"Yes, great-grandfather."
Mahha Zoldyck turned and prepared to leave.
When he reached the doorway, he suddenly stopped.
"Ron, when do you plan to contact the Fiora royal family?"
"I haven't decided yet."
Mahha paused for a moment.
"With your abilities, getting in touch with those Nen users from the country of Taris should be beneficial for you. However, you need to possess sufficient strength first."
"Right now, you're not strong enough."
"Wait until you've practised your Ko to be on par with your Ten before you go."
Ron nodded. "Yes, great-grandfather."
This was also Ron's own thought.
According to Zeno, the Nen user system in Taris is quite peculiar. If he could absorb some of their characteristics, perhaps he could create a decent Nen beast.
However, because their abilities are so strange, he definitely needed to be stronger before making contact.
Time passed quickly.
Immersed in training, Ron was completely unaware of the passage of time.
Until one month later.
"Ron, do you have a moment? Could you help me with something?"
Zeno approached Ron.
"Grandpa Zeno, what's the matter?"
"Your Uncle Silva plans to send Killua to the Heavens Arena for some training. Silva and I don't have time right now. If you're available, could you secretly look after Killua?"
Ron's eyebrows raised slightly.
He remembered this part of the story.
When Killua was six, Silva left him at the Heavens Arena.
Killua fought there for two years before qualifying for the 200th floor.
However, Silva's requirement was just for Killua to obtain that qualification.
So after achieving it, Killua left.
He returned to the Zoldyck estate.
He didn't actually proceed to the 200th floor.
It wasn't until he was twelve, after the Hunter Exam, that he returned to the Heavens Arena with Gon, advanced to the 200th floor, and learned Nen from Wing.
"Sure, no problem."
"Then I'll leave it to you. In a few days, Silva will take Killua there while on a mission."
"Grandpa Zeno, you're too kind."
Ron returned to his courtyard and began packing.
Mahha Zoldyck had taught Ron all the Nen techniques except for Ryu. He could practice anywhere; he wasn't limited to the Zoldyck estate.
As for Ryu, it wasn't part of Ron's training yet.
Mahha had even returned to a semi-secluded state.
Therefore, Ron going to the Heavens Arena wouldn't affect his practice.
At the Heavens Arena, Ron could also teach Shizuku about Nen.
"Young Master Ron, I've prepared everything you requested."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome, young master."
Ron carried a suitcase and had a backpack slung over his shoulder.
"By the way, Shinji, have you remembered anything about Meteor City?"
"No."
Shinji shook his head.
"Last time I went to Meteor City, I happened to see someone who looks a lot like you. I'm not sure if there's any relation. Also, his name is somewhat similar to yours."
"His name is Nobunaga."
Shinji's pupils contracted slightly but soon dimmed.
"Young Master Ron, in Meteor City, family ties don't mean much. I'm now part of the Zoldyck estate, so the people from Meteor City have nothing to do with me anymore."
"Alright, it's your decision."
Ron said, "If you want information about him, you can try to find out yourself. That person seems to hold a certain status in Meteor City; he's not an ordinary individual."
After speaking, Ron left the courtyard.
Shinji watched Ron's departing figure from a distance.
After a long while, he withdrew his gaze.
"Family, huh..."
Sangitus approached Shinji.
"Senior Sangitus."
Sangitus sighed. "People really can't be compared to one another."
"Young Master Ron's talent is truly astonishing."
Sangitus thought Shinji was distracted because he was amazed by Ron's talent.
Ron made his way down the mountain. Halfway, he saw two figures standing at a crossroads, seemingly waiting for him.
One was a tall, beautiful woman exuding a maternal aura.
She wore luxurious clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
Beside her stood a little boy dressed like a girl.
"Aunt Kikyo."
"Little Kalluto."
Kalluto curiously observed Ron. "Cousin Ron."
Kikyo smiled at Ron. "Ron, I'm entrusting Killua to you. This is his first time traveling far, so as his mother, I'm a bit worried. Please take this."
She handed him an item.
"What is this?"
Ron was momentarily surprised.
Kikyo explained, "I heard from your Grandpa Zeno that you obtained a Crystal Feather Bone. If you use it together with this, the effect will be even better."
Originally, Ron intended to refuse, but upon hearing this, he accepted it.
"Thank you, Aunt Kikyo."
"You're welcome."
Kikyo then handed over an envelope. "This contains some information about Killua. When you have time, please read it."
"Alright, Aunt Kikyo. I will definitely take good care of Killua and won't let anything happen to him."
"Mm-hmm, I'm counting on you."
"Then, Aunt Kikyo, I'll be heading down the mountain now."
"Okay."
Ron waved to Kalluto. "Goodbye, Kalluto."
"Goodbye, Cousin Ron."
Only after Ron's figure disappeared from sight did Kikyo lead Kalluto back toward the mansion at the mountaintop. Kalluto couldn't help but look back and ask, "Mother, when can I go to the Heavens Arena?"
"I don't know. We'll have to wait for your father's arrangement."
"Oh."
The interactions among the Zoldyck family members might seem strange to outsiders.
Currently, Mahha Zoldyck stayed entirely in the back mountain, rarely interacting with other family members.
Illumi spent most of his time outside, carrying out assassination missions alone.
Having passed the period of rapid strength improvement, Illumi now focused mainly on work rather than training.
Zeno was semi-retired; although he wouldn't refuse tasks that came his way he wouldn't take on as many as he used to.
Silva was the main task undertaker of the Zoldyck family.
Nominally, Kikyo stayed at home taking care of the children.
But in reality, the one who often stayed by Kikyo's side was only Kalluto.
Milluki was immersed in his own online world.
He was still striving to obtain information on Dandins, but the results left him in despair. After so much effort and spending a lot of money, he hadn't obtained any useful information.
Killua was going out for the first time.
Alluka had been confined.
To outsiders, the family's interactions didn't seem friendly.
They seemed more like colleagues or partners.
But Ron could clearly feel the familial bonds within the Zoldyck family.
When it didn't involve family, tasks, money, resources—all were handled separately.
As the saying goes, "Clear accounts between brothers."
This saying perfectly encapsulated it.
Transactions between Zeno and Silva, Zeno and Milluki—all required payment.
However, when it came to family matters, everything gave way to familial bonds.
For example, when Ron left the Heavens Arena for the first time, Zeno protected him secretly.
To protect Ron, Zeno declined many tasks.
But he didn't ask Ron for any compensation.
Now, Zeno was asking Ron to secretly protect Killua at the Heavens Arena and didn't mention anything about payment.
Because this is what members of the Zoldyck family should do.
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