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197 HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2024-11-12 07:25:11 +0000 UTCAs Killua whispered to Gon about the significance of this sector of Meteor City, Pakunoda's phone chimed again.
"Shalnark just messaged. At nine tonight, those gangsters are planning another auction."
"Oh? They must really have a death wish," Phinks muttered, cracking his knuckles with a smirk.
"But they don't even have any items to auction off. Are they planning…" He grinned, eyes gleaming dangerously. "Do they really think they can steal the goods back from us before the auction?"
"According to Shalnark, they've formed an assassination squad and hired a bunch of skilled fighters to deal with us—including two members of the Zoldyck family," Pakunoda added, casting a glance toward Killua.
"People from my family?!" Killua's eyes widened in surprise. His father had told him to steer clear of the Phantom Troupe.
His older brother Illumi and younger sibling Kalluto wouldn't get involved with this kind of crowd, and Silva wouldn't even consider it, leaving only—
"Dad and Grandpa," Killua muttered, eyes shifting into a deadpan. Despite his father's words, it seemed someone had hired them anyway.
Typical.
Annoyance simmered in Killua's thoughts, but a nagging curiosity started forming too.
"Phantom Troupe's head also hired my family… Could it be…?"
Killua's musings were interrupted by Phinks, who had his own theories. "The Zoldycks, huh? Well, those assassins really think they're untouchable."
He rolled his shoulders, visibly ready to act. "How about we give them a night they'll never forget?"
Feitan gave a short nod, a faint interest gleaming in his eyes. "Been a while since I had a decent fight."
"Shalnark agrees. Let's pair up and start tearing, tonight," Pakunoda instructed, her words shifting the atmosphere in the room.
Killua and Gon exchanged glances, suddenly aware of the lethal energy in the room. This was the Phantom Troupe. They could feel it—cold, menacing intent that raised goosebumps on their skin.
Phinks spoke up first, irritation clear in his voice. "As usual, I'm with Feitan."
Feitan simply shrugged in agreement. They made a formidable team, and everyone knew it.
Franklin's deep voice broke in, "Kortopi, you're with me. If the chance comes, you can 'return' the auction items."
Franklin's emphasis on "auction items" wasn't lost on the others. They knew he meant the fake goods that Kortopi created with Gallery Fake. Though Kortopi was the least physically skilled among them, his ability was invaluable, and with Franklin as his partner, there was no risk.
"Alright, I'm with Machi. Ronnel, you'll go with Bonolenov," Pakunoda continued, organizing the groups.
From the platform above, Bonolenov's voice interrupted. "I'll stay put. Nobunaga's watching Hisoka and these two kids, so I'll hang back in case something goes wrong."
Bonolenov shifted his posture lazily, his bandaged form slumping slightly. His tone sounded half-hearted, almost as if he was more interested in avoiding the action.
Ronnel shrugged. "No problem. Going solo works for me."
It suited him fine—working alone allowed more freedom, and he wouldn't be tied down if an opportunity presented itself.
As the group finalized their plans, the evening sky deepened, casting a shadow over the city as the Troupe members left their hideout in pairs and trios.
Inside, Bonolenov kept watch over Hisoka while Nobunaga led Gon and Killua into a cramped, dim room, a strange expression on his face.
Meanwhile, Chrollo, already preparing for his part, had used the details Shalnark gathered to his advantage. With his charm—he smoothly befriended Neon, who had strayed away from her handlers.
With Shalnark's support, Chrollo swiftly won Neon's trust, leading her to the auction venue. After some light conversation, he was able to acquire her prophecy ability, Lovely Ghostwriter, just as in the original story.
The prophecy she gave him read like a poem shrouded in mystery:
"The calendar skips a note, and the month that's forgotten will weep.
Under a mourning orchestra, the moon of Frost Month drifts calmly.
Chrysanthemums wilt as they lie by flaming eyes.
Enjoy the interlude, and seek a new partner.
Head east, where one awaits you, and let the ancient country's Captain Mojin decide your fate.
Treasures in the company will be his prey—beware, as the Aria orchestrates the Spider's curtain."
After reading the prophecy, Chrollo's expression turned serious.
Thirteen spiders… if he were to exclude himself as the leader, there would be twelve. The Frost Month in the lunar calendar—November—clearly pointed to Uvogin. The references to "withering," "fiery eyes," "mourning"... they were all too clear.
And with the knowledge that Kurapika, the chain-wielding warrior, was a survivor of the Kurta Clan with scarlet eyes, the meaning of the prophecy was unmistakable.
Comments
Єгор Зарицький
Fixed, sorry
Kris
accidentally called ronnel kaizen in this chapter!
