Tokyo Haneda International Airport, one of the busiest international travel hubs in Neon, was unusually quiet in a large departure hall.
Rows upon rows of Shinshinkai members, all dressed in crisp white martial arts uniforms, formed a path from the security checkpoint to the exit. Their faces were serious, their posture disciplined.
At the very front stood Doppo Orochi, flanked by Katsumi and Baki. Like the others, they wore white training uniforms with the highest‑rank sashes tied around their waists.
"Sol Mirek," Doppo's voice echoed clearly in the hushed space, "no matter where you go, just let us know. Millions of Shinshinkai members around the world will support you."
Sol, wearing a simple white hoodie, with a shoulder bag and rolling suitcase, walked forward slowly under everyone's steady gaze. Looking at the enormous turnout, he felt a headache coming on.
"Isn't this a little much? It feels like I'm some kind of warlord," he muttered under his breath.
Mitsunari Tokugawa stepped forward with a polite smile. "Sol, don't worry. I reserved this departure hall in advance. It reopens once you leave."
Retsu Kaioh came forward carrying a small wooden box. "Sol, this is a parting gift."
Sol took the box and opened it, revealing a jade‑green pendant engraved with the words Martial Arts Without Borders.
"It's a token for travel," Retsu explained earnestly. "This will make your journey through the global martial arts community easier."
Behind him, Dorian trailed along absent‑mindedly, more focused on the lollipop in his hand than anything else.
Baki stepped up and gave Sol a friendly bump on the shoulder. "Next time we fight, I'll be stronger."
"I'll be waiting," Sol replied with a smirk.
A commotion cut through the reverent atmosphere as Superintendent General Matsumoto of the Tokyo Police Department, accompanied by Kondo and several high‑ranking officers, approached holding flowers.
"Consultant Mirek, this is on behalf of all our colleagues at the Tokyo Police Department." Matsumoto presented an ornate medal. "Thank you for capturing two dangerous fugitives in Tokyo."
Sol accepted the medal respectfully, noticing his name and number engraved on it.
Next, Katsumi Orochi handed him a black sash. Sol looked down to see "Shinshinkai Vice President" embroidered in gold.
All at once, Doppo declared, "This is the unanimous decision of all Shinshinkai members."
"From this day forward, you are Vice President of Shinshinkai. Millions of disciples worldwide will follow your command!"
Every Shinshinkai member in the hall knelt on one knee, clutched a fist to their chest, and shouted in unison: "Farewell, Vice President!"
The sound made the terminal windows buzz. Sol let out a helpless sigh, awkward under their fervor.
Mitsunari then handed him a sleek black card. "This is the top‑tier black card of the Tokugawa Zaibatsu, valid worldwide with no limits. All of Sol Mirek's expenses will be covered entirely."
Sol opened his mouth to decline, but Mitsunari had already slipped the card into his pocket.
"Don't refuse good intentions," he said with a grin. "Consider it my small contribution to the world of fighters. I look forward to your future achievements, Sol."
A boarding announcement sounded. Sol checked his phone. "It's time. I'm heading out. See you at the Great Raitai Tournament."
Doppo raised his voice again. "All Shinshinkai members, farewell to the Vice President!"
Once more, the ranks parted, creating a path all the way to the boarding gate.
Sol waved to them and walked forward, each member bowing deeply and calling out:
"Have a safe journey, Vice President!"
The stunning sight drew the attention of other travelers, many taking out their phones to snap pictures.
"Is that young man some sort of mob leader? Does he even have his own private plane?"
"I heard he's that ultimate weapon from the news. Is the Neon government renting him now?"
At the boarding gate, Sol turned back to see the faces of his friends. Baki's eyes were glowing with fire, Retsu Kaioh watched in anticipation, Mitsunari had a reluctant look, and the Orochi father and son stood solemnly. All of them held genuine emotion.
"See you at the Great Raitai Tournament!" Sol called out one final time before stepping into the jet bridge.
"Sol!" Retsu shouted.
"If you run into trouble overseas, contact us anytime!"
Sol turned, gave them a casual OK gesture with his right hand, and disappeared into the plane.
After takeoff, the Shinshinkai members slowly dispersed outside the airport. The farewell ceremony instantly became the talk of Tokyo.
Inside the plane, Sol sat by a window, watching the city shrink beneath him. A faint tug of reluctance touched his heart before being replaced with a homesick yearning.
Training with Kaioh Kaku overseas would be worthwhile, even if he didn't encounter Yujiro this time.
"Sir, would you like anything to drink?" a flight attendant asked, pushing her service cart with a bright smile.
To her, this was no ordinary passenger. Someone who could book an entire departure hall had to be extraordinary. Earning even a little favor could mean lifelong perks.
"Mineral water, please," Sol said, accepting the bottle and taking a sip before returning to his thoughts.
The flight attendant backed away discreetly. Clearly, he wasn't interested.
Sol closed his eyes, feeling the surge of power within him. The evolution of his blood had pushed his physical capabilities to an entirely new level.
But he knew raw strength was only part of the equation. Without perfected technique, one couldn't be truly formidable.
He wasn't aiming to be merely strong — he wanted to be an ultimate force in every sense.
Martial arts were vast. On this journey, he hoped to refine his skill until power and precision were indistinguishable.