Chapter 74: Hisoka's Flipping Stance
Hisoka attacking Ronin was purely a spur-of-the-moment decision.
Even joining this mercenary team to hunt the Phantom Troupe was largely because he had met Chrollo once and become intrigued by his strength.
But Chrollo was always surrounded by at least two other members. Finding a chance to fight him one-on-one was nearly impossible.
Hisoka had previously considered joining the Troupe.
If he became a member assigned to protect Chrollo, he could find ways to isolate or incapacitate the other guard, creating his 1v1 opportunity.
The rule for joining was simple: Kill a current member, and you take their place.
Hisoka's original target was Omokage. But before he could make his move, Omokage was killed by someone named Ronin.
He learned this from a Troupe contact, who also hinted that if Hisoka leaked intel on Ronin or killed him during this operation, they would recommend him for membership.
Unfortunately, Hisoka didn't find Ronin in the building.
Instead, he found a delicious-looking fruit (disguised as Kakashi) and couldn't resist taking a bite.
"Kakashi Hatake, hmm? I'll remember that name. We'll meet again," Hisoka licked his lips and pulled out his phone.
The call connected quickly.
A low, female voice answered. "What? Did you find Ronin?"
"No," Hisoka replied casually.
He turned a corner and saw armed Mafia members approaching.
They glanced at Hisoka and tried to run past him toward the commotion.
As they passed, a playing card appeared in Hisoka's hand. With an elegant flick, he slit their throats.
Blood sprayed across the hallway. Hisoka smiled with sheer pleasure.
"I just had an exciting fight and can't quite calm down. Taking these lives is helping me cool off," Hisoka said, his tone light and cheerful.
"If you called just to show off your perverted hobbies, I suggest you go die quickly," Machi's voice was icy as ever.
"Since there's no news on Ronin, do I need to challenge a member? Who do you think is better: Phinks, Isley or maybe Feitan? They all seem fun."
Since Omokage was dead, he needed a new target.
As for hunting Ronin? He wasn't that interested.
Not because fighting Ronin wasn't appealing, but because finding him seemed easy. Once the Troupe stopped chasing him, Ronin would likely return to the 200th floor of Heavens Arena.
Ronin clearly enjoyed the spotlight and the crowd's cheers.
More importantly, seeing photos and videos of Ronin vs. Uvogin, Hisoka saw a reflection of himself in Ronin's style.
He felt that he didn't even need to issue a formal challenge. If he just showed up and displayed his strength, Ronin would agree to a fight.
Ronin appeared to be a Specialist, but to Hisoka, he felt more like a simple-minded, battle-loving Enhancer.
The only reason Ronin outsmarted the Troupe was his unpredictable abilities.
But recent intel suggested Ronin's actions had become more strategic after leaving the arena.
He probably got a teammate, Hisoka deduced.
If the Troupe really wanted to catch Ronin, they should target his support network. Without a strategist, dealing with Ronin would be much easier for Chrollo and Shalnark.
"You're looking for death!" Machi snapped.
Hearing this, Hisoka's smile widened.
"I heard Uvogin died too. That leaves two empty spots. I think I'm qualified to fill one," Hisoka said, aiming to spike her blood pressure.
Before he finished, the line went dead.
Omokage had some utility, but not much. Uvogin was a pure combatant. Hisoka felt confident he could fill either role perfectly.
I hope Machi doesn't let personal feelings interfere with business.
A text message tone beeped. Hisoka opened it. It was from Machi.
"Why do you want to join the Troupe?"
Hisoka hesitated, then typed: "I want to challenge Chrollo."
Machi replied with two words: "Go die."
Hisoka scrolled through his contacts. If joining the Troupe wasn't an option, maybe he could collaborate with Ronin.
If they cut off all the Spider's legs, he would get his chance to duel the head.
But how to contact Ronin?
Hisoka found a name: Illumi.
"I need the contact info for Miria, the Golden Agent of Heavens Arena," Hisoka said directly.
"Sure. But you have to come to the Ajen Continent on the 17th. I have a mission," Illumi's voice was devoid of emotion.
Hisoka rubbed his temples. "That's far. Fine."
"Wait. Also, wire me 500,000 Jenny. That's the intel fee. No credit," Illumi hung up before Hisoka could answer.
Three minutes after Hisoka transferred the money, a number appeared on his phone.
After parting ways with Hisoka, Ronin took another route to the roof.
During the fight, he had sensed something odd.
More than one person had scanned them with En. But when he traced the source, he only found Zeno's aura.
That's annoying.
On the roof, he checked the time. Less than ten minutes until the auction started.
The Troupe should be making their move soon.
Ronin formed a cross seal. Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Four clones appeared. They transformed into "Kakashi" and re-entered the building.
Suddenly, Ronin's phone rang. The caller ID showed Miria.
"Hello? Calling at this hour?"
"Yes. Someone contacted me wanting to collaborate with you," Miria said concisely. "I'll give you the number. Whether you work with him is up to you."
"Name?"
"Hisoka."
Ronin was surprised. He had just left Hisoka, and now the guy who wanted to join the Phantom Troupe was contacting him through Miria?
Is he trying to scam intel out of me to sell to the Troupe?
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