Chapter 553: Sleepless Nights
On the other side, Kai's consciousness returned from Madara.
In the soul center, the strange particles that had been pouring into Madara's light sphere due to Kai's enhancement began to subside.
Kai's gaze settled on the sphere before him.
Seeing its color shift toward a brighter red, Kai nodded with satisfaction.
He was meticulous when enhancing his Avatars.
The enhancements had to be based on the Avatar's inherent potential; he couldn't simply grant powerful abilities outright.
It wasn't impossible, but abilities not derived from the system couldn't be improved with reputation points.
The Avatars were anchored by the system's reputation framework.
Foreign abilities fell outside its enhancement scope.
As for why Haki, physical skills, and swordsmanship, acquired independently by Avatars, could be upgraded, it was because their original bodies possessed such potential.
These physical possibilities fell within the system's capability range.
Thus, Kai's enhancements for Avatars were grounded in their existing abilities.
Beyond this constraint, even powerful abilities could be used to enhance an Avatar.
Reputation points were limited, especially in later stages.
Focusing on upgrading one or two abilities was the most cost-effective approach.
Higher ability levels brought greater overall improvement.
Generally, stronger abilities corresponded to more principles.
The system's levels meant higher ranks approached these principles more closely.
One aspect was breadth; the other was depth.
Higher levels neared the essence, and the closer to the essence, the greater the enhancement to the individual.
Concentrating reputation points to climb levels quickly was key.
Once true mastery of principles was achieved, that was when real power emerged.
This time, Kai's enhancement for Madara focused on two Forbidden Techniques tied to the Sharingan.
The Sharingan was unique, possessing the special Forbidden Techniques Izanagi and Izanami, rooted in the interplay of reality and illusion.
Kai completed this potential, enabling Madara to use enhanced versions of Izanagi and Izanami.
These allowed him to turn illusion into reality and reality into illusion.
The next stage of his ability would likely yield a pair of Nine Tomoe Rinnegan.
At that point, mastering skills like Amenominaka and Infinite Tsukuyomi would be straightforward.
With Madara closer to the essence of reality and illusion, his enhanced abilities would likely surpass the original versions significantly.
By then, his elevated ability level would also grant him more potent techniques.
As for the interplay of reality and illusion, Kai planned to let Madara develop it further, freeing Kai to focus on other matters.
After settling Madara's enhancement, evening arrived.
After dining with Yin, Kai honored his agreement and went to Asami's bedroom.
Yin stayed at the door, not following him inside, but waited.
As a woman herself, she understood.
When it came to such moments, a woman wanted to be alone with the master.
Unless Kai desired a group interaction, Yin wouldn't intrude.
She wouldn't want others disturbing her private moments with him either.
As for joining afterward, that was another matter.
She endured much restraint, so she deserved compensation.
The night was long.
Time passed swiftly.
The next morning, a goddess-like figure appeared at Asami's bedroom door.
It was Nolen, who had an appointment with Kai.
After a while, the door opened, and Kai stepped out.
"You're up early, little Nolen."
"My master, do you dislike me interrupting your time?" Nolen asked.
Her fragrant body leaned into Kai's arms.
She pressed her face close to his ear, licked his earlobe, and blew softly.
"I can also please you, Master. I'm better now than before."
"I should be mature. Please don't make me wait too long."
Her bold words brought a slight flush to her peach-like cheeks.
Pulling back her ribbon would reveal her hazy eyes.
This time, Nolen was determined to go all out for this date.
She felt her figure was mature, her curves undeniable.
Though she understood what he meant by maturity, she believed her resolve wouldn't waver.
By clinging to the constant in the ever-changing web of fate, she trusted Kai would see her determination.
At Nolen's confessional words, Kai embraced her warm, soft body.
He rested his head on her graceful neck, inhaling her fragrance deeply.
He could sense the brilliance, depth, and firmness of her will.
"Little Nolen is much bolder now."
"When you were first born, you were so shy."
"You'd hold hands and walk, staring at your toes. If I didn't speak, you wouldn't either."
"Now you dare say such things?"
Feeling Kai's embrace, Nolen's cheeks grew rosier.
His words made her feel even more bashful.
Instead of shying away, she saw another angle.
"Back then, I could only see my toes when I looked down. Now, I can't see them at all!"
"If you don't believe me…"
She pressed herself closer, her soft curves against his chest, hugging him tightly as if to let him feel her form.
"Little Nolen, you seem full of wisdom." Kai said.
"But sometimes, you're unexpectedly cute."
"My dear master, if you weren't here, you'd think I couldn't find you and call me foolish!" she replied.
"No, you're very smart. You just do confusing things sometimes."
"Then, Master, tell me if you felt it."
"I truly felt it, so you're very smart, very, very smart."
Hearing Kai's earnest words, Nolen accepted the compliment.
"Thank you, Master, for the praise. As long as you acknowledge it, I'm content."
"So, am I mature?" she asked.
Seeing her fixation on this, Kai released the embrace.
His slender fingers glided across her cheek, then smoothed her pure white hair.
Finally, their hands intertwined.
"Let's go."
"My sweet, mature little Nolen."
At his words, Nolen's face showed a flicker of surprise.
Then, she revealed a breathtakingly beautiful smile.
That night, another sleepless night awaited.
(End of this chapter)