Tomorrow, Kaizen would either compete in the next match or leave the Heavens Arena altogether, depending on the circumstances. If he had a match scheduled, he'd apply, but if not, his plan was to move on.
It wasn't a big deal. If a match came up after he'd left, he could simply abstain. Hisoka had done the same in the past. Kaizen had already secured three consecutive wins on the 200th floor. Skipping a match wouldn't hurt his standing.
Becoming a Floor Master didn't matter to him right now. At this stage, he was using the Heavens Arena as a convenient base. The luxurious suites provided on the upper floors were perfect for training, offering both privacy and an excellent space for honing skills.
The arena itself was a goldmine for practical combat experience. Nina was a prime example—after dozens of matches, her mentality, experience, and technique had drastically improved.
Soon, Shizuku could follow the same path. Sally, however, was a different case.
Sally had already developed her Nen abilities, reaching the level of a competent C-rank Nen user. Her strength was impressive, but her amnesia meant she fought almost entirely on instinct and muscle memory. Her past was a painful reminder—being a survivor of the Kokang Republic and seeking revenge on the world's underbelly had shaped her resolve.
Sally's path wasn't easy, but she was determined. Within her limits, she would give her all—even if she failed.
That night, Kaizen received a notification: No match scheduled for tomorrow.
His application to compete would remain pending until another contender submitted theirs. By then, Kaizen would be long gone from the Heavens Arena. Someone else would get a free win.
Meanwhile, Nina finished the final touches on a small task she'd been preparing. A few minor details were missing, but nothing that couldn't be explained away. Sally, oblivious to any inconsistencies, didn't question it.
The three shared a massive bed, easily accommodating them all.
"This is great," Sally said with a smile, glancing at Nina and Shizuku. "I'm lucky to have friends like you. Without you, I'd be completely lost with my memory gone. I just wish I could remember how we became friends."
She paused, her voice soft. "But even if I can't, it doesn't matter. I'll treasure what we have now."
Nearby, their enormous white bear-like companion sprawled across the corner, its massive body contorted in an awkward sleeping position. It looked more like a person than an animal, which made Sally chuckle.
The next morning, Shizuku was the first to wake. She grabbed her notebook and began writing.
Sally peeked over her shoulder curiously. "Shizuku, what are you doing?"
"Shizuku has short-term memory issues," Nina explained, rubbing her eyes as she woke up. "She writes important stuff down so she doesn't forget."
"Oh..." Sally nodded, a look of understanding crossing her face. "That must be hard. Kind of like when I realized I'd lost my memories."
She hesitated, then asked Nina nervously, "I didn't hurt Shizuku because of that before, did I?"
Nina shook her head. "Not at all. You've always treated her kindly—just like we treat you now. We're best friends."
Sally's face lit up. "Really? That's a relief. We're best friends!"
There was a knock at the door. Nina opened it to find Kaizen standing there.
"Nina, Sally, Shizuku," he began, "I'm heading out. Stick to the plan while I'm gone."
Nina nodded firmly. "Got it, Kaizen. I'll keep an eye on them, especially since..." she glanced at the other two, "they both have memory issues."
Kaizen smiled faintly. "Good. If anything comes up, contact me."
With that, he picked up his suitcase, headed downstairs, and stepped into the waiting car.
The massive airship terminal loomed ahead. After a smooth check-in, Kaizen boarded, found his seat, and settled in.
The peaceful atmosphere was interrupted by the chatter of children entering with their teachers. Judging by their uniforms, they were likely on a school trip.
"Excuse me, student," one of the teachers said, stopping by Kaizen's seat and adjusting his glasses. "Which class are you in? Can you give me your name and student number?"
Kaizen opened one eye, visibly unimpressed. "I'm not a student."
The flustered teacher quickly backed off as another staff member approached.
"Apologies! He must've mistaken you. Sorry for the inconvenience."
Kaizen waved it off and closed his eyes again—but not before catching a glimpse of someone in the crowd.
His heart skipped a beat. Phantom Troupe—Shalnark.
"What's he doing here?" Kaizen frowned.
Meteor City had recently been in chaos. Between the Kute Gang' invasion and the world's criminal syndicates keeping a close eye, it was a turbulent time. For the Phantom Troupe, this would've been the perfect moment to strike a deal with the elders of Meteor City.
Kaizen's thoughts raced. His current aura placed him as one of the stronger C-rank Nen users, stronger than most Shadow Beasts he'd faced. But Shalnark was no ordinary opponent. Despite his unassuming role as an intelligence officer, Kaizen knew not to underestimate any member of the Phantom Troupe.
As if sensing his gaze, Shalnark turned, his eyes locking with Kaizen's.
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