"What does it mean when we say: we accept anything you leave here, but don't think you can take anything from us."
"They've been living in this world in a daze for too long."
"It's time to wake up!"
The biggest problem here in Meteor City isn't living in garbage dumps or violent brawls.
In the outside world, some citizens live even more miserably than in Meteor City.
Even in countries embroiled in war, their citizens live in dire straits.
The shadow of death looms over every one of them.
Meteor City, on the other hand, provides a safe place for its residents.
Even the children here have room to grow up without outside interference.
Compared to many places outside, Meteor City is quite good.
However, everyone living here shares a common understanding: We are abandoned by the world, unrecognized.
It is precisely because of this understanding that most people in Meteor City abandon themselves to despair.
They know that even if they go to the outside world, they have no identification, no proof of existence.
In short, they are not even considered human beings.
This is why so many treacherous forces from outside reach out to Meteor City.
Most of Meteor City's residents remain indifferent and unconcerned.
They completely fail to see themselves as part of this community.
They also fail to consider the residents in Meteor City as fellow inhabitants.
In other words, they lack any sense of belonging here; everything seems to have nothing to do with them.
They don't see themselves as people, just walking corpses, and they live exactly like walking corpses.
And what Chrollo has been doing over the past few years is to convey this perspective to everyone.
Spread it to every corner of Meteor City, so everyone can clearly understand it.
And then…
"They might understand it."
Elder Veyron said while looking directly into Luke's eyes: "But what matters is making them believe it."
"Make them realize that we're not just saying empty words. That they are the people of Meteor City, even if unrecognized and abandoned by the world, they can still stand tall and face it with pride."
"I understand."
Luke nodded.
Elder Veyron's point was that the phrase, we accept anything you leave here, but don't think you can take anything from us, shouldn't become empty talk.
Anyone can chant slogans, but to make people remember them, to make them believe them deep in their hearts, they needed real action, something that would earn recognition and faith.
"Leave that part to me."
Luke chuckled. "I've been away for so long; it's time to put a proper end to those events from before."
"Then I'll be looking forward to it."
Elder Veyron's tone softened.
"Chrollo did well before, but now..."
He clasped his hands together and said softly: "It's up to you, Luke."
"Let this farce end here."
Chrollo had indeed spread that message to every corner of Meteor City.
At least when Luke walked along Meteor City, he would occasionally see similar slogans.
But, as Elder Veyron said, even if the people of Meteor City saw it, they would still pretend not to have seen it.
They still had no idea of it.
"So, Chrollo has already prepared the stage and performed the prologue..."
Luke whispered: "Now it's time to see how the grand act unfolds."
It's clear that the Mom's Help Foundation would serve as the first fallen general on this grand stage.
The first to be struck down and covered in flags.
And before that, of course, Luke would need to properly gather and summon the rest of the brigade.
Although Luke and others have continued to communicate through communication tools over the years, communication on a screen is far less intimate than meeting in person.
"Chrollo should have become more mature. That's right, he's already thirteen."
Gon and Killua were already professional hunters by the time they were twelve.
At thirteen, they were even able to participate in the Chimera Ant incident.
"As for Machi, she has probably been training in Kirimori Valley for quite some time. I remember Chrollo telling me last time that Machi is quite highly regarded there."
"I just don't know if she will make it back in time this time."
Luke kept in touch with everyone in Meteor City.
While they were thriving outside, everyone inside Meteor City was still struggling.
Franklin and Pakunoda, the two remaining members who had mastered Nen, besides fulfilling their duty to protect their companions, were also diligently training.
Especially after Luke obtained training-related knowledge from Biscuit's memories, he copied a set and sent it over to Franklin and the others.
Of course, with Franklin and Pakunoda's intelligence, they might be quite adept at judging things.
But training with something like a secret manual would be a bit confusing.
They had no prior experience or foundation in this area, and their understanding of the text was limited.
Pakunoda was a bit better.
She had previously learned a great deal from Chrollo in the church.
But for Franklin… It was truly a difficult situation for him.
He couldn't even read basic books without getting bored, let alone such profound manuals on Shingen-ryu's Nen training.
Even if Luke simplified it for him, he still felt dizzy.
But, fortunately, just because Franklin couldn't understand it didn't mean others couldn't.
Luke still remembered the light in the eyes of Shalnark on the screen when he received the training manual.
And not only him, even Chrollo beside him had a burning light in his eyes.
Chrollo and Shalnark were not lacking in wisdom or talent.
What they lacked was an opportunity, a chance to change their fate and lives.
And clearly, the training manual Luke gave them was that opportunity.
"If I'm not mistaken, Chrollo should have opened his aura node by now and officially learned Nen..."
From what Luke knew of Chrollo, once he began studying Nen, even if Franklin hadn't forcibly helped him open his aura nodes, he could have easily done it on his own thanks to his outstanding natural talent.
Thirteen years old wasn't even that early an age.
Gon, Killua, and Ging all opened their pores at twelve.
In the Zoldyck Family, the fourth son, Kalluto, was even younger and already a skilled Nen user.
The eldest, Illumi, had undoubtedly opened his aura nodes early.
Killua, on the other hand, possesses the greatest talent in the Zoldyck Family.
This has led to high hopes among the family members.
They wanted him to build a strong physical foundation before unlocking his aura node.
However, once he learned Nen through the Shingen-ryu school, the Zoldyck Family had no objections at all.
This demonstrates the importance of this martial arts school founded by Chairman Netero.
Furthermore, this martial arts school itself significantly aids those with special abilities in training their Nen.
Even the Zoldyck Family recognized this school, so what else could be said?!
"With Chrollo's talent, it's not surprising that he's mastered the essence of this martial art school and awakened his aura node. Even Shalnark opening his aura node was to be expected."
"As for the others…"
It seemed there were no others left.
Only Sarasa was left.
Machi had gone to Kirimori Valley for further training, and Sheila had left Meteor City.
She, the youngest member, was the only one who hadn't learned Nen.
So, when Luke approached the group's usual hangout, the old abandoned warehouse, he could already hear the lively chatter from far away.
It was filled with Sarasa's voice, filled with joy and admiration: "Wow, Uvogin, your muscles became even bigger!"
"Nobunaga, you've already got the look and demeanor of a master!!"
"And Feitan, you've become even cooler and handsome!"
"Phinks… Uh, what's that outfit you're wearing?!"
The last line was full of puzzled amazement, as if she didn't understand but was deeply impressed nonetheless.
"This is called style, fashion, personality, individuality, it's called..."
From within the abandoned warehouse came Phinks's usual, somewhat exasperated voice.
Even from across the warehouse, Luke could almost imagine Phinks's flushed face.
"That's just a rather odd outfit, isn't it?"
Franklin said bluntly.
Then, inside the warehouse, Phinks could be heard arguing.
"How could clothing be considered odd?!"
Inside, Phinks's head seemed to bulge with veins as he argued.
You could almost hear the veins popping on his forehead as he defended himself, rambling about things like standing out from the crowd and expressing individuality, causing everyone in the warehouse to burst out laughing.
The entire warehouse, inside and out, was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.
Even Luke, who had already reached the door, smiled.
Then, amidst the laughter, he stepped inside.
Whoosh!!
The first to notice someone's arrival was, of course, Feitan, who had returned earlier than the others.
He and Phinks had come back before Uvogin and Nobunaga.
And upon seeing it was Luke, Feitan's expression relaxed immediately.
Even Nobunaga, standing beside him, lowered his grip on the sword handle.
The two of them had experienced many life-or-death situations over the past year.
They had come to understand the nature of this world and the laws of survival.
Even after returning to the familiar Meteor City, they also had not completely let their guard down!
"Captain Luke, you're back!"
Uvogin, that carefree guy, was the first to grin and shout a welcome.
"Luke!"
"Captain?!"
Uvogin's shout immediately captured the attention of the entire brigade.
Everyone's gaze turned in one direction.
All eyes, all on Luke!!!
"Hey, everyone…"
Luke smiled and raised his hand, facing the bright-eyed members: "Long time no see!"
It had been just under two years since Luke and the others left.
And with occasional video calls, they could still see each other's faces.
Besides, people from Meteor City never cared much for sentimental reunions or partings.
Even the Phantom Troupe only regrouped after three years and two months when they set their sights on Yorknew City.
And the members of the Phantom Troupe weren't particularly concerned about what happened during that time.
On their way, they also discussed the Phantom Troupe's personnel changes over the past three years and Chrollo's purpose for gathering everyone this time.
Thus, even though they weren't yet the future Phantom Troupe, at most, they only felt a little joy over Luke's return.
"Luke, is the outside world fun?!"
"Luke, have you seen anything new and interesting out there?!"
"Luke, is it really as dangerous out there as they say?!!"
"..."
Sarasa chattered non-stop, asking question after question.
She was truly fascinated by the outside world.
Before, she had Sheila to ask such questions.
But now…
Thinking of Sheila's departure, Sarasa felt a tinge of loneliness.
But now, there was no time to grieve over the departure of her former companions.
What lay ahead was a brand new future!!
"So, Luke..."
Sarasa's dejection faded rapidly, and she looked at Luke expectantly, saying: "This time when you come back, what are you planning to do?!"
Everyone knew the reason for their departure back then.
They had all been preparing for this moment.
So, upon hearing Sarasa's opening words, everyone's spirits perked up.
They stared at Luke with eager anticipation.
Even Nobunaga and Feitan, who had experienced the hardships outside, shared the same gaze.
Even Phinks, still muttering about his clothes, paused to pack.
Well, let's be honest…
Phinks's fashion sense has always been quite dramatic.
"End it, once and for all."
Luke didn't keep them guessing and directly nodded.
And before Sarasa could even begin to ask, he continued: "And it's not just me, you will all be involved too."
Luke chuckled and glanced around. "Since we have already said we're a team."
"Then, for something like this, of course, we will all go together."
"We… we are a team?!"
Sarasa couldn't help but get excited again.
But the next second, her anticipation was instantly dashed.
"We're a team, but..."
Luke looked at Sarasa: "You've been excluded from this operation."
Sarasa: "...?"
"Why?!"
She immediately puffed up her cheeks while staring at Luke angrily.
"If you don't give me a convincing reason, I'm going to cry right now and make a scene!"
"Your adoptive mother has always wanted to see the outside world, hasn't she?"
Luke's words silenced Sarasa.
"She's old now, and her health is dwindling."
Luke, as if oblivious, continued: "I remember her greatest wish was to see the outside world herself."
"The question you want to ask me, Sarasa, is actually also on behalf of your adoptive mother, right?"