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233 HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2024-11-30 06:01:01 +0000 UTCIf not for the concern that Illumi might be a Manipulator, Feitan would have fought at full power. Instead, he held back, wary of being controlled. Otherwise, the battle might have escalated to a whole new level.
However, comparing Feitan's strength to Illumi's isn't simple.
Hisoka's 100-point scoring system is based on his personal scale. During the election for the Chairman, he rated Illumi at 95, implying they were nearly equals. At that time, Illumi was disguised as Gittarackur, so it's unclear if he was holding back some of his strength.
When it comes to the Phantom Troupe, Hisoka's interest begins and ends with Chrollo. The rest of the Troupe holds no appeal to him.
When they first encountered Hisoka, Nobunaga casually commented, "His move, Bungee Gum, is pretty strong."
Feitan and others exchanged a few remarks about him, but none piqued Hisoka's interest. To him, the other members were "crooked apples" unworthy of his attention.
On one side, there's Illumi, whom Hisoka considers an equal or perhaps stronger. On the other, there's Feitan and the others, who don't interest him. By comparison, Illumi seems to edge out Feitan in strength.
"Crack! Bang!"
As the clash between Feitan and Illumi intensified, a sudden flurry of paper erupted from the cracked windows and walls of the building.
"Huh?"
Feitan and Illumi instinctively backed away, their gazes sharpening.
"What's this?"
As the white sheets of paper fluttered like snow, Ronnel's eyes first showed confusion, then recognition.
"This is Kalluto's Dance of the Serpent's Bite and Surveillance Paper Dolls. Looks like Illumi isn't the type to charge in recklessly—he's brought backup."
Realizing this, Ronnel glanced between Illumi, Feitan, and the on-guard members of the Phantom Troupe, a hint of disappointment crossing his face.
"Looks like the fight's over. A mutual destruction scenario isn't happening today."
Illumi, gazing at the falling paper, nodded slightly.
"It seems I was a bit impulsive, wasting more time than necessary on an unnecessary battle."
"Besides, with Hisoka at the negotiation site, there's no immediate threat to Killua. If they ever target him, the silver needle in his head will ensure his escape."
"Still," he mused, "the Troupe is full of lunatics. Perhaps we should prepare for contingencies. Mother intends for Kalluto to train on his own… maybe even join the Phantom Troupe in Hisoka's place to keep an eye on things?"
While weighing these thoughts, Illumi's body moved with decisive speed. Lightly tapping his toes, he launched himself toward the paper-covered wall.
In a single motion, he kicked through the crumbling structure and vanished into the night under the watchful eyes of the Troupe members.
Once Illumi was gone, the floating paper seemed to lose its vitality, drifting to the ground in silence.
"Dammit!"
With visible frustration, Feitan slashed at the paper with his umbrella sword, scattering it in tatters.
"More helpers, huh?"
From the brief clash, Feitan knew Illumi's words about his own strength weren't baseless. Though tempted to give chase, the uncertain situation, Illumi's unknown abilities, and the need to avoid jeopardizing their deal stopped him.
"Let it go," Franklin said with a calm but firm tone. "At least nothing major happened."
Phinks, who had been itching for action, glanced at Franklin, then at the damaged wall, before sighing and letting it go.
The Troupe returned to their tasks as though nothing had happened, the brief encounter with Illumi fading into the background.
...
Under the Stars
On a deserted street far from the abandoned building, Kalluto, dressed in a dark purple kimono, glared at Illumi.
"You're in a losing business," Kalluto said bluntly. "Hisoka paid you to act as a stand-in, not to pick a fight with the Phantom Troupe."
"I know," Illumi replied evenly, "but sometimes, things spiral out of control."
"That's because you're immature."
Illumi regarded his younger brother, who barely reached his chest, with quiet amusement.
At just ten years old, Kalluto showed no sign of recognizing his own youth.
"Is it the right move to let Kalluto join the Phantom Troupe?" Illumi wondered.
Kalluto's abilities outshone his peers. Even Gon and Killua couldn't match him at this stage. His pride made him believe he could take the Troupe's second-most powerful position.
But during the Troupe's mission to eliminate Chimera Ants in the Streets of Meteor City, Kalluto realized just how insignificant his strength was among them.
For now, Kalluto remained a prideful boy determined to bring his older brother Killua back home.
Back at the Troupe's base, time ticked past the agreed hour.
When faint footsteps echoed outside, all eyes turned toward the entrance.
"Pakunoda, you're back! Where's Chrollo?"
The sight of her returning figure broke the silence, and Phinks, unable to hold back, immediately asked.
"He can't come," Pakunoda said calmly, scanning the room.
"Have you made your decision?"
Though others might not have noticed, Ronnel sensed a quiet determination in her words—along with a faint, resigned acceptance.
