Chapter 82: Rokushiki
Inside a rough, massive cave space.
Having just stuffed the Ancient King into a corner, Aokiji walked over and said:
"The conditions are quite rudimentary; I haven't renovated yet."
It was more than just rudimentary; it was practically primitive.
Purely ecological cave rock walls.
If not for the dozens of supporting ice pillars, the cave might have collapsed long ago.
The shock in Masked Hero's heart had not yet subsided, and he couldn't help but look at the Monster ice sculptures around him.
The ground was covered in a thin layer of ice, and with a casual push from Aokiji, the ice sculptures glided away slowly.
After the ice sculptures were moved to the sides, a large open space was cleared.
Aokiji held his neck and gave it a twist, saying:
"First, let me explain. To Train the Secret Technique—Life Return, you need sufficient control over your entire body."
"In short, every part of your body must undergo rigorous tempering."
Masked Hero took off his helmet.
The dim firelight shone on his strange face.
His eyes were serious, and his tone carried a sense of certainty as he whispered:
"No problem, I can endure it."
Aokiji was clear about his determination.
He continued the introduction:
"This is a body technique called the Rokushiki."
"First are Moonwalk and Shave, two body techniques used for movement, focusing on mobility and explosive speed respectively."
Aokiji performed a demonstration.
The air was kicked into white rings of explosive sound, and the reaction force propelled his body to stroll through mid-air.
Masked Hero looked up, his mismatched eyes filled with uncertainty.
He began to ponder whether he could achieve this with his own strength.
Moonwalk did not exceed Masked Hero's imagination too much.
After all, among Monsters and Heroes, there were fellows who could strike out gusts of wind with their punches.
Changing his mindset and studying the techniques, developing a body technique to step on air and take to the sky was within Masked Hero's range of acceptance.
However, the demonstration of Shave followed.
It made Masked Hero couldn't help but suspect—
Physics no longer exists!!
Why can one kick dozens of times in a row to accumulate power?
Normally, the body should have dashed out instantly!
But Aokiji's demonstration proved it was real, so Masked Hero had no choice but to rub his face and reluctantly accept this setting.
After explaining Moonwalk and Shave.
Aokiji continued to introduce:
"Next are Storm Leg and Finger Pistol, both of which are offensive body techniques. Their training focuses are different: power transmission efficiency and precise power concentration."
He raised his leg and delivered a casual kick.
A sharp flying slash instantly swept past!
The air shrieked sharply, and a visible, substantial slash sank deep into the mountain!
The rock wall couldn't stop it at all!
It was easily cut through, breaking out from the other side of the mountain and even severing an entire forest!
Looking at the smooth cut on the rock wall, Masked Hero fell silent again, doubting his common sense.
Using a leg to kick out a slash... is that really logical?!
After seeing the demonstration and explanation of Finger Pistol.
Masked Hero finally breathed a sigh of relief; there was finally a body technique that fit his impressions.
A few "whoosh, whoosh" sounds of breaking air.
Several finger-sized deep holes appeared on the ground.
Aokiji held up his index finger and said:
"Once you are proficient with the Rokushiki, you can develop other advanced Moves, like the Finger Pistol."
"With my Dragon-transformed claws, it's not limited to just stabbing."
There's also hooking, scratching, digging, and twisting.
Easily subduing Heroes.
"Finally, there's Paper Arts and Iron Body. These two body techniques are quite special, being evasion and defense respectively."
Aokiji stood in front of Masked Hero.
He hooked his finger at him and said:
"Try to attack me."
Masked Hero didn't hesitate much; anyway, with his strength, it would likely be difficult to even cause damage to Aokiji.
He took a few steps forward and swung a fierce punch!
During these days of training with Bang, his foundation had also improved, and his punching stance and power transmission had some structure.
However, he couldn't hit him at all!
The tactile sensation of the airflow feeding back to his fist clearly told Masked Hero.
His attack was only a hair's breadth away from contacting Aokiji.
But he couldn't cross that last bit of distance no matter what!
It was like attacking an extremely thin piece of paper; before the fist could touch it, the enshrouding airflow blew it away.
"And then, there's Iron Body!"
Aokiji, who was still evading, suddenly stood still!
Masked Hero didn't react in time, and his fist habitually swung out!
Clang————!!
"Hiss——!!"
Masked Hero clutched his fist with an exaggerated motion and sucked in a breath of cold air.
Patting the wrinkles on his clothes, Aokiji told him about the Training methods needed for entry.
At the same time, Aokiji didn't forget to remind him:
"However, keep one thing in mind. Although the original intent of Iron Body is defense, it's best not to actually use it for defense."
Masked Hero was still squatting and clutching his fist. He looked up and asked curiously, "Why?"
Aokiji: "You don't want to know."
"In short, just remember it. Unless there is no other way, use Iron Body with caution."
"Once you're proficient later, you can achieve partial hardening without affecting movement, and it can be incorporated into attacks."
"I understand." Masked Hero was puzzled, but he still nodded.
Aokiji: "Mastering the Rokushiki doesn't just cover speed, mobility, long and short-range attacks, evasion, and defense—the six dimensions."
"Tempering your mastery over your body is the most important part for you, so you must invest time in practicing all of the Rokushiki."
He spent some more time.
Guiding Masked Hero to master the introductory Training methods of the Rokushiki and correcting some of his mistakes during practice.
Afterward, Aokiji let Masked Hero go back to practice on his own.
"Thank you very much for your help!"
Before leaving, Masked Hero bowed deeply.
His tragedy, his misfortune, on this road of life, a sorting trash bin had finally appeared.
Though there was still some distance, as long as he arrived, he could throw all of this trashy past away!