"Killua and Gon have already left the Heavens Arena," Nina said. "They went to Gon's hometown, a place called Whale Island. Kastro has gained the right to challenge a Floor Master, but he hasn't decided whom to challenge yet. Hisoka is gone. Wing and Zushi are still at the arena."
Ron nodded.
The next day, Sally and Ruco left. Ron and the others didn't see them off. Since Sally and Ruco had decided to leave the team, it was best if not too many people were aware of their connection to Ron's group. That would be safer for both sides. If any of Ron's enemies discovered Sally or Ruco's existence, they would become targets—and for them, such attention would be fatal.
"There's a mission." Ron gathered the team together. "The details are unknown. I'll head to Yorknew City first. As for you all, stay at Heavens Arena for now. I'll contact you when I need you, and then you'll act according to my instructions."
The group exchanged glances. "Understood."
With Sally and Ruco gone, Ron's team dropped to just four members: Misty, Shizuku, Ponzu, and Nina. Originally six besides Ron, now one-third had left. But the remaining four all had very practical abilities. Misty, Shizuku, and Nina were already B-rank Nen users. Ponzu was a bit weaker overall, but her ability was extremely versatile in application and she had a high potential.
"I'm heading out." Ron packed lightly and took the elevator.
"Ding—" The door opened, and two figures stepped in.
"Ron-senpai?" Zushi was surprised to see him.
"Zushi," Ron greeted him, then turned to the man beside her. "Mr. Wing, long time no see."
"Ron-san, indeed," Wing replied with a nod. After hesitating, he said, "Gon and Killua have completed their Nen initiation. But for the next stage, I'm no longer adequate. I've already reported to Chairman Netero, and he's arranged for my teacher to instruct them."
Ron nodded. "Biscuit Krueger, right?"
"You know her?"
"Never met her," Ron shrugged. "But I've heard the name. One of the top talents of the Shingen-ryu style. Extremely powerful."
Biscuit's true strength was still unclear to Ron, since in the original storyline, she never fought at full strength. She was always in disguise, and the one time she dropped it—facing one of the Bomber trio—she used just one punch in her real form to incapacitate the enemy.
"She's far beyond what I can match," Wing admitted.
The elevator stopped. Wing and Zushi stepped off.
"We'll be heading off first then, Ron-san."
"Alright. Take care."
Ron watched them leave. This wasn't the first floor but the combat floor where Zushi fought. It seemed the two had come down from higher up, probably to explore the shopping areas in the tower.
After all, Heavens Arena wasn't just a place for battles. It was also an enormous entertainment and commercial complex, with cinemas, restaurants, luxury stores, and cafes.
"Wing-sensei, when can I start learning Nen?" Zushi asked, looking up at him.
Now that he knew Nen existed, his curiosity was natural.
"Not yet," Wing replied, glancing at him. "When the time comes, I'll teach you. For now, follow my plan step by step. I'll make sure to bring out your full potential and talent. Trust me."
Zushi nodded. "Yes, Wing-sensei." But when he looked down again, his thoughts grew complicated.
He had seen how Wing had misjudged Gon and Killua—more than once. So what about him?
"Was Wing-sensei's judgment of me accurate?"
"How talented am I, really?"
"Am I better than Gon and Killua?"
"Or worse than both of them?"
...................
........
.
Ron arrived at the airship terminal and boarded a direct flight to Yorknew City. The vessel was enormous and smooth in flight; there was almost no turbulence.
But to Ron's surprise, he spotted a familiar silhouette on board.
"Machi."
"Ron?" Machi turned around sharply at the sound of his voice. "It's been a while."
"It has."
Her feelings were complicated. The first time they had met was during the Kurta Clan massacre, though even before that, Machi had already heard of Ron. That was because Shalnark had brought up Ron's name—recommending him as a potential recruit for the Phantom Troupe.
Back then, Ron was only about twelve. Now, he looked every bit like a young man. The childish look on his face was almost gone.
Machi had thought Ron would make a fine candidate to replace a member of the Troupe. She'd even arranged for Hisoka to test his strength. But no one expected Ron would be so powerful—even Hisoka couldn't defeat him. It had been clear to Machi that Hisoka hadn't been holding back. The one who had was Ron.
That battle forced the Phantom Troupe to completely abandon their recruitment plan. They couldn't think of any reason why someone like Ron would agree to join them.
"You heading to Yorknew too?"
"I am."
"For the auction?"
"No. Something else."
Machi nodded, relieved. From the Troupe's perspective, if Ron were going for the auction, then chances were, he would become an opposing force—and that was the last thing Machi wanted to see.
It wasn't just because of his strength.
It was also because she genuinely admired him.
Much like how, in the original story, Nobunaga had admired Gon after witnessing his resolve and potential—so much so that he didn't want to kill him and even wanted him in the Troupe—Machi had once seen Ron in the same light. But now, Ron's strength had long surpassed hers.
"Actually, Ron, I watched your battle with Hisoka."