Night had fallen before the Herd's six members realized that yet another person had arrived.
Ron was equally surprised.
Zeno, Silva, and Maha Zoldyck had rushed to the Saheilta Union the moment they heard Ron was in trouble, using a magical beast for rapid travel. The beast, now utterly exhausted, was resting on the ground hidden from sight. Once they'd crossed into the Saheilta Union, the trio continued on foot. Zeno and Silva had already shown themselves, but Maha Zoldyck remained hidden off to the side, taking up position at an exit point.
Together with Ron, Zeno, and Silva, they formed a wide encirclement of the plaza, leaving only the western exit unobstructed. Yet if any of the Herd tried fleeing west, Maha Zoldyck would step in immediately. On the surface, it looked like there was a path to escape, but in reality, that path led straight to death.
"Who could it be?"
Ron looked across the plaza and caught sight of a familiar figure.
"Hisoka?"
He was momentarily stunned.
"Ron, it's been a while," Hisoka said with a playful smile. "Seems you've run into some trouble—want my help?"
Ron hadn't expected to find Hisoka here, though it wasn't impossible. Hisoka, with a Hunter's License, could go wherever he pleased.
"What do you want in return?"
"A full-power duel with me once this is done," Hisoka replied. That was all he craved, but Ron had refused before, finding such fights pointless. This time, Hisoka seemed hopeful.
Largin's expression shifted when he realized Ron and Hisoka knew each other. Another A-Class fighter was joining Ron's side—The situation was worsening with them alreaedy having to face the two Zoldycks.
However, the conversation that followed piqued his interest.
"Hisoka, is it?" Largin said. "You want a full-on fight with Ron, right? We can help you. Those two Zoldycks—we'll keep them busy. Then Ron's all yours. You won't even have to do anything else."
Hisoka merely cast Largin a bored glance and said nothing. Largin's face went rigid.
Hisoka had no intention of accepting. He wasn't just after Ron—Illumi was also of interest. If he turned on Ron now, Illumi would never agree to fight him on fair terms. Moreover, he doubted the Herd could truly hold Zeno and Silva at bay, leaving him at risk of getting killed here, which held no appeal for him at all.
Ron hesitated before giving Hisoka a nod.
"Fine. I'll choose the time and place afterward."
Ron didn't know every detail of the Herd's abilities, even if he trusted in himself, Zeno, and Silva—and not to mention the hidden Maha. There could always still be unknown powers. Having Hisoka's help boosted their odds further. It fit his own style, and the Zoldyck style too: strive for the highest chance of victory.
As for promising Hisoka a real fight later, Ron no longer believed Hisoka posed any lethal threat. Back in the Hunter Exam, Ron had fought him and knew his rough level. If Ron had truly wanted to kill him then, he could have. Now, Ron was far stronger, with numerous new techniques. If he kept refusing, Hisoka would keep hounding him regardless. Better to give him what he wanted under controlled conditions.
Even if Hisoka eventually got the right to challenge him as a Floor Master, Ron couldn't simply refuse—he would have to fight or forfeit his position. So, all in all, it didn't cost Ron anything. He figured he might as well handle it sooner rather than later.
"No problem," Hisoka said.
Hardly had Hisoka finished speaking when the six members of the Herd made their move, charging forward from inside the encirclement.
"Kill!"
The narrow-eyed man lunged at Hisoka. The swordsman dashed toward Silva. The petite girl shot straight at Zeno. Largin made a beeline for Ron. The remaining two stayed in the center, not moving, likely wielding support or tool-based abilities while the other four specialized in a frontal assault.
Combat erupted in an instant.
At Ron's silent command, Natsu appeared in a blaze of fire. Largin rushed in, ignoring the flames, but just as he was about to collide with Natsu, a sudden glow surrounded him and he vanished—reappearing right in front of Ron.
"Spatial teleportation?"
Before Largin could strike, Natsu clapped his hands together.
In a flash, Natsu and Ron switched places.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Flames roared along Natsu's arm as he launched a devastating punch at Largin.
Boom!
The sheer force knocked Largin back several paces, while Ron stood where Natsu had been moments before. A huge sphere came hurtling his way—the clown man's ability.
Ron raised a hand.
"Nen Bullet!"
His blast collided head-on with the giant orb…