Hello everyone, this is Gon Freecss! My whole body is a wreck, but I've definitely gotten stronger, so it's a net positive. Zushi is getting super insistent, asking me to teach him the "All Hail Muscle-Brains, Power is Everything" way. Are you sure about this, Mr. Wing?
***
"Well, I suppose that's enough for today. I'll be heading back now, so be sure to have a proper review session with Wing."
"Yes, sir…"
Perhaps because his sparring match with Gon had been too much fun, Netero's training session, which had far exceeded its original schedule, finally came to an end. The latter half had devolved into something that couldn't quite be called sparring, with everyone, including Zushi, simply charging at Netero. Though utterly exhausted, they all lay on the ground with looks of deep satisfaction.
"Finally, some individual pointers from me. Zushi, you must continue to diligently train in the Four Major Principles of Nen. Understand that there is no path to becoming a true master without a solid foundation."
"Yes, sir!"
Zushi, happy to have received advice despite not being able to participate much, replied energetically before his depleted stamina returned him once more to the earth.
"Leorio, the restrictions on your ability make it difficult for you to switch between offense and defense. If possible, it would be more stable for you to create a separate ability capable of direct attack, in addition to your current Hatsu."
"Hmm, got it. I'll think of something."
Leorio, who was feeling quite confident in the healing aspect of his Stingy Operating Room: One-Man Doctor, nodded obediently. He was well aware that he lacked offensive options, especially in a one-on-one fight where both combatants were uninjured.
"Killua, you seem to be aware of this already, so I'll just say it: do something about that aura that's been driven into you. As long as that's there, you will never break out of your shell."
"I know, damn it! I'll deal with it soon enough and make you regret it, so just you watch, old man."
Though he looked sullen, Killua acknowledged that the training had been incredibly valuable. He grumbled his insults but still gave Netero a small bow.
"Kurapika, as for you, I can honestly only tell you to increase your proficiency. Just be sure to take this to heart: an excessive power comes with an equally great recoil."
"Understood. I have gained a great deal today. You have my sincerest gratitude."
Kurapika politely and earnestly expressed his thanks. Netero, however, looked hesitant as he asked a question.
"I recall that your objective is the Phantom Troupe. To be blunt, have you not considered relying on myself or Wing for help? Your growth rate is tremendous, but make no mistake, they are powerful as well."
It was a rather overprotective question for a Hunter—especially for Netero, the head of the Association, where self-responsibility was paramount. Neither the Chairman nor the Association itself was idle or cheap enough to show such concern for someone they had only briefly instructed and who hadn't even made a formal request. Kurapika understood this and, feeling slightly guilty that Netero had still offered a helping hand, replied with a resolute attitude.
"I am fully aware that accepting would be the wise choice. However, this is a matter that I, and I alone as the last survivor of the Kurta Clan, must settle."
But then, he broke into a wry smile and glanced at Gon and the others. His entire demeanor shifted to one of optimism as he turned his unwavering eyes back to Netero.
"However, the new treasures I've found happen to be ridiculously forceful and meddlesome, so any more help would be excessive. …And please, do not worry. Unlike during the exam, my actions now are a means to live for the future. Even if I fail, I will struggle to survive."
Netero's eyes widened at Kurapika, who had likely changed the most out of anyone in their group. He then watched them all laughing together and gave a wry smile at the indescribably heartwarming, almost ticklish feeling it gave him.
(I look forward to seeing how he will shine once his revenge is complete.)
In his long life, Netero had seen many who let their hearts burn with vengeance. But this young avenger, who would surely seize a completely different outcome from the others, seemed to shine with a dazzling light.
"Alright, stop fooling around. Lastly, Gon… that Muscle Savings: Withdrawal… Muscle is Power! ability. Can't you do something about it? The enhancement it provides is certainly massive, but you're completely unable to control it."
"Hmm, that really just depends on my body's growth. I'll have to eat a lot and train a lot to quickly catch up to Muscle Debt Hell: All the Power I've Got."
Gon's age-appropriate ambition almost made Netero revert to his grandfatherly persona, but a chill ran down his spine at a phrase he couldn't ignore.
"Gon, that form you showed me during the exam… was that not you enhanced to your absolute limit?"
"Huh? No, that's what my physical abilities will be like in my prime. Right now, even when I enhance myself to my limit, that's the best I can do."
Netero managed a calm smile and a slow nod, though he was trembling internally at Gon's regretful confession. The fact that what he had assumed was Gon's maximum potential was actually his future average was something that even Netero, with his battle-hardened eye for observation, had failed to see.
(Wait, what? That's terrifying.)
Netero decided to forget about it for the time being. He offered some final words of appreciation to Wing and then, with a spring in his step that belied the long hours of sparring, he headed back to the Hunter Association.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the 200th-floor lobby of Heaven's Arena, there was an unnaturally empty space amidst the bustling crowd. There, Hisoka, who had ended up wasting a whole day waiting in vain for Gon and his friends, was talking with Kastro, who happened to be there on an errand. They stood side-by-side with their backs to a wall. Those who knew of their history watched from a distance with fearful fascination, while the more carefree onlookers were thrilled to see two top-tier fighters, observing them with excitement.
"I see. If they are pro Hunters, even rookies, then their strength is understandable. The fighters on the lower floors and inexperienced Nen users wouldn't stand a chance."
Kastro leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, speaking to Hisoka—who was still building his card tower—in a manner far more amicable than he himself would have expected.
Hisoka, for his part, had been bored. When Kastro approached him asking about Gon's group, he had been more than happy to kill time by gleefully recounting the events of the Hunter Exam.
"I must say, I'm surprised you've taken an interest in Gon. Was I mistaken? I was under the impression that Iwas your target ♦"
"That was true, until… I saw his fight with Gordeau. I simply could not stand still. It seems that even within this heart I thought held nothing but a thirst for revenge against you, the pride of a martial artist still remained."
The Nen baptism Kastro had received from Hisoka, and the humiliating way he had been toyed with during their match, had left an indelible scar on him as a martial artist. Since then, he had studied Nen, mostly on his own, and now stood at nine wins, just one step away from becoming a Floor Master. He had thought he was training for one purpose and one purpose only: to defeat Hisoka and claim that title.
"I am ashamed of myself for looking down on Mr. Gordeau, calling him a rookie hunter. He was a noble warrior, filled with conviction and pride in his own martial art. If we both become Floor Masters, I would be honored to request a match with him."
After his fight with Gon, Gordeau had started appearing in the media wearing a mask that covered the right half of his face. His speeches about what Heaven's Arena should be and the mindset its fighters should have were often dismissed as idealistic nonsense. But he continued to speak with unwavering confidence, without shame or hesitation, that he could make it a reality.
He claimed that no true martial artist could escape the inspiration and excitement felt during his match with Gon.
"Playing with him might be a little fun ♦ After all, he served as nourishment for Gon. But I doubt our compatibility is very good, so I'm not that interested ♠"
"Hmph. You can't open your mouth without mentioning the King. You're quite smitten, aren't you? As someone plotting my revenge, I could almost get jealous."
A murmur went through the crowd at the sight of the two of them—Kastro with his bold smile and Hisoka beaming as he spoke of Gon. Kastro pushed himself off the wall and faced Hisoka directly.
"If the King wins, he becomes a Floor Master. In that case, I will give up. But if he should lose, I want you to fight me. I know I'm asking for a lot, but this is my one true wish."
" I suppose it depends on his match with Gon ♣ If I still think he looks tasty enough to eat after the fight, I'll play with you ♥"
Having gotten his answer, Kastro turned and walked away, his cape swirling behind him. His face was filled with determination and fighting spirit as he thought of his match one week from now.
Hisoka, remaining where he was, desperately suppressed the passion that threatened to burst forth from within him.
"Not yet… Not yet ♥ With this, Gon will become even stronger. He will devour new techniques and grow even larger ♥ My turn is still to come. The finishing touches here, in Heaven's Arena… the very, very end is my role to play ♥"
He managed to still his trembling hands and place the final tier on his tower of cards. To a normal person, it was just a card tower, but a Nen user would be able to see the tremendous aura imbued within it.
"Shall we call this complete for now? A pleasure to meet you, Magician's Harassment: Panic Card ♥"
He poked the card tower, and as it collapsed, it vanished as if it were smoke. This new Hatsu, a bane to all who would face Hisoka from now on, was a mass of versatility, yet it could be said it was created for one person and one person alone.
"You see, I'm the type who just has to bully the one I like ♥"
Behind the scenes of Gon and his friends' growth, a certain deviant was also evolving.
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[10 Advanced Chs] [ 14 Chapters/week]