They returned to their respective homes. However, before going home, Aoki decided to buy weights for training. Aoki planned to use them on his arms and legs to increase his body strength.
As soon as he got home after buying the weights, Aoki immediately put them on. Although they were heavy and hindered his movements, Aoki was confident that this would strengthen his body and improve his abilities when using a sword.
Upon arriving home, Kuroshiro, the black cat who was Aoki's mentor, greeted him with complaints because Aoki was late in preparing dinner. However, Kuroshiro quickly forgave him when Aoki served two of Kuroshiro's favorite fish.
While watching Kuroshiro happily devour the fish, Aoki began practicing absorbing Natural Energy. Aoki kept the weights on his wrists and ankles, even though it was difficult to move.
Aoki's determination was firm: a stronger body would give him sharpness and power when swinging his sword. Aoki felt confident that this was his path to greater strength, even if it had to be achieved through hard work and pain.
After Aoki finished absorbing Natural Energy, his body felt heavy, but his heart was now filled with satisfaction.
The weights still worn on his wrists and ankles reminded Aoki that his struggle was far from over; one could even say it had just begun.
Despite feeling tired, Aoki decided to go to sleep without removing the weights. Sleeping with heavy equipment on his body might be uncomfortable, but Aoki saw it as another test he had to pass.
...
...
...
(Morning)
The next morning, Aoki woke up with a familiar soreness in his muscles, but it only made him smile. This pain was a sign that Aoki's body was becoming stronger.
After washing his face to refresh himself, Aoki immediately began his strict morning routine. Push-ups, sit-ups, squat jumps, each a hundred times, all done with the weights still attached to his body. After that, Aoki ran ten kilometers, fighting against the fatigue that was starting to creep through his entire body.
There was no time to rest; after running, Aoki continued his training by swinging his sword a hundred times. Each swing was done with full determination, as if every sword strike would bring him closer to his goal of becoming the strongest swordsman.
Hours passed, Aoki's body was drenched in sweat, his breath became heavy, but his spirit remained ablaze. With the same determination, Aoki then entered the kitchen to prepare food for himself and Kuroshiro.
Although the training routine was tough and exhausting, cooking was a brief moment where Aoki could enjoy peace and warmth, even if just for a moment. After breakfast was finished, the clock showed four fifty, but Aoki's day had just begun.
...
...
...
(Noon)
After six hours of absorbing Natural Energy, Aoki felt a new balance and strength within himself. However, it was not just physical strength that drove Aoki. There was a deeper calling, a commitment he had made since the passing of his parents and Aunt Nansa.
With the remaining time, Aoki decided to visit their graves, a ritual he always performed to honor them and remind himself of the reasons behind his struggle.
After praying solemnly at the graves, Aoki returned to the real world, where responsibilities awaited him. He headed to his boss's shop, where he worked making weapons.
With the restaurant now having to close due to a lack of staff, Aoki knew that the burdens of life were becoming heavier, but he never complained. This shop was the only legacy left by his parents, and Aoki was determined to preserve it.
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