After adapting to the changes in his body, Katsumi Kei turned his attention to Shadow.
Shadow's evolution from Crow to Black Feather Crow didn't appear dramatic on the surface. His feathers were darker now, carrying a faint metallic sheen, and his eyes had deepened from wine red to dark crimson.
Other than that, there weren't many visible differences.
But Kei knew better. Despite the subtle appearance, Shadow's evolution brought tremendous improvement—greater even than Hayate's.
[Talent: Black Stealth, Steel Black Feather, Black Feather Rush, Black Feather Regeneration]
Hayate currently had three talents. Shadow now had four.
His previous talents—Stealth and Breath Retention—had fused into a single, upgraded ability: Black Stealth. On top of that, he had gained three new talents: Steel Black Feather, Black Feather Rush, and Black Feather Regeneration.
Steel Black Feather was straightforward. Shadow's feathers had hardened to the density of steel. Kei had already heard the metallic ding-ling-dang-dang ringing every time the crow flapped his wings.
Thinking of this, Kei tugged gently on a strand of his hair. Feeling the enhanced toughness, he muttered with a strange look on his face, "With this talent, maybe I won't lose hair anymore... or maybe I won't even be able to."
After the dry remark, Kei turned his attention to the other two abilities.
Black Feather Rush likely allowed Shadow to launch his feathers offensively, like arrows.
Black Feather Regeneration, on the other hand, probably granted the ability to rapidly regrow feathers.
To verify, Kei focused chakra into a strand of hair near his forehead.
Swish!
The strand launched like a senbon needle.
Thunk!
It buried itself five centimeters deep into the wooden dining table.
A single strand of hair, turned into a piercing weapon.
Kei narrowed his eyes as he imagined scenarios—a strand of hair launched mid-conversation, a silent kill, a misdirection, a distraction. Silent. Lethal. Untraceable.
"This is... surprisingly effective."
Then, he turned his focus inward. He had lost a hair.
Concentrating chakra into his scalp, he waited.
Moments later, the lost hair regrew.
"So Black Feather Regeneration really does translate to hair regeneration on my side," he noted, a smile touching his lips. "Guess I don't need to worry about going bald like Saitama."
Shadow watched in silence, observing everything. With the [Intelligence] talent now shared through the contract, he was smarter—and he understood what had just taken place.
'Master can evolve us, share talents, and receive ours in return...'
'A terrifying ability.'
'I really did pick the right master.'
Shadow stood straighter.
Hayate, seated beside the door, gave a small approving nod.
This newcomer had decent instincts.
Once he had fully processed the changes, Kei addressed Shadow directly.
"You've seen what I can do. I can make you stronger—more complete. But I expect you to keep up. I need your strength, and I need your loyalty. Train. Learn your new powers. Master them."
His tone was calm but absolute.
Shadow nodded gravely, then bowed his head.
"Gah! Gah!!!"
Thanks to the contract, Kei understood him clearly.
"Yes, my master!"
Satisfied, Kei smiled faintly.
Then he turned and pulled out two weighted belts—recently purchased.
Hayate needed them too.
Since they shared growth and power, Kei strapped on a 30-kilogram belt and secured an identical one to Hayate.
Shadow, due to his avian frame, wasn't suited for weighted training.
"Hayate. Take Shadow. Go run drills."
"Woof."
"Gah."
The dog and crow left through the side door toward the courtyard.
Kei watched them for a moment before securing his own weights.
As he adjusted them, his thoughts drifted to evolution materials.
Hayate's next step was scheduled—the Wind Cutting Iron would arrive in ten days.
Shadow's next evolution? Ten strands of Nara hair.
Presumably from the Nara Clan.
Not hard to get. Kei would be entering the Ninja Academy in two years. If he shared a class with Nara Shikamaru, it would be simple to collect some strands over time.
From observation and logic, Kei had already deduced a pattern:
The material used during evolution directly influenced the beast's new race and abilities.
Wind Cutting Iron would reinforce Hayate's connection to Wind Style.
Nara hair would likely deepen Shadow's affinity with shadows.
"Step by step," Kei murmured, his voice quiet.
"One step at a time."