At this moment, the attention of the three generations of the family was entirely focused on the glass of water.
{Judging by these changes, it's clear that my natural affinity lies with the Enhancement category. But why are there so many abilities manifesting from the leaf?
The space ability is clearly Kamui, and the black flames must be Amaterasu. The skeletal coating likely represents Susanoo. The strange symbols? Probably the Yasaka Beads' seal.
As for the manipulated leaf, it could be Uchiha Shin's Mangekyō Sharingan ability, which allows remote weapon control.}
"Father, what do you make of this?" Silva asked, his tone heavy with contemplation.
"The initial overflow of water clearly indicates the Enhancement category.
As for the flames, the coating, the seal, and the spatial effect—these are all indicative of the Specialization category.
Now, about the manipulated leaf: let's set that aside for a moment. What's your take on the leaf that exhibited no apparent change, Silva?"
"When I focused on it earlier, I felt a brief moment of mental disorientation. It was fleeting, but unmistakable," Silva replied with a frown.
'Mental disorientation? That suggests a connection to illusion-based abilities. Could it be Tsukuyomi? Or Kotoamatsukami? Perhaps both. System, I need an explanation!'
[The system is designed to provide information about its functions and internal products. Since this concerns your innate powers, it falls under permissible queries]
[Simply put, your Three Tomoe Sharingan has not yet evolved into the Mangekyō Sharingan, which leaves countless possibilities for future development]
[You can use system points to unlock any known Mangekyō ability, or…]
'Or what?'
[…you could awaken your own unique Mangekyō Sharingan through personal growth. However, based on the system's analysis, this probability is practically zero]
'Why is it nearly zero?'
[Because of your highly individualistic mindset and lack of sufficient emotional extremes, the chances of self-awakening are negligible]
'Thank you for that brutally honest assessment of my character. What about the All-Seeing Hands? Why wasn't that mentioned?'
[It is reflected in the mental and manipulative aspects of the leaves. Manipulation correlates with its operational capabilities, while the mental leaf reflects its cognitive impact]
While Ryker was locked in an internal debate with the system, Silva and Zeno exchanged a knowing glance.
"A natural talent like this is extraordinary. Normally, people have a primary affinity and might, through training, extend into adjacent categories."
"For instance, someone with an Enhancement affinity might edge into Emission or Transmutation.
Only a rare few can achieve equilibrium between two categories, reaching the midpoint of the hexagonal chart. These individuals possess balanced mastery over both."
(A N: According to new canon, Killua sits between Enhancement and Transmutation, while Franklin resides between Enhancement and Emission.)
"Ryker's case is even more exceptional. His natural Enhancement and Specialization affinity suggests a direct connection between the two—a unique trait.
Even if he doesn't reside at the exact midpoint, his innate dual affinity means his mastery over the other four categories will likely reach 80% efficiency."
"Silva," Zeno said, his tone measured, "Ryker's training should at least match the intensity of your own, perhaps even exceed it. He's already an ability user and must be held to that standard."
"Understood, Father," Silva replied. "I'll personally oversee his regimen. Starting today, I'll increase the dosage of his poison training. As long as he doesn't die, it will only make him stronger.
The same principle applies to electricity: as long as it doesn't kill him, he will adapt.
And I'll be ramping up Illumi's training as well. They're twins, after all—fraternal, yes, but their potential should not differ too greatly."
At that moment, Illumi, undergoing his own training, suddenly felt an inexplicable chill.
"You know what you're doing," Zeno said, standing to leave. "Focus on those two. I'll handle the unnecessary contracts."
Meanwhile, Ryker's mind went blank, only to be jolted by a horrifying realization: he had underestimated the horrors of the Zoldyck family's training.
The comforts of his early life had dulled his vigilance. But now, he recalled Killua's memories of relentless poison ingestion and constant electric shocks—methods designed to forge endurance.
"Ryker," Silva said, breaking his thoughts, "training usually progresses step by step. However, given your unique circumstances, we'll skip ahead.
You've already grasped 'Ten', so I'll teach you 'Zetsu'.
'Zetsu' is the technique of ceasing your aura flow, which can alleviate fatigue and anxiety. By concealing your presence entirely, you'll become nearly undetectable.
However, in 'Zetsu', your defense against Nen attacks drops to zero, so it's a vital but dangerous skill for assassins."
After half a day of practice, Silva nodded in approval.
"Good. You've mastered Ten, Zetsu, and Ren. We'll stop here for today. Tomorrow, you'll begin wearing weights at all times, except when sleeping.
During physical training, you must maintain 'Zetsu', preventing any aura leakage."
"At all other times, even while sleeping, you must maintain 'Ten'.
If you break these rules, the punishment will be electric shocks of varying intensity, depending on the duration of your lapse. I'll assign monitors to oversee your compliance."
Ryker's face paled, his mind racing.
'I reincarnated as a corporate drone and worked toward the physique of a middle aged manager, only to end up living a nightmare worse than any boot camp!'
"Resistance is futile," Silva said coldly. "You have no choice in this. Any complaints will lead directly to punishment."
From that day forward, Ryker's life plunged into an unending cycle of grueling training and relentless discipline.
It was a period of darkness that would forever be etched in his memory.
Yet, in this crucible, he began to transform—physically, mentally, and spiritually.