After finishing eating, I run out of the tower towards Wing's hotel, arriving after a couple of minutes, and receiving a warm welcome from everyone.
"Kai, welcome. Tell us, how was your work talk?" Gon is the first one to ask.
"It went well. Battera and his companion were quite willing to hire me. It took me so long because I had to discuss my own conditions for the contract. I managed to convince them of almost all of my demands, except for hiring you too, Nicholas." I say exchanging a glance with Nicholas.
"So unfortunately we'll have to spend a few days apart again when we leave Heavens Arena on July 16th."
The pure concept of Greed Island had always fascinated me, even in the fantasy setting of Hunter x Hunter. And now, the opportunity to actually go there was presenting itself right in front of me, so obviously I couldn't waste it just because I had to change my plans and make Nicholas feel a little lonely again.
At my statement, Nicholas looks disappointed but understanding. "It's okay boss, I understand it. This is a huge opportunity for you, so you must go for it. Don't worry about me. I'll take care of our business as Blacklist Hunters while you focus your efforts on that job."
"It's a real relief to hear you say that. But I'm not the only one who'll have to put in the effort into this job. While I wasn't able to convince them to hire you early like me, they've agreed to give you a chance to apply for official recruitment like other Hunters. So you'd better keep training your Nen abilities, because I hope to have you backing me up in the near future." I keep smiling and giving him a thumbs up.
Nicholas's eyes widen at this statement. "Are you serious?" He asks excited.
"You have my word." I state, making him smile with happiness at the idea of working with me on an important job for our mercenary agency.
"By the way, what was the job offer for?" Gon asks intrigued by the work we haven't said clearly.
Faced with Gon's sudden curiosity, I ponder for a few seconds whether to tell him or not about Greed Island. 'If I tell him about Greed Island now, when he and Killua return home to hear Ging's message, he'll try to contact me so I can convince Battera to hire them instead of seeking information from Milluki.'
'With the claim that there will be official recruitment, they won't feel the overwhelming need to buy the game, so they won't lose their Heavens Arena earnings on bad investments, and they won't be in danger of running into the Phantom Troupe. In fact, if they insist on getting involved like in canon, it could at least be a secret trump card against them.'
'In short, if I tell him, I have things to gain and nothing to lose.'
Coming to this conclusion in my head, I begin to explain to Gon and the rest about the legendary Hunter video game called Greed Island, and how Battera has hired me to be one of the players under his service with the mission of completing it on his behalf for a 50 billion jennies reward.
"So a video game just for Hunters with a 50 billion jennies reward, huh? That sounds really awesome. Hearing that you're interested in it makes me want to play it too." Gon says, almost as if he was foretelling the future.
"Hehe, maybe you'll get the chance someday. By the way, how has your Hatsu training been going? It's been a while since we've seen each other, so I'm sure you've improved a lot with your daily practice." I ask, trying to change the conversation subject.
Gon exchanges glances with Killua before answering. "Well, it turns out Mr. Wing was a teacher sent by the Hunter Association to teach me how to use Nen as part a Secret Hunter Exam."
"Apparently, it's a mandatory requirement for all Hunters to know how to use Nen, and after seeing our Hatsu displays after a month of training, Mr. Wing declared our graduation and my passing of the Secret Exam."
"Wow, that's fantastic. But you said it was just the two of you who went through it. Zushi, what about you?" I ask, feigning total ignorance.
"He's improved a lot since you guys arrived to the city, but he still needs some more training and experience before he's fully mastered the Four Major Principles." Wing answers in his instead.
"Osu! I will strive with all my soul to live up to such incredible disciples as you!" Zushi says with humility and conviction.
Thanks to my involvement in the story, Zushi has grown more powerful than in the original thanks to the sense of competitiveness he's developed when facing off against other instructor's disciples with different methodologies.
Seeing how Nicholas and Ponzu grew much faster than him, Gon, and Killua, and having to face off against Nicholas despite having more experience and practice has motivated him in ways that Gon and Killua couldn't because of their inmense talent.
Furthermore, thanks to my interactions with Wing, Zushi has undergone a more comprehensive and intense training program than before, so he's now capable of using three of the four basic principles, and has more precise and powerful control over them. Considering his considerable talent, this goes to show that Wing's training methods were rather lax before I arrived.
"I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure you'll achieve great things if you stay true to that creed." I say to Zushi before turning my gaze to Killua. "And what about you, Killua? Now that you've learned Nen, will you be taking the next exam of the association to become a professional Hunter like us?"
"Yes, I've thought about doing it if I ever feel like it, but it's not like it's something urgent for me either." Killua responds by feigning a detached attitude.
"And speaking of the exam, Mr. Wing also told us about the progress of the other passing examinees in their Nen training." Gon says beginning his informative speech.
"According to what he's heard, Hanzo and Kurapika have mastered Nen under their respective teachers, Bodoro already knows how to use the Four Basic Principles, but is having trouble developing his own Nen ability, Pokkle is still having difficulty controlling his Ren, and Leorio is currently studying for his school entrance exam, so he hasn't started his training yet."
"Also, his contacts have managed to convey him the messages that some of them had for you."
"For me? What kind of messages are they?" I ask, being surprised for the first time in this conversation.
"Well, according to what they've told you, Pokkle says his master has granted him a leave of absence from July 20th to August 4th so you can see him in person and provide some support in his training, and Hanzo and Bodoro are looking to see you again in person as well. According to what they've told Wing, they're eager for you to give them the rematch for the Hunter Exam." Gon explains, scratching the back of his neck somewhat uneasily.
At this revelation, I burst out laughing at this unexpected development, prompting the others present to laugh along with me. After a while, the atmosphere calms down, and we all begin to chat as we finally celebrate my promotion to Floor Master.
During the party, Gon reveals to me and my disciples that tomorrow will be his predestined confrontation against Hisoka, and that after managing to land a hit on him to return his exam badge, he will return to his home on Whale Island accompanied by Killua.
At this statement, Ponzu and I tell him to be very careful and not push himself too hard, as we both know firsthand how dangerous Hisoka can be, to which Gon states with some irritation that he has already been warned not to be carried away by his recklessness by Wing and that he will strive to be very careful during their confrontation.
Ponzu, for her part, revealed that she had received a message from her contacts saying that they had already found and transported the seeds, ingredients, and tools she needed for her forestation project, and that the management team on site was waiting for her to return to take over as soon as possible, so she would soon have to leave Heavens Arena as well.
Receiving this news so suddenly obviously saddens me a little, but the separation was something I'd already come to terms with, so with a big smile, I wish her the best in her work as a Hunter and express my hope that our paths will cross again soon after her departure. She smiles somewhat sadly and nods, saying she hopes the same.
"By the way Gon, could you wait a few days before leaving Heavens Arena with Killua?" I ask Gon.
"Why?" Gon asks with some confusion.
"It's that I had previously agreed with Hisoka that I would face him for the title of Floor Master once he got 10 wins, and I want you all to be there to watch this apotheotic confrontation." I say, instantly earning the shocked looks of every person present in the room.
"Have you lost your mind?! You know firsthand how strong and dangerous Hisoka can be in combat! What were you thinking, accepting a confrontation with that unstable psychopath?!" Ponzu yells at me quite angrily for putting myself in mortal danger again.
"I'm afraid I have to agree with Ponzu. I've seen the recordings of his previous battles in the tower, and I can confirm that he's not only incredibly powerful, but also a combat genius, capable of instantly thinking up ways to counter his opponents and devising traps that only become apparent to you when it's too late. I believe he outsmarts even you, and I am absolutely sure that he won't be willing to let you live if you fight him." Wing adds, also quite concerned about my safety.
"In that case, you have nothing to worry about, as I fully intend to win the fight. After all, I also have a few tricks up my sleeve that Hisoka isn't aware of yet." I say, showing on my face total confidence in my abilities.
"Boss, we're telling you not to do this. You know I respect you more than anyone and I know you're the greatest person there is, but even I think you shouldn't treat Hisoka so lightly. We both saw how he outsmarted Kastro in the recording of their battle. He's not an enemy to be underestimated." Nicholas says, showing for the first time a lack of confidence in my abilities.
"In my opinion, the only one being underestimated here right now is me. Nicholas, remember what I told you when we reached the 200th floor? That I'd get my 10 wins in the tower without being defeated or losing a single point." I say bringing back that memory.
"At first, you thought it was an impossible goal. You and everyone else thought I couldn't achieve it, but you still witnessed my perfect ascent up the tower to my title match. You watched me achieve a goal you thought was impossible. And that's because I'm someone who always, ALWAYS delivers on everything I promise."
"I'm well aware that Hisoka isn't an enemy to be taken lightly, and that any carelessness with him could mean death. But I also know that you trust me more than anyone. So believe me when I tell you this: I will defeat Hisoka."
In the face of my statements, Nicholas remains silent, fidgety for being unable to fully trust my words despite knowing what I am capable of achieving when I set my mind on something. 'Well, I can't blame him. After all, Hisoka has already given me a brutal beating in the past, so it's only natural that he'd be worried about me if he's brought into the equation.'
"Even if you were truly able to defeat him, confronting him directly would still be a bad idea." Killua is the one to talk this time.
"After all, Hisoka has shown a strong inclination to invest his efforts in those who prove capable of stimulating him, so it's pretty certain that if you defeat him, he'll leave you in the lurch like a predator who follows its prey until it finally manages to devour it. And I, for one, am pretty sure you wouldn't want a guy like Hisoka obsessing over you like that."
"Yes, that's true. Obviously, neither I nor anyone else would want to be in the crosshairs of an unsavory bastard like Hisoka. But in that regard, I have nothing to worry about, since I intend to kill him in our confrontation." The casual and confident way I deliver such a serious statement leaves everyone staring at me stunned.
The truth is, for quite some time now, I've felt a deep contempt towards Hisoka. I mean, it's only natural after everything I've been through because of him: he destroyed the heirloom of my family, he gave me a humiliating beating for no reason, he's threatened the people I care about, and as Killua pointed out, he's going to be a threat for me and everyone if I let him go after fighting him. The Phantom Troupe is the quintessential example of this fact in the manga.
Even if he was one of the 5 main characters in Yoshihiro Togashi's work that I loved so much, Hisoka is also an amoral, bloodthirsty, cunning and unpredictable sociopath who wasn't liked by anyone both in story and in reality, and I certainly have to treat him seriously and deterministically now that he is a reality for me and not mere fiction.
With my abilities and the help of the others, I won't need him for the volleyball match against Razor, and all the members of the Phantom Troupe despise him as well, so I don't think they'll come seeking revenge against me once I kill him. But even if they do, so be it: the Phantom Troupe is easier to handle than Hisoka, since unlike them, he has nothing and no one he truly cares about.
Furthermore, while it's not a priority for me, I'll be able to prevent Gotoh, Teradein, Lynch, the members of the Phantom Troupe, and the numerous spectators at the Heavens Arena who were set to watch his fight with Chrollo from having to die at his hands. Knowing what's going to happen in this world, anyone would agree with me that Hisoka is the third most obligatory individual to be killed at all costs in this world.
"We'd already agreed that we'd fight once we'd both achieved all of our other goals within the tower, so because of my convictions and obvious concern about what Hisoka would do if I don't show up for the match, I have no choice but to do so. And as you've rightly emphasized, Killua, if I let him live once I defeat him, he'll stalk me nonstop driven by his insatiable thirst for blood."
"Killing him wouldn't bring me any legal repercussions thanks to my position as a Hunter and fighter of Heavens Arena. I can only see advantages in a future where that guy ceases to exist. Besides, I also wish to kill him for personal reasons, so there's absolutely no reason for me to consider letting Hisoka live. It's that simple."
"I think all of that should make my situation with Hisoka pretty clear for everyone, so I don't want you to insist any further on discussing this with me." I say to everyone present showing a slight level of threat in my words. "With that out of the way, I'd like to hear your answers, guys. Will you stay a few more days in Gelsea to witness how I finally put an end to that son of a bitch?"
Gon and Killua remain silent, visibly still worried about my situation, but after a few seconds they nod in affirmation.
"Great! That's what I wanted to hear! I'm sure you'll enjoy experiencing the thrill and intensity of the battle in live much more than watching it on a recording! Now that that's all out of the way, let's keep celebrating!"
For the rest of the party, even though we all went back to celebrating by chatting, playing, and wearing cheerful smiles, the worried and uneasy atmosphere the others were carrying was still noticeable to me, especially Ponzu's.
Even though I had explained the situation to them the best I could, it was impossible not to be worried upon learning of my confrontation with Hisoka, since my circumstances were not the same as Gon's, whom everyone knew deep down that Hisoka wouldn't kill, unlike me.
Nonetheless, the party continued to be fun, and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the people with whom I had forged a strong bond of trust and friendship in this new world until night fell and it was time for the Heavens Arena fighters to return to the tower.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Wing. See you tomorrow in the stands for Gon's fight on the 216th floor." I say goodbye to him and Zushi as I walk away from the place with the others.
"We'll see you there. Get a good night's rest before then." Wing replies waving his hand with his characteristic kind smile.
Point of View Switch: Wing
"Zushi, you will continue your training for 2 more weeks.
"Osu." Zushi replies, prompting me to look at him.
"I know it can be a bit frustrating watching them, but I assure you, you're progressing at an incredible pace. You're one in 100.000 talents." I tell Zushi so that he understands the great growth potential he actually has.
"One in 100.000 talents?! ¡O-Osu!" Zushi repeats, surprised by my statement.
"But Gon and Killua, they are very rare talents, of those which can only be found can be found in one out of ten million." I say as I look back at the group leaving.
"¡Osu! But teacher, then what about the others?" Zushi asks, pointing out that I haven't mentioned Kai and the others.
"I don't know what to tell you. Nicholas and Ponzu have certainly grown a lot in the short time they've been in Gelsea, but that's mostly due to Kai's Nen power and training. Certainly, his discipline may make him an even better Nen teacher than I am. Even you yourself have been influenced by his involvement." I say this showing my respect despite the differences in our teaching ideologies.
"Don't say that, master! You're a great martial arts teacher! One day, I'll reach their level, and I'll prove it to you and everyone else!" Zushi exclaims in a successful attempt to lift his spirits and mine.
'Zushi, I really have high hopes that you'll go farin the future. But... I'm not sure if you'll be able to catch up with Kai.' I think to myself shifting my gaze from Zushi to Kai in the distance. 'He's unlike any other individual I've ever met. If I had to measure his talent and potential, I think he'd even surpass chairman Netero.'
"Do you think Kai can do it? That he will succeed in killing Hisoka?" Zushi asks, noticing who I'm looking at.
I take a few seconds to think carefully before answering him. "If it was anyone else, I'd say it would be quite unlikely, if not impossible. But from the time we've known each other and the things I've seen him accomplish, I know it's true that Kai always keeps his promises. So yes, I think he'll succeed." I reply smiling, confident in the future success of the novice Hunter whom I myself have not been able to defeat even once.