functions

Kei followed the other Niko, who encountered Kensei. He wore a sardonic smile, fully aware that Kei was among the most captivating young men. His talent, tenacity, and fearless approach to danger marked him as one of the most skilled members of Yomi, the division of disciples.

-So, this is the famous Kei Kazama, the Red Beast,- Kensei remarked with a chuckle, concealing his true thoughts. Kei's eyes assessed his stance, and behind him stood a young man with closed eyes, named Asuka Akatsuki, the "Man of Submission," along with, to Kei's surprise, Loki and Rimi Kokorone.

Niko didn't respond and headed straight for the research lab, where the most advanced muscle, pulmonary, aerobic, and practical development equipment in the world was located—various machines designed to enhance physical capabilities.

-Kei Kazama, we meet again,- Loki commented, and despite his confident posture, he felt trepidation at facing the boy who had killed Ryuto Asamiya. Over the past few months, he had undergone intense training, learning many techniques, but despite his tenacity, he was more cautious now, and his treacherous demeanor fascinated the Master of the Sacred Fist.

-Loki, I'm glad to see you've embraced the true path of martial arts… only power earns you attention,- Kei replied, looking down on Loki with a cruelty that had intensified with every training session under Niko. It was a way of pushing him to his limits, unleashing his beast. The concepts were straightforward; he didn't need to control something that belonged to him. He needed to allow himself to be liberated and let the darkness flow through his body, as his personality shifts clashed violently.

Yet, there was a great light that dulled his beast's fury, a light that, like a wounded animal, would fall into the embrace of the three most important people in his life: his mother, his sister, and Miu, the woman who calmed his instincts. How could someone be so good? He didn't know, but the light she radiated soothed his murderous intentions, tempering him and preventing him from being overwhelmed while still absorbing her spirit.

-Hahaha, we're just beginning under Kensei's teachings, but of course, the best among us is Lugh, who is, at the very least, the strongest of us all,- Loki stated, never bothered by his second-place status. It was why he acted so arrogantly toward Kei. For now, Kei was just a fledgling; his progress was slow, but surely he would rise to the occasion when the opportunity arose, no matter what.

-I am Lugh,- replied the young man with brilliant red hair, who took things calmly. He didn't extend a hand; his gaze was cold and empty… but he was said to be a Ki expert, possessing an exceptionally good fighting style that surpassed the ordinary. He was strong—or at least that was what Kei thought. He needed to engage in combat to gauge Lugh's strength. Mental and physical resilience went hand in hand with the type of martial artist one was. Those who gave their all, even their lives, could surpass the limitations that normal people could not.

-Lugh,- Kei said dismissively, moving on to where the other members were, recalibrating various elements. There was a research room filled with components that Kei wanted to take advantage of.

-These are the files received regarding life extension methods and genetic modifications,- the other Niko inquired, rereading a series of files that piqued his interest. There were many ways to enhance the human body through science, just as Kei had been injected with highly concentrated calcium nutrients while being broken down repeatedly, pushing him to the brink of destruction and strengthening his bones like steel. His strikes hit with such force that any opponent who took the blow felt pain.

-Well, I find these quite interesting. We could collaborate with a corporation currently evaluating embryo creation from cells,- the other Niko suggested, nodding, then taking out his phone to make some calls while Kei watched as Kensei trained his disciples from different areas.

…

Kei danced in the white room as metal-like projectiles were shot at him, along with the limited oxygen in the chamber. Regulating his breathing was crucial, but numerous flashes and bursts of light prevented him from keeping pace with the projectiles. This was merely level 4. At level 5, he would train in the dark, and at level 6 with small flashes that would blind him for a few minutes. He could not solely rely on his eyes.

One strike, another strike. He tried to keep up, and after five agonizing minutes, the bell finally rang, prompting a sigh from him.

-You may leave, - the advisor commented, utterly astonished by the young man's ability to break the rhythm.

Kei emerged, drenched in sweat, where Ogata awaited him, giving a nod in response. Kei smiled, as he had recently sought guidance on what he considered the technique that would break his barriers: SeiDou Goui. It was the most dangerous skill he had the right to be taught, but it was perfect for uniting his two Ki. Unlike many others, he possessed two Ki, not just one like everyone else; they were greatly placed as a union of his two personalities. This would yield the results he had long sought: to tame his beast gradually and prevent the separation from hindering his progress.

-Thank you for your teachings, Master Kensei,- Kei said respectfully as he trained in the forbidden technique of Ki union. No one could have anticipated that Kei possessed two minds, which, although largely unified, still lagged. The merging of Ki, primal instincts, and desires… all very dangerous if not controlled.

-We will learn a great deal from one another,- Kensei commented, pleased to see how easily Kei mastered the technique and how his muscles bulged. For Kei, it was not very different from elimination.

…

Kei dodged Kensei's sonic strike, only to receive a reflected blow to his chin. The man's movements were fluid, flawless, and almost error-free, like the wind dancing. Kensei struck Kei, who continued with his formless style. The numerous hits from the man felt like lightning.

-When you strike, you must be firmer. Remember that your inner eye is a product of talent in reading your opponent's Ki, which comes from their breathing,- Ogata commented, breathing heavily as he continued striking Kei. The young man understood well what he meant by breathing.

Kei kept receiving blows while Ogata taught him many moves that Kei began to mirror, with an insatiable talent that Ogata ignited. He saw the young man replicate his techniques; he was a devouring worm, a GU. He needed to create a similar method: 100 young trainees he would train to fight, searching for the perfect fighter. If they focused solely on ancient arts, he would find the best among them. Oh? How difficult would it be to implement such an endeavor? How long had the other Niko taken to discover this method? Wondered the master of ancient arts.

-Read my breathing, - Ogata thought, documenting everything on paper as the boy adapted. A master could utilize the "inner eye" in seconds to counterattack, but the transition from disciple to expert could take 10 to 50 movements. The boy improved, grasping the concept of the flow of Seikuken, but his initial form hindered him considerably.

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