The exam continued. Buhara defeated the injured Bodoro and won. In Alluka and Killua's match, Killua surrendered as soon as Alluka stepped up. After that, it was Killua versus Gittarackur.
Gittarackur pulled out all the needles from his face, returning to his real appearance as Illumi, and spoke to Killua.
"Kusuo, you really didn't notice…"
Everything went just like the original story. Killua gave in under Illumi's aura and pressure, killed Bodoro in the last round, and left the stage.
After that, the examiners started their discussion.
Saiki Kusuo just sat quietly in a corner with Alluka in his arms. Kurapika and Leorio walked past Saiki Kusuo several times, wanting to say something, but in the end, they said nothing.
Saiki Kusuo knew what they were wondering.
Why would this older brother, who cares so much about his little brother, not help Killua?
Soon, the examiners called the people who passed into another room. Alluka was already asleep in Saiki Kusuo's arms. As for the result, Saiki Kusuo figured he was going to be eliminated.
"I'll carry Alluka inside." Illumi came over and reached out.
Big Brother always kept an eye and ear on his siblings' little troubles.
Hmm, this is trouble. But before that, can you pull out the needles from your clothes? Just pull them out and keep them. Don't even think about sticking them into Alluka's head.
"Saiki Kusuo Zoldyck, you come in too. We have a special decision for you." Netero's voice came from inside the room.
Saiki Kusuo immediately heard their thoughts too and was a bit surprised. Breaking into the venue and still passing? Is that even allowed?
The special room was like a school lecture hall, everyone sitting in rows. The examiners first announced their decision about Saiki Kusuo.
"After discussion, we unanimously agree that Saiki Kusuo entered out of love for his sibling. He wasn't fighting for a win, just surrender, and his only goal was to protect Alluka. Since his opponent, Shalnark, suffered no harm, we will allow Saiki Kusuo to keep his qualification for a Hunter License." Netero stroked his beard as he read the statement.
Saiki Kusuo: Good. One hundred million gone, one hundred million back.
That was all he felt about the Hunter License.
"Chairman Netero, we also have objections to the exam result." Kurapika raised his hand and stood up.
What they wanted to bring up was the suspicion that Killua killing Bodoro at the end was because he was controlled by his big brother.
Saiki Kusuo said nothing, sitting calmly next to Illumi, holding Alluka.
The others stayed silent too. The chairman was still thinking when suddenly, the back door slammed open.
Saiki Kusuo didn't even have to turn his head to know it was Gon.
Gon had one hand wrapped in bandages and stormed up to Illumi's seat, furious.
"Apologize to Killua," Gon said.
"Apologize to Killua? Why?" Illumi slightly shifted his gaze, not even looking at Gon directly.
"You don't even know why?"
"No." Illumi answered calmly. What's the problem? He didn't think there was any problem at all.
"You're not even qualified to be Killua's brother!" Gon shouted.
"Hmm…" Illumi raised a finger as if thinking. "Do you need some kind of qualification to be brothers?"
But the next second, that thoughtful hand was grabbed angrily by Gon!
Even with only three fingers that could exert force, Gon gripped Illumi's wrist tightly. That kind of grip would pull on the fingers that were still healing, causing sharp pain, but it didn't shake Gon's aura at all.
Saiki Kusuo glanced over.
Illumi's wrist made a sound—the crunch of bone.
Saiki Kusuo: He can still use that much strength?
Gon pulled hard and yanked Illumi into the air.
Illumi spun once in the air and landed lightly.
Man, Enhancers really are strong. Saiki Kusuo looked through and saw Illumi's wrist—it already showed signs of a fracture. You're not gonna use Nen to protect yourself, Illumi?
"Then we don't need any qualifications to be friends!" Gon shouted.
[This kid… if possible, it'd be better to kill him.] Illumi narrowed his eyes.
"You don't have to say sorry, just tell me where he is!" Gon asked Illumi, full of confidence.
"What are you going to do?"
"Do I even need to say it? I'm bringing Killua back!"
…The argument kept going. Saiki Kusuo quietly slid to the side, hoping the fight wouldn't come his way.
"Killua…?" A voice came from his arms.
Saiki Kusuo looked down. It was Alluka speaking.
"Where's Killua?" Alluka rubbed his eyes, and Saiki Kusuo let him down.
[Killua went home. We'll go home after this too.]
Alluka saw his big brother right there and wanted to ask more, but held back.
The arguing and talking continued until Chairman Netero announced the final result: Killua's disqualification wouldn't be reversed. Everyone could take their Hunter License and leave.
Illumi ignored Gon's questions about the address, and Saiki Kusuo left from the other side with Alluka.
Guess we're going back on the same ship as Illumi. Finally going home… I really missed it.
"Pin—no, Il…" Gon caught up, clearly not giving up until he got the address. Well, that's just how the story goes.
"Killua! Alluka! Where's your house? Tell me!"
…Oh right, there are two Zoldycks here.
"Gon, do you want to come to our house?" Alluka said happily.
Illumi turned his head, staring at Alluka's back.
Kids aren't at fault. Kids don't know anything.
Good thing Illumi didn't force Killua here.
Alluka felt his brother's gaze and quickly put away his cheerful look, nervously asking, "B-big brother, can I tell Gon?"
"Alluka, do you want to be friends with Gon too?" Illumi asked flatly.
Alluka thought for a moment.
Killua said he'd be friends with Gon, so Alluka also wanted to be friends with Gon.
But does Gon need a friend like him?
Alluka started to hesitate.
Gon noticed something. Probably like Killua, Alluka's feelings can't lie. He had already felt that Alluka wanted to be his friend!
They played so many games together and even said they'd travel the world. If that's not friendship, then what is?!
Gon clenched his fists and shouted, "Alluka!" He wanted to say, [You're already my friend!]
But before he could, Saiki Kusuo pressed down both their heads.
Saiki Kusuo: Man, Gon, do you really not want to walk out of this exam alive?
[I can tell you. Our house isn't closed off. It's at a famous spot called Kukuroo Mountain. Once you're there, you'll figure it out.]
There's even a sign and a tour group route to the Zoldyck Estate at the foot of the mountain.
"Kukuroo Mountain? Got it! Thanks, Killua!" Gon said.
Gon had just woken up, so he hadn't heard anything about where to pick up his Hunter License or the rules. He had to stay here, while Saiki Kusuo took Alluka and followed Illumi out.
Will Illumi care that Saiki Kusuo gave away their home address?
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