"The Uzumaki have no shortage of people who use Pokémon as their fighting strength. But, young clan leader, have you ever considered that the Uzumaki also have a group who fight with their own bodies?!" Shi seemed to be asking Liu Qing, but answered his own question. "The Shi Guard are precisely such a group! Unlike the martial arts passed down through the great families that you once practiced, we focus on ourselves, relying on nothing external. Those at the pinnacle can even contend with legendary Pokémon that govern the forces of nature!"
"The Heart Fist martial arts family, and those three Ninjas I met in Unova!" Liu Qing's gaze deepened as several images flashed through his mind: a crescent of blade light spanning the sky, and the clear ringing of a spear amid surging flames!
"Correct, young clan leader. Some members of the Heart Fist martial arts family cultivate their own bodies alongside training Pokémon, such as Bruno, the Fighting-type specialist among Kanto's Elite Four. Those three Ninjas in Unova also practice a method of physical cultivation. Tears of Stone, whom you met before, has practiced it as well. He has already reached the peak of the first stage and mastered the techniques for applying strength!"
"Oh?!" Liu Qing's eyes shone. "I'm rather interested in these stages of physical cultivation. Hmm, give me a rough overview first. We can discuss it in greater depth when we have the chance!"
"The first stage involves understanding how to apply strength and strengthening the muscles and tendons. Its outward manifestation is being able to make the air crack with a punch. The second stage builds upon the first by containing that force within, using intent to guide vital energy, settle the internal organs, harmonize blood and energy, and strengthen the bones. It