As the sun set, Killua, Gon, and Alluka happily explored the ship. Kurapika was dealing with the other ship that carried his clansmen. Everyone had something to do, and even by dinner time, Saiki Kusuo still hadn't left the bathroom.
Why? Because he still couldn't get the robe clean.
If it weren't for the hard-to-copy cut on the robe, he would've just asked Gotoh to bring him a new one.
Dinner for the examinees had been prepared by the old lady. It was a set portion, and everyone would get their share.
"There's an extra one here! Granny, can I have it? I'm still hungry!"
"Oh… sorry, that one's for another examinee. Strange, they're still not down yet."
"Killua, could it be your brother? I don't think I've seen him all afternoon!"
"You don't think he doesn't know it's dinner time, right…? Grandma, do you know which room number 400 is in?" Killua jumped over to ask.
Hearing his number called, Saiki Kusuo paid a bit of attention to what was happening downstairs—while holding two pieces of red fabric in his hands.
Turns out the washing-machine method couldn't clean it properly, so he started scrubbing it by hand… and now the robe was falling apart…
Saiki Kusuo sighed and tried restoring the coat. Since most of the torn fabric was still in the water, he accidentally ended up soaking the robe all over again after restoring it.
Whatever. Getting wet is step one of washing anyway. He'd just look up other ways to clean this kind of situation after dinner.
Right now, he was wearing straight pants, a black tank top, and a long-sleeved soft armor underneath. The tank top had wide straps that showed his arms. When he wore the outer robe on top, the outfit looked normal. Without it, the inner-long/outer-short combo looked really weird.
To keep his younger brothers from worrying, Saiki Kusuo went downstairs.
The change in his outfit only drew a few glances from people who knew him. Saiki Kusuo grabbed his dinner and, for once, sat down with Killua and the others.
"Brother Kusuo!" Alluka happily gave him a hug.
Saiki Kusuo didn't move an inch and calmly ate his meal.
"Where's your red robe, Killua's brother?" Gon asked.
The question he really didn't want to hear.
"It was too hot, so Brother Kusuo took it off, right? Plus, there was blood on it. I would've taken it off too."
Yeah. Took it off. Might never wear it again.
[Anyway, did you all have fun?] Saiki Kusuo asked.
He knew the Hunter Exam was already halfway through, and there wasn't much "fun time" left.
"Happy! Super happy!" Alluka threw her hands up, and only then did Saiki Kusuo notice the bandage on her chin. With x-ray vision, he saw a small purple bruise underneath.
[What happened here?] Saiki Kusuo reached out to touch Alluka.
"Oh, she accidentally bumped into the deck!" Killua answered.
[I told you to protect Alluka. She's more delicate than you two. Even when you're playing, you need to be more careful.] Saiki Kusuo scolded. Since it was on the deck, it must've happened during the day. Without saying anything, he used his powers to quietly heal Alluka.
"Got it—Brother Kusuo is so strict!" Killua grinned and casually put his hands behind his head.
[Just reminding you before you forget from having too much fun. Killua, the Hunter Exam will throw all kinds of tough stuff at you. No matter what happens… you remember, right? You must never let Alluka—] Saiki Kusuo didn't finish, but Killua already understood what he meant.
"Yeah, Kikyo, I swear I'll protect her. Don't worry, Brother Kusuo."
The moment Alluka's power was mentioned, Killua got serious.
You *do* understand, huh? Right now Illumi has control of the surveillance. If something goes wrong and Alluka uses her power during the coming storm, you'll probably be disqualified early.
The storm—yeah, Saiki Kusuo had already seen it coming. Soon, they'd all be caught up in a disaster.
Gon looked around: "What are you guys even talking about? All your sentences are only half-finished!"
Killua smirked: "Brother Kusuo said if Alluka gets hurt again, he's gonna give both you and me a big punch!"
"Huh? Why me too?"
"Because you said you'd protect Alluka too, right? We share the fun, we share the pain!"
Gon looked a little confused, then nodded seriously: "Oh… I get it now!"
You could've at least argued a little. Saiki Kusuo muttered to himself.
After dinner, Saiki Kusuo returned to his room—only to find someone standing outside.
It was Chrollo.
Saiki Kusuo instantly read his mind—he was sharing a room with Hisoka.
Poor guy.
[This is my private room, Chrollo. If you want a room swap, you'll have to ask someone else.]
"Ugh, I just really wanted a room to myself," Chrollo sighed, which was rare for him.
Saiki Kusuo tilted his head.
Why did he think I'd give up my room and go sleep with Hisoka instead?
"I can just sit and sleep. I don't need the bed," Chrollo said.
[Why would I want to share a room with you? Sure, we've been on missions before, but maybe I should turn you into a rock for three days instead.]
Obviously, Saiki Kusuo had no intention of giving up his room again like on that past mission. Chrollo could only switch tactics and offer a deal: "Do you have any wishes right now?"
Yeah, right. Chrollo, even you don't believe this is going to work, do you? Coming to me for a deal is pointless.
I mean, come on—what would a psychic need to wish for? Is there anything I can't handle by myself?
Anything at all…
[…Actually, there is one thing. If you can do it.]
"Oh?" Chrollo was surprised he got a yes. He had already been prepared to sleep outside somewhere.
Don't feel bad—people from Meteor City are used to sleeping outdoors like it's no big deal.
Saiki Kusuo: [You know my jacket, right? I… don't know how to wash it.]
Chrollo: …
Saiki Kusuo · Assassin Family · Heir · Zoldyck: …
Chrollo · Infamous · Leader of the Phantom Troupe · Lucilfer: …
For the first time, Chrollo started to really see Saiki Kusuo as a spoiled rich kid.
He had imagined all kinds of scenarios, but he never would've guessed Saiki Kusuo didn't even know how to wash clothes.
So now it came down to this: wash a jacket, or go back and share a room with Hisoka?
Let's be real—no one wanted to room with Hisoka. The odds of switching were slim, and even if you did, it'd still be a double room.
After a long pause, Chrollo finally made a gesture: [Come on in.]
Saiki Kusuo pulled out his key, opened the door, and stepped inside.
Let's get one thing straight—it's not that I couldn't do it. Washing clothes? I know all the steps. I've cleaned them just fine before. A little blood? If I hadn't been worried you'd find it suspicious, I could've just restored it back and solved everything. So... forget it, not worth explaining. Saiki Kusuo silently grumbled in his mind.
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