chapter 18 first battle against a nen user

For Imori's preparation against his opponent, a certain Joard, we gathered information on his previous matches: 2 wins and 1 loss. Joard was not more than 30 years old and was from the show. His nen attack consisted of projecting nen balls at his opponents, often to keep them at a distance. He also created an aura dome like an explosion, more to scare than to harm. The amount of nen was too weak to cause damage to someone who was expecting it; you would need to be in Zetsu to take damage. But its surprise function often prevented his opponent from attacking, which caused his previous defeat: his opponent was expecting it.

Two days passed. The big day arrived. Imori was a bit stressed but mostly excited. "Don't lose," said Umori with a confident smile. He prepared to enter the stage. We could hear the spectators' screams. The only thing that came to mind was "don't die," although I didn't say it to him, I think he knew.

Imori's POV

As I entered the stadium, I heard my name called by the referee. "We welcome Imori Alucard. This is his first fight in the arena. Will he surprise us?" Against him was Joard, with 2 wins and 1 loss. The spectators were going wild.

The tension in the air was palpable. Joard stood on the other side of the arena, his eyes fixed on me, a confident smile on his lips. I recalled Umori's and Amori's advice from our preparation. I had to stay calm and focused.

"Let the match begin!" declared the referee, raising his arms.

Immediately, Joard launched a series of nen balls in my direction. I dodged them with ease, but suddenly, I was hit.

I use GYO to see what I missed the invisible balls were around him which prevents me from getting closer saved if

"Damn, how is that possible? Ah yes, In can be used on the Hatsu ability. I see, only Gyô can help me win."

The referee announced: "2 points for Joard."

Feeling the energy of the projectiles whizzing around me, I calculated each movement, each step aiming to get closer to him. He was preparing something else. If I rush in, Gyô can help me escape the invisible balls spinning around him. He wasn't trying to push me away but to get me closer. It's a good trap, I thought.

How can I get out without falling into his trap? Of course, a trap. Let's see if it works.

The commentator exclaimed: "Imori has stopped staying on the edge of the arena, he is rushing towards Joard. He is going to engage in close combat!"

Joard began to use his aura to create the famous explosive dome. He canceled his dome with a happy smile, already thinking he had won. As expected, Joard didn't try to push me away with his nen balls.

This is the crucial moment, I thought. Don't get surprised.

I was ready. I used my own aura to form a Ken to defend myself and, after the shock, I switched to Zetsu to unleash a Ko with all the nen I had. The projectile sent Joard out of the arena.

Joard fell to his knees, panting and unable to continue. The referee intervened, after counting to 10, to declare my victory.

"The winner, Imori Alucard!" shouted the referee, triggering a thunderous ovation from the spectators.

Breathless but victorious, with a satisfied smile on my face. I had succeeded. I had defeated Joard in my first fight against a nen user. I could see my brothers watching me from the stands with eyes as if they had already seen me dead. My gaze fell on master Morau, and I felt a shiver.

Where did I screw up, damn it?

Amori's POV

It was a good fight, but why, why did this idiot switch to Zetsu? He could have used Ryû instead of Ko. Although, given his opponent, he would have lost. Joard was starting to use Ken, that's the only reason he is still conscious and just out of combat. Ko was indeed the solution, but Morau won't see it the same way.