Killua's sudden appearance and departure greatly influenced the tense atmosphere.
Kikyo's inner conflict also came to an end at that moment.
The twisted and oppressive aura she had momentarily retracted did not resurface even after Killua passed through the Testing Gate.
Her red cybernetic eye contracted slightly, exuding a chilling aura as she fixed her gaze on Moro.
"Kalluto, finish the guest's request as soon as possible, then come home."
After a pause of three to four seconds, Kikyo left behind these words before lifting the hem of her gothic dress and striding toward the Testing Gate.
Gotoh and the other butler immediately pushed the heavy doors open for her.
Kikyo stepped through without hesitation.
As the doors slammed shut with a heavy thud, she abruptly accelerated, dashing in the same direction Killua had gone.
Killua's indifferent attitude earlier had not escaped her notice.
The next few years were crucial in shaping Killua into a worthy successor—there could be no room for error.
The more Kikyo thought about it, the more anxious she became, soon leaving her butlers far behind.
Outside the Testing Gate
Kalluto stood silently, watching the sealed stone doors, seemingly waiting for Kikyo and her entourage to get farther away.
Then, he turned his gaze toward Moro, who remained as calm and composed as ever.
"You're absolutely insane."
His violet eyes burned with restrained anger.
It was unclear whether he was furious at Moro for taking such a risk or at himself for being powerless to stop it.
Perhaps both.
"This is more like it."
Moro smiled as he watched Kalluto's reaction.
Kalluto froze. "What?"
"When you're angry, it's fine to hold back a little, but don't bottle everything up. The way you're expressing yourself now is much better. Honestly, there's no need to put on an act in front of me. You're always so stiff and emotionless, and I have to waste energy trying to figure out what you're thinking."
Moro chuckled.
Kalluto's eyes widened slightly before he abruptly turned his head away, letting out a cold snort. "You don't have to try to figure me out."
"But we're friends, aren't we?"
Moro tilted his head back to glance at the towering walls surrounding Zoldyck Estate, his voice carrying a hint of sentimentality. "And friends naturally care about each other's feelings."
Yes, that was a normal thing.
But within the walls of the Zoldyck family estate, it was the most abnormal thing.
No matter how mature Kalluto was for his age, this was something he likely couldn't fully comprehend.
Kalluto indeed didn't understand it. But for some reason, he felt happy. Though, as always, he instinctively buried that feeling deep inside.
More than that, he was concerned about something else.
"Don't change the subject. If Killua hadn't shown up when he did, Mother might have killed you."
"Oh? Then I guess I'm really lucky today."
Moro didn't bother explaining the true nature of Kikyo's killing intent. He certainly wasn't going to mention that Killua had noticed it too.
If he said that, Kalluto would probably spiral into another bout of self-doubt.
"I've sent the payment. Let's start looking for that person."
Not wanting to waste any more time discussing Kikyo, Moro quickly transferred one billion Jenny to Kalluto's account before heading down the mountain path.
Hearing that the job—no, the mission—was officially starting, Kalluto dropped the subject and stepped forward to follow him.
Meanwhile, inside the Security Booth, Zebro cautiously peeked out, watching the two figures walk away with a mix of confusion and disbelief.
On the Mountain Path
Moro and Kalluto had left the Testing Gate far behind, the towering stone doors now hidden behind dense foliage.
"Here, a gift for visiting."
Moro suddenly pulled out a small, exquisitely crafted folding fan.
The frame of the fan was made of a rare material called Purple Cloud Bamboo, giving it a deep violet hue adorned with faint swirling cloud patterns.
Kalluto took it without hesitation, and, before he realized it, a smile formed on his lips.
His previous fan had been just a simple paper one.
It wasn't that he didn't care about quality—rather, a plain paper fan was better for practicing En techniques.
Now, receiving this well-crafted, aesthetically pleasing fan, Kalluto was genuinely pleased.
Moro noticed his reaction and smirked. "Go ahead, open it and test the feel."
"Mm."
With a flick of his wrist, Kalluto unfolded the fan.
A bright green cartoon frog with oversized, round eyes stared back at him from the fan's surface.
"…?"
His smile froze instantly, his mind momentarily going blank.
Moro gestured toward the design, explaining, "That little frog is actually quite famous. Apparently, it's the main character in a popular children's show. Kids really love it. The merchandise sells like crazy."
"…"
Kalluto clenched the fan's handle tightly, fell silent for a moment, then flatly stated, "I know. It's called Keroro."
"Wait, you actually know it?" Moro was genuinely shocked. He had only meant to tease Kalluto but hadn't expected him to recognize it.
"Then I guess I picked the right one?"
"…"
Kalluto's grip on the fan tightened as he muttered, "I only know about it because Great-Grandfather likes watching the show."
"Oh, I see."
Moro grinned. "So after being exposed to it for so long, you grew to like Keroro too. I was just messing with you, but I guess I hit the jackpot—"
"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!"
Kalluto suddenly swung the fan at Moro.
Moro dodged instantly, shocked to see Nen energy subtly flowing through the fan's frame. Though Kalluto had restrained its power, it was still unmistakably En in practice.
"Kalluto, are you serious?"
"You told me to test the feel, didn't you?"
Kalluto closed the fan, adjusting his grip for better control, then raised it again and lunged at Moro.
Moro turned and ran.
"I meant test the feel, not try to kill me with it!"
"A fan is a weapon."
"Excuse me? Who told you a fan is for attacking people?!"
"My mother."
"…Okay, fair point—WAIT, WHY THE FIVE-HIT COMBO?!"
"You said not to bottle up emotions, remember?"
"I SAID DON'T BOTTLE IT UP, NOT KILL ME!"
"Same thing."
Kalluto unleashed a five-strike flurry.
Moro agilely dodged using Limber Step, then bolted down the mountain.
"Fine, I'll get you a different fan, okay?"
"No need."
Kalluto chased after him, holding the Keroro fan high, the mountain wind lifting his lips into an unmistakable smile.
Later That Evening – Zoldyck Estate
Kalluto snuck into Killua's room, carrying a small bag of candy and chocolates.
"Here, these are for you."
"Whoa!"
Killua's sapphire-blue eyes lit up as he excitedly grabbed the chocolates. "Where'd you get these?"
"Moro bought them for you."
Kalluto smiled softly.
Killua instantly understood who Moro was and, while stuffing a handful of chocolates into his mouth, asked, "Where did you guys go to have fun?"
"W-We didn't… go have fun!"
Kalluto panicked slightly, almost slipping up.
But he had already given himself away.
Killua clicked his tongue, eyes flashing with curiosity and envy.
Then, he grinned and asked directly—
"Next time, can you take me too?"
"…"
Kalluto froze, momentarily unsure how to respond.
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50 Powerstones? (5 Bonus Chapters)
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