Killua clenched his fists and rushed forward, his body splitting into streaks of afterimages.
It was the Zoldyck family's signature assassination technique—Limb Twist.
In the original story, Killua once used this technique against Netero during their ball-grabbing test. Though it ultimately failed, the fact he dared use it against the strongest Nen user alive spoke volumes about his confidence in his speed and limbs.
But now—
"Fall."
A faint whisper drifted into Killua's ear.
The next moment, his vision twisted. It was as if Roy had grown an eye on his back. Without even turning around, he raised one hand and flicked it casually behind him.
BOOM.
A terrifying pressure slammed down. Killua's body collapsed, crushed to the ground, his cheek slamming into the dirt as his mouth filled with mud.
"Pffft—bah! Bah! What… the hell?!"
The gravity suddenly lifted. Gasping, Killua scrambled to his feet and wiped his mouth, face full of confusion. He looked at Roy.
"Roy… was that you?"
Roy's lips curled into a smug smile. He had just tested the basics of the Gravity Fruit, and was satisfied.
"Look at you. Can't even stand straight."
"Go home, take a shower, and get some sleep. Don't get in my way."
Killua's face darkened.
As if.
He knew his own strength. His arms could push open the heavy gates of Kukulu Mountain. He could lift several tons. "Falling over" wasn't even in his dictionary.
So there was only one answer—
"He used some kind of weird ability…"
Killua spat the remaining mud from his mouth, staring at Roy with sharp eyes.
This time, he didn't charge in headfirst. Instead, he calmed himself, quickly scanned the area to rule out traps, then dropped his stance again.
He lowered his center of gravity.
His fingers turned into curved blades, arms flowing like twin vipers.
"Snake Life."
The third of the Zoldyck assassination arts.
Killua's hands slashed toward Roy's ribs, the air itself slicing open with a sharp whistle.
At just twelve years old, Killua had already mastered the three assassination techniques to a high level—proof of his monstrous talent.
But—
It still wasn't enough.
Roy didn't even flinch. He raised his staff-sword across his chest like a steel wall.
His Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) spread out invisibly, piercing through space and predicting every twitch of Killua's muscles.
He saw the opening.
And struck.
"ZING!"
The staff-sword slashed in a silver arc toward Killua's neck. It was lightning-fast—far quicker than Killua's Limb Twist could ever be.
Speed Stat: Killua – 40. Roy – 80.
Twice as fast.
Even Killua, no matter how unwilling, could see the truth.
"I… lost."
The blade hovered at the tip of his nose, lifting his bangs slightly.
If Roy hadn't held back, his head would've been rolling.
The gap was undeniable.
Killua slowly retracted his blades, his fists clenched with frustration. The feeling of defeat gnawed at his chest—worse than the time he lost to Silva.
Worse because… this was his brother.
Unable to bear the humiliation, Killua turned and ran, vanishing into the woods.
Roy watched him go with a faint smirk.
"He ran fast."
He didn't chase.
He didn't offer words of comfort.
He didn't need to.
This was the Zoldyck family. If Killua couldn't handle this much, he didn't deserve to be called heir.
But—
"Grandpa, you've seen enough, haven't you?"
Roy's blind eyes turned slightly toward the house behind him.
Creeeak~
A wooden rocking chair squeaked.
From the shadows, an old man leaned back, looking utterly relaxed as if this was all just afternoon entertainment.
He chuckled.
"Heh… can't hide anything from you, huh, brat?"
"What's wrong, can't an old man enjoy some drama?"
Maha Zoldyck, the ancient ancestor of the family, looked at Roy with slightly cloudy but still piercing eyes. In that glance was a trace of something rare in him—
Approval.
"You sensed me. Means you've learned 'En'."
"You dropped Killua with a flick. Means you've awakened your Nen."
"Your swordplay isn't bad either…"
He clicked his tongue and muttered:
"Maybe I should tell Silva to step down. This family's next head should be you."
Roy scoffed.
"Not interested."
Being the Zoldyck patriarch?
Too much work. Not enough sleep.
Even a stray dog had more freedom than the head of the Zoldycks.
"Old man, don't go pushing that crap on me."
Maha smirked.
"Hah! You threatening me now?"
"You better watch it, brat—keep this up and I'll delay your panel updates…"
Roy casually shrugged.
"Go ahead. See if I care."
The old man raised a hand as if to swipe at him—then sighed, letting it drop halfway.
"Tch. Fine."
With a groan, Maha stood up from the rocking chair and waved over his shoulder as he walked off.
"Stop playing with your damn sword and get back to drawing those manga for me!"