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Chapter 426
🕑 Added 2025-03-13 16:05:01 +0000 UTCChapter 426
Ron saw that, surprisingly, Toriko’s highest compatibility rating wasn’t with any of the other Nen Beasts—but with Ron’s own main body. When he experimentally included himself in the fusion list, he discovered that his compatibility with Toriko reached an exceptionally high value: 96%
This meant that if Toriko were to serve as Ron’s “Second Shadow,” the fusion would yield an optimal effect. Initially, Ron was taken aback by the result, but after thinking it over, he realized it was actually a fortunate development.
His own body had often been a concern. He’d spent significant time training to strengthen himself, wanting to avoid being the weak link. More than once—at the Sky Arena, then again in the Sahelta United States—Ron had paused creating new Nen Beasts to focus on his own physical training. When he’d partnered with Mizaistom to investigate the Crimson Tron gang, the slow progress of absorbing Sahelta’s traits had also prompted him to devote extra time to honing his body.
Yet Ron couldn’t deny that, compared to his knack for creating Nen Beasts, his talent for personal combat wasn’t on the same level. Every Nen user has strengths and weaknesses—there’s no such thing as a perfect “all-rounder.” Even Maha Zoldyck, Isaac Netero, and Ging Freecss each had areas they weren’t as skilled in.
Ron suspected that, sooner or later, his physical abilities might lag behind his rapidly growing Nen Beasts. But now he’d discovered a way to remedy that. If Toriko became his Second Shadow, Ron would gain a massive enhancement to his basic attributes, plus access to Toriko’s core abilities. Just as Natsu had inherited Demon Back and Hanma Baki’s powers, and Sasuke had acquired Rashōmon—Susano’o from Akutagawa Ryuunosuke’s influence, Ron would get Gourmet Cells. Through these cells, by eating delicious or nutrient-rich foods and prized ingredients, he could continuously raise his physical prowess. His body would no longer be a weakness, and he wouldn’t have to waste large amounts of time or energy on training, so he could still focus on creating more Nen Beasts.
Having carefully weighed his options, Ron made his decision.
“Toriko!”
Toriko moved to stand beside him. “Second Shadow,” Ron commanded.
Toriko’s form began to fade, shimmering with flecks of light that drifted toward Ron and merged into his body, becoming part of Ron’s own power. At that moment, a potent surge of aura blasted out from Ron, the shock wave scattering rocks and dirt everywhere. It was reminiscent of Pain’s Shinra Tensei in the Naruto world—an invisible force radiated outward in all directions.
Gradually, the aura grew stronger. Toriko’s figure vanished completely as Ron sank into a meditative position on the ground, eyes closed. Two distinct energies were merging: one was the feedback from creating his ninth Nen Beast, the other was Toriko’s power as it fused directly with Ron.
By the next morning, a series of knocks sounded at Ron’s door.
“Bang! Bang! Bang!”
He’d only just returned from Sumas’s space. The pajamas he’d changed into the previous night had been torn to shreds by the surge of energy. He’d had to dig out a fresh set of clothes.
“Captain? Are you awake? It’s time,” came Ponzu’s voice from outside.
“I’m awake. Go ahead and wash up—I’ll be out in a minute.”
“Okay!”
Ron finished dressing and opened the door. Ponzu was at the sink, toothbrush still in her mouth. She wore the same pajamas as the night before, a little sleeping cap perched on her head. Hearing Ron’s footsteps, she turned around, foam still on her lips. Ron noticed that her eyes were a bit puffy with dark circles beneath them, like a panda that had just woken up.
“You didn’t sleep all night?”
Ponzu looked embarrassed. “I was too excited to fall asleep…”
Ron had also gone without sleep, but he looked fine in comparison. That was the difference between greater and lesser resilience.
“Once you’re done washing up, change clothes and gather your luggage,” Ron said. “We’ll grab breakfast downstairs, but we’re leaving right after that. Time’s a bit tight.”
Ponzu nodded. “Yes, Captain.”
After freshening up, Ron changed into a white training outfit with some blue detailing—exactly the sort of attire you might expect from a martial artist. Given his reputation as a floor master at Sky Arena, it suited him perfectly, and it was comfortable to move around in.
“You ready, Ponzu?”
“Yes, Captain.”
Ponzu’s outfit was slightly different from her usual style, looking a touch more mature. Still, with her small stature and youthful face, the overall impression didn’t change too drastically.
“Got everything?”
“All set!”
“Great, let’s head down.”
They left the suite, turned in their room key at the front desk, and made their way to the underground garage. The car was already a bit dusty from just one day of parking there.
Climbing in, Ron took the driver’s seat, and Ponzu settled into the passenger side. He was about to start the engine when Ponzu pointed at a vehicle across from them.
“Captain, what’s going on with that car over there?”
Following her gaze, Ron saw it rocking rhythmically up and down…
