Hello everyone, this is Gon Freecss, who attended the public auction to observe the Greed Island bidding. Killua noticed Milluki and had some conversation with him, but what were they talking about?
Battera—a tycoon whose name prominently graces the world's wealth rankings.
His obsessive collection of Greed Island, a mystery-laden game created by Hunters, spending massive sums with manic fervor was abnormal. He was quite famous in the legitimate world as the old man pouring most of his personal fortune into this pursuit.
Continuing to throw away fortune without regret to fulfill a certain wish, he'd successfully bid on another playable copy today when a young man in sunglasses called out to him.
"Excuse me, you're Mr. Battera, correct? I'm Leorio—could I speak with you briefly?"
Despite an appearance resembling some common thug, his gaze and voice somehow inspired tremendous reassurance, nearly making Battera nod reflexively.
However, restraining Battera from responding, a large man with slicked-back hair and a beard stepped forward.
"Well now, so you're one of the members who captured the infamous Phantom Troupe. You certainly have good aura. I'm Tsezguerra, a Hunter like yourself."
Stepping forward in Battera's place was Tsezguerra—a Pro Hunter holding the Single-Star title.
Beyond his Single-Star credentials and being the one closest to clearing among those Battera employed, he earned tremendous trust and was entrusted with duties like today's bodyguard work and post-auction new player selection.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Tsezguerra. Since you butted in, I'll ask you—how can we get permission to play Greed Island? Bad timing on our part, but we'd like about four... five? people to play."
Though strangely hesitant, he possessed the initiative to come ask directly and enough interpersonal skills to negotiate without offending Tsezguerra. Battera judged his character acceptable.
Restraining Tsezguerra's gesture seeking permission to speak, Battera explained the conditions for playing Greed Island himself.
"After buying up all Greed Island copies at auction, Tsezguerra here will conduct selection as the person in charge. If you all possess appropriate ability, you'll all be welcomed as players."
"I see. There'll be an official announcement of the exact date and time, right? We'll take it easy until then."
Leorio delivered farewell greetings along with apologies and thanks for taking their time, then casually departed. Watching his back, Battera was thinking that despite appearances the young man was quite proper, when he noticed Tsezguerra's stern expression.
"What is it? You seemed to know him. Does he have a bad reputation?"
"No, honestly speaking, I thought a powerful rival has emerged. Though you're a legitimate businessman, Mr. Battera, you've surely heard about the mafia's recent battle with the Phantom Troupe?"
"Indeed, I've heard. Was he involved in that matter?"
"He's actually one of the central figures. He's likely a Single-Star Hunter like myself now."
At Tsezguerra's explanation, Battera gazed in the direction Leorio had departed with admiration, then asked his long-employed Hunter with a provocative smile:
"Does that mean they'll be the ones to clear Greed Island?"
His expression implicitly conveyed he wouldn't mind if it shortened the time to clearing. Understanding this intent correctly, Tsezguerra answered with his own fearless smile:
"You jest. If strength alone could clear it, many would have succeeded by now. The team that achieves history's first clear will be mine."
Seeing Tsezguerra's confident declaration, Battera nodded with satisfaction before heading to his hotel with other bodyguards in tow.
(Tsezguerra is trustworthy. Just a little more, just endure a little longer.)
Though always seen by others as a composed manager, Battera's heart was tormented by anxiety and fear ready to collapse at any moment.
(I'll save them. I definitely will.)
As Battera's fame rose, Greed Island's price continued climbing. He gathered copies while scattering fortune like water without regret.
(I'll definitely grasp with these hands a future we walk together!)
All for just one thing: overflowing love.
In the lobby of the hotel that served as the Nostrade Family's base, Gon's group and the Nostrade members engaged in final exchanges.
While everyone exchanged simple farewells and promises to reunite, Neon—mourning the parting more than anyone—threw a tantrum while nuzzling the miniaturized Gon.
"Waaah, definitely, definitely come visit me, Gon! I still have tons of outfits I want to dress you in!"
"I'll probably be back to normal next time we meet, but see you later, Neon. It was short, but I had fun."
"...Waaaah, I'm taking you with me after all! I'll take proper care of you!"
"Young lady, the airship time is approaching, so we must go."
"Bye-bye Gon, Gin, Kurapika, little gorilla!"
"Don't lump me in with Leorio."
The day after all auctions Neon targeted concluded, the Nostrade Family rushed preparations to return from Yorknew City to their home base.
Neon, throwing a tantrum about parting from Gon's group who were staying for Greed Island, was dragged away by her attendants. Among the bodyguard team, Squala and Melody—with whom they'd grown particularly close—also mourned the parting.
Finally, Light Nostrade and Dalzollene remained. After expressing gratitude once more, they discussed future matters.
"The Nostrade Family will heed Kurapika's advice and expand influence into the legitimate world. Expanding underworld influence only invites unnecessary resentment."
Light had accepted Kurapika's counsel—the advice that while maintaining mafia appearances, they should expand connections to legitimate power players. Seeing the woman troubled by Light's mediocrity and lack of prudence despite holding the ace of Neon's abilities, she'd offered this wisdom.
Witnessing the decisive battle with the Phantom Troupe and recognizing a world far exceeding his understanding, Light accepted this fairly obediently, aided by Dalzollene's persuasion after similarly realizing their insufficient power.
"That's wise. Neon's power is something any authority figure would desire. Once rumors spread to some extent, they'll check each other and inadvertently protect Neon's safety."
"Indeed. Additionally, I'm grateful you put in a good word with the Shingen-ryu. The cost seems substantial, but if Dalzollene and the others can gain even a little power, it's cheap."
After Mizaistom departed, Gon's group had contacted Wing again, expressing gratitude for his training and reporting their Single-Star acquisition.
During that conversation, they'd mentioned being indebted to the Nostrade Family and inquired whether Shingen-ryu could dispatch an instructor after conveying Dalzollene and the others' approximate strength.
As a result, since Basho—a Pro Hunter—belonged among Melody's fellow bodyguards, arrangements for an instructor's dispatch were made without particular issues.
"This matter has yielded the best possible result for Nostrade. I promise maximum effort regarding scarlet eyes, so occasionally showing your face to Neon would help."
"My maximum gratitude as well. Regarding scarlet eyes, please don't overreach—neither forcing acquisition nor engaging opponents beyond Nostrade's capability."
"Understood."
Light shook hands with everyone in Gon's group including Gin, had Dalzollene take a group photo, then pursued Neon and the others with a beaming smile.
When Dalzollene followed with a wry smile and light wave, the intense relationship—though only days long—suddenly gave way to overwhelming quietness.
"Now we don't have to babysit the brat. Honestly, what a relief."
"Killua enjoyed it plenty though. Gin, you'll miss Squala's dogs too, won't you?"
"Gumah."
"But we're finally back to the original members now. ♥ You mentioned Greed Island next—did you secure connections?"
Before they knew it, Hisoka stood beside Gon. Everyone's shoulders jumped. Pulling the miniaturized Gon away, they positioned themselves to block Hisoka's view.
"How cruel. I wouldn't assault Gon in that state. ♣ Well, that's still quite tempting though. ♥"
"Ugh, I knew it, but what an educationally harmful man. If not for Illumi and Chrollo, I'd have no hesitation beating you down."
"Hey pervert, what happened to my damn brother? You better have left enough for me to beat him up."
Watching him lick his lips as everyone shuddered with goosebumps, Killua demanded an explanation of the person he was most concerned about.
"Hmm? Illumi's perfectly healthy. ♦ I helped him create the commission fee from Chrollo's fortune, but he seemed frustrated you pulled out the needle. ♣ Oh, a message: if you're taking her, come prepared to kill. ♥"
"Tch, guess I have no choice but to get stronger first. Gon, we need to talk later. I might be acting sepa—'Hyah!' Ow!?"
Hearing Illumi's message from Hisoka, Killua began speaking with a face of resolution, but Leorio—who'd been listening silently—stopped him with a chop to the head.
"Hey now, Killua. Just when Kurapika's adolescence finally ended, now it's your turn? We're comrades. Don't try leaving on your own. Especially since Gon won't let you escape."
"I'm like this, but my body's adapted—160% enhancement rate is fine. Grabbing and not letting go of you is easy enough."
"I want to use my future for you all. Even if danger's involved, don't exclude me."
"Gumah!"
Stared at by Gon's group declaring they absolutely wouldn't let him be alone with Leorio leading the charge, Killua awkwardly scratched his head, heaved a massive sigh, then laughed while turning slightly red.
"Is this how Kurapika felt? Damn. Then come prepared—the Zoldycks are a more dangerous combat force than the Phantom Troupe."
Either embarrassed or not, Killua quickly left the hotel lobby alone heading to their lodging. Gon's group pursued him while Hisoka watched from a step behind with amusement.
They rushed back to the hotel to discuss strategies for the Greed Island player selection announced for tomorrow.
The selection discussion concluded without particular issues, but the subsequent matter of Killua and the Zoldyck Family took time, leaving the night quite late.
The Zoldyck top secret Killua explained: Alluka and Nanika—Killua's sister and mysterious existence.
A natural-born Nen user possessing extraordinary power, freed from Illumi's curse, Killua remembered his family member and was determined to retrieve her.
"Wishes that grant anything with tremendous consequences passed on... I can't even imagine irregularity that even the Zoldycks can't handle."
"But both Alluka and Nanika are precious family. I want to pick them up as soon as possible."
"That means all-out war with the Zoldyck Family, right? Honestly, if they're tougher than the Phantom Troupe, we can't do anything, can we?"
"That's why I'm saying I'll go alone. If it's internal family matters, they won't come seriously, but you guys are genuinely in danger."
"Hmm, at least if Killua could take on Illumi and others solo, I could let you go alone..."
As mutual arguments ran parallel, Hisoka casually built a card tower while pointing out that prioritizing Killua's enhancement was necessary, simultaneously identifying a certain problem.
"Of course there's Gon, but fundamentally I can't think of anyone who could train you all. ♣ Terrifyingly high understanding and instructional ability regarding Nen and combat techniques, possessing those while being stronger than you all... I can only think of Chairman Netero. ♦"
Gon's group already possessed ability functioning at Single-Star Hunter level while each having protruding capabilities in their specialty fields.
Seeking instruction from specialists in each field was one thing, but Hisoka said it was questionable whether anyone even existed who could oversee everyone together and raise everyone's ability level.
"The game created by Ging Freecss that even I've heard about interests me, but if prioritizing getting stronger, you have no choice but to visit Shingen-ryu headquarters. ♦ Well, I think it's fine to decide after attending tomorrow's selection and receiving game explanations. ♣"
"That Hisoka presented the most reasonable proposal doesn't sit well with me, but I think it's best too. Killua, I painfully understand your anxious feelings, but as someone who achieved my cherished wish, you're rushing a bit too much."
After Hisoka's proposal and Kurapika's advice, Killua thought with closed eyes for a while before exhaling deeply, nodding, and deciding not to immediately retrieve Alluka and Nanika.
"Guess that settles what needed deciding. But Hisoka, what about your arm? I treated it thinking you'd reattach it."
"I said I'd give it to Illumi, and like this I've made an even better arm with Bungee Gum and Texture Surprise. ♦"
"Even so, there's proper treatment. You're keeping the elbow, right? I'll treat it properly, so stop your aura."
"Thank you. ♥"
As the discussion ended and everyone relaxed, as if waiting for that moment, the doorbell announcing a visitor rang in the hotel room.
Since no one ordered room service, they wondered curiously. With Leorio treating Hisoka, Kurapika went to respond.
"...? Who is it? You've probably got the wrong room, but what's your room number, miss?"
Outside stood a girl with long blonde hair in twin tails, wrapped in pink Gothic Lolita fashion.
Kurapika had kindly inquired while meeting the eyes of the lovely girl who appeared around Gon and Killua's age, but suddenly following a sixth sense alarm bell, took a full-power backstep to create distance.
When Gon's group—eyes wide at Kurapika tumbling into the room's center with considerable momentum—looked toward the entrance, they saw the girl in a stance having punched with her gloved fist right where Kurapika's face had been.
"I see, just as Wing said—magnificent rough gems. Feeling more than I heard because you shed a layer hunting the Phantom Troupe?"
While receiving attention, the girl entered the room with truly confident steps. Aura surpassing even the Phantom Troupe overflowed from her, sharply observing Gon's group.
"Rejoice. If you accept the conditions, I'll raise you all to an even higher level."
Unimaginable from her appearance, she was a great woman reigning at the very top not just among female Hunters but among all Hunters.
"Leave it to this Shingen-ryu master and Double-Star Hunter, Biscuit Krueger!!"
Netero's direct disciple and one of the world's strongest—a muscle fraud surpassing even Gon—had descended upon Yorknew City.