When Kurapika got off the bus in Molding City, his mind was still full of Heavens Arena.
But that worry didn't last long.
Because someone sent him an update by text message.
Kurapika hadn't been away from the village for long, but he'd always been quick-minded and sharp. Naturally, when he left Heavens Arena, he'd already arranged a few things.
The message came from a fight enthusiast who spent years hanging around Heavens Arena.
The entire text was describing how shocking Ronin's fight with Uvogin had been.
Ronin's titles had even changed—from "Supernova" and "Crimson Meteor" to "Fire God," "Flame Emperor," "Controller of Fire," and so on…
But those weren't what Kurapika cared about.
He only cared about two things:
First—Ronin didn't die, but he disappeared. At least, he hadn't shown up in the two days after Kurapika left.
Second—Uvogin didn't die either. He was gravely injured and rescued. And there had been three people near the ring who tried to move against Ronin.
Kurapika recorded their characteristics carefully. That way, next time he saw them, he could recognize them quickly and gain at least a bit of initiative.
Looking back over Ronin's actions, Kurapika could see many traces of "idealized thinking."
Clearly, Ronin wasn't good at planning.
If Kurapika had been there to help, he was confident he could've ensured Ronin had enough time to kill Uvogin on the ring and then leave safely.
What a waste.
Still, through various channels, Kurapika had also learned about Nen.
And one interpretation he found said that Enhancer types like Ronin tended to be simpler-minded, relying more on intuition than careful schemes.
Maybe nii-san Ronin reaching that level in Heavens Arena had also been more instinct than optimal calculation.
But precisely because nii-san Ronin wasn't good at planning and plotting… he needed Kurapika even more.
Kurapika clenched his fist.
Nii-san Ronin could be the strongest spear.
And Kurapika's job would be to ensure that spear could unleash its destructive power to the fullest.
Two days later, Kurapika met Ronin at the station.
Ronin had done a simple disguise. Kurapika also wasn't wearing the Kurta traditional clothes anymore—just casual wear.
The moment they met, they hugged.
Ronin hadn't expected the usually reserved Kurapika from the manga to show this side.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," Ronin said after letting go.
Kurapika shook his head.
"It's a shame my planning was too simple," Ronin said as he led Kurapika out of the station. "I almost put myself in danger, and I still couldn't finish Uvogin."
Sometimes he had to admit it:
In fighting, he was good.
In analysis and planning, he was far weaker.
If he'd planned better, he might've kept Uvogin on the ring for good.
Hisoka's "review" really was gaining credibility.
So this was an Enhancer, huh?
All stats dumped into combat.
"You already did great," Kurapika said. "And burning him to death would've been letting him off too easily. I heard uncle—" Kurapika looked at Ronin apologetically.
"I know," Ronin said bluntly. "He was the one who stomped it to pieces while chasing me."
"Sorry," Kurapika still said.
Ronin shook his head. "So him surviving this time means he was lucky—and unlucky. Next time we meet, I'll take his head."
"We'll do it together," Kurapika said firmly.
"Of course. You're my strategist now." After this incident, Ronin had gained some self-awareness.
And compared to scheming and plotting, he preferred focusing on training.
Whether it was revenge or collecting Scarlet Eyes, both strength and money were indispensable.
Kurapika was sharp, meticulous, and flexible. Handing those matters to him made Ronin feel at ease.
While they talked, they arrived at the hotel Kurapika had already booked.
Ronin had reached Molding City by using Sharingan genjutsu to influence people along the way, so there was no way to track him through records.
And since Kurapika booked the hotel, it would be even harder to find Ronin through investigation.
"But it's still not completely safe," Kurapika said once they sat down, thinking through the intel Ronin had provided. "If Nen didn't exist, your method would've been excellent.
But with Nen, some special methods could still narrow down your approximate location. And once they have a direction, an investigation could eventually lead to us.
And since you're a public figure now, the chance of being discovered is even higher. So the best option is not to stay in one place too long.
Or we set up early warning measures—verify whether they're actually investigating—and then decide whether to counter or withdraw.
In short, we must keep the initiative in our hands as much as possible."
"Then can we use me as bait to lure the Troupe?" Ronin asked.
"Not feasible," Kurapika shook his head. "What you showed in Heavens Arena is already enough to make them take you seriously.
If we use bait tactics recklessly, it could backfire—you could truly be swallowed.
Because the next time the Troupe confronts you, it won't be like Heavens Arena where they only brought five people and still let you fight Uvogin one-on-one.
It's far more likely they'll attack you together. With your strength, how many can you handle at once?"
Ronin shook his head. "In a one-on-one, I'm not afraid. Two or three, I can escape. More than three, the chance of dying is very high."
If he could activate Lightning Release chakra mode, Ronin was confident in running.
That was one reason he hadn't panicked even when Shalnark blocked him in the corridor.
What he lacked now was control in that mode—and sufficient chakra. Once both improved, his combat power would leap massively.
Kurapika's eyes lit up. "Can I learn Nen?"
He didn't just want to help Ronin outside of battle.
He wanted to personally kill the scum who slaughtered the Kurta.
Ronin understood what Kurapika was thinking.
"Of course," Ronin said naturally. "But step by step. Build your foundation first—so you can master Nen better and go further."
Kurapika nodded hard.
Ronin didn't believe bloodshed had to be something he alone carried. If Kurapika wanted revenge, then he could pursue it.
They would do it together.
And revenge wouldn't have to become Kurapika's entire future. Kurapika deserved a broader life.
"I told you before," Ronin said, his expression serious. "Once we reached Molding City, I'd tell you a secret."
Kurapika also straightened, preparing solemnly.
~~~
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