NenMaster
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Chapter 87
🕑 Added 2024-12-05 09:46:55 +0000 UTCIt’s like comparing a car speeding at full throttle to one cruising gently—when they hit someone, the impact force is vastly different.
Speed is power, and in this regard, it’s undeniable.
Thus, Phantom Tiger Bite True Fist integrates power, speed, and misdirection into one complete package.
It also aligns perfectly with the fast-attack and surprise-strike style that Kastro had been seeking from the beginning.
In terms of enhancement-type Nen abilities, it’s an all-encompassing skill, perfectly suited for martial artists.
Kastro himself was extremely satisfied with the ability.
Not only did it align seamlessly with his Nen type, but it also allowed him to maximize the potential of his enhancement abilities.
Even Hisoka the fruit farmer wouldn’t dismiss him as “a waste of potential” after meeting him now.
In fact, Hisoka might even see him as a ripe, juicy fruit ready for plucking.
“Osu!”
Kastro, fired up, assumed his Shingen-ryu stance and shouted his signature battle cry.
As the disciple of Morin, who himself was the student of Biscuit—a veteran Shingen-ryu master—and as someone trained by Ging, a skilled Shingen-ryu Nen user, Kastro was undoubtedly a proper Shingen-ryu disciple.
If he ever met Biscuit, he’d have to address her as Grandmaster.
Speaking of Biscuit, she hadn’t forgotten to keep in touch over the past two years.
Having drunk from the Fountain of Youth and regained her appearance from her early thirties, she was as energetic as ever.
Currently, she was traveling the world, enthusiastically searching for gemstones using the Treasure Map item that Morin had given her.
Youth had not only rejuvenated her body but her mindset as well.
Biscuit seemed determined to collect every gemstone on the planet.
Thinking back, the days spent training and traveling worldwide with Biscuit were grueling but unforgettable.
The growth in strength, Biscuit’s antics, and… Pakunoda.
Whenever Morin thought of Biscuit, his mind inevitably wandered to Pakunoda, who had left them back then.
Morin shook his head, dismissing the thoughts from his mind.
“Not long now before we meet again,” he muttered.
“I wonder how Pakunoda has been. Is she still as dignified and beautiful? Did she manage to break free from those restrictions? Were her clothes enough to hold up?”
“And Machi…”
Morin glanced at his phone before putting it away.
Then, he looked at Kastro, who was standing there, upright and ready, awaiting his next instructions.
“You’ve graduated.”
“Yes, Master!”
Kastro instinctively responded but then suddenly realized something was off.
Huh?!
His eyes widened in shock as he stared at Morin.
“What’s with that look?”
Morin chuckled at Kastro’s expression.
“When young lions and tigers grow up, their parents drive them out to claim their own territory.
“That’s just the law of the jungle. Even wild beasts understand this, so how can a high-intelligence creature like you not?
“Or are you really incapable of growing up? Are you playing dumb and pretending you don’t know this is how things work?”
Kastro grew flustered at Morin’s words.
“No, Master, I just—”
“Alright, I understand what you mean, and I can empathize with your feelings.”
Morin looked at Kastro, whose eyes were starting to turn red, and said softly:
“There’s an old saying in my hometown: All good things must come to an end.
“You have to set out on your own to experience the world. Shutting yourself off won’t work. You must learn to weather the storms alone.
“I can’t stay by your side forever.”
Kastro fell silent for a long time after hearing this.
Finally, he lowered his head deeply, prostrated himself on the ground, and gave Morin a respectful bow.
“Thank you so much for your guidance during this time!”
“Alright, get up,” Morin said, pulling Kastro to his feet with one hand. “In Shingen-ryu, we don’t value such formalities.”
“Yes… Osu!!”
Kastro quickly assumed another fighting stance.
“Good,” Morin nodded. “Now go. Go explore the world and see how vast and exciting it is.”
“Yes!”
Kastro replied loudly, then looked at Morin intently.
“I want to hear one final piece of guidance from you, Master!”
“Final? There will be plenty of chances for that in the future. It’s not like we’ll never see each other again.”
Morin laughed at his seriousness.
Kastro’s reaction might have been the most appropriate way to part with one’s teacher.
In comparison, Morin’s own behavior after completing the Hunter Exam—leaving without a word and only calling Biscuit afterward—seemed far less graceful.
Looking back, Morin felt that Biscuit’s decision not to disown him had been an act of immense kindness.
“Alright, I’ll give you some advice,” Morin said with a small shake of his head.
“When you leave, consider taking the Hunter Exam. I don’t need to explain the benefits of a Hunter License; you already know.
“With it, you’ll have far fewer obstacles as you travel the world.”
“Also, taking the exam will show you that this world isn’t just about martial artists. Hunters are the most complex and representative profession out there.
“During the exam, pay attention to the challenges the examiners set. Reflect on what you can learn from them.”
Morin raised a finger and waved it gently in front of Kastro.
“Once you get your license, choose a hunter profession that suits you and make a name for yourself.
“No matter the field, you need to at least earn the title of a one-star Hunter.
“That’s your final test from me. Once you’ve achieved that, come find me.
“If you can’t obtain the title, you won’t be able to track me down, even if you know where I am.
“You’re well aware of the variety of effects my items have, so believe me when I say I’m not joking.”
As he spoke, his words even started to rhyme.
“Understood, Master!!”
Kastro stood tall and responded firmly. “Any other instructions?”
“Hmm… If you see Kanzai or Botobai at the Hunter Association, say hello for me.”
“Oh, and if you have the chance, visit Biscuit of Shingen-ryu. She’s my master and your grandmaster. Pass along my regards to her.”
“Grandmaster?”
Kastro was startled, quickly thinking, She must be an extraordinary martial artist!
Seeing Kastro’s increasingly serious expression, Morin could tell he’d misunderstood but chose not to correct him.
When the kid finally met Biscuit, he’d be in for a big surprise.
Telling him now would only ruin the fun.
Life is more enjoyable with unexpected surprises, isn’t it?
“Other than that, nothing… Oh, if you happen to run into Ging, say hi for me.”
Ging had already left six months ago.
After teaching Kastro Nen abilities, Morin also inherited all of Kastro’s collection of offensive Nen techniques.
Now, in terms of sheer volume of abilities, Morin was undoubtedly well-equipped.
To better familiarize himself with these abilities and seamlessly integrate them into his arsenal, Morin had spent a great deal of time sparring with Razor in Soufrabi.
Of course, their battles could no longer take place in the warehouse facility; after all, the Restoration Light Lamp had already been taken by Ging.
Without the lamp, any damage caused during their fights would be much harder to repair.
Over time, the two of them developed a profound bond through their intense battles.
And as their friendship—strictly speaking, a platonic friendship—grew deeper, both of their strengths saw rapid improvement.
There’s no better way to increase your power than going head-to-head with a skilled opponent.
Razor’s improvement far exceeded the original version of him.
If, ten years later, the story were to unfold and Gon arrived on Greed Island, he’d have to face an upgraded Razor…
Tsk. Just imagining that scene gives you chills.
Thanks to Razor, Morin’s combat abilities had reached their peak.
Especially in private, when he used his Shadow Flashlight to create shadow clones for additional sparring, his physical combat skills became virtually flawless.
Meanwhile, Ging, who had taken the Restoration Light Lamp, had left to rally his friends and prepare for a massive restoration project on the Lurka Ruins.
For the time being, he wouldn’t be wandering the world, so it would still be a while before Kastro would have the chance to encounter him.
“That’s it. When you’re out there on your own, be careful.”
After some thought and realizing there was nothing else to add, Morin gave his final instructions to Kastro.
Though Morin trusted in his disciple’s abilities, he couldn’t help but worry. He certainly didn’t want the next news he heard about Kastro to be of his untimely demise.
Even though Kastro was now a decent fighter in the world of Hunters, there were still plenty of people stronger than him—Netero, Biscuit, Botobai, the Zoldyck family heads, and even the generations of older patriarchs in the Zoldyck lineage. (TL: What are the chances to run into those)
Not to mention, there were countless bizarre and dangerous Nen abilities out there.
One careless mistake or ambush, and there would be no place to cry about it.
“Don’t worry, Master. I’ll remember all your teachings and never let my guard down.”
Kastro promised solemnly.
After exchanging a few more words, Kastro reluctantly summoned his magical book.
“Using the spell card Departure B-30!”
His two-plus years of training had also made him proficient at playing the game.
The many monster cards he had collected in the canyon could fetch a good price in Masadora, allowing him to purchase plenty of spell cards.
As Kastro cast one last glance at Morin, his entire body was enveloped in a burst of white light. In the next instant, he shot toward the horizon, disappearing beyond the boundaries of the island.
"Alright," Morin stretched slightly, his powerful, well-proportioned muscles gleaming under the sunlight, almost as if they were radiating their own brilliance.
"A disciple begins their own journey, and as a master, it's time for me to start my own work as well."
Morin's gaze drifted toward the distance, his expression gradually deepening with a sense of profound contemplation.
On his broad, muscular back was an intricate tattoo of a spider, vividly lifelike. The large, bold numeral "1" on it was strikingly conspicuous.
"Three years have passed, and now it's finally time to regroup."
"I wonder how much progress the others have made in their training. The members should all have been located by now, right?"
"The Phantom Troupe's first-ever full gathering!"
A gentle breeze swept by, stirring a faint ripple in the air like a wave across a calm plain.
