I've kept the pressure on them every day, never letting up. The heat, the gravity, the constant mental strain I've made sure they're always aware of the stakes. I've pushed them harder than I ever thought I would, and it shows. Hanzo's movements are sharper now and more calculated. His speed has improved, but more importantly, his control over his Nen has reached a level where I can sense he's finally beginning to think in terms of timing, not just reflex. It's been a struggle, but I can see the progress in his eyes. It's subtle, but there's a clarity there that wasn't there before.

Ponzu, though still more methodical, has come into her own. The heat no longer seems to weigh on her as much; she's figured out how to manage her Nen in the most intense conditions. Her balance has improved drastically, and her strikes are becoming more fluid. There's less hesitation in her movements, and she's begun to flow with the gravity and the pressure of the environment rather than fighting against it.

I've been watching them closely, studying every change, every improvement. They're not perfect, but they're both good enough to beat every fighter here up to the weakling trio on the 200th floor. They have become physically strong and durable in the past 2 weeks. Currently, the temperature on this floor is at a staggering 315 and the gravity is at 5 times the normal making almost everything here over a ton.

Ponzu has most definitely surpassed Gon with this rigorous training and Hanzo is closing in on Killua physically but that's mostly due to his own former training as a Ninja. They have both learned Shingen-Ryu to a degree that is quite frankly impressive although considering my motivational punches it's a reasonable amount of work.

On top of just Shingen-Ryu, I've started teaching Hanzo the assassination techniques I know such as Rythm Echo and Shadow Step. So far Ponzu has gotten extra training in Shingen-Ryu while I teach Hanzo the assassination arts but soon I'm going to have them start on Hatsu development.

"Hanzo Ponzu come here a moment." I yell across the training Arena getting their attention. As they walk over I plan how I'm going to word what I'm about to say, I could go casual and just plainly point-blank tell them it's time but then they might get too confident in their abilities but if I'm too mean I might ruin their self-confidence and make Ponzu think she's not strong enough to fight most the people here.

In the end, I just choose point blank, "Ponzu I believe it's time and you are ready to fight almost everybody here. Me and Hanzo will watch your first 2 fights but from there, you're on your own and you may only come up here to train and sleep." Saying this a smile appears across her face and her posture straightens.

"But there's a catch, every time you come up here and go back down you must spend at least 4 hours up here learning to control your newfound strength and speed. The gravity up here has been going up in increments and you are at the very least 5 times faster than you were. Along with the speed you have become accustomed to everything being over a ton so if you use a door in the lobby you might accidentally push it out of the city." To this they both nod their heads in a that makes sense type of manner.

"That being said let's start the waiting period.", taking out a remote from my pocket I set the gravity to normal before going to my room and taking out over 200 heat-resistant regularly weighted tea sets, "You will be ready to go out once you can pour yourself a cup of tea without breaking anything."

It takes almost 5 hours but finally, Ponzu and Hanzo both learn to control their strength to a manageable degree not breaking any of the tea sets they use.

Ponzu steps into the elevator, ready to sign up and face her first fight on the 1st floor. Hanzo follows closely behind, his gaze steady, but I can sense the pride in him. He's been through this journey with Ponzu, and I know he's invested in her success.

I watch them as they step off the elevator. Ponzu's eyes scan the area, and for a moment, she takes it all in. The atmosphere here feels different. These people are 'experienced fighters' but they can't even come close to matching most of the people in this year's hunter exams

As we walk up to the lady behind the registration desk me and Hanzo step away so Ponzu can register normally. As soon as she is done she walks up to us and says, "I got number 4012."

"Nice now what you do is go into the first arena and wait for your number to be called," I tell her while I start walking to the arena room and instinctively they both follow.

It only takes about 30 minutes but finally, one of the speakers calls out, "Number 1856 and Number 4012 please enter Arena D!"

"Oh, that's me see ya guys." Ponzu leaves with a bright smile and moves to enter the arena but before she can I yell, "Ponzu don't kill him just hit lightly!"

A burly man approaches her, sizing her up with a cocky grin. "New blood. Ready for a fight?"

Ponzu doesn't flinch. I see her shoulders shift as she takes a deep breath. Her expression is calm, but there's an intensity in her eyes that tells me everything I need to know.

"I'm ready. Let's see what you've got."

The fight is over in seconds. I barely have time to blink before Ponzu dodges his wild punches, countering with a swift strike to the gut that sends him flying up into one of the stands almost hitting a few innocent bystanders.

Ponzu stands tall, with no sign of exertion. The onlookers around us murmur in disbelief. I catch Hanzo's eyes for a moment, and we share a brief look of pride.

Ponzu doesn't waste any time. She moves on, getting her ticket and heading to the 50th floor. We follow, observing from a distance.

On the 50th floor, the opponents are tougher. This time, when Ponzu gets called a massive woman with dark, braided hair shaped into a hippo steps forward, cracking her knuckles.

"Newcomer, huh? Let's see if you've got what it takes to beat the hippo."

Ponzu doesn't respond. She simply gets into her stance, ready to go. The fight begins, and within moments, the difference in their skill is clear. The woman charges with power, but Ponzu's movements are smooth, and calculated. She dodges the heavy blows effortlessly and strikes with precision, her movements flowing seamlessly.

I watch as Ponzu sidesteps a wild punch, sweeping the woman's legs out from under her, and sending her crashing to the ground. The crowd falls silent. Ponzu is a blur of speed, her strikes clean and controlled. The woman tries to get back up, but Ponzu isn't giving her the chance. A quick, precise strike to a pressure point, and the woman crumples, unconscious.

Ponzu walks off after the referee gives her a ticket heading out of the arena, and toward the elevator. She doesn't look back, she is focused and determined to keep climbing higher.

Before she can get in the elevator I stop her so I and Hanzo can say our goodbyes, "Good job Ponzu we will see you when you reach the 200th floor."

"Your training really has worked boss I barely tried and that fat guy went flying out of the ring. The Hippo woman was also super easy to beat, if this is the caliber of opponents I will see Would and Hanzo very soon. Byee!"