Kurapika remained calm, tracking Code Four's movement as he swung his arm, sending his sword-like chain slicing through the air toward him.
This chain is called the Chain of Echoes, and it is also a chain that proves his status as Moses's disciple.
The ability of Chain of Echoes is to swap the positions of Kurapika and the sword-shaped chain accessory, which is the same as Moses's [Shadow Shift].
As for the ability to enlarge or shrink the chain, that was an inherent trait of the Contract Chain itself, and any chain could do it.
Kurapika had used this feature to plant a false impression in Code Four's head, which is 'the ability of Chain of Echoes was simply to grow or shrink' during the battle.
Moreover-
The combination of the sword-shaped chain and the enlargement ability naturally led people to assume, 'This must be how the ability works'.
So what Kurapika needs to do next is to use this 'cognitive trap' to create an offensive opportunity that could turn the tide of battle.
Under Kurapika's precise control, the sword-shaped chain intercepted Code Four's charge.
As the distance got closer, the sword-shaped chain suddenly grew larger again...
But this time, Code Four did not dodge. Instead, he thrust his knives rapidly into the enlarged chain.
Ding, ding, ding-
The continuous stabs in the blink of an eye destroyed the sword-shaped chain in an instant.
The huge chain shattered into fragments of dispersed Aura.
Once the length and volume of the conjured object increases, the distribution of the Aura will inevitably be diluted to a certain extent.
This results in the giant sword-shaped chain being insignificant against close-range attacks from Enhancers.
In other words…
Kurapika's offensive approach wasn't just ineffective, but also wasted his Potential Aura.
Code Four felt a flicker of doubt at this.
The reason why he believes Kurapika is a skilled fighter is because Kurapika has a very good grasp of the timing of attack and defense, and his speed of conjuring objects has reached a first-rate level.
Additionally, there was the tactical use of disguising his conjured chains as ordinary ones.
'Given all this, why would he resort to such an inefficient method of attack?'
'Was it to create an opening for his ally?'
Code Four had no time to ponder further. His figure darted through the scattered remnants of Aura, charging straight at Kurapika.
Faced with the close-range pressure of an Enhancer like Code Four, Kurapika remained unshaken and lashed out with the Chain of Thorns the moment the Chain of Echoes was shattered.
With a sharp whistling sound, the writhing, snake-like chain in midair suddenly expanded into a crisscrossing net of thorns, descending upon Code Four from above.
But how could this trick, which was repeated over and over again, possibly pose a threat to Code Four?
A flash of cold steel cut through the air.
Code Four swung his short throwing knives and effortlessly sliced through the thorny net.
And while he was attacking, he always kept a close watch on Hisoka's movements.
After all, he believed that Kurapika's tactics were meant to create an opening for Hisoka, so he would naturally take precautions against Hisoka's 'sneak attack'.
And that was exactly what happened.
Hisoka didn't waste the opportunity Kurapika had created. The moment the thorn net shattered, he appeared at Code Four's flank.
Without any unnecessary flair, Hisoka drove his fist straight into an opening exposed by Code Four's attack.
Unfortunately, Code Four had anticipated this and retreated just in time, avoiding Hisoka's fist.
As an Enhancer, if he had already reacted, he could have used the advantage of his Nen Category to withstand Hisoka's attack and launch a counterattack.
However, due to Hisoka's unpredictable Transmutation-Type Abilities, he finally chose the approach with the lowest risk.
Dodging Hisoka's punch, Code Four used the knife to take advantage of the opportunity and stabbed at the axillary artery exposed when Hisoka raised his arm.
Hisoka's golden pupils quickly moved to the edge of his eye sockets, tracking Code Four's counterattack.
Then, Hisoka made a bold move.
He forcibly retracted his arm, pressing his elbow downward to intercept the incoming knife while simultaneously raising his knee.
In an instant-
Hisoka's descending elbow and rising knee acted like a pair of closing hands, trapping the knife between them.
Seeing Hisoka catch the flying knife with such refined body control and superb Ryu, Code Four released the caught knife without hesitation.
At the same time, he stepped forward, slashing with his other knife toward Hisoka's throat.
But he did not carry out the attack to the end. Instead, he abruptly withdrew.
Because Kurapika's sword-shaped chain had already sliced through the air, forcing Code Four to retreat.
However-
Code Four's assault didn't end there.
Two flying knives came from different directions, shooting towards Code Four's chest and thigh respectively.
'Hm?'
Code Four noticed something and a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.
He immediately understood the principle of the two flying knives coming towards him. It was nothing more than relying on the Transmutation-Type Aura with the elastic, adhesive properties.
What he hadn't realized was when Hisoka had applied his Nen Ability to the knives and himself.
If he had voiced the question aloud.
Then, Hisoka, the Magician, would certainly give the answer: The timing for attaching Bungee Gum was when the playing cards struck the knives and when my elbow and knee trapped them.
But unfortunately-
Code Four had no intention of indulging Hisoka's magician-like desire to explain his tricks, because he doesn't need an answer at all.
The rebounding force of the adhesive Nen Thread was certainly noteworthy, but it had one unavoidable flaw, that is, the point of attachment was the point of attack.
Channeling his Aura into his eyes, Code Four swiftly identified the locations and concentrated enough Aura over them.
The two flying knives struck as expected, but they merely collided with Code Four's condensed Aura, dealing no damage whatsoever.
But Hisoka and Kurapika's coordinated assault continued.
[Chain of Echoes]
Kurapika finally activated his ability, directly exchanging positions with the sword-shaped chain, and stepped into the range where he could attack Code Four.
At this moment-
In order to deal with the flying knives, Code Four had concentrated his Aura across multiple points on his body, which caused his Manifested Aura to be too dispersed, thus being in an unbalanced state.
This was the opening Kurapika had been waiting for.
However-!
While Code Four was surprised by Kurapika's sudden teleportation, he decisively detonated the flying knives that were still stuck on his chest and thigh.
Boom! Boom!
The flying knives shattered with a loud bang, and the shrapnel infused with Enhancement-Type Aura scattered like shotgun pellets, striking Code Four, Kurapika, and Hisoka.
Splurt-! Splurt-!
In an instant, blood sprayed from all three like rain against a windowpane.
However, judging by the severity of their wounds, the one who suffered the least damage was obviously Code Four, while the one who suffered the most damage was Kurapika, who had stepped right into the line of fire.
This was an Enhancer.
The single act of self-destruction not only brought out the value of the Enhancer, but also confirmed Code Four's identity as a 'death warrior'.
To perish together or embrace the death calmly, it means nothing to someone like Code Four.