Hello everyone, this is Gon Freecss. I'm curious to see how far this new, stronger-than-the-original Kastro can push Hisoka. Since Hisoka has gotten stronger too, all I can do is pray he makes it back alive.
***
In his private room, crammed to the brim with Gon and friends' merchandise, Hisoka was practicing Ken while reflecting on recent events.
Ever since their fateful meeting at the Hunter Exam, Gon Freecss had occupied a corner of his mind, no matter what he was doing. Not only that, but in the time since they had met, it seemed as if Gon was bringing him a string of unexpected fortunes, like finding one good toy after another, or having them raised for him.
(That's what makes it so incomprehensible… Why didn't I follow Gon after the exam? ♠ I'm sure he would have let me if I'd asked ♦)
Normally, he was only interested in those who could be called geniuses or greater, so his usual pattern was to leave them alone and wait for them to ripen on their own. But when it came to Gon, he felt he couldn't look away for even a second. It was a desire to watch his continued growth with his own eyes, and a fear—a new emotion for him—that he, who was supposed to be ahead, might be left behind.
(On top of that, there's the discrepancy between my memory and reality. My memory says I came here right after the exam, but in reality, it was a month later ♣ No matter how I think about it, the pieces don't fit ♦)
Adding the fact that his most recent travel history showed him near Kukuroo Mountain in the Republic of Padokea, the answer to his current situation became clear.
(There's a high probability my memories were manipulated by Kurapika's Hatsu ♣ To think he has already reached this level… marvelous ♥)
Hisoka deduced the answer from the personalities and likely Nen categories of Gon's group. Since it didn't feel particularly unpleasant, he decided not to worry about it. As he continued his training, fantasizing that perhaps it was Gon's doing—having recognized his brain as another muscle—his rarely used cell phone chimed with an incoming email.
(Oh? A message from Machi? How unusual ♥ Is this about Yorknew, given the timing?)
The sender was Machi Komacine, one of his favorite women in the Phantom Troupe. He gave a wry smile at the curt message—so typical of her—that simply asked for his current location. He sent a roundabout, embellished reply stating he was at Heaven's Arena, and received a response that she would visit him in three days.
(Is she coming all this way just to tell me something in person? I wonder if there's been some trouble ♣ Well, either way, if Machi is coming, my fight with Kastro should be fun ♥)
Hisoka smirked at the timing, which happened to coincide with his match, and continued practicing his Ken, diligently working to increase his total aura.
With the excitement from the Gon vs. Kastro match still fresh in the air, Heaven's Arena was once again a sell-out, packed to capacity.
"To all our fans in the arena today, the ring at Heaven's Arena is once again burning white-hot!"
The announcer, who had become one of the most popular commentators while chasing after Gon's group, was enjoying Heaven's Arena more than anyone, her voice clear and energetic as always.
"What's about to begin is tonight's main event! It's a rematch between two popular fighters, and I, for one, am incredibly excited! I can't wait any longer, so let's get right to the fighter introductions!"
The roaring crowd quieted slightly, their thoughts turning to the two warriors about to appear.
"First, the vengeful tiger whose fierce battle ten days ago is still fresh in our minds! With his True Tiger Bite Fist perfected through his doppelgänger, can this handsome—if slightly unfortunately-named—martial artist overcome his past defeat and reach the rank of Floor Master!? Kastro, of the newly-named True Tiger Bite Fist!!"
"He broke out of his shell in the last match," the commentator added. "The hesitation and fear he had before are gone. I'm sure he'll fight with a wonderfully confident and sound state of mind."
"Next up, the whimsical clown known as the most sinister of fighters! His only loss is a no-show! If you want to see blood, watching this man's matches is the solution to all your problems! Will he reap another of the few survivors with his own hands!? The blood-soaked, cruel magician, Hisoka!!"
"He is simply strong. As far as I know, he is the only fighter who is merely 'playing' here in Heaven's Arena. The question is, how much of the yet-unseen strength of Hisoka can the awakened Kastro draw out?"
Suddenly, all the lights in the arena went out, and a single spotlight illuminated the entrance gate. The new, more entertainment-focused production that had started since Gon's arrival had been mostly well-received, and even Gordeau, who was aiming to turn the savage sanctuary into a haven for martial artists, nodded with satisfaction.
"And now, let's welcome them! Kastro and Hisoka, make your entrance!!"
As cheers that drowned out the token entrance music filled the arena, one man stepped into the ring with a healthy mix of tension and fighting spirit, the other with curiosity and a sense of play. The two faced each other in the center of the ring without a word, yet there was a refreshing clarity between them, with no trace of their past animosity.
"This is a match between the two fighters closest to becoming a Floor Master! A legendary battle is guaranteed to unfold, and it begins now!!"
The moment the referee signaled the start, a physical tremor caused by the roaring crowd was once again observed in Heaven's Arena.
The instant the match began, Kastro shot forward as if he couldn't wait any longer, closing the distance to Hisoka in a flash. Hisoka, though caught off guard by the unexpected aggression, maintained his soft expression and chose to intercept him on the spot.
(So, he's starting without the doppelgänger to test the waters? ♥ His movements are better than before, and his aura is clearer ♥ I was right to let him go ♣)
They exchanged a series of blows without either using their Hatsu. It was a probing exchange, lacking in flashy moves but one that any knowledgeable observer would recognize as a high-level feeler-out, intended not to cause damage but to gauge the opponent's condition, their own rhythm, and their opponent's thought process.
(As expected of Hisoka. I can feel an even greater skill gap than before. But I will not tolerate that playful attitude!)
Suddenly, Kastro cloaked himself in a massive amount of aura and, in a semi-surprise attack, unleashed a full-power blow. Despite the abrupt change in rhythm, it seemed as though Hisoka had plenty of time to dodge the punch aimed at his face — but…
(I see…♥)
Hidden perfectly behind the first punch he had dodged was an identical strike from a doppelgänger. It slammed into Hisoka's cheek with brutal force.
"Whoa!? Hisoka dodged, but he's bleeding profusely from his face as if he's been slashed by a tiger!!"
"I see. From up here, it's quite clear that Kastro has multiplied. But from Hisoka's perspective, facing him directly, it was a blow from a complete blind spot. Given that he can even make them overlap, as he did in the fight against the King, this is a truly troublesome combination."
Hisoka continued to grin even as blood streamed from a gash that reached into his mouth. Kastro, facing him, summoned his doppelgänger once more and took his stance.
"That arrogance is your weakness. Have I managed to make you take this a little more seriously?" Kastro taunted, feeling a surge of confidence and elation from his claws having finally reached their mark, while simultaneously suppressing the lingering terror from their past encounter.
"Hm~? Oh, my apologies. Did I get your hopes up? ♦ That was certainly a good attack, but for me, there was a reason to take the hit, so I let you land it on purpose ♣"
As he spoke, Hisoka nonchalantly stuck his fingers into the wound. With a sickening, wet sound, he rummaged around inside his mouth as if looking for something. Weaker-stomached spectators screamed, and even Kastro grimaced as he watched. Finally, finding what he was looking for, Hisoka pulled out his blood-soaked fingers.
Pinched between them was a playing card: the Joker, depicting a grim reaper.
"It was only one hit, but I gathered a lot of information ♥ If you don't fight with all your might, that grim reaper will come to collect you very soon ♠"
As he finished speaking, he tossed the Joker into the air. The next instant, a shower of cards scattered through the air. The magic trick caught the attention of the crowd, and Kastro, for a moment. But when Kastro's eyes returned to Hisoka, who had snapped his fingers, they widened in shock.
There stood Hisoka, his neck and clothes stained with blood, but his face was perfectly clean, without a single scratch.
"Now, shall we continue our little game? ♥"
His aura was the complete opposite of Gon's intense yet pure pressure; it was a dark, viscous pressure, like coal tar. Kastro steeled himself once more and, along with his doppelgänger, rushed forward to overcome his trauma, but…
"Here, try and dodge this ♠"
A slab of the ring that Hisoka had kicked went spinning wildly toward them.
The two Kastros dodged to either side of the slab that had been aimed to take them both out. But when the first Kastro looked forward again, Hisoka was waiting for him, a playing card held at the ready.
"Check ♥"
They crossed paths in an instant. Kastro's left arm was now missing from the elbow down. Hisoka had caught it and was twirling it like a baton.
"Well done, escaping with just one arm. For now, you pass ♥"
(…Fast. And cunning, and intelligent. In terms of pure physical power, the King has the advantage, but in terms of overall combat prowess, is Hisoka still superior?)
As the two Kastros stood side-by-side, the one who had lost its arm dissolved back into aura and was absorbed by the other.
Simultaneously, the arm in Hisoka's hand vanished. He looked at the sweating Kastro and gave a slick grin.
"Yes, I think I've mostly figured it out ♦ Swapping places and attacking with a massive amount of aura… that's the true nature of your new Doppelgänger, isn't it? ♥"
Kastro grimaced at his words, then let out a breath of resignation and created his doppelgänger again.
"Impressive. To see through that much in a single exchange. From the look on your face, you've also figured out the drawbacks of my evolved ability, 'My Self,' haven't you?"
"Your consciousness doesn't multiply, you only have one. You still take damage even if there's no external wound. If one takes a fatal blow, you lose the massive amount of aura used to conjure it. Those are the most obvious weaknesses, I'd say ♣"
Kastro's awakened Hatsu, My Self, was, in short, a Doppelgänger that used a massive amount of aura. As Hisoka had deduced, it allowed him to swap places with the main body and gave the clone the same attack power, but it required half of his total aura to conjure. It could no longer be treated as disposable, but it granted him two points of view, making it practically impossible to identify the main body by aura levels or movement.
"A moment ago, you and your double both looked at the slab, and that's why you lost sight of me, right? It's quite a strong ability, but its proficiency is far too low ♠ Why did you seek a rematch so soon?"
"…I learned from my match with the King. Strength, Nen… they can change drastically depending on your state of mind. This is not just a battle for revenge, but a farewell ceremony—from the weak-hearted me who nearly lost his way because of his obsession with you!"
The two Kastros took their stances, flanking Hisoka. Words then emerged from both their mouths simultaneously.
""In front of the King, who reminded me of the origin of my martial arts, I will not show a disgraceful performance! Now, dance to your madness, Hisoka! True Tiger Bite Fist: Dance of the Twin Tigers!!""
As the Kastros charged, Hisoka, who had been looking slightly down, lifted his head. The smile he had worn until now was gone, replaced by an expression so blank it was unsettling. He spoke quietly.
"You've been saying 'King, King' for a while now… you're getting a little too familiar with myGon. I'm going to get a little serious now. If you don't want to die, you'd better resist."
A sinister aura erupted from him, so potent that some in the crowd fainted. Hisoka then effortlessly parried the perfectly synchronized attacks from the two Kastros. Kastro began to feel a sense of unease; despite the menacing aura, Hisoka wasn't actually attacking. Hisoka turned a cold, disappointed gaze on him.
"My ability is Bungee Gum. It has the properties of both rubber and gum. Didn't Gon's master tell you not to neglect your Gyo?"
Kastro's eyes widened. Activating Gyo, he saw that countless threads of aura were attached to both of his bodies.
"This is your final exam. As someone who has involved himself with Gon, if you can't deal with this, then die gracefully."
Hisoka kicked one of the Kastros away. The other Kastro tried to attack him, but a fragment of the stone slab suddenly shot up and struck him in the jaw, making him stagger and lose his balance.
At the same instant that Hisoka pursued the Kastro he had kicked away, the scattered playing cards were pulled taut by Bungee Gum.
"Checkmate ♠"
The pursued Kastro fought desperately against the closing net of cards and Hisoka, but his resistance was futile. His head went flying through the air.
"How anticlimactic. As I thought, the only one worthy of Gon is…."
"HISOKAAAA!!"
Hisoka slowly turned around. His eyes fell on Kastro—his body riddled with playing cards, but alive. He had gouged out the flesh where the aura had attached to his vital points, avoiding a fatal blow. Including the damage from having his double decapitated, he was barely standing, but he stood on his own two feet, his gaze sharp and unwavering.
"You win this time, but this is not the end! I will grow stronger from this day forward! One day, I will surpass you, and even the King, and I will stand at the pinnacle of martial arts!! Until then, try not to get yourself killed with that playful attitude of yours…"
His willpower finally gave out, and Kastro collapsed to the ring. The referee confirmed he was down and declared the end of the match. However, many in the crowd had been affected by Hisoka's aura. Unlike the start of the match, the arena was filled only with a low murmur, which was then broken by two sets of loud, clear applause.
One came from Gordeau, who was nodding deeply. The other came from Gon, who wore a quiet smile.
Inspired by their applause, the crowd slowly regained its heat, until finally, the arena was engulfed in cheers that surpassed even those at the start.
On this day, Heaven's Arena once again concluded with a record-breaking, sensational success.
"Alright everyone, shall we begin our post-match review?"
As if they couldn't wait to get back to the hotel, Gon's group had rented a private room in the arena and even brought in a video player to review the fight. They started with a light discussion of combat techniques and psychological warfare, with Wing providing commentary, before moving on to analyze the Nen, the core of the match.
"Alright, regarding the final phase of the match, let's go around in order, starting with you, Leorio, and say what you think Hisoka did."
"Starting with me? Let's see… I'd say the key moment was when he dug into his own wound. It clearly threw Kastro's concentration and aura into disarray, which made him slow to notice the In that followed."
"Totally agree! And to make it worse, he made the aura he attached to the stone slab harder to see than the aura on the cards. It's tough to strengthen your Gyo even more when you can already see the aura on the cards, especially in the middle of a fight," Killua added.
"More than anything, I was chilled by the fact that the entire fight likely proceeded exactly according to Hisoka's plan from start to finish," said Kurapika. "It's frustrating to admit, but I don't think I can match that combat sense."
"And then there's his insight," Gon said. "He doesn't look it, but he's really smart. His Nen category diagnoses are super accurate. If it weren't for his personality, I bet he could have been a huge success in a different field."
"…I have nothing to say, since I didn't notice the In," Zushi sniffled. "I was even using Gyo… I'm so pathetic… (crying)"
As they all comforted the sobbing Zushi and went over the video point-by-point, the door was thrown open with a bang, and a Kastro wrapped in blood-soaked bandages appeared.
"King! Lord Wing! Though my strength was insufficient, I, Kastro, have returned in one piece!! I am still inexperienced, but I will continue to devote myself to my training! I humbly request your continued guidance and encouragement!"
"Oh, for crying out loud, you should have waited until you were properly treated before coming here. Lie down on that table, Kastro. I can fix that up for you," Leorio said.
"What!? I am indebted to you, Lord Leonario! I will be sure to pay the medical fees at a later date!"
"IT'S LEORIO!!"
The room instantly became livelier, but a few minutes later, arena staff arrived to collect Kastro, so the group began to prepare to head back to the hotel. Just as they finished cleaning up and were about to leave, Kurapika's phone rang.
Kurapika checked the caller and, after a moment of surprise, answered with a grim expression.
"The fact that you're calling this number means you've returned. Is this something we can discuss over the phone?"
Realizing who the caller was, the rest of the group grew tense. On the other end of the line, the deviant clown, his memories restored, laughed.
"I'd prefer to meet and talk with all of you ♥ I've actually caught one of the Spiders' legs. I'd like to borrow your hands as well, so I do hope you'll agree ♦"
"!?… Very well. We are still inside the tower. We won't keep you waiting."
After hanging up, the atmosphere around Kurapika had changed drastically. The sudden shift was so great that Zushi felt a pang of fear. Wing was concerned not only for Kurapika himself but also for Hisoka, the man on the phone.
"Everyone, it is true that in terms of pure strength, Hisoka is a master without peer. However, in all other aspects, he is a dangerous individual who cannot be trusted in the slightest. I do not wish to be overbearing, but please be careful."
In response to Wing's heartfelt warning, Gon and the others just looked puzzled for a moment. Then Gon, followed immediately by the other three, couldn't help but snort and burst out laughing.
"Oh yeah, that's right!" Killua cackled. "He's Hisoka, the psychopathic serial killer!"
"Oh man! It's not that I forgot, but I totally forgot!" Leorio howled. "He's that personality-defective freak who's friends with my brother Illumi!"
As Leorio and Killua continued to roar with laughter, Kurapika, his grim aura now gone, turned to the dumbfounded Wing and bowed his head.
"My apologies, Mr. Wing. It seems we've become far too accustomed to that clown. Your warning is entirely justified. We will take it to heart once more."
He paused, then glanced at the still-laughing Gon and continued as if remembering something.
"Hisoka is certainly an abnormal person, but aside from his strength, there is actually one thing we can trust. And that is the fact that he cannot betray Gon. We don't trust Hisoka so much as we trust Gon, so please, don't worry."
Noticing Wing and Zushi watching him, Gon, still in his child form, struck a 'most muscular' pose in response.
In the once again bright and lively room, Wing wore an exasperated smile, while Zushi beamed with a look of pure admiration for Gon.
***
Author's Afterword:
Pardon the intrusion. Author here.
Here is a supplementary explanation for Kastro's very confusing ability.
Ability Name: My Self
Uses half of his total aura to create an indistinguishable doppelgänger with the same movements and attack power as the main body.
Even he doesn't know why he can fully control two bodies and two sets of eyes with only a single consciousness.
They share damage. If the doppelgänger takes a fatal blow, it's correspondingly painful for him, but it's possible to resist with willpower.
At its current stage, swapping places is automatic. As Hisoka said, its proficiency is too low, so its true potential is still a long way off.
Its completed form might involve fusing with the doppelgänger to double the power of the True Tiger Bite Fist or something! Who knows.
***
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