Hunter x Hunter: Infinite Growth
Chapter 421

Peak Netero X Throw Your Punch

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Kevin held the potion that could bring him to peak condition in his hand.

Seeing the vial, Netero's tense expression finally relaxed.

Even the experienced Netero couldn't help but feel excited when faced with this medicine.

For a martial arts fanatic like him...

To be able to recover to peak condition at such an advanced age and face an invincible enemy.

It's practically a dream come true.

At the moment when he most wanted to fight with all his might, he was unable to unleash the peak strength of his life.

This is truly a shame.

But now that regret has been made up for.

Even if it's only for half an hour.

But this is just a dream.

A dream that lasted half an hour.

He was so engrossed in the battle that he had given it his all and forgotten all his inhibitions.

He entered a state of complete self-forgetfulness.

Kevin had to intervene. Just as Netero was about to unleash his final attack, Kevin instinctively stepped in to stop him.

Medicines are not a panacea; all medicines have certain side effects. However, these side effects do not mean that the medicine is harmful in any way.

It's because all medicines have side effects, and they can put stress on the body.

This is unavoidable, and the stronger one's physique, the greater the pressure one can withstand, and the more medicine one can use in a short period of time.

Of these, only therapeutic drugs can be used and administered in extreme circumstances.

After all, therapeutic drugs are designed to help when a person is weak or disabled, so they cause the least stress and can actually help the body recover.

However, therapeutic drugs, in addition to their medicinal effects, also have the ability to stimulate the body's self-healing capabilities.

Therefore, even curative medications should not be used repeatedly in a short period of time.

However, the potion that restores one to peak condition is not essentially a healing potion; it also places a certain burden on the body.

He had probably already guessed that Netero might use a move that would exhaust all his strength to deliver a fatal blow to the Ant King.

This wasn't something Netero told him, nor did he know it; it was simply a feeling he had that possibility.

But if that happens, it might be impossible to use the medication.

This possibility must be avoided, and at this point, Kevin, as the observer, must remain rational.

A body that is too fragile, on the verge of its limit, or has already reached its limit, cannot withstand the impact of the drug.

So he had no choice but to come and stop it.

"Oh? Is it your turn to go on stage now?"

The Ant King looked at Kevin with great interest and said.

Kevin looks younger, and his body certainly exudes more vitality and energy.

But he also knew that among humans, the older and more experienced one is, the more likely one is to develop powerful abilities accumulated over centuries.

Having already fought against older, stronger opponents, it might be just as interesting to fight against more energetic, newly emerging powerhouses.

He was also looking forward to it.

Kevin just smiled knowingly when he heard this.

"You're indeed dealing with a young man, just not me. Be careful, he's got a lot of pent-up anger going on right now."

Kevin's gaze fell upon an angry figure.

As he spoke, Syringe appeared in his hand, and he skillfully inserted the medicine into it.

It pierced directly into Netero's shoulder and neck.

Netero did not stop them at all; instead, a smile of relief and anticipation appeared on his face.

The most potent potion was injected into his body.

Under the onslaught of the drug's effects, Netero closed his eyes.

The withered skin, like soil saturated with water, instantly became plump and resilient, and the deep wrinkles were smoothed out by an invisible force.

At the severed arm and leg, the wounds that had previously controlled the muscles to retract and close began to stretch out.

Flesh and bones grew and reshaped wildly as if time had reversed, returning to their original state in the blink of an eye, even appearing stronger and more powerful.

His surging Life Force, like a torrent bursting its banks, washed over his aging body, dispelling all the stagnation brought on by fatigue and wounds.

Everything seemed to come from nowhere, as if it had appeared out of thin air.

The so-called "Peak Potion" brings him to the peak of physical condition.

Most of Kevin's medications, except for those specially formulated, have no effect on the mind or soul.

The so-called "Peak Potion" is essentially about looking up the body's records and going back in time.

To restore the body to its most powerful and perfect state.

Therefore, it can also be used as a temporary Healing Potion.

However, once the effects of the medicine wear off, everything in the body will revert to its original state, as if recording this very moment. Therefore, even severed limbs will recover.

But at this moment, Netero had a full head of white hair draped over his shoulders, and his face was without a single wrinkle.

His muscles bulged and knotted, and his physique became tall and robust.

His face lacked the kind of kindness that Kevin often displayed; instead, it exuded a sharp aura and a powerful, effortless strength.

"Call----"

Netero let out a heavy breath, opened his eyes, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light.

His aura surged outwards.

The sheer force of the spray caused sand and stones to fly everywhere, blowing away all the previously broken mud, rocks, and sand.

Faced with such an imposing aura, Kevin couldn't help but raise his hand to shield himself and take a few steps back.

At what age was Netero at his peak?

Different people who came into contact with him came to different conclusions.

But without a doubt, they will all set this point at fifty years old or later.

For most people, the period between twenty and thirty years old is probably their peak.

Beyond that, it's about maintaining the status quo rather than growing, until it starts to decline after the thirties.

This is the pinnacle of pure physical ability.

Netero, as a top-tier Nen user, naturally has a different concept when it comes to maintaining and increasing his physical abilities.

After all, Nen user rely on "binding" to maintain the life force that their bodies spontaneously lose.

Therefore, their peak performance will continue to increase with age.

It will also last for a longer period of time.

So what would be considered old age for a normal person is, for Netero, the peak of his life.

Fifty years old was the time he descended the mountain, a time when he felt grateful for martial arts and comprehended the Hundred-Type Guanyin.

But that was still not his peak.

Going back further, his peak was at sixty years old.

It was only from the age of sixty that his health began to decline.

He looks no more than thirty years old now, but he has already reached the perfect peak that a sixty-year-old body can achieve.

At this moment, the Ant King had stood up, and his expression was no longer as easygoing as before, but had become very serious.

He kept his eyes fixed on Netero.

He had truly felt that power.

Previously, he had never felt threatened by Netero.

Only at this moment does the threat truly exist.

His instincts told him so.

Someone as powerful as him is already instinctively capable of seeing through lies.

He then fixed his gaze on Kevin.

That was a more serious expression than when he looked at Netero.

"That potion, that power, is it yours?"

Kevin glanced at the expression the Ant King was giving him, then simply shrugged slightly, showing no intention of replying.

"Regardless, I acknowledge you and your abilities, and even if you offend me later, I will forgive you."

"Your power is precious even to me, so you will submit to me after you have lost convincingly."

"Even if you later ask me to treat humans kindly, I will consider it according to your request. This is my appreciation for your precious power."

The Ant King continued talking to himself.

Perhaps for others, having such a powerful figure acknowledge them, even if he is a king of a different race, is something to be happy about.

But to Kevin, these words meant nothing.

This is a racial war, a war for the survival of the race, and there is no possibility of reconciliation.

Therefore, there is only one possible outcome.

It's either live or die.

"Your praise is truly flattering, but before that, you should experience firsthand the 'anger' of this young man."

Kevin said with a smile, then looked at Netero, who was experiencing his current peak condition.

He was savoring the moment.

It's been decades, it's been decades.

That seems like a distant past, yet it also feels like it was just yesterday.

Even Nen user cannot fight against his aging.

Even if he spent a month to return to his peak condition in his old age, he would only be half of what he used to be.

Even just standing here, he can feel the vitality he hasn't felt in a long time.

He is stronger now than ever before.

His body was at its peak, and so were his spirit, his soul, and his will.

Because these things don't weaken with age; for him, they only become stronger.

A young body combined with the experience and wisdom of old age.

This is the true meaning of the Peak Potion.

To be able to see one's own medicine, used on the right person, producing such a significant effect and result.

Kevin, who was also the producer, couldn't help but smile.

Medicine should have this effect.

This is truly [Moment's Dream].

"Only half an hour, remember that."

This is an ironclad rule that absolutely cannot be violated.

Netero nodded.

That's more than enough.

Without hesitation, Kevin jumped back and returned to his previous spectator position.

This time, he sat there halfway, his eyes fixed intently on something.

A true battle of titans.

Let him see just how strong Netero at his peak really is.

Facing the peak Netero before him.

The Ant King no longer strolled around as leisurely as before, but instead adopted a posture of full readiness.

His expression was also serious.

"Come on, let me see just how strong you really are at your young age."

Netero simply smiled, his youthful face lacking the mischievous, childlike quality he once possessed when he smiled in his old age.

Rather, it is true power, possessing a genuine sense of oppression.

Are you still waiting for me to attack?

Netero stared at the Ant King ahead and muttered to himself.

"Meruem, the Ant King, that's your name."

Having undoubtedly lost before, Netero told the Ant King his name, as agreed beforehand.

This is the second round.

The current Ant King has no interest in his own name; all his attention is focused on Netero.

He simply nodded slightly.

Then Netero was seen with his hands clasped together.

This time, with his hands clasped together, Netero even closed his eyes, as if he were truly praying.

"Inhale and exhale----"

As he prayed, his eyes snapped open.

Meruem could even sense the light emanating from those eyes.

Reach out Straight Punch!

It's no longer a slap, no longer a tap.

Instead, it was Gratitude Straight Punch.

The Guanyin behind her also suddenly unleashed its golden fist.

"Boom!"

Meruem, already on high alert and ready for battle, stared wide-eyed.

He was hit squarely in the face.

Things are different now; the attack method chosen is also different.

A heavy punch landed on Meruem, sending him flying instantly.

Blood gushed from his throat the instant he was hit.

His entire body flew backward and crashed into the stone pillar, even smashing through the massive pillar.

It wasn't until the second stone pillar that he stopped his flying body.

He slid down through the hole in the stone pillar and landed on the ground, crouching down and covering his chest with his hand.

Blood clung to the corner of his mouth.

He was injured.

The injuries he sustained were more severe than those he sustained in the entire battle with Netero.

Throughout the entire battle, the injuries he sustained were merely superficial.

This time, however, the punch caused him pain.

The force of this attack was completely different from before.

And it was even faster than before, leaving absolutely no room to dodge; he couldn't even see it.

Netero smiled with satisfaction at the result of his attack.

At this moment, he was at his peak and had no need to use the Merciful Palm.

That's exactly the right thing to do; he should use his most powerful punches.

When did he start switching from fists to palms?

Yes.

That was when he became the first Nen user.

It was when he reached the pinnacle of martial arts.

It was when he descended the mountain and began challenging all the well-known martial arts schools.

After defeating all the martial artists in the world, all the powerful martial artists one by one.

He has gone from challenger to the challenged.

He began to get used to waiting.

Waiting for the enemy's attack.

He began to get used to extending his hand for a friendly handshake.

He began to retract his fists, and started to end the fight with a push of his palms.

Perhaps a compassionate hand would be more suitable for him at this moment than a fierce fist.

Facing those young people who aspire to martial arts and are forging ahead on this path, those newly emerging challengers.

He looked with compassion, with the eyes of an elder.

Therefore, you can use your palm.

Because it is more compassionate and more inclusive.

He was grateful for martial arts, and felt he should give back; these seedlings were the future martial artists.

Therefore, we should be compassionate, and therefore we should use our palms.

Because he remains high above, he still has no rivals.

Therefore, you can use your palm.

Did he forget to clench his fist?

Have we forgotten that when the five fingers are joined together, the fist is thrown solely for victory, solely for pure force?

He hadn't forgotten, he just wasn't targeting the person he was throwing a punch at anymore.

And now, the target of his punch is right in front of him.

His own body was also strong enough to allow him to throw a punch with all his might.

Let yourself temporarily retract that useless, Merciful Palm.

Swing your fist with all your might!

"Meruem! I am so grateful to you, so grateful for meeting you!"

Netero shouted loudly, then burst into hearty laughter.

"So, Meruem, please don't just die like that!"

Hahahaha!

Hearing Netero's hearty laughter, the Ant King, who had stood up again, showed an unprecedented display of anger.

With a somber expression, he reached up and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"What ignorant humans! Do they really think they can achieve victory in their current state?"

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