Chapter 12: A Leap in Strength
The Crescent Tiger, of course, couldn't speak, but it let out a low rumble as if responding.
Haru focused on locating the wolf he had sent out to patrol earlier. The wolf was still under the influence of his Star Mark, operating on the active control mode. Haru could faintly sense the wolf's position.
With a thought, he switched to the first-person perspective, immersing himself in the wolf's consciousness. The "Wolf Haru" activated, its emerald-green eyes gleaming in the forest's darkness as it sniffed the air and slinked into the shadows, searching for the pale figure that had seemed to watch him earlier.
Back at the campsite, the night had fully descended. Toru's unique crescent-patterned fur glowed faintly like jade under the firelight, creating a hauntingly beautiful effect. Haru couldn't help but stare, momentarily mesmerized.
Realizing something, Haru decided to experiment. He applied Zetsu to his eyes, blocking aura from his vision. He focused on the glowing patterns, and they began to twist and swirl, forming an endless kaleidoscopic tunnel that threatened to consume his mind.
Realizing the danger, Haru quickly stopped using Zetsu on his eyes, restoring a protective aura barrier. The glowing patterns returned to normal.
Toru growled softly, as if to ask, "Are you okay?"
Haru exhaled deeply. "So that's why your patterns are so mesmerizing at night. It's not just decorative; it's a natural advantage for hunting prey in the dark."
Toru tilted its head, looking innocent as ever.
Meanwhile, the wolf patrolled the forest, circling back repeatedly but finding no trace of the mysterious pale child. Perhaps it had all been Haru's imagination.
Calling the wolf back to the campsite, Haru watched it gnaw on the leftover rabbit bones.
---
The next morning started as usual.
Haru sent the wolf back out to patrol the bird traps. Toru ventured deeper into the woods to hunt, while Haru resumed his Nen training.
For Haru, these superpowers were both fascinating and fun. Even without the Star Mark pushing him to train, he would have eagerly explored the potential of Nen.
Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu…
Gyo, Shu, Ko, Ken…
In terms of Manipulation, Haru felt he was already proficient, but he still dedicated some time to sharpening his skills.
In Emission, he focused on improving both the basics and his developing signature move, Bullet Flick. He knew that once he could execute the technique without specific hand gestures or delays, its power would greatly increase.
By repeatedly exhausting his aura reserves with Ken and allowing the Star Mark to replenish him, Haru pushed his limits. Increasing one's total aura capacity required relentless effort—there were no shortcuts.
Compared to ordinary Nen users, Haru was already ahead, thanks to his Star Mark's regenerative properties. Not everyone had the luxury of a personal recovery mechanism or a mentor like Biscuit Krueger to accelerate their growth.
This grueling regimen often left Haru physically and mentally numb, but he found motivation in imagining the kind of dedication Biscuit must have had to create her legendary physique and Nen abilities.
By the end of the third day, Haru could feel the results of his labor.
---
On the fourth day, Haru had spent the entire morning and much of the afternoon training. As he maintained Ken, he mentally counted.
"997… 998… 999…"
The aura surrounding his body didn't waver, even though he had been holding it for over ten minutes.
"One thousand!"
Haru finally let go, collapsing to his knees as his aura dissipated. Sweat dripped down his face, but he smiled through his exhaustion.
"A thousand seconds!"
Lying on the ground in a starfish position, Haru couldn't help but feel proud. "It took Gon and Killua 30 days under Biscuit's guidance to increase their aura pool from 3,000 to 20,000. Meanwhile, I've gone from 100 to 1,000 in just three days! Ten times the improvement! My potential isn't so bad after all."
Reflecting on the last three days of near-insane training, Haru felt his efforts had paid off.
His total aura pool had increased tenfold, and he had thoroughly practiced every basic Nen technique. Though not yet a master, he was proficient enough to feel confident in his abilities.
If he could return to the night on the ship, facing that armed enemy again, Haru was certain he wouldn't even need Toru or the wolf to intervene. His fundamentals alone would suffice. If he managed to land a Bullet Flick, he could take down the opponent from fifty paces away.
"Still, I shouldn't get overconfident," Haru reminded himself. His practical combat experience was minimal.
Feeling his aura slowly recovering, Haru stood up and walked to a tree trunk as thick as three or four adults hugging it.
With his aura condensed into Ken, he struck the tree with a full-force punch.
Crack!
The trunk splintered, leaving a deep fissure halfway through.
Haru followed up with a Bullet Flick, sending an aura projectile into the tree.
Boom!
The projectile struck the already damaged trunk, blasting the top half into the air before it crashed into another tree. Smoke wafted from the impact site, leaving a jagged crater.
"Not bad," Haru muttered, nodding in satisfaction. Still, he reminded himself, "Biscuit said 1,800 is the minimum aura pool needed to survive in the real world. I'm only at 1,000. Gotta stay cautious."
Nearby, the wolf trembled, utterly terrified. Even without the Star Mark's influence, it would have willingly submitted to this small but terrifying human.
Toru, in contrast, seemed unfazed, feeling only admiration and affection for Haru.
Haru patted Toru's head before scolding the wolf. "Three days, and you still haven't caught a single bird? Useless! At this rate, we'll run out of game, and I might have to skin and roast you instead!"
The wolf whimpered, flattening itself against the ground in submission.
"Stop groveling. Follow me," Haru ordered, leading Toru and the wolf out of the area.
---
Haru hadn't given up on catching birds. Having failed with the traps, he decided to rely on his growing skills.
Using Gyo, Haru enhanced his vision, spotting several birds perched high in the trees. He signaled Toru and the wolf to stay back before activating Zetsu, erasing his aura completely.
Silently approaching the tree, Haru carefully aimed at the birds.
With a flick of his finger, he launched a pinpoint aura projectile at a gray bird.
The bird squawked once before toppling from its perch.
One by one, Haru knocked down the remaining birds with precise shots.
"Perfect."
Using a strand of his hair infused with aura, Haru carefully marked each bird's beak with a tiny Star Mark.
"Wake."
The five birds fluttered awake, their tiny minds instantly succumbing to Haru's commands.
"Fly."
The birds took to the sky in perfect formation, their squawks harmonious.
Switching his control to direct first-person mode, Haru felt as though he had gained five new sets of eyes. From above the forest canopy, he could finally get a clear view of his surroundings.
"So it's a peninsula…"
From his aerial vantage, Haru spotted the coastline and a cluster of towns along the eastern shore. One particular structure caught his eye: a large amusement park.
"Looks like I've got a long way to go," he muttered, steering Toru toward the eastern towns.
It wasn't long before Haru stumbled upon something curious: a tall metal fence lined with warning signs.
"Endangered Wildlife Reserve: Crescent Tiger Habitat. Do Not Enter."
"Well, that explains why I haven't seen anyone for days…" Haru muttered, glancing at Toru. "You're a protected species, huh?"
Toru growled softly, nudging Haru.
"That settles it. If those poachers are still around, I'll show them what happens when you mess with my tiger."
With a confident grin, Haru leapt onto Toru's back and prepared to confront the intruders.
(End of Chapter)