"Multiple fractures across the body... the doctor estimates it'll take over three months to fully recover."
Ron remembered this part surprisingly well. The doctor had indeed said three months, but Gon's unusual physique and resilient bones had cut the recovery time significantly. In just over a month, Gon had fully healed—and soon after, he defeated Gido in a rematch, settling the score.
"Will there be any lasting effects?"
"No, none at all."
"That's good. If there are no aftereffects, then this injury isn't that bad. On this path, injuries—even serious ones—are inevitable. No need to dwell on it too much."
Ron looked toward Gon, still unconscious on the hospital bed.
"Mr. Ron, do you have a moment?"
Wing stood nearby, hesitant.
"Something you want to talk about, Wing?"
"Let's speak outside."
"All right."
They stepped out of the room, leaving Killua and Zushi with Gon. Ron and Wing moved to the far end of the corridor, stopping at a quiet balcony.
"Mr. Ron, I heard you participated in the Hunter Exam with Gon and Killua?"
"I did."
"Back then, was Gon just as reckless and stubborn?"
"Pretty much."
Ron briefly recounted the incident with Hanzo. Wing gave a wry smile.
"I realize now—I made a mistake. When Chairman Netero entrusted me with the task of teaching Gon and Killua Nen, I had already formed a plan before even meeting them. I assumed they were too young, not mature enough mentally. I decided I'd polish their mindset first."
"I gave myself two years. Two years to get them ready, and then teach them Nen for optimal results. But…"
Wing paused. "I was wrong."
"Because they reached the 200th floor and were about to request matches, I had no choice but to teach them. Opening their aura nodes during a baptism like that would've been far worse."
"But once I started teaching them, I realized… their talent far exceeded my expectations. My plan was wrong. I misjudged them. I projected my own limitations onto them. Mr. Ron, can you understand that feeling?"
Ron shook his head. Gon and Killua's talent was undeniable, but Ron's own aptitude had always been exceptional as well. He couldn't relate to Wing's self-doubt.
Wing continued. "After seeing Gon's performance on the stage, I realized I still underestimated them. I don't understand them. I'm not qualified to teach them."
"You don't need to belittle yourself like that," Ron said. "If Chairman Netero entrusted them to you, he must have believed you were capable. Even if you don't trust your own judgment, trust his."
Wing still shook his head. "I just can't do it. I'll continue to teach them the basics, but I won't go further. I'll ask Chairman Netero to assign someone else for the rest."
"Thank you for listening."
These thoughts had been weighing on Wing's mind ever since Gon was injured. Of everyone around, Ron was the only one he felt could understand.
Soon after, Wing and Zushi left. Killua remained by Gon's bedside. Ron stepped back into the room as Gon stirred.
"Where… am I?"
"Gon! You're finally awake!"
Killua's face lit up with relief.
"This is the Heavens Arena medical center. Your injuries were serious. You'll need to stay here for treatment. The doctor said it'll take about three months to fully recover."
But Gon didn't seem too concerned by the timeline. Even knowing how he got hurt, he didn't regret it in the slightest. That was just how he was—live for the moment, regardless of what came after.
"Ron."
Gon turned to him.
Ron nodded silently. A moment later, he and Killua stepped out into the hallway.
"Killua, when are you planning to register for a match?"
"Tomorrow. I want to fight tomorrow."
Killua's hands clenched into fists. His expression darkened. Gon's injuries had made him angry—furious, even. He wanted to teach those so-called rookie killers a lesson. If he could face Gido directly, even better. If not, anyone would do.
He just needed someone to unleash his frustration on.
"Ron-nii, do you think I can beat them?"
Killua had watched Gido's fight. He had compared himself to Gido and concluded that, overall, he was stronger. Gon's strength, techniques, and speed were currently all inferior to his. Still, the world of Nen was unpredictable. He valued Ron's opinion more than his own estimate.
"Against the average rookie killer, with your current abilities? You'll be fine. Most of them barely understand Ten, let alone master it. Their abilities are sloppy, and many don't even know how to use Gyo. Your fundamentals are already far beyond theirs."
Rookie killers at Heavens Arena were notoriously low in quality. Many had flawed Nen abilities, and their mentality—damaged by their own baptisms was fragile. They wouldn't go far.
"But Killua, are you sure about this?"
"I'm sure."
"Then go for it."
Ron patted Killua on the shoulder. "I'll be heading back."
"Thanks, Ron-nii."
Once Killua confirmed his match application at the 200th floor reception, Ron immediately made arrangements to match him with Kastro.
Beating up rookie killers might be satisfying, but it wouldn't help Killua grow.
Facing Kastro, on the other hand, would.
"Kastro—I'll be counting on you."
"Of course, Ron-senpai."
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