As for Rocky's prediction, Haizo initially thought it was alarmist, but now that the problem has indeed surfaced, he no longer feels that way.
Although the advance prediction of Nen seems incredible, it is not without basis.
Even Haizo himself now feels an inexplicable pressure weighing on his chest.
"Chief, if Rocky's prediction is true, what should we do now?"
A group of Nen masters appearing here was no coincidence. They hadn't traveled to such a remote place for sightseeing.
There must be a purpose. And at this point, it was safer to assume they were enemies rather than ignore the possibility.
The chief pondered for a moment before sighing. "Fortunately, because of Rocky's prediction, we built an emergency escape passage in advance. Otherwise, sneaking out an entire tribe of this size would have been impossible."
Hearing this, Haizo nodded. That decision had indeed given the Kuruta tribe a glimmer of hope.
But now, there were two major problems.
Although there was an emergency escape route, crossing the forest would only take them to the other side—a small town by the sea.
Crossing the forest would cut their travel time in half compared to the normal route, reducing the journey to about three days.
However, this was only relative to ordinary people. For Nen users, the time would be significantly shorter.
In the worst-case scenario, if they were discovered, the tribe would only have a half-day head start at most.
In that short time, to ensure safety, the tribespeople would have to secure a boat to sail out to sea—destination unknown.
Even if they successfully evaded their pursuers, they wouldn't know where to go next.
Of course, that could be figured out later. The most pressing concern now was how to evacuate the tribespeople safely.
The Kuruta tribe had over 100 members. Although this wasn't a large number, most of them were ordinary people. Few possessed any combat power.
And the most concerning issue—most of the tribe had limited knowledge of the outside world's history and languages. This made them stand out.
If the group of Nen users truly came for the Kuruta tribe, they would pursue the tribe immediately if they discovered their absence.
Half a day might not be enough. If the enemy had skilled trackers, the time difference might shrink to one or two hours, hardly enough to ensure the tribe's safety.
Someone had to stay behind and stall the enemy, buying time for the tribe's evacuation.
The chief thought for a long moment.
"Haizo, you are well-versed in the outside world—its history, languages, customs. You've spent much of your life traveling. Now, I am entrusting you with an important task."
"What task, Chief?" Haizo felt the weight in the chief's voice, standing straighter as he spoke.
"I will return to inform ten families. You will lead them along the escape route and wait for them on the other side of the forest."
"When I send the signal, immediately take the people into the town across the forest and secure a boat. I leave the destination to your discretion. Just ensure the tribe's safety to the best of your ability."
"Additionally, prepare a second boat—for me, just in case."
Haizo hesitated but nodded. Still, he couldn't help but ask, "Chief, why don't we all leave together?"
The chief shook his head. "We aren't certain yet. What if they aren't here for us? Moving so many people at once will draw unnecessary attention."
"And if this is a false alarm, there will be no need to evacuate."
There was another reason the chief couldn't explain. Full disclosure would only spread panic throughout the tribe. By moving only ten families, he could mask the operation as the search for a new settlement.
If he were upfront, everyone would want to flee immediately. For now, it was better to minimize panic.
In the worst-case scenario, at least ten families would survive, preserving the Kuruta tribe's lineage.
"Chief! Let me stay behind. I'm a Nen user. If the enemy shows up, I can buy time for the others."
"No, Haizo. You are different. If the worst happens, the Kuruta tribe will need a leader. If I die, you will take my place."
The chief pressed the leader's token into Haizo's hand.
"If I don't return, use this to make the others listen to you."
"Chief…"
"No more arguments! I have one last request—keep an eye on Rocky. He's the most gifted genius in our tribe's history. In ten years, with Rocky, the Kuruta tribe will produce powerful Nen users."
The chief smiled faintly. "Perhaps by then, we will no longer need to live in hiding."
Tears welled in Haizo's eyes. "I won't let you down, Chief."
The chief nodded solemnly.
…
After returning home, the chief quietly made his way to Rocky's room. Inside, Rocky sat cross-legged, practicing his Nen diligently.
Seeing Rocky's focus reassured the chief.
**Meanwhile…**
In the dilapidated house near the forest's edge, a group gathered in the candlelit darkness.
"Who's still missing?"
Chrollo sat on a broken wooden chair, lazily flipping through a book.
Pakunoda leaned against the wall. "Uvogin and Feitan."
Chrollo nodded, but unease gnawed at him. Something felt off—like something was slipping through his fingers.
Illusion? Omen? Chrollo couldn't tell.
Six members were already present—enough to complete the mission.
But Uvogin's strength was essential for spearheading the attack.
The Kuruta tribe was no ordinary prey.
They were one of the seven beauties of the world—a treasure, but also a death sentence.
Days passed, the weather damp and dreary with constant drizzle.
The day Kurapika left the village finally arrived. Piro's condition had improved.
At the village entrance, the chief watched Kurapika's departure with a smile.
Despite the looming danger, the chief didn't stop him.
If Kurapika was discovered, his death would serve as a warning. If he survived, he would become the Kuruta tribe's hidden flame.
After Kurapika left, the chief sought out Rocky.
"Rocky, I have a task for you."
Rocky blinked in surprise as Haizo emerged from behind the chief.
"This is Haizo. He will lead a group to search for a new home. I want you to accompany him."
Rocky's expression darkened. He smiled faintly, shaking his head.
"At this point, I won't leave the tribe, Grandpa. Don't forget—the prophecy came from me. I know exactly what's coming…"