"So, you're quite a talented guy, huh…"
Luke smiled at Chrollo and complimented him, then pointed his thumb at Uvogin, who had been pushed aside and was now behaving himself: "Uvogin was a bit off-topic, but I do have a plan to make a film for the children of Meteor City, with us all acting in it."
Huh?!
Chrollo's eyes widened slightly.
Looking at Luke's calm expression, he couldn't find even a trace of joking in it.
Was he serious?!
"Don't worry about the equipment and other technical aspects; I'll take care of everything…"
Luke seemed to have everything prepared: "And I can also handle the logistics…"
"However…"
Luke looked at Chrollo: "I want to polish the script and storyline, so I need someone to help me with that."
"So…"
Luke smiled and extended his hand towards the still-dazed Chrollo: "Would you like to join me and help?"
Do you want me to join?
To bring him in?!
Chrollo and everyone else present were quite surprised to hear this.
They were surprised that Luke actually planned to make a film himself.
And they were also surprised by his invitation to Chrollo.
Uvogin, with his impulsive nature, wanted to speak up.
But then Machi kicked him hard on the shin.
Uvogin immediately grabbed his ankle and grimaced in pain.
The others, including Phinks, Feitan, and even Franklin and Pakunoda from Chrollo's side, remained silent.
They were all waiting for Chrollo's answer.
"… You want me to join in?"
Chrollo paused for a moment before finally raising his head.
"I want to know…"
He stared at Luke with a serious expression: "Why are you doing this?"
"For the same reason you held that screening for the kids of Meteor City, that's my reason too..."
Luke chuckled lightly: "Besides, if people in Meteor City always watch only the abandoned things thrown in from the outside world, we will forever remain in a pitiful position."
"If possible, I want to film original works by the people of Meteor City."
"And, we can show them to the outside world, so that people there can see that Meteor City isn't worthless after all..."
Original works by the people of Meteor City… Our own creations…
Chrollo fell into deep silence again.
Perhaps this topic and goal were too heavy for him right now.
Perhaps it wasn't something he could consider yet.
Perhaps, in the beginning, he only wanted to show animation to the children in Meteor City simply to make them happy.
Perhaps, Luke was someone he could trust…
Chrollo thought of Uvogin, Machi, and the troublesome duo of Phinks and Feitan, who were with Luke.
And…
The scene of Luke magically creating food from plants outside the church reappeared in Chrollo's mind.
That miraculous scene was something he couldn't forget.
So now, facing Luke's invitation…
"… Perhaps, I should give it a try."
Chrollo suddenly raised his head and met Luke's gaze: "If this is truly possible."
"Don't worry."
Luke smiled again: "In the near future, you won't regret this choice."
Clap.
Chrollo's hand clasped with Luke's.
The scene seemed frozen.
The setting sun's rays fell upon them, casting a dazzling glow, as if witnessing the moment itself.
This scene of the two kids talking and shaking hands was seen by everyone present and engraved itself deep in their hearts, making it impossible to forget.
"Although I don't know exactly what happened…"
Sarasa, watching the scene, spoke softly: "But, from the results…"
A smile slowly spread across her face: "It seems it's quite good!"
…
Bringing Chrollo into their group wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a well-planned move.
In Togashi's latest chapter, Chrollo remains the most outstanding character in Meteor City.
His future appearances have already proven his exceptional talent and ability.
Father Lisores's foresight and high regard for him were indeed justified.
Since he had the chance to encounter Chrollo in his younger, undeveloped state, of course, he would seize the moment to draw him to his side early.
Only at this stage, before Chrollo's character darkens due to Sarasa's death, and before he develops his own intelligence and independent thinking, is there a good opportunity to bring him over.
In short, the current Chrollo is smart, but still young.
He can still be influenced and brought together through certain means.
Moreover, this isn't just about bringing Chrollo alone.
Franklin, Pakunoda, Shalnark, Sheila, and Sarasa, who surround him, will also come along.
It's like recruiting a whole group!
Most of the future elite members of the Phantom Troupe are now gathered together by Luke!