In terms of my personal life, there really isn't much to criticize.
But… then why is Killua so afraid?
A sudden thought flashed through Ronnel's mind. Narrowing his eyes, he turned to Killua, suspicion creeping into his gaze.
"To be honest, I believe you… but…"
Taking a step forward, Ronnel placed a hand on Killua's shoulder and quietly activated his Nen ability, Psychometry.
(T/N: Pakunoda Nen)
"Are you sure you didn't embellish things a little? Maybe added some artistic flair?"
"Uh…"
Killua flinched, memories of his conversation with Gon after answering Bisky's question surfacing in his mind. At the same time, those very memories played out clearly in Ronnel's mind as well.
The images flashed by, revealing everything Gon and Killua had experienced on Greed Island.
"Killua, should we really be saying this? We don't know if there's any weird connection between Ronnel and that girl from the Troupe, Machi."
"Eh, so what if there isn't? Did we say something wrong?"
"But you said there might be some kind of... hidden relationship between Ronnel and Machi."
"Yeah, it's possible. Did I say something incorrect? No one knows for sure. I just used a probability term. How people take it is their problem~."
"But isn't that kind of misleading? Trickery isn't exactly fair play."
"Oh, come on! Have you forgotten what happened in Yorknew City? When we ran into the Phantom Troupe, Ronnel was standing against us. He didn't hesitate to grab us and haul us straight to their hideout."
"B..."
"No buts! Just listen to me on this one. Anyway, what's said is said!"
"Killua…"
"What now?"
"Are you holding a personal grudge?"
"Tch, there's no such thing!!"
The scene froze on Killua's guilty, irritated expression.
Machi? Ambiguity? A hidden relationship?
Replaying Killua's words in his mind, Ronnel took a deep breath, his expression darkening as he turned his attention back to Killua, who was struggling to find the right words.
"W-what's wrong, Ronnel?"
Meeting Ronnel's intense gaze, Killua suddenly felt an ominous chill. It was as if Ronnel already knew everything.
"Uh…"
Killua instinctively tried to move, but to his horror, he found himself completely locked in place under the sheer pressure of Ronnel's aura.
"S-so strong… Is this what it means to be a top Hunter?"
Beads of sweat formed on Killua's forehead.
He had thought that, after training under Bisky, he and Gon had made incredible progress.
He had thought that, after enduring the trials of Greed Island, he could now face strong opponents without flinching.
But now, he realized how naive he had been.
His own strength was still insignificant.
Before the true elites, he was barely a ripple in the water.
'I have to get stronger! Stronger than Bisky, stronger than Dad, stronger than Grandpa and the others!!'
Gritting his teeth, Killua clenched his fists, reinforcing his resolve deep in his heart.
And then… the pressure suddenly lifted.
A sigh echoed in his ears.
'No wonder Bisky and the others only sent me one message and never followed up.'
Ronnel exhaled, rubbing his temples.
He should have realized sooner. Back on the airship heading to the Kakin Empire, he had noticed a single message from Bisky after they entered Braga. And then… silence.
Even after switching to a new phone from Pe, one that could receive messages in any condition, there had been no further contact from Bisky.
And looking back at that single message… that smirking emoji wasn't just her usual playful teasing, was it?
Yeah, she was definitely pissed.
Women are really impossible to read sometimes.
"Well, I've been away long enough. I should go spend some time with them."
Pressing his fingers to his temples, Ronnel sighed again before turning his gaze back to Killua.
This time, his expression was mischievous, slightly dangerous.
"L-l-l…!"
Meeting Ronnel's gaze, Killua instinctively knew he was doomed. He wanted to say something, but his tongue—so quick and sharp under normal circumstances—was now tied in knots.
Was he still feeling the effects of Ronnel's aura?
Killua groaned internally, completely unaware that the real reason for his speech malfunction was the silver needle embedded in his forehead, constantly interfering with his judgment.
Luckily, Ronnel wasn't actually out for revenge. Otherwise, the residual pressure from earlier would've sent Killua running for his life.
"Don't play dumb now. Weren't you quite the chatterbox when it came to my personal life?! Hidden relationships? Ambiguity? Today, I'll show you what real slander looks like!!"
"Eh?! How did you—? Ah! I'm sorry! I was wrong! Please forgive me!!"
On the empty horizon, the wails and screams of a certain silver-haired boy echoed far and wide.
...
"Really? You're leaving?"
In the Hunter Association office, Netero sat at his desk, sipping tea as he held the phone.
"Yeah, I've been here long enough. Time to move on."
"I see~" Netero nodded.
"Alright, I understand. My schedule's pretty open. If you ever want to drop by, just give me a call."
Beside him, Beans shot Netero a resentful look, swamped under a mountain of paperwork. But Netero, completely unbothered, simply smiled.
"I will."
Click.
The line went dead. Netero set the phone down and glanced at his empty teacup. Without a second thought, he handed it over to Beans, entirely unconcerned with the concept of overworking subordinates.
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