Synopsis

The chapter showcases the protagonist's intense training regimen as he aims to surpass his past limitations and confront a hidden organization, and his former friend's efforts to reach out, which are met with resistance due to the protagonist's desire to protect him and cut off all ties. The protagonist recalls how they were both bullied in the past, and the chapter ends with the antagonist's intimidation tactics designed to further isolate the protagonist. This creates a conflict between reconnecting with a friend and the need to push them away to protect them from the protagonist's dangerous pursuit, a core internal struggle of the chapter.