Gon and Hisoka's match ended just as expected—with Hisoka's victory. Even though it was predictable, I still couldn't help feeling frustrated that Gon had lost.
"Guess that clears the immediate goal."
"Yeah. But… I still lost…"
He'd achieved his objective of landing a hit on Hisoka, but Gon was clearly chewing on his frustration. The gap in ability was simply too wide—an obvious fact. Still, knowing that doesn't make it any easier for the one who lost.
"It's alright. If it's you, Gon, you'll surpass Hisoka someday. It's a shame this time, but think of it as experience."
"Yeah. Against someone like Hisoka, that was a good fight. I can't afford to slack off either."
"Seriously. It's hard to believe he hasn't even been using Nen for half a year yet. He's even more talented than I imagined. If gems like this are lying around everywhere, then accepting Aisha's request was the right call."
Looks like Bisky saw Gon's potential too. As expected of Bisky—she has a sharp eye for talent.
"Thanks. But it's still frustrating. Hisoka was obviously holding back…"
"…Yeah. He definitely used less aura than he did in his match against Castro."
"Not just that. Even in close combat, he avoided vital points so he wouldn't injure Gon more than necessary."
So they noticed he was holding back.
Well, of course they did. After watching his fight with Castro, they had some grasp of Hisoka's strength. That probably wasn't even his full power either. There's still more depth to him.
…He's an unpleasant guy, but I might actually look forward to fighting him someday.
"That's only natural. You're still immature—a rough gem that's only just begun to be polished. Do you realize how refined your opponent is?"
"Exactly. This is only the beginning for you, Gon—and for Killua and Kurapika too. You've only just reached the foot of the mountain called Nen."
Kurapika hasn't even reached the first ridge yet. Actually, I'm not sure which ridge I've reached either. The path of martial arts is long and steep. There are countless people who devote their entire lives and still never reach halfway.
But these three… perhaps they could. They have that kind of potential.
"Yeah. You're right! I'll train harder and get stronger! And someday, I'll definitely become stronger than Hisoka!"
That's the spirit! A man can't just stay defeated forever! When I lost to Netero, I trained so hard out of frustration that I cut back on sleep and meals. Nostalgic memories. Riina used to beg me to rest.
"By the way, there's nothing left to do here. What's next? Are we going to Gon's place like we talked about? Or are we staying to train more?"
"No one has matches scheduled right now, and the timing's good—why don't we go to Gon's home? I've never been to Whale Island before, so I'm looking forward to it."
Even when I was traveling during Ryushou's time, or later wandering alone as Aisha, I never stopped by Whale Island. From what I've heard, it's full of nature. Clean air, fresh seafood and mountain harvests… sounds wonderful.
"I'm fine with that."
"Great. Actually, I've already bought airship tickets for all of us."
"How excited were you, exactly?"
"I-it's fine to look forward to it, isn't it?"
I mean, I've been invited to a friend's house! Do you know how long it's been? Actually… I don't either. The last time I visited a friend's house was probably before coming to this world.
Netero doesn't count. He's a rival (friend)—not quite the same as a best friend.
Anyway, I got so excited that I went ahead and bought the tickets.
"I have no objections to going to Whale Island. In fact, I'd like to go as soon as possible… If this increase in training continues, I might actually die. Gon, did you know? There's a somewhat lazy female shinigami ferrying people across the Sanzu River."
Kurapika muttered this with hollow eyes. Shinigami? Ferry? What is he talking about…?
…Did we overdo the training?
"(Hey, isn't this bad?)"
"(Y-yes… it seems we may have overstuffed the training a little…)"
"(That's why I said we should stop…)"
"(In my training, that amount is normal…)"
"(Don't compare them to you, Sensei.)"
"What did you do to Kurapika? He's twitching a little!"
"I-it was just training?"
"Maybe I'd believe that if you could say it without looking away."
Tch. Sharp as ever, Killua! What a promising talent!
"Hey, Kurapika! Kurapika!!"
"—Huh!? What was I…?"
Ah, his consciousness is back.
This happens occasionally lately. Maybe we should dial back the training pace. Kurapika's mental state is heading toward critical.
"Am I going to be able to handle training that makes Kurapika like that?"
"…I'm not confident either."
"I don't really get it, but don't say that. Let's grow stronger together. …If you join, maybe the hell will be divided. I won't let you escape."
"You're leaking your true intentions."
Kurapika, please relax on Whale Island!
"Well then, let's head to the airport. We need to check in or we'll miss our flight."
"Right. We can talk on the airship."
"Yeah. We'll take the airship to the port city, then board a ship to Whale Island. The last time I passed through Whale Island was on the way to the Hunter Exam, so I didn't get to sightsee. This time, I'll take my time."
"I wish Leorio could've come too."
"Haha, Leorio's unlucky. …By the way, can I finally ask something?"
"What is it? Hurry up or we'll be late."
"Who the hell are you!? Why are you casually part of this conversation!? We just met, didn't we!? Gon, say something already!!"
Ah. The inevitable retort finally arrived.
Bisky had joined us when we met up after Gon's match, but she blended into the conversation so naturally that I thought everyone had just accepted it.
"Well, you were talking so normally, I figured everyone knew each other."
"Oh right, I haven't introduced myself. I've heard about you from Aisha many times, and I've watched a few of your matches, so I completely forgot."
"That's true. We hadn't formally met. I forgot too."
Are you guys really okay with that? Though I can't complain—I didn't say anything either.
"My name's Bisky—Biscuit Krueger. I'm a Pro Hunter, so you could say I'm your senior. Right now, I'm helping Aisha with her request. I hate stiff formalities, so just call me Bisky. Nice to meet you."
"I'm Gon. Nice to meet you, Bisky."
"…Killua. Helping Aisha with what exactly?"
"With training, Killua. Thanks to her, Kurapika's growth has been extraordinary."
Honestly, without her, we probably wouldn't even be halfway through our current regimen. The recovery time she shortens is a huge help.
…Though that may be what's creating Kurapika's endless hell.
"Helping with training? You?"
Uh-oh. Don't judge by appearances, Killua. Nen users defy common sense. She's actually the oldest one here.
Bisky? Why are you glaring at me? I'm not thinking anything at all.
"Don't underestimate her, Killua. Bisky is stronger than you think. I've never once beaten her."
"Huh? This woman?"
"Even as strong as Kurapika's gotten, he can't beat her."
"Well, I do have more years under my belt."
"How old are you, anyway?"
Fair question. She looks like a beautiful girl not much older than Gon and the others. They'd never guess she's over fifty.
"Hohoho. Asking a lady's age is bad manners."
"At least I can tell you're older than us."
"Yeah, I can't tell at all from how you look. Is that Nen too?"
Since she didn't bother putting on an act from the start this time, it's natural they'd sense she's older.
"By the way, what are you two planning after Whale Island? We'll be returning to training, so if you'd like, I'd love for you to join us."
They've been practicing Ten and Ren daily. They should be able to keep up.
"Yeah. I want to get stronger too. So please train me!"
"I'm in too."
"Then Bisky, no objections?"
"None at all. If it's these two, I'd ask them myself. But of course, the payment for my request continues."
"…I know."
Sigh. How long will this dress-up doll situation continue? And every time I change outfits, she takes dozens of photos. Please don't preserve those forms in history…
"Payment? If it's money, I'll pay!"
"Yeah. It's training for us. Aisha doesn't need to pay, right?"
Gon, Killua! I really appreciate the sentiment.
But it's impossible. If money could solve it, I would've done so long ago…
"The payment is Dress-Up Aisha-chan. …Want to take my place?"
"Sorry, Aisha. I'm… weak!"
"Alright, let's get to the airport. Oh look, perfect timing—a taxi."
"You two switch sides fast!?"
Damn it! I'll show you true hell in training! Just you wait!
They boarded the airship without delay and began their journey through the skies. Arrival was scheduled for three days later, so we could take it easy.
Of course, I fully intended to make everyone train to extend their Ken duration during the trip.
"Still, I'll admit airships are convenient—but can't they fly faster?"
"That's asking too much. They can travel in a straight line to the destination without obstacles. We'll just have to tolerate a bit of slowness."
"I like airships. Being up high makes it exciting."
"I enjoy airship travel as well. You get to see scenery you normally never would."
Honestly, I'd love to own a private airship someday. I wonder how much one costs? I should look into it later.
"I don't hate it either. But if they could fly faster, travel time wouldn't be wasted, right?"
"You're still such a child~. You don't understand the romance of a journey."
"Shut up. I know I'm a kid."
Oops. Killua's sulking now. He probably hates being treated like a child. Wants to grow up quickly, doesn't want to be patronized—but knows he is still a kid. That kind of frustration. Ah, adolescence.
And Killua, don't worry. Travel time won't be wasted. The Aisha Boot Camp knows no location limits. Life itself is training, you know?
"Now, now, Killua. The reason airships are slow can't be helped. There's a reason for it."
"A reason? What kind of reason makes them have to be slow?"
There is a reason. The speed limit of airships—of aircraft in general—relates to a secret of the world. An unspoken agreement among informed adults. A truth about the world you won't learn in school.
"Aisha… you're not going to—"
"Bisky. They may be children. But they are licensed Pro Hunters who have earned that title. They have the right to know, and they bear responsibility for their choices. We don't need to treat them like children in everything."
Of course, they're not fully mature adults yet. But once you carry the title of Pro, responsibility follows—regardless of age. That's what having qualifications means.
Well… Killua doesn't technically have a Pro Hunter license.
…Eh, close enough.
"…You're right. Fine. If that's your stance, I won't object."
"Thank you, Bisky."
"What are you even talking about?"
"The truth of this world."
"The truth of the world? What's that got to do with airships being slow?"
It has everything to do with it, Killua. In this world, science has advanced enough to produce nuclear missiles—technology not so different from the world I came from.
So why are airships the only means of air travel? Why don't high-speed passenger planes exist like they did in my previous world?
"I'll explain. Are you familiar with a world map?"
"Of course. They sell them everywhere. Everyone's seen one at least once."
"I see. Then tell me, Killua—what is a world map?"
"What do you mean? It's exactly what it sounds like. A map of the world."
"And what is 'the world'?"
"That's obvious. All the land and sea in this world. What else would there be?"
That's the natural answer. A world map is, by definition, a map of the entire world.
"Just as you said. But if that's the case… then I've never seen a world map."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"…I don't follow, Aisha. Even if you're from Meteor City, you've traveled the world. Surely you've seen a world map."
They're looking at me suspiciously. That's fine. I'm about to tell them the truth.
"The map we know is not a world map. It's a map of only a portion of the world. Nothing beyond that is recorded."
"Beyond?"
"I mean exactly that. Beyond the boundaries of the map we know lies a vast world—far larger than the one inside it."
"!!!?"
The world shown on our maps is merely a tiny fragment of a much larger world. The unexplored land humanity has yet to conquer is called the Dark Continent.
In the past, humanity attempted expeditions there several times—but each time, great calamities befell them. Because of that, the five major modern continents—known collectively as the V5—signed a non-aggression treaty.
There are ways to reach the Dark Continent. But they require numerous conditions. Even a president-level authority couldn't easily fulfill them, and it would take an enormous amount of time.
"That is the truth of the world. The world shown on our maps—the one we might not even finish exploring in a lifetime—"
"…Is just a tiny piece of the real world?"
"…Amazing. That's amazing…!"
"I've never seen or heard of this in any documents or ancient texts. To think such a world exists…"
All three of them look exhilarated. I expected that from Gon and Killua, but not Kurapika. He reads countless documents—perhaps this ignited his thirst for knowledge. It seems he's never encountered anything even hinting at the Dark Continent before.
"Now then. Can you connect this to why airships are slow?"
"—I see! The V5 prohibits expeditions to the Dark Continent. So—"
"They don't make high-speed airships!"
"Ohhh! If there were super-fast airships, people might just fly there on their own!"
Exactly. That's the reason. Modern weapons like missiles exist, yet no high-speed passenger aircraft were ever developed. Anyone attempting to create one would face punishment far beyond ordinary crimes.
When I first learned about the Dark Continent, I was shocked too. Netero told me over drinks once. I haven't had alcohol in this body yet—but when I come of age, I'll drink with him again.
"I want to go there someday!"
"Don't. Even getting permission is a nightmare. And if you do, it's basically a monitored sightseeing tour in a designated area."
"I still want to go! Just imagining what kind of world is out there makes my heart race!"
"…It really does feel like the world just expanded. I haven't felt this kind of curiosity since I read a certain book as a child."
Kurapika looked both happy—and faintly melancholic.
He's probably remembering the past he lost. His aura carried complicated emotions.
"Well, you can ponder it all you like—but it's time to train. We can't do intense workouts here, so we'll focus on extending Ren duration and practicing Gyo."
"Agreed. Kurapika aside, Gon and Killua still lack a solid foundation. We shouldn't push too hard while Gon's visiting home, so we'll focus on those two."
"Osu! Please train us!"
"Alright! I'm gonna surpass Kurapika! Aisha! Make mine tougher than his!"
"A warning, Killua. If you see the ferryman at the Sanzu River, don't call out to her. If she looks lazy, quietly turn back the way you came."
"I don't want a near-death experience! And why are you assuming I'm going to die!?"
"It's fine, Killua. Kurapika hasn't died yet."
"What do you mean 'yet'? That doesn't sound reassuring at all…"
It's really fine. Humans are surprisingly sturdy, you know?
Even so, Gon and Killua look like criminals standing on the gallows. Even Bisky is nodding. Only Kurapika looks pleased. Is he happy someone will share his suffering?
…No. That's the relief of having his training allocation reduced.
Though I was planning to return to the original training amount anyway.
…Was the original amount really that harsh?
◆
Mmm, such nice weather today. Perfect for hanging laundry. I wonder what Gon is doing under this same sky.
Ever since he contacted me about passing the Hunter Exam, I haven't heard a word. Passing is great—but I hope he's not getting himself into anything dangerous…
Sigh. Worrying won't change anything. Gon is Jin's son, after all. If anything, he's probably diving headfirst into trouble.
…I just hope he's safe.
As I hung the laundry, a familiar voice echoed from somewhere.
"Mitooo-saaan!"
"Gon!?"
I turned with a sense of certainty—and there he was, waving as he ran toward me.
Ah, it's really Gon. He looks just as energetic as ever. Has he grown taller? His hair seems longer too—I'll have to trim it later.
Honestly. If you're coming home, at least let me know. I would've prepared better ingredients.
But… who are the people with him?
They look about his age—a boy and girl—and a slightly older man and woman.
Friends? Fellow Hunters? Can children that young really be Pro Hunters? And that woman and girl are both quite pretty… what's their relationship?
"I'm home, Mito-san!"
"Welcome back, Gon. Really, you should've told me you were coming. I need time to prepare."
"It's fine! Let me introduce everyone."
Introduce? So they are friends? Or… is one of the girls actually his girlfriend?
Surely not… though now that I think about it, Gon has gone on dates before.
Jin suddenly returned home with a child one day. And Gon resembles him. It's not impossible…
If that's the case, I'll have to properly educate him. A girlfriend at this age is too soon. They can't have known each other that long since he left Whale Island.
…It's not that I'm jealous because I don't have anyone.
After introductions, my worries proved unfounded. Bisky-chan aside, the other three were comrades from the Hunter Exam. Gon called them irreplaceable best friends.
I'm so glad. There weren't many kids his age on Whale Island.
Kurapika-kun and Aisha-chan are so polite—it's hard to believe they're professional Hunters.
Killua-kun is a bit blunt, but he's just a shy, cute boy.
Bisky-chan doesn't seem like a peer, more like a senior Hunter teaching them things.
They're all such good kids. I can see why Gon would be drawn to them. Maybe he has the same charisma Jin does.
"I'll prepare dinner. You all go take baths. I'm sure the ship's baths weren't great. Girls first, of course. Gon, show them the way."
"Thank you. We'll take you up on that."
"Ah, Bisky can go first. I'll go later."
Oh? Is Aisha-chan shy about bathing together? They're both girls—it's nothing to be embarrassed about.
"I don't mind, Aisha. Come on, let's go together."
"Um, you do understand, right? I—"
"I said I don't mind. If we split up, we'll make the boys wait longer. And it's not like you'd care about someone seeing you naked by now, right?"
"It's not me, it's Bisky who—"
"Alright, alright. Let's go. Your hair care looks a bit sloppy anyway—I'll teach you properly."
…Something feels slightly different about Bisky-chan, but maybe that's just how close friends are.
Aisha-chan was dragged—escorted—to the bath.
What on earth is she so reluctant about?
No time to dwell. I need to cook for five.
Hehe. Usually it's just Grandma and me. Cooking for others like this really is fun.
Alright then—let's give it my all!
◆
We stayed one night at Gon's home. Yesterday was a great day.
Mito-san was just like Gon had described, and the river fish his friend—the Foxbear—had given him was delicious. Plus, we'd been told there'd be no training for the day, so we could relax. It was a nice refresh.
Now then—I was fired up, thinking real Nen training would start today, when Gon brought out a strange box.
Apparently, his dad had told Mito-san to give it to him once he became a Hunter.
"Hey, how do you open this thing?"
From the looks of it, there wasn't any switch or latch. I tried forcing it open—no, I put a lot of strength into it—but it didn't budge at all.
"Hm. If even Killua can't break it, then it's not an ordinary box."
"Yeah. If it were just an iron box, even welded shut, I could twist it open."
Annoying—but Kurapika's probably right. It looks like iron… but maybe there's some mechanism?
Mechanism… given after becoming a Hunter… something gained after becoming a Hunter… strange box… strange power…!
"I've got it."
"Yeah. Nen."
"Nen? What about Nen?"
"This box. If it's meant to be given after becoming a Hunter, then maybe something you gain after that is needed to open it."
"That's likely. Gon, try holding the box and using Ten."
Gon held the box and activated Ten.
The box that hadn't budged suddenly fell apart into pieces.
Bingo.
So Nen really was the key.
Inside was… another box.
Don't tell me there's another box inside that one too? If that's the punchline, I'm decking this Jin guy. Absolutely.
"The material covering this box is just ordinary iron fragments. Nothing special about it. …But what's this pattern? It's drawn on every piece."
"This looks like… the pattern on the Oath Thread Wing-san gave me!"
"Yeah. He said it was designed to snap if you used Nen on it."
"Oath Thread?"
Right—Kurapika wouldn't know about that.
We explained how Wing had given Gon the Oath Thread after he broke a promise.
"I see… So this pattern might carry a power similar to Nen."
"Yeah. What is it?"
"It's called Jin-ji—Divine Script."
"Aisha!"
When did she get in here? Wasn't she sleeping in the same room as Mito-san and Bisky?
"Good morning. I did knock, but there was no response—and you all sounded excited—so I let myself in."
"Morning, Aisha. That's fine. You know about this pattern?"
"You called it Divine Script? What's that?"
"It's a support system for Nen. By drawing those symbols onto an object while infusing it with aura, you can grant it various effects."
I see. So this box—and the Oath Thread—were rigged to break once Nen was applied.
"Huh. There's still so much I don't know."
"Fascinating. I'd like to learn it someday."
"Then you should visit either the Shingen-ryu or Kazama-ryu schools. Assistant masters often know it."
"Can't you use Divine Script, Aisha?"
"Simple ones, yes. But I'm nowhere near a specialist."
So there are things she can't do. I was starting to think there was nothing Nen-related she couldn't handle.
"Anyway, Gon—can you open that inner box?"
"Yeah. There's a slot here. Maybe it takes a card."
He inserted his Hunter License.
Click.
The box slowly opened.
Inside—
"A ring, a tape… and a ROM card."
"This ring has Divine Script on it too."
So it's probably another Nen item. I told Gon not to wear it carelessly.
"Want to listen to the tape?"
"Yeah. Oh—get ready to make a copy too."
Just in case. Whoever made this seems careful. No such thing as being too cautious.
"Is it a message from your father?"
"Probably. …Is it okay if we listen, Gon?"
"Of course. I want you to."
He pressed play.
He trusts us. You could hear it in his voice.
"Yo, Gon. So you became a Hunter after all."
A man's voice echoed from the tape.
So this is Gon's father.
Free-spirited. Unshakable in his convictions—probably just like Gon.
He doesn't sound like someone easy to deal with. As expected of Gon's dad.
Eventually, the voice stopped. Only the whirring of the cassette remained.
I was about to stop it—but Gon told me to wait.
After a pause, Jin's voice resumed.
How did Gon know? Instinct? Or just a father-son thing?
The next part was about Gon's mother.
But Gon stopped the tape before it finished.
"My mom is Mito-san."
…Yeah.
I get that.
I told him yesterday, too—I wish I had a mom like her.
"Alright, let's eat."
"I feel bad having Mito-san do everything. How about I cook tonight?"
"Huh? You can cook?"
"Aisha's cooking is good, Killua."
How do you know that? You've eaten it, haven't you?
As we were leaving the room, the cassette suddenly made a sound.
We turned.
The stopped cassette had started moving on its own.
"What!? It's rewinding!"
"Nen. He likely infused it when recording. A simple Manipulation technique."
"This isn't the time to explain calmly! It's recording now!!"
"Probably erasing his own voice. Some Nen users might track a location just from listening to it. Your father seems very thorough."
Don't calmly explain it!
I yanked the cord—still moving!
"Sorry, Gon! I'm breaking it!"
I punched it with full force.
…Not even a scratch.
"It's guarded by Nen. For aura to remain this strong after over ten years… he's impressive."
"Damn it! Can't you do something?!"
"Gon. May I break it?"
"…Yeah."
You can? My attacks didn't do a thing!
"—Hah."
"WHAT!?"
"It split in half…"
"As expected of Aisha. Casually doing what we cannot."
That's not awe-inspiring—that's ridiculous! I pounded it and it was untouched! She slices it in half with a hand chop?!
"I'm sorry, Gon. I cut it through the center so the tape wouldn't be damaged."
"That's… fine…"
"Gon. Killua. Assume our common sense does not apply to Aisha. Accept that. It's for your own sake."
"Isn't my treatment a bit harsh?"
Kurapika spoke like someone enlightened by suffering.
…I thought I was abnormal enough. Compared to her, I'm downright ordinary.
"But wait. Aisha—you didn't seem to be using aura just now. How did you cut it?"
…Right.
How did she destroy something protected by Nen without visible aura?
"Oh. That's because… well, you three are fine. Kurapika already knows. But keep it secret."
Her Nen ability?
"I have an ability called Angel's Veil. While it's active, my aura can only be perceived as if it's constantly leaking at a low level."
"…What?"
"So… no matter how much aura you use—"
"We can't tell?"
"Correct. There are drawbacks, but it's quite useful."
Useful?! That's cheating! How do you fight someone whose aura you can't read?!
"So that hand chop too?"
"Of course. I couldn't break something guarded by that much aura barehanded. …Unless I didn't care about destroying the tape."
"How broken are you?"
"Ah, I see my past self in you! The path you're walking—I walked it months ago!"
Are you that happy we're suffering now?
…Yeah. You must be.
You've been watching this absurdity up close for months.
"Can we even catch up…?"
I didn't mean to say that out loud.
Idiot. Don't get weak.
I'll surpass her.
She's only one year older. Just one. I can't lose to a girl my age.
That's it.
I've decided.
I didn't have a long-term goal before—but now I do.
I'll become stronger than Aisha.
No matter what training it takes.
"Alright! Gon! Let's eat and start training!"
"Uh, okay! But we haven't checked the ROM card yet…"
Oh, right.
I forgot.
Isn't that a JoyStation ROM?
Why was that included?
"That's a JoyStation ROM card."
"Oh, you play?"
"A little."
"I've never played. Kurapika?"
"Neither have I. I'm more surprised that Aisha has."
Yeah. Doesn't suit her.
"Guess we'll have to buy a JoyStation."
"I have one."
"WHY DO YOU HAVE ONE?!"
What is wrong with you?!
"Um… I bought one before. I left it at Heavens Arena once, but the staff kept it and returned it when I registered again."
That's not the point!
"Even so, why carry it around?"
"I don't have a permanent home. I have to carry my belongings. It'd be wasteful to throw it away…"
"Could've left it at Heavens Arena?"
"I don't plan to return. I brought all my belongings."
"…Wait. So you two aren't fighting there anymore?"
"No. At the current level, Heavens Arena offers Kurapika little growth. The Battle Olympia would be different, but reaching it takes too long. And revealing abilities carries too much risk."
"I've already packed my things as well," Kurapika added.
"I see…"
"So after Whale Island, Kurapika will begin combat training at the Kazama-ryu dojo. Until then, we'll focus mainly on extending his Ken duration."
"Got it."
So that's it. Once Aisha and the others leave Whale Island, they're heading to the Kazama-ryu dojo.…
"Gon."
"Yeah. Hey Aisha, can we come along for that training too?"
"I don't mind, but are you sure?"
"Yeah. No way we're getting left behind."
I don't want to stay weaker than Kurapika either. First, while he's taking it easy here on Whale Island, I'll close the gap as much as I can. It'll probably be insanely harsh training—but who cares? Once I decide to do something, I do it.
"Understood. Then I'll go get the JoyStation so we can check the ROM card."
With that, Aisha left the room. She probably went to grab the JoyStation from her bag in the room she'd been staying in.
"You two," Kurapika said quietly, "training under Aisha and Bisky goes beyond 'harsh.' It's closer to torture… You're prepared for that, aren't you?"
"Heh. I've been through torture since I was born."
"I just want to get stronger. To meet Ging… and to beat Hisoka."
"I see… Asking that was pointless."
"Exactly. And I'm not losing to you either, Kurapika."
"If you slack off, we'll catch up in no time."
"That won't happen. I have no intention of slacking."
The three of us looked at each other and grinned. This is something only guys can understand. Just as we were sharing that moment, Aisha came back with Bisky, JoyStation in hand.
"Looks like you boys are having fun. Let me join in~"
"Morning, Bisky."
"You're late."
"Indeed. Slothful. You should learn from Aisha."
"Oh hush~ Sleep is the best nourishment for beautiful skin."
She keeps saying things that don't match her appearance. I'd bet anything she's not the age she looks.
"Well then, let's check the ROM data."
"Still can't believe Aisha owns a game console. I just can't picture her gaming."
"I play games sometimes too, you know. What did you think I was…?"
True. I found it strange earlier, but she's a girl our age. Playing games shouldn't be weird.
"Oh yeah. What games do you have?"
"A few fighting games… and—"
Oh? Fighting games? That could be fun to play together later.
"And I also have Doka**n."
"Doka—"
"—pon?"
What's that? I played some of my brother's games before, but I've never heard of that one.
"Is it fun?"
"…I bought it thinking I'd play it someday when I made friends… but… It's dangerous. You're better off not playing it."
Now I'm even more curious. I'm definitely trying it later.
"Hey, can you tell what's on the card just from that? Without the actual game?"
"You really haven't played games before, have you? If you insert just the ROM card and power it on, you can check its contents."
Wow. You're rare. …Kurapika looks impressed too. Correction—what rare guys.
"The game stored is… Greed Island? It's using up the entire capacity."
"Greed Island!?"
"You know it, Aisha?"
"Yes. Greed Island is a game created by Nen users."
"!!"
A game made by Nen users!? What kind of thing is that? How would they even make something like that? Why would they?
"Greed Island," Bisky explained, "was created by multiple Nen users who infused Nen into 100 copies of the software. It's a game exclusively for Nen users."
"Only Nen users can play it," Aisha continued. "Once you start the game, you're pulled into the game world itself. You can't return to the real world unless you die—or obtain the means to return."
"It's a legendary game that no one has ever cleared."
A legendary game no one has beaten. A dangerous game only Nen users can play—and you can die.
"So you knew about it too, Bisky."
"Of course~ I've wanted to play it myself."
"What a coincidence. So have I."
So it's a game even those two want to play. Now I'm really interested.
"Is Ging telling me to play this if I want to catch him?" Gon muttered.
"Who knows. But leaving that ROM card for you probably means he wants you to try."
"Yeah…!"
He looks excited. Like he can't wait.
Yeah, me too. This just keeps getting more fun.
"Then let's buy Greed Island right away. …Wait, there were only 100 copies, right? Isn't it sold out?"
"Obviously. There's no way we could obtain it."
"Why not? Sure it's rare, but maybe at an auction—"
"Even if one copy costs close to 10 billion Jenny?"
"10 BILLION!?"
What the hell!? There's no way! Even if we pooled all our money, we wouldn't reach a tenth of that!
"Are games really that expensive?"
"Of course not! That's insane!"
"It originally sold for 5.8 billion," Aisha said calmly, "but due to scarcity, the price has skyrocketed. And…"
And what? It gets worse?
"A wealthy man named Battera has been buying up every copy of Greed Island without regard for cost."
"I once heard," Bisky added, "that the highest amount Battera paid for a copy exceeded 20 billion."
T-twenty billion… Impossible. Absolutely impossible. What kind of rich freak is that!? Buying up games like that!
Damn it! So there's no way to get it—…wait. If it's about games, there's someone who might know. Maybe he even has a copy. Worth a shot.
"Hey, Gon. I know someone who might have Greed Island. I'll call him."
"Really!?"
Ugh, I hate asking him for favors. But whatever. This is the only time he's useful. I'm such a good little brother.
"Hey, Gotoh? It's me, Killua. Put Piggy on. —Huh!? Don't lie, there's no way he's training. Nice joke. Anyway, if he doesn't answer in ten seconds I'm smashing his figures— What? He threw them all away? Yeah right."
There's no way he'd throw away those precious figures. Not unless the world turned upside down.
If that's true… and he's actually training… then that's not the brother I know. Has he been manipulated by some Manipulator-type Nen user?
"Haah, haah… What is it, Kill? I'm busy."
Oh, finally. Still out of breath as always. That's what happens when you don't exercise.
…Wait. Something's off about his voice.
"Big brother? …Did your voice change?"
"Haah… who knows. I wouldn't notice. What do you want?"
He steadied his breathing mid-call. He's talking smoothly now. What's going on?
"Greed Island? …Are you with Aisha right now?"
"Huh? Why would you—"
"Just answer. Otherwise I won't say anything."
"Tch. Yeah, I am. So what?"
"I see. Put Aisha on."
"Why? Answer my question first."
"I don't have it. I was five when it came out. And now, thanks to that rich guy Battera, it's nearly impossible to obtain."
So he doesn't have it either. Still… surprising he admitted it so easily.
"Anyway, put Aisha on. I need to tell her something."
"Fine."
I handed the phone to Aisha.
"Yes, I'm here. …It's been a while, Milluki. I'm glad you're well. …Yes, I'm fine too. Thank you for your help back then. Thanks to you I was able to reunite with everyone. …I'll repay the favor someday."
…They sound pretty friendly. She even calls him by name.
"About what you wanted to tell me— …I see. Worried about wiretapping? Understood. Then contact me through another method later. …Thank you. I really owe you a lot, Milluki. …Yes, speak later. Oh, I'll put Killua back— …Ah, he hung up."
"Whatever. I don't feel like talking to Piggy that much anyway."
"You shouldn't say that. He's your brother."
"Yeah, yeah. So what did he want?"
"I'd asked him to look into something. But since the phone might be tapped, he'll contact me later by another method."
"You hired him?"
"No. He offered to investigate. Of course, I intend to repay him."
I barely heard the rest.
Milluki… did a favor for a real-life girl?
No way. His bride lives inside a monitor, and his 3D wife is a figure. There's no way he'd go this far for a living woman.
What the hell happened to my brother?
…Ah, whatever. Who cares. Let's play something.
I wonder what Doka**n is like.
This should be fun.
—
On that day, during a certain period of time… their friendship was destroyed.
—
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Next chapter 27 : This is endless hell