Wing sat cross-legged before Gon and Killua, his expression calm. "Before I can teach you the true principles of Nen," he said, "I want to guide you through a meditative practice. It's something I call the Four Minor Principles. This will help center your mind and prepare you for what comes next."
"Point—focus the mind on a single thought, gaze inward, set your goal. Tongue—translate that focus into words. Refinement—sharpen your internal will. Emission—turn thoughts into action," Wing said. "Next, I'll teach you these four aspects."
An entire night passed quietly. Gon and Killua immersed themselves in training. Wing's so-called "Four Minor Principles" leaned more towards spiritual cultivation than practical Nen techniques. While not useless, they offered limited immediate enhancement to their abilities.
The next day, Gon and Killua arrived at Heavens Arena.
"Gon, be careful. Remember what Wing-sensei said."
"Got it, I know." Gon nodded and waved at Killua. "I'm heading in."
With that, Gon walked toward the fighter's corridor, while Killua, after purchasing a ticket, made his way to the spectator seats. Truthfully, Killua felt a bit uneasy. Although he had opened his aura nodes and learned the basics of Nen, mastering only Ten hadn't significantly boosted his strength. He pondered the true capabilities of seasoned Nen users, comparing himself to formidable figures like Hisoka, Illumi, and even Ron, realizing the vast gap between them.
Heavens Arena's 200th floor fighters were on another level. What kind of opponent would Gon face? Killua knew Gon well. Despite agreeing to Wing's advice, once on the stage, Gon would likely disregard it, pushing himself to the limit, just as he did against Hanzo during the Hunter Exam. Stubborn to the core, even when outmatched, Gon would refuse to concede.
Wing and Zushi also took their seats in the audience. The stands weren't full—only about half the tickets had been sold. After all, it was a match between a newcomer and a rookie killer, neither of whom had significant draw compared to someone like Ron.
The announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena as the two fighters emerged from opposite corridors: one was Gon, the other, Gido—a figure clad in red, resembling a spinning top, with his face entirely covered except for his eyes.
Whispers reached Killua's ears:
"Didn't expect Gon to make it to the 200th floor so quickly."
"His pace is impressive."
"Faster than Ron back in the day."
"But Ron was only nine then; Gon's already over twelve."
"Let's see if Gon can win."
"Ron never lost a match on the 200th floor, only withdrawing from a few due to other reasons."
"I think Gon still falls short of Ron."
"His battles on the lower floors were already challenging."
"Between the two, Killua might be stronger."
Meanwhile, in another room Ron had just uploaded a chapter of "Baki" and one of "Bungou Stray Dogs," then turned on the TV. As he channel-surfed, he used his aura to cleanse Rossger. Suddenly, he spotted Gon on the screen.
"Gon? He's reached the 200th floor?"
"His opponent... should be Gido, right? A rookie killer."
"That means Killua's probably on the 200th floor too."
Ron picked up his phone and dialed a number. Soon, the call connected.
"Ron-senpai."
"Kastro, do you have some free time?"
"Yes."
"My little cousin has reached the 200th floor. I'd like you to schedule a match with him, to give him a proper introduction to the world of Nen users."
"No problem, Ron-senpai."
After hanging up, Ron headed to the 200th floor. Gon's match with Gido had already begun. As a floor master, Ron had the privilege of entering the arena mid-match. He found a seat in the audience.
On stage, Gon was at a significant disadvantage. Having just learned Ten, he was no match for Gido. Wing shook his head. If Gon had heeded his advice, he would have conceded by now. But Gon showed no intention of surrendering, persisting on stage despite his injuries.
Gido showed no mercy. Every time he stepped into the ring, he recalled his own harrowing experiences upon reaching the 200th floor—memories he wished to forget but couldn't. To cope, he inflicted similar pain on others. Thus, he wasn't aiming for a swift victory over Gon but sought to prolong his suffering.
"Gon!" Killua clenched his fists, glaring at Gido.
"Bang!"
Another heavy blow landed on Gon, fracturing his bones. Murmurs spread among the spectators:
"There's no hope."
"Gon can't beat Gido."
"He's nowhere near Ron's level."
"Too much of a gap."
"This match is lost."
"A prodigy falls."
"Over the years, only Ron stood out as a true prodigy."
"Even Nina, who progressed far, lost to a floor master."
"Now, it's up to Killua."
Gon took another hit, his body crashing onto the stage, bouncing, then falling still. He had lost consciousness.
"Winner: Gido!" announced the referee.
Gido grinned sinisterly. "Kid, come back anytime."
Medical personnel quickly rushed in, transporting Gon to the infirmary. Killua, Wing, and Zushi followed. Shortly after, Ron entered.
Hearing footsteps, Killua turned around. "Ron-nii."
Ron nodded slightly. "Killua, how's Gon doing?"