Despite having reached the peak of his current level long ago, Shiro Sakamaki had been held back from forming a domain due to insufficient energy. Even if he attempted a breakthrough, it would have been fruitless. But now—with spiritual power reserves full and his body in prime condition—it was time.
"Haruno, I need to go into training mode for a bit. No matter what happens, don't disturb me, alright?"
"Mm." Yukinoshita Haruno nodded obediently. Though she enjoyed teasing him, she knew when to get serious. In times like these, she wouldn't play around.
Shiro settled into a seated posture, activating his spiritual flow as he summoned the Level-Breaking Pill from the system's storage space. It was ordinary-looking—brown, about the size of a regular supplement capsule—but the power within it was anything but.
Without hesitation, he swallowed the pill.
As it dissolved, the spiritual power in his body surged violently. The small, enclosed room was instantly engulfed in swirling wind. Acupuncture points throughout his body were forced open, and spiritual energy surged through his meridians like a river breaking through a dam.
He could feel something inside him crack—like an invisible shackle giving way. His body lightened, his power expanded tenfold, and the once-gaseous energy began slowly to liquefy. No domain had formed yet, but the flow of energy was smooth and immensely powerful.
Something deep inside beat rhythmically—like a seed of power taking root.
Shiro recalled what his teacher had said: some specialists with exceptionally vast power reserves didn't immediately form a domain upon breakthrough. The stronger the core, the longer it took. But once it formed, their domains were unmatched—more potent, more resilient, and more devastating than those of average specialist.
With his enhanced senses, he clenched his fist experimentally. A shockwave burst from his palm—the air itself splitting under pressure.
If I fought my old self now, I'd crush him effortlessly, he thought with a smile.
Night had fallen. Haruno had left at some point, but she'd left a handwritten note:
> "I have some work to take care of, so I left first. Shiro-kun, training is important, but make sure to eat. Love you!"
He imagined her expression while writing it and couldn't help but chuckle. Haruno's teasing had become softer lately—less mischievous and more… affectionate.
He rubbed the note between his fingers, and with a flash of lightning, it turned to ash. The breakthrough didn't just enhance his raw power—it also refined his control. Micro-manipulation of energy had become second nature.
Even his Three Types of Haki, shadow manipulation, and other innate skills had evolved. Only alchemy remained stagnant—it required deep theoretical knowledge. Still, with his brain, catching up on chemistry and material theory would be easy.
He willed his shadow to lash out like a whip—it tore through the air, slashing space itself.
No reason to stay at Totsuki Resort with Eriri and Haruno both gone. He packed up and left.
---
Later That Night – At Home
The apartment was… spotless.
The chaotic mess he'd left behind was gone. Books had been organized. Dirty clothes cleaned and folded. On the table sat a collapsed cake—clearly homemade but not quite perfected. It must have been Nanami Aoyama.
She came all the way here to clean? Shiro shook his head in wonder. He took out his phone, snapped a photo of the cake, and sent her a message.
Shiro: "The cake is delicious. Thanks, Aoyama. If there's anything you need help with, let me know."
Nanami: "It's been sitting out a day. Better not eat it, Sakamaki-kun. I just found some ingredients and baked a bit. Hope you don't mind."
Shiro: "Not at all. Use the kitchen whenever you like—I wouldn't know what to do with it anyway."
Nanami: "Thank you, Sakamaki-kun."
He checked in with Haruno—who was busy with work and signed off quickly. Eriri was drowning in manuscript deadlines. Kato Megumi was out with family. The Nakano sisters were each off doing their own thing.
I'm… completely alone, he realized.
Bored, he scrolled to Misaki's profile and remembered he'd promised to invite her over after he moved.
Shiro: "Misaki-senpai, what are you up to?"
She replied almost instantly.
Misaki: "Sakamaki-kun! You haven't come to play games with me in forever—I'm dying of boredom here!"
Misaki: "That idiot Jin is always gone, Ryunosuke won't leave his room, and I've had no one to play with all week!"
Her frustration came through loud and clear. Shiro felt a pang of guilt—she had been kind to him, and he'd left her hanging.
Shiro: "Wanna come over and play now? Still early."
He attached a photo of his game cabinet, loaded with titles.
Misaki: "Whoa! Are those all yours?! I'm on my way!"
Shiro: "Wait—I'll pick you up. Don't go out alone at night."
She accepted.
With that, Shiro threw on a jacket and headed out. His motorcycle's engine roared as he took off toward Sakurasou.
---
At Sakurasou
Misaki was just stepping out when she ran straight into Mitaka Jin.
"Misaki? Going out this late?" Jin asked, surprised.
It was already 8:30 p.m.—a strange hour for errands or visits.
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