The next day, Kai slowly began to regain consciousness.
He tried to move—
and sharp pain shot through his entire body. His muscles burned, every movement sending waves of agony through him. He froze, remaining seated, breathing heavily.
Memories of yesterday's training surfaced.
Running.
Push-ups.
The sword.
And once again, pain followed.
He didn't know how much time had passed.
He didn't know how long he had slept.
Just then, the door opened. His mist immediately told him who it was.
The doctor.
Seeing Kai awake, the doctor widened his eyes in surprise. "You woke up already? I expected you to be unconscious for at least two days."
"How long was I out?" Kai asked. "What time is it?"
"About seven hours," the doctor replied. "You completely exhausted your body yesterday. That was severe overexertion."
Kai realized—training should be starting now.
Gritting his teeth, he stood up despite the pain and put on his eye bandage.
"What are you doing?!" the doctor exclaimed. "You need rest! Your body hasn't recovered yet!"
But Kai didn't listen.
He knew—if he wanted to become strong, he had to endure.
Slowly, step by step, he made his way to the training field, using his mist to guide him. Every step was painful, but he didn't stop.
When he arrived, his mist immediately sensed it—Sakazuki was there.
Waiting.
The day before, when Sakazuki had carried Kai back to his room, he ordered the doctor to examine him.
The doctor had been shocked. He said the training was far too harsh, especially for a body weakened by years of slavery. Kai should have been unconscious for at least two days.
Sakazuki said nothing and quietly left.
Today, he came to the training field to take a break from work—and then felt a familiar presence.
Kai.
Moving slowly.
Very slowly.
That surprised him.
Kai stopped in front of him. "Good morning, Senior Sakazuki. I'm not late for training, am I?"
Sakazuki studied him closely. Kai's body was trembling. Standing alone was already difficult.
And yet—he came.
"No," Sakazuki replied. "You're not late. I just arrived myself." He paused. "Are you ready?"
Kai nodded.
"Then begin. Same as yesterday."
Sakazuki didn't stop him. He wanted to see how far Kai could go.
Kai started running.
Pain immediately surged through his legs. Every step hurt, but he continued.
Sakazuki watched silently.
After finishing the first lap and starting the second, the pain grew worse. By the fourth lap, his body gave out.
Kai collapsed face-first into the ground.
"Damn it…
I'm not done…
Get up…
Don't be weak…"
He tried to stand—but his body refused.
"That's enough," Sakazuki said. "Stop. You need to rest."
"No… I can still—" Kai tried.
Sakazuki shook his head. "This is your limit. If you continue, you'll only damage your body."
Kai tried once more to rise—and failed.
He gave up.
Sakazuki stepped closer. "You did well, Kai," he said calmly. "Very well." "But that's enough for today. We'll continue tomorrow, when you're ready."
Kai silently nodded.