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Third-Person POV
The warehouse loomed in silence, heavy with anticipation as the Phantom Troupe faced their pursuers. Three Hunters stood before them, their auras sharp and unyielding.
Chrollo stepped forward, calm and unflinching. "You've gone to great lengths to find us. Care to explain why?"
The lead Hunter, a tall figure with piercing eyes, smirked. "We're here to end this charade. The spiders have spun their last web."
Chrollo's lips curved slightly, his tone mocking. "Bold words. Let's see if you can back them up."
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Zephyr's POV
I couldn't take my eyes off the leader. Every movement they made reminded me of our earlier battle—my side still ached from the arrow they'd sent my way.
"You talk big," I said, stepping forward, my Nen threads unfurling from my fingers like coiled vipers. "Let's see if you can fight just as well."
The lead Hunter's smirk widened. "Ah, the spider with the strings. I've been looking forward to this."
Without another word, I launched my threads toward them, their razor edges slicing through the air.
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Machi's POV
Zephyr's threads danced with deadly precision, forcing the leader to dodge. I could see the strain on both sides already—this wasn't going to be an easy fight.
But something felt off. The other two Hunters hadn't moved yet. They just stood there, watching, as if waiting for something.
"Too quiet," I muttered, drawing my needles.
The shorter Hunter, a wiry figure with a whip coiled at their side, caught my movement and grinned. "Don't worry, you'll get your turn."
I didn't wait for them to make the first move. My Nen threads lashed out, aiming straight for their heart.
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Third-Person POV
Zephyr's threads lashed toward the lead Hunter in a flurry of sharp, precise strikes. The Hunter dodged with agility, weaving through the attacks with unnerving ease.
"Predictable," the Hunter taunted, sidestepping another strike.
Zephyr gritted his teeth, his threads shifting into a complex weave meant to trap them. "We'll see about that."
The web closed in around the Hunter, forcing them to halt. But just as Zephyr moved to tighten the trap, the Hunter's aura flared, shattering the threads in an explosive burst of energy.
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Feitan's POV
"Tch. He's wasting time," I muttered, watching as Zephyr's threads were blown apart.
The whip-wielding Hunter turned toward me, their aura crackling like electricity. "How about you? Care to join the dance?"
I unsheathed my blade, a smirk tugging at my lips. "Finally."
They swung their whip toward me, its sharp edge slicing through the air. I dodged with ease, closing the distance between us.
"You'll regret picking me," I said, slashing at them with a feral grin.
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Zephyr's POV
The lead Hunter's aura surged again, their movements faster and sharper than before. Every time I tried to trap them, they broke free, countering with strikes that forced me to retreat.
"You're persistent, I'll give you that," they said, smirking. "But persistence won't save you."
I extended my threads again, weaving them into a barrier between us. "Let's see you break this one."
The Hunter's eyes narrowed, their aura glowing brighter.
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Machi's POV
The battle around me was chaos. Zephyr was struggling against the leader, while Feitan toyed with the whip-user. The third Hunter, armed with a staff, moved toward me with measured steps.
"I hope you're ready," they said, spinning their staff with precision.
I didn't respond, focusing my Nen threads into a concentrated point. As they lunged, I struck, my threads slicing through their defense and forcing them to retreat.
"Sloppy," I said, narrowing my eyes.
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Third-Person POV
The fight intensified, the warehouse echoing with the clash of Nen and steel. Zephyr managed to corner the lead Hunter once more, his threads encasing them in a deadly web.
But before he could land the finishing blow, the Hunter unleashed another surge of energy, breaking free and sending him flying into a nearby wall.
"You're strong," the Hunter admitted, their tone almost respectful. "But you're not enough."
Meanwhile, Feitan disarmed the whip-wielder with a brutal strike, leaving them crumpled on the floor. Machi landed a precise hit on her opponent, forcing them back.
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Chrollo's POV
I observed from the center of the room, taking in every detail of the battle. The Hunters were strong, but they lacked unity. Their retreat wasn't a sign of cowardice; it was strategy.
"They'll be back," I said quietly as the remaining two Hunters helped their leader to their feet.
The leader met my gaze, a dangerous smile on their lips. "This isn't over."
With a final burst of Nen, they vanished into the shadows, leaving us surrounded by the remnants of the fight.
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Zephyr's POV
I staggered to my feet, clutching my side. My threads had failed to hold them, and their final words echoed in my mind.
"This isn't over."
Chrollo approached, his expression calm but unreadable. "You fought well," he said simply.
I nodded, though frustration burned inside me. They'd escaped, and their knowledge of us meant they'd strike again.
But next time, I'd be ready.
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