Day three begins with major improvements with all parties.


That small moment of respite and the challenge to fight longer with each passing day was all the drive the boys needed. Since learning last night that they were physically stronger before discovering Nen, Raphael needed to be better prepared for the long haul.

But the truth was that he knew, that he was undermining their strength. Until he learned to deal with their constant change without Bisky's request to do so, he was going to keep failing. Ideally, he understood that he couldn't keep Ryu up all the time for twelve hours. It'll drain him until he drops from exhaustion.

He needed to figure out how they knew when to switch. Those two boys worked perfectly in sync, as though they've known each other since birth…

They bounce between who's fighting with barely a split second to relax. The moment he felt a presence behind him was when he prepared his defences for the other.

Being hit was a physical reminder, a testament to their strength. He was glad they only knew the basics like focusing Gyo into their eyes enhanced their sight. A more powerful Nen user could see further with that technique. He couldn't… but Bisky probably could. But he wasn't about to test her patience.

However, thinking about the possibility didn't help his current predicament.

If the boys focused their aura on anything other than their eyes, they'd do a lot more damage than he could be prepared to withstand… especially if they don't learn to hold back.

Which was why he was struggling right now.

They refused to hold back… especially Killua, who was far better at Zetsu than he'd ever be. He's been caught off guard by that boy. Frankly, with how quiet those boy's steps were, he could become a professional assassin. Given how quietly he moved, it's probably a technique he perfected from all those times he constantly sneaked into the kitchen to steal sweets and chocolates.

He wouldn't be surprised… given how much stronger he got over ten days if Killua spent years sneaking chocolates as a toddler. Although, that would be the oddest way he heard of someone unconsciously mastering Zetsu.

He had been picking up on these tiny details for almost a day, to learn everything he did now. But it was only the beginning for him to start pushing his limits to the test. Seeing as it was the third day, he had only one more day to truly master anything before Bisky would force him to take them on at the same time.

When Killua came in swinging, his palm slamming into his forearm, he made a mental note. Bisky told him to have Nen awareness, but what he learned on the second day wouldn't be enough. Today was the last chance he had…

He needed to surpass his limits…

From the wavering bite of the impacts to the kind of touches he expected, he compiled as much information as possible to develop a theory of sorts.

Using what information he could gather, he used that to push his knowledge of En. En was the only thing he could think of to push his awareness skills to the maximum.

When he felt a kick to his back, he frowned. It's not enough

Countering the attack, he expected his blind spot to be punished. He felt it in the form of a punch which only made him frustrated. He swung his arm around when he felt someone behind him, knocking back Gon.

It wasn't the kind of awareness he was seeking, but he'd count that as a small win. That was until he was jabbed in the back. He was back to square one. It had been a couple of hours since he started trying, testing barely inching those limits.

"~"

Bisky watched with intrigue, surprised to see the boy slowly starting to manifest En. It wouldn't be long before he's able to implement it. He'll be able to take on Gon's simplistic attacks to Killua's more technical strikes.

There were moments she witnessed it happen yesterday, miniature wins towards the end of that day's training…

But Killua was stronger than he was yesterday, they had all gotten a little bit stronger.

Raphael pushing himself now would leave him in a better position for not only tonight but for tomorrow's intensive training session as well.

She's not about to give him answers that would break the cycle… the vicious cycle of having learned so much in so little time.

Then in a twist of time, she saw it happen in real time.

Raphael twisted at the right moment, blocking Killua before the attack. Even though the boy switched tactics, the fact he predicted his movements before the initial attack, showed he was just mastering his potential.

A crack formed along her face, breaking her façade once more. Soon…

"~"

Raphael managed to dodge several dashes by Killua, panting heavily. He was getting exhausted from over-exerting his flow of aura. He doesn't know if he could last fourteen hours. As if predicting his thoughts, Bisky shouted "Break time. Come and get some food."

The four sat in silence, except for the random moments of loud chewing or swallowing.

Raphael was still deep in his thoughts, trying to gauge where he could improve… what could he improve? Was his technique flawed, or was En impossible for him to learn at this stage?

"You know, Raphael…" Gon started a conversation, pulling the boy out of his thoughts "I noticed something."

"Hmm?"

"You sometimes predict our moves before they happen. How do you do that?"

"Idiot…" Killua playfully smacked his friend across the back of his head. As Gon rubbed his head, he pointed at the other "You think he's going to impede himself? He's not going to tell us his secret, considering he's barely getting an edge now. After all," The boy flashed the teen a smirk, "he's not going to beat us after our break."

"Well…" Gon continued to rub the back of his head, slightly annoyed at his friend, "I think it's cool. I want to learn to do that."

"It's an advanced technique…" Bisky mutters under her breath, inciting the ire of the teen who was only just starting to learn to master it.

"Really, so we can learn it too?"

"Of course…" She offered a smile, "But it takes some serious practice."

"Or a beating…" Raphael offered with a hint of annoyance. What was her end-game plan by telling them that much? So, they could learn it too and make his training even more difficult? It's bad enough he's only starting to get an edge now, but Killua taunting him was only making him feel even worse.

He knows it's just a bit of teasing and taunting, but it doesn't stop him from realising the difference between their skill levels. He was on par with them right now…

"Can you give us a hint Bisky? Please…" Gon gave the older woman huge puppy dog eyes, hoping she'd give away a fraction of a hint. Instead, he got ignored. He pouted when he realised, she wasn't going to give away anything "Aww…"

"It's something you learn…" She teased the kid with an innocent smile, "Not hinted at."

"I bet you gave a hint to Raphael." Killua pointed at the old hag, "I bet you told him that when I was talking to Gon about our switching expectation."

"Maybe I did… Maybe I didn't…" She sang in a cheery tone, "I wonder if you can figure out how he's doing it before he starts beating you."

"Beating us?" Killua scoffed at the idea "I'm not about to underestimate him like he did with us, but it won't be enough to take us both on."

Raphael found himself chuckling. Killua was right. It wouldn't be enough, but if he can figure out how they're able to constantly beat him, he'd be able to take them on a little easier "What do I get if I start beating you?"

Killua felt a smile creep across his face, "Well if you can…" He hummed at the idea, wondering what would be considered a good idea. Treating Raphael like a slave is a boring idea, considering Bisky was already doing it… He wanted to come up with something useful.

Like for Raphael to reveal all his cards or to give away one of his most useful cards to them.

"I think…" Gon thought about the question too, "Well, if he can predict our movements, we should be able to attack him at the same time."

"Huh?!"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Bisky chimed in, Raphael looking mortified at his trainer "Think of it as an incentive to improve. It's a small hurtle for you to cross. If you can't predict their movements by the end of the night, I'm expecting you to fight for sixteen hours tomorrow… no breaks. However, if you can do it… fourteen hours, with breaks."

"That's cruel…"

"No, saying you can't remain friends if you fail to beat them by tomorrow is cruel… oh, and for those sixteen hours, I'm still expecting you to fight them at the same time. I want you to progress, not to experience a holiday cruise. So, you better beat them by tonight."

Raphael shot the woman a glare. You're a monster…

"I can see what you're thinking, and I don't appreciate that." Bisky taunted the boy with a sweet smile, "Maybe I should adjust the time for tonight… add an extra two hours."

"I'm…" Raphael sighed. I can't believe I have to do this "I'm sorry Bisky-Chama…"

"Hmm…" Bisky's smile only grew, "maybe a little bit more praise will stop that from happening."

"Bisky-Chan, oh great and beautiful wise trainer-"

Bisky heard the sarcasm oozing from the teen's words. He was just as sarcastic as Killua. Except while that boy charged his words with insults, whereas Raphael's tended to praise others with underhanded compliments "Cut the crap or I will increase the time."

"I'll be good." Raphael quickly deflated from her swift change of mood "But I'll get it done by tonight…" He looked towards the boys, "Because if I can't improve now, I'll only be a third wheel to this group…" His fists tighten around the utensils. I need to get stronger for not just myself… but them.

I'm not going to be left behind

"~"

Raphael brought his palm down, slamming against Killua's leg to knock him off-guard. Feeling a fist connect with his back he quickly kicked behind him hopping to push back Gon. Except the boy had unexpectedly grabbed onto his leg.

He almost lost his balance but he quickly adjusted his arms to keep himself upright. When Killua brought down his hand swiftly chopping into his opposite side, he blocked the attack by hitting the boy's wrist.

Having knocked Killua back he quickly kicked off the ground to break out of Gon's tight grip.

Instead, Gon grabbed both of his legs letting him dangle in the air.

He dug both hands into the ground, getting a tight grip before parting his legs, breaking out of the boy's grip before Killua could get in a cheap shot. Having escaped, he swung his legs kicking at Killua who promptly dodged him. Using the momentum, he swung back around to kick Gon twice.

The boy's eyes widened slightly, the same legs swinging around to grip his neck. Gon grabbed onto the legs to stop him in his tracks. But instead of pulling back to escape, the legs crossed around his neck.

Gon's eyes widened further when Raphael used his body weight to swing the boy around, throwing him at Killua.

Killua caught his friend with a frown, Raphael once more using the momentum to kick up. Having got into a stance, he brought both hands up to usher one of them forward. He considered that a series of good luck, not a winning move given that he only felt the punch as it touched his back and not before it was incoming.

But that meant he was getting better…

He was ready to take the two of them on, just not together "Again…"

Killua pushed his friend aside to attack the teen, trying to take him in a head-on fight. He drew Raphael's attention away from Gon getting him to focus on only him. The two exchanged blows, one trying to attack while the other blocks.

Gon moved forward attempting to attack Raphael from his blind spot. He brought his foot up to kick the boy in the side. Unexpectedly Raphael blocked him. However, the teen didn't know he had done so because he was still focused on Killua.

He kicked him again in the same spot, this time scoring a hit.

Raphael was shocked by the attack but only momentarily. Within the moment he hadn't noticed it initially, but he had been kicked in the same spot twice. He had unconsciously blocked the first attack; he just hadn't realised it had happened out of instinct.

He was getting better… or had his body become more attuned to his attackers' moves?

He hoped he was getting better because the next moment Killua had come after him at the same time as Gon. Neither one had realised they had accidentally charged at the same time. But for the first time, Raphael felt he noticed a subtle change.

Bringing his arms up, he managed to block the two boys. Killua's hand came in to chop him in the side, while Gon was punching him on the other side.

Killua noticed Gon before the other did, realising what happened. Raphael had blocked them. When Gon's eyes darted towards him, he backed off.

The boy's eyes narrowed slightly in response, Gon understanding what his friend wanted him to do. Raphael had blocked them, which means… they now were free to attack together if he wasn't just lucky within that instance.

Thinking Killua and himself were going to attack at the same time, he switched tactics. Gon slammed his foot into the teen's back only to be blocked again.

But instead of helping him, his friend backed away. He didn't understand why until he started moving around the limited space. Oh… He focused on the teen in front of him, the two clashing once more, sounds of heavy impacts ricocheting off the walls.

Killua wanted to test a theory. He leapt into action before his friend could notice him coming in to join the fray.

If Raphael manages to block the two of them, it means he's managed to improve enough to take them both on.

He came in swinging, aiming for the teen's blind spot.

Raphael twisted at the last second, slamming his palm into Killua's ribs. He knocked the boy back, Killua hitting the wall with a heavy thud. Gon's kick connected with the teen's elbow, bringing the boy to the floor.

He managed to block the boys in succession. He did it…

Panting heavily. Raphael's body was shaking violently, the adrenaline pumping through his veins. He had managed to take out Killua while blocking one of Gon's attacks.

Killua got up, groaning. He hadn't expected to be struck so hard. Every part of his body was still shaking. Even so, he found himself smiling because he was still able to get up while Raphael was still forced to the ground by Gon's kick.

That, was until his trembling frame started to move, pushing aside Gon to fight through the exhaustion beginning to settle in his bones.

Raphael let out a roar of triumph. He felt his exploited eagerness being used, forcing himself to stand… to keep going. He was refusing to go down unless he passed out from exhaustion.

Killua cracked a smile at his friend, Gon returning the gesture. Without missing a beat, the two charged the teen, landing a hit on either side. Raphael's body contorted from the impact, his palms moving to grab the two boys by the wrist.

Slamming them onto the ground the two gasped in shock, wrenching their hands out of the grasp before moving to land another joint attack. This time the teen caught one of them while missing the other.

He felt like a ping-pong ball ricocheting from an attack. But clenching his teeth he powered through the attack. He continued to fight.

Bisky's smile grew because, without words or verbal agreement, they started to attack together. Raphael wasn't even complaining unless she counted the grunts and groans on missed opportunities. She eyed the teen's aura flow, noticing the slight extension from his body to the distance it extended. It was no huge feet, but a two-centimetre difference was putting him on the beginner's path to becoming a master of En.

She doesn't know how far he'll be able to extend that reach by the end of the fourth day, but it'll be a huge leap at least by the end of the training session.

She raised a hand with a smile "Times up."

Gon was the first to pull back, Killua following suit. Raphael collapsed to his knees with a heavy groan, panting from the frustration of having been denied the chance to continue, even though his body was screaming at him to take this moment of rest "Seriously…"

"Yup, and you made it just in the nick of time." She was proud of the boy, even if it was a small leap in growth. Starting from tomorrow that growth will continue to explode if he keeps up the work "Good job."

Raphael fist-pumped from the praise, even if his action was considered lacklustre, given how exhausted he was. He controlled his breathing, steadying his body before forcing himself to stand. He almost fell over. That was until Gon caught him, his arm slung around the boy's shoulder.

With a giddy smile, Gon helped his friend remain standing "That was fun."

"Yeah…" Raphael clenched his fist a few times, the soreness in his muscles making him wince, "But next time, don't kick me like you're trying to shatter a rock."

The boy gave his friend an apologetic smile.

It didn't take long before the two of them cracked a smile, unable to hold themselves from bursting into laughter. They couldn't have stopped themselves if they tried. The absurdity of the request, especially when he sounded so whiny made it impossible to stop themselves.

Killua bristled from how close Gon and Raphael were. Gon and he were friends, one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. The fun they've had was endless and even with all the compliments and constant teasing he'd receive for his reactions…

He'd gladly accept them just to spend another moment with Gon.

Raphael was taking that away from him. Stealing his friend by exuding a type of fun Gon enjoyed most… an unyielding challenge. He was determined to beat the teen, just so he could steal Gon's spotlight again.

Even though Killua felt the jealousy seep in, the laughter was infectious. Gon just had that effect on him.

Bisky hid her smile. She knew tomorrow would be rough. Even if they were able to laugh about the situation now, she knew the three of them were prepared to fight for the full sixteen hours. Because deep down, once they start fighting… neither of them will be able to hold back.


A/N: Leave a review, it helps inspire me.