Chapter 189: 189: Don't Let Him Steal Our Prey
"I really want to fight the guy who can take down Uvogin—see what he's made of."
Phinks clenched his fists as he and Ronnel watched Pakunoda and the others, seated at a round table on the rooftop of a nearby building.
"Ronnel, what kind of guy is that Kurapika?" he asked, keeping his voice low as they observed from a distance. The question seemed more like casual conversation, though both kept their focus on the situation.
"Very rational and calm. He's the type to make the best decision no matter the situation. In some ways, he's like the leader."
Ronnel paused, considering his words. "But people like him, when they lose their cool… they can be the most unpredictable. They throw all caution to the wind."
Phinks nodded in understanding, a hint of agreement in his expression. Years of experience had taught him about people like that. The Phantom Troupe itself had its share of unpredictable members. Feitan, Shalnark… calm under most circumstances, but if they were to snap…
He thought of Feitan's Pain Packer or Shalnark's Autopilot Mode, single-minded focus during a frenzy—abilities powerful enough to make even fellow Troupe members keep their distance.
While he and Phinks conversed, Ronnel noticed Machi, a little further off, seeming alert to something behind her.
"It looks like she's noticed someone trailing her," Phinks observed. "Could be Kurapika. Let's see what he's got planned."
He glanced at Ronnel, who seemed lost in thought for a moment. It was possible Gon and Killua were following Machi as well.
Meanwhile, the Zoldyck family—the famed assassins hired by the Ten Dons—had just arrived in Yorknew City. Their presence boosted the Ten Dons' confidence, they'd already decided to continue with their underground auction at nine o'clock, as planned. They even considered recovering stolen items held by the Phantom Troupe a trivial matter, with the Zoldycks in play.
Since the Zoldycks had never failed a job due to incompetence, the Ten Dons were confident. Once they accepted a mission, they committed fully to completing it, unless canceled by the client or due to the client's demise. And the Ten Dons? Who would dare to assassinate them?
Such is the confidence that comes from power, which can lead one to overlook the world's dangers. But in the world of Nen, anything is possible.
To ensure the Troupe's downfall, the Ten Dons had hired not only the two Zoldyck heads but also other renowned killers in the industry.
When Ronnel, in disguise as Kay Taylor, arrived in the party room under the guidance of Leiert, they found it packed with people.
Immediately, Ronnel's attention turned to Zeno and Silva Zoldyck, who sat quietly in a corner, exuding a chilling aura.
As their eyes met, Silva gave a slight nod, meeting Ronnel's gaze with steely resolve.
Murderous intent—a controlled, refined energy that only emanated in the presence of a target. This wasn't like any other killer here, this was someone who'd walked through oceans of blood. Ronnel felt it immediately, though he kept his reaction hidden, taking a seat with Paikasi.
Silva sensed his father's intent without words. A slight, questioning aura from Zeno made him glance back.
"He's strong," Silva answered internally. "Definitely not on the same level as the others here. I can feel a presence that's not weaker than mine."
"I tested him with a touch of killing intent, and he was the only one here to notice without reacting."
Zeno's mustache twitched slightly. "Looks like this underworld crew has its share of talent—better than those Shadow Beasts."
"Stay sharp, Silva. Don't let him steal our prey."
"Yes, Dad."
Their eye contact ceased, and the two returned to silence.
Then, Zeno suddenly looked back at Silva. "That kid, Milluki, came to Yorknew too, right?"
"Yeah, he said he wanted to check out a game auction."
"That kid…"
Ronnel continued observing the assassins in the room. Most of them were capable in some way, but none seemed particularly formidable. There were only two with some potential. One had a vacant look in his eyes, a strange hat, and a dazed expression. The other was bald with a rattail braid, his makeup giving him a fierce look.
Even so, they were no match for Chrollo, who would dispatch one with his Order Stamp and finish the other with a single pen jab.
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