What the six beasts and six people didn't know... was that the one they were all paying attention to had already arrived.
Kaizen was a little surprised too.
Zeno, Silva, and Maha Zoldyck—once they learned Kaizen was in trouble—immediately made their way to the United States of Saherta to provide support. They traveled using magical beasts.
Only by pushing the creatures to their limits could they have arrived so quickly.
The beasts were now spent and resting.
Once inside Saherta, the three continued on foot.
Zeno and Silva had already appeared.
But Maha Zoldyck kept his distance, silently watching from a gap in the perimeter, without revealing himself.
Kaizen, Zeno, and Silva moved in unison, forming a tight encirclement around the square.
Only a single exit to the west remained open.
But if anyone from the Six Fiends made a break for it in that direction, Maha Zoldyck would act.
It looked like an escape route.
But in truth, it was a death trap.
"Who could it be...?" Kaizen narrowed his eyes.
A familiar figure entered his field of vision.
"Hisoka?"
Kaizen paused, surprised.
"Kaizen. Been a while," Hisoka said with a lazy grin. "Looks like you're in a bit of a bind. Need a hand?"
Kaizen hadn't expected to see Hisoka here.
But then again, with Hisoka's strength—and his Hunter License—it wasn't exactly strange. He could go anywhere he pleased.
"What's the condition?" Kaizen asked calmly.
"After this is over... fight me. With everything you've got."
It was something Hisoka had wanted for a long time. Kaizen had always declined before. He didn't enjoy meaningless fights.
But to Hisoka, this was the perfect opportunity.
...
Larkin's eyes flickered. When he saw Kaizen and Hisoka greet each other like acquaintances, a chill ran down his spine.
Another A-rank Nen user—on Kaizen's side.
Worse than even the appearance of two Zoldycks.
But after listening more closely to their exchange, Larkin had a thought.
"That's Hisoka, huh?"
"You want a full-on fight with Kaizen?"
"In that case... we could help you get what you want."
"We'll take care of the two Zoldycks. The rest of Kaizen's forces? All yours. You won't even have to lift a finger. Just focus on your duel."
Hisoka glanced sideways at Larkin, then looked away without responding.
Larkin froze.
Of course, Hisoka wouldn't agree.
Kaizen wasn't his only target. Hisoka still had his eyes on Zoldyck.
If he teamed up with the Six Fiends now, Zoldyck would never forgive him. They'd try to eliminate him first chance they got.
That wasn't what Hisoka wanted.
Besides, he didn't trust Larkin to actually hold back Zeno and Silva.
If they failed, he'd be the next to die.
Hisoka wanted thrill, not suicide.
Kaizen hesitated for a second, then gave a small nod. "Fine. I'll decide the time and place."
Even though Kaizen was confident in himself, Zeno, and Silva—not to mention the hidden presence of Maha—he couldn't be certain the six beasts didn't have some kind of unexpected ability.
Having Hisoka on their side tilted the odds further in their favor.
That was Kaizen's way—and the Zoldyck way: stack the deck.
As for fighting Hisoka seriously?
One-on-one, Kaizen didn't see Hisoka as a real threat anymore.
They had already fought once, back during the Hunter Exam.
Kaizen had tested Hisoka's strength and understood it well enough.
If he had wanted to kill him back then, he could have.
And now? Kaizen was far stronger. Not just a little. A lot.
Facing Hisoka again, he had far more techniques he could use.
But still—if he didn't agree now, Hisoka would just keep pestering him, looking for another opportunity.
So why not use him here?
Kaizen hadn't taken many challenges since becoming a Floor Master. It had been a while since anyone strong had stepped up.
...
Why not give Hisoka the chance?
After all, if Hisoka earned the right to challenge the Floor Master, Kaizen wouldn't be allowed to refuse anyway.
So this was no different than giving him a shot that he'd eventually earn.
Kaizen didn't lose anything.
But Hisoka wasn't without concerns either.
If Kaizen chose not to accept his challenge down the line, he could always forfeit and lose the title of Floor Master.
Hisoka doubted the position mattered that much to Kaizen.
"No problem," Hisoka said smoothly.
The moment he spoke...
The Six Fiends attacked.
...
Despite being surrounded, they made the first move.
"Kill them!"
Triangle Eyes lunged at Hisoka.
The swordsman charged at Silva.
The petite girl dashed toward Zeno.
Larkin made a beeline for Kaizen.
The remaining two stayed in the center, unmoving—clearly support types or tool users.
The four attackers were the main offense.
A major battle was about to break out.
Kaizen focused. Natsu appeared at his side in an instant, flames flickering across his body.
Larkin didn't dodge, didn't hesitate.
But just as he was about to reach Natsu—
A shimmer of light passed over Larkin's body.
In the blink of an eye, he vanished—and reappeared right in front of Kaizen.
"Teleportation?"
But before Larkin could strike—
Clap!
Natsu clapped his hands.
Kaizen and Natsu's positions swapped instantly.
"Fire Dragon's Fist!"
Natsu's flaming fist slammed straight into Larkin's chest.
Boom!
Larkin staggered back over a dozen steps.
Kaizen reappeared where Natsu had been.
A large, glowing sphere shot toward him—it was the ability of the middle-aged clown in the group.
Kaizen raised his hand calmly.
His bullet collided with the sphere midair.
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