"Damn it! Killua, is Gon alright!?"
Kurapika used chains to retrieve the two whose movements had stopped at Illumi's appearance, trusting in Gin's vigilance while checking their conditions.
"I've taken no damage—mentally I'm at life's peak, actually. But that bastard brother went all-in on physical rather than mental manipulation."
Killua twisted his face in frustration, trembling all over as if trying to move, but couldn't budge an inch.
"...I'm not being manipulated, but this—aura's invading my body from inside!"
At those words, Kurapika tore open Killua's tight tank top to reveal a needle embedded right on his spine, pulsating as if taking root.
"So it was an ability to manipulate yourself after all. But even without controlling directly, there are countless ways to use it."
What Illumi produced was a roughly eight-inch needle that looked like a large sewing needle—similar to what pierced Gon, possessing a different ominousness than Hisoka's.
"Those stabbed with this push themselves beyond their limits until death—meaning they're injected with my aura. There's no way someone stays fine after having 'malicious' aura from another person driven into them, right?"
Hearing this, Kurapika tried using Assassin Chain to absorb the aura, but Illumi's aura was invading while entangling with Gon's, risking damage to the aura nodes if handled poorly.
"I didn't expect him to have some leeway even after being stabbed, but oh well—wasteful, but let's go for about three more."
Kurapika stood before Gon as if protecting him from Illumi raising the needle, but a man gripping the needle-holding hand stood behind Illumi.
"Hey Illumi, did you prioritize Chrollo's request over mine? If so, that's pretty annoying. ♠"
"No way! I'm properly executing both requests separately. As a professional, I want you to trust me on that."
"...Fine, I'll trust you on that. ♦ Gon, I'm going to step out for a chat with Illumi, but of course you'll be okay, right? ♥"
When Hisoka—his memory restored—smiled at Gon, Gon stood with momentum that belied his previous crouching.
"Of course. Everything might be over by the time you return."
Though drenched in sweat and hardly looking perfect, his words and eyes clearly conveyed he was serious.
"...♥ Well then, I'll be going. ♠"
"Killu, escape to a safe distance. Absolutely do not interfere."
Abandoning the shifted battle situation, the Reaper and the Joker swiftly withdrew from the battle line.
***
Due to Gin's vigilance and Hisoka's casual restraint, Chrollo had focused on Nobunaga's recovery and grasping overall battle conditions.
"I didn't expect Hisoka to take the Zoldyck instead of the Boss, but their forces are less than half now—should we just push through?"
"Right? I'm honestly getting bored. Can't we move?"
"I'm fine staying idle like this."
While pressured by the idle Pakunoda's group ordered to standby, Chrollo's gaze ultimately fixed on Gon.
(Hisoka showed quite the trust, didn't he? So much that it'd make more sense if told he was just now manipulated. And that physique—the one who got Shal is probably...)
As Chrollo thought this far, massive aura erupted from Gon's body.
It was a declaration of resolve for all-out, all-destructive battle abandoning any long game—something that made one instantly understand the strength it contained.
"Yeah, I'll just keep watching. Uvo or someone will handle that."
"Rest is fuuun~"
Even complaining Pakunoda and Shizuku flipped their stance. Just as it crossed Chrollo's mind that Nobunaga and Bonolenov alone were insufficient firepower, a slightly bleeding Uvogin arrived.
"So my target wasn't there but turned out to be that brat! Looks like a real fun opponent there!!"
"...Uvogin, one-on-one with him. Nobunaga and Bonolenov crush the beast and chain bastard."
Confirming Phinks and Franklin handling the Shadow Beasts seemed fine, Chrollo redistributed forces and returned to overall command and assessment.
(There were unexpected elements, but we identified and isolated the traitor. There should be no way for us to lose now, but...)
What bothered him was Hisoka's attitude.
What was all that obsession with Chrollo until now? In the earlier exchange, he hadn't even glanced except for brief restraint.
(Is he a new target? If Illumi deliberately aimed for him...)
Gon's figure, facing Uvogin at a distance free from interference—even bearing a handicap—didn't look that strong.
Borrowed Muscle Hell, All the Power I've Got—
Gon's muscles swelled two sizes larger, manifesting a monster surpassing even the aura that shocked the Troupe.
"...That earlier wasn't his max."
Shizuku's dazed murmur represented all the Troupe's thoughts.
"Everyone stay sharp. Looks like the real battle starts now."
Despite the trap triggering correctly, defeat's shadow flickered through Chrollo's mind.
***
"Gin, I'll now enhance you with Inspire Chain. The frontline's yours."
"Guma!!"
From the Link Chain main body bracelet, a chain with an arrowhead tip extended, wrapped around Gin's neck, then separated from the main body, remaining like a collar.
While growling low, Gin was angry—at Illumi who'd hurt Gon without letting scent or presence be felt.
Most of all, at himself for failing to protect.
Still, for Kurapika who trusted him and for Gon, Gin vowed to fight beyond his limits.
Kurapika glanced at Killua, evacuated far back, confirmed no worry of involvement, and exhaled in relief.
The Phantom Troupe was too mighty to protect and fight simultaneously, and the coming battle would leave zero room for considering others.
(Best case is Gin and I defeat everyone, but it's not easy enough for that.)
Still, as responsibility for involving Gon's group, Kurapika resolved to exercise abilities beyond his current limits.
"Titan Chain, Giant's Fist."
Unlike other chains, Titan Chain had no special effects—unchanged even during Emperor Time.
Just hard, just strong, excellent precision control, and above all, fuel-efficient.
Chains extending from Kurapika's sleeve rapidly grew, weaving overhead to form a giant fist.
Additionally activating Dowsing Chain and Assassin Chain, he used four chains simultaneously including Inspire Chain given to Gin.
This state—operating chains at levels making even self-movement difficult—was Kurapika's current strongest combat style beyond his limits.
(Won't last long. I'll finish Nobunaga and Bonolenov fastest!)
Kurapika's weakness despite tremendous talent: low total aura and Emperor Time's side-effects destroying sustained combat ability.
Though already losing ground, he'd thrown himself into an unfavorable gamble.
***
While treating Shadow Beasts, Leorio desperately provided support with his newly acquired offensive ability.
"Damn, you're withdrawn from the line! Get to medical facilities now and you'll survive!"
"Sorry, but I cannot. I too have pride as a Shadow Beast. Let this life become a foundation for what follows."
Another Shadow Beast whose name Leorio didn't know dove into death.
Currently remaining Shadow Beasts had decreased to six. With Uvogin gone, they somehow maintained the battle line.
"Damn it! Hurt hurt fly away, Damage Convert!"
Leorio's new ability dealt damage to objects, stored it, and released at arbitrary timing. He'd already thrown several concrete fragments storing impact into the battlefield, releasing them when enemies approached—harassment causing slight posture collapse.
(Still not at a damage-dealing level, huh? But if there's any effect, I've got to support while watching remaining aura.)
Despite the obvious maximum firepower Uvogin leaving, the Shadow Beasts continued being pushed by Phinks's high total balance and Franklin's pair handling both close and long range.
(At least—gotta endure till Gon or Kurapika wins or we'll be overwhelmed. Where's the prophecy's wrong choice!?)
Each time Shadow Beasts he couldn't save appeared while desperately supporting, Leorio's mind accumulated immense stress.
Combined with the prophecy and being inefficient at non-treatment tasks, he fell into what could be called tunnel vision.
Merciless reality was about to bare fangs at the most meritorious supporter of the most disadvantaged battle line.
***
"That damn brother, in a way he made a fine play."
Killua—forced to retreat to a distance barely letting him check the battlefield—surprisingly welcomed the current situation with unusual calm.
As Killua's fundamental abilities improved, he'd gradually resisted Illumi's binding.
(During the exam, was he weighting mental manipulation? Not complete yet, but this is what 'growing wings' means.)
To definitely manipulate current Killua, Illumi abandoned mental manipulation, focusing solely on physical control.
What Killua gained: priceless information and mental liberation.
(There's an obvious foreign object in my head. This is the manipulation's key. I understand the prophecy's content.)
Breaking the shell was life-or-death. To escape Illumi's curse, Killua had no choice but to move his immobile body and extract the needle embedded in his brain.
(I'll do it. Current me can absolutely do it!)
With Illumi's curse handling surroundings, Killua closed his eyes, falling into ultimate concentration.
The bound prodigious genius began struggling desperately to grasp freedom by betting his life.
***
Activating Borrowed Muscle Hell, Gon faced Uvogin ahead, aware of his disadvantage yet unable to stop his rising lips.
(Suppressing with full Ren, but Illumi's aura means I probably can't use Muscle Control or Ren. A pure brawl of physical ability and aura against an original-story top-class Enhancer?)
The more he observed the savagely grinning Uvogin seeing Gon's swelled muscles and aura, the more he sensed the aura's strength and that physique's extraordinary nature.
(But facing him, I realized. I thought he was the same type as Earth's strongest creature, but "he's different.")
While arbitrarily feeling let down, Gon couldn't help looking forward to fighting Uvogin, who was definitely stronger than handicapped him.
(Is this complacency, letting my guard down? The reaper's single strike is probably Illumi's needle. Only problem remaining is me not being me.)
Gon and Uvogin's full aura interfered with each other, causing physical phenomena like air flow.
(Thinking further is pointless. Now just focus on beating Uvogin!)
Understanding they were in range, they deliberately drew even closer.
From striking distance, even nearer. From arm's reach, another step forward.
"Heh, quite my preferred range. Don't regret this."
"Talk big. You'll be the one going pale."
Baring teeth in mutual smiles, they twisted bodies in unison and drew back fists.
The curtain rose on history's rarest, strongest slugfest.
***
At an intersection barely cleared, away from Gon's group and the Phantom Troupe's battlefield, Hisoka and Illumi landed.
Having left the battlefield through mutual interest alignment, surprisingly relaxed air flowed with neither bloodlust nor anything.
"How cruel, Hisoka. Trying to kill Killu isn't forgivable."
"Nothing happened anyway, so it's fine. I wasn't happy about various interference either. ♠ What did Chrollo even request? You should've helped since I made a request. ♣"
Given the request content to Illumi, Hisoka had assumed he'd side with them at that scene, leaving unsettled feelings.
In fact, Hisoka was now alone with Illumi, questioning how a one-on-one with Chrollo would manifest from here.
"Hmm, really shouldn't, but within explanation responsibility to clients? Chrollo's request is basically achieved."
Illumi showed brief consideration, then expressionlessly nodded, explaining the request and compensation received from Chrollo.
"Request content: eliminate obstacles occurring in Yorknew City. Compensation: triple market rate, lump sum. Plus bonus of one-on-one with Hisoka after auction ends."
"...I see. Then your interfering with Gon's group makes sense. ♣ Illumi judged siding with Chrollo would accomplish my request. ♠"
"Exactly."
Hisoka again praised Chrollo's high-intellect schemes while admitting failure in requesting Illumi with action freedom.
Building new schemes atop that, he began preparations.
"Still, that needle—looks precious but you stabbed Gon well. ♣ Concentrating aura on a sharp point?"
"Hmm? That's not an attack needle, so nothing but evasion prevents it. Looks pierced, but more accurate to say aura's causing adhesion and invasion."
Illumi found Hisoka suddenly doing "something" suspicious but continued conversation since he felt no bloodlust or malice toward himself.
"Honestly? I was pretty nervous. Thought you'd assault him normally given how hot you seemed for him."
"Hmm~? Sure, wasn't fun, but I'm the first one who entered Gon's inside, right? We're comrades who mashed each other up, right? Not a shallow relationship where that level causes upset, right? Besides, something without love doesn't count, right?"
"..."
Behind his expressionless face, Illumi was speechless.
At the ruined state of few strong ones he thought he couldn't beat.
Continuously muttering while preparing, Hisoka lacked his former sticky, clinging presence—so deflated one felt he could be killed now.
While stalling time to prevent battlefield return, Illumi thought returning might actually be fine.
"This good enough? Well, I'll retrieve something I forgot, so could Illumi wait here? ♠"
"Impossible. Wait a bit and you can one-on-one Chrollo anyway, so isn't that fine? Do you want to watch him grow that badly?"
A natural question from Illumi—asking if Hisoka wanted to watch Gon's growth that much.
"Ahahahahahaha!!"
What returned was maximum roaring laughter—writhing, clutching his stomach, laughing uncontrollably as if unable to endure.
"I'll admit that exists, but unfortunately, I'm more rushed! ♣ At this rate, everything'll end without one-on-one with Chrollo! ♠"
An answer opposite Illumi's assessment—thinking the Phantom Troupe would lose even without Hisoka.
"...Impossible. The most dangerous one has a needle, and Killu's gone. The remaining trash—a beast and punks—can't manage."
Illumi denied but then noticed ominousness leaking from Hisoka.
Hisoka's madness hadn't vanished—it simply stopped being broadcast omnidirectionally.
Madness directed at one person rather increased purity, becoming aura making even Illumi frown.
"Illumi doesn't need to understand. Fewer rivals is better. ♥ Well, let's make you behave for babysitting. ♠"
In nighttime Yorknew City, unknown to anyone, Assassin and Clown faced off to push through their wills.
***
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