On March 15th, 9 PM, at Kukuroo Mountain, in front of the gate of the Zoldyck family's mansion.
The night was dark with thick clouds hiding the moon, making the sky appear even darker.
"We're at my house," Illumi pointed ahead to the two behind him, "I've arranged for the best doctor from the Zoldyck family to be here."
Hisoka gently touched his broken arm, "Yes... Let's get this arm sewn up completely so we can handle the Phantom Troupe better in the future."
Germain looked up at the front gate, labeled "Trial Gate", with its seven layered doors, each heavier than the last in "tons".
He glanced back at Hisoka, observing him closely.
Hisoka, returned from death, hadn't gone mad yet, but it seemed inevitable.
Soon, he'd likely become bloodthirsty, no longer satisfied with the Phantom Troupe, turning to new targets.
Then, Germain and Illumi might become his prey.
Suddenly, a burly old man emerged from the communication room beside the gate.
He hurried over to Illumi, patting his Mediterranean hair and nodding.
"Master Illumi, and Master Illumi's friends, welcome back. The doctor is ready in the mansion," said Zebro, the gatekeeper.
"Yes," Illumi replied firmly, "Let's go."
Illumi strode forward, pushing open the six doors of the trial gate with a creak.
His expression unchanged, it was unclear how much effort he'd used.
Germain and Hisoka followed Illumi into the vast courtyard of the Zoldyck family.
Zebro stood by the gate, bowing repeatedly towards Illumi.
As they walked a bit further, they spotted a pair of green eyes in the dark forest. A massive hound, the size of a small hill, lifted its head from where it lay on the ground.
"This is our guard dog," Illumi announced. "Mike, I forgot to bring back your 'food'. I'll feed you tomorrow."
Mike, the enormous hound, made no noise but fixed its chilling gaze on Germain and Hisoka, watching them until they disappeared from view.
"Hisoka, Germain," Illumi said, leading the way. "You can't enter the main house. You'll stay in the housekeeper's office for the next few days. It's time for you to rest."
"I'm fine with that," Germain replied, leisurely admiring the night view of Kukuroo Mountain like a tourist.
Hisoka waved his hand. "I just need my arm properly stitched up, that's all."
They climbed a small hill, followed a flat path, and came upon a brightly lit, lavish mansion.
Even the Zoldyck family's housekeeper's residence was splendid.
Butler Gotoh, along with several housekeepers in black suits and doctors in white coats, had been awaiting them at the gate. They moved forward in an orderly manner as Illumi approached.
"Master," Gotoh adjusted his glasses and led the group in bowing to Illumi.
"Yes," Illumi nodded calmly, gesturing towards the two behind him. "As discussed earlier, have the doctor tend to Hisoka's arm and let them stay here."
"Understood," Gotoh responded promptly, without hesitation or questioning Illumi's decision.
Illumi turned to Germain and Hisoka. "You'll stay here tonight. I'll return from the main house to check on you tomorrow."
Germain nodded, and Hisoka signaled his agreement with a gesture.
Illumi turned and departed. He leapt up, darting between branches until he vanished into the darkness.
"Mr. Hisoka, Mr. Germain," Gotoh said, adjusting his glasses with a serious demeanor. "Please follow me."
He guided Germain and Hisoka into the mansion. Hisoka was led to a room where doctors cleaned and stitched his wound, while other butlers brought desserts and fruits for Germain.
During the wait, Germain recounted the day's events with the "Stagecoach Group" to Shizuku, cautioning her to avoid members of the Phantom Troupe.
Chrollo had already sensed a connection between them and might target Shizuku.
Shizuku acknowledged Germain's warning without complaint, understanding that she had initially revealed their connection, putting her at risk.
As for Bisky, after showing her concern, she inquired, "Germain, isn't the team limit four? Can Wing join us? I'll handle the arrangements."
"And we need a long-term medical staff. I know someone good; I'll bring her in."
Wing, Biscuit's disciple whom Germain found trustworthy, would be a valuable addition. They agreed on the medical staff who is needed.
Shortly after, Hisoka emerged from the room, displaying his newly healed arm to Germain.
"It's good as new... Were you waiting for me?"
"No, just being courteous," Germain replied, observing Gotoh nearby. Gotoh nodded, understanding the situation.
"My apologies. Dinner will be ready in fifteen minutes," Gotoh assured them, adjusting his glasses before hurrying off to prepare.
He bowed quickly and turned away.
"You really are quite serious," Hisoka said with a smile, watching Gotoh leave. Then he turned to Germain. "You're quite bold, ordering someone else's butler around."
Germain headed towards the restaurant. "If you're not hungry, go rest. I'll ask Gotoh to cancel your meal."
Hisoka chuckled and followed him.
In the end, they enjoyed a splendid dinner together. Afterward, they were led to separate rooms to rest.
Germain showered and dried his hair before lying down under the soft quilt, letting sleep wash away the day's fatigue.
The next morning, Germain woke up, freshened up, and went downstairs to the restaurant for a simple, nutritious breakfast.
But this time, Hisoka wasn't sitting across from him.
Gotoh approached Germain with a letter. "Mr. Germain, Mr. Hisoka left early this morning and asked me to give you this letter."
Germain wasn't surprised that Hisoka had left. He took the letter from Gotoh, knowing what it likely contained.
He opened the envelope and quickly scanned the contents. As expected, it was a challenge and even a marriage proposal to him and Illumi.
Hisoka sure had grand ambitions. Was he truly the kind of man who liked having a harem?
Their next meeting would surely be a life-and-death battle.
After reading it, Germain folded the letter, returned it to the envelope, and handed it back to Gotoh. "Please deliver this letter to your young master Illumi. It's also addressed to him."
"Certainly, sir," Gotoh replied, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for informing me. I'll send it to the main house immediately."
The letter was sent off, and by noon, Germain had lunch at the Zoldyck family's estate. Illumi didn't appear as promised.
However, in the afternoon, a message from Illumi arrived, instructing Gotoh to bring Germain to the main Zoldyck house. Silva, the current head of the Zoldyck family, wanted to meet him.
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