Chapter 23: Calorie Control
The night was still young.
Arthur wasted no time returning to his apartment. He secured the doors and windows, turning his low estate into a training ground. The first thing he did was activate his Tamashii to gauge his surroundings.
No one was in sight, and Hiruzen was asleep.
Tonight's focus was on the seven heavenly breaths technique. From what he knew, this technique revolved around a series of specific breathing exercises, with each activation unlocking a new level of power.
Knowing that the eight inner gages correlated with an area of the body, he placed his attention on where the second activation would be: in the brain's right hemisphere.
Arthur settled into a meditative state, channeling chakra through his body with a practiced focus. He used the first activation, meticulously feeling out his entire being.
Hours passed as he cycled through the breaths. The first activation gave him energy, preventing him from getting tired—his body was buzzing with vitality. But the second activation remained elusive.
Focusing on his brain was a complicated matter. It did not seem that the seven heavenly breaths were at all the same as the eight inner gates. Arthur, not giving up, pushed himself, forcing the first activation to remain as long as he could.
Just as he felt he was on the verge of unlocking the next activation, the world began to blur and tilt. Dizziness forced him to break his concentration.
The negative feedback left him with an intense mental soreness. His entire mind and body became lethargic, as if he hadn't slept in weeks. Without giving it a second thought, he slumped to the floor and rested.
Afternoon light streamed through the window, rousing him from his failed training. He had overslept, and the regret of making a mistake was disturbing him. Arthur had to be perfect, for as it is written in the Holy Bible: be ye perfect, for I am perfect.