Two days later, in Ronnel's champion suite on the 251st floor of the top floor of Heavens Arena.
A group of people gathered around the TV as Shalnark connected a monitor to the screen, projecting everything happening in Hisoka's room.
Ronnel immediately recognized the dark-green-haired boy in traditional attire on the screen.
He was the one who had been close to Gon in the original story, the one who had explained Genthru's ability. One of the only two Exorcists shown in the entire series.
What was his name again? Ronnel couldn't recall. Maybe Abengane never gave him one to begin with.
The other two in the room were Chrollo and Hisoka, both of whom he hadn't seen in a long time.
Ronnel was eager to see what method this Exorcist, capable of conjuring such a revolting Nen Beast, would use to remove the Nen placed on Chrollo.
Would it still be that disgusting creature? Would Chrollo be able to stomach it?
On the screen, the three of them sat facing each other.
"Before removing the Nen, I need to understand exactly what kind of ability was placed on you," the dark-skinned boy said to Chrollo, occasionally glancing at Hisoka, who was idly playing with his cards.
"I need to hear the most accurate details from the person affected. Otherwise, the removal process could be compromised."
He felt uneasy about this situation. Something about Chrollo set off his instincts—too much of a sense of danger.
"The restriction of the ability placed on me prevents me from using Nen or contacting my former comrades. Otherwise, I will die."
Chrollo spoke calmly, showing no distress despite the severity of the situation. Even in the presence of an Exorcist, he remained composed.
"So, as long as you follow the conditions, your life isn't in immediate danger. Are you absolutely sure the Nen user didn't leave behind any hidden triggers that could bypass the conditions and kill you outright?"
"No."
"I see. That matches what the others who came to me described."
The Exorcist nodded. Shalnark had already explained the situation earlier, and now, after confirming it directly, his doubts were settled.
This was much better than what he had faced when removing Nen from himself.
Back then, Genthru had planted a [Countdown] bomb on him—an ability that was directly life-threatening. Unlike Chrollo, who simply had to follow conditions to stay safe, the Exorcist's own predicament had been a constant ticking time bomb.
And to make matters worse, Genthru and his group could shout [Release] while making a thumbs-up gesture, detonating the bomb instantly regardless of the time limit.
Just comparing the conditions and vows of each Nen ability, it was clear that Chrollo's burden was much lighter.
"My Nen removal ability manifests a Nen Beast that devours the Nen attached to a person. Now, tell me—where is the Nen ability placed on you, and what form does it take?"
Chrollo was silent for a moment before replying, "It's in my heart. The carrier is a chain."
"Chain… heart…?"
Hearing this, the Exorcist's expression turned strange. He hesitated, glancing at Chrollo with a complicated look—was that… pity?
Here it comes.
Ronnel sat up straight, watching expectantly.
"Is there a problem?"
Hisoka noticed the Exorcist's reaction and smirked, intrigued.
"The Nen Beast I manifest… its appearance is rather… unusual. Its form isn't exactly easy on the eyes. It's more… abstract," the Exorcist said as tactfully as possible.
Hisoka blinked before breaking into a delighted grin. Understanding dawned upon him instantly, and he took a step back, laughter bubbling up. He then turned to Chrollo, eyes gleaming with amusement.
"What does it look like?"
Chrollo rested his chin on his hands and asked softly.
"Hm… When it fully manifests, it's several times uglier than this."
The Exorcist reached into his pocket and pulled out a crude, grotesque puppet—a representation of his Nen Beast.
"…Several times uglier than this?"
Chrollo stared at the hideous model in silence.
"And for my Nen Beast to remove the ability, it must make direct contact with the affected area," the Exorcist continued, his expression growing even more conflicted.
...
"So, that disgusting Nen Beast has to touch the leader's heart?"
In front of the TV, Kalluto visibly tensed as the grotesque model was magnified on the screen.
He felt an unpleasant shiver run down his spine.
Even as a Zoldyck, accustomed to blood and death, this was something different. The thought of such a hideous creature making direct contact with the heart… Ugh.
He was just a ten-year-old boy who looked like a delicate doll!
Imagining that scene made his stomach churn.
"And the Nen Beast removes the ability by… consuming it," Feitan murmured, eyes gleaming with morbid fascination.
"And the Nen placed on the boss is bound to his heart… which means the ugly creature needs to put its lips and tongue on the leader's heart—"
"SHUT UP, FEITAN!!"
Phinks and Franklin both yelled in unison.
Machi turned sharply, glaring murderously at Feitan.
"Tch. Boring," Feitan scoffed, shoving his hands in his pockets and looking away.
"Stop describing such a disgusting picture!!" Phinks groaned, shuddering at the thought. The mental image alone made him queasy.
"Let's just keep watching," Shalnark said with an easy smile, though the twitch in his brow betrayed his own discomfort.
Machi ignored Feitan entirely, keeping her eyes fixed on the screen.
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