Everything afterward continued according to the original plot. Max didn't know, didn't care, and didn't watch any of the matches—he focused solely on his training.
His "Nen Weight" ability had evolved. He was now able to control it precisely, affecting only himself rather than the surroundings. Even if someone tried to lift him, he could make himself feel weightless. Additionally, he had developed the ability to share his Nen Weight with others. The weight could be freely toggled on or off—when taken off, it felt completely light, but once worn, it would automatically adjust to the maximum load the user could bear.
Max also gained more precise control: he could now apply the Nen Weight to specific parts of his body—chest, arms, legs, or a mix. Still, he preferred taking the full-body weight for maximum effectiveness. Even when his bones broke or he sustained injuries during training, he recovered quickly—either through deep meditation or by consuming large amounts of food and drink. If left alone, his body would regenerate naturally, albeit much more slowly. With every recovery, his body grew stronger—just like Friedrich Nietzsche once said: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."
Meanwhile, the third match began: Hanzo vs. Pokkle.Hanzo easily overwhelmed Pokkle, putting him in the same situation Gon had been in. But unlike Gon, Pokkle admitted defeat immediately.
The fourth match: Hisoka vs. Kurapika.After a short exchange, Hisoka whispered something into Kurapika's ear that left him visibly shocked. Without another word, Hisoka forfeited, giving Kurapika the win. Kurapika stood there stunned, eyes fixed on Hisoka as he walked away.
The fifth match: Killua vs. Pokkle.As soon as the match started, Killua walked away without fighting. Calmly and confidently, he declared he wasn't interested. Pokkle, confused, accepted the outcome. Killua was likely preserving his strength for a future opponent.
The sixth match: Hisoka vs. Bodoro.The battle was extremely one-sided. Bodoro refused to surrender despite the punishment. Eventually, as Bodoro lay on the floor, Hisoka whispered something to him—and Bodoro gave up.
Then came the seventh match: Killua vs. Gittarackur.That's when Killua made a fatal mistake.
Max, upon hearing the match lineup, stopped his training. He was intrigued—back during the Trick Tower challenge, he had noticed the needleman (Gittarackur) staring intently at Killua. Curious, Max wondered why. he taken off his Nen Weights when he made his way to the tournament room to watch the match.
Leorio and Kurapika saw Max enter the room. They were surprised—he didn't seem interested in any of the matches before. So, if he was here to watch, then this opponent must be dangerous.
As Killua faced Gittarackur, the match hadn't started yet. Killua glanced over and saw Max watching.
Killua: "Yo, Max. Decided to watch my match?"
Max: "Yeah... just wanted to see how screwed you are."
Killua (irritated): "Thanks for the encouragement."
Max: "You're welcome."
Killua sighed and turned his attention back to Gittarackur. The match still hadn't begun, but something about the needle in Gittarackur's head made Killua feel uneasy.
Killua (thinking): That needle... It feels familiar. No way... it can't be...
He shook off the thought and focused.
Kurapika: "Max, is Killua's opponent really that strong?"
Max: "You could say he's about the same level as Hisoka."
Leorio: "That strong?! But still, Killua might have a chance. It's not a fight to the death or anything. They don't even have to knock each other out."
Max: "I'm not so sure about that. But I'm definitely watching."
Then the announcer called out:
Announcer: "Begin!"
Killua approached slowly. But just as he started to move, Gittarackur spoke.
Gittarackur: "It's been too long, Kil."
He reached up and began removing the needles from his head. As he did, his face and even his body began to transform. Killua froze in place, watching in horror.
Max (thinking): I knew he was in disguise, but... oh hell no. I can't copy that at all. He must be a Manipulation-type. That explains the Nen-filled needles in his head. But why go through the pain of disguising himself? For a normal person, that would be hell... but not him. Wait—Killua hates that nickname. Only one person calls him that. Don't tell me...
The transformation completed. He now had very long, jet-black hair combed back, and large, black, pupil-less eyes.
Killua was sweating, his face pale.
Killua (muttering): "Illumi... Brother..."
Max (thought): Knew it. He's fully screwed.
Illumi: "Hey."
Leorio: "Killua's brother?!"
Kurapika: "He used those needles to change the shape of his face? Max, did you know this?"
Max: "I knew he was in disguise, yeah. I just didn't say anything. Why should I? I don't want to make enemies without a reason. But I didn't know he was Killua's brother... That explains why he was staring at him during the Trick Tower stage."
Leorio: "You should've told Killua! He was staring right at him back then!"
Max: "Well... I forgot. Hisoka was staring at me too, remember?"
Illumi ignored their conversation and kept talking to Killua.
Illumi: "I heard you cut up Mom and Milluki."
Killua: "I... I guess."
Illumi: "Mom was crying."
Leorio: "Anyone would cry if their son did that to them..."
Illumi: "Tears of joy."
Leorio collapsed to the floor, dumbfounded.
Max (thought): Yeah… elite assassin or not, they definitely insane.
Ignoring Leorio, Illumi continued speaking, his voice calm and unnervingly cold.
Illumi: "She was so happy to see you'd grown up. But she was worried when you left home, so she asked me to check up on you. What a coincidence—I didn't even know you wanted to be a Hunter. I'm only here to get a license for my next job."
Killua: "I don't really want to be a Hunter. I just felt like taking the exam."
Illumi: "I see... That's a relief. Then I have some advice for you."
Max (thinking): Let me guess… 'Don't give up your dream'?
Illumi: "You're not cut out to be a Hunter. You were born to be... a killer."
He stared directly into Killua's eyes with his cold, black, pupil-less gaze.
Max (thinking): Yep. Should've known he'd drop the "don't."
Illumi went on.
Illumi: "You're a puppet of darkness. You have no passion, no desires, no dreams. You only feel alive when others die. That's the way Dad and I raised you. What could you possibly hope to achieve as a Hunter?"
Killua, still visibly shaken, tried to respond despite his fear.
Killua: "It's true, I don't really want to be a Hunter... But... I do have something I want."
Illumi: "You don't."
Killua (raising his voice): "I do! There's something I really want!"
Illumi: "Hmm… Then tell me. What is it you want?"
Killua hesitated, words caught in his throat. Silence hung in the air.
Illumi: "What's wrong? There's nothing, is there?"
Killua (shouting): "That's not it!"
He struggled, but finally found the strength to speak his heart.
Killua: "I want to become friends with Gon… I'm sick of killing people. I want to be with Gon, and live a normal life..."
Leorio and Kurapika watched, stunned and unsure how to respond. Max said nothing—but his heart ached for Killua.
Max (thinking): If you remembered what I told you in Trick Tower… I'm sorry. I really can't do anything to help you now.
Illumi's voice remained steady, emotionless.
Illumi: "That's impossible. You'll never make friends. Every time you meet someone, your first instinct is to think: 'Should I kill them?' That's how we trained you."
He leaned forward slightly.
Illumi: "You don't know how to classify Gon because he's too dazzling for you. You don't really want to be friends with him."
Killua: "Y-You're wrong..."
Illumi: "If you stay with him long enough, you'll start to wonder... 'Can I kill him?' That curiosity will eat away at you. Because deep down... you have the soul of a killer."
Max (thinking):And I have the soul of a selfish coward—someone who only prioritizes himself when his life's in danger. I hate the idea of sacrificing myself for anyone.
That was the final straw for Leorio. He started to move toward Illumi, but a staff member immediately stepped in.
Staff: "As we mentioned before—"
Leorio (shouting): "Yeah, I know!"
He stopped but didn't back down. Instead, he shouted with all his might.
Leorio: "Killua! I don't give a damn if he's your brother—he's a worthless piece of crap! Don't listen to him! Just beat the hell out of him like you always do and win!"
He paused, pointing directly at Killua.
Leorio: "You want to be friends with Gon? Are you stupid?"
Max (thinking): I already said he can't beat Illumi. Did he forget? Even if it sounds cruel... I won't change my mind. I'm a realist.
Leorio: "You already are friends with him!"
Killua trembled. Those words struck deep. Illumi raised an eyebrow.
Illumi: "Really?"
Leorio: "Hell yeah, idiot!"
Illumi: "I see... That's no good. He considers Kil a friend."
Illumi paused for a moment, thinking. Then he came to a conclusion.
Illumi: "Okay. I'll kill Gon."
Killua's eyes widened in shock. Everyone froze—even Max.
Max (thought):Psychopath... But can he really do that in the middle of the exam?
Illumi calmly pulled out a needle.
Illumi: "A killer doesn't need friends. They'll only slow you down."
Killua stood frozen. Illumi began walking toward the exit.
Illumi: "Where is he?"
The announcer tried to stop him.
Announcer: "P-Please wait! The match hasn't—"
Before he could finish, Illumi flicked three Nen-infused needles at his forehead. The announcer cried out in pain but didn't die.
Max (thought):Is that even allowed? The chairman didn't react at all… Man, he's just as cruel as the rest of them, despite that goofy attitude. I should've known. Though maybe I'm not cruel... just a coward. Still, at least he's not dead.
Illumi: "Where is he?"
Announcer (groaning): "T-The waiting room... over there..."
Illumi: "Thank you. Don't worry, you're not dying. Your face is just changing a little. But if you don't remove those pins in time, it might stay like that forever."
Max (thought):Knew it.
As Illumi moved toward the exit, Max called out.
Max: "You said a killer doesn't need friends. Then what about you?"
Illumi stopped and turned his head slightly.
Illumi: "What do you mean?"
Max: "I saw you playing a card game with Hisoka back in Trick Tower."
Max pointed to Hisoka, who gave a cheery wave with a mischievous smile.
Illumi: "You could say he and I have... a complex relationship."
Max (thought):A complex relationship? Don't tell me—
Max: "Don't tell me it's ro—"
Before he could finish, a needle flew toward him. Max instinctively caught it, Nen already protecting his hand.
Illumi: "Oh, I'm sorry. My hand slipped. Please, go on."
Max (thought):I thought killers were supposed to be professional... What should I say now? Ah, I got it.
Max: "A give-and-take relationship?"
Illumi: "Hmm... you could say that."
Max (thought):Phew. Nailed it.
Hisoka put on a fake sad expression, which Illumi ignored before continuing toward the exit. But there, blocking the door, stood Leorio, Kurapika, and Hanzo—firm and ready. Max remained standing in place.
Max (thought):Welp, I guess I really am the coward here. But I don't mind. Not everyone strong has to be brave. I don't like trouble, and I don't like risking my life for anyone...
He paused in thought.
Max (thought):...Except my parents.
When Illumi saw the others blocking the door, he paused, annoyed.
Illumi: "This won't do. I need a Hunter License to do my job... But if I kill them, I'll fail, and Kil will pass automatically. Oh, darn. The same thing applies if I kill Gon."
He stopped to think, then a solution popped into his head.
Illumi: "I know! I'll pass the exam first, and then I'll kill Gon."
Killua stood frozen, still overwhelmed with fear. Leorio clenched his fists, glaring.
Leorio: "You bastard..."
Illumi turned his eyes toward Netero, calm and calculating.
Illumi: "If I wait until after passing the exam, I can kill everyone here and still keep my license, right?"
Netero: "Yes, according to the rules."
Max (thought):Wait… is he including me too? Well, I did poke at him earlier, so maybe. But including Chairman Netero? Does he have a death wish?
Illumi turned his gaze to Killua.
Illumi: "Did you hear that, Kil? If you want to save Gon, you'll have to defeat me. So? Will you fight for your friend's sake?"
He stepped closer.
Illumi: "No... You won't. Because deep down, you're more worried about whether or not you can defeat me."
He was already standing in front of Killua. Killua hadn't even noticed until it was too late—he flinched, shocked.
Illumi: "And you already know the answer: 'I'm not strong enough to beat my brother.' 'Never fight an enemy you can't beat.' I drilled that into you..."
As Illumi raised his hand toward Killua's head, Max activated Gyo, revealing a small, sinister needle between his fingers.
Max (thought):What's he planning to do!? Is he trying to plant that needle in Killua's brain? Man... his family is seriously messed up.
Killua trembled, beginning to step back, but Illumi's voice froze him in place.
Illumi: "Don't move. If you so much as flinch, I'll take that as the fight beginning. And if our bodies make contact, same thing. There's only one way to stop me. You know what it is."
His hand inched closer to Killua's head.
Illumi: "But don't forget... If you don't fight me, your dear Gon will die."
Killua couldn't move. He could only stare at Illumi's hand creeping toward him. Then—
Leorio: "Take him out, Killua! We won't let him kill you or Gon! We'll stop him, no matter what it takes! Just do it!"
Max (thought):Yep... He completely forgot about what I said earlier.
Illumi's hand was just inches away now. No—Max could already tell the needle had been planted. Killua slowly closed his eyes and muttered:
Killua: "I surrender. I lose..."
Leorio and Kurapika were stunned—but Max wasn't.
Max (thought):That's the most reasonable decision. Besides... I don't think Illumi was ever really planning to kill Gon. But even if he was, it wouldn't be me protecting him—it'd be Hisoka. That guy's obsession with Gon is disgusting... but I guess it works in his favor.
Killua opened his eyes. They were empty, devoid of emotion.
Max (thought):Sorry, Killua. I can't help you. I won't be the one to pull out that needle… Even if I could, your brother already knows I saw him plant it.
Illumi: "Oh, that's good. Then the battle's over."
He let out a quiet laugh and patted Killua on the shoulder.
Illumi: "I lied, Kil. I wasn't going to kill Gon. It was just a little test. But now... I have my answer."
He leaned in close and whispered into Killua's ear.
Illumi: "You don't have the right to make friends. Nor do you need them. Just listen to Dad and me. Do your job, like you always have. When the time comes, I'll tell you to take the Hunter Exam. You don't need a license yet."
Illumi turned and began to walk away. Leorio stepped forward, ready to confront him, but Kurapika quickly held him back. As Illumi passed Max, he paused and looked him in the eye.
Illumi: "You saw it, didn't you?"
Max: "Yeah, I saw it. Don't worry, I won't do anything. I believe... someday, he'll take it out himself."
Illumi stared at Max, gauging his words. After a few seconds, he nodded faintly and walked away without saying another word.
Once Illumi had gone, Leorio and Kurapika rushed to Killua, trying to help, but he remained silent and unresponsive. Max stepped closer, looking at Killua with an unreadable expression.
Max: "Man, Killua... you look like you just burned out."
Killua didn't reply.
Max: "I told you you'd be screwed. This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't thrown the last fight just because you were bored. But hey, you're the one who said you didn't care about becoming a Hunter. Anyway, here's a bit of advice—don't make the same mis-steak again. And yeah, learn from this mis-steak. Get it? Mis-steak? But hey, it still makes sense—you made this mis-steak because you're young. Or maybe… like Hisoka said, you're still an unripe little fruit, huh?"
Killua still didn't reply but Leorio suddenly grabbed Max by the shoulder, anger flaring in his eyes.
Leorio: "Are you seriously cracking jokes and giving him that kind of cruel advice in a situation like this?!"
Max: "Remember what I said back at Trick Tower? Yeah... I always joke in situations like this. You can think of me as cruel if you want, but I'm not changing. Besides, the advice makes sense. If you don't like it, I won't bother giving any next time."
Kurapika placed a hand on Leorio's arm.
Kurapika: "Let him go, Leorio. His words may sound harsh, but he's not wrong.""
Leorio hesitated, then reluctantly released Max. Max simply shrugged.
Max: "Besides, you guys can't help him right now. Only he can help himself. Maybe Gon could reach him... but too bad he's still knocked out. Want me to wake him up with a bucket of water?"
At that, Killua finally responded—barely. His voice was empty, his eyes devoid of life.
Killua: "...No need. I'm fine."
Without waiting for a response, Killua turned and walked away, alone.
Max: "Well, if you say so. I'm going back to training. Later."
Max (thought):Maybe I really am cruel after all.
Max left them behind and was about to head to the training room but stopped when Kurapika called out to him.
Kurapika: "Can you at least try to change... even just a little?"
Max: "I'll try… probably. I don't know if it'll happen. If you don't like it, you can just cut ties with me because I might not change, and I definitely won't risk my life for you guys."
Leorio(sighs): "No, I won't cut ties with you. I'll just have to get used to it."
Kurapika: "Same."
Max: "Suit yourself."
Max continued walking without looking back. Leorio looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself. He remembered what Max had said back at Trick Tower—and knew he meant every word. Kurapika stayed silent, understanding the weight of Max's words.
Max returned to his training, alone, just as always.
Later, the eighth match was announced: Bodoro vs. Leorio.
Bodoro had fully recovered and was ready. But as the match was about to begin...It ended in an instant. Killua had stepped in without warning and killed Bodoro on the spot. The committee immediately disqualified him. Max heard the news—but he didn't react. He simply kept training.