As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaioh Kaku found himself breathing heavily, the fatigue of his 146 years catching up with him. Teaching someone like Sol Mirek had proven far more exhausting than any battle he had ever faced.
"That's enough for today…" Kaku wiped sweat from his brow, his voice marked by a rare exhaustion. Guiding such an extraordinary talent had tested his limits.
Sol bowed respectfully, his tone sincere, "Thank you for today's lessons, Master."
Kaku looked at this exceptional disciple standing before him, his expression a mixture of pride and disbelief. In all his long years, he had been praised countless times as a genius in the martial world, but only now did he truly understand what real potential looked like.
"Young Sol…" Kaku's voice was gravelly with emotion, "you are the most talented martial artist I've ever encountered."
Sol offered a modest smile. "Thank you. I owe much of my progress to your teaching."
Kaku shook his head, sensing Sol's humility. His cloudy eyes reflected conflicting emotions.
"No, this isn't about guidance anymore. With your talent, even without me, you would grasp advanced techniques on your own."
He cast his gaze toward the darkening sky and murmured as if to himself, "Perhaps… you really can become that rare force that perfectly blends strength and technique."
When Sol first arrived, Kaku had taught him with equal parts curiosity and caution. He had set aside his own lifelong obsession with pure strength in pursuit of the deeper essence of technique. His greatest regret had been the imperfect fusion of strength and skill in his own journey.
But now, watching Sol grow, it seemed that this fusion might no longer be just an ideal — it might become a reality few had ever achieved.
Three and a half months later, Sol was in the open courtyard performing his morning exercises when Kaku approached with a nod of approval.
"You've learned everything I can teach," Kaku said with satisfaction.
Sol straightened and bowed, "Thank you for all your guidance."
"No," Kaku replied with a soft chuckle. "I should be thanking you."
"In all my years, I've never witnessed such potential. Your existence has shown me what true mastery looks like, where strength and technique become one."
He waved his hand and headed inside the hut. "Don't ponder that now. I need to pack. Rest a while."
Sol nodded and settled onto a smooth bluestone. After four months of rigorous training, he had absorbed every lesson Kaioh Kaku could teach, and his personal ability panel now overflowed with new capabilities:
Main World: One‑Punch Man
Current World: Baki (Time Remaining: 15 days)
Host: Sol Mirek
Transcendence Value: 357 (acquired through changes to the plot's direction, usable to travel to other worlds)
One‑Star World Transcendence Limit: 357/500
Talents: Super Evolution Ability, Combat Intuition, Fighting Genius, Hanma Bloodline, Demon Back, Ghost Brain, Principles of Boxing, Extreme Flexibility, Weapon Master, Hidden Weapon Master
His panel had become far richer since first arriving in this world.
Just then, a wheelchair creaked outside. Kaku appeared, smiling and gesturing for Sol to help push him.
"I'm coming," Sol said, rising from the stone.
He pushed the wheelchair down the mountain path, his movements calm and composed. Four months of training had subtly shifted his bearing — his strength refined by discipline and refined technique.
"Little Sol," Kaku spoke with a grin, "be careful in the Great Raitai Tournament. Don't accidentally kill anyone while fighting."
Sol smirked, his playful charm unmistakable, "I'll try to keep that in mind."
At the foot of the mountain, Master Hiro and the disciples of the temple waited. Hiro stood out in a casual light purple shirt, and the moment Sol arrived pushing Kaku, they all bowed in unison.
"Is everything arranged?" Kaku asked.
"Yes," Hiro replied with respect, "the private jet is ready at the airport. We'll be in Hong Kong in about two hours."
He leaned in close to Sol and whispered, his voice cheeky, "You'll never guess who showed up at the temple after you left."
Sol raised an eyebrow and pretended curiosity, ready to tease him.
"It's your friend, Baki Hanma," Hiro said quietly. "He was poisoned and nearly died."
Sol feigned genuine concern, "Is he okay now?"
Hiro hesitated before continuing, "Thanks to Retsu, yes, but the poison was so potent that the only cure is to fight poison with poison."
Sol nodded thoughtfully. It seemed Hiro's plan to involve Baki in poison combat had been intentional.
Kaku suddenly coughed and pointed toward the cabin, "Don't just chatter. Has Shunsei been brought out of the jungle?"
Hiro straightened immediately, "Yes, he's arrived in Hong Kong."
Kaku's eyes lit up with satisfaction as he turned to Sol, "Shunsei is my son. He's spent years training with beasts in remote regions, following paths few ever see."
Sol nodded, curious about Kaioh Kaku's son, Shunsei Kaku, a known fighter who was famously defeated by Baki with a single strike in the original Great Raitai Tournament Saga .
When their plane touched down at Hong Kong International Airport, a luxury motorcade awaited. Sol, Kaku, and Hiro rode together through the lively streets.
"We're almost there," Hiro said.
The car rolled up to an ornate hotel. The doorman opened the door, and just as Sol stepped out he heard a familiar voice.
"Sol Mirek!"
Retsu Kaioh approached in a red training outfit, followed by a weary Baki Hanma whose appearance betrayed the toll of the poison, and behind him was Kozue, looking as lively as ever.
Sol frowned slightly at Baki's weakened state. "Looks like trouble found you."
Baki offered a weak grin. "As always, I'll fight through it."
Retsu clapped Baki reassuringly. "He needs rest. Let's go inside."
Sol nodded, but as he moved forward he spotted Hiro talking to a tall Black man.
"Wow," the man exclaimed, impressed by Hiro's stature, "you really do resemble the great boxer Muhammad Ali."
Hiro chuckled. "Then what brings you here, Ali's son?"
"This Great Raitai Tournament allows outsiders," the man said with confidence.
"True," Hiro replied, looking him over, "but you should be prepared."
"Want to prove yourself?" the man asked, his expression serious.
Hiro met his gaze, acknowledging the challenge.
"I'll do it," Sol said slowly, stepping forward.
This Black man had once tried to take advantage of Baki's misfortune to get close to Kozue. Now, Sol intended to teach him a lesson befitting a friend.