"Huh?" Killua stared at his grandfather and father, bewildered. He didn't understand.
"Grandpa... aren't you going to deal with them?"
Killua was confused.
"Your friend exceeded our expectations by far. Illumi intended to extract his training methods and secrets from him. But that decision was unwise. We do not intend to make an enemy of your friend," Silva explained.
"I heard from Silva. A rare gem indeed. I haven't seen such a brilliant genius in many years. Killua, being born in the same era as such a monster... it is both your fortune and your misfortune," Zeno said wistfully.
He recalled his own era.
Netero stood alone at the peak, casting a shadow over all other geniuses. To be a genius in Netero's era meant being destined for second place.
But it also meant Netero carried the weight of the world.
It was misfortune, but also luck.
Netero's friendship had guaranteed the Zoldyck family's prosperity for a century.
Now, history was repeating.
Killua had met someone who rivaled a young Netero.
No, Ryker was stronger than Netero was at that age. Netero was a late bloomer. Ryker was a prodigy from the start.
In 10 or 20 years, Ryker would be a god among men.
Securing his friendship now would protect the Zoldyck family for another century.
Ryker was only a teenager. Once he reached Netero's level, living for 200 years would be trivial.
"Grandpa, you mean Brother Ryker? He... is very strong. But I'm confident I can catch up to him," Killua said with determination.
"Brother Ryker? Do you really think he's that simple? Killua, you are an assassin. Observing the target is a basic skill. You've gotten sloppy," Silva scolded.
Killua was confused. Ryker was strong, yes. He performed well in the exam. But catchable.
"What do you think of Examiner Kenpachi?" Silva suddenly asked.
Examiner Kenpachi?!
Killua's face paled.
He had never met such a terrifying opponent. If the exam fight had been real, he would be dead. Kenpachi was leagues above him. Even at the end, Kenpachi was holding back.
"Very strong!" Killua admitted.
"Very strong? How strong? Compared to me or your grandfather?" Silva pressed.
"Weaker than Grandpa, maybe. But compared to you, Father... I can't say. I lost too early. But based on what I know... he could withstand your attacks," Killua analyzed after a pause.
"Withstand? He defeated Hisoka. You should have seen the aftermath."
"..."
Killua fell silent.
Yes. Kenpachi beat Hisoka. That monster was the strongest thing Killua had ever seen, rivaling his father.
He was just trying to save face for his family.
"Killua, you've learned to be considerate of others' feelings. Haha." Zeno chuckled. "Silva, just tell him."
"Killua. Examiner Kenpachi is your Brother Ryker."
Silva dropped the bomb.
"..."
Killua looked like he had been struck by lightning. His mouth hung open.
"H-How is that possible? They are two different people! Different height, different build! How?"
"Illumi was there. He saw it. Ryker defeated Hisoka. His strength might not be lower than mine. Achieving this at his age... he has far surpassed Lord Netero's youth," Silva sighed.
Killua's brain buzzed.
Kenpachi was Ryker?!
Suddenly, everything made sense.
Why the eccentric Examiner let Ponzu pass. Why he gave licenses to Gon and the whole team.
Ryker was Kenpachi.
But... how is he that strong?!
Killua thought Ryker was a genius he could catch. But Kenpachi? That was a monster he feared instinctively. Their auras were worlds apart.
"Alright. You'll see the truth soon. Don't worry, we won't offend such a genius. I will make your brother apologize for this incident."
"But before that, I want you to cooperate with us. We need to test his potential."
"If he passes, the family will form a permanent alliance with him. If not, we'll let your friends leave safely."
"Also, Mike is dead."
Silva said calmly.
Killua stood there, frozen. "..."
Kukuroo Mountain, Forest of Trees.
Mike, the giant watchdog, was now BBQ on a spit.
Ryker and the gang were feasting.
The meat was unique and packed with energy. No wonder magical beast meat was expensive.
"Burp~~~ It's delicious! If not for Brother Ryker, I'd never eat something like this," Leorio patted his belly.
"Even Pro Hunters struggle against this beast. Brother Ryker is amazing," Kurapika marveled.
"Brother Ryker... eating their watchdog... won't they be mad?" Gon asked, chewing on a bone.
"Nah, they'll be happy we're full. Let's go, Killua is waiting," Ryker stretched comfortably.
They followed the path up the mountain.
Soon, they reached a stone wall with an iron gate.
A figure stood guard.
A black girl with an afro, holding a cane, wearing a butler's suit.
Apprentice Butler Canary.
"Step back. This is private property. No trespassing."
"Leave now. You are not welcome. If you take another step, I will remove you by force."
Canary spoke coldly.
"We are Killua's friends! We're here to see him! Please let us in!"
Gon shouted and stepped forward.
He crossed the line on the ground.
Bang!
Before anyone saw her move, Gon was sent flying with a grunt.
Kurapika and Leorio tensed up.
Ryker remained calm, his eyes narrowing.
Name: Canary (Zoldyck Apprentice Butler)
Traits: [Enhancement Nen] (Purple), [Taijutsu Genius] (Purple), [Incomplete Assassination Art (Rhythm Echo)] (Purple), [Loyal] (Blue), [Meteor City Survivor] (Blue)...
Impressive.
Three Purple traits. For an apprentice, she was stacked.
She even had Enhancement Nen. She was stronger than Milluki.
Gon losing was expected.
"Regardless of your purpose, you cannot pass. I only obey the Master's orders," Canary said, expressionless.
Internally, she was conflicted. She wanted to help Killua. Killua had treated her like a human, not a tool. He gave her a new life. She would die for him.
But her duty forbade her from letting intruders pass.
"Canary, you don't want to see Killua tortured in the dungeon, do you?"
Ryker stepped forward and spoke softly.
Canary's expression cracked.
She stared at Ryker with shock and caution.
She never told anyone her name. Not even the Meteor City folks knew it.
Yet this boy knew her name and her inner thoughts.
Master Killua is being tortured...
The image of Killua suffering pained her.
"I'm sorry... I..."
Canary hesitated. She couldn't let them pass, but she couldn't stop them either.
"I understand. You have your duty. So I'll help you. Fight me, Canary. As a butler, it is your job to stop intruders."
Ryker crossed the line.
Canary gritted her teeth and raised her cane.
Fast!
She used the same speed that blitzed Gon.
But Ryker caught the cane instantly.
He yanked it, throwing her off balance.
Canary flipped mid-air, landing on a tree, and launched herself back.
Rhythm Echo!
Multiple afterimages appeared. She had secretly learned the assassination technique.
But Ryker saw through it. He moved straight for the real body.
A gentle chop to the neck.
"Sleep."
Thud.
Canary collapsed.
[DING! You defeated Apprentice Butler Canary.]
[Rolling for Copy (10%)...]
[Trait: [Strong Luck] triggered! Critical Success!]
[Copy Successful! Acquired...]
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