In the dimly lit streets, Kurapika's eyes burned crimson with rage as chains flew wildly through the air. His grip tightened, and without a second thought, he surged forward.
"Please! I can't follow you anymore. Just let me go!"
Gon held his hands high, a pleading expression on his face, though his heart raced with a mix of fear and defiance.
Machi tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp.
"So, it's you after all." Her voice was calm, but her eyes flicked toward the nearby alley. "And there's another Zoldyck kid here, too, isn't there?"
Just as she finished, Killua emerged from the shadows, raincoat slick from the drizzle, his hands buried casually in his pockets. His face was unreadable, but his sharp gaze betrayed his readiness.
"You're tailing us again," Machi continued, her tone darkening. "And not for the bounty, I'm guessing." The aura around her surged, and the Nen threads in her hands sharpened like blades, glinting ominously under the faint streetlights.
Both Gon and Killua felt the oppressive force of her aura pressing down on them, sweat trickling down their necks.
In the depths of the alley, Kurapika tensed, fingers whitening as they clenched Melody's arm.
"Kurapika, you can't go out there!" Melody whispered urgently. "If you do, everything changes! Gon and Killua were warned by Ronnel—the Phantom Troupe won't kill them unless provoked. If you interfere now…"
Kurapika gritted his teeth, nails digging into his palms. His chest heaved, and for a moment, he hesitated.
From the street, a voice rang out, sharp and cold:
"We won't kill you, but we'll make sure you're no threat to us again. Let's start by taking your hands and feet."
"Bastard!" Kurapika snarled, his chains rattling violently as he tried to break free from Melody's grasp.
"Stop, Kurapika!"
Melody's voice barely reached him when another calm voice sliced through the tension.
"Hold it, Machi."
It was Chrollo. His expression was serene, yet commanding, as he stepped forward.
"Why?" Machi asked, turning to him with a mix of confusion and reluctance.
Chrollo's gaze flicked to Ronnel, who stood quietly at his side. "If you harm them, Ronnel will intervene. And if he doesn't, I will."
Machi blinked in surprise. "Why would you stop me?"
"Because," Chrollo said with a faint smile, "Ronnel is scheduled to meet Ging Freecss soon. Do you think it's wise to let him show up after you've maimed Ging's son?"
The implication hung heavy in the air.
"Not to mention," Chrollo continued, "Killua's brother is in this city right now. Do you want to deal with that kind of mess?"
Machi hesitated before lowering her nen threads.
"Understood," she said quietly, stepping back.
But before the tension could ease, Gon's eyes lit up.
"Wait, did you just say Ronnel is going to meet my dad? Ging Freecss?!"
Gon's excitement was palpable. He stepped forward, completely ignoring the danger around him.
"Gon!" Killua hissed, tugging at his sleeve, but Gon didn't even glance back.
Kurapika's heart clenched as he watched from the alley, dread creeping over him. He had seen firsthand how far the Phantom Troupe would go when provoked.
Meanwhile, Ronnel raised an eyebrow, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. He casually pulled out his phone and held it up.
"Want to say hello?" he asked, the screen displaying an unfamiliar number.
Gon's eyes widened. His breathing quickened as he stared at the phone.
"That's… my dad's number?" Gon asked breathlessly, his voice filled with disbelief and anticipation.
"Yup," Ronnel replied smoothly. "He asked me to pass along a message, but if you want, you can call him yourself."
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