"Multiple fractures across the body... the doctor estimates it'll take more than three months to fully recover."
To this, Kaizen was actually a little impressed.
The doctor had said three months at least.
But Gon's body was built different—his bone structure was clear, and his recovery speed was abnormal. In the end, it only took him about a month to bounce back.
As soon as he recovered, Gon went on to defeat Gido and complete his revenge.
"Will there be any lasting side effects?"
"No, none at all."
"That's good. This kind of injury... it's actually not that big of a deal. Now that you've chosen this path, injuries—even serious ones—are bound to happen. No point worrying too much about it."
Kaizen looked at Gon lying unconscious on the hospital bed.
He hadn't woken up yet.
"Kaizen-san, do you have a moment?"
Wing stood nearby, hesitant.
"What is it, Wing-san?"
"Let's step outside for a bit."
"Sure."
Kaizen nodded.
Killua and Zushi stayed behind in the ward while Kaizen followed Wing out to the balcony at the end of the corridor.
...
"Kaizen-san, I heard you took the Hunter Exam together with Gon and Killua?"
"That's right."
"Was Gon always this stubborn and strong-willed?"
Kaizen gave a small chuckle. "Yeah, always."
He briefly recounted the incident between Gon and Hanzo during the final phase of the exam.
Wing let out a wry smile.
"I realize now... I misjudged them."
"When Chairman Netero first gave me the task of teaching Gon and Killua Nen, I made a decision before even meeting them."
"They were just kids—too young for this kind of path."
"Mentally immature."
"I figured I'd need at least two years to properly temper them. That way, by the time they started learning Nen, they'd get twice the results with half the effort."
"But..."
Wing paused.
"I was wrong."
"Because they made it to the 200th floor so quickly, they had to apply for matches... I had no choice but to teach them Nen early. And honestly, being forced to open their Aura Nodes before they were ready is a pretty poor way to start."
"But once I started teaching them... I realized their talent was way beyond what I expected."
"My initial plan was useless."
"I misjudged their potential."
"I made a plan based on my own limits and projected it onto them."
"Kaizen-san, do you know what I mean?"
Kaizen shook his head slowly.
He knew Gon and Killua were gifted—but he didn't consider himself lacking either.
Wing went on. "After seeing Gon's fight in the ring, I realized I still underestimated them."
"I don't understand them at all."
"To be honest... I'm not even qualified to be their teacher."
Kaizen glanced over.
"You don't have to sell yourself short."
"If Chairman Netero entrusted you with this, it means he believed in your ability to guide them."
"You might not have full confidence in yourself, but at the very least, trust Netero's judgment."
Wing shook his head again.
"I still feel unfit. I'll continue teaching them some basics, but that's all. I'll ask Chairman Netero to find someone else to guide them from here on."
"Kaizen-san... thanks for listening."
These were words Wing had wanted to say since seeing Gon injured.
Kaizen had been the only one he could talk to.
Killua and Zushi weren't the right choice.
...
Soon after, Wing left with Zushi.
Killua remained by Gon's bedside.
Kaizen returned to the room.
Gon stirred and slowly opened his eyes.
"Where am I...?"
"Gon! You're finally awake!"
Killua's eyes lit up.
"This is the medical ward inside Heavens Arena. Your injuries were pretty serious. The doctors say it'll take over three months to fully recover."
Gon didn't react much to the timeframe.
Even if he'd known ahead of time, he wouldn't have changed anything.
He was that kind of person—once he decided to act, he never regretted it. As long as it felt right in the moment, he was fine with the consequences.
He looked over at Kaizen.
Kaizen nodded, then motioned for Killua to follow him out.
...
"Killua, when are you planning to apply for your match?"
"Tomorrow. I want to apply right away."
Killua clenched his fists, his expression dark.
Gon's injuries had left him angry—and someone had to pay for that.
It would've been perfect if Gido was the opponent. But even if it wasn't, it didn't matter.
Killua just needed someone to unleash his frustration on.
"Kaizen... will I be matched against them?"
Killua had seen Gido fight, and based on that, he felt confident. He compared their skills in his head—his own speed, technique, and power were all superior.
Gon's fighting style was different.
Killua had the edge.
Still, the world of Nen users—especially these rookie fighters—was unpredictable.
That's why Killua trusted Kaizen's opinion more than his own.
"With your current level, you should be fine against most rookie killers on the 200th floor," Kaizen said.
"Their Nen abilities are underdeveloped, and you've already surpassed them in all other areas."
Most of the newcomers at Heavens Arena were mediocre at best.
Many hadn't even learned how to properly condense aura.
And their abilities... were a mess.
Even Kastro, in the canon timeline, had major flaws in his Nen design. The others were even worse.
Not to mention, most of these rookie killers were mentally unstable after going through the Initiation Ceremony.
They weren't going to make it far in the world of Nen.
"But Killua, are you sure you're ready?"
"I'm sure."
"Then go for it."
Kaizen patted him on the shoulder.
"I'll head back now."
"Okay. Thanks, Kaizen."
...
Once Killua confirmed his registration at the front desk on the 200th floor, Kaizen made the necessary arrangements behind the scenes.
Killua would be facing Kastro.
It would give him a chance to vent.
But more than that—it would be a true challenge.
A real fight.
A real lesson.
"Kastro... I'm counting on you."
"You're too kind, Kaizen-sama."
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (1047 chapters in total)