Kaizen had initially expected that the creatures most compatible with Toriko would be among the beasts he'd created.
But instead, he made a sudden decision—he included his own body in the compatibility tests.
And the result was clear: his own body was an exceptionally high match for Toriko.
-96.
This meant the fusion effect would be optimal.
At first, Kaizen was surprised by the outcome.
But after thinking about it, he realized—it was actually a stroke of luck.
His physical body had long been a concern for him.
He'd spent significant time strengthening it through aura training, making sure it wouldn't become a liability. When he was at Heavens Arena, he'd stopped creating beasts altogether just to focus on training his own body. That wasn't the only time either—during the investigation of the Red Trang gang in the United States of Saherta, he'd paused development on beast fusion due to slow progress and instead dedicated himself again to physical training.
Still, Kaizen had always felt that compared to his aptitude for crafting Nen beasts, his talent for body cultivation was lacking.
After all, no Nen user is talented in every area—there's no such thing as a perfect hexagon.
Even legends like Maha Zoldyck, Netero, and Ging Freecss had areas where they fell short.
Kaizen had always feared that, as time passed, his body would inevitably become his weakest link.
But now, he'd found a way to turn that weakness into a strength.
If Toriko became his second shadow, not only would his body receive a massive stat boost, but he would also gain one of Toriko's core powers—gourmet cells.
Just like Natsu had enhanced his body and acquired abilities and the strength of Raiken...
Just like how Uchiha Sasuke—after improving his own base attributes—gained Rashomon from Ryunosuke Akutagawa...
Kaizen too would gain new abilities.
With gourmet cells, eating delicious, nutritious, and high-grade ingredients would continually strengthen his body.
He would no longer be held back by physical limitations.
And the best part—this transformation wouldn't slow down his progress with nen beasts.
After careful thought, Kaizen made his choice.
"Toriko."
The next moment, Ah Hu appeared at his side.
"Second shadow."
Toriko's body began to blur.
Glowing particles rose from her form and slowly floated toward Kaizen, merging with him bit by bit—becoming part of his very being.
A wave of pure force erupted from Kaizen's body.
Air pressure exploded outward, scattering stones and clumps of dirt like debris in a storm.
It looked just like the moment Nagato unleashed Shinra Tensei in Konoha—total release, total control.
...
Time passed.
Kaizen's aura grew stronger and stronger.
Toriko's silhouette became increasingly transparent...
Until it vanished completely.
Kaizen closed his eyes and sat cross-legged on the ground.
A brand-new power had fused into him—remaking him from the inside out.
Part of this came from the ninth Nen beast itself, which as usual provided feedback upon creation.
The other part was the direct integration of Toriko's abilities.
...
The next day.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
There was a knock on the door.
Kaizen had just exited the Sumas Space. The pajamas he'd changed into last night were now shredded from the intensity of the fusion process.
He pulled out a fresh set of clothes.
"Captain, are you awake? It's time to go," came a voice from outside.
It was Ponzu.
"I'm up. You go wash up first—I'll be out soon."
"Okay~"
Kaizen dressed quickly and opened the door.
Ponzu was at the sink, toothbrush in her mouth, still in last night's pajamas and a tiny felt hat perched on her head. Hearing his footsteps, she turned.
...
Foam still ringed her mouth in a perfect white bubble.
Kaizen frowned slightly. He noticed the puffiness around Ponzu's eyes and the dark circles beneath them. She looked like a groggy little panda just waking up.
"You didn't sleep last night?"
Ponzu looked sheepish.
"I was too excited. Couldn't fall asleep."
Kaizen hadn't slept either—but his mental state was leagues ahead of hers.
That's the difference between strong and weak aura control.
"After you finish up, change clothes and get your things together. Once we're downstairs, we'll grab breakfast—then we move out."
"Got it, Captain."
Kaizen went back to his room.
His outfit today was a sleek white training uniform with subtle blue patterns—a nod to his identity as a Floor Master from Heavens Arena. It gave him a fitting and professional appearance, while remaining flexible for movement.
"Ponzu, ready?"
"Yep, all good!"
She emerged wearing a more mature outfit than usual, though her petite build and baby face made the attempt only partly effective.
"Got everything?"
"All packed."
"Let's head down, then."
The two left the suite, returned the room key at the front desk, and made their way to the underground garage.
Dust had already settled over the car after just one day.
They got in—Kaizen behind the wheel, Ponzu in the passenger seat.
As Kaizen was about to start the car, Ponzu suddenly pointed to the vehicle parked across from them.
"Captain... what's going on with that car?"
Kaizen followed her gaze.
The car across from them was shaking—steadily and rhythmically.
Up and down.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
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