"Uncle Silva."
"Kaizen, today is Killua's final match in Heavens Arena. After it's over, I'll be taking him back to Zoldyck Manor. Let's have a meal together."
"Alright. Will Killua be joining us?"
Silva shook his head. "No."
"I see. Where are we going, then?"
"We'll watch Killua's fight from your floor."
"Got it."
Not long after, Silva arrived at the door.
Kaizen made a brief introduction. "This is Nina, Sally, Shizuku, and Tessia—members of my team."
Then, he turned to his uncle. "And this is my uncle, Silva Zoldyck."
The two sides exchanged simple greetings, and Kaizen led Silva into the room. Outside, Nina and the others let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Silva's mere presence exuded an oppressive aura, making it difficult to stand too close to him. If Kaizen weren't Silva's nephew, it would have been hard for them to be in the same space so casually.
"His uncle is terrifying."
"That aura… he's on a completely different level."
"I can't even begin to guess how strong he is."
"Would he be stronger than a Floor Master?"
"No idea."
"I wonder if the Captain will become like that in the future?"
"No way. He is way too gentle for that."
"That's just his uncle. Not his father."
"Speaking of which… we don't really know what kind of people his parents are."
...
Meanwhile, across from the large screen, Kaizen and Silva sat on the sofa. The table in front of them was set with various dishes, all prepared by the top chefs of Heavens Arena. The food was expensive, but the quality was undeniable.
On the screen, the match had yet to begin. Most of the audience had taken their seats, while the announcer enthusiastically introduced both fighters. The referee was already in position.
Killua had spent two years in Heavens Arena and had gained a considerable fanbase. Some of them hoped he would follow in Kaizen's footsteps, while others wanted to see him surpass Kaizen altogether.
Not that any of it mattered to Killua. He had never been concerned with such things.
"Kaizen, what are your plans for the future?" Silva asked.
"I plan to go to the United States of Saherta with Mizaistom-sama."
"To gain inspiration for your Nen Beast?"
"That's right."
"And what did you gain from your last trip to the Kingdom of Fiora?"
Kaizen formed a thought, and a moment later, a Nen Beast materialized beside him.
"Natsu."
Silva observed the creature carefully, his eyes slightly widening. "A B-rank Nen Beast?"
Then, he looked back at Kaizen. "It seems you gained quite a lot in Fiora, but your physical training has fallen behind."
Kaizen chuckled awkwardly. "After my trip to the United States of Saherta, I plan to focus on physical training again—either here in Heavens Arena or back at Zoldyck Manor."
Silva nodded in approval. "That's good. Nen Beasts are useful, but you mustn't neglect your own body's strength."
"I understand, Uncle Silva. I'll be careful."
...
At that moment, the match began.
Killua's opponent was a middle-aged man—a massive, sumo-like fighter with immense strength. Though he was slow, his attacks were quick to launch. He wore simple clothing, and with every movement, his fat rippled.
For Killua, this was an opponent who wouldn't go down in just one or two strikes. He would need to put in real effort and maintain control of the fight.
"Begin!"
Kaizen watched the screen intently. He had to admit—Killua had matured a lot since the last time he saw him fight. His opponent was no pushover, but as long as Killua kept a steady mind, he would undoubtedly claim victory.
Ten minutes later, the match was over. Killua had won.
Silva stood. "Kaizen, I'll be taking Killua home now."
"Alright. Safe travels, Uncle Silva."
Kaizen saw Silva to the door.
...
Meanwhile, as Killua stepped out of the arena, he noticed a familiar figure leaning against the corridor wall.
"Killua."
"Father."
Killua's eyes flickered with emotion, but he quickly masked it.
"Let's go."
He followed Silva into the elevator, neither of them speaking a word. Once they stepped out of Heavens Arena, Killua broke the silence.
"Father, can I continue training here?"
"Hmm?"
"I want to challenge fighters on the 200th floor and beyond."
"That's not something you're ready for yet."
"Why not? What's so different up there? The fighters are just a little stronger than those below, right?"
"No… it's not the same."
Silva shook his head. "Go home first. Follow the training plan I set for you. When the time is right, you'll have your chance."
"What makes the 200th floor so different?"
Silva didn't answer directly. "You'll find out eventually."
Killua frowned but didn't press further. After a long pause, he lowered his head. "I understand."
The two of them walked to the roadside, where a car was waiting. Once inside, Killua glanced at his father.
"Can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Do you know Kaizen?"
"Yes."
"How big is the gap between me and him?"
"Huge."
Killua hesitated for a moment before asking, "Who's stronger—you or Kaizen?"
"I am."
"I see…"
Before long, they arrived at the airship station. As they boarded, Killua cast one last look in the direction of Heavens Arena, regret flashing in his eyes.
Sadaso, who had been watching from a distance, noted Killua's departure in silence.
Eight days later, Kaizen packed his supplies for his next journey—food, water, seeds for crops and fruit trees, all stored within the spatial ability of Sumas. These supplies would allow him to survive comfortably for over half a year.
He had also acquired gasoline generators, computers, gaming consoles, and various electrical appliances—things he had dreamed of using in the past. Now, with Sumas, those dreams had become reality.
Among his other collected items were firearms and explosives, procured through underground connections.
Standing at the airship terminal, Kaizen turned back and waved at Nina and the others. "I'm off."
"Take care!"
"Good luck, Captain!"
With that, Kaizen boarded the airship, bound for the United States of Saherta.
What he didn't expect, however, was that his journey there would take far longer than anticipated. Nor did he realize how much more complicated things would become.
Three years later…
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