After the first training session ended with a grievous wound on his face, six-year-old Kenji realized: This training had no rules, and death was real.
The brutal training cycle with Kishibe began.
Every day started with an unpredictable attack from Kishibe and ended with a perfect healing from the Healing Devil. Kenji was forced to practice basic physical movements, yet it was mostly fruitless due to his fundamentally weak body. One full year passed. Kenji was now seven, and he could only defend himself purely based on instinct.
Kishibe looked at Kenji with dissatisfaction.
Kishibe: "All you can do is stop yourself. Makima said you need to be a weapon, not just a shield... you need to figure that out."
Makima, who had been standing silently in the corner of the room, walked out and smiled gently.
Kishibe: Makima, after one year of training, this brat hasn't improved beyond physical conditioning. How is he supposed to use his power?
Makima: (Smiling at the criticism) "You are correct, Kishibe-san. He has gained endurance, but the true use of the power of 'Mūkagen' requires precision, not endurance."
Kishibe: (Slamming his liquor bottle onto the floor) "I can't teach what I don't understand! That Mūkagen, whatever the hell it is, its crazy power involves a mathematical calculation that I don't get. Makima, if you want him to be a usable weapon... figure it out yourself."
Makima: (Her smile widened slightly, showing satisfaction with Kishibe's frustration) "I appreciate your honesty, Kishibe-san, and I agree with your assessment."
She walked directly in front of Kenji, who was standing still, awaiting orders.
Makima: "Kishibe-san is right, Kenji. Combat isn't just instinct; it's intellect."
She turned toward Kishibe again, her voice changing to a calm and extremely academic tone.
Makima: "We've known about this 'Mūkagen' since the analysis of his power on the day he was captured. The research team found old data in an encrypted surveillance log that described a power capable of stopping and distorting anything by creating Infinite Distance."
"The operating principle of Mūkagen is to divide space into an infinite series in an instant, which requires perfect calculations based on advanced theories of Physics and Mathematics."
Kishibe: What are you going to do?
Makima: Me? Kenji. For him, combat isn't just instinct, it's intellect. His Mūkagen power requires knowledge of Physics and Mathematics to unlock its true potential.
"That means Kenji's power is not like typical Devil powers that feed on fear; it uses intellectual knowledge as its operating mechanism."
Makima: (Turning back to Kenji and smiling) "Therefore, Kenji... your Mūkagen power requires knowledge of physics and mathematics to unlock its power."
Kishibe: (Looking suspiciously) "What are you planning?"
Makima: (Turning to Kishibe) "I'm going to send him to school."
Kishibe: "School? Are you insane!"
Makima: "No, I'm serious. Kenji must understand the principles of Physics and Mathematics to control Infinite Distance through understanding, not just fear. Concurrently, he will continue his training and missions."
Makima: (Smiling at Kenji) "Now is the time for Hirachi Kenji to live a parallel life. Eight years from now, you will be both the smartest student and my most dangerous weapon."
Makima: Isn't that right, Kenji-kun?
Kenji: (His azure eyes shining with determination. His right hand clenched tightly by his side, like the response of a well-trained soldier) "Yes, Miss Makima!" he replied with a more resolute and steady voice than ever before.
"I will study the hardest, and I will train the strongest. I will do everything you command so I can visit Mom and Dad often!"
Makima: (Her smile was perfect and satisfying) "Good boy."
She turned her back, walking past Kishibe toward the exit, but paused slightly to deliver a final order.
Makima: "Kishibe-san, this plan isn't just about forging a physical weapon." She gestured toward Kenji. "It's about creating a new life to serve as a tool. Eight years of controlled 'normalcy' will make him a weapon that can never escape or betray, because he has everything to lose."
Kishibe: (Staring at Kenji, who remained standing stiffly at attention, before raising his liquor bottle for a sip) "Hmph... You're even more disgusting than I thought, Makima."
Makima offered no response, simply walking out of the room, leaving Kenji standing alone with the single, defined goal of his life.