"The so-called 'wave' is a special sensation I experienced when I lost my sight. Everything in the world has a 'wave,' which is why I could 'see' things despite being blind."
Shion explained his unique sensory ability to the three people before him, while Takatsuki sat on a tree root like a student, learning from him.
After all, this might be the cultivation system of this world; he just didn't know how strong it was.
"That monster, I felt an incredibly terrifying 'wave' reaction from him, as if his very being was a collection of waves."
Shion was referring to the monster Takatsuki had killed. From Tenza's description, Takatsuki learned that the monster was a sentient being capable of communication.
However, it seemed the monster had no intention of conversing with humans, attacking them as soon as it appeared.
"I see. So, how does one master this 'wave'?"
Shion's purpose in explaining this was, naturally, to guide the three in understanding the 'wave.'
He had a feeling that only the 'wave' could kill that monster.
Both Takatsuki and Tenza stated that powerful destructive force could also destroy it to the point of being unable to regenerate.
However, if they could easily prevent its regeneration, that would also be good.
But…
"Biting off more than one can chew" is a very simple and easy-to-understand principle, but the original Takatsuki only thought it was due to expending too much energy.
However, while learning, Takatsuki realized that it was not just that.
The prerequisite for practicing the 'wave' is to perceive its existence.
The simplest method is to abandon sight and perceive the world, as humans rely too heavily on vision.
Therefore, after losing sight, other senses rapidly amplify.
The most direct way for Tenza and Nurugai to practice was to blindfold themselves and feel.
But Takatsuki couldn't.
Even without sight, he had Observation Haki; without Observation Haki, he had aura perception. Even if these two points were shielded, Takatsuki's vast, mountain-like, heavy Nen could still perceive enemies.
He had many ways to perceive his surroundings, so he simply couldn't do this kind of practice.
"Um, Mr. Takatsuki is already very strong. It's alright even if he can't perceive the 'wave'!"
After Tenza and Nurugai both perceived the 'wave,' Tenza comforted Takatsuki.
"Indeed, in reality, all living creatures unconsciously use the 'wave.' Takatsuki, you possess an incredibly vast aura, like a mountain or a tsunami, and it forms its own system. Your methods of utilizing this aura are far more direct than ours."
Shion's words made Takatsuki ponder for a long time.
What he said… the more Takatsuki listened, the more he felt that what he was referring to was not anything else, but Nen.
The essence of Nen is the life force of the human body, energy naturally emitted from within the human body.
People who haven't awakened Nen also possess this energy, but they cannot utilize it, only letting it dissipate in vain.
However, Nen is exclusive to humans, while the 'wave' is present in all things; there is still a distinction between the two.
It's like one is a molecule and the other is an atom. Takatsuki felt that perhaps the so-called 'wave' was something deeper than Nen.
"Hmm, I also think it's best to let nature take its course. The 'wave' and what I've learned seem to originate from the same source, but they have different developmental paths."
After manipulating Nen to gather on his body and receiving Shion's confirmation, Takatsuki withdrew it.
He didn't know what effects the so-called 'wave' had for now, but Takatsuki's Nen had already reached the limit of what the system could enhance.
Although Takatsuki felt this was not the true limit, it was impossible for him to abandon Nen to learn the so-called 'wave.'
"For now, let's continue. You mentioned there were others who came to the island with you, right?"
After Tenza and Nurugai had mastered the basics of the 'wave,' Takatsuki suggested.
Shion also nodded.
"It's getting late. This forest is full of dangers. It's best to find a place to stay before dark. I just wonder what's deep in the forest."
"There's a building."
"A building!?"
The three looked at Takatsuki in surprise.
"Don't look at me like that. When I arrived on the island, I once jumped high into the sky and overlooked the entire island. I saw a golden building in the center."
Takatsuki said casually, but his words still shocked the others.
Tenza: "Jumped to…"
Nurugai: "High into the sky?"
"Exactly, like this."
Saying that, Takatsuki stomped his foot.
He didn't deliberately try to destroy the ground beneath him, but the earth beneath his feet exploded as if struck by a violent impact.
Under their gazes, Takatsuki leaped dozens of meters into the air, then descended again.
"Hmm, I just checked. There are some monsters approaching us nearby."
After landing steadily on the ground, Takatsuki ignored their surprise and stated what he had just seen.
Shion was indeed the oldest among them; he merely opened his mouth slightly before composing himself.
"In that case, let's head deeper. If the immortal medicine truly exists here, it should be there, and the others should also be heading deeper into the island."
Shion's suggestion was met with approval from everyone.
"Since we've decided to set off, leave it to me."
Takatsuki's words made the three, who were just about to move, pause in surprise.
Without explaining, Takatsuki walked up to a large tree. He took a deep breath and then, with a single hand chop, struck the tree.
The effect of Nen combined with Armament Haki caused the tree to instantly begin to tilt as if it had been cut by a sharp blade.
But before this towering tree could fall, another silver flash appeared.
While the others' attention was drawn to the tilting tree, a short sword, the length of a baby's forearm, appeared in Takatsuki's hand.
But this short sword, despite its size, easily cut through the massive tree that two people would need to embrace to encircle.
Following closely were a flurry of sword lights.
Nurugai watched this scene and murmured, "This… Mr. Takatsuki is too strong."
"Yes, Mr. Takatsuki was also very strong before; he killed that monster so easily."
Tenza at least had some psychological preparation, so he wasn't as surprised as the other two by this scene.
"This is good. On this dangerous island, having such a powerful ally increases our hope of escaping."
While the three were chatting, a simple dugout canoe took shape in Takatsuki's hands.
"Um, Mr. Takatsuki, the ocean currents here prevent us from leaving, and we already have a boat."
Tenza said, looking at the crude dugout canoe.
"Huh? I'm not leaving."
Takatsuki's words confused the three of them.
Takatsuki: "Alright, stop talking. Get on quickly. I'll take care of the journey."