From the very beginning, the goal wasn't to take his life.
Understanding this, even though he wouldn't die, Illumi felt no joy at all.
Killing versus capturing alive… this was a clear contrast, indicating that Law's strength far surpassed his own.
Illumi pulled out a pinhead needle and stabbed it near his right elbow, instantly stopping the bleeding.
The slash had landed on the elbow, severing half his arm.
Seeing Illumi remain silent, Law said seriously, "Do you need me to explain my motive?"
Hearing this, Illumi maintained his deadpan expression and ignored Law. He didn't even bother retrieving the severed part of his arm and directly headed back towards the oasis city.
"It seems no explanation is needed."
Law followed behind Illumi.
The two returned to the oasis city one after the other, then went their separate ways. If not for Illumi's right arm being only half its original length, one wouldn't have guessed they had just been locked in a life-and-death struggle minutes ago.
Law headed towards the Association's hotel, while Illumi went towards a privately-run inn.
Although he hadn't explicitly stated his motive to Illumi, Law knew Illumi could guess it.
Returning to the hotel, Law went straight to the room where Gon was.
Killua and Kurapika were both there, and Gon was still unconscious. The arms broken by Hanzo had already been set.
Hanzo's breaks were cleverly placed, so after setting the bones, they would heal quickly.
Under Killua and Kurapika's gazes, Law went straight to the bedside, took out some crushed leaves, and infused them into Gon's fracture sites. This would speed up recovery.
However, Hanzo's final, venting punch had been too fierce, which was why Gon still hadn't woken up.
"Law."
Killua looked at Law timidly.
Law didn't speak, but reached out and ruffled Killua's soft silver hair.
Killua immediately broke into a smile. At this moment, no explanation was needed.
Watching their interaction, Kurapika remained silent the entire time.
Law withdrew his hand and looked at Kurapika. He suddenly pulled off the headscarf covering his face and said, "After I leave, I won't give you any clues. If you can find me within one month..."
"Then, not only will I tell you the relevant information about the Phantom Troupe, but I will also teach you Nen."
"Nen?"
Kurapika studied Law's face carefully, deeply imprinting his features in his mind.
Although he had questions, he wasn't the least bit surprised.
After hearing Law mention the term 'Nen', he naturally associated it with the power Law had displayed.
"That is the boundary. If you don't cross it, you will never reach the level where the Phantom Troupe exists." In front of Kurapika, Law channeled Nen and pulverized the headscarf he had worn for over ten days into dust.
Kurapika had already seen Law turn a stone into powder before, so seeing the headscarf treated similarly didn't surprise him now.
'So, this was Nen… a strange and mysterious ability!'
"The Phantom Troupe's members all...?" Kurapika asked gravely.
"Correct. I won't answer any further questions after this." Law raised his hand, swept his bangs back, revealing his entire forehead, making his untrimmed stubble appear rugged and unrestrained.
"I understand."
Kurapika suddenly bowed to Law, then left the room without another word.
Law simply watched Kurapika leave quietly.
Those who pass the Hunter Exam will gradually be introduced to Nen afterwards.
Various Pro Hunters sent by the Association will contact the new members and, after assessing their character, decide whether to teach them Nen.
Kurapika wasn't aware of this information, but Law had directly revealed it.
He knew that after showing Kurapika a glimpse of this power, Kurapika would definitely try every means to find him. The only clue Law left for Kurapika was his handsome face.
So, there would be no need for Association personnel to teach him later. If Law taught Kurapika himself, his growth would be faster.
Killua, who was standing nearby, heard the entire conversation between Law and Kurapika clearly, but he didn't ask any questions.
Later, during the free time before Gon woke up, Killua poured his heart out to Law, talking about his experiences over the past few years and shifting the topic to Law's severed arm.
Law inevitably had to explain again, but Killua never mentioned Alluka from start to finish.
Normally, Killua should have immediately suggested asking Alluka to help restore the severed arm, but he didn't.
Law knew the reason for this, it still lay with the needle Illumi had inserted into Killua's head.
However, Law wasn't sure if Alluka could resolve the Calamity sealed within his left arm.
And so, Law listened to Killua talk for over two hours until night fell.
Gurgle, gurgle.
Killua's stomach made noises, and he stopped talking.
"Law, I'm hungry."
Killua looked at Law, his eyes turning into cat-like slits.
'Come to think of it, it had been a long time since I'd eaten food cooked by Law.'
Law smiled. Just then, the phone rang.
Picking it up, he saw it was Menchi calling… they had exchanged numbers a couple of days ago.
Law answered. Menchi's decisive voice came from the other end: "It's settled for tonight!"
"What?" Law was puzzled.
"Dinner together!" Menchi said.
"Are your ingredients ready?" Law asked with a laugh.
"Yep. It's 6:25 now. I expect you here in my room promptly at 7," Menchi said seriously.
Law glanced at Killua and smiled, "No problem."
On the other end, Menchi hung up the phone, then jumped excitedly and started preparing dinner.
In the room, Law waved his phone at Killua and said, "Hold on a little longer. There'll be a feast soon."
Killua had heard the conversation and shook his head. "I want to eat what you make."
"Don't underestimate Menchi. She's also a professional Gourmet Hunter," Law said, putting away his phone.
"Well, since you say so, I'll reluctantly give it a try," Killua said.
Just then, a loud shout from Gon reached their ears.
It turned out Gon had woken up a few seconds earlier, and then he saw Law.
"Hey."
Law greeted the bewildered Gon.
Gon didn't respond immediately, and he also discovered his arms were fine.
He furrowed his brows, trying hard to figure out the reason, and finally reached a conclusion.
"So I'm dreaming."
Gon muttered to himself, then lay back down on the bed.
Smack!
Killua slapped Gon's injured area, making Gon gasp in pain and sit bolt upright, realizing this wasn't a dream.
Gon turned his head to look at Law, his eyes wide open, and exclaimed, "Law, is it really you?"
Another round of reunion pleasantries ensued. Seeing that the time agreed with Menchi was approaching, Law cut the chat short and took the two kids to Menchi's room.
Arriving outside Menchi's room, Law knocked gently three times.
The next second, they clearly heard sounds from inside the room, quite rapid, like the click of high heels on the floor.
Then, the door opened.
Menchi was unusually wearing a fiery red, off-the-shoulder evening gown. When she saw Law's face overlapping with the image in her memory, her eyes suddenly lit up.
"Come in, quick!"
Menchi said with a smile, but then suddenly noticed the two annoying kids beside Law. Her smile quickly froze.
It was like finally meeting a man you're interested in, the relationship developing rapidly, reaching the point of discussing marriage, only for the man to say he has two dependents in tow.
That was exactly how Menchi felt at this moment.
"Why... are these two kids here?" Menchi said with difficulty.
Before Law could answer, Gon replied, "Law said there's good food here."
Killua, hands in his pockets, said flatly, "Law said your cooking is passable, so I reluctantly came to try it."
Several veins instantly bulged on Menchi's forehead.