The characteristics of Moses's shadow clone are-
When conjuring a Nen Clone, it requires a shadow as the medium.
If the shadow clone is withdrawn, the shadow will inevitably return.
This information isn't known only to Hisoka, as many people who have fought with Moses are also aware of it.
Moreover, given how many times Hisoka has been outplayed by Moses, how could he possibly overlook this detail?
So, Hisoka had long noticed that Moses' shadow wasn't by his side and had naturally been on guard.
Overreacting?
Against anyone else, such caution might not be necessary.
But since the person he's facing is Moses, Hisoka has to take all kinds of situations into consideration.
Hisoka's idea of a winning chance-
Undoubtedly exists under the condition of 'allowing zero mistakes'.
Thus, rather than being suddenly ambushed by Moses, it is better to be cautious and take every step carefully...
Hisoka did what he believed needed to be done, but Moses suddenly said that he didn't hide his shadow clone in advance.
Given how cunning Moses was, how could Hisoka possibly believe it?
Seeing that Hisoka clearly didn't believe it, Moses sighed helplessly.
'I've already said it's a serious duel. Hiding a shadow in advance would be downright dishonorable.'
"Hisoka, right now, I'm a shadowless man, literally. I've lost my shadow, so I really didn't hide a shadow clone beforehand."
In order to dispel Hisoka's doubts, Moses had no choice but to explain the reason for his missing shadow in greater detail.
Hisoka raised an eyebrow when he heard that. How could he believe anything Moses said during the 'battle'?
Verbal traps were all too common if the other party is Moses.
"Heh."
So, Hisoka responded with another noncommittal chuckle.
Seeing this, Moses shook his head slightly and said, "Hisoka, I know how much you've been looking forward to this fight. That's why I want you to give it your all, instead of being paranoid over things that don't exist."
"…"
After hearing this, Hisoka remained silent. He always felt that Moses was a little strange today.
Moses didn't care about Hisoka's reaction, and said solemnly and seriously:
"I'll say it again, I currently have no shadow, and I can't use any shadow-related abilities. The only reason I'm explaining this so thoroughly is that I genuinely want you to enjoy this battle to the fullest."
"…"
Hisoka's frown deepened, thinking that Moses was acting even weirder now.
Such words-
How could this be something Moses would say?
It almost made Hisoka suspect that the one in front of him wasn't the real Moses.
Moses didn't know what Hisoka was thinking, so he continued, "Don't overthink it. Consider this my thanks… I haven't forgotten that you were willing to go to the Dark Continent with me."
"That Dark Continent trip was because you..."
Hisoka wanted to say that he was tricked by Moses at that time, but before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Moses.
"And that's exactly why I want you to savor this fight. So stop overanalyzing. I really didn't hide a shadow clone."
"…"
Hisoka's brows knitted tighter.
Even now, he couldn't be sure whether Moses was laying a verbal trap.
Once bitten, twice shy, so it was only natural for him to react this way.
Moses said a lot of his inner thoughts in one go, not to mess with Hisoka.
To be honest-
Hisoka's role as a tool had helped Moses countless times.
So, he sincerely hoped that Hisoka could get what he wanted and poured all his desires into this long-awaited battle.
Anyway-
"Besides, even if I don't use my shadow clone, you still stand no chance of winning."
Moses's tone was calm, as if he was stating the most mundane fact.
That's right.
No matter how earnestly he reassured Hisoka to fight without reservations, it could not change the fact that Hisoka would inevitably lose.
Under that premise-
He wanted Hisoka to relish this battle and fully taste the bitterness of loss.
Hisoka originally thought that Moses was a little strange, and hesitated whether to believe what Moses said...
But upon hearing Moses's final remark, Hisoka immediately believed Moses's 'shadowless' claim.
'Even without using his abilities… I stand no chance at all...?'
Hisoka's eyes narrowed into slits, and he muttered silently in his heart.
'I was being utterly looked down on. Besides...'
'Enjoying the fight?'
'Did that even need to be said?'
Hisoka's Aura suddenly burst out with killing intent.
He had no interest in retorting verbally, and would only use actions to refute Moses's arrogant declaration.
Whoosh-
Hisoka's figure suddenly snapped forward like a taut rubber band breaking, leaving behind a blur of afterimages as he lunged straight at Moses.
This was the power of Bungee Gum.
And the setup for this move had been laid while Moses was explaining the 'shadowless claim'.
Because, from Hisoka's point of view, if he could assume Moses was setting a verbal trap, he could just as easily seize the chance to stealthily deploy Bungee Gum.
Even if he ultimately chose to believe Moses's shadowless claim...
He wouldn't waste this opportunity to attack.
Utilizing the retraction effect of Bungee Gum, Hisoka closed the distance to Moses in an instant.
Without his cards, Hisoka's only viable offensive option was hand-to-hand combat...
Close in, strike!
A sharp whistling sound tore through the air.
But what Hisoka didn't know was-
In Moses's eyes, while the speed Hisoka achieved by using his Bungee Gum's contraction ability was not slow, it was definitely not fast either.
'In every aspect… we're no longer on the same level.'
Regarding the difference in strength between the two, Moses thought in his heart.
Then, with effortless grace, he raised his hand and caught Hisoka's fist, which is enhanced by Bungee Gum's retraction, as if swatting away a fly.
'But I won't end this too quickly. Because...'
Moses glanced at Hisoka's shifting legs, not giving him any chance to continue his attack. His other hand curled into a fist and smashed toward Hisoka's face.
The punch this time was so fast that Hisoka barely managed to raise his left arm in defense.
Bang!
Crack!
The dull sound of impact and the crisp sound of bone breaking rang out almost at the same time.
Hisoka's body was sent flying backward.
At this point, the pain from a broken bone wasn't enough to even make Hisoka frown.