"Kalluto?"
"I'm fine, Mother. Just tripped, that's all."
Kalluto got up silently, one small hand rubbing the swelling on his head. A sharp sting shot through him, and his delicate features twisted in pain.
What was that just now? Was that… Nen?
I thought Second Brother had no talent… Didn't he leave the family out of shame and self-loathing?
Confused and restless, Kalluto turned back toward the lush trees behind him. The forest rustled quietly in the wind. Somewhere deep within the foliage, a spark of light flashed—and reflected in Kalluto's beautiful, expressive eyes.
He didn't know what he was feeling.
"Kalluto, your brother's back. Come in for dinner!" Kikyo's voice rang out from the window into the garden.
Snapping out of his thoughts, Kalluto quickly tugged his bangs to hide the bump on his forehead. "Coming, Mother!" he replied and padded toward the mansion with small, hurried steps.
The dining room was as opulent as ever—polished floors, ornate chandeliers, and a long antique table stretching through the center like a throne for royalty.
Kikyo and Killua were already seated.
Kalluto glanced at Killua briefly, then pulled out a chair across from him and sat down.
The servants brought in silver trays, and the meal began.
Oddly, Killua stared at his plate with little interest. A thick cut of prime steak—usually his favorite—looked dull tonight. Lifeless.
He stabbed at it twice, chewed half-heartedly, and then stood abruptly.
"…I'm full."
Kikyo blinked. "So little? Killua, was dinner not to your taste?"
Killua ignored her, hands stuffed in his pockets, already walking out of the room.
"Mother, I'm going to see Brother," Kalluto said quickly, hopping down from his seat to follow.
In the hallway, footsteps echoed.
Kalluto caught up, tugging the hem of Killua's sleeve.
Killua stopped, glancing over his shoulder. "What?"
Kalluto hesitated, then asked softly, "…Brother, what kind of person is the Second Brother?"
Killua narrowed his eyes.
Ridiculous? Just a fat guy who—… No.
He suddenly realized Kalluto was talking about Roy.
"…Why are you asking about him?"
"I was just curious…"
"Curious? Tch!" Killua scoffed, his tone sharp and cold. "That bastard's dangerous."
"If you go poking around his place, don't blame me when he sells you off—and you thank him for it!"
He shook Kalluto's hand off with a slap and stormed away.
Kalluto stood frozen, stunned.
Is that really my cool, collected brother Killua? Why did he get so worked up over Roy?
He remained rooted in place, the corridor quiet again, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion.
Meanwhile, in a courtyard where clear spring water trickled through a shallow stream, Roy exhaled and stretched out.
Finally got rid of that grumpy little brother.
He pulled out his phone and returned a missed call to Jump.
"Sumimasen! Is this Teacher Tiano?" Takahashi Nanako's voice came through excitedly.
"Sorry for joking earlier, Miss Takahashi," Roy replied with a light chuckle. "I hope I didn't offend you."
"Not at all~" she said warmly. "Actually, I'm calling with good news. The editorial team at Jump would like to invite you to a public signing event for Pirate King! It's been a massive hit, and we want to keep the momentum going."
Roy rubbed his chin thoughtfully. He certainly didn't mind. He had a generous share of the sales, and if this helped sell more copies…
"Sounds good," he replied. "Let's do it."
"Wonderful! Then it's settled: On the 1st of next month, at the City Library. We'll handle all the arrangements!"
After ending the call, Roy leaned back with a grin.
The news spread like wildfire.
From the capital city of Davia to the smallest alleys of the Republic of Batokia, fans buzzed with excitement. Rumors swirled. Speculations soared. Even among V5 elite circles, people began planning trips to attend the autograph session.
In a half-finished building on the outskirts of Davia…
"Haha! Shizuku, this is the opportunity we've been waiting for!"
Uvogin burst into the room, tossing a magazine toward the couch where Shizuku was lazily flipping pages.
"Huh? What opportunity?" Shizuku blinked, unimpressed. "Don't mess with me. We've still got missions, remember?"
Nobunaga, seated nearby, was quietly cleaning his katana. His eyes flicked from Uvogin to Shizuku, then narrowed in suspicion.
Why's this musclehead getting so worked up? And why's he acting buddy-buddy with Shizuku all of a sudden?
Uvogin threw an arm around Nobunaga's shoulder, laughing. "Relax! Shizuku just likes this manga artist guy."
"She fell for his work, so I figured—why not just kidnap him and have him draw for us full-time?"
"It'd save us the pain of weekly updates!"
"Exactly!" Shizuku said, her face serious. "Once a week is too slow! He must update every day."
"If he falls behind, we starve him!"
Nobunaga stared at them blankly.
These two… Are you serious?
And yet, deep down…
…It's so stupid… but I kinda like it.
He sheathed his blade with a quiet click. "Fine. Just say when."
Uvogin grinned. "City Library. First of next month. Be ready."