Chapter 97: I Want Sunlight to Flood the Earth x I Want Demons to Have Nowhere to Hide
"Master, I think I can begin the next stage of learning."
The red glow faded, and the training blade returned to its normal appearance. Roy executed a clean motion, sheathing the sword.
[Notification: Swordsmanship +70]
The flames dissipated, leaving behind scorched earth and a burning birch tree. Sakonji Urokodaki stared blankly at the boy, the image of that brilliant slash parting the mist to welcome the light seared into his mind, likely never to be forgotten.
"Have you reached your limit?" The master hadn't forgotten his disciple's words. Roy had said he would learn a Breathing Style only when he reached his limit. Sakonji had respected his decision and waited. Sabito and Makomo leaped down from the tree, landing on either side of the old man. Snapping back to reality, the spectral boy and girl stared intently at Roy, their eyes still wide with shock, even after being stunned time and time again.
A genius cannot be measured by ordinary standards. The bittersweet feeling of having one's perceptions constantly shattered filled their hearts.
Sabito's gaze burned. "Eiichiro, I agree with your decision." The fox-masked boy looked towards where the mist was gathering again, blocking the sunlight from the forest. "Sagiri Mountain can no longer contain you," he said softly. "You deserve a wider world."
"Whether you take up your sword to slay demons or travel the land, when you eventually go to Mount Fujikasane and avenge us, please, carry our portion of life with you, and live brilliantly."
"Me too!" Makomo smiled, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents. "That monster chewed me up real bad! Don't let it off easy when the time comes! Slice it up for me, piece by piece!"
Sabito glanced at her. He'd never seen Makomo act so fierce. But in his heart, he completely agreed. Demons were demons; they deserved no sympathy.
"Okay," Roy replied succinctly, engraving their words into his heart. After undergoing the 'Red Sun Heart Refinement', the boy looked at Sakonji Urokodaki again, a hint of lingering emotion and freedom in his eyes. "Master, I must confess, I previously held selfish intentions. I was always thinking of surpassing myself, of at least not being inferior to certain people..." An image of Netero flashed through his mind.
The boy continued, "Now, I want to step out, bring my body and heart together into this vast world. To do more, see more, save more people. To lessen the number of demons in this world... that would be good."
"Of course," Roy grinned, showing his teeth, "if I get the chance to kill the Demon King, so that demons no longer dare to run rampant where the sun shines... I think, when I return then to pay respects to my senior brothers and sisters, I'll have earned some face and won't be criticized."
"Hey now, Eiichiro! Sneaking behind our backs and tattling while we're not around, huh?" Shinsuke materialized beside him. "When that day comes, you won't even have to ask! I'll make Fukuda perform 'suicide' for everyone's entertainment!"
"Wouldn't be the worst idea. I'll just kill you both at the same time!"
Whoosh! A ghostly wind swept past, rustling the branches. Shinsuke and Fukuda flew over, each draping an arm over the boy's shoulders. Behind them were Shimizu, Watanabe, Kujo, and all his other senior brothers and sisters.
The sun began to set, casting a faint red glow through the thick fog on the horizon.
Sakonji Urokodaki listened quietly as the boy spoke. Even without the aid of Nen, he knew they were all there. It's good that they're all here. Very good.
The old man gave the boy one last deep look. "Meet me under the waterfall tomorrow morning." He turned, hands clasped behind his back, and walked away through the snow. He left the Tengu mask behind in the forest. He had a feeling that soon, he, his retired old friends, and all the ordinary people in the world would no longer have to hide, living under the shadow of demons.
Just as his disciple had said, "Sunlight will ultimately dispel the darkness."
Tap... tap... The footsteps faded into the distance.
Night fell, dark as ink.
Still three days' journey from Sagiri Mountain, a young man ran through the moonlight, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, eager to return home. He had deep blue eyes, long black hair tied in a low ponytail. His black Demon Slayer uniform was cinched with a simple white belt. A haori, split down the middle—one side red, the other a yellow and green pattern—flowed behind him, swaying with his rapid movements. Giyu Tomioka pressed forward!
Orders received must be executed. That was the mission.
A new junior brother had entered the picture. That was curiosity.
To test his talent, holding onto a sliver of hope. That was anticipation. Beneath Giyu's usually reserved and cold exterior, he looked forward to this trip, yet also felt apprehensive, afraid of disappointment, worried about being scolded by his master for not returning during the New Year. In short, his heart was far from calm.
In contrast, the object of his anticipation, after enjoying a sumptuous feast of wild boar meat with the person he cared for, lay clothed on the bed under the clear moon and gentle breeze, drifting sweetly into dreamland.
Still the familiar sensation of falling.
When Roy left the world of Demon Slayer, trod across the Sea of Cognition, passed through the dream tunnel, and returned to the Hunter world, the sky outside the airship window was already bright. Looking down from high above, he could clearly see the red sun leaping over the horizon.
Uncharacteristically, Roy had slept until six in the morning. It was quite strange. He rolled out of bed, washed up, and went for his run as usual. Toothpaste and water cup had already been prepared by Gotoh.
The young butler glanced at the boy. "Young Master seems to be in a good mood today." Usually, even without an alarm, his internal clock would wake him at 4 AM sharp. But perhaps because the negative emotions lurking deep within had been expelled, Roy felt an unprecedented sense of refreshment and joy, and had slept in for once.
"Not bad." A slight smile touched his lips. The boy began running laps around the airship, eventually heading straight for the deck. He spread his arms wide, embracing the sunlight, closing his eyes to enjoy the rare moment of peace.
A phone call shattered the tranquility.
"It's a call from home. Young Master Illumi snuck out without reporting his destination. He's heading for the Hunter Exam." Gotoh hung up, looking cautiously at Roy. "The Master instructed that you should keep an eye on Young Master Illumi, lest someone kill him."
"Is it others killing him, or him killing others?" the boy sneered.
Gotoh: "..." Considering Young Master Illumi's disposition, it was hard to say.
When he looked up again, the Young Master was gone. Gotoh quickly hurried after him.
Ding ding dong... Ding ding dong...
"Attention all passengers. This flight is now arriving at Narita Airport in the Saherta Republic. Please check your belongings and prepare to disembark..."
At eight in the morning, the airship arrived in the Saherta Republic. After leaving the airport, they took a ferry. Standing on the deck, master and servant, one behind the other, watched as, within an hour, an island shaped like a whale came into view in the distance.
It was an "entrance" to the Hunter Exam, and the place where the entire Hunter x Hunter story began.
Roy let the sea breeze blow through his hair, his bangs swaying. He thought of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio. Then, ten years ahead of schedule, he stepped onto the land where the dream began.
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