Illumi's fixation on Killua wasn't entirely out of brotherly love—it was much deeper and far more calculated.
Illumi wasn't simply a protective older brother. His obsession with Killua stemmed more from Killua's position as the Zoldyck heir rather than any sibling bond.
Illumi coveted the prestige of being the Zoldyck successor but had never been chosen. His ambitions were instead projected onto Killua. He wanted Killua to be the ideal heir, someone who could elevate the family's glory to unprecedented heights.
His so-called "brotherly concern" was little more than control over the Zoldyck legacy. It wasn't love, it was the desire to mold Killua into the image of a perfect heir that existed in Illumi's mind.
Meanwhile, Milluki had his own complicated feelings toward Killua. He was jealous—jealous enough to beat Killua in secret with a whip. But that jealousy didn't extend into malice. When it came to life-and-death matters, Milluki wouldn't abandon his younger brother.
However, Milluki lacked strength in combat. His Nen abilities were more focused on information and support than direct confrontation. When Killua's aura matures fully, Milluki wouldn't stand a chance against him.
Then there was Alluka—and Nanika. Among the Zoldycks, only Killua held a special place in Alluka's heart. To everyone else in the family, Alluka remained distant.
This wasn't entirely Alluka's fault. After her birth, the Zoldycks began to regard her as a dangerous anomaly, largely because of Nanika. Nanika, an otherworldly entity from the Dark Continent, was beyond their understanding. Isolating Alluka was the safest course of action.
Kalluto, on the other hand, harbored his own envy. Unlike Alluka, Kalluto didn't receive the same kindness from Killua, which left him feeling overlooked and resentful.
...
Near the Testing Gate
Mike's enormous figure loomed by the gates. This time, he only gave Kaizen a brief glance before resuming his patrol.
Kaizen leapt lightly to a ledge on the outer wall, landing silently. His movements showed impressive control, a testament to how far his physical training had come.
"I wonder how many doors I can open now," Kaizen mused as he approached the massive Testing Gate.
The last time he stood here, he had just begun using aura. Back then, he could only push open the third door. Later, Killua had returned to the manor and opened the fifth door after the Chimera Ant incident.
Kaizen placed his hands on the gate, focusing all his strength.
Creak!
The hinges groaned under the pressure.
The first door opened.
Then the second.
Then the third, fourth, and fifth.
Boom!
The gate slammed shut as Kaizen stepped back.
"Still just the fifth door?" he muttered, displeased with his progress.
He reflected on his training. "Physical strength hasn't been my primary focus this year. My greatest improvements have been in aura techniques and summoning my Nen beast."
Kaizen's gaze sharpened. "Let's see how much further the beast can take me."
Summoning his Nen beast, Raiken, he instructed it to open the gate. The translucent figure stepped forward, its aura rippling.
Creak!
The sound of hinges echoed as the Nen beast pushed the door.
First.
Second.
Third.
Fourth.
Fifth.
Sixth.
Boom!
The sixth door opened before slamming shut again.
Kaizen nodded in satisfaction. With a thought, Raiken vanished.
Departure
Turning to Zebro, who had appeared nearby, Kaizen said, "I'm heading down the mountain. Goodbye."
Zebro nodded as Kaizen descended, his mind already racing with thoughts.
"The Testing Gate measures raw strength, but Nen involves so much more. It's about balancing foundational attributes like strength, speed, and endurance with specialized abilities.
"Strength alone won't carry you far. Even within the Phantom Troupe, Uvogin had unmatched power, but Feitan's speed far surpassed him. In a direct fight, Feitan's agility would likely give him the edge."
Kaizen paused to consider his own Nen development. "Should I prioritize strength, speed, or both? For now, both seem like the better path."
At the base of the mountain, Kaizen spotted two familiar figures: a pair of master and apprentice challengers. They had once attempted to confront the Zoldycks but were easily defeated by Zebro.
"Still here?" Kaizen muttered. "They must be training, hoping to return and succeed where they failed. Foolish. Even if they beat Zebro, they'd never survive someone like Mike."
After catching a taxi to the nearest city, Kaizen purchased an airship ticket for the following day. He checked into a hotel, planning his journey to Heavens Arena.
...
On the Airship
The next morning, Kaizen boarded the airship. Settling into his seat, he pulled out his phone and dialed a number.
"Nina," he said as the call connected, "I'm on my way to Heavens Arena."
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