The Strongest Assassin of the Zoldyck Family!

But that was Kurapika's own choice. Ron had neither the position to advise him nor the standing to stop him. All he could do was offer some input—out of consideration for their time together during the Hunter Exam and the bond through Sumas's space—so that Kurapika's path wouldn't veer too far off course.

"I understand. Thank you, Ron."

"No need."

Gon was momentarily taken aback by Ron's evaluation of Kurapika. Leorio also started thinking. Based on Ron's words, it sounded like Kurapika had rushed through his training and learned too much too quickly—all driven by revenge. His strength had grown the fastest, but this wasn't necessarily a good thing.

Did that mean slower, more solid foundations resulted in higher potential? Leorio's eyes lit up slightly. Kurapika, Killua, and Gon had all progressed faster than him, but… could it be that his own talent and potential were actually the greatest?... A man should always have a dream.

Kurapika hesitated. "Ron, do you think I have any hope of defeating a member of the Phantom Troupe?"

His fight with Ron had shaken his confidence. It wasn't just that he couldn't beat Ron—he couldn't even match one of Ron's Nen beasts. He had been thoroughly outclassed. That left him uncertain about how he truly measured up to the Troupe.

Ron said Nen battles weren't simply about raw power. Many factors mattered—environment, timing, execution. With Kurapika's current strength, it was possible he could defeat some members of the Phantom Troupe. Ron laid out Kurapika's advantages.

First, once Kurapika activated his scarlet eyes, his overall combat ability surged. His powers became more versatile, and his weaknesses were reduced. That sudden transformation could catch Troupe members off guard.

Second, Kurapika was in the shadows, while the Troupe was out in the open. Even though there had been conflict between them, they didn't know who Kurapika truly was or what his exact intentions were.

Third, Kurapika held the intelligence advantage.

Fourth, aside from the ability Kurapika had revealed in the fight with the Nen beast, he likely had another.

Kurapika nodded. "Yes. I have another ability called Chain Jail on my middle finger. It only works on Phantom Troupe members. It can't be used on anyone else. Because of the restriction and vow, it's much stronger."

He raised his hand, and the chain glinted into view. Ron gave it a glance. The harsher the restriction, the greater the boost. Based on Kurapika's displayed strength, he potentially had a chance to defeat any of the Phantom Troupe members in one-on-one combat as long as he got one clean hit on them. But there was also the chance of failure.

Ron asked if Hisoka had already given him intel on the Phantom Troupe. Kurapika nodded. Ron said he wouldn't add much more then, as Hisoka probably knew more than he did. But Ron offered one bit of information: he didn't know if Hisoka had told him, but the Troupe member named Machi had already left the group.

"She left?" Kurapika's pupils contracted. It seemed Hisoka hadn't told him. Ron could understand—probably one of Hisoka's whims, wanting to see what would happen if Kurapika acted without knowing that fact.

Suddenly, Ron's phone rang. The caller ID showed Illumi's name.

"I've got something to handle. I'll be going."

He turned to Gon and Leorio. "Gon, Leorio—see you later."

With that, Ron's figure vanished in a flash. When he reappeared, he was already beyond their line of sight.

"Cousin Illumi."

Ron answered the call. Illumi had gathered intel on the Ten Dons. The Troupe's actions had enraged them, and they'd dispatched new agents—stronger than the Shadow Beast and likely to be formidable. As for the Ten Don's actual location, it was somewhere between Aurean and Yorknew, in a small town along the route. Illumi needed more time to narrow it down.

Ron asked if there was anything he needed to do. Illumi said not yet, but if Ron had time, he should go observe the battle between the newly dispatched agents and the Troupe—evaluate their strength.

He agreed. But even without being asked, he already planned to watch the battle. Ron needed to ensure the Phantom Troupe won—that was the only way to draw Oster out. Only then would he have a chance to kill Oster under the right conditions.

....................

.......

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Meanwhile, back at the hotel, Killua immediately entered his room and closed his eyes in focus. Milluki gave the door a glance, then quietly stood in front of it. Nen training required full concentration and no interruptions—any disturbance could lead to bad consequences. Milluki and Killua didn't usually get along, but they were still brothers. The same blood ran through their veins.

Killua was deep in thought. Not long after, Gon and Leorio returned, while Kurapika went back to where the Nostrade family was staying. He had taken time off to come here—but not too much. His purpose had been fulfilled. He had seen Gon and the others. He had fought Ron and learned from his evaluation what his standing was in relation to the Phantom Troupe. He now knew he had a chance at revenge.

He needed to wait for one of the Troupe to separate from the group. Otherwise, he couldn't make a move. Chain Jail was his greatest weapon.

A determined light appeared in Kurapika's eyes.

"We're back."

Gon and Leorio knocked on the door.