Twenty minutes later, in the Heavens Arena, inside Hisoka's private room.
Illumi, with long straight black hair and deep, dark eyes, held out his hands innocently.
"Well, that's the gist of it. Although I've known Hisoka for a long time and I trust his judgment, since our target this time is the leader of the Phantom Troupe, I need to ensure my 'partner's' strength."
"I don't really want to kill you. My father warned us brothers not to meddle with the Phantom Troupe—it's bad business. I don't intend to disobey orders, especially since my father favors my younger brother."
"I won't directly confront the Phantom Troupe this time. My role will be to distract and control the guards around Chrollo, just like yours, Germain. Let's cooperate when the time comes."
Illumi can control others using "Nen needles," a classic Manipulation Type Nen ability where the first controller has total control and can incapacitate with a single move.
After this ability is used, another Nen user's Manipulation Type Nen ability won't work on the being controlled.
He recently used this ability to take over three assailants who attacked Germain and used them to his advantage.
In the upcoming battle with Hisoka in the Heavens Arena, Chrollo intentionally acquired a similar ability to Illumi's.
Utilizing it with other Nen abilities, he planned to trap Hisoka step by step. This ability poses a serious threat even to foes of equal strength.
"That's the plan," Hisoka said, shuffling cards. "The Zoldyck family's estate, Kukuroo Mountain, is on the same continent as the Heavens Arena, so I arranged to meet here."
"Illumi was curious to see your strength, so I had to invite him," he added, neatly arranging the cards on the table.
Illumi nodded silently, then said expressionlessly, "Clearly, this was your idea. I just find it quite intriguing."
"In summary," Hisoka smiled, "You're completely satisfied now, aren't you?"
"Yeah," Illumi nodded towards Germain, who sat on the other side, peeling an orange. "If it were him, there wouldn't be any issue."
"Reflecting back, my father killed Germain's predecessor, the former No. 8 member. Now I understand what my father meant. It wasn't worth it. It was all for money. It wasn't necessary."
Saying this, Illumi opened his hand to Germain.
Germain considered it and seemed to grasp Illumi's meaning. He peeled the orange and placed the peel in Illumi's hand, saying, "Thank you."
He enjoyed the juicy orange flesh himself.
Illumi stared at the orange peel in his palm, lost in thought for a moment, then tossed it into the trash, remarking, "You're welcome."
Hisoka chuckled from the side. "You're quite intriguing. That's why I can't bring myself to harm you."
"When I eat cake, I always start with the most delicious strawberry, and Chrollo is that strawberry. Then there's the cream, the layers of cake..."
He extended his pink tongue, licked his lips, and leaned back with satisfaction, rolling his eyes upwards as if in ecstasy. "Ah~ It's so delightful to know you..."
Hisoka was the type to "harden" towards acknowledged adversaries and enemies, which is why Germain labeled him as "perverted". At this moment, Germain was certain that this guy was fixated on him and Illumi like a lunatic.
"What's next?" Germain decided to interrupt Hisoka's self-indulgent monologue before the pressure got too intense. "What's your plan?"
Illumi raised his hand, gesturing for Germain to look at Hisoka. "I think with his personality, there's probably no 'plan'. It's more likely just a direction, and he'll act according to the circumstances, right?"
"You've known him for a while; you should understand that."
"His favorite thing is to land himself in a desperate situation without any prior preparation, then turn the tables in one swift move, relishing the enemy's shock and despair."
"That's right. Illumi really gets me," Hisoka said, regaining his composure. He chuckled, "If Chrollo agrees to meet, Illumi will infiltrate, and then we can start the war all at once."
The plan was spontaneous and full of loopholes, not meeting Germain's standards. But with Hisoka and Illumi leading the charge, this seemingly impossible plan had a chance.
No plan is foolproof. During execution, unexpected events often disrupt the original strategy. That's when adaptability is crucial.
And the three of them were masters at seizing opportunities.
Germain remained silent, signaling his agreement to proceed with the plan. They glanced together towards the door as they sensed an unfamiliar presence approaching.
Soon, the doorbell rang.
"Hisoka, did you invite a fourth person?" Illumi asked, puzzled. "That's unlike you. I thought the three of us were enough for an elite team."
Hisoka didn't reply. As the doorbell persisted and Germain and Illumi stayed seated on the fishing platform, he sighed and reluctantly got up to answer the door.
Outside stood a man with long silver hair. His gaze sharpened when he saw Hisoka.
"Your friend?" Hisoka looked at him with confusion, hand resting on his slender waist. He gestured towards the silver-haired man and turned to Germain and Illumi for an answer.
Both Germain and Illumi leaned forward to see, then shook their heads in unison.
Hisoka turned around and glanced at the silver-haired man who looked ready to explode with anger. "You found the wrong room?"
"It's me, Hisoka!" The silver-haired man struggled to control his anger and narrowed his eyes. "Kastro, your rival!"
Germain raised an eyebrow, recalling the man, then calmly continued eating a slice of guava.
Although Illumi stifled a laugh behind his hand, his expression remained unchanged.
"Hisoka, looks like you have an 'enemy' here."
Kastro, oblivious to Illumi's sarcasm, solemnly addressed Hisoka: "I lost to you last year, and I still remember the lesson you taught me."
"But I've changed a lot this year. I've been waiting for this moment, for you to return to the Heavens Arena. Let's have a fight. I want to redeem myself!"
After some prompting, Hisoka finally recalled the man before him. Another defeated opponent, eager for another chance.
There were many like him, and Kastro wasn't high on Hisoka's list of memorable foes.
However, as soon as Kastro heard Hisoka was here, he sought him out without delay.
********
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