Chapter 45
"I did open the First Gate (Kaimon – Gate of Opening), but why does it feel different from what Might Guy-sensei said before?" Zixu muttered, looking at Tagitsu-hime with half-belief and half-doubt. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, as if she was desperately trying to maintain her composure and not let Zixu see through the gaps in her explanation.
"It's normal for it to feel different," Tagitsu-hime replied smoothly. "Everyone who trains in taijutsu for a long time develops their own unique style. This means you've found your own path, and that is something worth celebrating." She smiled as if to change the subject, while Tagorihime, who had been floating beside her, quietly faded into the background.
Meanwhile, Ichikishima-hime was the opposite—fanning the flames and urging Zixu to try opening another gate as soon as possible. She was itching to see just what kind of strength Zixu had gained.
"Hurry up! You've already figured out a way to train it, so why not show off? Let's see what you've got!"
The three goddesses all showed varying degrees of interest.
Zixu, on the other hand, felt uneasy. He was almost certain that something was off about this Eight Gates technique he had practiced, but since he had already gone through the trouble of learning it, there was no turning back now.
"Why are you in such a rush? Fine, I'll give it a shot."
Zixu focused on the newly-formed chakra meridian pathways in his body and recalled the effect of the First Gate (Kaimon – Gate of Opening):
"Opening the Gate: Lifts the brain's natural limiters, allowing the user to exert 100% of their body's ability. Overloads the body with energy, drastically increasing speed and attack power."
That was the normal effect.
Ichikishima-hime watched as Zixu's red hair lifted slightly, moving despite the lack of wind. His once-smooth strands now stood up wildly, resembling a crimson hedgehog. A faint red aura surrounded him, making her frown.