Even if Hisoka was a pervert, he wasn't someone who completely disregarded his image.
On the contrary—Hisoka cared a great deal about appearances.
That twisted persona of his? It was something he carefully crafted.
Powerful. Unpredictable. A master of card-based trickery…
All to create an air of mystery.
He didn't mind being called a pervert. In fact, he rather enjoyed it.
But there was one thing Hisoka absolutely couldn't stand—looking pathetic in front of others.
Especially in front of Gon.
Gon was Hisoka's chosen prey.
He was looking forward to the boy's growth. The stronger Gon became, the more thrilling their eventual battle would be.
But now…
Now, Hisoka was so humiliated that he didn't even know what to do with his hands.
"...It's nothing."
He hurried off, fingers trembling, body cold with shame. He wished he could erase what had just happened—not just from reality, but from his own memory.
"It's an illusion. Just an illusion."
"None of that was real!"
...
Creak!
The training room door swung open.
Two figures stepped out.
"Chairman, I'll head back and rest now," one of them said.
"Alright, take care."
Kaizen nodded before heading off in another direction.
Netero turned—and his gaze landed on Gon and Killua.
A mischievous glint appeared in the old man's eyes.
"How about a game?"
"The next exam is still a ways off," he continued. "Nothing to do in the meantime, right?"
Gon and Killua exchanged glances before nodding.
"Sure!"
With that, the three of them entered the training room.
Netero dragged a ball across the floor and smirked.
"A game of keep-away. Let's begin!"
...
Instead of returning to his room, Kaizen made his way to the lounge.
The airship had a special area set up for relaxation, complete with drinks.
Coffee. Tea. Juice...
He walked up to the counter.
"A cup of coffee."
Taking his drink, he found a quiet corner and sat down.
A short while later, a figure entered the lounge.
Kaizen raised a hand in greeting.
Menchi approached.
"Menchi-san."
While Kaizen was stronger than Menchi, she was still his senior in terms of age and experience. Given the relationship between the Zoldyck family and the Hunter Association, it was only natural to show some respect.
Menchi sat across from him, watching him warily.
"What do you want, Kaizen?"
She was still a bit on edge.
She had seen his fight with Hisoka earlier, and the strength he displayed was nothing short of terrifying.
Even if Kaizen's personality wasn't as twisted as Hisoka's… one could never be too sure when it came to Nen users.
Kaizen took a sip of coffee.
"Menchi-san, I have a question for you."
Menchi raised an eyebrow.
"What is it?"
"You're familiar with Gourmet Paradise, aren't you?"
Her expression shifted slightly.
"Gourmet Paradise? Yeah, I've heard of it."
Kaizen's eyes glimmered.
"Menchi-san, aren't you a member?" he pressed. "I mean no offense, of course. My senior—Zigg—used to be partners with someone from Gourmet Paradise."
"When I was younger, I heard a lot about Linne-sama."
"I'm very interested in her cooking skills... and in Gourmet Paradise itself."
"Since you're a Gourmet Hunter, I thought you might be involved."
Menchi's eyes flickered with recognition.
Netero had already confirmed Kaizen's identity.
A Zoldyck.
And Linne...
She did, in fact, have ties to the Zoldyck family.
"I'm a member of Gourmet Paradise," Menchi admitted after a brief pause.
"Linne-sama is actually the current head."
"I'm glad to hear you're interested in cooking and the path of a Gourmet Hunter."
Kaizen smiled faintly.
"Who knows? Maybe I'll try becoming one myself."
Of course, he had no intention of specializing in Gourmet Hunting.
But his Nen ability… now that had potential.
"Menchi-san, does Gourmet Paradise welcome outsiders?"
Menchi thought for a moment.
"Well, every year, plenty of visitors go there just for the food."
Kaizen nodded.
"I plan to visit soon. I want to experience the food myself and learn more about the profession."
"If you happen to be there at the time, would you mind introducing me?"
"Of course, I'd compensate you accordingly."
Menchi shook her head.
"I'm not stationed there regularly, so I probably won't be able to help."
"But..."
Her tone shifted.
"I have a friend who does stay there year-round. When you're ready to go, contact me—I'll give you their number."
"Much appreciated."
Menchi waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't mention it."
She then rattled off a number.
"If you need to reach me, call this."
"Got it."
"If that's all, I'll be heading out."
"Goodbye."
Menchi finished off her coffee in one swift gulp and got up to leave.
Kaizen leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
"This works."
"According to the intel from Altan, ordinary people can enter Gourmet Paradise…"
"But only the outermost sections."
"If I want access to its deeper secrets, I'll need an inside connection."
"Menchi's friend is one option."
"But I can't rely solely on that."
"Grandfather Zeno might be another way in."
"Linne and Zigg were partners."
"If Grandpa knew Linne personally, that could be a major advantage."
"Like his connection with Netero."
"Either way, talking to Menchi today was a good move."
"The more layers of trust I build, the easier this will be."
...
Meanwhile, back in the training room—
The ball game had finally ended.
Killua had quit early on.
The moment he realized he had no chance, he dropped out without hesitation.
But Gon…
Even knowing he had no hope of winning, Gon kept going.
Until—
Bang!
Gon crashed to the floor with a heavy thud.
Killua rushed over, alarmed.
Gon sat up, scratching his head.
"Almost got you to use your other hand, Chairman Netero. That was my goal, so I'm satisfied!"
Killua blinked.
At first, he was struck by Gon's words.
But then—
His eyes caught something.
A small, fresh burn mark on Netero's clothes.
His breath hitched.
Something about it felt… off.
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