"Damn, what a headache. Next, I need a Hunter License to complete my mission."
"And if I kill these people now, Killua will automatically advance. That's a problem… If I kill Gon, it'd be the same, right?"
"No, I have to qualify first and then kill Gon."
Illumi's words put immense pressure on Killua. Having lived under his brother's shadow since childhood, and with Illumi's subtle manipulations on him, Killua found himself completely unable to resist.
"You'll help me, won't you, Killua?"
"You know it in your heart. You don't need friends or companions."
"You love bloodshed. You love killing. Killing is your nature, your duty—an instinct you were born with."
Illumi continued to exert pressure. His words hammered against Killua's chest, ringing in his ears like a curse, suffocating him. Sweat trickled down his temple.
"I forfeit." Killua raised his hand mechanically.
Illumi was very pleased with Killua's response. Leaning close to his ear, he whispered a few words.
Killua froze in place like a soulless husk, his eyes losing their former light, turning dull and lifeless.
He looked like a puppet on strings.
Had Illumi taken control?
Illumi's Nen ability allowed him to control others using his mind-controlling "Needles." Once pierced, a person's thoughts and actions were entirely under his command, turning them into his marionette.
If it weren't for that old man, Killua wouldn't have disqualified himself by killing him, making him the only one eliminated from this year's Hunter Exam.
If I were Illumi, what would I do?
I'd definitely choose a weak opponent to kill, making Killua 'fail'—or perhaps seek revenge?
Then the target would be either Pokkle… or me.
A sharp whoosh cut through the air behind Yamcha.
At some point, Killua had appeared behind him, fingers tightly pressed together, veins bulging, nails sharp as daggers, thrusting toward Yamcha's back.
As a trained assassin, even against someone as strong as Yamcha, an unguarded strike like this would still deal considerable damage.
However—
Killua's hand passed straight through Yamcha's body.
Yamcha's figure flickered, emitting a faint sizzling sound before vanishing like a mirage.
Afterimage Technique.
A martial arts skill from the Dragon Ball world.
Yamcha had remained vigilant the whole time. Killua's current level wasn't enough to deceive him, even if most of Yamcha's focus was on Illumi.
"That was a dangerous move," Yamcha's voice came from the side.
He reappeared in front of everyone—fully equipped.
A thick protective vest covered his body. A row of grenades lined his belt. He held a Gatling gun in one hand, an RPG launcher in the other, and multiple submachine guns strapped to his back, with even a pistol tied to his leg.
He was a walking arsenal.
"You're the dangerous one here!"
Leorio delivered another precise retort but quickly turned to Killua, trying to stop him.
Leorio always claimed he'd sell anything for money, but in truth, that was just a slogan. His real dream was to become a doctor and provide free treatment for those who couldn't afford it.
And when faced with injustice, he always stepped up.
Unfortunately, he overestimated his place in Killua's heart.
Killua completely ignored him, launching another silent attack on Yamcha—only to be forced back by a burst of bullets.
Despite carrying such heavy gear, Yamcha moved swiftly.
"Hey, control your little brother. What exactly do you want to do to me?" Yamcha asked while firing his Gatling gun, cornering Killua once again.
Even while dealing with Killua's aggression, most of his attention remained on Illumi.
Logically, if a weak target had to be eliminated, Pokkle would've been the easiest choice.
But instead, they picked him.
A mission, then?
Had he been marked by Illumi's kill list?
That meant the Hunter Association hadn't actually resolved his problem at all.
Should he file a complaint?
"Aha, you figured it out." Illumi tilted his head, expressionless. His tone remained flat. "I underestimated you."
"How did you know?"
Yamcha didn't answer. Instead, he turned to the black-clad examiners.
"Hey, referees. I'm being attacked here. Shouldn't they be disqualified?"
"If this keeps up, I might have to fight back."
The moment Illumi chose to target him, a trace of killing intent stirred in Yamcha's heart as well.
He hadn't acted first because he was wary of the Zoldyck family's other members intervening.
If that happened, he'd be forced to leave the Hunter world.
Besides, Netero was close friends with Killua's grandfather Zeno—and Zeno's grandfather as well.
Yamcha doubted Netero would take his side if he killed Illumi.
That old fox wasn't as kind as he appeared.
It was always best to assume the worst in others and prepare accordingly.
On top of that, Hisoka, who was on good terms with Illumi, was also present.
Tch, what a hassle.
"Killua, cease your actions immediately, or you will be disqualified," one of the black-clad judges finally warned.
The referees were truly weak. Even with Yamcha practically spelling it out, they still failed to notice Illumi was controlling Killua.
"I'm really curious. Will you answer me?" Illumi pulled out three more needles.
"I'd like to know why you targeted me, too," Yamcha countered.
"Someone paid for it. Simple as that."
'Just as I thought… Complaint confirmed.'
Yamcha discreetly glanced at Netero, who showed no sign of intervening. In fact, he seemed to be enjoying the show.
"Who?"
"Trade secret. Now, can you answer me?"
"We never made a deal. Just because you told me something doesn't mean I have to return the favor."
"…"
A brief silence followed.
Then Illumi's killing intent intensified. He seemed irritated.
"I'll make you tell me myself."
Three needles shot toward Yamcha at high speed, infused with Illumi's Nen. At the same time, Killua, still under his control, moved in for another attack, attempting to flank Yamcha.
'So persistent.'
Unfazed, Yamcha grabbed his Gatling gun and unleashed a barrage of bullets at Killua, while his other hand aimed the RPG at Illumi's needles and pressed the trigger.
He even muttered under his breath—
"Art is an explosion!"
BOOM!
The entire arena shook.
(End of Chapter)
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