Seeing them in person... Yes, it definitely expanded his view.
But compared to the way he imagined the Phantom Troupe and their leader, it wasn't quite the same.
"They're all so young, like a group of kids playing house."
A faint disappointment rose in Bonolenov Ndongo's heart.
The difference between this and the fierce, overwhelming warriors he had envisioned... was too big.
A real shock to expectations…
"But that level of trust in one's companions, directly letting me join without any doubt... That is truly broad-minded."
Even Bonolenov Ndongo had to admit it.
Just because Franklin confirmed him, they accepted him so easily.
Such trust toward comrades and magnanimity, he couldn't help but respect it.
In terms of charisma, that young man really was worthy of being the Phantom Troupe's leader...
"Right, I just happened to get some nice little toys recently. Want them?"
While Bonolenov Ndongo was deep in thought, Luke's voice continued.
Bonolenov Ndongo looked up, just in time to see Luke casually take something out.
Bonolenov Ndongo: "...?"
His eyes beneath the bandages opened widely slightly.
"Our leader is a very powerful inventor."
Franklin explained at the right moment.
"He can always come up with interesting devices that greatly help us in action."
Inventor?!
As a purely combat-type member, the profession felt very unfamiliar to Bonolenov Ndongo.
But that didn't stop him from subconsciously accepting the item Luke offered.
It was a pair of very peculiar gauntlets.
"I'll pass."
Shalnark said while waving his hand.
"I don't like fighting with my fists."
Pakunoda didn't take one either.
Chrollo, however, accepted Luke's offer.
Partly because having a powerful tool was better than not having one, you never know when it will be useful.
And Luke's inventions were guaranteed to be strong.
And partly… He had always been curious about Luke's inventions; he had long wanted to study one up close.
Franklin declined as well.
After all, his ability required his fingers to release something, not wrap them up in gauntlets.
"As for these gauntlets..."
Seeing so many members refuse, Bonolenov Ndongo originally planned to decline, too.
But from the first moment he saw them, his gaze was completely captivated.
They were primarily black in design, with gold plating over the knuckles.
On the back of the hand, a golden circular halo, looking dazzling and majestic!
"These are the Stealth Ninja Gauntlets, used by ninjas."
Luke smiled as he introduced them to Chrollo and the entranced Bonolenov Ndongo.
"These gauntlets carry impressive firepower, good stuff."
Invention: Stealth Ninja Gauntlets
Origin: Ninja Sentai Kakuranger — Ancient Ninja Craftsmen
Function: A special super-alloy gauntlet that enhances punching power, making it easy to break through a 3-meter-thick brick wall. Compatible with other weapons and supports dual-wielding. Finger joints convert into grappling hooks. It can also charge energy and release shockwaves for ranged attacks.
In close combat, they greatly enhance punching power.
In ranged combat, they can fire shockwaves.
A truly perfect offensive tool.
And coincidentally, this type of equipment matched Bonolenov Ndongo's preferences perfectly.
His tribe, the Gyudondond, specialized in combat using various weapons through their dance of war technique.
Not to mention, in the original timeline, his first appearance showed him wearing red gauntlets on both hands.
So the moment he laid eyes on these, it was natural that he fell in love with them.
And after hearing Luke's full introduction, his desire only grew stronger.
This ninja equipment, paired with someone like him, descendant of a special warrior tribe… It's practically a match made in heaven, a perfect compatibility!
"Franklin and the others didn't take this weapon because it doesn't suit them."
Luke noticed Bonolenov Ndongo's excitement and hesitation and said with a smile, "I think this thing is perfect for you. Just wear it well, and make good use of it in the future."
"Something I give away never gets taken back."
Hearing these words, Bonolenov Ndongo fell silent.
But his hands moved on their own, quietly putting the gauntlets on.
Once again, his impression of the Phantom Troupe's leader was refreshed.
Trusting comrades, broad-minded, generous, straightforward... His charisma was off the charts!
Far more admirable than the so-called leadership aura.
Originally, he planned to observe the Phantom Troupe a bit longer.
But after putting the gauntlets on, he instead felt a sincere desire: He wanted to stay, to serve the Phantom Troupe, and to truly consider himself a part of them.
Just these pair of gauntlets from Luke were enough to take hold of Bonolenov Ndongo's heart.
Not to mention…
"These gauntlets… it feels so comfortable to wear..."
Even with multiple holes stabbed all through his palms from wooden spikes, after wearing these gauntlets, he felt incredibly comfortable, and his mood lifted.
It was totally worth it to join the Phantom Troupe; he was immediately trusted and given such good equipment!
"A gauntlet used by ninjas?"
Chrollo instead examined the item with great interest.
The special profession, ninja, he had heard a bit about back in Meteor City from Elder Veyron.
There seem to be many secret ninja factions in the world: Cloud-Hidden Style, Fire-Hidden Style, Thunder-Hidden Style, etc.
Among them, there must certainly be some interesting tools.
Later, during the hunter exam, that bald chatterbox, Hanzo, who joined Gon, was from Cloud-Hidden Style and came specifically to find the Hermit's Scroll.
Ninjas do exist in this world.
But they probably don't use chakra.
Or even if they call it chakra, it's likely just aura under a different name.
"Gauntlets like these can serve as a hidden trump card in battle..."
Chrollo thought aloud, then pulled out something from his clothes: "I've also gotten something interesting recently..."
He took the initiative to share his acquisitions with Luke.
"This is..."
Luke looked over with interest.
Anything Chrollo called interesting was definitely special.
"A knife?"
It was a strangely shaped knife.
And... Luke felt like he recognized it…
"Isn't this the knife that was used later, on the rooftop of Yorknew City, when the mafia hired Silva and Zeno Zoldyck to attack him?!"
Luke remembered that this knife was incredibly sharp.
Even Silva was shocked that it could cut his skin, and that it carried enough poison that even 0.1 mg could paralyze a whole whale.
This blade was called the Ben's Knife, and Silva recognized it as a mid-era model.