"Hehehe, this is quite something. Ooh, now that is a fine set of muscles! Ahhh, what a feast for the eyes~. This really is the best way to pass the time~. I wonder why Linna can't appreciate the glory of handsome men and sculpted muscle?"
Brrrr... Brrrr...
"Good grief, what now? Just when I was basking in a wonderful mood. Who could it be...? Well, look at that! A call from Aisha? That's rare! In fact, isn't this the very first time? I wonder what she wants."
Well, if it's Aisha, I can forgive her for interrupting my blissful moment.
"Yes, hello~. Bisky speaking. What's up, Aisha?"
『Ah, Bisky. I apologize if you're busy. Is now a good time?』
Polite as ever. If it were that old geezer, he'd blurt out his demands without even greeting me. Of course, in that case, I'd hang up on him instantly.
"I'm free. So, what do you need?"
『Well, actually... I would like to hire you for a while, Bisky.』
Oh? Aisha wants to hire me? What could that be about?
"That's sudden. Hiring me covers quite a wide range of possibilities, you know?"
『Yes. To be precise, I require your Nen ability.』
"Mine? ...Don't tell me! You finally want Cookie-chan's aesthetic spa massage?! You've finally embraced being a girl, haven't you! But unfortunately for you, Aisha, my ability is—"
『That is absolutely not what I meant!』
"...Tch, no fun at all~."
Darn it! If that were the case, I was planning to give her a complete, top-to-bottom makeover. Aisha has such great raw materials; she really needs to put effort into polishing herself~. No matter how much she used to be a man in her past life, she's a girl now. She really ought to just accept it.
『Good grief... The truth is, I am currently training a disciple. I would like to employ your ability to assist in their training.』
"Huh?! Wait a minute! Are you serious?!"
『Y-Yes. Is it really something to be that shocked about?』
Of course it is! Have you forgotten who you are?!
You're the legendary grandmaster, Ryusho Kazama! For someone like that to take on a personal disciple and train them one-on-one—who wouldn't be shocked?!
"Are you teaching them the Kazama-ryu style?"
『No, I am not teaching the style at all. I am merely acting as an instructor regarding that.』
Even that is extraordinarily luxurious. I don't know who this disciple is, but do they have any idea how blessed they are?
...If Linna finds out, she'll probably go insane with jealousy. That girl has been waiting day and night for Aisha to instruct her again. She's been frantically trying to groom a successor just so she can be free to stay by Aisha's side.
"Does your disciple know? That you are that person?"
『...No, I haven't told them. What's more, I haven't even shown them my aura.』
Ah, I see. She hasn't revealed her past life, and she's keeping her aura concealed. That makes sense. In other words, Aisha wants me to demonstrate standard Nen techniques for her.
Whoever this disciple is, they're definitely a beginner. If they were blasted with Aisha's raw, unsealed aura, the consequences would be catastrophic. Even if they could endure it, Aisha feels hesitant about exposing it.
"Understood. In that case, having me perform the practical demonstrations is the right call."
『As expected, you immediately understand what I mean... This person was a fellow examinee during the Hunter Exam, and... well, a friend. I hope to tell them the truth someday, but for now...』
My, my.
...She really has changed. She's practically a different person compared to Grandmaster Ryusho. Is her mind being pulled along by her physical body? To think the great grandmaster is acting so much like a bashful girl, hiding her aura just because she doesn't want her friend to hate her.
"All right. I accept the job. However, I have my own schedule, so I must terminate this contract by September."
At the Yorknew City auction, that billionaire Battera will undoubtedly purchase copies of Greed Island. After that, he will certainly hold player screenings.
Ah, the legendary, incomparably gorgeous gemstones that can only be found inside Greed Island! To get my hands on those, I can't afford to miss the selection trial!
『Yes, that is perfectly fine. We also have business in Yorknew come September.』
"Great. Then let's discuss the most important part of the contract: compensation."
No matter how close we are, or how much I respect Grandmaster Ryusho, business is business. As a professional, I keep things proper.
...Besides, I need to recoup the money I'm going to lose because of that dense idiot Wing.
Ugh, just remembering it infuriates me! That moron! The next time I see him, I won't be satisfied until I punch him in the face!
『Understood. The contract duration is approximately four months. Please calculate the fee based on instructional assistance, the use of your Nen ability, and the disclosure of your ability to a third party.』
"You know how this works. Well then... normally I'd ask for 50 million a month, but since we're acquaintances, let's call it 25 million a month. Exactly 100 million Jenny through September. How does that sound?"
If Aisha didn't have money, she wouldn't propose this kind of deal. So I'll gladly take the full payment~.
『I agree. We have a deal. Shall I prepare a formal written agreement?』
"No need for that. I trust you, Aisha."
No matter how much her gender or personality has shifted, her core hasn't changed. I know she isn't the type to deceive people with cheap lies.
"I'll head over tomorrow. Where are you?"
『Heavens Arena. If you give my name at the front desk, they will provide my room number.』
"Got it~. See you soon!"
With that, I ended the call.
Hehehe, things are getting interesting. I was bored with nothing to do anyway, so this will be a great way to kill time. And if Aisha is personally teaching someone, they must possess considerable talent.
I hope it's a rough diamond worth polishing~. If it's a handsome boy, all the better! If it's a girl, well, that's a bit disappointing.
Still... speaking in vague code to avoid wiretaps is quite a hassle. Even if someone overheard, it wouldn't be the end of the world, but giving information to ignorant fools is annoying. Especially if anyone discovered Aisha was Ryusho—that would cause an unimaginable disaster.
Now then! Time to pack for tomorrow. Let's see what I need...
As I gathered my luggage, my eyes landed on a camera.
Hmm... If I use this right... I can sell the photos to Linna! With a bit of luck, I might even wipe out my gambling debt! Needless to say, I shoved the camera into my bag immediately.
◆
Shudder!
A sudden chill ran down my spine the moment I hung up with Bisky... Whenever I get this kind of chill, it usually heralds something terrible. Bad premonitions always seem to come true...
Not only did I fail to recover the Black Book, but the thought of it spreading further makes me dread the future. The only silver lining—or perhaps an even deeper despair—is that I now have a strong clue as to who bought it.
According to Kastro's testimony, the young man who purchased Black History was about 190 cm tall, with short, spiky black hair, wearing dark sunglasses and a formal business suit.
No matter how you look at it, that's Leorio. Thank you very much.
...If he weren't a Pro Hunter, it might be someone else, but a newly licensed Pro Hunter who didn't know Nen and matched that exact description could only be Leorio. For that matter, if Kastro remembered that much detail, why didn't he ask for his name?
If Leorio has it, we're scheduled to meet in Yorknew in September anyway, so I might be able to buy it back from him then. That's a relief, but...
It means Leorio has definitely read it! Having a friend read that embarrassing notebook is ten thousand times worse than a total stranger reading it!! Uuu, despair is consuming me. If Leorio develops some weird chuunibyou ability from it... ugh, just imagining it makes me dizzy!
No, brooding over it won't help. It'll only depress me. I need to push it out of my mind. Since I can't leave Heavens Arena for a while, I won't see Leorio until Yorknew anyway. Until then, I must focus on Kurapika's training and my own.
That said, Kurapika is currently working on conjuring his chains, so there isn't much I can actively assist with. Conjuration requires intense, uninterrupted concentration. If I barge in with unsolicited advice, it might backfire. I've already taught him the necessary visualization methods; the rest is up to him until he asks for help.
Even though I called Bisky, Kurapika might not be ready for her training immediately. Once he starts Conjuration visualization, he should focus entirely on that. At most, he can maintain Ten and Ren. Still, having Bisky arrive early is good. Kurapika will probably conjure the chains in less than a month anyway.
The real issue is his Vows and Limitations. I've explained the concept, but I didn't dictate what rules he should set. It's better for a practitioner to decide their own vows; an ability empowered by personal resolve is far more potent.
In that sense, I don't recommend copying abilities straight out of the Black Book... though using it for inspiration and adapting vows to one's own resolve is a different story.
I wonder what kind of vows Kurapika is planning?
What concerns me is the dark, heavy aura of grim determination I felt from him when I first explained Vows and Limitations. It vanished the moment I spoke to him, but...
I don't like prying into another person's Hatsu, but given the stakes, I need to check on him.
Kurapika seems to be in his room, immersed in Conjuration training. I hope he isn't concocting some self-destructive vow.
"Kurapika, excuse me. How is your training..."
I opened the door and stepped inside. And there—!
"Hmm. Biting the chain gives this kind of texture... Next, I should check the taste. ...Hm? Aisha, what is—"
Click.
I closed the door immediately.
...No, look, I understand. I know that's part of Conjuration training. I was the one who taught him the method, after all.
But watching Kurapika say "Next, I should check the taste" while sensually licking a metal chain with a lero-lero sound was... a bit too much to handle. I'd like to believe I wasn't in the wrong for shutting the door.
"Aisha, what's wrong? Did you need something?"
"Ah, no, sorry. I had a momentary lapse in thought... I'm coming in."
Composing myself, I entered the room again.
This time, he was simply holding the chain normally.
"Sorry for interrupting your training. How is your progress?"
"No, don't worry about it. As for progress, I still have a long way to go. Conjuration is truly difficult."
"That can't be helped. Conjuration is generally the most time-consuming category when it comes to initially manifesting an object. But once you master it, you can summon and dispel it at will, which is incredibly versatile."
You can pretend to be unarmed while instantly conjuring a weapon, or hide it with In. Plus, conjured objects often carry special secondary properties, making skilled Conjurers very dangerous.
"—Not that I came here to lecture you. I came because there's something I need to confirm."
"...Confirm?" Kurapika looked at me curiously.
"Yes. Have you already decided on the specific ability for your chains?"
"...Yes. In conjuring these chains, I have roughly outlined what abilities I want to bestow upon them."
As expected of the sharp-witted Kurapika. The question is what those abilities entail, and what Vows and Limitations he is planning to bind them with.
"Normally, Nen abilities are kept strictly confidential. You understand the immense risk of exposing your Hatsu to others, right? I haven't revealed mine to you either. But even knowing that, I must ask: what powers are you trying to give your chains?"
Even between master and disciple, it's common not to know the full details of a student's Hatsu. That's how dangerous information leaks are. Of course, some abilities (like Hisoka's) don't lose much effectiveness even when explained, but keeping them secret is always an advantage.
"...I plan to conjure five chains. One extending from a ring on each finger of my right hand. As for their appearance, it's easier if I show you this drawing."
He handed me a sketchbook. The floor was covered in similar sheets where he had meticulously sketched chains from every angle to solidify the image in his mind. The drawing showed five distinct chains linked to rings on his right hand.
So the visual framework is complete. The real question is the function and the vow...
"I intend to assign a different ability to each of the five chains, though I haven't finalized all of them yet. Some will be designed so that they can only be activated while using [Emperor Time / Absolute Time]."
"I see... Emperor Time. So you already have certain functions decided?"
Still, Emperor Time is an absurdly broken ability.
A Specialization Hatsu that activates exclusively when his eyes turn Scarlet. Our testing revealed that while his Scarlet Eyes are active, he can draw out 100% efficiency and mastery in every single Nen category.
It completely defies standard Nen logic. Even if Kurapika is naturally weak in Enhancement, he can output 100% Enhancement power while Emperor Time is active. As he trains, the effect will only grow stronger. He'll possess the physical durability of an Enhancer while conjuring, manipulating, emitting, and transmuting his chains at maximum output.
Frankly, that's terrifying.
"...Phew. Very well, I will tell you. You can be quite stubborn, Aisha."
While I was pondering Emperor Time, Kurapika spoke up, having apparently misinterpreted my silence.
Calling me stubborn is a bit rude when I'm just worried about him, but I'll take it.
"...The ability I am formulating will force any captured target into a state of forced Zetsu."
What! Forcing an opponent into Zetsu?!
That is undeniably powerful. A Nen user stripped of their aura is practically a fish out of water.
Sure, they could still fight physically, but against a prepared Nen user, their defeat is almost guaranteed. However...
"To achieve something that absolute, you would need an extraordinarily severe rule. What condition did you attach to it?"
"...My objective is to recover the eyes of my brethren and capture the Spiders. This ability will never be used on anyone other than the Phantom Troupe."
"That is... an acceptable Limitation, but on its own, it is still too weak. Even if you force them into Zetsu, the physical durability of the chain won't be high enough. A physically monstrous opponent might snap it through brute force alone."
"Yes. That is merely the prerequisite condition. I have already decided on the penalty for breaking it."
A chilling wave of dark resolve radiated from Kurapika. Don't tell me—!
"...I will stake my life."
"! ...Are you serious?"
I already knew the answer. Kurapika isn't the type to joke about something like this.
Yet, a part of me desperately wished it were a sick joke.
"Of course."
...I knew it. His voice was completely steady. His aura burned with unwavering, fatal resolve. But I cannot permit this!
"Restricting it solely to the Troupe with a death penalty will certainly make the chain extraordinarily powerful against them. But—!"
"If I don't go this far, I don't believe I can win!!"
Kurapika's sudden shout echoed through the room. I had never seen him display such raw, desperate emotion.
"You saw Hisoka's strength, Aisha! He is far stronger than I am! Even if his membership is temporary, he belongs to the Troupe. That means the other members possess strength on par with him! If there are twelve monsters like that, unless I put my very life on the line... I don't believe I stand a chance!"
His words came out like he was coughing up blood. And his reasoning wasn't entirely wrong.
Hisoka is undeniably near the top of the Troupe's combat hierarchy. If he were among the weaker members, he wouldn't be so obsessed with fighting the boss.
Still, the other members aren't going to be drastically weaker. Witnessing Hisoka's fight against Kastro naturally filled Kurapika with dread.
"...Forgive me. I let my emotions get the better of me."
"No, I understand why you feel anxious, and I understand how you arrived at that vow."
"Then—"
Kurapika looked relieved, thinking I was agreeing with him.
However!
"I still cannot allow you to impose that rule."
"Why?!"
"That rule gives you an overwhelming advantage against the Troupe, but it is far too dangerous a double-edged sword."
"That's..."
"If the Troupe discovers the nature of your ability, it can be easily countered. Even if you plan meticulously to fight them one-on-one, Nen battles are inherently unpredictable. You never know when a third party might get involved. What if you're forced into combat alongside a non-Troupe enemy?"
"Even so... to defeat them, I must—"
"—I will make you strong!"
"What?!"
"I will make you strong enough to defeat them without needing to stake your life! If you are strong enough on your own, you won't need suicidal vows. ...Isn't that obvious?"
Kurapika was left speechless. Naturally so—in his current state, imagining himself surpassing Hisoka felt impossible.
"With your talent and the Specialization power of Emperor Time, it is entirely within reach."
"...Are you speaking seriously?"
He threw my earlier question right back at me. And my answer was identical.
"Of course."
I will forge Kurapika until he can defeat opponents on Hisoka's level!
I don't have enough time alone to shorten his Ren training, but with Bisky's assistance...
And not just Bisky. We will go to the Kazama-ryu headquarters and enlist Linna's help for practical combat against Nen masters. Heavens Arena alone won't be enough.
"Can I truly become strong enough to defeat the Troupe without gambling my life?"
"Battles against Nen users are always life-or-death. Defeating all twelve simultaneously is impossible, but that would be true even with a death vow. If you strategize properly and isolate them into one-on-one fights, you can win! You will be able to win! That is how remarkable your talent is."
In my long years of observing and teaching Nen, few have ever matched the raw talent of Kurapika, Gon, or Killua. With proper guidance, they will stand among the world's elite.
"Even so, they have twelve members. How can I manage to isolate them all alone...?"
"You don't have to do it alone! I am here! And not just me—you have dependable comrades, don't you?"
"That's... impossible! This is my personal revenge. I cannot drag others into it—"
"We aren't 'others'! We are comrades! We are friends! What is wrong with helping a friend in need?"
"B-But—!"
"Even if you try to stop me, I'll do as I please anyway. And Gon and the others would say the exact same thing!"
I smiled, and Kurapika found himself unable to argue back. While involving Gon and Killua carries risks, those two will easily reach Troupe-level strength within two years anyway.
"...You really mean it, don't you? ...Very well, Aisha. I will abandon the death penalty condition. In exchange... I expect you to train me mercilessly."
"Yes! Of course!"
Thank goodness! He came to his senses!
Honestly, creating such reckless abilities is bad for my heart. What a troublesome disciple!
"Now that that's settled, finish conjuring your chains first. I can't shortcut that process, so it relies entirely on you."
"Understood. I will redesign my abilities and focus on the visualization."
"...Make sure you don't sneak in any reckless vows, all right?"
"Haha, don't worry."
He didn't seem to be lying. Kurapika is a man of his word.
"However, there is one thing I wish to confirm with you, Aisha."
"Hm? What is it?"
"...I want to see your true strength."
"! ...I see."
The question had finally arrived. Throughout our time together, Kurapika had never seen me use Nen. To him, I looked like an amateur who didn't even maintain Ten.
Of course, I was constantly practicing Ten, Ren, and Ryu, but because of Angel's Veil, all he saw was unrefined leaking aura.
He had trusted me thus far without asking, but it was natural for doubt to surface.
"I know you are stronger than me, Aisha. But I don't know if you are stronger than Hisoka. Being strong doesn't automatically make someone a great teacher, but it certainly helps."
"...True. Theory alone cannot teach everything. ...I knew this conversation would happen eventually. I suppose now is the time."
It was time to resolve myself. Since I had overturned Kurapika's vow, showing my capability was the least I could do.
"Very well. I will show you my strength. However, we cannot do it here."
"...Why? Isn't it just a matter of displaying your aura?"
"Never equate raw aura quantity with absolute combat ability. Superior technique can easily overcome an aura disadvantage. Regardless, there is a reason I cannot release my aura in this building."
If I drop Angel's Veil here, that clown Hisoka will come running with joy. Other Nen users in the tower would panic, turning the floor into pure chaos.
"I understand. Let us change locations."
"Is there an uninhabited, open area nearby? Preferably somewhere with no people for several dozen kilometers."
"If we travel about 120 kilometers east, there is a vast mountain range. It should be completely deserted... But do we really need to take such extreme precautions?"
"Yes. We cannot afford any prying eyes."
◆
I ran eastward from Heavens Arena alongside Aisha.
I suggested renting a car, but she insisted that running would serve as training—with the added condition that I maintain Gyo the entire way.
Maintaining Gyo while running across such a distance was exhausting. When I mentioned it, she simply replied, "If it weren't painful, it wouldn't be training."
...Thanks to Aisha's persuasion, I gave up on making a death-vow ability. As she said, if I become strong enough, such extreme risks become unnecessary. I was impatient. Seeing Hisoka's power made me fear I could never defeat the Troupe.
But I didn't need to defeat them today. I can build my foundation, surpass them, and focus on finding my brethren's eyes in the meantime.
I had become trapped in my own desire for vengeance, focusing only on the short term.
I owe Aisha my gratitude.
Still, her true strength had always lingered in my mind. She was stronger than me, but was she stronger than Hisoka?
I had never once seen her aura since awakening to Nen. I wanted to know how powerful she really was.
"Haa... haa...!"
"Are you all right, Kurapika?"
"Yes! Haa... no... problem!"
To think we didn't stop at the base of the mountains, but crossed an entire ridge to reach a completely isolated valley! We covered nearly 150 kilometers. Running over rugged mountain terrain at a steady pace while maintaining Gyo was brutally tough.
"This should be far enough. No pursuers, and the nearest settlement is far away."
"Phew... You are remarkably thorough."
"I cannot allow anyone to see."
...Is this level of caution truly necessary just to display aura? Perhaps her Hatsu carries a fatal weakness if observed by others.
"First, let me explain my ability. ...Naturally, keep this strictly to yourself."
I swallowed dryly. The only abilities I had seen firsthand were Hisoka's rubber-gum aura and Kastro's techniques. Seeing Aisha's ability filled me with equal parts anticipation and dread.
"My ability is called [Angel's Veil]. It prevents others from perceiving the true state and potency of my aura."
"...What?"
"In other words, when active, my aura cannot be accurately seen or felt. Even right now, I am using Ten, but Angel's Veil makes it appear as mere leaking aura."
"So all this time, you weren't leaving your aura unrefined..."
"Correct. I've been practicing Ren and Ryu right beside you while you trained."
...What an absurd Specialization ability.
"Now, I will release [Angel's Veil]."
Aisha's expression flickered with what looked like... fear? Why was she afraid—?!
SHIVER!!
What in the world is this aura?!
A sinister, pitch-black miasma surged outward, carrying a terrifying malevolence that rivaled the bloodlust Hisoka displayed against Kastro! I instinctively jumped backward!
I was told aura reflects a person's inner nature... How could someone like Aisha possess an aura like this?!
"This is my true aura. ...Are you frightened?"
"...Honestly, I am stunned. What... is the meaning of this?"
Aisha's face showed genuine vulnerability and fear of rejection, yet her aura radiated overwhelming dread.
Could she truly be a monster like Hisoka deep down?
...No. That's impossible.
"...I cannot explain the full circumstances, but my aura naturally carries this ominous quality. If I maintain ordinary Ten, civilians flee in terror. That is why I must always remain in Zetsu or use Angel's Veil."
"You mean... this ominous pressure carries none of your actual conscious intent?"
"None at all."
Then if she actually directed malice into it, how terrifying would it be?!
"...I apologize for hiding it from you."
"Don't be. Everyone has things they prefer not to speak of."
Her fear came from the dread that I would reject her. She must have experienced people abandoning her once they felt this aura.
"It was startling, but that's all. There is no need to worry."
If I flinched at this, how could I ever hope to capture the Phantom Troupe? Above all, I would never betray a comrade.
I took two steps forward, closing the distance between us.
"Kurapika..."
"Now you no longer need to hide your aura around me. That will make our training far more effective, won't it?"
"...Thank you."
"I should be the one thanking you. You trusted me enough to share your secret."
Aisha smiled softly. "Now then, let me show you a fraction of my actual strength."
"Oh right, that was the original purpose."
"Step back a bit. It might be dangerous."
I stepped back, wondering what she would do. Destroy a boulder? Smash the valley floor?
Then a realization struck me: Aisha is a Specialist. Specialists are least compatible with Enhancement (only 40% efficiency). Yet she had effortlessly crushed a giant boulder during the Hunter Exam. How could a Specialist perform such raw Enhancement feats?
Aisha answered my unasked question with a single word.
"Here I go. ...'Ren.'"
BOOOOM—!!
In that single instant, an ocean of aura erupted from her body.
Before I knew it, my knees buckled, and my hands hit the dirt. My jaw hung open in utter disbelief.
This aura volume... It far surpassed Kastro. It vastly exceeded even Hisoka!
To think such cataclysmic power resided within a girl younger than myself!
With this much sheer aura volume, even with 40% Enhancement efficiency, crushing giant boulders would be child's play!
"...pika? Can you hear me, Kurapika?"
"—! Ah, yes! Forgive me, I was in a daze..."
"...How did you amass this much aura... at your age...?"
"I'm sorry. I cannot explain that yet. ...Will you wait until the day I can tell you everything?"
"I understand, Aisha. I will wait."
"So... would you like me to demonstrate more of my strength?"
"No, that was more than clear enough. It's more than sufficient."
Raw aura alone doesn't guarantee victory, but against an ocean like this, my current self couldn't even scratch her. Challenging her would be like an ant challenging a lion.
『I wonder if I should have shown him my full output?』
I caught a faint whisper carried by the wind. I chose to believe it was an auditory hallucination. Please let it be a hallucination.
"Then you are satisfied with my qualifications as your master?"
"Of course. I look forward to your strict instruction."
"Hehe. I will train you thoroughly. I've even invited a special guest instructor, so look forward to it!"
"A special instructor? Who?"
"Someone you don't know yet. Now, let's head back to Heavens Arena so you can resume your chain visualization."
Aisha reactivated Angel's Veil, returning her aura to an innocent trickle.
And so, we ran all 150 kilometers back while maintaining Gyo.
◆
Eight days after accepting Aisha's commission, I, Biscuit Krueger, finally arrived at Heavens Arena~.
Can't airships fly any faster? Air travel is nice, but it takes forever~.
Now then, time to find Aisha... wait, what's going on over there?
"I will ask one more time: which floor and room number belongs to that worthless trash named Kastro?"
"Y-Yes! Um, K-Kastro-senshu is on the 223rd floor..."
"Could you speak clearly? You are wasting my time. I am in a hurry."
"Eeeeek! I-I'm so sorry!!"
"U-Um, Lady Linna? The receptionist is terrified..."
"Terrified? I am merely asking a question. Where is that piece of industrial waste named Cas-garbage located? Failing to answer such a simple inquiry means you are neglecting your duties as a receptionist, does it not?"
『W-We are deeply sorry!!』
...What on earth are you doing, Linna?
Why are Linna and Shion here at Heavens Arena? Do they know Aisha is here?
Wait, it sounds like she's hunting down someone named Kastro with pure, murderous hostility.
Her aura is leaking everywhere... No wonder the poor receptionist is crying. Even the muscular fighters in the lobby are backing away in terror.
Sigh. Linna really needs a chaperone.
"All right, all right, time out!" I grabbed Linna by the collar.
"?! Bisky?! Why are you here?!"
"That's my line! Come on, we're leaving the lobby right now!"
"Wait! My business isn't finished! Let go of me!"
"I'm so sorry! Lady Linna didn't mean to cause trouble!" Shion bowed frantically.
"N-No! It's my fault for being lower than trash!" the receptionist sobbed.
Great, another innocent person traumatized. I need to teach this runaway old lady a lesson!
I dragged them to a restaurant inside the tower to calm down.
"Now then... What are you doing here, Linna?"
"Bisky, I don't have time for tea. I have urgent business."
"You made that poor girl cry! Have some shame as an adult."
"...I admit I went too far. I will apologize to her later. But I have a reason to rush."
"What happened?"
Linna is usually cool and collected. The only time she loses her composure is when Grandmaster Ryusho is involved. Once he's mentioned, her 'COOL' status completely logs out.
Does this mean Kastro is connected to Grandmaster Ryusho?
"Allow me to explain, Lady Bisky," Shion interjected. "The location of the Black Book has been discovered."
"?! What?! Is that true?!"
The stolen Black Book has resurfaced?!
Now Linna's meltdown makes complete sense. She blamed herself for its theft and felt unworthy of facing Ryusho because of it.
"Yes. A 200th-floor fighter named Kastro apparently possessed it and openly announced it before an arena audience."
"Kastro? That 200th-floor fighter?"
"So, Shion, why are you here? Just tagging along with Linna?"
"Ah, no, I... well..."
"This girl begged to come the moment I mentioned Heavens Arena," Linna noted.
"Wait... Is Wing here?!"
"H-H-How did you know?!" Shion blushed beet red.
What a transparent girl. What does she even see in that sloppy, dense kid?
Still... Wing is here, huh?
That idiot cost me a massive fortune on our bet! I need to punch him a few times to settle my grudge!
"Speaking of Wing, he finally realized you're a woman, right?"
"Y-Yes... I never imagined he thought I was a man for ten years..."
Well, Wing is dense, but you share the blame, Shion! You changed your voice, wore baggy clothes, hid your body, and your chest is... well, let's not go there.
"So, did anything progress between you two?"
"Yes! We're getting married!"
"...I have no idea what you just said."
What is this feeling where the entire dating process was skipped and only the marriage result remains?! Did I get hit by an enemy Hatsu?!
C-Calm down, Bisky! A pretty girl never panics!
"H-How on earth did that happen?!"
"W-Well... Wing said he would take responsibility! Kyaaa! It's so embarrassing! Ah, my nose is bleeding... 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17..."
There it is—her chronic delusion disease. Why do people who learned from Grandmaster Ryusho always count prime numbers to calm down?!
"Wait, 'responsibility'?! Did you two already—?!"
"Indeed. It seems even Shion has outpaced you, Bisky," Linna remarked smugly.
"S-Shut up! There just aren't any good men around with discerning taste!"
Darn it! Shion actually crossed the finish line with Wing?!
Now I'm the only single woman here! Linna had a husband, children, and grandchildren!
Ugh! Where can I find a handsome, rich, powerful, gentle man who obeys my every command?!
"Anyway, Linna, can you afford to abandon your successor training?"
"Shion is currently my primary candidate. I had her complete a 100-man kumite to prove herself."
"You demon! How is she still in one piece?!"
"I'm fine! Whenever I was about to collapse, thinking of Wing gave me power!"
"Are you picking a fight with all Nen logic?!"
"It was baffling," Linna admitted. "Her exhausted aura repeatedly recovered mid-fight. Shion, did you develop a strange Hatsu without telling me?"
"N-N-No way! Why would I hide a Hatsu from Lady Linna?!"
"You're acting way too suspicious," I sighed.
"Well, let's go confront Kastro," Linna said, standing up.
We arrived at Room 223.
"Is this where the gross otaku lives?" Linna asked.
"His name is Kastro, Lady Linna!"
Linna knocked on the door. "Excuse me, is the Black Book here—I mean, is Mr. Kastro in?"
『I am Kastro, but I cannot give you the Black Book. Many people have been asking—』
CRUNCH!!
The door was violently ripped from its frame by Linna's aura.
"What in the world?!" Kastro shouted.
"Will you explain yourself in detail?" Linna demanded, radiating lethal aura.
"Linna, calm down!" I yelled.
"L-Lady Bisky, good luck!" Shion squeaked, fleeing toward the elevator. That little traitor!
"Hand over the Black Book, and you will be spared. Refuse, and—"
Kastro flared his aura. "I will not go down easily!"
Ooh, not bad. Handsome, well-built, brave.
Is this... my chance?!
"Stop it, Linna!" I stepped in front of Kastro with my cute, innocent persona. "Don't bully an injured man! Are you all right, Mr. Kastro? My name is Bisky. My friend is a bit short-tempered, but she's not a bad person!"
Linna glared at me in disgust, seeing right through my act, but composed herself. "I apologize for the door. I will cover the repairs. But regarding the Black Book..."
"I've already given it to someone else—a young man in a suit with sunglasses."
"What language was it written in?" Linna asked.
"Standard Common script."
"I see... Then it was a transcribed translation copy. Still, we must retrieve it."
Kastro suddenly bowed deeply to Linna. "Lady Linna, please take me as your disciple in Nen!"
"I refuse."
"Please! If not you, then Lady Bisky?"
"Hey, don't push him onto me!" (Though I wouldn't mind~).
Kastro added, "I wished to learn from the greatest disciple of the legendary Ryusho Kazama..."
Linna's eyes flashed. "Very well. I accept you as my disciple."
"Wait, Linna?!" I glared at her. She only accepted him to spite me!
As Linna, Kastro, and I finalized plans to leave together, a voice echoed from the ruined doorway:
"That is a problem, Bisky. Isn't that a breach of our contract?"
We turned around in shock.
"It has been a while, you two. I didn't expect to run into Linna here."
"Sensei!"
"Aisha!"
Standing in the doorway was Aisha, wearing an innocent yet terrifyingly dark smile.
"I felt a powerful, nostalgic aura and came over... Why has Mr. Kastro's door been reduced to such a tragic state? And Bisky, breaking our contract already? ...What good timing. I believe we have much to discuss regarding the bet you two made over Wing and Shion..."
Despair gripped us all.