Someone was following him. Leaving aside the fact that he had not sensed anyone else's aura, on Chrollo's side Phinks still had not returned, so the only people who could be sent out were Kortopi and Pakunoda. But given the particular nature of Chrollo's ability, he would leave at least two members behind on watch.
And he should also know that neither Kortopi nor Paku were combat specialists. If they tailed him, there was a good chance something unexpected would happen.
Hisoka did not turn his head. Because Kurapika had not come alone, Hisoka still held a certain amount of doubt toward what Kurapika had told him.
Then—
Tap, tap, tap.
A crisp series of footsteps came from behind Hisoka.
"So there really is someone there." Kurapika immediately raised his chain.
"And who might this be~?" At that moment, Hisoka tightened his grip slightly on the playing card in his hand, his face returning to an expressionless state.
Tap, tap, tap.
The footsteps drew closer and closer, and an oppressive presence steadily intensified.
Then suddenly, the footsteps stopped, and every sound vanished.
"He's here," Roy warned.
"Hm?" Kurapika's eyes sharpened, and then he saw that a person had suddenly appeared inside the room.
So fast!!!
The footsteps had still seemed some distance away just an instant ago, yet in the next moment, this person was already here.
A black trench coat. A strange mask.
It was him!
Kurapika and Hisoka's eyes both contracted at the same time.
It was that ruthless monster who had instantly slaughtered the Shadow Beasts before, the Phantom Troupe's Number 12 member who also seemed to have some connection to Roy!
Kurapika tightened his grip on his chain.
Fortunately, Roy had come with him.
Otherwise, judging by the strength this Number 12 had just displayed, if Kurapika had to face him alone, he would not have the slightest confidence in winning.
"Oh my, oh my, I didn't expect it to be so lively here. Did I come at a bad time?"
Ilo spoke casually, as if he had not sensed the tension in the room at all.
"Number 12, why are you here? Don't tell me you were following me?"
As Hisoka spoke, he had already raised his playing cards, and a dangerous light gradually surfaced in his eyes.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not here for you. I came to see… uh, this person."
Originally, Ilo had wanted to say "Lord Roy," but Roy stopped him with a look.
Roy felt his skin was still a bit too thin for that. Saying it in private was one thing, but saying it out in the open like this would be a little awkward.
"So you came for Roy? As expected, you really are connected to him." Kurapika did not relax in the slightest.
At that moment, Roy spoke.
"All right. You've worked hard during this time. You can take off that crude mask and get some air now."
Roy knew that once Ilo removed his mask and revealed the face beneath it, that would be the best explanation for Kurapika.
"It's nothing. Not hard at all. It's all part of the job~"
Still smiling casually, Ilo removed his mask.
"This—?!"
The sight beneath the mask was simply too shocking.
Who could have imagined that the famous Phantom Troupe's Number 12 member would have a face exactly identical to Roy's!
Except for the large letter L on his forehead.
"No wonder he has such terrifying speed. No wonder he could fire such a similar explosive light sphere. So that's how it is~!"
"Ohohohoho, so that's how it is. A few days ago, I heard the Phantom Troupe had recruited a very strong new member who could release a huge blue light sphere, supposedly an Emission-Type user. I already felt something strange at the time. Now I understand where that sense of familiarity came from~"
Hisoka was stunned for a moment, but immediately reacted. An interested smile appeared on his face, while his eyes flickered faintly, as if he were contemplating some strange idea.
"Ilo, Roy. Completely opposite names~ How interesting. Really interesting!"
"As you can see, this guy has the same face as me. There really is some very special relationship between us... though that relationship is a little complicated, and I don't really know how to explain it. But Kurapika, all you need to know is that this guy is a trustworthy ally."
"I see." Kurapika looked at Ilo's face, then nodded. "I understand."
"Oh my, looks like you've planted someone inside the Troupe after all. That means you don't need my cooperation anymore?" Hisoka said with a smile.
"No. Since you're in the Troupe too, with Ilo added in, the two of you can act together. One more person means one more possibility, one more chance." Roy glanced at Hisoka.
"And you're not worried I'll tell the Boss?" Hisoka lowered the playing cards in his hand and crossed his arms.
"Don't worry. I'll be watching you at all times. If there's even the slightest sign that you might try to leak anything, I'll make sure you never get the chance to open your mouth. Believe me, I'll take you out before you can make a sound."
Ilo cast Hisoka a glance and said indifferently, "And by now, you should also understand that we know a special method for sensing aura and hiding a person's presence. So you'd better not entertain any foolish hopes."
"Of course, we won't interfere with your duel against the Phantom Troupe's Boss, as long as you cooperate seriously~"
"Yes, yes~" Hisoka still replied with a smiling face.
Things had become far more interesting than he had imagined.
"Then go ahead and tell us the information on each Phantom Troupe member, as well as their current situation and their next arrangements and plans. If anything is missing, the two of you can fill in the gaps for each other."
...
Meanwhile...
"The Shadow Beasts, huh? Their strength was decent enough, but they still couldn't take much of a beating~"
Feitan wiped the blood from his hands and said flatly.
In front of him, aside from that man called Owl—the one who had been waving around a red bundle cloth and wearing sunglasses—who was still lying there half-dead, the other Shadow Beast members were sprawled all over the place, no longer breathing.
"The Boss's orders are for us to split into two teams."
At that moment, Shalnark also walked over after hanging up the phone.
(End of Chapter)
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