Once the food entered his stomach, it turned into a gentle warmth, as though it was instantly digested.
"I can feel a slight boost in my basic physical stats. Not huge, but enough. Eating is a daily routine—three meals or more—so it adds up. If I take in truly delicious, highly nutritious food, who knows what kind of growth I might see?"
Ron was delighted at how his new Gourmet Cells worked. Most Nen users hit a ceiling with their physical energy, though their spiritual energy could keep advancing. Legendary masters like Netero, Maha Zoldyck, and the Floor Masters of Heaven's Arena all eventually focused on developing their nen power rather than improving physically. Besides, as a person gets older, the body inevitably declines.
"But these Gourmet Cells mean I might break through the human body's limits. If I push both spirit and body to the peak, what happens then?"
He figured someone before might have tried something comparable—if not actual Gourmet Cells, then similar abilities. For instance, Ron recalled the Gluttony member of the Underworld Mafia's 'Seven Deadly Sins' group. Their power vaguely resembled it, but it was clearly less potent. Otherwise Gluttony wouldn't have been defeated so easily back then.
"I got these Gourmet Cells under very strict conditions. First, I had to absorb the Hunter Exam traits and reach one-hundred percent on Observer's Intent. Then I used data from Toriko's world and formed Toriko. Finally, I sacrificed Toriko through the Second Shadow to fuse him with myself. The more demanding the process, the higher the potential ceiling for these cells—definitely higher than Gluttony's."
He checked the time, then motioned to the server. "Give me three more of these to go, please."
Ponzu blinked in confusion. "Captain, are we meeting someone else?"
She only looked more puzzled, but Ron offered no explanation. Soon the three takeaway meals were ready, and he paid the bill. The two of them got back in the car, setting off in the direction Tuck had mentioned.
The restaurant's portions were fairly generous, but as a Nen user, Ron naturally ate more than an ordinary person. Food is the main source of physical energy, after all. Yet after finishing his share, he still felt like he could eat again. Because of his Gourmet Cells, there seemed to be no risk of overeating or damaging his stomach.
Ponzu couldn't help staring. "Captain, how did your appetite get this big?" she asked. She'd been with him a while, observing his habits, but it looked like he was on another level now.
He shrugged. "Nen users can eat more than normal. We'll be driving nearly all day, so I need plenty of energy. Don't forget, we might run into a fight tonight."
Ponzu nodded, still amazed. "I can drive too," she offered.
"I'll let you take over in a bit."
With that, the car fell into a companionable silence. Only the hum of the engine, the tires on the road, and the rushing of the wind remained—a combination that often makes passengers drowsy.
Ponzu wasn't sure when she dozed off, but by the time she woke up, buildings were nowhere to be seen. She turned to look at Ron, who was fully focused on maintaining a smooth speed. His hands were steady on the wheel, managing acceleration and brakes so evenly that there was almost no jostling at all.
"You're awake?" he asked.
"Want to switch now?"
"Give me a moment. I just woke up; let me get my bearings."
Not wanting to stare at Ron, Ponzu looked away, then caught a glimpse of his reflection in the rearview mirror. Memories poured into her mind. She recalled the very start of the Hunter Exam, noticing Ron because of Tonpa, but not paying much attention to his strength—just noting that he stood out from the crowd with his looks. At the time, she was too worried about her village to care about much else.
Then came Zevil Island, where she'd planned to ambush him, only for Ron to catch her first. She still couldn't figure out how he'd spotted her. Yet he didn't attack or steal her tag. She ended up following him until the exam on Zevil Island concluded, and later she teamed up with Ruco to await Ron's arrival, learned Nen, and came here to investigate her village's crisis. Now, she couldn't stop her thoughts from wandering.
"If the Captain really does see me in that way…what should I do?" Ponzu rested her free hand over her heart, feeling it pound.
"Ah!" She jumped, looking startled.
Ron gave her a calm glance. "You can drive now, if you're ready."
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