After hearing Saiki Kusuo's voice, Alluka stayed silent. After a short pause, he lowered his head, and a single tear fell to the floor.
Saiki Kusuo was the brother who spoiled him most.
Killua was the brother he liked most.
He would listen to his big brother.
Everyone was stopping him from fighting, stopping him from making even a small effort like Gon—he couldn't take even one step forward!
Three brothers in the room felt a stab in the heart from his tears.
Watching Alluka, Saiki Kusuo was the first to notice something strange.
He could tell Alluka and Nanika apart. When the tear fell, he was sure—it was Nanika who was crying, but Alluka was still the one carrying out the request.
Both of them using the body at the same time? Mixed together? This was the first time.
"Stranger… Stranger brother…" After a while, Alluka spoke.
[Another request?] Illumi didn't hold back anymore and threw his needles toward the ring!
The three needles shot out so fast the referee couldn't stop them. Chrollo quickly stepped away from where they would have landed, and though Netero and the others saw, they didn't stop it.
Illumi's perfect aim didn't land on Alluka.
Saiki Kusuo appeared beside Alluka, one hand catching the needles, the other on Alluka's head.
[So fast! In an instant, he was in the ring! We couldn't even see him!] the crowd thought.
Well, it was teleportation after all.
"Brother Kusuo?!" Killua shouted in surprise.
"Candidate, do you know what you're doing? You'll lose your chance to get a Hunter License!" The judge finally spoke up after everyone had already been shocked.
[Yeah, yeah, I know.] Saiki Kusuo sighed. He had been trying to talk to Alluka telepathically for a while now, but Alluka wasn't listening at all.
No matter how much he tried, his voice never got through. Since it wasn't working, he had no choice but to step in.
[It's my little sister who's crying. I can't just stand by and watch. Sorry, you can deal with my Hunter License however you want.] Saiki Kusuo bowed to the Chairman and the others, then placed his hand on Alluka's shoulder and knelt down on one knee in front of her.
The one crying was Nanika. He knew the difference, so he used the word "sister."
The tears were Nanika's. The fear came from Nanika. The courage belonged to Alluka. Nanika was scared—scared of being exposed, scared of being scolded by their brothers and parents, scared that Killua would hate her.
For some reason, Alluka couldn't hear his telepathy anymore. Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to come here in person.
Was it because her sadness blinded her?
Saiki Kusuo gently took Alluka's hand, guiding it softly so she could wipe her own tears. Her hands caught the falling tears. Alluka blinked like she had just woken from a dream, her eyes focusing as she finally saw Saiki Kusuo in front of her. But then, her big watery eyes filled with tears all over again.
Still out of control, huh? Thinking that Alluka probably still couldn't hear him, Saiki Kusuo decided to speak out loud as a reminder: "Alluka, she's scared."
Alluka froze, hiccupping as she stared at Saiki Kusuo in shock.
The "she" Saiki Kusuo mentioned was Nanika. Only Alluka could feel that and see Nanika's state for herself.
Yeah, yeah.
Alluka, you and Nanika are one. You can't just think about what you want. Nanika is scared—she's crying.
Saying this kind of thing feels like forcing Alluka to give up her freedom, but…
"Being brave shouldn't mean…"
"Brother Kusuo!!"
Saiki Kusuo was suddenly hugged tightly around the waist. Alluka threw herself into his arms, tears gushing like a waterfall, soaking Saiki Kusuo completely: "Alluka… Alluka wants to do it too… doesn't want… to hold everyone back… but I can't… I can't do anything… wuu… ughhh!"
Saiki Kusuo didn't mind the mess. He wrapped his arms around Alluka. The 12-year-old's body was already too big for him to easily lift and adjust for a better hold. So he crouched down further, almost kneeling, letting Alluka bury her face into his shoulder. Only then could he finally get a proper hold on her.
Alluka sobbed so hard she could barely breathe. Her sharp, high-pitched cries were right next to Saiki Kusuo's ear, but he didn't hate it one bit. He rested his hand on her back—he couldn't pat her to calm her down, so he just kept it there.
[Sorry for the scene, everyone. Can Alluka surrender now?]
Chairman Netero: [Hohoho. So you talk out loud to Alluka but use your ability with everyone else? You really spoil your little sibling. Such a strong bond you have.]
Saiki Kusuo: No need to talk out loud to anyone else.
Chrollo, watching: [First time hearing Saiki speak. So he can talk after all.]
Saiki Kusuo: Shut up.
As for the result…
"No, the participant must personally say they surrender." The judge spoke coldly and firmly.
Alluka was crying so hard she couldn't even form words. Asking her to say it herself was too much.
Saiki Kusuo felt torn.
"Mm! Wuu… mm!" He felt his sleeve being tugged. Looking down, Saiki Kusuo realized Alluka's thoughts were already screaming that she wanted to surrender.
[As long as the contestant can communicate the decision, that's enough, right? Can Alluka answer by nodding or shaking her head, Chairman Netero?]
Saiki Kusuo looked straight up.
"Hmm… that should be fine." Netero nodded.
"Chairman! What if this child's answer is being controlled? A simple nod or shake…" Menchi objected from the side.
"What else can we do? The kid is crying this hard and can't even speak." Netero replied.
[Thank you.] Saiki Kusuo lowered his head: "Alluka, do you want to surrender? If yes, nod. If no, shake your head."
Alluka wiped her tears and nodded.
"Contestant Alluka, are you being controlled by someone?" Netero asked.
Alluka grabbed Saiki Kusuo's arm and shook her head hard.
"You're sure about surrendering, right?" Netero asked again.
Alluka was sniffling, his eyes blurry no matter how many times he tried to look up.
"Uh! Mm!" He nodded hard. Nanika was crying so badly. He made Nanika so sad. He did something wrong! The matches, the Hunter License, none of that mattered compared to Nanika!
He had to apologize to Nanika. Why was he so stupid?!
Saiki Kusuo patted Alluka's head gently and said softly, "Yare yare, it's okay."
[It's okay. Just admit your mistake properly, Nanika will forgive you. And from now on, don't ignore Nanika's feelings.] This was a thought meant only for Alluka.
The match was over. Chrollo had won. Saiki Kusuo carried Alluka to the side to rest.
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