After a much-needed break, the fresh soldiers gather once again in the training camp, eager to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. While most of them are beaming with enthusiasm, Nobu lets out a sigh and buries his face in a bar of chocolate.
"Why do we need to go through all this training before heading to the capital?" He grumbles. "It's such a hassle. I don't want to train anymore!"
Sayuri playfully drums on Nobu's head as she chimes in, "That's so unlike you!" She says, "I thought you're the one who trains the most, but it appears you're not into working hard!"
"It's not that he just hates training," Clarifies Reina, summoning his katana, "He's also feeling a little down because he heard that he's the weakest in three different stats."
"Oh, I see." Sayuri's face lights up with understanding. As her eyes shine after spying on the bar of chocolate in Nobu's hands. "Ooh, that looks delicious! Can I have a piece?" She grins.
But before she can even reach for it, Nobu quickly pulls it away and swats at her hand. "No way! This is my chocolate!"
"Aw, come on, Nono!" Pouts Sayuri, "Food always tastes better when shared"
Nobu shakes his head. "Nah I'm good," He says.
"But you know what's even more amazing?" Chimes in Satomi, "Nobu never shares his chocolate with anyone, not even his closest friends! Right, Reina?"
Reina nods in agreement. "It's true." He confirms, "I've been with him for years, and I've never once seen him offer his chocolate to anyone."
Sayuri's eyes widen in surprise. "Really? Can I ask why?" She questions, eagerly waiting for clarification.
Nobu shrugs, savoring the rich chocolate flavor in his mouth. "Chocolate is my thing, you know?" He explains, "I just love it so much. It's the best thing that has ever crossed my life. So, if I give someone some of my chocolate, it means that person is someone I love the most, and I would be ready to give my life for them."
"It's not that much to brag about," he continues, his light spirit returning. "Giving someone chocolate is my way of making them feel really special."
Ash, always the tease, chimes in. "Rumors say that person is gonna be a girl! You're definitely gonna give it to your future girl, right? Right?"
Nobu chuckles, not at all bothered by Ash's teasing. "Most likely, yeah."
"Your honesty is a bit irritating, you know!" Adds Ash as he shakes his head in amazement.
"He might give it to his love interest ha?" Sayuri's mind wanders as she watches Nobu enjoy his chocolate. She can't help but wonder if he has a special someone in mind to share it with. Her thoughts drift to the possibility of Nobu having a love interest, and a sense of longing washes over her.
"Why do I feel like this?" she thinks to herself. "Am I... jealous? Why though? So weird..."
"They are finally here!" Interjects Nobu as he sees Kaeya and Shinso getting closer, "You're late, both of you!" He scowls, pointing at them.
"You're supposed to treat your superiors with respect," Clarifies Shinso, amazed by Nobu's boldness.
"I told you that he's something else," Whispers Kaeya to Shinso, sighing at the boy's behavior, "Anyways, I hope you got enough rest.
"For those who don't know, my magic is concentration magic, and Mr. Shinso's magic is time magic." Clarifies Kaeya as he addresses the group, "Both of us possess pure power. And now, I want you to pay attention to what I'm going to do..."
As Kaeya summons his katana, the newbies watch in awe as the blade begins to glow with power. Nobu gasps as Kaeya drives the sword into the ground, creating a massive hole in the floor even though he didn't touch the ground with his sword.
"What... Was... That?" Nobu exclaims, amazed by the sheer power on display.
"It's a technique that I created myself" Replies Kaeya, "All for One. Essentially, it's a refined form of my concentration powers. It's all about condensing all the power of your body into one point for only a brief moment and then making it run wild by releasing it all at once. If one of you can master it, you can apply it to your sword like me, or even to a part of your body or your spell."
"But, it's YOUR technique, isn't it?" Protests Reina, "How can we master someone else's technique? We don't even have the same element as yours!"
Reina's protest echoes in the training camp, breaking the silence that had settled after Kaeya's demonstration. The old mage dematerializes his weapon and turns to face his new students. "But the technique used for this spell can be mastered by some people, I believe," he says, his voice calm and steady. "Not to mention that the only disciple I had before you was able to add All For One to her list of spells!"
Nobu looks at Kaeya in amazement, "Old man Kaeya, you used to have a disciple! I've never heard you talk about training someone before!"
Kaeya's eyes flicker to the ground, and he tightens his grip on his left arm. "Well, there's a reason behind it," he says, his smile fading slightly. He lifts his head to the newbies, and his expression softens. "She's already dead," he clarifies, still smiling. "The one and only disciple I got was killed in the war of the four kingdoms against a certain clan."
Reina, Nobu, and the other newbies all fall silent, shocked by Kaeya's revelation. The weight of the words "already dead" seems to hang heavy in the air as they process the information. A somber mood settles in, and nobody dares to speak for a while. Eventually, Kaeya breaks the silence, "I showed you the technique because I'm curious if someone without the concentration magic can master it or not. My late disciple had the same element as mine, so..."
"Get into it, let's see if one of you can refine this skill or not!"
The concept of All For One is as intriguing as it is challenging to master. To harness its full potential, one must first channel the magic that circulates throughout their body and concentrate it into a single point with laser-like precision. This requires intense focus and control, as the magic needs to be condensed to its utmost limit, leaving the rest of the body magicless for that brief moment.
Once the magic is concentrated, it can be unleashed in a devastating blow, enhancing the raw power of a punch or kick, or even augmenting the potency of a spell.
After unleashing the blow, the magical energy will slowly regenerate in the body, but the process is not instantaneous. The more magic is condensed and unleashed, the longer it will take for the body to recover. It requires great control and discipline to use this technique efficiently without harming oneself. That is All For One!
Kaeya instructs the newbies to gather all their magical energy at one point and tells them to choose the point that suits their individual style. "Remember, this is just the first step," Kaeya reminds them, "you won't be able to master All For One in just one training session. But if you keep practicing and refining your technique, you'll be able to unleash a powerful blow just like I did."
Nobu can feel the frustration building up inside him. He wants to participate in the training, but he knows that without magical energy, he won't be able to do anything. He starts to pout, feeling discouraged and hopeless. But he knows that giving up is not an option. He's determined to try his hardest and see if there's a way for him to participate.
The atmosphere in the training ground is tense as the newbies struggle to master the All For One technique. Despite their determination and effort, they all seem to hit a roadblock when it comes to condensing their magical energy into a single point.
Satomi speaks up, her frustration is evident in her voice, "My magical circuit just keeps refilling itself! I can't seem to condense it no matter how hard I try."
Magnus nods in agreement, sweat beading on his forehead, "Yeah, same here. It's like trying to hold water in a sieve."
Shinso furrows his brow, lost in thought as he considers the situation. "Perhaps this technique is only accessible to those with focus magic," he muses, turning his gaze to Reina, "What about you, Reina?"
"I can't do it either..." Admits Reina, looking at the palm of his right hand, "It does make sense! I mean, my arcane magic is already condensed way too much. When I try to condense it more my body starts aching."
Kaeya listens carefully before interjecting, "Your body won't handle it. We do know that your magical energy is great, but this is quite something." His words are laced with concern for Reina's well-being, knowing that one of his limbs may even explode if his magic gets condensed more.
Despite their best efforts, three days have passed, and the group hasn't made any progress in condensing their magical energy. Frustration and exhaustion are setting in as everyone works tirelessly, pouring all their focus into the task at hand, but to no avail. Nobu and Reina are the only ones who seem unaffected by the challenge since they avoided the training from the first session.
Sayuri's frustration boils over as she fails yet again to condense her magical energy. Her outburst catches Nobu off guard, causing him to jump slightly in his seat. "How are we supposed to complete our All For One training if we can't even do this?" she exclaims, her voice tinged with desperation. The silence that follows is deafening, and Sayuri grows even more agitated. "Don't just sit there, say something!" she demands of Nobu as she points to him.
Nobu, looking bewildered, responds, "What do you want me to say?" But Sayuri is in no mood for evasions. "You're really something, Nono," she retorts sarcastically, plopping down onto the floor in defeat.
But then, something in Nobu's expression catches Sayuri's attention. It was his eyes, they suddenly switch to that gleaming purple. She sees a glint of determination in his eyes as if he's about to reveal something important. As he approaches her, she listens intently to his words.
"I mean, to be frank with you, you're not even doing it right," Nobu says, in a gentle yet firm tone.
Sayuri's taken aback. "Come again?" she asks, confusion written all over her face.
Sayuri's confusion deepens as Nobu makes his unexpected revelation. "You're not focusing your magic at all," he explains, "I can feel it just swirling around the core of your body. Yes, it's condensed there, but I think it's useless to condense it in your core."
"But I'm trying to condense it in my hands," Sayuri protests, feeling even more disheartened.
Nobu doesn't give up, though. "Pipsqueak, give me your hand," he commands, holding out his own hand for her to place hers on top of it. As she does so, he starts moving his finger along her small forearm. "I was told that 'magic circuit' is just a term, and that you don't actually have them," he explains. "But old man Kaeya has something like them."
Sayuri's face is a picture of confusion, but she stays silent, listening intently to Nobu's words. "It's like he has two types of veins," Nobu continues. "One for blood, and one for magic. That's why he can manipulate the flow of his magic so perfectly."
Suddenly, Nobu's finger stops moving on Sayuri's right forearm, and he lets out a cry of excitement. "Here it is! I knew I was right!" he exclaims.
Sayuri is taken aback by his sudden outburst. "What are you talking about?" she asks, chuckling nervously.
"You have one of those veins in your right arm!" Nobu clarifies, surprising Sayuri with his words. A glimmer of hope flickers in her eyes - could this be the key to finally mastering All For One?
Sayuri gazes down at her right hand, deep in thought as she listens to Nobu's explanation. "So you're telling me... just like Master Kaeya, I have only one special vein that can channel magical energy from my core to my hand?" she asks, looking up at him with a mix of excitement and disbelief.
Nobu nods in affirmation, "Yes, that's right. The others can't even condense their magical energy, but you have a knack for it."
Sayuri's eyes widen at the compliment, "Me? But I'm not even that good compared to them."
Nobu chuckles, "That may be true, but you have a unique talent. Keep condensing your magic in your core and try to feel that one vein. Once you locate it, direct your magic through it directly to your hand!"
He pauses for a moment before adding, his finger targeting her, "Pipsqueak! If anyone besides me can master All For One, it's you! It has to be you!"
The gentle breeze makes their hair sway, and Sayuri can feel her determination growing stronger as she feels a sudden burning passion in her chest, "When did Nono become so reliable?" She thinks, closing her eyes and focusing on the task at hand with newfound hope and determination, "And since when was Nono able to implant such determination into my spirit?"
Sayuri takes a deep breath, feeling the nervousness rise within her as she attempts to condense her magic once again. She focuses on her core, trying to sense the special vein that Nobu spoke of. But it's no use, she can't locate it.
"Come on, Sayuri," she whispers to herself, trying to keep her spirits up. "You can do this. You can master All For One."
As he reaches his hand, gently patting her head, Sayuri's heart starts racing, but the way he gently moves his hand calms her down. Her eyes lock onto his, and she feels a strange warmth spreading throughout her body. "Control your emotions!" Adds Nobu calmly, his voice bringing peace to her, "Breath in your rhythm, and take it easy." Then he slightly raises his hand and pats her head again.
The way he acted calmed her down, and yet she can't help the fluttering feeling in her chest. She feels safe and protected in his presence, and a part of her doesn't want this moment to end. Channeling her magic, she raises her right palm to the sky and visualizes the vein as she concentrates on directing her magic toward it. And then, with a fierce cry, she unleashes it all in a single, explosive burst of overwhelming shadow. The grass beneath their feet rustles and bends, and a small shockwave ripples out from the impact.
As the shadow fades, Sayuri opens her eyes and sees the awestruck face of her friend. She looks at Nobu with amazement and confusion as she notices something different happening within her body. "My... my body," she says in a bewildered tone, "the magic is regenerating this time... does it mean...?"
Nobu's face lights up with excitement as he realizes what just happened. "Way to go, pipsqueak!" he exclaims, beaming with pride for his friend. "You should have seen the magic generated in your hand. That was awesome!"
At Nobu's words, a wave of realization and excitement washes over Sayuri. "I... I... I mastered All For One?" she stammers, barely able to contain her joy.
With a sudden burst of energy, Sayuri jumps up, her happiness evident on her face. "I did it! I really did it!" she exclaims, feeling triumphant. The exhilaration of having finally mastered this difficult technique fills her with a sense of pride and accomplishment.
Sayuri turns to Nobu with a look of curiosity and amazement. "But seriously, Nono," she asks, "how did you feel those veins? It seems almost impossible."
Nobu shrugs his shoulders as he begins to pack their belongings, preparing to report her successful training to the others. "What can I say?" he responds with a smile, "Everything has a presence, right? And that includes those veins too."
"So you just felt that I have one vein that's similar to Master Kaeya's?" Sayuri asks, looking for confirmation as she leans against his back.
"Bingo," confirms Nobu, starting to head back to the training camp. "I just felt it, that's all." His tone is confident, and Sayuri can't help but feel grateful for his guidance and support throughout their training. Sayuri looks at Nobu's hair with deep gratitude and a smile on her face. "Thank you, Nono," she says, wrapping her small hands around him in a warm embrace.
Nobu looks a little taken aback at her words. "What did I do, though?" he asks, genuinely curious.
"For tutoring me to master All For One," Sayuri replies, her voice full of appreciation, "For forgiving me because I couldn't protect you in Paradise, and for being the first friend I've ever made. I owe you so much, Nono!"
Nobu's expression turns solemn for a moment as he recalls the painful memories of his corrupted hometown. "Mastering All For One was the result of your hard work," he says, his eyes a mix of black and orange. "And what happened to me in Paradise wasn't your fault. As for being your first friend, that's for you to decide."
"You don't owe me anything, Pipsqueak," Nobu continues, "You did all the hard work yourself. There's no need to thank me." His words are filled with sincerity and a deep sense of respect for Sayuri's determination and strength.
As they make their way back to the training camp, Sayuri shows Kaeya and the rest of the group the incredible progress she has made. They all stare at her in disbelief, amazed that she was able to master All For One. "I see, so Sayuri was actually capable of mastering it..." Gasps Kaeya in disbelief as he looks at the girl's grin.
Shinso turns to the rest of the group and asks, "Any of you was able to make progress in condensing their magic?" but they all shake their heads in disappointment.
Nobu, however, is quick to speak up. "Hey, Mr. Time!" he exclaims, glaring at Shinso. "Why didn't you ask me? Do you hate me that much?"
Shinso looks a little taken aback by Nobu's outburst. "Mr. Time?" he mutters, confused as he immediately composes himself, "What about you, Nobu? Were you able to master All For One?"
Nobu's eyes begin to glow with a deep purple hue as a small smile curves on his lips. He leans down into a fierce battle stance, his body tense with determination. With fists clenched tightly, he tucks his left hand beneath his chin and raises his right hand, preparing for action. He bends his knees even further, generating power as he pivots his back foot and turns his knee inward, initiating a punch. As he twists his hips and chest toward an empty space, he extends his fist, allowing his left arm to turn inward as he strikes with all his might.
Suddenly, an immense surge of wind bursts forth, making everyone's hair sway in the momentum. It's a powerful display of All For One, unexpected by all of them. But just as quickly as it began, it ends. Nobu falls to the ground, his body completely depleted of energy, "Of course I mastered it!" He confirms, still unable to even stand.
For a moment, there is only silence as everyone stares at Nobu in awe. Kaeya is the first to break the silence. "Incredible," he whispers, looking at the boy with newfound respect.
As for Shinso, as amazed as he looks, his thoughts are rather concerned, "A monster has appeared", He thinks to himself, realizing that Nobu, the only being with 0 magical energy, mastered All For One, "Your majesty, a monster will start our kingdom soon enough!"