Since that Hunter Exam, Killua hadn't returned home.
Counting on fingers, he'd been away from home for quite a while.
That time Illumi came, though instructed by his mother, his father definitely nodded too. He wasn't afraid of his mother, but somewhat afraid of his father.
When landing earlier, it was just as Silva was about to leave. At that moment, Killua feared being taken along, instinctively wanting to hide behind Law. How could he expect Law to casually add a verbal jab?
"I saw," Killua said gloomily.
Silva and Zeno were surprised by Killua's sudden arrival. Perhaps because outsiders were present, they showed no reaction, just quietly watching Killua, as if trying to see some changes in him.
'Nen... he learned it.'
Both assessed Killua silently.
Killua instinctively avoided Silva and Zeno's gazes, hiding behind Law.
Seeing this, Law slightly shook his head, thinking: 'You can hide for a few seconds, but can you hide for minutes?'
Ging was exposed by Killua, then looked at Gon standing there dazed, sweat drops on his forehead, somewhat awkward, even unsure where to put his hands.
Meeting his son in such a setting was something he never anticipated.
Gon just stared blankly at Ging, feeling countless words to say. But as Ging's face gradually clarified in his eyes, those words seemed to get whittled down one by one, until perhaps only one word remained, or rather, a form of address.
"Ging!"
Gon smiled, calling Ging's name directly.
"Hi." Ging could only raise a hand, greeting awkwardly.
Around, outsiders like Netero and the others silently watched the upcoming, heartwarming finale of 'Dad, Where Are You?'
The originally serious atmosphere was utterly destroyed by the sudden arrival of Gon and Killua.
Clap, clap!
Then, applause sounded.
Everyone looked at the applauder… Tonpa.
"Uh, I just thought applause was appropriate here," Tonpa explained under everyone's gaze.
He was somewhat familiar with Gon, knowing Gon took the exam to find his father. Now he succeeded… wasn't that worth celebrating?
"Mr. Tonpa, you're here too!"
Seeing Tonpa, Gon smiled even more happily.
Not only were Law and Kite here, but Tonpa too.
Hearing this, Tonpa's body tilted slightly, thinking: 'Is my presence that weak?'
Morel and the others didn't know Gon, but judging from appearance, they could deduce Gon and Ging's relationship.
Though important matters were at hand, the current atmosphere wasn't something they could ruin. They could only act like wooden blocks, standing silently aside.
Seeing Silva take no action, Killua felt slightly relieved, then looked at Gon and Ging… more precisely, at Ging. After all, that was the dad Gon always wanted to find, supposedly very impressive.
Yet now, it gave a feeling of being weak.
'Maybe because of comparison?'
Killua carefully glanced at his expressionless, full of majesty father, then examined the somewhat flustered Ging, 'This contrast was really...'
"Hmm..."
Perhaps because the atmosphere was too stiff, Ging murmured, wanting to find some topic.
"Was the game fun?"
Facing Gon's sparkling eyes, Ging asked this.
"Mhm, very fun!" Gon replied.
"That's good," Ging said.
Then, another mysterious silence, big eyes staring at big eyes.
"Cough, how long have you been away from home?" Ging suddenly straightened his expression, asking solemnly.
Gon was stunned, then replied, "About a year."
"That long!" Ging exaggerated.
"Ah?" Gon opened his mouth, unsure how to respond.
"That won't do. Transportation is so convenient now, and going home is easy. So you can't always think about wandering outside. Occasionally return home, reassure your family, understand?"
Ging said righteously.
Gon nodded blankly.
Law and Kite silently watched Ging with strange looks.
Ging ignored their gazes, suddenly glanced at Killua, who shivered, feeling targeted.
"That's your friend?"
Gon looked at Killua, happily saying, "Mhm, his name is Killua."
"Took him to Whale Island to play?" Ging asked knowingly.
Since he got Greed Island information and cleared it with friends, he knew Gon likely took Killua home.
"Yeah, thanks to Aunt Mito, Killua fixed his bad habit of hating vegetables," Gon said.
Killua's mouth twitched, feeling an arrow in his back.
"Have you visited Killua's home?" Ging continued.
"No," Gon answered honestly.
"What, he doesn't want to invite you?" Ging looked curious, glancing subtly at Killua.
Gon shook his head. "Killua ran away from home, he doesn't want to go back now."
Killua felt another arrow in his back.
"..." Silva, Zeno.
Ging suddenly looked deeply at Killua, who trembled slightly and having a strong premonition of being screwed over by Ging.
Considering Silva stood on the magical beast dragon's back with it ready to take off, Killua's mind raced.
'Must say something...'
Killua thought this.
Thus, Killua, stealing the spotlight, curiously asked Law, "Law, what are you all doing here?"
Change the topic, cut off Ging's next words… that was Killua's plan.
Ging, however, inexplicably smiled.
That smile made Killua pause, and that uneasy feeling remained.
Law glanced at Ging, then looked at Killua. "For an important mission, not something you should know."
Though sorry for Gon and Killua, Law, like Ging, thought it best for Gon and Killua to leave with Silva.
Then, Silva spoke.
"Killua, come here."
His words were brief but carried an undeniable tone.
Killua was stunned, then looked at Ging, who again made that shooing gesture, making Killua grit his teeth in irritation.
Under Silva's gaze, Killua obediently walked over.
Ging then smoothly said to Gon, "You heard Law. We have an important mission now. So you and Killua leave here first. I'll contact you afterward."
Hearing this, Gon looked at everyone present, even Netero was here, so he knew it must be truly important.
He nodded, hesitated a moment, then said, "Afterward, can I talk with you a bit more?"
"Uh, no problem," Ging paused before agreeing.
Thus, the magical beast dragon, carrying Silva, Gon, and Killua, flapped its wings and flew into the sky.