Hunter X Hunter: Tombbound Power

"It feels like you've changed a bit," Franklin muttered as he eyed Feitan standing silently beside Nobunaga.

Feitan's gaze, cold and steady, was locked on Ronnel.

Noticing the shift in Feitan's demeanor, Franklin exchanged glances between him and Ronnel, maintaining his usual calm expression. As a mediator within the Phantom Troupe, Franklin stayed quiet, sensing tension in the air.

"So, it's true? Feitan actually fought the new No. 8?" Franklin mused. He pieced together information Phinks had shared earlier with Feitan's recent attitude and couldn't help but drift into thought.

While Franklin stayed silent, Nobunaga—ever the loud Enhancer—was far less reserved. He grinned with open curiosity, alternating glances between Feitan and Ronnel.

"So, you're the new No. 8, huh?" Nobunaga finally spoke, extending a hand toward Ronnel. "I've only seen you on TV before this. Nice to finally meet you."

He smiled slyly as he introduced himself. "Nobunaga Hazama. Number 3 in the Troupe. Let's get along."

Ronnel saw the glimmer of eagerness in Nobunaga's eyes. With a relaxed smile, he reached out and clasped Nobunaga's hand.

"Ronnel. The new Number Eight."

"Snap!"

Their handshake was fierce. Veins bulged on their hands as they tested each other's strength.

"Ronnel, huh? I like that name," Nobunaga said through clenched teeth, trying to hide the strain.

"Yours isn't bad either, Nobunaga," Ronnel replied smoothly, showing no discomfort despite the obvious pressure.

Machi, watching the awkward exchange, gave an indifferent glance toward their hands before looking away, unimpressed.

As their competition intensified, Feitan also lost interest and drifted ahead to walk beside Machi.

Franklin observed silently. To his surprise, the outcome of the handshake was clear—Ronnel had the upper hand.

"His strength rivals Phinks or even Uvogin's... No wonder he beat Feitan," Franklin thought, still processing the unexpected outcome.

Nobunaga was the first to release his grip, admitting defeat with a grin.

"You've got some serious power!" he exclaimed, shaking his red hand. "I didn't expect you to be this strong."

Ronnel chuckled. "Well, strength is one of my specialties."

Enhancers like Nobunaga appreciated straightforward strength, and their brief contest had already earned Ronnel a bit of respect.

With light banter, the group continued walking together along a dusty road that stretched across the wilderness. Cars rumbled past occasionally, kicking up clouds of dirt.

Before long, the towering skyline of Yorknew City came into view.

Meanwhile, inside a dilapidated building on the outskirts of the city, Hisoka sat cross-legged on the floor, bored out of his mind. He entertained himself by stacking a pyramid of playing cards, balancing them delicately between his fingers.

Just as he placed the last card, it slipped from his hand, scattering the entire structure.

Hisoka looked up, a delighted grin spreading across his face. Three figures stood at the entrance to the corridor.

At the forefront was Chrollo Lucilfer, the enigmatic leader of the Phantom Troupe. Behind him stood two other familiar figures: Pakunoda, her icy stare as sharp as ever, and Kortopi, whose long hair obscured most of his face, leaving only one eye visible.

Seeing Chrollo again after so long, Hisoka's grin deepened. "Finally," he whispered to himself.

As dusk fell over Yorknew City, Ronnel and his companions entered the bustling streets. The lively chaos was nothing new to the Phantom Troupe members, though the city's vibrancy still contrasted with the rundown streets of Meteor City, where many of them had grown up.

Though not as extravagant as Yorknew still buzzed with life. Merchants hawked wares from every corner, and children gambled on feats of strength, their laughter filling the streets.

Crossing a bridge that marked the divide between the wealthy and poor districts, Ronnel followed Feitan toward an abandoned building where the rest of the Troupe waited.

As they entered, several pairs of eyes turned to assess them.

Sprawled lazily across a stone slab, Hisoka continued stacking cards, covered in bandages yet still grinning like a maniac.

Shalnark lounged nearby, casually scrolling through his phone.

Phinks, dressed in his usual pharaoh-inspired attire, sat in the middle, flanked by Kortopi and Pakunoda. All of them glanced at Ronnel with curiosity, noting his presence with varying degrees of interest.

Hisoka's grin widened at the sight of the newcomer. He toyed with a poker card between his fingers, eyes gleaming mischievously.

Phinks and Shalnark gave knowing glances, having crossed paths with Ronnel before.

Chrollo, seated quietly, studied Ronnel with an unreadable expression.

Even Pakunoda and Kortopi, usually indifferent, couldn't hide their intrigue.

"It's hard to believe... This is the same kid we saw back at Heavens Arena," Pakunoda murmured to Kortopi.

Kortopi nodded. "Back then, he wasn't anything special. Chrollo only recruited him because of his unusual abilities."

Pakunoda's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "But now… He's grown so fast that even Feitan couldn't take him down."

They both shared a glance, feeling an odd sense of unease.

"So, this is the guy who beat Feitan?" Pakunoda whispered under her breath.

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