chsdbacks Chapter 63 Rapid Progress
Chapter 63 Rapid Progress
Time flies, and a month has passed quietly.
The rules of the One-Punch Man world are like a vast ocean, inclusive and tolerant, with negligible suppression of otherworldly forces.
In this uniquely advantageous environment, Iaido digested and assimilated the "gifts" from Genma and Jin at an astonishing speed.
The extraordinary enlightenment brought about by the soul completion allowed him to absorb the essence of every bit of power as efficiently as a sponge.
First, there is a transformation in physical health.
The shared optimization of the Lunarian physique, combined with the world's already extraordinary physical training methods, has resulted in a qualitative leap in Iaijutsu's physical abilities.
Muscle fibers become stronger and denser, bone density increases significantly, internal organs are full of vitality, and metabolism is far faster than normal.
Even without using any defensive techniques, his physical strength alone has already surpassed the limits of humanity, making him virtually invincible.
He had a strong sense of confidence that if he were to use Armament Haki to harden his body, he would even dare to go head-to-head with "Superalloy Darkshine," who was recognized as having the strongest defense among the S-class heroes, and see who had the better defense!
Secondly, it is about improving one's kendo skills.
The enlightenment gained after the soul was restored was fully displayed in the cultivation of swordsmanship.
The subtle techniques of exerting force and the methods of condensing sword energy that used to require hundreds of sword swings and repeated contemplation to comprehend are now clear and easy to understand in his eyes, as if he could see the lines on his palm.
Although his "Iai Slash" was fast, it was more of a simplified and youthful version of the Atomic Slash. While pursuing the ultimate speed of drawing the sword, it was still lacking in the concentration of power and the penetrating power of the slash.
Now, he can easily and effortlessly unleash the complete "Atomic Slash," where the blade flashes and matter is separated, precise and deadly.
Furthermore, the "Flying Sword," which originally required extremely precise control and could only be mastered by Okama Tachi among the "Atomic Three Musketeers" due to his unique talent, and which had the same effect as the "Flying Slash" in the One Piece world, is now easily controlled by Iai.
Finally, there is the sublimation of the profound meaning of atomic flow.
The ultimate techniques of the Atomic Stream—"Atomic Concentration Slash" and "Atomic One-Character Slash"—are the Atomic Samurai's trump cards.
"Atomic Concentration Slash" is a precise technique that concentrates the slash, reduces the attack range, and increases the density of the area where the blade reaches. Even if a monster with super regenerative and splitting abilities is hit by this move, the affected part will "evaporate" at the atomic level and cannot regenerate. Black Sperm experienced the power of this move in the original work.
The "Atomic One-Character Slash" transforms the slash into an extremely fine line, possessing super cutting power, making it suitable for dealing with targets with extremely strong defenses.
These two moves place a tremendous strain on the user's body, especially the arms and meridians, requiring a burst of power at the absolute limit in an instant.
Even someone as powerful as Atomic Samurai needs to catch his breath after a single strike to allow his arm to recover from the immense strain; otherwise, continuous use could easily cause irreversible damage.
However, for Iai, whose physical condition is already superhuman, this limitation is greatly reduced!
His incredibly strong physique was more than capable of withstanding such a sudden burst of stress.
Now, "Atomic Concentrated Slash" and "Atomic One-Character Slash" are no longer secret techniques that need to be used with caution for him, but rather "powerful basic attack" skills that can be incorporated into his regular attack system!
Although continuous, uninterrupted use will still put a strain on the body, this strain is negligible given the body's powerful self-healing ability, making it sufficient for frequent use in intense battles to create a terrifying suppressive force.
Even his teacher, Atomic Samurai, couldn't do that.
Atomic Samurai has witnessed Iaijutsu's rapid progress over the past month.
At first, I was pleasantly surprised and pleased by my disciple's amazing talent and rapid growth.
But as Iaijutsu gradually revealed its incredible physical strength and terrifying ability to use its ultimate techniques as basic attacks, Atomic Samurai's feelings changed from relief to complex amazement, and finally turned into a sigh tinged with a touch of melancholy and even more pride.
In the training ground of the dojo, Atomic Samurai watched as Iai casually used his "Atomic Ichimonji Slash" to silently slice a specially made superalloy target in the distance in half, leaving a smooth, mirror-like cut. Iai himself remained calm, as if he had only done something insignificant.
Atomic Samurai sheathed his sword, walked to Iaijutsu's side, patted his disciple's shoulder forcefully, and looked at him with a complex expression:
"Good lad, in terms of pure 'combat strength,' you have completely surpassed your master. This physical talent and growth rate are simply monsters born for battle. I have complete confidence in entrusting the future of Atomic Stream to you."
His tone carried a hint of melancholy at the passing of a hero, but more so a sense of satisfaction and relief at witnessing his student surpassing his teacher.
Iaido sheathed his sword and bowed respectfully: "Master, you flatter me. I have only been fortunate enough to have some opportunities. I still have a long way to go in terms of the 'realm' and 'mind' of swordsmanship, and I need your guidance at all times."
"Well said! Remaining humble and composed, and always maintaining a sense of awe—that's the true mindset of a swordsman!"
A hint of satisfaction flashed in the Atomic Samurai's eyes, then he changed the subject, "That's why today, I will impart to you the highest level of the Atomic School that I have come to understand."
"The highest level?"
Iai suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with surprise and anticipation.
Atomic Samurai nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on a mirror hanging to his side, as if tracing some profound artistic conception: "The ultimate realm of each school is different, stemming from the founder's and master's ultimate understanding of their own cultivation. Bang's Flowing Rock Smashing Fist pursues the ultimate harmony of flow and shattering, while what I pursue is the ultimate 'slash,' the rupture of cause and effect."
He withdrew his gaze and refocused on the iaido: "I will name this place—'Water Mirror'."
"Water Mirror?"
Iai murmured repeatedly; the word sounded calm, yet it contained an ineffable depth.
"That's exactly the meaning of 'a clear mirror and still water'."
Atomic Samurai explained, "When cultivation reaches its deepest level, the mind becomes like still water, and the will like a clear mirror. This does not mean the mind is like stagnant water, without any ripples, but rather refers to ultimate calmness and insight. It reflects all things, revealing every detail, yet remains unmoved by external things."
He stretched out his finger and drew a line in the air: "Ordinary swordsmen see mountains as mountains and water as water. Their swords cut through forms. Those who have achieved mastery see mountains not as mountains and water not as water. Their swords begin to touch upon 'principle,' cutting through the veins and structures. My Atomic Slash, for example, severs the 'principle' that binds matter together."
"And the realm of 'Water Mirror'..."
Atomic Samurai's voice became ethereal and solemn, "You will still see mountains as mountains and water as water, but what you see is no longer the appearance. Your heart's mirror will reflect the most fundamental 'line of existence' of all things, the 'cause' that supports their existence, and the 'effect' that defines their form. Your sword will no longer merely cut through matter, but cut through 'definition' itself."
Iaido held his breath, as if a thunderclap was exploding deep within his soul.
He vaguely grasped the transcendent meaning in his master's words.
Cut off the definition?
What does that mean?
Atomic Samurai seemed to see through his shock and confusion, and continued, "This realm is profound and mysterious, beyond the power of words to fully convey. I have only glimpsed a trace of its true meaning from the threshold. It requires the swordsman's spirit, will, and even soul to be tempered to the extreme purity, becoming completely one with the sword in his hand. Only when the mind is free of dust can it reflect reality; only when the water is still can it capture that fleeting 'breakpoint' in an instant."