"You're back at Heavens Arena now?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, I'll be there in about four days."
"No problem. Just call me when you arrive, Mizaistom-sama."
"Got it."
Kaizen hung up the phone and turned his attention back to the conversation with Nina and the others. The relaxed atmosphere made him feel something rare—warmth. It reminded him of the Zoldyck estate. A place where, for once, he didn't have to keep his guard up all the time.
Trust was a rare commodity in this world. Outside, he was always wary. Even at the Dragon Dojo, he could only fully trust Wendy. The others? Not so much.
After dinner, Kaizen returned to his room. In the next room, Shizuku was alone, while Nina had taken Tessia with her.
Nina welcomed Tessia's presence for two reasons. First, seeing Tessia standing just half a step behind Kaizen reminded Nina of her past self. Second, among their team, Shizuku and Sally were older than Nina. Naturally, she longed for someone younger to be around.
Tessia's arrival was perfect.
"Nina, are you also a wife that he bought?"
"Huh?"
The two of them were soaking in the bath when Tessia's sudden question made Nina freeze.
"No! Why would you ask that, Tessia?"
"Because he bought me to be his wife."
Nina hesitated. "Tessia, can you tell me what happened?"
"No, Nina. If you're not also a wife bought by him, I can't say."
"Alright..."
After their bath, Nina went to find Kaizen. He gave her a brief explanation.
"Tessia was rescued from a human trafficking group called Red Trang. They brainwashed her, so she's struggling with some things. Just keep an eye on her."
Nina nodded, finally understanding. "Got it. I'll be careful."
With that, she left.
Kaizen turned away.
As for marriage, he hadn't thought about it yet. After all, he wasn't even twelve. And even if he did consider it, Nina and Tessia wouldn't be on that list—at least not for now. They were still too young.
If anything, Shizuku, Sally, and Wendy were more plausible options.
"Nina and Tessia... maybe when they're older."
Kaizen shook off the thought and focused on something else—Killer Queen.
Taking out his laptop from Killer Queen's storage space, he activated it. "Altan!"
Altan appeared instantly, transmitting all the information Kaizen had requested to the computer. The first folder contained intel on Red Trang.
The situation in Meteor City had settled.
"By now, the Phantom Troupe should've negotiated with the elders. They probably hold some level of authority in Meteor City."
"The Wild Beasts are a thing of the past."
"Phantom Troupe has become the dominant group of Nen users here."
Kaizen sighed. "Time changes everything."
He opened another folder, which contained reports on the global underworld.
The Yorknew Auction was still being held annually. Despite the fallout from the No. 2 Experimental Base incident, Orion hadn't collapsed. In fact, it seemed to be growing stronger.
"They're probably using subjects from the No. 2 Experimental Base to maintain power."
Kaizen recalled the horrifying experiments—hybrids of humans and other creatures, with organs transplanted between species. Most didn't survive, but the few who did were anything but ordinary.
"If they learn Nen, they'll become even more dangerous."
"Like how the Chimera Ants did."
His thoughts drifted to someone he had saved from Orion. He had given that person one piece of advice:
—If you have nowhere to go, head to Meteor City.
"Nen abilities can surpass raw talent."
"If only Ganlu Temple could be moved..."
But that was impossible. If it were, Nen users everywhere would have already taken advantage of it. Even Silva wouldn't be able to pull off such a task.
For now, only a select few had any interest in Ganlu Temple.
Three days later, Mizaistom arrived.
"Mizaistom-sama, over here!"
Kaizen waved him over. Mizaistom turned and walked toward him.
Before coming, Mizaistom had spoken to Gel and gathered some information. He knew Kaizen was young, but seeing him in person was still surprising—especially considering Gel's praise of his skills.
Kaizen studied Mizaistom as well. The man was middle-aged, with whiskers and black eye shadow painted around one eye. His outfit and hat were black and white, designed with a cow-like pattern. Two small horns adorned the hat.
Clearly, Mizaistom embraced his identity as the "Cow."
Kaizen recalled what he knew about Mizaistom—
A Two-Star Criminal Hunter and part-time lawyer. Known as the conscience of the Zodiacs, even Netero had recognized his integrity. A Nen user who strictly rejected violence.
His ability, Cross Game, could lock a target in a confined space where he wielded three cards:
A Red Card to eject the opponent.
A Yellow Card to restrain them.
A Blue Card to summon them to court.
A unique ability—one that fit a man who balanced justice and the criminal world alike.
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