Then came an answer: "It's not impossible."
"Actually, in the early years, I also had the idea of going to the Dark Continent."
Hearing this, Morin broke into a smile.
But then?
"But later I heard that the environment there is quite harsh, and it's basically shrouded in shadow all year round with no sunlight."
"This is very damaging to the skin, so I gave up the idea of going there."
"Of course, if you, little Morin, have some items that can ensure my skin doesn't get damaged..."
Her eyes sparkled mischievously, "I might consider going with you."
"That's absolutely no problem!!"
Morin's smile deepened.
Isn't it just a skin issue?
His backpack was full of beauty-enhancing items.
Even if something unexpected happened, he had the [Restoration Light Lamp] to recover, so he was fully prepared.
Not to mention just a small skin protection, even if it was a serious injury, he could easily heal and fully recover.
"Then it's settled."
Morin was in a great mood, "I'll have to trouble you again, Master Biscuit."
"Ha, you only say nice things."
Biscuit pouted, "Let me make it clear, if you aren't fully prepared by then, I won't be willing to act with you."
"Just you wait and see!!"
With that, Morin's Dark Continent team gained another powerful member!!
Back in the original story, Biscuit was hired by Kurapika to board the Black Whale heading to the Dark Continent.
At that time, Biscuit and Kurapika didn't know each other at all.
Biscuit even made it clear that if it weren't for Gon and Killua's request, she wouldn't have even met Kurapika.
Now, there's no necessary reason to accept Kurapika's commission.
She straightforwardly said, "I don't know what your perception of yourself is, but I won't trust you unconditionally like Gon and Killua."
As a result~
For the sake of his clan's heads and eyes, Kurapika took a deep breath:
"Compared to being a guard, you're more suited to being a princess. If you want to back out, now's the time!!"
Using the persuasion techniques he learned from Killua, Kurapika said this to Biscuit.
Then, the latter, holding her blushing and delighted face from the compliment, declared:
"I'll do anything!!"
It was a direct hit to her girlish heart.
"I never even considered them as a threat, huh? The Phantom Troupe in action, the underground auction!!"
Killua and Biscuit are both Transmuters.
Plus, having trained with Biscuit for so long, Killua thoroughly understood her.
Thus, he knew exactly what kind of persuasion would work on Biscuit.
"Based on my understanding of you and Biscuit, you might have a dispute with her, but let me tell you in advance, there's a knack to getting along with her." Killua explained to Kurapika.
Then he shared the previous line with Kurapika.
The latter shook his head, saying, "Even though I know what to do, I still can't do it. It's just too disgusting."
Killua shrugged in response, "Though it's disgusting, if you can manage it, you should at least try..."
At this point, Killua paused, "Though it really is quite disgusting."
Hmm, in this aspect, the two did share common ground.
However, it also showed Killua's cleverness, and he had thoroughly grasped Biscuit's character.
Before coming, Morin had also prepared and planned for this aspect.
If Biscuit refused him, he would say the same things as Kurapika.
At that time, Biscuit would have no choice but to comply.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly, saving Morin from having to speak up.
After a brief negotiation between the mentor and apprentice,
Morin left the room, citing tonight's actions as the reason.
He also reminded Biscuit to avoid going out unless necessary.
This earned him a big eye roll from her:
"I heard that the Ten Dons have the Shadow Beasts under their command, so you better be careful yourself."
Shadow Beasts?
Hearing this name, Morin chuckled nonchalantly.
In Biscuit's eyes, it meant:
"I don't even consider them a threat, huh?"
In the daytime, at Yorknew City,
it was barely peaceful and calm.
This allowed many residents of Yorknew City to finally relax.
---
Just as they were beginning to relax a bit... Evening.
"We've pinpointed the location of this year's underground auction, and we've even gathered intel on who the organizers are sending, their routes, and the vehicles they'll use." In the slowly ascending hot air balloon, Shalnark was briefing the Phantom Troupe members on the information he had collected and explaining his plan.
As the coordinator for the operation, he would definitely participate. Alongside him were Uvogin, who would never miss out on a fight, his partner Nobunaga, and Machi, who used her Nen threads for support and healing.
This trio would undoubtedly act together. Additionally, Franklin, who could clear the area with his dual machine guns and AOE attacks, and Feitan, skilled in interrogation and extracting information, were part of the team.
Of course, Morin, who would handle any unexpected and tricky situations, was essential as well.
These seven members comprised the action team for the underground auction. The remaining six would stay at the base, waiting for their return.
Among them were Phinks, Kortopi, Pakunoda, and Shalnark. They could very well gather around for a game of mahjong. Phinks, having left his usual partner Feitan behind, was eager to reclaim his honor at the card table.
However, he was up against Pakunoda, who could read memories from objects, and Kortopi, with his duplication ability. Although Nen abilities were off-limits, there were always ways around that. Phinks' hopes might be dashed.
Back in the hot air balloon, Shalnark continued, "I plan to intercept the people sent by the organizers, disguise ourselves, and take control of the auction venue. Meanwhile, another team will seize the auction items."
He glanced at his companions. "If we successfully obtain the items, everything will go smoothly. However, if the items have been moved, as we predicted, due to the foresight of the Nostrad family's fortune-teller, we'll regroup and plan our next steps. We'll target that little Nostrad girl first, then the Ten Dons."
"What do you all think?"
No one had any objections.
"I'm fine with it," Feitan said, his voice muffled by his cloak. "Leave the interception and disguise to me. I'll make sure they can't breathe."
"Count me in," Franklin said, raising his large hand. For mass killings, no one was more suited than him.
"In that case, leave the search for the auction items to me," Machi said, smoothing her hair, her eyes glinting with interest. She had a keen eye for valuable items, especially those worth a lot.
"I'll be on the lookout for any ambushes," Uvogin grinned, his fist as large as a rock colliding with his other hand. "If they dare show up, I'll send them to meet their maker in no time!"
"I'll handle the cleanup," Morin smiled. "Whether it's support, venue cleanup, or transporting the items, leave it to me."
No one objected. With Morin's numerous tools, these tasks were much easier. Having Morin with them provided a sense of relief.
Shalnark would devise the plan, Morin would handle the aftermath, and the rest would focus on the fighting. It was perfect!
Shalnark nodded to Morin and said, "Since that's settled, I'll coordinate from the middle. If there are no issues, we'll begin once the balloon lands. Feitan, the vehicle the organizers' people are using is..."
As Shalnark explained the details, the balloon gently descended to a suburban area near the city.
Once everyone disembarked, Morin waved his hand, retrieving the hot air balloon in front of the members.
The sun was setting in the west, and the moon was climbing high into the sky. Tonight was destined to be anything but peaceful.
The underground auction was initiated by the pinnacle figures of the mafia, the Ten Dons, and held through a global agreement among mafia organizations.