After spending three days aboard an airship and transferring to a locomotive train, I finally arrived in the Dentora region in the Republic of Padokea—home of the legendary Zoldyck Family of assassins.
At the foot of the dormant volcano, Kukuroo Mountain, stood their famous main entrance: the Testing Gate. From here, all I had to do was follow the road toward the mountain base. Tour buses operated along the route, but time was of the essence. Running on foot would be far faster.
I had been on edge for the past three days. Even though I could propel myself through the air using Nen, I couldn't sustain high-speed aura boosting across a distance that took an airship three days to cross. After all, that technique was merely a burst-dash from releasing explosive momentum, not genuine self-sustained flight.
Unable to do anything but wait during the transit, I spent the time stretching and limbering up my body, which had grown somewhat stiff from my hospital stay... Just in case I needed to go all out.
Continuing along the road toward Kukuroo Mountain, a colossal stone gate eventually loomed before my eyes.
So this is the Testing Gate.
Everything beyond this gate belonged entirely to the Zoldyck estate.
Next to the gate stood a modest guardhouse. Sensing a presence inside, I noticed an older gentleman. A gatekeeper or guard, perhaps?
...No, that seemed unlikely. Not to be rude, but he didn't possess the martial caliber one would expect from a guardian protecting the Zoldycks' front threshold.
He noticed me approaching. Perfect—he might know something about Gon and the others.
"Ah... young lady, what are you doing in a dangerous place like this? You really should head back... Ah, a tour bus should arrive in about an hour, so you ought to take that back to town."
...What a kind-hearted person, looking out for an unrecognized stranger in a place notorious for death.
Unfortunately, turning back wasn't an option.
"Excuse me, sir. May I ask you something? Did three Pro Hunters happen to come through here about three weeks ago?"
"Hm? Ah, Gon-kun and his friends? Yes, they certainly did."
So they really came. I had harbored a faint hope that they might have reconsidered.
"Are they still inside the Zoldyck estate?"
"...Miss, may I ask your name?"
My name? Why ask for my name?
"My name is Aisha..."
While certain Nen abilities required knowing a target's name to fulfill activation conditions, this man didn't seem to be a Nen user. Even if he were, any minor curse or condition-triggered ability of that caliber would be nullified by my [Boss Trait]. Knowing my name carried negligible risk.
"—! I see... It is you. Forgive my rudeness! Please wait just a moment."
Huh? Why the sudden shift to formal honorifics? And why did he recognize my name?
Leaving me puzzled, the man hurried inside the guardhouse and made a brief phone call.
"Thank you for waiting, Miss Aisha. The Masters are expecting you inside."
"—Excuse me? What do you mean? Could you please answer my earlier question first?"
"I deeply apologize, but I am forbidden from speaking further... Those are my strict orders."
The man grimaced apologetically. As an employee of the Zoldycks, he naturally couldn't disobey his employers' direct commands.
In other words: If you want to know their fate, step inside.
The fact that they knew my name meant they had extracted information from Gon and the others... Dammit! Could they have subjected them to severe torture?!
Those three would never betray an ally easily. Knowing this was an assassination syndicate, that grim possibility was very real. If that was truly the case—!
"Understood. All I have to do is go inside, correct?"
"My apologies, but a butler from the main manor is on their way to escort you. Please wait a short while—"
"No, that won't be necessary."
Stepping before the titanic stone doors, I focused my aura throughout my entire body. Placing both hands against the surface, I pushed steadily forward.
Zoldycks... If you have subjected Gon and my friends to terrible torment—if you have taken their lives—!
I will make you pay a fitting price!
Grumble... Rrrrrumble...!
Slowly, but with absolute certainty, the massive stone gates began to swing open. Behind me, a sharp intake of breath mixed with the grinding of ancient stone.
Understandable. The Testing Gate was engineered so that greater physical force unlocked progressively heavier sets of doors. Seeing a teenage girl casually shove open all seven sets of doors at once was bound to shock anyone.
"I-Incredible..."
"I'm short on time, so I will see myself in. Excuse me."
"Ah... R-Right! Please follow the path straight up the mountain! That will lead you directly to the main mansion!"
Nodding in acknowledgment, I sprinted up the mountain path.
...I'm being watched.
The moment I crossed the Testing Gate, I felt a faint—exceptionally faint—gaze upon me.
A Zetsu so refined that even I could barely detect it. Such sublime suppression of presence... This stealth rivaled even Netero's. As expected of the Zoldycks; they truly lived up to their reputation as the world's premier assassination dynasty.
They weren't attacking, however. Waiting for an opening? It seemed they were purely observing for now. While I could ignore the watcher until they made a move, someone of this caliber undoubtedly belonged to the main Zoldyck bloodline.
Asking them directly would be far faster. A member of the family was guaranteed to know Gon's whereabouts.
Even if they wouldn't talk willingly, taking initiative was better than doing nothing. If they proved hostile, I would fight with everything I had.
A quick pulse of En confirmed no other individuals within a 1-kilometer radius. If combat broke out, reducing their numbers before facing a multi-opponent ambush was basic tactical sense.
...Their vigilance wavered for a split second! Now!
◆
Three days ago, I received a phone call from that old fossil, Netero.
He told me that a young lady named Aisha would soon be visiting our estate.
"Treat her with the utmost hospitality," he insisted. From his tone, this girl was close to the trio who had come to retrieve Kil. Had any harm befallen those three, the old man warned, the Zoldyck family would have suffered catastrophic losses.
That old geezer never underestimated our strength. That meant this girl was either under the direct protection of a monster greater than us—most likely Netero himself—or something far more alarming.
Netero was unquestionably monstrous. Predicting his next move from his aura flow was impossible even for me, and his [100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva] was utterly unavoidable. Clashing with him was a thousand times worse than dealing with the Phantom Troupe Silva had mentioned.
It made sense to assume that harming Aisha would bring Netero's wrath upon us. Yet, interpreting the old man's words literally, he had framed it differently: If Aisha discovered those boys had been harmed, her fury would bring ruin upon the Zoldycks.
In other words, the girl herself possessed sufficient power to threaten our family. If true, she wielded strength comparable to Netero.
For a girl so young, such power sounded absurd.
...Could she merely look young while being older than Netero himself?
Regardless, I instructed everyone on the estate—family and staff alike—to treat her as an honored guest upon arrival. Given Netero's adamant warnings, caution was warranted. Unless she intended us harm, there was no reason to cultivate unnecessary enemies.
Besides, I would be lying if I said I wasn't curious about a girl who could make Netero so anxious.
Having Mil check the Padokea Republic's inbound flight manifests, we confirmed her arrival today. Rather than waiting idly at the manor, I concealed myself near the front gates to observe her firsthand.
Ho... Impressive.
Without even reinforcing her physique with Nen, she pushed open all seven doors of the Testing Gate. She looked no older than mid-to-late teens—though physical age meant little among Nen masters.
Setting aside preconceptions, she appeared just slightly older than Kil. For a teenage girl to open all seven gates with raw muscular strength alone was breathtaking.
Netero's warning seemed increasingly grounded in reality. While brute strength alone didn't make someone superior to us, the aura she projected was undeniably abnormal. Coming to observe her was the right call.
...Or perhaps, seeing her lack of an active Ten shroud, could she be Netero's secret disciple? If she is only now beginning formal Nen mastery, her latent talent is terrifying.
She began moving up the mountain, unbothered by Mike's presence. Remarkable nerve.
Having satisfied my curiosity, I prepared to head back to the mansion and let the butlers escort her.
With that, I shifted my gaze and relaxed my focus for a fraction of a second.
—In that exact instant, my back was taken.
"Do not move. If you move even an inch..."
To think she took my back in that microscopic window of inattention.
Worse, she had noticed my presence from the start. Concealing my presence was second nature to an assassin of my lineage.
While I had no intention of cowering before an empty threat, what caught my attention was her hand resting lightly against my spine. No drawn blade, no joint lock—just an open palm placed flat against my back.
Which meant that from this unassuming posture, she could deliver a strike lethal enough to threaten my life. Nen, refined martial arts, or both?
"..."
"There is something I need to ask you. Answer truthfully, and your life will be spared."
She took my silence as compliance.
Fair enough. I had the slight shame of spying on an invited guest, and her question surely concerned the three boys. There was no need to hide the truth.
Still, to detect my presence and take my back before I could react... If she truly was as young as she appeared, her potential was nothing short of frightening.
◆
"I AM SO DEEPLY SORRY!!"
I bowed forward in a full, heartfelt dogeza.
After using Shukuchi to flank the elderly gentleman and interrogating him, he calmly explained that Gon and the others had already safely retrieved Killua and departed days ago. Looking into his eyes and aura, there wasn't a trace of deceit. When I verified this with Zebro-san (who turned out to be a cleaner, not a guard), he apologized for being sworn to secrecy.
Aura fluctuations rarely lied. Unless someone was a transcendent master of deception, emotional ripples were plain to see.
Which meant that I had unlawfully breached a private estate that intended to welcome me as a guest, ambushed an elderly family member monitoring a trespasser, and held him hostage at palm-point.
...I'm literally a violent criminal!
"Ah, think nothing of it," the old man chuckled. "It is my own fault as an assassin for allowing my back to be taken."
...Right, this was an assassination family. Despite their lethal reputation, they seemed surprisingly reasonable and remarkably human. A far cry from the bloodthirsty sociopaths I had envisioned.
"You look perplexed."
"Eh? Ah, well... I assumed assassins would execute an intruder on sight."
"We kill strictly for business. Pointless slaughter is bad for the soul. Besides, you are our guest."
Killing strictly for business, huh... I couldn't wrap my head around taking lives so casually. Perhaps if I had been born and raised in this world, I might understand. But having grown up in a peaceful modern society, our values were fundamentally incompatible.
More importantly, how did they anticipate my arrival?
"If I may ask... how did you know I was coming? Even if you heard about me from Killua or Gon, I don't understand why I'm being treated as an honored guest."
"Hm? Did you not hear? Netero called ahead to inform us of your visit."
...That old geezer!
He knew Gon and the others were safe all along! Yet he withheld that information from me while warning the Zoldycks to roll out the red carpet!
Damn you, Netero! I will pay you back tenfold for this!
"Well, the butlers should arrive shortly, but since we are already here, allow me to guide you to the mansion myself."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate it."
"Ho... Walking into an assassin's den without a trace of hesitation. You truly have a stout heart."
Actually, now that the adrenaline is fading, I'm pretty nervous inside!
And so, I found myself officially welcomed into the Zoldyck estate.
The sheer scale of their property was staggering. We ran at a brisk pace for thirty whole minutes just to reach the main residence. A vast estate that could easily swallow a small country.
And the mansion itself was monumental—calling the butler quarters a "house" made it look like a shed by comparison.
"We have arrived. Make yourself at home."
Inside, the butlers bowed courteously as we passed, though each one subtly tracked my every breath and muscle twitch. Highly trained combatants, through and through.
Guided to a reception room, I found the atmosphere surprisingly understated. No gaudy golden ornaments, just immaculate, high-grade hardwood furniture. The sofa was exceptionally comfortable.
A female butler served freshly brewed black tea.
"Do not worry, there is no poison in yours," the old man noted casually.
"...Wait, does that mean there IS poison in yours?"
"Indeed. Consuming poison with our meals is a Zoldyck family custom."
What kind of absurd household is this?! Overcoming poison, the universal bane of Nen masters... Did these people have any weaknesses at all?
"An assassin dying of poison would be a poor joke, after all. ...Ah, I have yet to introduce myself. My name is Zeno Zoldyck, Killua's grandfather."
"Pardon my late manners. My name is Aisha. I have no family name. I became acquainted with Killua during the Hunter Exam."
"Tell me, Aisha... What is your relationship with that old fossil, Netero?"
"Spelled 'formidable enemy,' pronounced 'friend.' Rivals who have traded blows more times than I can count."
Zeno stared intently before nodding. "You seem entirely sincere."
"May I ask... how old do you think I am?"
"Judging purely by appearance? Around seventeen or eighteen."
"Unfortunately, appearances are deceiving. I am thirteen, turning fourteen this year."
"...What?"
Zeno froze in absolute disbelief. Seeing a legendary assassin wear a stunned expression was a rare treat.
"It is... not a lie, then. 'Monstrous' does not begin to describe it."
Well, I did retain the entirety of my previous life's mastery. But there was no need to explain that part.
Sipping the tea, I was pleasantly surprised. I usually preferred coffee, but this blend was divine.
Creak...
"Pardon the intrusion, Father."
Entering the room was a towering man nearly two meters tall with chiseled, corded muscle and silver hair reminiscent of a majestic lion.
"Silva, perfect timing. Meet Aisha, our esteemed guest. Aisha, this is the current head of the Zoldyck Family, Silva Zoldyck. Killua's father."
"I am Silva Zoldyck. It seems Kil owes you his thanks."
"A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Silva. The pleasure was mutual; Killua was wonderful company."
Silva appraised me from head to toe before offering a subtle nod of approval. A formidable combatant—easily among the top ten strongest individuals I had ever laid eyes upon.
"Kil spoke of you and his friends with great enthusiasm. I have never seen him speak so fondly of others. You have my gratitude."
"I truly enjoyed being with Killua as well."
"It is growing dark. You should stay the night. I will introduce the rest of the family at dinner."
"Oh, no, I couldn't possibly impose—"
"Think nothing of it," Zeno chimed in. "Silva inviting an outsider to dine with the family is unprecedented. It would be a waste to refuse."
"An unnecessary comment, Father."
Given their insistence, refusing would be bad manners. I really was weak to peer pressure.
"In that case, I gratefully accept your hospitality."
◆
"What is your assessment, Silva?"
"Completely relaxed, yet possessing zero openings. She is exceptionally battle-tested."
To remain so composed within the heart of our domain spoke volumes of the battlefields she had walked.
"And your impression, Father?"
"Without witnessing her Nen firsthand, I cannot say for certain... but avoiding conflict was the correct decision. We kill when contracted, but she is not an opponent to provoke lightly."
Silva nodded. "To reach that domain at such an age... Talent alone cannot explain it."
"Prepare yourself, Silva—she is only thirteen years old."
"...Hard to believe. Barely older than Kil. She must be Netero's secret masterpiece."
"And she pushed open all seven doors of the Testing Gate."
"...You should have led with that, Father. That means her physical conditioning is extraordinary even without Nen."
"She kept her aura in a relaxed leak, yet there was not a single blemish or turbulence in her flow. Furthermore, she referred to Netero as her rival."
Silva frowned thoughtfully. "Could you defeat her, Father?"
"Who can say? I would not say victory is impossible, but... neither is defeat."
An assassination contract on such a target would be terribly unprofitable.
"If we leveraged psychological vulnerabilities..."
"Her nature is too compassionate; she would never abandon those close to her. Coming here for Kil proves that. But if we touched that nerve, Netero would march on Kukuroo Mountain himself. Clashing with that old monster is something we must avoid."
"Indeed."
"Could she be brought in as a bride...?"
"Impossible. She may kill in battle, but she possesses no stomach for murder as a trade."
"A pity. But there is no need to invite discord into our ranks."
Knock, knock!
"Master Silva!" A butler burst into the room.
"What is the commotion, Hishita?"
"The Madam is marching toward the guest quarters in a furious rage...!"
Silva sighed. "...That is problematic."
◆
"Please rest here. We will summon you when dinner is ready."
"Thank you."
The guest suite was luxurious, complete with a massive bed and polished furnishings. As I waited, footsteps approached the door, radiating intense killing intent.
BAM!
The doors flew open, and a woman in a black Victorian gown with electronic visor goggles and bandages covering her face stormed into the room.
"So YOU are the vixen who seduced my sweet Kil?!"
...Excuse me?!
"Because of you, my precious Kil abandoned our home! How will you take responsibility?!"
"Wait, didn't Killua leave of his own accord? I only met him during the exam..."
"Silence! Illu finally brought Kil home, only for him to run off with those commoners! You used that shameless body of yours to bewitch him, didn't you, you female dog?!"
Female dog?! I have never been called a bitch in all my 140+ years of living!
"Father-in-law and Silva ordered me to treat you as a guest, so I will not harm you. HOWEVER! If you ever cast seductive eyes at my Kil again, the full might of the Zoldyck family will hunt you down!"
"Um, yes, I have no intention of seducing him..."
"WHAT?! Are you saying my Kil lacks charm?! How insolent!"
What do you even want me to say?!
Huffing in outrage, Kikyo whirled around and stormed out just as abruptly as she had arrived. Dealing with Killua's mother was utterly exhausting...
◆
Why do I have to eat dinner with a complete stranger? Milluki grumbled internally as he sat at the grand dining table. He just wanted to finish his meal and get back to building anime figurines and playing video games.
"Gotoh, bring in our guest," Silva commanded.
"Understood."
The dining room doors opened, and Gotoh escorted Aisha inside.
...Eh?
Milluki's brain short-circuited.
Before him stood a breathtaking girl with glossy black hair, a slender waist, and a bountiful, mature bust that defied all reason. Her eyes were bright, her lips perfectly shaped, and her proportions were the absolute pinnacle of anime aesthetic perfection.
Bust, waist, hips, face, motherly aura, bust, bust, BUST!
Milluki's left arm began unconsciously pumping up and down in sheer ecstasy.
"Hello, my name is Aisha. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Her voice sounds like angels singing in heaven! Aisha Zoldyck... That has a fantastic ring to it!
Convinced she had to be a 3D hallucination born from his excessive visual novel gaming, Milluki stood up, dazed, and reached both hands forward toward her chest to verify the image.
Swipe.
Aisha casually tilted her upper body, letting his hands grasp empty air. He reached again; she slipped aside with effortless grace.
"Mil. What do you think you are doing?" Silva's voice dropped to sub-zero temperatures.
Snapping out of his trance, Milluki panicked. "I-I"m sorry! S-She was just so cute, my hands moved on their own!"
Silva sighed. "Forgive his insolence, Aisha. I will discipline him appropriately."
"No, please don't worry about it," Aisha smiled gently. "I was just a little surprised. It's totally fine!"
A GODDESS! She is a literal angel! Milluki fell completely, unconditionally in love.
The dinner that followed was a magnificent feast of Chinese-inspired delicacies. Having survived on rations and hospital food, I devoured six massive bowls of white rice, praising the chef with every bite.
"You have quite the appetite," Silva remarked. "Did you not worry the food might contain poison?"
"Not at all. Having shared tea with Zeno-san, I knew you wouldn't resort to petty underhanded tricks against an invited guest. If I were to die of poison, it would simply mean my own martial discipline was lacking."
"Man, she's so cool..." Milluki mumbled dreamily into his rice bowl.
"Would you like another refill, Aisha?" Zeno chuckled warmly.
"Yes please! One more bowl!"
"She eats more than Mil..." Zeno noted.
"She burns energy through constant physical conditioning," Silva observed.
"Such gluttony! She is completely unsuitable for Kil... but perhaps for Mil..." Kikyo muttered.
"...I want seconds too," Kalluto whispered quietly.
Surrounded by eccentric assassins, the dinner proved surprisingly lively and heartwarming. The food was simply delicious.