After securing his win by concession, Ryusei began watching the next battle. However, Ryusei did not return to the line of examinees. Instead, he discreetly joined the group of examiners standing near the arena perimeter.
After all, Killua was still scheduled to face Gittarackur, who was actually Illumi. Ryusei anticipated the inevitable confrontation and wanted a safe vantage point to avoid becoming a target, just in case. He considered that since Gon was conscious and unharmed this time, unlike in the original timeline, things might unfold differently.
Ryusei was not kept waiting long. The next battle was originally scheduled between Leorio and Bodoro. Leorio, displaying genuine concern, felt that Bodoro's injuries from Hisoka's earlier attack were too severe.
He requested a temporary postponement of his fight with Bodoro. After receiving the referee's approval, the match between Killua and Gittarackur was brought forward. Neither Killua nor Gittarackur objected to the change in schedule.
Killua walked into the arena, calmly looking at Gittarackur. He did not believe that his raw strength was inferior to Gittarackur's. However, at this point, Gittarackur had no intention of continuing to hide his identity.
"Long time no see, Killua," Gittarackur—or rather, Illumi—suddenly spoke up, using Killua's familiar family nickname.
Upon hearing this, Killua suddenly had a bad feeling. Then everyone watched as Gittarackur reached out and began to pull the round-headed needles from his face. After all the round-headed needles were removed, Gittarackur's face began to contort and change, and a large amount of long, black hair suddenly grew out. Gittarackur reverted to his original form: Illumi Zoldyck.
Seeing that Gittarackur was actually Illumi, Killua's expression turned fearful, a deep-seated, instinctive terror washing over his features. "Big brother..."
"Hi," Illumi calmly greeted Killua, his voice utterly devoid of emotion.
Aside from Hisoka and Ryusei, who had anticipated this transformation, only Netero remained relatively calm. The others were visibly shocked by Illumi's sudden change in appearance and identity.
Illumi began his psychological attack. "I heard you stabbed Mom and Milluki in the back."
Killua responded weakly, "It's alright."
Illumi continued, "It made Mom cry."
Leorio, completely unaware of the Zoldyck family's bizarre dynamics, was instantly incensed. "Of course, she'll cry! My son actually did something so outrageous to me!" He glowered at Killua, wishing he knew the full details so he could have a serious talk with the boy.
However, everyone then heard Illumi finish his thought. "She was incredibly touched."
Leorio was stunned, his mouth dropping open. Something wasn't right! The others, equally confused, exchanged surprised glances.
"She said she was amazed to see her son grow up like this," Illumi explained flatly. "I'm so happy. But I'm still worried about letting you go out alone. So please, if I have some free time, I'd like to stop by and check on you."
Illumi paused, his eyes like dead black stones on Killua. "What a coincidence. I never imagined that Killua would want to become a Hunter and take the Hunter Exam. Actually, it's also because of my next mission, so I'm here to get a Hunter's license."
Illumi was quite pleased that Killua had stabbed his mother and Milluki; he saw it as evidence that Killua was a perfect assassin, free of familial bonds—even if those bonds were already highly warped.
Many people looked at Illumi with blank, confused expressions, unable to grasp the extent of the Zoldyck family's eccentricity.
"I didn't come here because I wanted to be a Hunter," Killua quickly defended himself. "I just happened to have some free time, so I came to give it a try." This had been his initial reason for entering the exam.
"Really? Then I'm relieved," Illumi replied. "Now I can give you advice without any reservations. You are not suited to be a Hunter at all. The most suitable calling for you should be an assassin." Illumi believed that since Killua was destined to be an assassin, he didn't need the Hunter's license.
Killua grew increasingly panicked. Against Illumi, he felt completely powerless. Gon, watching from the sidelines, frowned deeply, sensing Killua's distress.
Illumi completely ignored Gon's visible concern and continued speaking directly to Killua, driving home his point. "You are a dark puppet who has no interest in anything. You don't want anything yourself, and you don't have any expectations. You, who can only survive by relying on darkness, will only feel happy inside when you come into contact with human death. That's how your Dad and I raised you. You like this."
"What exactly is it that makes one want to become a Hunter?" Illumi's confusion was genuine. He had monitored Killua and noticed a troubling shift in his priorities during the exam.
Ryusei watched, speechless, disagreeing with Illumi's entire ideology. He knew Illumi had unrealistic, controlling expectations for Killua, perhaps because Killua was the only one in his generation to inherit the silver-white hair. Ryusei fundamentally rejected the Zoldyck method of training emotionless killing machines, noting that even Illumi himself was driven by a perverse desire to control his brother.
"Indeed," Killua retorted, finding a spark of defiance. "I didn't take the Hunter Exam because I wanted to become a Hunter. But even for me... there will also be things you want." He had run away precisely because he didn't want to be a dark puppet. Despite his fear, Killua spoke up.
"No," Illumi stated, his voice showing subtle displeasure. Killua had never dared contradict him before. Perhaps I should reinsert the needle into Killua, he considered.
"Yes, there is," Killua insisted, his expression resolute. "I also have something I sincerely hope for now."
"Well, tell me what you're hoping for?" Illumi challenged, wanting to understand what had changed his brother.
Killua hesitated, realizing the danger. He knew that if he revealed his desire, Illumi might target Gon.
Seeing Killua hesitate, Illumi pressed his advantage. "What? You didn't actually have any expectations at all, did you?" Illumi's attempt to provoke Killua worked.
Killua felt a surge of resentment, his voice trembling slightly but remaining firm. "No, I... I want to become friends with Gon. I'm tired of killing. I want to be friends with Gon. Normal, playful banter.