Ch. 161Warm-Up Over
Summary of “Warm-Up Over”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Netero confronts Jed’s enhanced Hundred Demons Rakshasa inside the Nen Space. Although the ability is stronger than it was during Jed’s lifetime, Netero immediately recognizes that the Nen Space creates only an illusory, mentally powered battle.
- Netero feels no excitement because Jed is not a genuine living opponent. He understands that the fight is merely a reenactment of a battle whose outcome was decided long ago.
- Numerous Moyu Shadow Clones begin appearing through spatial rifts. Netero assumes Cheadle’s intense feelings for Moyu caused the Nen Space to generate them, though the truth is that Cheadle created only one Moyu image.
- Netero overwhelms the Hundred Demons Rakshasa with the 100-Type Guanyin’s relentless palm strikes. Jed’s hatred and resentment cannot overcome the enormous gap between them.
- Jed realizes that no matter how many times he returns or how much stronger he becomes, Netero remains an opponent he can never surpass.
- Netero destroys the Hundred Demons Rakshasa and then engulfs Jed in another barrage of attacks, thanking him before he disappears.
- A Moyu Shadow Clone attempts to ambush Netero from behind, but the 100-Type Guanyin detects and destroys it. Netero then discovers that hundreds or thousands of clones have surrounded him.
- Treating the mass of clones as a new challenge, Netero remarks that they seem to be declaring the “warm-up” over.
- Meanwhile, in the part of the Nen Space containing the Eye of Vision, Moyu, Piyon, and Defo wait for reinforcements to confront the dangerous Post-Mortem Relic. When no help arrives, Piyon begins to lose confidence.
- The space suddenly develops widespread cracks, from which golden light begins to spill, signaling a major new development or arrival.
Character Developments
- Netero: His vast experience allows him to recognize the Nen Space’s artificial nature. Despite longing for a true battle to the death, he remains calm, technically flawless, and psychologically dominant. His victory over Jed confirms that Netero’s skill and willpower remain far beyond Jed’s reach.
- Jed: His hatred has intensified after death, but his resentment cannot compensate for the fundamental gap between him and Netero. He is forced to acknowledge that Netero is an insurmountable wall.
- Cheadle: Though she is absent from the scene, Netero’s misunderstanding reveals how deeply he believes she cares for Moyu. His incorrect assumption gives her an unexpectedly powerful presence in the battle.
- Moyu and Piyon: They remain cautious and wait for assistance rather than confronting the Post-Mortem Relic recklessly. Piyon’s uncertainty grows as they are left without reinforcements.
Significant Themes
- Reality versus illusion: Netero distinguishes genuine combat from a Nen-generated imitation, emphasizing that mental constructs cannot provide the meaning of real life-and-death struggle.
- The limits of hatred and revenge: Jed’s post-mortem resentment makes him stronger but does not change the essential difference between him and Netero.
- Experience and mastery: Netero’s decades of training, insight, and mental strength prove more important than the Nen Space’s enhancements.
- Unchanging gaps between individuals: The chapter suggests that some differences in talent, ability, and achievement cannot be overcome simply through repeated effort or increased power.
- Love and emotional power: The many Moyu clones are linked to the emotional force surrounding Cheadle and Moyu, showing how affection can influence Nen phenomena in unexpected ways.
- A false victory followed by a new challenge: Jed’s defeat ends only the initial battle; the appearance of countless clones and the cracking space indicate that the true confrontation is beginning.
Character Interactions
- Netero and Jed: Their encounter repeats their old conflict. Jed attacks with hatred, while Netero responds with detached calm and overwhelming force, ultimately offering a quiet farewell.
- Netero and the Moyu clones: The clones attempt to surround and ambush him, but Netero treats them as another test rather than a serious threat.
- Netero and Cheadle’s image: Although Cheadle is not physically present, Netero interprets the clones as evidence of her profound attachment to Moyu, altering his perception of her.
- Moyu, Piyon, and Defo: The three cooperate defensively while waiting for reinforcements, but the unexplained golden light emerging from the cracked space threatens to disrupt their cautious plan.