August 28, 1996
The Phantom Troupe suffered a devastating loss—two members dead.
Yet, in a twist of fate, under Chrollo's invitation, a promising prodigy filled Kortopi's former position as the group's #4.
For the Troupe, it was a timely recovery, mitigating their losses.
Thus, there was no longer any need to dwell on Kortopi's death.
If there was still any lingering discomfort, it stemmed from the newcomer's personality and behavior.
Even the seasoned Troupe members, who had weathered countless storms, found it hard to adapt.
After witnessing the prodigy slaughter an entire group of bounty hunters with nothing more than a single playing card, the Troupe was left at a loss for words.
If they had to put a label on this new member…
It would undoubtedly be "a grotesquely twisted psychopath."
That said, the Troupe was indifferent to the origins of this madness.
Once the prodigy finished the massacre and reluctantly agreed to join the Troupe, the hostility among the members diminished significantly.
However, the prodigy's peculiar mannerisms—such as suggestive hip movements—only deepened their revulsion.
In short, while the Troupe now had its missing "leg" replaced, the newcomer's presence brought with it even more instability.
Meanwhile, Moro had no idea what transpired after Hisoka's fall.
He had already boarded a flight heading toward a border town.
Initially, his plan had been to take a direct flight to Heaven's Arena. However, a call from Kanzai had prompted a sudden change of plans.
September 1, 1996
On this day, Yorknew City was hosting its annual auction—a grand event that drew collectors of rare treasures from across the world.
For Moro, the auction wasn't just a place to achieve significant short-term profits. It also promised an opportunity to rapidly enhance the charge on his nen tattoo.
But Moro wouldn't be attending the auction after all.
Instead, his flight landed in Preet, a small town near the border of Guganyu.
Preet's geography was unique.
Its west and south were bordered by wetlands and mountain ranges, while its east featured a port under border jurisdiction.
The dense forest and rugged terrain limited Preet's accessibility, leaving it little more than a modest town. However, its airport served as a hub for travelers and smuggling operations.
Preet's economy thrived on crime—smuggling, in particular. While this brought chaos and sin, it also generated immense profits.
Thus, the local authorities turned a blind eye to much of the town's illicit activity.
After leaving the airport, Moro hailed a cab—more accurately, a black-market taxi—and headed toward Red Dan Noodle Shop, the meeting place set by Kanzai.
As the car drove through the streets, Moro observed the architecture.
Preet's buildings were generally low-rise, no taller than three or four stories, made of a striking combination of deep red wood and gray-white bricks.
The red veining of the wood, juxtaposed with the pale bricks, gave the buildings a distinct appearance—like bloodstains on a white wall.
While Moro was indeed here to meet Kanzai, his visit served a dual purpose.
Preet was also home to enterprises owned by Nolan Gambino.
Though Moro didn't have solid proof linking Nolan's operations to the elusive "Menu," he intended to investigate regardless.
Now that his level had risen to 31, Moro had the upper hand. It was time to take the initiative.
As the cab navigated the streets, Moro habitually observed the pedestrians.
"Ordinary people… ordinary people…"
Most of those he saw were regular civilians.
Occasionally, he'd notice a faint irregularity in someone's nen flow and deduce that they were likely hiding their abilities.
"Oh, a nen user."
Moro's gaze locked onto a figure standing by a herbal medicine stall—a person completely shrouded in white, revealing only a pair of bright eyes through a medical mask and hat.
The person's nen flow was exceptionally stable, suggesting a certain level of proficiency.
"Female. Her nen technique seems solid; she's no amateur," Moro concluded as the cab turned a corner, taking her out of sight.
Twenty minutes later.
Moro arrived at Red Dan Noodle Shop.
The establishment shared the same aesthetic as the rest of the town: red-veined wood, gray bricks, and a bloodstain-like logo on its signboard.
Moro stepped inside.
The interior was spacious, with over twenty tables. At midday, nearly every table was occupied.
As Moro scanned the room, he noted many patrons carrying concealed weapons—testament to the town's lawless nature.
Moro quickly spotted Kanzai seated by a wall. Kanzai waved.
Moro approached, taking a seat across from him.
Kanzai handed over a menu, grinning. "Figured you might still be in Guganyu, so I called to check. Didn't expect you'd actually show up."
Moro glanced at the menu, then at Kanzai. "Shouldn't I be asking you the same? Didn't your job wrap up? What brings you back to Guganyu?"
Kanzai smirked and pointed at a television mounted on the wall.
The screen displayed an interview with a silver-haired woman.
Moro raised an eyebrow, looking back at Kanzai for clarification.
"That," Kanzai said with a wry smile, "is the client I failed to protect."
"...What?" Moro blinked in disbelief.
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