"Killua, what about you?"
Killua glanced at Hisoka, then at Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio. In the Milsy Wetlands, Gon and the others had encountered Hisoka; Killua had heard a little about it from Gon, but not much. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded.
It was a chance to show off his skills. Killua wanted to use this fight to make Hisoka wary of him.
Hisoka's eyes glimmered and he stepped forward. He was interested in Ron and Killua for various reasons; though there was no chance to fight them now, Hisoka's interest wouldn't wane. Even if he knew that a match between Ron and Killua was far less intense than one with him—basically child's play for Ron—Hisoka still wanted to watch.
Bang!
The door slammed shut, turning the training room into something like an enclosed chamber.
"Ron, can we begin?" Killua's eyes were full of eagerness.
When they were at Heaven's Arena, Killua had always wanted to fight Ron. But after he got his entry card for the 200th floor, he was forced to leave at Silva's command. Several years had passed since then, and Killua acutely felt how much stronger he'd become. He now believed he had a better chance of beating Ron—he wanted to achieve the goal he once set.
"Go ahead."
In the next instant, Killua shot toward Ron, moving at incredible speed. His palm, shaped like a knife, cut through the air with a sharp whoosh. That sound alone showed how fast he was, and what would happen if such a blow landed on bare flesh.
"So strong!"
"So fast!"
Kurapika looked serious, and Leorio couldn't hide his amazement. They had watched Killua fight the bald convict earlier in Trick Tower, but that opponent was too weak, taken out in an instant. Johness had followed suit. However, Ron was far stronger than either of them, letting Leorio and Kurapika get a much clearer look at Killua's moves.
Gon's face shone with excitement as he watched them fight. Meanwhile, Hisoka stuck out his tongue and licked his lips.
The effect Killua had hoped for did not materialize; Hisoka didn't seem the least bit intimidated but instead looked even more excited.
"What thrilling talent. I wonder what he'll become in the future? Could he surpass Illumi? I can't wait!!!"
Hisoka's gaze moved from Killua to Ron. Killua kept attacking Ron, but Ron only blocked or dodged, never countering. Yet Killua's every strike was perfectly evaded or parried. More importantly, Ron hadn't even shifted his feet once.
At first, Kurapika and Leorio were focused on Killua, because his performance was indeed outstanding—unmatched speed and razor-sharp techniques. But after a while, they ended up turning to look at Ron, belatedly realizing what was going on.
"Killua is definitely impressive."
"But Ron is on another level."
"I wouldn't last a few blows against Killua. Yet Ron's handling him so casually. Amazing."
"It's like Ron can predict Killua's every move. His strength is also completely above Killua's. He hasn't even moved from that spot."
Gon observed Ron and Killua with bright, shining eyes. Hisoka, on the other hand, stayed focused on Killua from start to finish—not because he thought Ron was weak, but the opposite: he knew Ron was far stronger than what he currently displayed, so there wasn't much point paying attention. He was more interested in seeing Killua go all out, drawn by the visible talent that promised so much potential.
Again and again, Killua lunged at Ron, only to have every attack blocked. His confidence steadily faded. He had never imagined the gap between him and Ron might still be so large. Several years had passed—he thought the difference should have shrunk.
But now it felt bigger.
"Why?"
"Could his progress over these years have been even greater than mine?"
Killua found it hard to believe. He knew how harsh his own training had been; remembering it still made him shudder. Just what had Ron been doing in that same period?
"Speed, strength, reflexes—I'm totally outclassed."
Killua's eyes flickered. "No matter what direction I come from, he senses it and reacts in time. I can't threaten him at all. I'll have to use a different trick."
Killua's figure blurred.
Smack!
He cut off the lights in the training room. Immediately, the entire space fell into darkness.
"I was raised an assassin. Darkness is second nature to me. Normal people never train in it like I do. This is my home ground."
The shadows gave Killua a bit more confidence. Ron raised an eyebrow.
"That's a decent approach. Unfortunately for you, I'm your opponent."
For a Nen user, sight is not the only mode of perception. By using En, Ron could have tracked Killua easily. But he didn't bother, because there was no need. Nearly every type of training Killua had undergone—poison resistance, environment adaptation, assassination—Ron had gone through as well, except for electric shock training. Killua considered the dark his turf, but for Ron, it was hardly unfamiliar.
Gon and the others could barely see anything—only the sounds of an intense exchange. It seemed no different from before.
Hisoka stood in the corner, fiddling with his cards, tempted to do something but ultimately holding back. If he got involved now, he risked not making it out of the exam alive, which would ruin everything.
He still had his heart set on Chrollo. Having infiltrated the Phantom Troupe, he felt sure he would meet Chrollo face to face eventually. He wasn't going to waste that opportunity on a mere impulse.
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