On the night of Sharna's full moon, the higher-ups of Meteor City called to celebrate through the technology of Greed Island.
On the other side of the video call appeared Shalnark and Sheila.
In truth, Machi and Pakunoda were also present, but they chose not to show themselves on the screen.
After the usual words of praise and blessings for Sharna, Shalnark finally turned the topic to the recent support Meteor City had received, expressing his gratitude.
"Thank you, Germain."
His expression lost its usual easygoing smile, and he spoke with rare solemnity.
"We know who brought change to Meteor City, and for that, we are deeply grateful."
"Even if it wasn't your intention, you directly paved the way for the fall of the Kakin Empire's Royal Family, and in doing so, you avenged Sarasa."
"I believe, if Sarasa and Chrollo could see us from the other side, they would also thank you for your help."
Sheila echoed the same sentiment.
At present, Meteor City still had only three elders—Shalnark, Machi, and Pakunoda.
It wasn't just about seizing power.
More importantly, it was about uniting Meteor City and steering it forward in one direction. For now, having them lead was the best choice.
Externally, the restrictions had been loosened, and waste was no longer being dumped in Meteor City.
Internally, after much effort and restructuring, the city was beginning to change.
Of course, compared to a normal, functioning region, there was still a long way to go.
But with decades of planning, at the very least, Meteor City now had hope.
Shalnark's closing words were not only directed to Germain on the screen, but also to Machi and Pakunoda beside him.
After a long hesitation, though their voices could not be seen on the video, a quiet response finally came from Machi and Pakunoda.
"Germain, thank you. We will never forget what you've done for us."
Shalnark did not press them to say more.
Instead, he spoke honestly and sincerely to Germain.
"If I were to say that we feel no resentment toward you at all, that would be nothing but a hollow lie."
"But we know how to distinguish between what is 'public' and what is 'private,' especially after becoming elders of Meteor Street… no matter what, we will support you."
"Please, once again, convey our blessings to Shizuku and Sharna. We also welcome you to visit Meteor Street anytime. You and Shizuku will always be considered children of Meteor Street."
Germain nodded in agreement.
——
Sharna's full moon banquet was hardly going to be low-key.
After all, she was the daughter of Germain and Shizuku, and guests from all directions came to present gifts and offer congratulations.
Even members of the Zoldyck family had traveled specially from Kukuroo Mountain to Greed Island, and then used teleportation to reach the New Continent.
They didn't bring many gifts, but each one was extremely valuable, possibly only slightly less so than the "World's Eight Beauties."
The so-called "Eight Beauties" referred to treasures defined after including the latest "Greedy Dragon Crystals," all rare and extraordinary in the world.
However, Germain was more concerned with the visitors themselves.
Zeno, Silva, Illumi, and Alluka.
Illumi had returned to the Six Continent months ago, so it was surprising that he came to the New Continent again, this time with Zeno and Silva.
When Killua learned that members of the Zoldyck family were here—especially Alluka herself—he hurried over to meet her.
The siblings were clearly excited as they spoke with each other.
In fact, Alluka could already accompany Killua through the digital network, but that was always virtual—untouchable.
Now, with their fingers interlaced, the connection felt far more real and warm.
Illumi first greeted Germain and then stood stiffly, like a wooden post.
Zeno and Silva acted like normal elders, asking Killua what he had been doing on the New Continent lately.
Holding Alluka's hand, Killua replied with slight nervousness, "Recently, Gon and I have been investigating creatures on the New Continent under Mr. Ginta."
"Ginta?" Silva thought for a moment. "Is he the 'Sheep of Zodiacs'?"
"Yes, that big guy, round and hefty."
"Ah, yes… he's a 'Poacher Hunter,' specializing in capturing poachers. I believe the knowledge he teaches you will be very beneficial."
"Mr. Ginta did teach me and Gon quite a lot, especially about the concept of the 'En.'"
Zeno, Silva, and Killua chatted for a while longer before finally turning to face Germain.
The two heads of the Zoldyck family, one after the other, exchanged a glance.
Then, after scanning the surroundings and realizing that aside from Zoldyck family members and Germain there was no one else, they finally spoke.
"We've come to fulfill the promise we made. We said that if you could stabilize travel to and from the Dark Continent, and your target was the 'Gaseous Lifeform Ai,' we would offer our assistance."
Hearing this, Killua instinctively tightened his grip on Alluka's hand. It seemed he already had a rough idea of what was coming.
Alluka, on the other hand, wasn't quite sure why Killua was so tense.
Illumi remained expressionless as ever, standing silently. It was clear that before coming here, Zeno and Silva had already prepared him mentally.
With that, negotiations would be straightforward.
"How exactly do you plan to help me?" Germain didn't immediately agree; instead, he asked first.
Silva then called out toward the outside of the house, "Come in."
Two women entered. Germain and Killua immediately recognized one as the housekeeper, Amane.
It took them a while to recognize the other, and when they finally did, they were shocked to see that the elderly woman was none other than Amane's grandmother—the Zoldyck family's former female housekeeper, Tsubone.
But… how had she ended up like this?
The original Tsubone had been taller and stronger than most men, with thick hair tied in a long ponytail, and eyes sharp and resolute.
Now, she seemed shrunken. Tall and thin like a bamboo stalk, hair almost completely gone, face lined with wrinkles, and very few teeth remaining.
Her expression was exhausted, dark circles under her eyes pronounced, mouth dry. Amane supported her as she walked in, clearly struggling to move her limbs.
The last time Germain had seen Tsubone was in August 1999. He hadn't expected that a little over a year later, she would appear in such a state.
Upon entering, Tsubone didn't greet Zeno, Silva, Illumi, or Killua as she once would have. Instead, in a surprising turn, she knelt directly before Alluka.
Her lips trembled, and it took a long moment before she finally spoke clearly.
"Please… take whatever you want! I beg you… show some mercy!"
Tsubone's almost pleading tone quickly made Germain guess the reason behind it.
Sure enough, Shiba explained, "That day, we let the loyal Tsubone fulfill Alluka's first whim, and then leave."
"Our intention was to prevent Alluka from making a second wish during that time, so we could stop the uncontrollable chain of wishes."
"Unexpectedly, after that, Tsubone seemed to lose her mind. She actively found a chance to fulfill Alluka's second whim."
"If we hadn't taken her away in time, the third whim might have been granted… After that, she grew increasingly unhinged, and her body weakened more and more."
"Now… it's time to end all of this."
*******
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