The pressure on him was immense. At just sixteen, Ronnel was still so young—still trying to shoulder responsibilities beyond his years.
"Let it out. Cry, if you need to. Sometimes, that's the only way to release some of the pressure. It'll help you see things more clearly and choose your next step with purpose."
Ronnel watched Kurapika closely, letting him process his inner turmoil. This was Kurapika's path to walk, his choices to make.
As Kurapika stood immersed in his thoughts, Ronnel approached Uvogin's still body.
Uvogin had passed long ago, his spirit undisturbed by resentment or regret. As the Phantom Troupe's frontline powerhouse, he likely accepted the risk of death with every fight.
Ronnel knelt and gently swept his palm over Uvogin, drawing forth four faint clusters of energy—visible only to him. With a firm press of his foot, he carved a deep hole beside the body. Placing Uvogin's remains inside, he covered it up—a simple yet respectful burial.
Before leaving, Ronnel glanced once more at Kurapika, who hadn't yet moved from his spot. He knew Kurapika wouldn't tell anyone about this, not even Melody, let alone Gon, Killua, or Leorio.
After all, following his encounter with Chrollo and placing a binding restriction on him to prevent using Nen, Kurapika had endured a high fever and illness before disappearing from Yorknew City with only a few brief words to Leorio.
Satisfied, Ronnel turned and left, disappearing into the night.
"Acquired an essence orb."
"Acquired elementary martial arts talent."
"Acquired advanced strength talent."
"Acquired Nen: Big Bang Impact."
(T/N: Uvogin's most powerful attack. He focuses all his aura into his fist (Ko) and then uses Enhancement Nen to strengthen his Ko, which he then punches his target. The ability was described as a simple right straight boosted with aura.)
The energy clusters he had taken from Uvogin represented the essence of his aura and his Nen, but Ronnel was slightly surprised that Uvogin's martial arts talent was only at an elementary level.
After all, Zushi's talent was also elementary, but after two years of training with Wing, he managed to become a prominent figure in Heavens Arena. Uvogin, however, had fought life-and-death battles for over a decade and achieved incredible mastery despite his level.
Ronnel took what was useful—absorbing the essence and Big Bang Impact into his mind, while discarding the rest into his storage space.
With his abilities growing, Ronnel now had a solid grasp of the Big Bang Impact. It infused a straight right punch with a powerful aura, packing the force of a missile. Simple yet deadly.
Although Ronnel had accumulated numerous abilities, only a few were practical.
Returning to the Leiert residence using Star Moon Night Walker, Ronnel resumed his disguise as Kay Taylor. Leiert greeted him with excitement, eager to discuss the upcoming mission.
"Taylor, to be safe, I've also nominated you and one more guard. Word is, the Nostrade Family is sending someone too. Remember, this is a chance for us to make our mark."
Leiert removed his cigar, pressing it firmly into the ashtray.
"If you perform well, and if our family gains the attention of the Ten Dons, you can have whatever you want within my power."
Ronnel merely smiled and nodded.
Only a fool would take a gangster's promises to heart.
Regardless, none of it mattered. Ronnel knew the Ten Dons wouldn't survive the night. They'd hired Silva and Zeno Zoldyck to eliminate the Phantom Troupe, but Chrollo had countered by hiring Illumi Zoldyck, who would bring along his brother Kalluto and even their family's elder, Maha Zoldyck.
With such a team, the Ten Dons were as good as dead, no matter what precautions they took.
As Ronnel and Leiert finalized the details of the mission, elsewhere, the Troupe gathered in an abandoned building, tension thickening in the air.
When the first light of dawn appeared on September 3, the weight of Uvogin's absence settled heavily upon them.
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