Hunter X Hunter: The Strongest Assassin Of The Zoldyck Family!

"I'm surprised to be valued so highly by you," Kaizen said with a faint smile.

"However, I can't give up on Heavens Arena just yet."

Greed's lips curled into a pleased grin, seemingly more satisfied with the response.

"You don't need to give it up. You can handle both," he replied. "If you gave up Heavens Arena just because of my invitation, I'd feel guilty. As I recall, the rules require you to fight at least one match every three months, right? How long has it been since your last one?"

"Almost three months," Kaizen admitted.

"Then it's settled. Apply for tomorrow's fight and see us afterward. For now, give me an address, and I'll handle the rest."

"Alright," Kaizen agreed with a nod.

With that, Greed left alongside the rest of his gang. The business surrounding Carlisle had come to an end.

Kaizen stood in his room at the Heavens Arena, gazing out the window of Suite 503 at the sprawling city below. The entire situation had been handled smoothly, but he couldn't shake his skepticism about Greed and his motives. Social relations often carried hidden complexities.

The blood ties between Nina and Carlisle had been severed, but if anyone else had attempted what Kaizen managed, it might not have gone as well.

"Altan's abilities were critical in this operation," Kaizen reflected. "Killer Queen and Raiken's contributions were smaller, but no less necessary."

After making arrangements, Kaizen applied for a fight the next day. His opponent was a newcomer—a killer eager to test his mettle. It didn't take more than two or three moves for Kaizen to knock him down in the ring. The match was over in no time.

"Nina," Kaizen said as they walked back, "while I'm away, focus on training, competing, and cultivating your skills. That's all I ask."

"Yes," Nina replied earnestly. She seemed to have recovered from Carlisle's death, her usual resolve returning.

Turning to Shizuku, Kaizen said, "While I'm gone, stay in the room. Don't wander off. If you're hungry, order room service. If you're bored, buy some books or watch TV."

Kaizen believed it was better for him to personally teach Shizuku how to use Nen. Nina's understanding of it wasn't thorough enough, and even Kaizen admitted he was no expert. He had mastered the basics—Ren, Ten, Zetsu, Gyo—but advanced techniques would have to wait until he returned to Zoldyck Manor. His great-grandfather, Maha, had promised to instruct him once their one-year agreement was up.

"I'm leaving now," Kaizen said as he prepared to depart.

"Goodbye!" Nina waved.

"Take care," Shizuku added with a small smile.

Kaizen boarded an airship and set off for the city Greed had mentioned.

The industrial city came into view as the airship descended. It was a grim place, with factories stretching endlessly. Smoke poured from towering chimneys, staining the sky gray and black. Even on a sunny day, the sun was barely visible through the smog.

Greed was already waiting when Kaizen disembarked.

"Kaizen," Greed greeted him.

"Senior Greed."

"Get in."

Greed drove them through the sprawling, smoke-filled streets. After a short journey, they arrived at a gated property. A housekeeper opened the gates, and Greed drove inside.

"Head to the second floor," Greed instructed. "Pick any empty room. Once you're settled, I'll take you to the training ground."

"Understood," Kaizen said.

As Kaizen entered the building, he noticed a crystal ball sitting on a pedestal in the main hall. Its aura was palpable, steadily drawing energy from the surroundings. The absorption was far faster than what he'd seen at the Wilhelm estate, and it showed no signs of slowing.

A thought crossed Kaizen's mind. Could this entire city be under the control of the world's gangsters? It certainly seemed plausible, given the oppressive atmosphere.

Greed led him to the backyard, where the training ground awaited. It was vast and well-equipped, leagues ahead of the facilities at Heavens Arena.

"Sit," Greed said, crossing his legs on the ground.

Kaizen followed suit, sitting across from him.

"In you, I see my younger self," Greed said with a smirk. "You're just as greedy as I was back then. Some might see greed as a flaw, but I see it as a strength. Desire drives growth. The stronger your desire, the farther you'll go with Nen."

Greed's words reminded Kaizen of another moment—the time Gon and Killua had been captured by the Phantom Troupe after Uvogin's death. Nobunaga had admired Gon's defiance and wanted him to join the Troupe. Nen users, especially the strong ones, tended to act on their whims. Why suppress your nature when you can follow your own path?

"Thank you," Kaizen said sincerely.

Greed shook his head. "No need to thank me. I'm doing this for myself as much as for you. Now, let me explain a few things."

"This city is called Orion. It's the core stronghold of the world's gangsters. My team, the Seven Deadly Sins, is under the direct command of the Ten Dons. Beneath the Ten Dons are the Shadow Beasts—the elite enforcers."

Greed's expression turned serious. "The Seven Deadly Sins are considered a feeder team for the Shadow Beasts. Whenever a Beast is killed or steps down, replacements are drawn from teams like ours. My dream is to join the Shadow Beasts. Once you're a member, status and wealth are guaranteed. It's a position even more prestigious than becoming a Floor Master at Heavens Arena."

Kaizen listened intently but couldn't help recalling the Shadow Beasts' dismal performance in the past. Four of them had fallen to Uvogin alone, and the rest had been wiped out by ordinary members of the Phantom Troupe. Their reputation didn't exactly inspire awe.

Still, Kaizen kept his thoughts to himself. Greed clearly believed in his dream, and for now, Kaizen would play along.

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