How did i end up like this?

How many years have passed since I began studying Kazama-ryu Aikido Jujutsu? Before I knew it, I became the third most senior disciple in this dojo. I still can't claim to have truly mastered its principles.

Compared to physical training, this requires infinitely longer training, this endless cycles of practice that could make one's spirit wither. Yet I feel no resentment. This too is training. If that's the case, so I just enjoy it. Repetition upon repetition. My master has already passed 90 years of age, and I still cannot defeat him. But that's fine. That's actually perfect. It's better to always have high goals.

Incidentally, my master Ryuzen = Kazama (Kazama Ryuzen) was a Nen user. At the time, he apparently didn't deem it necessary to use Nen against me.

He saw through everything - how my muscle development wasn't combat-oriented, how my footwork and breathing revealed an amateur's level of martial arts, how the flow of my aura betrayed my limited experience fighting other Nen users.

A true master... The only things that amazed me were his total aura and the quality of his basic skills.

Back when I first joined, my master's total aura was less than a quarter of mine. He told me he'd hit a wall trying to extend how long he could maintain his aura, so he decided to focus on overwhelming opponents with skill instead of raw power.

That's how Kazama-ryu Aiki Jujutsu was born, apparently.

Even now, my master says he hasn't fully mastered it. He trains daily with me and the other senior disciples. Since he's a Nen user, my Nen training's become more effective too. These fun days pass by in a flash.

These past few years, my Ten duration hasn't improved… Guess my total aura's finally hit its limit. Oh well. Lately, my Ten lasts so long that I've been doing other training while keeping it active. If anything, I've got too much. I'll keep up my basics and aim to perfect my Zetsu instead.

My muscles have also weakened a lot. Can't be helped—I'm already past 60. Same age my master was when I first joined this dojo. Could I beat him as he was back then…?

Through training and sparring with other schools, I realized even the Shingen-ryu school has techniques connected to the path of flexibility. I used to think martial arts were just about overpowering opponents with strikes. How foolish. Shingen-ryu Kenpo might be the true martial art that blends power and flexibility.

Not that I'd ever switch from Kazama-ryu Aiki Jujutsu now, of course.

...

...

...

My master died... at 106 years old. Old age. Even a master can't beat time.

Three days before his death, we sparred. After that fight, he gave me this Menkyo Kaiden certification. I cried like a kid that day—no shame for a man my age.

It has only been three days since then, and it all seems so sudden.

I think he knew. He had to know his time was coming. That is why he gave me the opportunity to receive the certificate before he died. here is no doubt about it.

Many people gathered at my master's funeral. Not just disciples—townsfolk, even fighters from other schools came. He was such a virtuous person, and so loved by the people. Makes me proud to've walked his path.

My master's face in death looked so calm and peaceful. When my time comes, I hope to look just like that.

Though I've lost what felt like a second father, I cannot spend all my time grieving. I've got a mission now—to push further into mastering the principles of Kazama-Ryu, and to carry his teachings to the world.

Of the two senior disciples who received the Menkyo Kaiden certification before me, one has taken over my master's dojo, and the other has built his own dojo in Japon.

I'll build my dojo outside Japon and spread my master's teachings across the world.

To do this, I changed my name. Took my master's name and added part of my own. Now I'm Ryusho=Kazama (Kazama Ryusho). Let this name spread, and the world will remember Kazama-ryu Aikido Jujutsu's founder, Ryuzen=Kazama, too.

This is my vow—to live and die in this world.

The years I've spent here outnumber those from my original life. These days, I can barely recall that old world. I have no hesitation about making this world my final resting place. My only regret is that I was never able to show my gratitude to my father and mother.

If only I could at least offer them a single word of apology…

...

I am currently on my way to the Heaven's Arena.

A month has passed since leaving Japon. As I wandered, agonizing over where to establish my dojo, whispers of Heaven's Arena reached my ears.

Heaven's Arena—a place later dubbed the "holy land of barbarians," now famed as the world's tallest structure. …Or was it the fourth tallest? I might be remembering it wrong. After all, I last used [Original Knowledge] nearly fifty years ago. There's no way I could remember the original work.

Still… Heaven's Arena. The name hits me right in the feels—it reminds me of this world story. But calling this place just a 'story' or 'fiction' feels wrong—like I'm disrespecting everyone here, especially my master. That alone cannot be tolerated…

But hey, if Heaven's Arena's real, why not use it? If I climb the ranks there, it'll put Kazama-ryu on the map. Great way to spread his teachings and sharpen my skills. Two birds, one stone!

Fighting practitioners of other styles and self-taught warriors is still great experience. I've faced challengers from rival schools and wandering fighters before, but every clash felt fresh—new techniques, new abilities, figuring out how to counter them. Some even wield skills that make my martial arts principles struggle.

I guess I still lack experience, even at this age. Means there's always more experience to grind.

It took me about two years to become a Floor Master. Reaching the 200th floor was easy—but everything beyond that dragged on. Not because the fighters on the 200th floor are strong. In fact, only a handful of Nen users there could be called formidable.

…

I initially thought earning Floor Master status would be simple. I was wrong.

The system itself is flawed. At first, it worked in my favor—opponents underestimated me, seeing just an old man. But after four wins, they grew wary. They started dodging matches against me.

Thankfully, I managed to fight before the preparation period expired. Still, I'd completely wasted my time.

I assumed becoming a Floor Master would let me build my dojo. But I'd miscalculated.

The funds I'd saved over the years, combined with the prize money from climbing to the 200th floor—it wasn't enough to cover the dojo's construction costs.

…

Luckily, the funding issue resolved itself quickly—I found a sponsor. Though with one condition:

Build the dojo in their hometown on the Yorbian Continent.

Apparently, his granddaughter wants to learn martial arts for self-defense, but However, he didn't want her to become too strong, A frail old man like me teaching gentle techniques? Perfect fit, they thought.

…Of course, martial arts aren't truly harmless—you risk hurting others or getting hurt. But they understood. They even promised not to cut support or seize the dojo if the granddaughter doesn't master it. "No favoritism needed—treat her like any student," they said.

He seemed like a trustworthy person. I gladly accepted.

Construction would take six months, so I spent that time promoting the dojo, preparing to relocate, and training myself... This is one thing I can't quit.

Oh, and I resigned as Floor Master when leaving Heaven's Arena. After all teaching disciples will keep me busy enough.

…

The dojo is completed. It's a Japanese-style dojo, of course. I'm a little concerned that it's a lot nicer than my master's dojo.

I'm still my master's student, so I feel a bit embarrassed about having a dojo that's even nicer than his. But it can't be helped. It's better than tarnishing my master's name with a shabby dojo.

Well, it looks like I'm going to be even busier from now on.

-------------------

Five years since opening the dojo. The number of disciples has surged past 1,000—and keeps climbing.

Truthfully, there are many more who want to join—but no dojo, however spacious, can accommodate such crowds.

What's more, teaching them all is impossible. I have one body, but many students. It's extremely difficult to teach multiple students at once.

I'm currently being helped by the granddaughter of my benefactor, who was the first to join. She's very disciplined and a hard worker, so she's improving at a remarkable rate. I feel hesitant to ask her to act as an instructor. If she could just focus on her own training, I could see her improving even more.

…If only there was at least a teacher other than me, someone who could be called an assistant instructor.

The solution hit me: ask my two senior disciples in Japon for help. I penned a letter explaining my plight, requesting they send capable instructors.

Six months later, three martial artists arrived at the dojo—faces I recognized. They'd trained under our master alongside me, junior disciples from years past. After reading my plea, they'd volunteered without hesitation.

I was grateful. Even though it was a foreign land, they were willing to come...

All three were more than qualified as instructors. Thanks to them, we were able to solve the shortage of instructors. We even established a branch dojo, appointing the most skilled among them as its head.

Everything was going well—until the day a man appeared at the dojo.

…

…Strong. Unfathomably so.

He looks past sixty—elderly, even by my standards. Yet his body is honed to perfection. Not just lean, but sculpted for combat. Every muscle exists solely to embody martial prowess.

…The pinnacle of what I once sought. This man has attained it.

And that's not all. The man's face is full of confidence, but it's by no means arrogant. His footwork, breathing, and every single one of his movements tell me that he has reached a realm that could be called the pinnacle of martial arts.

It seems the man came here to test his skills. Hearing this, I agree. Of course. There's no way that's the face of someone who wants to become a disciple.

…Can I win against him?

Fufu, despite my age, my blood is boiling. I steady my mind, the challenge is accepted.

…

Five minutes have passed since the man and I faced off.

The disciples kneel in silence around us, holding their breath. Not a single word.

Of course. The dojo chokes under the pressure of our clashing auras—my lifeblood poured into every ounce of Nen, his a tempest of equal ferocity. Some people are even knocked unconscious by the aura.

He tries to provoke me, but I don't move. My specialty in fighting is using my opponent's movements and strength. I could initiate an attack, but I don't think that would work on this guy. So I just focus all my energy on sensing his movements and wait for him to attack.

I felt something shift. Not too fast to see, but too fast to truly track. In an instant, those five meters between us meant nothing.

What came next was worse—attacks moving faster than sound. A straight punch, I realized later, but in the moment? Just a blur my eyes couldn't catch.

I only survived because of trainingThe flow of my enemy's aura, the movement of his muscles, his breathing, everything was top notch, but I was able to sense the slight difference in the moment he turned to attack.

If I'd missed it, or if they'd been in their prime while I aged… that one hit would've knocked me out cold.

Before my brain could react, my body moved instinctively. Without conscious thought, my hand seized my opponent's wrist, twisting the joint and forcing them into a half-spin.

But they reacted just as quickly, using the momentum to propel themselves into a jump, avoiding a direct head-first fall.

Letting them escape now would mean losing my chance to win.

The moment their head passed through the lowest point of their rotation, I struck—sweeping at their head to accelerate their spin even further.

Just as I expected, they missed their landing. Still airborne, their body had no means of stabilizing itself. I drove a palm strike into their chin, channeling around 70% of my offensive aura into the attack. The force carried through, slamming the back of their head into the ground.

They managed to defend with Ko and break their fall in time. That alone meant the damage wasn't significant—but that didn't matter. There was no way they had fully prevented the internal shock to their brain.

I moved in for the follow-up.

Focusing every bit of my Ten into a single fingertip, I hardened my aura with Ko. There was no way their defense could withstand this.

A single strike to a vital point—that would be enough to knock them out.

But in that instant—

A devastating impact tore through my entire body.

Before I even knew what had happened, I was sent flying, crashing through the dojo wall, and hurled straight outside…

-------------------

It had been years since I descended the mountain. I had wandered from one dojo to another, seeking out the strongest fighters—but something just wasn't right.

At some point… I stopped initiating attacks. Instead, I found myself waiting for my opponents to strike first.

At some point… I stopped hesitating when offering both hands to the opponents I had defeated.

But that's not it. That's not the kind of battle I'm searching for.

The pinnacle of martial arts… That's not what this is.

So this is the next dojo. Kazama-ryu Aikido Jujutsu, huh?

Word has it that the dojo master here used to be a Floor Master at Heaven's Arena.

A Floor Master, huh? There weren't many strong guys there.

I couldn't help but think this place would be another disappointment as I stepped through the dojo's entrance.

The man who greeted me was an old master. Definitely older than me.

He stood about 170 centimeters tall, maybe weighing around 50 kilograms at most. His frail frame reminded me of a dried-up tree branch. Even his muscle tone seemed weaker than that of an ordinary man.

If I went all out, I'd break him.

That thought had barely crossed my mind when—

—!!

What the hell…? That aura—it's enormous!

Where the hell is he storing that much aura in that frail body?

No… that's not all. His aura is eerily still, like the surface of a calm sea.

I have more raw aura than him, but his control… could it be superior to mine?

His muscles are nothing special —but his martial prowess is something else. His footwork, his breathing… Has he reached a different pinnacle of combat than I have?

…This is gonna be fun.

I never expected to meet someone this strong.

The world is bigger than I thought.

…

We had been facing off for about five minutes now.

I tried provoking him, daring him to make the first move—but he didn't so much as flinch. Unshaken, like a willow bending with the wind.

Fine by me, this is exactly what I've been searching for, No more waiting for my opponent's attack—this time, I'll take the initiative and strike them down myself!

Here I come! Don't go down too easily now!

I launch forward with a step so forceful it cracks the floor beneath me.

He doesn't seem to be reacting…

But I don't let my guard down.

A fight between Nen users is unpredictable—anything can happen, For over ten years, I devoted myself entirely to this one thing, and now, I unleash the pinnacle of my training—my ultimate straight punch!

…

Tch…! He threw off my timing.

Fine—then I'll strike while I'm still midair—or at least, that was my plan, but he was already one step ahead.

Damn, they're good… reading my moves and countering perfectly, his attack carried about 70% of his offensive aura. I focused Ko on my chin just in time to block it.

The next moment, the back of my head slammed into the ground. I managed to break my fall, minimizing the damage—but that wasn't the point of his attack.

It wasn't about raw damage.

It was about rattling my brain.

Shit.

It'll take at least a fraction of a second for my head to stop spinning—

A fatal opening!

His fingertip glows with condensed aura. To gather that much power instantly… What kind of monster—?

That level of precision… What insane control!

If I take that hit, I'm finished.

I won't have time to guard.

Even Ko won't save me unless I focus my aura to the same pinpoint density—

And if I misplace it by even a millimeter…

It's over.

…

[Hyakushiki Kannon]!!!

Damn it! I ended up using Hyakushiki Kannon before I even meant to. Or, rather... was I forced into it?

That's not entirely a bad thing—being driven into a corner is, after all, a reason for celebration. But my opponent was still launching a physical attack. In other words, every other part of his body had zero aura defense!

Moreover, that old man's physical durability was, at best, on par with that of an ordinary person... Does this mean he's dead...?

What have I done... I never meant to kill him. I was looking forward to facing a worthy adversary!

I was so absorbed in my own despair—barely registering the loud, worried shouts of my disciples about their master—that I suddenly sensed aura from behind. Turning around, I saw the dojo master himself, having made his way back on foot.

Impossible—how did he manage that? Could his Nen guard have activated just in time?! If so, what an incredibly swift transition between offense and defense...

The man assumed a fighting stance. Is he still willing to continue the battle...?

…I'm grateful for every twist of fate that led me to meet this man.

I'd really love to sit down with him for a drink and have a proper chat.

---

I thought I was done for.

What was that all about? By the time I realized it, I'd already taken the hit—an almost instinctive activation of my defense. Had I not reacted that way, I probably would have been dead. That guy unleashed a blow of such magnitude…

An unavoidable strike that I couldn't even see coming. Even with all my skill, I doubt I could have blocked it... Gritting my teeth, I forced my staggering legs to carry me back to the dojo.

As soon as I returned, many of my students came running over to me, but I yelled at them. I was happy that they were worried about me, but the fight wasn't over yet.

When I looked at my opponent, I saw that his expression had shifted from shock at seeing me to a delighted smile. It was the face of a man starved for a challenge against a formidable adversary. To be regarded in that way by a warrior of his caliber fills me with gratitude.

Now, let's continue.

---

This battle was the catalyst that transformed my challenger, Netero, into a friend. A worthy adversary becomes a friend when you call him a true rival. I never imagined I'd find someone like him—I'm truly delighted.

That battle, unfortunately, ended in my defeat. The damage I sustained from that Hyakushiki Kannon was too severe, leaving me unable to fight properly. In that weakened state, standing a chance against Netero was impossible, and I lost in less than a minute.

Yet, it is Netero after all... He did have a period when he was known as a dojo breaker, but who would have thought that would be now—and that he'd come to my dojo?

This really is the world of Hunter x Hunter...

Since then, I've sparred with Netero countless times to hone our martial skills. I can't recall the exact score, but roughly speaking, I've come out on the losing end about six times out of ten. Without the Hyakushiki Kannon in play, I wouldn't have fared nearly so poorly. When he unleashes that technique, I simply stand no chance.

After all, my physical durability is no greater than that of an ordinary person. No matter how much aura I funnel into defense, I can't block every bit of damage.

I might have been able to dodge—or even turn his power against him—but the Hyakushiki Kannon is an unavoidable, lightning-fast strike. Worse, it's a Nen construct—a Guanyin statue unbound by human anatomy. No leverage to redirect. The worst possible match for me…

Through Netero, the Shingen-ryu school collaborated with us to incorporate Nen training into the Kazama style. Of course, we only guided those deemed worthy—using meditation to awaken their Nen.

Many awakened, but Enhancer-types were shockingly rare. Does this dojo just lack simple, single-minded souls…? Well… maybe it's not entirely about personality. Hmm.

…

The days spent training with Netero were incredibly enjoyable. Battling against opponents who were equal to or stronger than myself undoubtedly enriched my spirit.

One day, Netero invited me to become a Hunter, but I declined. I knew that I would likely never pass the Hunter Exam. The exam is a relentless series of trials—you can't pass it just by being strong.

I lack the necessary endurance and stamina. If there were an endurance marathon-type exam, it's clear I'd be the first to drop out.

Besides, if I had time to spare for such things, I'd much rather devote it to training.

...Netero even called me a training fanatic. I'd rather not hear that from him...

But even these daily routines must come to an end. My time is drawing near.

...Probably just a few days at most. My lifespan, it seems, is nearly up. After all, I'm an old man well over 130 years old—what a long life I've had...

One regret still lingers... I haven't yet chosen a successor. At this rate, my death will be as incomplete as it is inevitable... Perhaps my master felt the same way.

I called someone to the dojo. In walked an elderly woman—none other than the granddaughter of my top disciple and one of my sponsors. Even after her grandfather passed away and she took over his company, she never stopped coming here. And ever since she handed the company over to her son, she's been training in this dojo nearly every day.

She is the perfect candidate—both in position and ability—to inherit this dojo. I give her the certificate of Menkyo Kaiden and ask her to take over the dojo.

She was surprised by the suddenness of it all, and initially refused, saying that there was someone more suitable than herself, but I persuaded her and told her that I wanted to take a comfortable retirement, and she reluctantly agreed. I feel deeply conflicted about deceiving her, yet this is my final selfish wish. I hope she can forgive me.

Next, I wrote a letter to Netero. Just a single line: "Do not neglect your training."

That will suffice. I trust that he will keep this promise. Perhaps he might even prevent an unprecedented catastrophe that could occur in the future.

I refrained from mentioning an uncertain future. I cannot be sure if such an event will truly happen, and it would be unfair—to both him and the world—to share knowledge acquired by questionable means.

This letter is arranged to reach Netero in one week. By then, even if he finds the message suspicious, I will have already departed this world.

I do not wish for anyone to witness my final moments…

…

…

Is it time already? As I sit alone in seiza at the dojo, I can feel the Grim Reaper drawing near... My heartbeat gradually weakens, and soon it will come to a stop.

I came from another world, separated from my parents—but my father was there: my master, Ryuzen.

Though I never saw my sister again, I had siblings—fellow disciples who studied under the same master.

I never married, never took a wife, yet I had children: disciples whose numbers eventually exceeded ten thousand.

I can no longer recall the friends from my old world, but I did have a closest friend—a true rival in Netero.

I am proud to have met them all.

I lived a life where I accomplished everything I set out to do.

…

…

…

[Absolute Obedience/Geass] Canceled

...Wait a minute!!?

What do you mean you have no regrets!! You've got too many, you idiot!!!

Why am I so satisfied with my death!! Are you dying, you idiot??? I'm going to die soon!! No, I'm still a virgin!!

Maintaining a pure body for over 130 years is no mere wizard!!?? I'm at the level of a virgin emperor!!!!

I-I can't die, or can I just die like this!!!

Please! Activate my third Nen ability!! ! ! !

I didn't create a new ability for this. Please. At this rate, I won't be able to die in peace! !!!!!!!!

P-please... I... c-can't... hold on... my consciousness... is... fading...

.......

.......

.......

....

....

...

....

November 11, 1985 — Ryusho Kazama passes away.

His third Nen ability, [Reincarnation / New Game+], remained unactivated.

He was 132 years old at the time of his passing. His funeral was attended by a great number of disciples, friends, and—according to rumors—even the Chairman of the Hunter Association himself, along with many others.

~~~

Prologue Complete.

The main story will begin in the next chapter. Up until now, there has been no dialogue, but from the next chapter onward, conversations will be included.

For reference, here is the setting for the yet-to-be-activated third Nen ability:

[Reincarnation / New Game+]

Category: Specialist ← This is important.

A Nen ability that allows the user to be reborn into a new life after death, retaining their knowledge, experience, and aura reserves (however, physical abilities and natural talent depend on the new body).

Due to its highly unique nature, this ability is classified as Specialist, meaning the protagonist—who is an Enhancer—was unable to use it. (He had hoped that he would eventually develop into a Specialist over time.)

〈Conditions〉

The ability only activates upon death. Any cause of death is acceptable except suicide. Additionally, deliberately provoking someone to kill him also counts as suicide and will not trigger the ability.The longer the user lives, the higher the activation rate. This is because surviving for a long time in this world is inherently difficult.

〈Vows & Restrictions〉

If the user has sexual intercourse with a woman while alive, the ability permanently disappears.

TL: Menkyo kaiden (免許皆伝), (めんきょかいでん) is a Japanese term meaning "license of total transmission." Kaiden (皆伝) means "initiation into an art or discipline." It is a license that is used by a school or ko-ryū, meaning that the student has learned everything and passed all aspects of his/her training within the ko-ryū.