Chapter 100: The Final Battle
Bang!
The next morning, a deafening explosion echoed through the mountains, kicking up a massive cloud of dust.
Countless birds took flight, scattering in panic.
Haze shot forward like a bullet only to be slammed backward by one of Netero's lightning-fast kicks.
His body smashed through tree after tree, splinters flying in all directions.
And yet, despite losing balance midair, Haze easily regained control of his limbs, twisting his body with inhuman agility. Just before crashing into another trunk, his feet gripped it tightly then, with a powerful leap, he propelled himself back toward his opponent like a cannonball.
His figure darted through the forest in a blur, leaving behind afterimages so fast they formed dotted trails impossible to follow with the naked eye.
Netero's pupils flicked rapidly from side to side, trying to predict the trajectory of Haze's next strike.
The old man's expression tightened. Compared to their previous spar during the Hunter Exam, Haze's transformation was astonishing.
Though his body hadn't fully healed, the leap in his telekinetic power was remarkable his offense and defense had reached new heights.
His combat potential was… terrifying.
"Your physical condition and talent are truly impressive…" Netero said with a grin. "Your telekinesis might not be the strongest, but with your control and temperament, that weakness hardly matters."
His tone was casual, but his eyes were sharp.
Before his words could fade, a sudden gust of wind swept through, rustling his hair as a torrent of condensed telekinesis roared toward him.
The energy wasn't vast but its quality was incomparable.
It came straight from Haze's heart.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Netero moved first, fists and feet colliding with Haze's in a flurry that blurred the air.
Boom!
As expected, Haze was sent flying again.
Netero withdrew his stance and bounced lightly on his heels, fists still raised. He looked at Haze whose body steamed from the heat of exertion, his face flushed and smiled faintly.
"This breathing technique of yours… quite fascinating. It stimulates your organs and sharpens your senses. But in your current state, I'd recommend using it sparingly."
"There's more than one way to breathe," Haze said, shaking his aching arms and stretching. "Each rhythm has a different effect. I'm using this method to adapt faster and to push my body beyond its limits."
Netero chuckled. "Not just that… It seems you've unlocked some new martial arts forms. Are you hoping I'll refine every part of your body until it moves in perfect unity?"
Haze smirked. "That's a secret."
And then he vanished.
During their previous battle, Haze had realized his limitations. Techniques like the Vajra Finger only trained his hands; others focused on specific areas. Iron Shirt hardened only the surface, relying on blood and Qi for defense.
Challenging Netero was impossible for now, but reaching Biscuit's level that was within his grasp.
His first goal was total-body refinement: muscles, bones, and flesh strengthened as one. Then came the internal organs also to be trained through breathing.
Once tempered inside and out, Haze might not surpass Biscuit but he could stand beside her.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The battle resumed.
From the sky, the mountainous terrain below looked like a storm zone trees uprooted, dust clouds rising.
Haze was constantly blown back, sent flying by Netero's strikes. Yet each time, he adapted faster, countering with renewed precision.
Days turned into nights. The sun rose and fell.
Having one of the strongest Nen users alive as a sparring partner was an opportunity few could even dream of.
In these brutal duels, Haze's abilities skyrocketed.
At first, he could barely maintain his breathing techniques lasting only minutes before collapsing. The rest of the day, he spent being pummeled.
Gradually, he began cultivating Nen fundamentals Refinement.
By transforming pure natural energy, he nourished his exhausted body and replenished his aura.
Still, the process was slow impossible to rush.
By Netero's estimation, if Haze didn't plan to fight the Dyx Clan anytime soon, full recovery through this method would take years.
But Netero didn't mind.
He temporarily handed over Association affairs to his subordinates, occasionally calling Doumianren for updates.
Unless something truly catastrophic happened, he didn't bother stepping in.
In his absence, of course, there would be internal squabbles but Netero liked a bit of chaos. It kept things interesting.
The rest of his time, he spent "playing" with his new toy.
Few young men were willing to train with an old geezer nowadays especially not someone as sharp and cunning as Haze.
Netero cherished it.
He was thrilled every time he defeated the boy it filled him with nostalgic joy.
And Haze? He enjoyed it too.
But nothing lasts forever.
As Haze's breathing improved, so did his stamina and power and with that, the old man's pressure grew.
Within a month, Haze could spar for an hour straight.
By then, Netero had swapped his loose robe and wooden clogs for… tight training pants.
After two months, even Netero was starting to feel fatigue.
Yes actual fatigue.
Despite his jokes about old age, he still had vitality to spare, but this boy was pushing him to his limits.
Haze could now fight for hours while maintaining controlled breathing, keeping pace with the old man without special techniques.
They fought nearly day and night.
When night fell, Haze began chanting his mantras never wasting a single moment.
His hunger for strength, his obsession, his focus it reminded Netero of his own youth.
He admired the boy deeply.
But on the surface, his grin had vanished.
By the third month, Netero's face often twisted in frustration, half-regretting ever agreeing to this.
His bones creaked. His muscles burned.
From the start, he had kept his strength level with Haze's, believing an equal opponent was the best catalyst for growth.
And yet… for two months straight, Haze had gained no real advantage.
But halfway through the third month, things began to change.
During several of their later exchanges, Netero just for an instant felt the terrifying possibility of losing.
Of course, he ultimately prevailed through skill, experience, and precision.
But the fact that the thought even crossed his mind shook him.
…
The final day of the three months.
A gentle breeze rustled the grass. Haze's clothes were torn to shreds; he had long since abandoned his jacket.
He ended his meditation, slowly opening his eyes.
Then his heart contracted sharply, sending a surge of rich blood through his body. Each organ awakened, working in perfect harmony as his breathing settled into a precise rhythm.
"The last fight…" he murmured.
Across from him, the old man stepped forward, framed by the rising sun.
Netero's eyes were sharp, his expression solemn as he rolled his shoulders.
"I'll defeat you," Haze declared.
In that instant, his eyes lit up with pure, unshakable will.
Their auras flared colliding invisibly in the air.
"I won't lose, boy," Netero replied, grinning fiercely.
Whoosh!
Grass and dirt burst into the air as Haze launched forward, soaring past Netero's head.
At that moment, both of their auras reached their absolute peak
(End of Chapter)