"First, San-Baka you are too reliant on [Butcher]. I know I told you to give flesh for bone but you three have gotten complacent. I still take 30% of the damage you suffer and you fuckers are lunatics. Especially you Geo! Blow yourself up all you want, but think of how to minimize it the number of times or taunt the enemies to you.
"Aurum, I noticed you started to use Spirit for movement. That's fine but as you know need to manage SP, and start to change how you fix your stats, the ones you get from Voracious are random, so focus on getting your AGI up.
"Lars, I am glad you got some closure on your past, your pure AGI build leverages Spirit but also assume that at some point you will gain Aura, so do not forget about STR.
"Tsugumi, I am so glad you gained the ability to create sword formations, but no power is free. As you get injured when they break, leaving them out in the open is the same as exposing a weakness. Either restrict yourself to the number you can draw or find a way to leave them out like wings or something."
After he gave his advice, Hiro then made a bitter smile and continued. "As for me, I grew too arrogant. Getting smacked around helplessly made me feel like a loser. Due to focusing on you all, I neglected to sharpen my battle senses."
Hiro then allowed the rest to tell each other the things they noticed that could be improved.
"Aurum your use of Spirit is Sloppy as hell, it is flexible and came to be used in many applications yet you only use it as a spring." One of the biggest of course would be how they use their calibers. "I could say the same to you Lady Tsugumi, your Caliber Jians are too brittle. You don't pack the Aura enough."
"I also have a suggestion to that Lady Tsugumi, [Dance of Past and Future] laces the Mana-like buttons inside an Aura belt then…"
"As for me I find allowing Spirit to flow is counterintuitive. You can instead rotate it like a cyclone. You can make it more solid. And…"
The party then started sharing how they did battle, their views on Caliber applications, and what they believed would help the other. Hiro, who often heard the saying "Leaders must always be the last to speak." allowed them to debate and brainstorm. There is a lot of truth and benefit in doing so.
Because you speak are last to speak, you gain the most knowledge from others while making them feel heard. Speaking first forces your opinion on your people who normally would not even bother to correct you. As steel sharpens steel, only like-minded people who aim as high as you will not coddle you and oppose your opinions.
It is better to listen to a wise enemy than to seek counsel from a foolish friend. This was a truth Hiro choose to follow in his last life. He hated the close-minded managers and bosses who focused on politics and looking good more than actually helping the work gets done. Now that he was in a position of power he vowed never to be as short-sighted as them.
After the discussions ended Hiro then told them his next plans. "When I reunite with my wives, I will spend all my time adoring them and making up for lost time. Feel free to go out and get stronger on your own. There is no need to tie yourselves to my affairs."
Aurum then stepped forward as he wondered. "Master, I don't think such would be necessary. You granted us power because we would serve as the lady's guards. It would be unclout if we forwent our responsibilities after getting our reward."
Lars similarly expressed his gratitude. "I got vengeance for Tino and was forgiven for my past. All because I followed you, Master. I vow myself into your service. My life will be used to guard your wives."
Geo smiled as he said his piece. "Master, we are now barely twenty yet are only two to three levels short of reaching 50, in terms of power you have given us more than enough. Let us pay our dues."
Tsugumi carried by the momentum bowed as well saying. "Nii-sama, please don't suddenly push me away just because we will no longer be in battle. I wish to meet the rest of our family. You also still haven't introduced me to my niece."
One would think acting kind or giving people gifts granted you their respect and affection. Similarly, most believe in servants being good bosses and giving them lots of money or bonuses. But as Hiro learned that was not actually true. Many choose pay cuts or forgo salaries if needed.
Why would people do that? If the main reason for a job is to earn money why would others choose to get less? The answer lies in the dynamic between the boss and the employee. Hiro like a sergeant from hell did not shy away from using violence on his men even Tsugumi.
Yet what sets him apart is that they knew his threats were only skin deep. The butcher while appearing callous always looked out for them. Like a brother or friend, you can always rely on, when Hiro stood behind you, the relief of having a backing allowed them to fight their all.
He prioritized giving them the chance to resolve their mental baggage knowing it would save them. Every time they thought they could no longer hold on, Their wounds would heal as if someone gave them a push to 'Try just one more time.' He granted them armor and weapons and analyzed them to help them get stronger.
The man was too magnanimous. It did not matter if he had some other agenda, for those suffering such acts could be considered lifelines. And the San-Baka and Tsugumi knew it. This event already set their minds in stone.
No matter what happens they will never leave the butcher's side. Not for higher pay, not for better benefits. Every action generates a force of energy that returns to us in like kind. Karma both on earth and in Valorious remained the same.
Caught off guard, Hiro felt his heart warm up. He expected them to go as Strength was their highest purpose. Even if he didn't mean it the personalities of the San-Baka and Tsugumi grew more pronounced as he fought with them. While they were not as important as his wives, he didn't mind keeping them around.
"If that is the case, then let's go. We are running to Partisan. Keep up."
Outwardly harsh but extremely kind. Having the facade of being a hyper-aggressive brute yet nurturing like a brother. The back of Hiroto Musashi led them on. They saw it, the same figure Alan Srayver saw. A figure that would lead thousands all due to his charisma and unyielding will.
They knew not how long it would take before he arrives at that point. But in these times where injustice, corruption, and malevolence ran rampant. The simplicity of a purpose that will not be denied charmed them into believing in a better tomorrow.
He was not perfect, he made mistakes, and he grew arrogant. Yet despite all his strength he remained grounded. And in correcting himself he would only grow more powerful. How far would he go? How much will he achieve? Thinking such they chased after the one to lead them onwards to their future.
RECENTLY UPDATES
Action
3.45
