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Hearing Rocky's words, the chief smiled a little.
But after the initial happiness, his expression turned serious.
"Little Rocky! You... you don't have to. You're still young. Your world is vast. Follow Haizo and explore the outside world—go where you belong…"
The chief understood that with Rocky's talent, growth could only happen beyond the Kuruta tribe.
Staying within the tribe would only stifle his potential.
However, Rocky shook his head.
"Go out? I will, but not now!"
"The Kuruta tribe is in danger. If I leave now, can I still call myself part of this tribe?"
The chief was stunned. He hadn't expected Rocky to have such awareness at such a young age.
"Rocky, the chief is thinking about the tribe's future. You should stay with me…"
Haizo couldn't help but speak. He was deeply touched by what the chief had said earlier.
But Rocky shook his head again.
"Mr. Haizo, I understand, but leaving now is impossible. I'm a Nen user, and my strength is not weak! I can help the tribe at this time!"
Rocky then looked at the chief.
"Don't worry, Chief. I won't throw my life away. I just want to do my part. If things truly get out of hand, I'll escape. With my ability, it won't be easy for the enemy to catch me."
The chief thought for a few seconds.
Seeing the unwavering determination in Rocky's eyes, the chief realized Rocky had already made up his mind.
Even if he forced Rocky to leave, he might…
"Alright! I'll leave it to you."
"But if danger comes, you must escape immediately!"
At that moment, Rocky felt confused.
"Chief, since you believe in my words, why not evacuate all the tribespeople now? There's still time!"
The chief smiled softly.
"Little Rocky."
He stepped closer, crouching down to pat Rocky's shoulder.
"Sometimes, to survive, you have to give something up."
"You may not understand this now, but you will one day."
The chief stood up.
"I won't disturb your training. But don't exhaust yourself—save your strength, just in case."
Rocky nodded.
Haizo wanted to speak, but the chief had already led him away.
After the two left, Rocky smiled faintly.
Give up?
Rocky knew exactly what the chief meant.
If someone was truly coming for the Kuruta tribe, they wouldn't leave empty-handed.
The Scarlet Eyes—one of the world's seven beauties. If the enemy discovered the tribe's whereabouts, they wouldn't stop until they got what they wanted.
Even if the tribe found a new refuge, fear would follow. The enemy could track them down at any time.
On the other hand, if only a portion of the tribe escaped, the enemy might be satisfied and avoid pursuing the rest.
While this approach wasn't wrong, Rocky intended to protect as many tribespeople as possible.
He would do his best.
Turning back to his training, Rocky channeled his Nen, and a mysterious totem slowly emerged from the ground.
It was a divine character—a symbol Rocky carved to prepare the battleground.
Rocky wanted to test the gap between himself and top-tier fighters. If he could delay even one Phantom Troupe member, he could buy time for the others to escape.
Once most of the tribe entered the escape route, Rocky planned to draw one or two Troupe members to him.
This way, he could gauge his strength while stalling for time.
But Rocky wasn't reckless.
What if the enemy was far stronger than him?
Rocky had a plan.
He could reset his physical state by modifying his status—one of the hidden functions of his ability.
Even if he was injured, as long as he had a breath left and some consciousness, he could reset his condition and recover instantly.
Rocky had tested this twice.
The first time, he cut his palm.
The second time, he went further—breaking one of his fingers.
Both times, his body healed instantly.
With this assurance, Rocky confirmed that modifying his status could reset his injuries, granting him an ability akin to resurrection.
He hadn't dared to test it on severed limbs or fatal wounds.
But if all injuries could be healed, it should apply to those as well.
With this safeguard, Rocky felt confident enough to confront a Phantom Troupe member—under the right circumstances.
Of course, Rocky carefully considered his opponents.
Uvogin was the best candidate. As an Enhancer, Uvogin's balanced combat style made him an ideal test subject.
On the other hand, Machi and Chrollo were the worst options.
If Machi caught him, it would be over.
And Chrollo… there was no winning.
Chrollo's unpredictable abilities and sharp intellect posed too great a threat.
If Chrollo captured him, Rocky might never escape.
Aside from those two, the others were manageable.
Rocky had no intention of fighting fair. The divine characters were there to tilt the odds in his favor.
With their assistance, Rocky believed his abilities could be amplified, while his opponent would be suppressed.
Many of the divine characters he controlled were traps. Once activated, they hindered or attacked the target.
There was still time. Rocky would continue preparing.
He raised his hand.
A sword flew from a distant tree, landing in his palm—the Sword of the Wise King.
Behind him, the Yasha King Sword appeared, floating ominously.
Controlling both Manipulator weapons had become second nature to him.
Rocky was eager to see how much strength these divine characters could unleash.
Meanwhile…
Outside the village, Chrollo closed his book, his eyes shifting to the figure before him.
"Uvogin is the only one left."
He glanced at the others inside the wooden house.
Franklin, Pakunoda, Machi, Feitan, Nobunaga, Phinks—eight of them in total.
Number eight, the assassin killed by Silva Zoldyck in the original story, stood outside.
At this point, he hadn't been assassinated yet.
His ability, though useful, was not suited for combat.
"Uvogin will probably arrive by morning," Pakunoda said.
Chrollo nodded.
"Alright. We move tomorrow night. The net is cast… and now, we hunt."
His eyes narrowed.
"One of the seven beauties—Scarlet Eyes."