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Now that they had exchanged names, the fight could officially begin.
In truth, Anak was more than satisfied with how things were going. The worst-case scenario for him would have been facing Gon and Taeki two against one. This time, he had avoided that horror: the duel would be one on one.
Anak, a predatory smile curling his lips, said with dripping irony:
Anak: Thanks for being such an idiot.
He lunged at Gon, raising his knee with a brutal, lightning-fast motion, aiming to smash Gon's stomach…
But Gon didn't flinch. His hand slammed onto Anak's knee and stopped the attack dead. His eyes shone with an arrogant calm.
Gon: I think you haven't quite understood the situation. I'm not the prey here… you are.
Before Anak could react, Gon lifted his left leg and brought it down like an axe, aiming to crush his opponent's head into the ground. Panicked, Anak snapped his head up at the last moment and tried to back away, but Gon followed with a lightning kick to the face. The impact cracked like thunder and sent Anak flying several meters, his body scraping the pavement.
Gon gave a thin, mocking smile.
Gon: I'd say you're about Taeki's level… maybe even a bit stronger. Too bad for you it's me you ran into first.
Anak staggered to his feet, lips split, breathing heavy. He spat on the ground and snorted.
Anak: I admit, you're stronger than I thought… but don't get cocky. In our crew I'm only number four. And I warn you… the others are all way stronger than me.
As he spoke, he pulled a knife hidden beneath his clothes. The blade flashed ominously.
Gon raised an eyebrow, amused.
Gon: I wonder whether I should be more afraid of your knife… or of your superiors.
Without answering the provocation, Anak charged, closing the distance in a blink. He threw the knife aiming for Gon's belly. Gon dodged with a hop to the left, but Anak seized the opening: an uppercut snapped against Gon's jaw, then a brutal low kick hit his leg.
Gon wavered but reacted instantly. He spun and delivered a spinning kick with inhuman violence. Anak lifted his left arm to block… and a horrible crack rang out. His hand had fractured under the force of the blow.
Pain contorted his face, and he screamed in rage:
Anak: It's over!
In the same motion he produced a second hidden knife and drove it into Gon's left flank. Blood spattered; Gon jumped back, a brief grimace crossing his features.
Gon placed a hand on the wound, then let out a cold chuckle.
Gon: Impressive. You sacrificed your left hand just to land a deciding blow… You fight like a real professional.
But the air shifted the moment those words left him. The atmosphere turned icy. Anak felt his hairs rise, his breathing quicken. A crushing aura emanated from Gon's body, like a beast waking. His legs trembled despite himself.
Before he even understood what was happening… Gon was there. Right beside him. His gaze, icy, pierced his soul.
Gon (in a cutting voice): But that's it.
A knee smashed into his ribcage. Anak howled as his ribs shattered like glass. His vision blurred; his body lurched. By reflex he tried to flee, but Gon caught him instantly and slammed his head to the ground with relentless brutality.
Gon: Listen to me. From now on, you answer every single one of my questions. Understood?
He squeezed at his nape as if to crush it. Anak was gasping, unable to answer. Then, voices echoed down the alley.
???: I told you, he can handle himself.
???: Okay, fine, you won… But don't count on me buying you food.
???: Cheater.
Gon turned, his face still hard. Two familiar silhouettes stepped forward: Zack and Taeki.
Gon: What the hell are you two doing here?
Zack shrugged, playing innocent.
Zack: Well, actually…
Taeki cut in, laughing.
Taeki: We bet on your fight. I bet on your win… and he bet on your loss.
Veins tightened on Gon's forehead.
Gon: You filthy bastards! he spat angrily.
Zack stuck his tongue out, provocative.
Zack: Stop whining. You won, isn't that what matters?
Taeki sighed and nodded toward Anak.
Taeki: You can settle your childish stuff later. Could you finish what you were doing first?
Gon turned back to Anak, his expression icy again.
Gon: Ah yes, that's right.
He lowered his gaze to the crushed figure on the ground and resumed, voice merciless:
Gon: Who do you work for? What's your objective? I want everything. Anyway… you get it. Now speak.
Breathing hard, Anak gave in.
Anak: Okay, okay… calm down. Whether you know or not won't change anything. I'm part of a crew called the Dragon Crew. We want to make this city our territory… it's a lawless zone, the government barely cares. So we can do whatever we want here.
Gon: And what exactly are you going to 'do' there? Your boss — is his name Arthur?
Anak: Drug trafficking… organ trafficking… and no. Our boss is called Dragon.
An ironic smile stretched across Gon's lips.
Gon: Seriously? Even for the name, you didn't bother.
Anak: You laugh a lot for someone who's going to die soon.
Gon: Weren't you supposed to kill me too?
Anak: You don't understand the situation. I'm only number four. The others are way stronger than me.
Gon (chuckling): I'll just beat them up too, then.
Taeki spoke up, serious.
Taeki: Quick question… When exactly are your guys coming?
Anak: …In a little over a month.
Zack snapped his fingers.
Zack: Hmmm… I see. Well, I'm leaving town. And I'll come back… let's see… never? Yeah, smart idea. Anyway, good luck, see you later.
He tried to slip away, but Taeki grabbed him by the collar and pulled him back.
Taeki: You're really going to abandon the city like that? If Gon and I lose, a lot of people will suffer.
Zack shrugged, indifferent.
Zack: …So what? That's their problem. As long as Lina isn't involved, I don't care.
Gon clenched his fists; his voice snapped like a whip.
Gon: Think, idiot! Do you really believe Lina will agree to leave with you just like that? For her, this place is surely a home. So yes, she'll be involved.
Zack fell silent for a moment, considering. Finally he sighed and said:
Zack: So? What's the plan?
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