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036 (Vol 2) HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2025-02-08 06:01:01 +0000 UTCBut he remained steadfast, standing guard near Ronnel, who sat in the corner with his eyes closed, seemingly adjusting his state in preparation for the competition.
'As expected of Ronnel-san. Even though he won the championship last time, he's still taking this competition so seriously. I guess I'm still too nervous—I can't even practice properly.'
Zushi thought this with admiration, his resolve strengthening. Once the tournament ended, he would commit himself to rigorous training once more.
However, what he didn't realize was that Ronnel wasn't meditating for the upcoming match but for something far more significant...
'It's almost time, Jed~'
Ronnel's expression gradually turned serious.
'He's from the same era as Netero, and now he's restored to his prime. A battle against him is far more valuable than one against the old Netero.'
'Right now, you might just be the perfect opponent before I officially face the Ant King. Let me see how your Rakshasa differs from Netero's Bodhisattva!!'
As time passed, the opening ceremony of the Battle Olympia officially began. Under the watchful eyes of the audience, the familiar image of Netero appeared on the big screen, delivering his usual formal speech.
...
Meanwhile, in the shadows of the assembly hall…
"Netero, yo~"
Several figures draped in cloaks stood motionless, their gazes locked onto the screen. The leader of the group spoke slowly, emphasizing each syllable, his voice heavy with emotion.
The weight of his words was palpable, and those standing behind him felt it clearly.
Soon, Netero's speech concluded, and the conference's mascot took the stage, performing an animated dance under the host's direction.
"Is it the wish of the fairies?" a soft chuckle escaped from the cloaked figure on the far right. He then turned toward a shorter figure in the center.
"Rengoku, you are strong."
The short figure remained silent for a moment before giving a slow nod.
As she did, the hood of her cloak shifted slightly, revealing a delicate, youthful face.
"See you~" The slender figure offered a faint smile, his words spoken in the gentlest tone yet filled with unwavering determination.
"Move out!"
At the leader's command, the cloaked figures disappeared into the crowd.
"Let's enjoy the show~"
At that same moment, by sheer coincidence, Gon and Killua—prompted by memories of past trials with Netero—left the auditorium in search of him.
In a secluded room on one of the upper floors…
"Seriously, this year's contestants are so disappointing—not nearly as interesting as the last batch."
Hisoka, bored, was idly stacking a pyramid of playing cards on the table.
Across from him, Kurapika stood with arms crossed, clad in a black suit that gave him the air of an enforcer. He frowned.
"You called me here to talk about something so trivial?"
"I can't help it. I'm really bored. I just wanted someone to chat with~"
"Then you picked the wrong person. I'm busy, and I don't have time to waste on you."
Kurapika turned to leave without hesitation.
"So cold. By the way, if you're here… does that mean Gon and the others are around too?"
"I wouldn't know. We haven't been in contact~" Kurapika paused briefly. "But since Ronnel is competing again, Gon and Killua are likely here as well. Why? If Ronnel's competing, why aren't you looking for him?"
"Oh, he's my next target~" Hisoka's lips curled into an eerie smile, as though savoring the thought.
"But I have a new toy to play with first. Once I'm done, I'll get to him. Appetizers before the main course—it makes the feast all the more enjoyable~"
"Suit yourself." Kurapika had no interest in Hisoka's twisted logic or whatever new 'toy' he had fixated on.
"However," he added, "while I don't know Ronnel's full strength, I have a feeling that if you challenge him, there's a good chance you won't make it out alive."
With that, Kurapika left without looking back.
As he disappeared from sight, the playing card pyramid on Hisoka's table collapsed.
"Won't survive?"
Hisoka murmured to himself, then smirked his signature grin.
"Will I even need to wait until then? Maybe I won't make it past my fight with Chrollo."
His sinister chuckle echoed throughout the room, sending shivers down the spine of anyone who might have been listening.
As the tournament's mascot continued its lively performance, the waiting area bustled with anticipation for the first-round matchups.
Just as expected, Ronnel had been seeded into the tournament, automatically advancing past the first round.
Naturally, this drew a mix of reactions from the other Floor Masters. Some cast him wary glances, others scrutinized him with quiet intrigue.
Regardless, this was the committee's decision—whether they liked it or not, they had no choice but to accept it.
In reality, the organizing committee had its own reasoning.
The others might not know the full extent of Ronnel's abilities, but after the chaos of last year, the committee was well aware.
As officials, they had access to extensive battle records and performance data. After reviewing the current lineup, the experts had reached a clear conclusion:
The overall strength of this year's Floor Masters was a notch below the previous year's.
A notch below...
Given that last year's competitors had been utterly crushed by Ronnel, this year, the committee decided it would be best if he fought fewer matches.
The less Ronnel fought, the more competitive the tournament would seem—and, in turn, the more entertainment value it would have.
The organizing committee was nothing if not strategic.
"Alright then, Ronnel-san, I'll be heading off first~"
Zushi, still a mix of excited and nervous, gave Ronnel a respectful bow.
He was the first to fight, and his opponent was a braggart named Han, a man who claimed to have taken down countless wrestlers and referees.
His appearance? Besides his skin tone and beard, his towering horned head bore a striking resemblance to the young Don Freecss of legend~.
