Hunter X Hunter: Tombbound Power

A dark glint appeared in Chrollo's eyes, obscuring any hint of his true feelings.

Not even Ronnel, could discern what lay beneath that calm exterior.

After Chrollo spoke, the other members of the Troupe reacted in different ways.

"Ahh, if I'd known, I would've been there with him!" Shalnark groaned, clenching his fist with a hint of regret.

Uvogin, usually the most punctual member, had failed to return as expected.

Nobunaga's face remained still, though his hand trembled slightly around his sword. Machi's eyes narrowed in quiet tension.

"Though the Enhancer has the advantage in strength, that chain-wielder Kurapika likely uses Emission or Conjuration," Chrollo murmured. "And in a one-on-one battle, an Enhancer like Uvogin could be at a disadvantage against either of those Nen types."

Chrollo then glanced at Shalnark, who still looked frustrated.

"Shalnark, tell me what you've learned about Kurapika."

"From what I could gather on the Hunter website, he recently passed the Hunter Exam. Apparently, he headed to Kukuroo Mountain in the Republic of Padokea for a time before joining the Nostrade Family through the Thousand Ears Society," Shalnark said with a grim expression, which made Chrollo nod slightly.

Turning to Ronnel, Chrollo asked, "What's your impression of Kurapika?"

Ronnel, almost like a puppet, replied honestly, "I only worked with him briefly during one of the Exam rounds. He's very balanced in ability and has a sharp mind."

"So, he's clever," Feitan remarked, turning his sharp gaze to Ronnel. "And you think that wasn't important enough to share earlier?"

Ronnel shrugged. "During the Exam, he hadn't unlocked Nen yet. He didn't even know what it was back then. Plus, with Uvogin's personality, it wouldn't have made a difference."

The Troupe members frowned at this. The Exam took place on January 7th, and now it was September 3rd. In just eight months, Kurapika had not only learned Nen but defeated Uvogin, a veteran fighter.

An unsettling thought crossed their minds.

Ronnel continued, "Also, Kurapika is reportedly one of the last of the Kurta. His scarlet eyes are famous—the seven most beautiful red eyes in the world."

The name "Kurta" and the phrase "scarlet eyes" struck a chord. The Troupe recalled a brutal battle five years ago, a confrontation they hadn't forgotten.

Even Uvogin remembered it vividly, rough around the edges though he was. The Kurta warriors, with their flaming red eyes, had been formidable foes, wielding abilities that took the Troupe by surprise, resulting in several severe injuries.

It took Phinks months to heal from his injuries, and Feitan's umbrella sword had been damaged beyond repair. Franklin's Nen cannons had nearly been reduced to half their capacity.

A survivor of the Kurta? Could he be seeking vengeance?

Chrollo folded his hands, deep in thought. "As the last of his people, he likely made a strict Nen vow to avenge them. If he's as clever as you say, it makes sense that he could overcome Uvogin."

Chrollo's words held a note of melancholy.

The more accurate his assessment, the more likely it seemed that Uvogin had been killed.

Uvogin—one of their earliest, strongest members—had fallen. The weight of his absence hit harder than any recent loss.

Breaking the silence, Shalnark added, "Apparently, the Nostrade Family's daughter has an obsession with rare human features, which is what brought them to the underground auction."

The tension thickened, a quiet sadness settling over the empty building.

Hisoka, who had been watching in silence, observed Ronnel and Chrollo's exchange with intrigue. He thought back to his own recent meeting with Kurapika. Revenge had driven Kurapika off course. Another twisted fruit ready for harvest, he mused.

Fortunately, this one might help him challenge Chrollo. Other fresh, growing fruits like Gon and Killua still awaited their ripening. It wasn't such a bad thing overall.

Chrollo finally broke the quiet, glancing at Hisoka. "By the way, Hisoka, I'm curious—who did you date before?"

Instantly, every eye turned to Hisoka, and a menacing tension filled the room.

Those closest to Uvogin bristled with silent hostility.

Nobunaga gripped his sword hilt so tightly his knuckles turned white, and Franklin's arms hung ominously by his sides.

Feitan clenched his hands while Phinks rolled his shoulders, muscles tensing. All eyes were on Hisoka, who, unfazed, twirled a playing card in his fingers.

------------

+225 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub