Everything in the early morning looked gray.
Kurapika woke up to the sound of birds singing in the oak forest.
He opened his eyes, and what happened last night felt like a dream. But when he sat up and the blanket slipped off, the cold wind hit him, bringing him back to reality.
That was not a dream. He and Germain had defeated a group of Mafiasters on the Twin Bridges and taken the Scarlet Eyes.
All the "Shadow Beasts" had been killed by Germain.
He glanced to the side and saw that the bonfire had gone out, leaving only gray-black embers. Nearby, a jar held the Scarlet Eyes.
Whose eye could it be?
The elder's? His father's? His mother's? Or maybe Pairo's? He couldn't tell.
Kurapika stared at the eye, still filled with fear, and let out a slow breath.
He needed to be patient and calm.
Germain had said last night, "The hunt starting tonight will be long. Don't let anger, ignorance, or arrogance unleash the beast inside you. Instead, use it and blend into the long night ahead..."
Kurapika knew this was meant for him.
Recovering the first pair of Scarlet Eyes was a good start, but many more were still lost, and this "hunt" was bound to be long.
He couldn't let himself burn out; that would betray his clan.
Germain was right. He needed to focus on strengthening himself. Otherwise, in a situation like last night, he wouldn't be able to do much.
Kurapika picked up the jar with the Scarlet Eyes and grabbed the suitcase beside him.
He was no longer wearing the Kuruta clan's clothing but a well-fitted black suit, looking like a young man carrying an urn to a funeral.
There was a reason for this change.
Most Mafia members were looking for them now, so last night's outfit was no longer suitable. So, both he and Germain changed into black suits.
Germain's black crow hunter robe and his Kuruta clan clothes were in the suitcase, which Kurapika usually carried.
At this moment, Kurapika was not only carrying a suitcase but also holding a jar with Scarlet Eyes inside. He was more than willing to do so.
Words couldn't fully express his trust and gratitude toward Germain. For now, he could only repay Germain by helping with small tasks.
Kurapika didn't see Germain around, so he walked around the campfire, following the sound of splashing water nearby. After walking less than twenty meters, he reached a waterfall.
The water flowed down, turning into fine droplets in the air, gently brushing against Kurapika's golden hair.
Germain was indeed there.
Germain was washing his face and stood on the slightly muddy grass after the rain, staring at the waterfall with a thoughtful expression.
"Teacher," Kurapika said as he approached Germain from behind, holding the jar and suitcase like a waiter. "Should we leave now?"
They had moved to several locations the previous night and had walked a long distance, finally resting in an oak forest at two in the morning.
Thanks to their caution, none of the Mafia members from the Ten Dons had found them so far.
It was normal for Germain to choose to leave right away.
"No hurry," Germain replied, turning to look at him. "Let's do our daily practice first."
For Kurapika, the so-called "daily practice" meant practising "Four Major Principles" and using his "Chains."
There wasn't much to explain about the "Four Major Principles." The "chain" specifically referred to the "Dowsing Chain," which Kurapika needed to practice until he could use it steadily and continuously.
"Yes," Kurapika said.
He didn't question Germain's decision. He placed the jar containing the Scarlet Eyes and the suitcase on the grass and prepared to start training.
"Wait," Germain suddenly interrupted him. Seeing Kurapika's confusion, he added, "Before we begin, I want to deepen your understanding of 'Gratitude.'"
Kurapika listened quietly.
Every serious lesson from Germain was important, and he had learned a lot from them, which contributed to his spiritual growth.
"Under the term 'capacity', there are three concepts: 'maximum capacity', 'potential capacity', and 'manifest capacity'."
German pulled out a transparent kettle from his suitcase and tapped it with his knuckles, producing a loud sound.
"You are like this kettle. The amount of water it can hold is the 'maximum capacity.'"
He then opened the kettle's lid, dipped it into the lake created by the waterfall, filled it with water, and lifted it to show Kurapika.
"However, most Nen users can't keep their energy full all the time. The 'water' in the 'kettle' is often not full. This represents 'potential capacity.'"
Finally, German swung the kettle towards the lake, splashing some water out, which fell and created ripples on the lake's surface.
"Similarly, people who can use Nen often can't or don't want to release all their 'Nen' at once. Each time they 'sprinkle water', they show 'manifest capacity.'"
"I'm explaining these concepts because they aren't hard to understand, and you all have your interpretations. It's important to grasp this because Nen ability is tied to inner practice."
"The more you understand the different concepts of 'Nen ability', the higher your 'Nen ability' will go."
"The Nen of the Flame involves repeating basic training with gratitude for martial arts. At some point, you'll have an epiphany and complete your inner training."
"And we are the same; different paths can lead to the same goal. Train in real combat, think critically at the edge of life and death, stick to your principles, eliminate those who must be removed, and seek enlightenment. This will help you complete your inner practice."
"We don't rely on anger to overpower our enemies, but on careful calculations. Sometimes, if faced with a stronger opponent, it's okay to retreat."
"The most crucial thing is to create conditions that work in your favor."
"Actually, you already have the foundation to use the 'Dowsing Chain' and other 'Chains'. You can do it."
"It's just that your understanding of 'Nen' isn't enough, which causes poor flow of 'Nen' and hinders their formation."
Kurapika listened to Germain's words and pondered, with many thoughts racing through his mind.
"I understand, teacher."
Kurapika nodded to Germain and immediately began practicing, trying to catch those fleeting inspirations.
By noon, Kurapika met Germain's expectations and even exceeded them. His "Dowsing Chain" became stable, and he transitioned smoothly to the next stage—the practice of the "Chain Jail."
Today, the "Chain Jail" wasn't just a narrow ability targeting the "Phantom Troupe." It reduced the restraining effect while expanding its attack range to more enemies.
Kurapika understood by now that his enemies were far more than just the "Phantom Troupe," and it wasn't worth wasting his "Nen ability" on just one team.
It wasn't until the afternoon that they left the oak forest and headed toward the mountains.
A moment later, a figure rushed into the shadow of the oak forest and stopped in front of the burnt campfire.
"Monkey" Saiyu looked down for a moment, then glanced in the direction where Germain and Kurapika had gone.
"Really cautious," he said, stroking his furry sideburns. "I lost track of him several times last night. If it weren't for the resources from Pariston, I would have almost gone in the wrong direction."
"But where are they headed?"
"Germain could disappear for months without showing up, so it's likely he has one or two bases. Shouldn't he go back now?"
"If they're returning to the base, that would be good. But if they have other plans, should I keep following them?"
"Hey, hey, hey, the other party isn't exactly good people. If you keep following them like this, you'll be discovered sooner or later."
"Should we really follow Pariston's advice and contact him directly...?"
Lost in his complicated thoughts, Saiyu suddenly felt a chilling presence. He was about to jump onto the nearby oak tree when he realized it was too late.
Damn—it happened so quickly! When was I discovered?!
Saiyu sighed and slowly raised his hands, not touching the golden cudgel at his waist. Then he turned around to face Germain, who was pointing a Firearm at him.
Germain looked at Saiyu coldly.
Saiyu watched Germain's expression and pressed his lips together.
His Nen ability would give him a big advantage if he acted first. Using it now could help him escape danger, but he didn't want to risk his life.
"Last night," Germain said, "you probably followed me for a while and noticed that my En only reached 30 meters."
"Then, I repeatedly used my 'En' during the battle with the Shadow Beast, and you confirmed it several times. You're quite sure about this."
"So, you bravely flew to a height of 45 meters to watch the battle between me and the Shadow Beast below."
"But you didn't expect that my 'En' suddenly expanded to 50 meters in an instant before shrinking back."
That's when I was exposed.
Saiyu reacted quickly and pulled back, but Germain still sensed something was off.
I thought he had just broken through, and with so many people around, he might not notice me. I didn't expect him to be so aware. I really shouldn't have been so lucky...
Saiyu rolled his eyes and said calmly, "Don't worry, I'm not your enemy. I'm Saiyu, the Monkey from the Hunter Association, one of the twelve zodiac signs."
"I've heard a lot about you being the 'fastest one-star hunter.' Chairman Netero also praises your talent and skills, which made me interested in you."
"I happened to see you fighting the Shadow Beast last night. I thought you might need help, so I followed you. I didn't expect you to be alone..."
"Get to the point," Germain interrupted. "Let's skip the small talk. I don't like unnecessary tricks."
"I've been thinking about what happened last night. It was too coincidental. Who could be behind it? I've been waiting for someone to come to me, and finally, I waited for you."
There is a simple reason for his judgment.
He had seen the anime and knew one important fact: Saiyu was from Pariston's group, and Pariston was under Beyond, the son of Netero.
Beyond is planning a return to the Dark Continent.
Saiyu was momentarily shocked, then let out a rough laugh.
There really was no way to deny it. The other party's judgment didn't need any proof, and his next answer would decide the future relationship between them.
"Let's get straight to the point." Saiyu lowered his hands. "Don't point your weapons at me, Germain. Technically, I'm your partner."
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