Killua sighed with relief as Ronnel stepped up to defend them.
After hearing Ronnel expose his own details, Killua's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
When it came to the Phantom Troupe, Silva had gathered the four brothers together a few years ago for a serious talk.
Back then, after completing a list of the Phantom Troupe members, Silva had complained, though he rarely did.
With a wary expression, he'd told them all, "Remember, avoid provoking the Phantom Troupe at all costs!"
Silva's tone and the intensity of the warning left a deep impression on Killua. It was clear Silva had suffered for it somehow.
Killua knew the family rules. If he went against Silva's advice and provoked the Phantom Troupe, the consequences would be dire.
It would be akin to a fool's death.
Ilumi might fly into a rage to avenge him, but Silva and Zeno would keep him from pursuing the Troupe.
The Zoldycks still held a grudge against the Phantom Troupe. In light of that, Killua doubted that Ronnel's attempt to intimidate the Spiders would work.
Nobunaga sneered. "Zoldyck family or not, I'm not afraid of them. I could slice them all down myself!"
Killua thought as much, Nobunaga didn't seem fazed by the Zoldyck name at all.
"Our member was just killed by one of their family. Why not take this kid down as payback?" he snarled, directing his fury at Killua.
Killua's eyes widened, but it was Franklin who cut in:
"Hold on, Nobunaga. He's still a Zoldyck. The leader just made a deal with the Zoldyck family. It's not the best time for a fight."
"Fine, then let's target another one!" Nobunaga turned his sights on Gon, his blade pointed menacingly, causing Gon to tense.
"Ging Freecss? You called him by his last name. Is this hedgehog-headed kid special?" Machi glanced at Ronnel.
"Since you called out both their names, I feel like this one's drawing more attention than the Zoldyck kid."
Machi's instincts rarely failed her.
Could this simple-looking boy be more dangerous than a Zoldyck?
The Troupe members turned their attention to Gon, looking to Ronnel for answers.
Ronnel spoke clearly. "Ging Freecss. His father is Ging Freecss, once assessed by Netero himself, the world's strongest Nen user and chairman of the Hunter Association. He's one of the top five Nen users worldwide. A man who could rival the chairman of the Hunter Association in both power and influence."
The room fell silent.
"One of the five strongest in the world?"
Despite their bravado, they all understood their own limits. Those who earned the title of "world's strongest" were people who could truly shake the world.
If the Phantom Troupe decided to mess with someone like that, even a few allies wouldn't be enough. They'd be staring down their own demise.
"We'll decide what to do about these two once the leader returns," Pakunoda broke the silence.
"What's the matter, scared?" Feitan sneered, as Nobunaga clenched his fists in frustration.
"No one here is afraid to die," Ronnel said, his voice low but firm. "But we can't die pointlessly. You know as well as I do, it's not just one life on the line. If we pick a fight with the world's top five and the Zoldyck family, we could all be wiped out."
Nobunaga's grip on his sword relaxed as he bit back a response. Seeing his hesitation, Ronnel stepped closer, his tone softening.
"Besides, they might carry some unknown Nen from the Zoldycks or Ging Freecss. Powers that could backfire on anyone who kills them.
"For instance, some condition where a family member has placed a Nen ability that curses their killer," he said.
"Let Uvogin rest for now, Nobunaga. We'll bide our time," he added, patting Nobunaga's shoulder.
After a pause, Nobunaga looked over at Ronnel, then at Gon and Killua, who were visibly relieved, and finally loosened his grip on the hilt.
"Damn it!" Nobunaga muttered, his eyes glistening with unshed tears as he dropped to the floor in frustration.
Feitan glanced at Gon and Killua before cracking open his book, a silent affirmation of Ronnel's plan. The others nodded in agreement.
Gon watched Nobunaga's silent tears with a newfound understanding.
"So, they cry for their comrades, too..."
Hisoka, feeling Phinks' gaze on him, silently exhaled in relief.
If Ilumi found out that Killua had been killed by these madmen, and that Hisoka had somehow been complicit, he'd be in deep trouble.
But for now, Killua and Gon were safe. Their future was uncertain, but they had made it through this encounter.
Thus, the Troupe members came to a silent agreement. They would wait until the leader's return to decide the fate of these two strange kids.
With that, the Troupe couldn't help but throw subtle, speculative glances at Gon and Killua.
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