Kaizen shook his head, a firm decision written across his face.
Juliana's eyes widened, her pupils shrinking in disbelief. She hadn't expected Kaizen to say no.
"Why?"
The reason for Kaizen's refusal was straightforward.
In his eyes, Juliana wasn't strong enough. And beyond that, her talent didn't meet his standards.
Kaizen's current team had three members. Each was chosen for specific reasons.
Nina, for instance, was there because her past evoked his sympathy. Kaizen remembered Nina from the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, so he helped her. After her experience with "Synthetic Beast," her potential had grown immensely. The abilities she developed were not only distinctive but irreplaceable. It would be nearly impossible to find someone with a similar skill set in this world.
Kaizen understood the importance of support-type ability users in a team. Chrollo held a similar view, as did Netero. Among the Twelve Zodiacs in the Hunter Association, there weren't many combat-oriented Nen users. Support Nen users were often the backbone of a group.
Then there was Shizuku, another member. Kaizen knew her abilities and potential from future events. Her combat prowess wasn't the strongest in the Phantom Troupe, but her Vacuum ability was invaluable. Even in a sneak attack, she managed to knock Nobunaga unconscious—a feat that spoke to her capability.
Though her combat strength ranked lowest in the Troupe, joining the Phantom Troupe was a high bar in itself. And she was far stronger than the Shadow Beasts.
But what about Juliana? Did she have the potential to surpass the Shadow Beasts?
Kaizen wasn't convinced.
The third member of his team, Sally, was another reason Juliana didn't fit. Sally was a C-class Nen user when Kaizen met her—stronger and with far greater potential than Juliana.
Kaizen's team lacked a close-combat Nen user. Ideally, he wanted a well-rounded configuration: a team that could function seamlessly whether he was there or not. But Juliana wasn't what he was looking for.
In fact, Kaizen felt another Heavens Arena fighter, Kastro, would be a much better candidate. As an Enhancer with enough talent to catch Hisoka's attention, Kastro had undeniable potential. With the right development, Kastro could far surpass Juliana.
"Because you're not a fit," Kaizen said simply. He didn't elaborate further—it would've been unnecessarily cruel to spell it out. After all, Juliana had been nothing but polite.
"I don't have a place for you on my team," he added. "But I do have a suggestion."
Juliana perked up. "What is it?"
"Many fighters from Heavens Arena run dojos outside. You could join one of them."
Kaizen explained, "Nen users don't easily share their knowledge, but if you're sincere enough, they won't outright refuse."
Juliana hesitated. She had considered this path before but had faced obstacles that led her to abandon it. She believed she could climb the ranks of Heavens Arena on her own and even become a Floor Master.
But her recent defeat against Kaizen revealed a harsh truth: she needed guidance.
"If that doesn't work," Kaizen added, "take the Hunter Exam."
"The Hunter Exam?" Juliana frowned. She'd heard of it but never looked into it seriously.
"Pass the exam, become a licensed Hunter, and join the Association. You'll have access to teachers and resources," Kaizen explained. "But the exam is dangerous. There's a real risk of death."
Juliana shrugged. The Heavens Arena was no less perilous, and as a fighter, she had already accepted such risks.
"Kaizen, are you a Hunter?"
"No," he said, shaking his head. "But I know a fair bit about the exam and the Association."
"Thank you, Kaizen."
With that, Juliana left. Kaizen wondered what path she would choose, but it didn't concern him. He'd done more than enough for her.
As for teaching her high-level Nen techniques without her joining his team? That wasn't going to happen. Kaizen wasn't running a charity. Nen techniques were universal, but the methods and insights were personal. Juliana hadn't earned that level of trust.
Kaizen's own knowledge came from Maha Zoldyck. And Juliana wasn't qualified to receive it.
...
A few days later, Kaizen heard Juliana had left Heavens Arena.
Kaizen, meanwhile, continued his training at TST. Two months passed, and his mastery of In, Zetsu, and Ren reached 90% completion. The last 10% required refining.
"While using Gyo, maintain Ten on the periphery, and shift to Zetsu in targeted areas…" Kaizen muttered to himself. "But my Nen Beast always consumes part of my aura…"
He realized his slow progress was because he'd been holding back. A portion of his aura was always allocated to his Nen Beast, preventing him from unleashing his full power.
"If I don't go all out, I can't push past this plateau," he mused. "But going all out here will attract too much attention."
Kaizen had already garnered significant notice in Heavens Arena. Revealing more of his abilities would only draw further scrutiny. He didn't want that. The label of "young genius" was enough.
Outside, safety was a concern. But then, a thought struck him.
"Silva… Uncle Silva is in this city!"
Kaizen pulled out his phone and called Silva Zoldyck.
"Uncle Silva."
"Kaizen, what's the matter?"
"I need a favor."
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