"You hate me because you think I kidnapped Nina?"
"But now that Nina is part of my team, I'm not about to let you take her."
Kaizen's feelings for Nina ran deep. Her life reminded him too much of a certain tragic character in Fullmetal Alchemist. He didn't want Nina to suffer a similar fate.
Besides, Nina had already become a valuable member of Kaizen's team. The Nen ability she'd developed was no small asset.
After going upstairs and entering his room, Kaizen began unpacking his purchases. First up was his new laptop, his old one couldn't keep up with the demands of his work. Although Altan claimed it was top-of-the-line, Kaizen needed a device capable of securely sharing intelligence.
"Altan, handle this." He passed the old laptop to Altan with instructions to erase all its data before transferring it to the new one.
Once everything was ready, Kaizen used Killer Queen's ability to dispose of the outdated laptop. He muttered a quiet command as it silently exploded, scattering in mid-air and leaving no trace behind. Satisfied, Kaizen placed the new laptop in Killer Queen's storage space, along with some survival gear—scissors, a bone needle, and a compact hand generator. In the wilderness, where charging options were scarce, it would be essential.
He'd also decided to reinforce his phone, wrapping it in a high-strength plastic case. If anyone saw it, they'd have no idea what was inside, and it'd help mask some of Altan's abilities.
"I ran into Carlisle when I returned to Heavens Arena," Kaizen said, his tone contemplative.
Nina's expression darkened, and even her companion bear's face twisted with anger.
"Here." Kaizen handed her a sheet of paper, detailing the results of his investigation into Carlisle.
"It seems his Nen ability is tied to his mysterious half-year absence. And his attempt to take you away... I have a theory," Kaizen said, pausing. "Carlisle's power may require a close connection to its targets, so it makes sense that he'd go after you and your mother."
Nina's fists clenched as old memories seemed to surface, her eyes reddening slightly.
"How do you want to handle this, Nina?" Kaizen asked, his voice softening. "Whatever you decide, I'll stand by you."
Nina fell silent, lost in thought, then finally looked up.
"Brother, give me some time to think about it."
"Of course. Take all the time you need."
...
At the Zoldyck Estate…
Zeno returned to the Zoldyck Manor, bringing with him ten new recruits for apprentice butler training. The selection process for these recruits mirrored the method used for Kaizen's exclusive butler: they were sent straight to the butler quarters for training under senior staff.
Meanwhile, Silva was personally training Milluki in Nen techniques.
"Father?" Milluki asked when he noticed Silva looking outside.
"Your grandfather and I need to discuss something. Keep practicing."
"Yes, Father," Milluki nodded, focusing intently on his task.
Silva stepped out to meet Zeno, who waited under a gazebo.
"Father, are you certain Kaizen didn't need any protection?"
Zeno nodded. "His strength has grown rapidly. He doesn't need constant surveillance anymore."
Zeno had sensed Kaizen's progress since their encounter in Meteor City. With the appearance of Kaizen's third Nen beast, it was clear he'd reached a new level of power. Family tradition dictated that young Zoldycks be guarded until they reached a certain threshold, but Kaizen had exceeded expectations.
Silva frowned slightly. He hadn't seen Kaizen since he left the estate, only hearing news that he'd made it to the 200th floor of Heavens Arena and had even taken on a job with Milluki.
"Kaizen's talent is… that high?"
"Honestly, his abilities are unique," Zeno replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "I can't fully grasp them myself. But it's good for the Zoldyck family to have another talent of his caliber."
Elsewhere in the mansion, Milluki clenched his fists, excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Is this… aura?" he murmured. "Kaizen defeated those targets using this power?"
He knew he was a Manipulator, but hadn't yet unlocked his unique ability.
Later, Nina found Kaizen again.
"Brother, I've made my decision," she said, determination in her gaze. "I don't want Carlisle bothering me anymore. I want to become stronger—strong enough to drive him away myself when he returns."
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