September 7th, morning. A hopeful morning.
It was a refreshing awakening. The rain from the past few days had cleared, and the weather had improved. It felt as clear as my own heart.
The reason I felt this refreshed was probably because Dominic-san had shown at least a bit of compromise. I had already given up, thinking it was only natural that he wouldn't forgive me, so I never expected him to allow me to visit Mother's grave. I'm aware I kept grinning nonstop even after returning to the hotel yesterday.
…Not good. Thinking about it now is a little embarrassing. So that's why Gon and the others were looking at me so warmly… Getting carried away at my age is just pathetic.
Well, it can't be helped. I really was that happy.
Alright, time to switch gears.
Today, I'm planning to go sightseeing around Yorknew with Killua and Leorio-san.
It's the once-a-year Dream Auction—and my first time in my long life—so I might as well look around and enjoy it. The first half of the auction was a disaster thanks to some band of thieves, after all.
Thinking that, I prepared myself.
…Maybe I'll wear some of the clothes Riina and the others gave me for once. I'm not good with this kind of thing, but occasionally should be fine. It'd be a waste to just try them on and never wear them.
Well, it was basically forced on me, though.
As I pulled clothes from my luggage, I laid them out across the wide bed.
The combinations were all written on a memo that came with them—unnecessary meddling, really—so I used that as a reference. I never thought I'd be using this memo again.
Struggling while looking between the clothes and the memo spread out in the spacious room, I somehow put together an outfit.
I checked myself in the mirror in the room to see if anything looked off. If someone were here, I could've asked for their opinion.
…But I was made to stay in a separate room. Even though we could all sleep together at Heavens Arena. What tyranny! I protest!
…Well, I guess being a woman is the issue. One woman among a group of men—of course they'd separate rooms for my sake… Which means, if I turn back into a man, I should be able to get closer with everyone!
But I'm a bit conflicted. Is it really okay to go back to being a man like this…? I still intend to lose my virginity, but returning to being a man feels wrong—not for Mother, but for Dominic-san. He might have seen Mother in me…
Maybe the reason he forgave me even a little was because he saw something of Mother in me. After hearing what he said at the hospital when we parted, I strongly felt that. Thinking about that, I can't just casually turn back into a man anymore.
I didn't feel this way when Mother disappeared. Even if I became a man, she would've opposed it at first, but ultimately accepted it—I believed that, which is why I went down the path of gender transformation…
......Hmm.
Got it! Once I obtain a gender-switching medicine, I'll switch between male and female!
I'll live mainly as a man, but when I might meet Dominic-san—like when visiting Mother's grave—I'll go in a female form! That's it!!
Heh. What a brilliant idea, if I do say so myself. The problem would be if the medicine only works once or is in limited supply, but I'll just have to confirm that after obtaining it in Greed Island.
—
Having reached a somewhat satisfying conclusion, I returned to selecting what to wear.
But just as I narrowed it down to two options, I suddenly cooled off and came back to my senses.
This one is bright and cute—no, this one is more calm… A former man seriously choosing women's clothing for himself… Yeah, this is bad.
Once I calmed down, I started feeling self-loathing.
Ah—forget it! Why do I have to go this far just to hang out with friends? Lately, my mental state has been seriously off. I might be leaning too much toward being female. They say environment changes people—and as someone whose mind has been altered over long years through Nen abilities, I can really feel that.
At this rate, even if I turn back into a man, I might still retain femininity. Because of Mother's ability, I have to keep a feminine way of speaking, so at least I wasn't supposed to show it through clothing.
But recently—or rather, because of Bisky's dress-up contract—that boundary has become vague. I need to pull myself together!
With that resolve, I quickly put away the clothes. Then I pulled out my usual mobility-focused outfit and changed swiftly.
Yeah. This is better.
What I was doing earlier was just a momentary lapse. It has to be.
—
After finishing changing, I checked the time.
Just past 7. We're supposed to go eat breakfast at 7:30, so I should head to Gon's room soon. Just as I was thinking that, my phone rang from my pocket.
Hmm, who could it be… Oh, Netero!
If he's calling, does that mean he's finally arranged to come to Yorknew? After confirming the name, I immediately answered.
"Hello?"
'Oh, Aisha. Sorry for the late contact.'
"Well, given your position, I understand it's not as simple as just deciding to go to Yorknew."
'Indeed. Even as the head of an organization, I have little free time and am bound by many constraints.'
"That's rich coming from you. Do you remember how much trouble Beans went through because of your impulsive behavior? I haven't forgotten the complaints he told me over drinks back then."
That was from when I shared drinks with Netero during Ryushou's era.
We happened to both be free, and Beans joined us for a light drink. But whether from fatigue or stress, Beans got drunk quickly and vented all his pent-up frustration.
Most of it was about work—and most of that was about Netero. Netero is capable, but he has a childish side where he enjoys causing trouble for others with his mischief.
Countless people have suffered because of it. Beans included—and as Netero's secretary, he often had to receive complaints from others affected by him.
Not many people can say things directly to Netero, after all. Being stuck in the middle must be tough. Still, the fact that he's respected says a lot about his charm as a person.
'Now, now. I do work for the Association, you know. I simply use what little free time I have as I please. Surely it's fine to indulge a little?'
"If that indulgence didn't inconvenience others, no one would complain."
'So strict. Perhaps it's about time I retire? I am getting old, and there are things I'd like to focus on.'
But his voice carried an indescribable pressure, unlike before.
I didn't need to see his face to know—he was definitely smiling right now.
"Old, huh? Don't go blaming your age when you lose to me, old man."
'Hah! You better not blame yours either, little girl.'
We both laughed fearlessly.
Talking with Netero really is fun.
This relationship as rivals has a different kind of enjoyment compared to my friendship with Gon and the others. Just thinking about fighting him again makes my heart race.
"I'm looking forward to our rematch."
'That's my line. Be ready when I come for you.'
With that, he ended the call.
Even at over 120 years old, he's probably still training to defeat me.
Just thinking about it sends a thrill through me. I can't afford to lose either.
In Greed Island, I'll train myself as well while watching over Gon and the others' training. Basic training is a given, but maybe I'll even develop a new technique. Heh, I'm starting to look forward to going to Greed Island even more.
…Hm? Feels like I'm forgetting something.
As I thought about it, I suddenly remembered.
At almost the same time, my phone rang again.
Caller name: Netero.
"Uh… hello?"
'Ah, today… I'll be arriving at the hotel around noon.'
"Ah, yes. Um… I'll be waiting."
'…Then, see you later.'
"…Yeah, see you later."
We both silently agreed to pretend nothing happened.
—
But if Netero is coming around noon, I guess today's outing is canceled.
It's a shame, but it can't be helped. We can't just keep ignoring the Phantom Troupe. I'll have Netero take those criminals away quickly.
Well, I'll tell everyone about this during breakfast—huh, another call? That's rare. Another one from Netero?
The caller name was… Riina? Why is she calling? Well, I'll find out.
"Hello?"
'Good morning, Aisha-san. I apologize for calling so early.'
"No, it's fine. So, what is it, Riina?"
'Yes. I am currently in Yorknew, and I was hoping to visit you today. Would that be alright?'
Huh? Riina's in Yorknew too?
Did she want something from the auction? Or is it work?
Or maybe she came along with Bisky. Bisky is planning to enter the selection for Greed Island, after all.
Those two get along well now. They used to argue so much—this is nice to see.
"That's fine. Bisky's with you, right? Come by together."
'Thank you very much! Then we will visit together. May I ask which hotel you are staying at, Sensei?'
"Sure—it's this hotel. Do you know where it is?"
'Yes, no problem. I've already familiarized myself with most accommodations in Yorknew.'
…She probably studied in advance just to make it easier to find where I'm staying. As always, she puts effort in the wrong direction when it comes to me.
'Then, we will arrive around noon. We have a souvenir for you, so please look forward to it. Excuse us.'
"Yeah, see you later."
With that, the call ended. So they're coming to visit, huh? I wonder what the souvenir is.
…Ah. Noon? Crap. That overlaps with Netero's arrival.
Hmm… well, whatever. It's not like I had plans to go out with Netero anyway. Riina has known him for a long time too.
Oh, right. It's almost time for breakfast. I should leave the room so I won't be late.
Now then, it looks like today is going to be a busy day.
◆
The time was 11:55. Figuring they'd be arriving soon, I waited in the hotel lobby.
"Almost time?"
"Yes. Riina is punctual, so she should arrive within five minutes of the meeting time."
"The Rockbelt chairman, huh… To think you guys are acquainted with someone that high up…"
Ah, so Leorio-san knows Riina as the chairman of the Rockbelt conglomerate. From the perspective of someone like him—who was obsessed with money to become a doctor—Riina really would seem like someone from another world. I wonder how much her total assets are.
"Leorio. You'd best abandon any naive thoughts about Lady Riina. She is strict with both others and herself. If you were to do something foolish like asking her for money… we might lose a friend."
Kurapika glared sharply at Leorio-san once, then turned his gaze off into the distance with a faraway look. It wasn't an empty threat—his words carried a weight that made Leorio-san gulp.
"O-Oh. Of course, I wasn't planning to do anything like that."
(You totally were.)
(You were definitely going to.)
(You were, weren't you.)
(You were planning to, weren't you.)
Even without reading minds, I could hear everyone's thoughts.
At that moment, our hearts (excluding Leorio-san) were perfectly in sync.
While we chatted a bit longer, a black limousine taxi pulled up in front of the hotel entrance. Stepping out of it were a beautiful woman in a chic dress and a young girl dressed in gothic lolita attire.
Riina and Bisky.
Wearing an elegant adult dress flawlessly, Riina politely declined the hotel staff's offer to carry her luggage with a gentle smile, then walked in through the automatic doors with perfect posture.
A true lady. Seeing my disciple looking so radiant made me genuinely happy.
Glancing to the side, I saw that Leorio-san—who was seeing Riina for the first time—was completely captivated. Well, she is beautiful. Even if she's actually a 71-year-old grandma. Nen abilities really are incredible.
That perfectly ladylike Riina seemed to notice us before we could call out to her. In that instant, her gentle smile bloomed into an ecstatic grin, and she threw away all her earlier elegance as she rushed toward us in a flash.
…There was no "radiant disciple" to be seen anymore.
"A—Ah, Aisha-san! It has been too long! I have been waiting for the day I could see you again with such longing it felt like an eternity!"
"No, it's only been about ten days since we last met."
"Is that so? To me, it felt as though ten times that amount of time had passed."
Yes. This unwavering behavior—without a doubt, she is my number one disciple.
…Where did I go wrong? Was my teaching at fault? Seriously, how did this happen?
"She hasn't changed at all."
"If she had changed in just ten days, that would be more suspicious."
"Yeah. Even I'd doubt it."
"…She's really like this? If even Gon would doubt it, that says a lot…"
Ah, even pure-hearted Gon would doubt a normal version of Riina…
"Oh my, everyone is here."
"Notice that sooner."
"That's asking too much, Killua. When Aisha is present, there's no way Lady Riina would even register anyone else in her field of vision."
"How rude. It's simply that everyone else's presence is far too faint compared to Aisha-san's."
"That's way more rude!"
Honestly. If this group counts as having a "faint presence," just how overwhelming is mine? Though right now, the one fading into the background the most is Bisky, who's completely overshadowed by Riina.
"Alright, alright, calm down a bit, Riina. Looks like there are some people you're meeting for the first time. Introductions come first, right?"
"…You're right. My apologies. My name is Riina Rockbelt. I look forward to your acquaintance."
"I'm Biscuit Krueger. Just call me Bisky—nice to meet you."
"O-Oh. I'm Leorio Paradinight. Nice to meet you."
At last, the three meeting for the first time exchanged introductions.
Wait—that's the first time I've heard Leorio-san's full name. Paradinight… that actually sounds pretty cool.
"Heeey, Leorio—your last name is Paradinight?"
"It doesn't suit you at all!"
"What did you say, you brat?!"
Killua burst out laughing upon hearing Leorio-san's full name, and Leorio-san chased after him in anger.
Honestly… there are other guests in the lobby, you know. I turned toward them to scold the two as they caused a commotion.
—That was when it happened.
"Hey, you two, that's enough—"
"—A-Aisha-san!? Wh-What happened to your hair!?"
Riina's shout echoed loudly through the entire lobby. It was so loud that even the two causing trouble froze and turned to look.
Why is she so shocked about my hair? …Ah, right, it did get a bit shorter. But that's an overreaction. Well, I'm not exactly happy about it either.
It was my black hair inherited from Mother. The only thing about me that truly resembled her long, beautiful hair. I treasured it, but it got cut—so it can't be helped. I'll grow it out again from now on. Dominic-san told me to, after all! I'll definitely return it to its original length.
"Well, you see… there were some circumstances."
I gave Riina a brief explanation.
That included the fight with the Phantom Troupe, but it shouldn't be a problem.
"You defeated the Phantom Troupe… As expected of you, Aisha-san! To capture them all!"
"No, it was thanks to everyone's help."
'No, it wasn't.'
…Don't all deny it at the same time.
"Aisha compared to us—what we did hardly amounts to anything…"
"Yeah. You practically took down most of the Troupe by yourself, so that doesn't really add up."
"Did our help even matter?"
"Kurapika's ability was essential. That's about it."
"Everyone, it seems you understand things quite well. I shall praise you."
For some reason, hearing everyone's comments seemed to put Riina in a good mood.
Is she interpreting this as praise for me? Because it really doesn't feel like I'm being praised.
"No, that is not the issue right now. What matters is that someone in the Phantom Troupe dared to cut Aisha-san's hair."
"The Phantom Troupe's got some nerve. Even if they had numbers, cutting Aisha's hair like that…"
"What are you saying, Bisky!? Those thieves have stolen a treasure so valuable it could be called a national treasure—Aisha-san's hair!!"
That's quite the exaggeration, Riina-san. Just how much value are you placing on my hair?
I suddenly felt a wave of fatigue… hm? This presence… could it be—
"Those individuals must be judged immediately and appropriately—"
"That would be troublesome. They are to be apprehended by the Hunter Association and judged under the law, you see."
As expected.
Hearing the voice from behind, Riina spun around sharply. The fact that he deliberately used Zetsu to sneak up on her really shows how mischievous he is.
Well, he wasn't completely hiding his presence, so it's Riina's fault for not noticing.
"Chairman Netero!?"
"What's this old man doing here!?"
"Heh heh. To have your back taken so easily—your training is lacking, Riina-jou-chan. You died once just now, you know?"
"Ghk! Sen—Aisha-san is watching, and yet what a disgrace…! In that case, I have no choice but to eliminate this old fool and restore my honor!"
"Wait, calm down. Talk it out—we can understand each other! It was just a bit of harmless mischief! So don't direct that killing intent at me like that!"
Ohh, what killing intent. Not spreading outward, but honed and focused entirely on Netero alone—a razor-sharp murderous aura! And despite how intense it was—enough to make even Netero break into a cold sweat—the surrounding civilians didn't notice a thing. Only those beyond ordinary humans could perceive it.
Sure enough, even though they weren't directly targeted, Gon and the others instinctively distanced themselves the moment Riina released her killing intent.
Mm, mm, good reactions. Their training is definitely paying off.
"Oi, Aisha! What are you doing nodding in satisfaction at a time like this!? H-Hurry up and stop Riina!!"
"To think you would seek help from Aisha-san—how pathetic! One so weak has no right to live! Allow me to send you off right here! Rest assured, I will make your funeral a grand one!"
"Like hell that's reassuring!"
"Go for it, Riina~! Keep it up~!"
"Oi, Bisky! Show a little respect to your master!"
Ohh, as expected, Netero still has some composure.
While fending off Riina's attacks, he still finds time to throw in a retort to Bisky. Somehow, his movements seem slightly sharper than when I fought him before.
Heh. Looks like he's been training since then. Now I'm really looking forward to our rematch!
"Why are you standing there with your arms crossed, grinning like that!? I told you to stop her already!"
"Ah, I forgot."
Oops, oops. I got too excited thinking about my rematch with Netero.
"Riina. If you make a scene here, you'll trouble the hotel staff and the other guests. If you're going to do it, do it somewhere that won't inconvenience anyone."
"Hey, that's not stopping her, is it? You're just postponing it."
"Yes! My apologies, Aisha-san. I shall take this somewhere it won't trouble others and finish him properly."
"That's… actually the correct word choice in her case…"
"You should be apologizing not to me, right?"
"Indeed."
"Yes, you're right. Everyone, I sincerely apologize for causing a disturbance in such a place. Please accept my deepest apologies."
"Oh, not to me, huh. Well, I knew it would turn out like this anyway."
"Tch, how boring. You should've kept going."
"Should I expel you from the school?"
Since when did Netero become the butt of jokes like this?
It must've been after I (Ryushou) died and Riina and Bisky got closer. Poor Netero.
"Hey now, didn't you used to mess with me too?"
"Please don't read people's minds without permission."
"You're the last one who should be saying that."
How rude. I don't invade people's privacy by reading their minds.
I just observe subtle changes in their expressions, muscle movements, and aura to infer their thoughts—not literally read their minds.
"Well, whatever. More importantly, shall we move somewhere we can settle down? This isn't exactly the place for it."
"Agreed. Let's head to my room."
Since we're handing over the Phantom Troupe, there might be detailed discussions to go over. It's not something to talk about at length in a lobby full of civilians.
Well, even if they overheard, it would probably just sound like a joke. Still, I'd rather avoid being stared at like this any longer.
With that, I led everyone toward the room I was using.
"Now then, since we've settled down, let's get to the main topic."
After everyone entered the room, grabbed drinks from the fridge, and took a breather, Netero moved on to the reason for his visit.
"Aisha, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio. You five—well done on subjugating and capturing the Phantom Troupe, an A-rank bounty group."
In contrast to earlier, Netero straightened his posture and spoke in a serious tone of appreciation. It'd be nice if he acted like this more often—but if he were always like this, it'd feel creepy, so maybe not.
"This achievement is worthy of each of you receiving the title of Single-Star Hunter. If any of you wish, I can register you as Single Hunters. Ah, though—my apologies, Killua. You are not a Pro Hunter, so you are ineligible."
"I'm good. I'm not interested in something like 'Single' anyway."
A Single Hunter, huh. A title given to Hunters who've made outstanding achievements in a specific field. Among the 700+ Hunters, only a handful hold that title—true elites among professionals.
Though since it's tied to a specific field, then it's probably—
"Incidentally, this achievement is based on hunting Blacklist targets. Therefore, the Single title would be as a Blacklist Hunter. What will you do?"
As expected. Since it's tied to a specific field, that's how it works.
"Hmm, I'll pass. I don't feel like I'm that amazing of a Hunter yet. Besides, if I'm going to be recognized as one, I'd rather find Ging first."
Ging. Ging Freecss—Gon's father.
From everything I've heard, he's top-class as a Hunter. But as a father… I wonder. Leaving Gon behind on Whale Island just to pursue his own goals. At the very least, he could've spent Gon's early childhood with him. If he was going to prioritize his own ambitions over his child, he shouldn't have had one in the first place. It's irresponsibility to an extreme.
Gon himself doesn't seem to mind, though. But I'd like to say a thing or two. He's even made the kind Mito-san sad—if I ever meet him, maybe I'll knock some sense into him.
…No, this is Gon's father. Someone like me probably couldn't change his nature. He sounds just as stubborn as Gon.
"Heh heh. I see, I see. Finding Ging won't be easy, you know?"
"It's fine! I'll definitely find him!"
"Indeed. And when you do, will you call yourself a 'Ging Hunter'?"
"Eh… I'll pass on that…"
"What kind of Hunter is that? That's way too specific."
"Well, Hunters are free to hunt whatever they wish. There are even those called 'Kawami Hunters,' you know."
Kawami… Hunter? What exactly do they hunt?
Cute things? Beautiful things? At that point, isn't that just a high school girl…?
"Anyway, Gon declines. What about the rest of you?"
"I'll pass too. Being called a Blacklist Hunter doesn't really click with me."
That makes sense. Leorio-san wants to become a doctor. He probably doesn't plan to be that active as a professional Hunter. He only became one because it helps waive expensive tuition fees.
Trying to become a doctor for people who can't afford it… Leorio-san really is a good person. I hope he becomes a great doctor.
"Hmm. Then what about you, Kurapika?"
"I… will gratefully accept the offer."
"Very well. The official registration will come later, but from now on, you are a Single-Star Blacklist Hunter. Continue striving to be an example for others."
"…Thank you. And… sorry, everyone. Even though you all declined."
"It's fine. You were super important in capturing the Troupe."
"Yeah, you're the one holding them right now, basically."
"Right. We're not interested, but you needed that title, right? Then just take it."
"…I see. Aisha, I'm sorry as well. Most of the credit for capturing the Phantom Troupe belongs to you."
"You don't have to worry about that. Like Gon and the others said, you played a major role too. And besides—you want the title to help recover the Scarlet Eyes, right?"
"…Yes. As a Single Hunter, the title carries significant value. If used well, it should help in searching for the Scarlet Eyes."
Indeed. Just the title of Single Hunter carries immense influence.
If he builds a reputation and gains trust in the underworld, he might even establish an information network spanning the globe to locate the scattered Scarlet Eyes.
Being a Blacklist Hunter might be a drawback in the underworld—but there are even Hunters who are bounty targets themselves. As long as he proves his ability, there will be plenty willing to work with him.
"Now then, that leaves only you, Aisha… In your case, your disciple Kurapika has become a Single Hunter. Considering Article 6 of the Hunter Bylaws, it's somewhat irregular, but I could award you a Double-Star title."
Double, huh. But honestly, I'm not that interested. It's not like I have ambitions that require authority. If becoming a Double Hunter helped me get that gender-switching medicine, it'd be different—but otherwise…
"I'll decline as well."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. I didn't become a Hunter for titles."
"Hm… Well, I figured you'd say that."
That's just the benefit of knowing each other for so long.
"You guys are so modest. You should take what you can get. Titles can be useful, you know?"
"My Hunter License alone is convenient enough."
This hotel is free, and it even helped with hospital arrangements.
Thanks to that, I was able to provide Dominic-san with the best treatment. Truly, the license is invaluable.
"You really lack ambition. Oh well. By the way, I'm a Double-Star Stone Hunter. I specialize in gemstones, so if you ever get rare jewels, I'll buy them off you—at a higher price than jewelers."
"Wait, Bisky, you're a Double Hunter!? You look about the same age as Gon and Killua—that's insane!"
And there goes another victim fooled by Bisky's appearance…
If someone can tell her real age at a glance, they're definitely using some kind of Nen ability.
"So that means Chairman Rockbelt too?"
"You may call me Riina. Unfortunately, I do not hold any title."
"Huh. So it's not like you automatically get a title just for being strong."
"…This guy—how dare he speak to Riina-san like that. You got a death wish or something?"
"Killua-san? We will have a talk later, so be prepared. Ah, and Leorio-san, was it? I simply haven't had the opportunity to earn a title, as I do not engage in Hunter activities."
Riina smiled sweetly as she said that.
But that smile—her face was smiling, yet her eyes weren't at all.
Leorio-san's face stiffened. And Killua turned pale. Dug your own grave there, Killua. He looked over at me for help, but… yeah, that's on him. I silently shook my head.
"Damn it, I've got no allies here!"
"You brought it upon yourself."
Looking around, Kurapika made a cross toward Killua, Gon clasped his hands with a wry smile, and Netero and Bisky wore expressions of "you asked for it." No escape. Killua, I'll at least collect your bones.
"Well then, we'll continue that discussion later, Killua-san. More importantly, Chairman Netero—did you come here to take custody of the Phantom Troupe captured by Aisha-san?"
"Indeed."
"Then shouldn't you focus on that? It seems the matter of titles is settled, so you have no further business here, correct?"
"Well, yes, but… surely a little conversation wouldn't hurt?"
"No, no. You are entrusted with the important duty of transporting the Phantom Troupe. They could escape at any moment. Please act swiftly."
"…Just how much do you dislike me?"
"What are you saying? I like you more than Kamado, at least."
"Doesn't that still put me near the bottom?"
"You two get along well."
"'Not at all.' (We absolutely do not.)"
…No, you totally do. Your timing was perfect. This is exactly what they mean by "the more you fight, the closer you are."
"But Riina-san's right—hurry up and take those guys away, Chairman. Even if they're restrained, staying under the same roof as them gives me the creeps."
"I agree with Leorio. I want nothing to do with those dangerous people."
"Oh my, how understanding, Leorio-san—and Killua-san as well. Let us pretend your earlier remarks never happened."
Ah—both of them instantly looked relieved.
"Now then, please carry out your duties, Chairman. It's a chance to set an example for those under you."
"Guh… fine. That is why I came, after all. And if I don't get back soon, Beans will scold me."
"We can talk another time."
"Indeed. Next time, I'll be taking my revenge."
"That's my line."
Neither of us considers the last match a win.
I was more heavily injured, while Netero likely believes he lost because I deliberately chose to take his final attack.
A match with no clear winner leaves too much unfinished business. Next time, we'll settle it properly.
"…Hey. Didn't Aisha lose to Chairman Netero?"
"No, I lost."
"No, I'm the one who lost."
"Aisha-san clearly won."
"No, the old man won."
...…
"I lost!"
"I told you, I lost!"
"Aisha-san won, obviously!"
"I said the old man won!"
Y-You stubborn old geezer! I'm telling you I lost, so just accept the win!
Watching us argue heatedly, Gon sighed and spoke.
"So… it's a draw?"
"…Seems that way. Even though neither of them admits it."
"Honestly, those two get along better than I expected."
"Yeah… it's different from how they act with us. Less holding back, I guess."
Ignoring Gon and the others watching us in exasperation, our stubborn clash only grew more intense.
◆
"There are twelve of them? I heard the Phantom Troupe had thirteen members."
"Yeah, one of them was just pretending to be part of the Troupe. That was Hisoka."
"Ah, that one…"
The transfer of the Phantom Troupe proceeded without issue. The twelve captured members quietly boarded the large transport vehicle Netero had prepared. They likely understood there was no point in resisting or trying to escape. If they did, Kurapika's Nen chains would pierce their hearts instantly.
Even at the end, they showed no regret or remorse—some hurling insults, others remaining eerily calm. They would probably face death the same way. "The soul at three stays till a hundred," as they say—it suited them perfectly… in the worst way.
"What happened to Hisoka?"
"I defeated him."
"Oh? I see. And how was he?"
"He was strong. And he'll get even stronger."
At Netero's question, I recalled that battle.
The tactics crafted specifically to defeat me. The unwavering obsession with victory, even after realizing the difference in our strength. The mindset that allowed him to cut off his own wrist to win.
What impressed me about Hisoka wasn't just his raw combat ability—it was everything beyond that.
This defeat would only make him stronger. Gon and Castro-san would have a tough time, but a strong rival is always better.
"Oh? Looks like you enjoyed it. It's written all over your face."
"Yes. I'd like to fight him again someday."
"How jealous I am. I've got dibs first, you know?"
"I know. Anyway, there's no issue with Hisoka. He's not captured, but I've driven a wedge into him. He won't be able to commit crimes so casually anymore."
The day after his defeat, Hisoka had already disappeared from the room.
His injuries from me probably weren't fully healed, but… he's Hisoka. He'll be fine.
He's likely somewhere now, focusing on recovery.
"Then that's fine."
Netero glanced once more at the Troupe inside the transport vehicle before turning back to us.
"Well then, I'll be off."
"Right. Oh, and be careful—there's a chance the mafia or assassins might attack to target the Phantom Troupe."
"I'll just crush them if they try."
Well, that is Netero. I said it, but I can't even imagine him being outplayed by the mafia.
Looks like I won't be seeing him for a while either. If he goes to Greed Island, he won't be coming back easily. Our rematch will have to wait.
…After Greed Island, though, we might not even get another chance.
From faint, distant memories of the past—fragments of knowledge I barely recall. If that happens…
No. Stop.
There's no point thinking about it now. This isn't a manga world—it's reality, where countless lives exist just like mine.
Just because something happened in a story doesn't mean it will happen here. The world is moving even now. It's not a fixed narrative centered on a protagonist.
All I can do is live fully in the present.
And if that calamity does come…
…I'll stop it.
If anyone is going to defeat Netero, it will be me. I won't let anyone else take him down.
No—if Netero fights and loses, then that's fate. Even death would be part of battle. As a friend, I would grieve—but as a warrior, I would accept it.
But that kind of death—I refuse to accept it. For him not even to be allowed a warrior's death… as a fellow warrior, as his rival, I absolutely refuse!
At that time, Netero died as a professional Hunter.
But I want him to live and die as a warrior—just like how I, even under the control of [Absolute Obedience / Geass], faced death with satisfaction as Ryushou.
"…Hey, Aisha. What's wrong?"
"Ah… no, it's nothing."
Did it show on my face? I didn't think I'd changed my expression…
But it's Netero. He probably read something from my presence. Sharp as ever.
"That didn't look like 'nothing.' …Well, whatever. Oh, right—I nearly forgot. I need to give you the reward for capturing the Phantom Troupe."
"The reward!? Hey, how much are we talking, Chairman!?"
Behind me, Leorio—who had been quiet this whole time—suddenly reacted the moment money was mentioned.
Well, it lightened the mood, so I guess that's fine. I'd gotten a bit tense myself.
"Heh heh. Well, 'giving it' just means transferring it all into Aisha's Hunter License. There we go—done."
"…Already?"
He just operated a small device. That's it?
Wow… you can transfer money that easily nowadays. What a convenient world.
"Mm. You can check it later. As for how you divide it, I'll leave that to you."
Come to think of it, the license works like a bank card too. Actually, it replaces most kinds of cards. Seriously, it's incredibly convenient.
Even some Phantom Troupe members had licenses. Though it's questionable that criminals can have them… Well, we confiscated and burned theirs anyway. Losing the license doesn't change the fact they're Pro Hunters—but their crimes are severe enough to be punished regardless. At best, their sentences might be slightly lighter than other members—but still, we're talking hundreds of years.
"Well then, farewell."
This time, Netero truly left. I'll look forward to the next time we meet.
"Alright then, now that we've safely handed over the Phantom Troupe, shall we head back to the room? Riina seems to have something for us too."
"Yes. I've prepared a special gift for you, Aisha-san."
Ah, right, she did mention that.
Is it more cute clothes again?
But the only thing she's carrying is a handbag about the size of a laptop case. If she didn't leave it in the room and is carrying it around, it must be something valuable… Knowing her, it's probably ridiculously expensive. That's kind of scary.
"I wanna check the reward already! Man, it's gotta be huge—those guys were A-rank bounties!"
"Yeah, probably at least in the hundreds of millions. I heard there's a big bounty on us too."
"Speaking of which, your photo has a 100 million Jenny bounty on it… Killua-kun, I've got a request."
"I already know what it is, and no."
"No, no, I wouldn't sell out a friend. Just, next time you visit home, could you take a family photo? Without you in it, of course."
"That's even worse than I expected!"
"Stop talking nonsense and get moving, Bakario."
"H-hey! Who are you calling Bakario!?"
"Ah, that takes me back."
"That was during the Hunter Exam, when making sushi, right?"
Come to think of it, it's only been nine months since then.
Not even a full year, yet it feels like we've lived through so much. Despite all my years, I feel more fulfilled now than ever.
As I drifted into thought and started heading back into the hotel, an explosion suddenly echoed from somewhere.
"This is…"
"That explosion—it came from the direction the old man went."
"Most likely an attack from the mafia or assassins. Though that's not the real issue—the question is how they knew Chairman Netero was transporting the Phantom Troupe."
"…Maybe it leaked from the Association. I can think of someone who'd pull that kind of stunt against the old man."
"Ah, that rotten Vice Chairman."
"Is the Vice Chairman not on good terms with Netero?"
I don't know the current Vice Chairman. The previous one had a good relationship with Netero. Since the Chairman appoints the Vice Chairman, maybe he chose someone who wouldn't go along with him? That sounds like something Netero would do.
"Not really. The Vice Chairman enjoys messing with Netero, and Netero enjoys it too. So in a way, they get along."
"I don't like that person. Because of his interference with Chairman Netero, I lost the chance to recover the Black Book…!"
Ah, yeah—that's unforgivable. Seriously. Being partly responsible for my embarrassing secrets spreading worldwide is an unforgivable sin.
"Um… you're all talking pretty casually, but shouldn't we be worried about Chairman Netero?"
"You're kind, Gon. But it's Netero—we don't need to worry. In fact, we called him here because things like this might happen."
"Exactly. Worrying about that old man is pointless."
"Indeed. Now then, let's return to Aisha-san's room."
And just like that, we headed back into the hotel without a second thought for Netero.
"…Is that really okay?"
"…Probably?"
"…Yeah, I guess it is."
"Forget that—let's check the reward already!"
Leorio, as unwavering as ever.
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