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225 HxH: Tombbound Power
🕑 Added 2024-11-26 06:01:02 +0000 UTC"Negating the rules means denying the entire troupe, and I am on the side of the troupe."
"Ha! I knew someone would get it," Phinks said with a satisfied smirk after Ronnel's declaration.
Pakunoda and Machi exchanged silent glances, their faces unreadable, though a newfound determination glimmered in their eyes.
Meanwhile, Gon, bound tightly by threads, squirmed in discomfort. For a moment, the tension on the threads nearly strangled him.
"So, does that mean you agree with us going after Pakunoda?" Phinks pressed.
"No, I don't agree~," Ronnel replied nonchalantly.
"...???"
Phinks' smirk froze in place, his expression shifting to one of disbelief, almost as if to say, "You're joking, right?"
Shalnark's eyebrow twitched while Feitan turned his face away to hide his reaction.
Machi and Pakunoda both glanced at Ronnel, a spark of intrigue lighting their eyes.
"Why? Didn't you just say you're on the side of the rules?" Phinks asked, visibly frustrated.
"Yes, but this isn't a life-or-death moment for the troupe," Ronnel replied calmly. "The survival of the leader takes priority."
Phinks' expression darkened. "But if we follow Kurapika's demands, we'll end up playing right into his hands! According to the prophecy, half of us will die! Uvogin is already gone, and Nobunaga could be next!"
Ronnel didn't flinch. Instead, he countered firmly, "So what?"
The room fell silent.
Ronnel continued, his tone unwavering, "At worst, only half of the troupe would perish. Even then, the troupe would still exist. We'd be wounded, sure, but far from destroyed. And besides, prophecies only predict possibilities. We can prevent the worst outcomes."
He leaned forward, meeting Phinks' glare head-on. "Right now, the smartest move is to ensure the leader's safety. If we act recklessly, we might lose both Chrollo and Pakunoda. That's a far worse scenario than anything in the prophecy."
Ronnel's voice grew more resolute. "Also, don't forget that there's a powerful, unidentified enemy in the shadows. The best defense is to stay together and not give them any openings."
Machi was the first to speak. "I agree with Ronnel."
"So do I," Pakunoda added, nodding.
Phinks' veins visibly throbbed as he struggled to contain his frustration.
Before he could retort, the phone rang, interrupting the heated discussion.
It was Kurapika.
"Remember," Kurapika warned coldly over the line, "we have people monitoring your actions. Don't even think about defying us." The call ended abruptly.
Shalnark sighed and shrugged. "Looks like we've got no choice but to head back to the base for now."
Feitan and Phinks exchanged glances, the latter cursing under his breath before relenting. With that, they rounded up Gon and Killua and began their trek back to the brigade's hideout.
...
Inside the Abandoned Building
Franklin and Shizuku stood guard near the windows, their senses sharp. When a shadow darted past, they turned in unison, catching a glimpse of a nimble figure disappearing around the corner.
"Was that a kid?" Franklin asked, his brow furrowing.
"Possibly someone working with the chain user—or maybe just a stray," Shizuku muttered, watching the figure vanish into the shadows.
Meanwhile, Hisoka emerged from the hallway, casually flipping a playing card between his fingers.
"Find anything unusual?" Franklin asked.
"Not at all," Hisoka replied with a coy smile, his voice carrying its usual playful edge.
Unbeknownst to Franklin and Shizuku, "Hisoka's" gait and mannerisms were slightly off. The figure's steps lacked Hisoka's signature grace, and the way the cards were held seemed... reversed.
Outside, a short distance from the building, Kalluto stood in the moonlight, his kimono swaying gently in the breeze.
"My brother has successfully replaced you," Kalluto said flatly, turning to the real Hisoka beside him. "Now, about the final payment?"
Hisoka's grin widened as he twirled a card deftly between his fingers. "Already taken care of, my dear. I wouldn't dare disappoint Illumi's adorable little brother."
Satisfied, Kalluto watched as Hisoka disappeared into the night, his figure blending into the shadows.
...
Back at the Hideout
The abandoned building was bathed in moonlight, casting eerie shadows across the walls.
"They're back," Franklin said, sensing movement near the entrance.
The door creaked open, revealing Machi, Ronnel, and the rest of the returning brigade members. Gon and Killua, bound tightly, were dragged in behind them.
Illumi's eyes narrowed as they landed on Ronnel. His intuition told him this newcomer wasn't just an ordinary recruit.
"That's the one from the Trick Tower, isn't it?" Illumi, who was disguised as Hisoka murmured to himself. "So, he's a member of the Phantom Troupe now..."
