Chapter 96: Bribing Killua
Mount Kukulu the gateway to the Zoldyck family!
Haze stood before the towering gate, a sight so iconic from the original story that it stirred both awe and admiration within him.
It was a landmark well-known across the Full-Time world just like Heavens Arena or Whale Island a place worth exploring in person.
He had just stepped out of his car when he spotted Illumi standing by the gate, waving at him.
"Haze."
After so many years, Illumi's appearance even the length of his hair was almost identical to his later years in the original timeline.
Illumi had contributed greatly to the Zoldyck family's network of influence, even in matters concerning Alluka. Of course, that wasn't due to any personal bond.
There was no personal connection between them… only money.
Haze had paid a great deal whether his goal succeeded or failed, Illumi would profit regardless.
But what truly caught Haze's attention was the long row of gangster vehicles parked outside the Zoldyck gate a bold, heavy presence.
Illumi didn't seem to care. His gaze remained fixed on Haze frail, pale, and seemingly fragile.
Haze's robe hung loose, his body far weaker than before.
"You look pathetic," Illumi said bluntly as he approached.
"…" Haze's expression twitched.
It was clear Illumi had picked up a few things from Hisoka.
"Come on, my father's waiting inside," Illumi said, turning and leading the way.
Standing nearby were two others. One was the bald-headed butler and gatekeeper of the Zoldyck family the same man who once greeted Gon and the others in the original story Jie Burong.
He looked a bit younger now and greeted Haze politely with a bow.
The other was a young boy with short white hair the one Haze had been thinking of all along Killua.
At that moment, Killua had just returned from Heavens Arena and had been captured back home.
He wore a cold expression, arrogance in his eyes, and regarded Haze with clear disdain.
Yet… there was curiosity too.
This boy would be key to Haze's success.
Haze ordered his gang members to fall back, taking only Mondel with him as they entered the Zoldyck domain.
Here, everything would proceed under the Zoldyck family's rules.
The title and power of the Tenth Elder meant nothing here. Besides Illumi's help and advice, the family's agreement to receive Haze this time was largely due to Netero's connection.
"You're Killua, right? Illumi's younger brother. Nice to meet you."
Haze smiled and extended his hand.
Killua glanced at him sideways, then turned away arrogantly, hands in his pockets, walking toward Illumi without a word.
"…"
Haze's eyelids twitched. He knew Killua's personality from the story, but seeing him in person so cold from the start still caught him off guard.
He'd been so cheerful and talkative with Gon and the others back then…
Maybe it really was all about aura.
"Where are the things?" Haze asked Mondel.
Mondel blinked, then suddenly remembered and ran back to the car.
"Hehe… can't heal me yet, huh?" Haze murmured with a grin, looking toward Killua's back.
Moments later, Mondel returned, carrying two enormous bags each filled with all kinds of snacks, including Killua's favorite chocolate balls.
Illumi placed one hand on the massive stone gate and effortlessly pushed open four doors. There were seven doors in total, each weighing 16 tons meaning one complete gate (both sides together) weighed a staggering 256 tons.
It was known as the Gate of the Underworld.
Mount Kukulu, the Zoldyck family's home, stood nearly 4,000 meters above sea level. It was an extinct volcano surrounded by a dense sea of trees all part of Zoldyck territory.
Haze followed Illumi along the mountain path toward the distant castle. Between the trees, he spotted a colossal beast sprawled on the ground.
The Zoldyck family's guardian beast Sanmao.
Since Haze was Illumi's guest, the monster barely lifted its head before lying down again.
Still, the sight nearly made Mondel's knees buckle.
He'd heard the rumors about the legendary assassin family but this was his first time on Mount Kukuru, hoping to gain some experience.
As they walked, Illumi and Haze discussed business contracts, connections, obligations.
Haze, however, was distracted. His attention kept drifting to Killua, though the white-haired boy ignored him completely despite several attempts to start a conversation.
"Our family rarely receives visitors. You're the first since Killua was born, so he's curious," Illumi finally said, noticing Haze's attempts.
"He's got more potential than you," Haze said casually.
"Really?" Illumi replied expressionlessly. "You probably wouldn't even beat an ordinary person right now."
After walking for a while, Haze began to pant from exhaustion.
"Tsk. You really do suit Hisoka more," he muttered irritably, letting Mondel carry him on his back.
"Brother… is he really as strong as you say?" Killua finally spoke, pointing at Haze with his thumb. "He looks useless."
Haze's eyelids twitched again. He'd always liked Killua more than Gon when reading the manga but in real life, the boy was far sharper, harder to deal with, and far less approachable.
"Very strong," Illumi said with a nod.
"Stronger than you, brother?"
"I haven't tested it… It's been a long time since we last met. I don't know what level he's at now, but from what I've heard he's definitely not weaker than me."
"Oh?" Killua blinked, interest flickering briefly in his eyes.
Finally, after some time, the four reached the Zoldyck mansion.
Along the way, Haze noticed many butlers, servants, and apprentices all dressed in tuxedos, all carrying an aura of discipline and power. Their calm gazes radiated competence.
Even Mondel, once a gangster, felt deeply unsettled. Some of these servants could freeze him in place with a single glance.
The Zoldycks truly knew how to cultivate strength.
In front of the castle stood two figures the butler Gotoh, and, to Haze's surprise, Tsubone.
"Young masters," they greeted Illumi and Killua respectfully. "Welcome home."
Haze dismounted from Mondel's back and gestured for him to set down the enormous gift bags.
"You're staying… completely alone?" Mondel asked nervously.
"What if something happens ?"
"Gotoh, see him out," said Tsubone calmly.
The bespectacled butler nodded, stepping forward with a polite gesture. "This way, please."
Mondel glanced at Haze one last time before leaving.
Killua watched as Haze pointed to the large bags and smiled.
"Killua, this is our first time meeting consider these a gift. I hope you like them."
These little gestures could mean the difference between life and death, so Haze handled it with utmost care.
It was, undeniably, a bribe.
"For me?" Killua asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes."
"Tch… don't act like you know me. This is the first time we've met."
Perhaps because he so rarely received gifts, Killua's expression flickered with genuine surprise. Though he tried to keep his composure, his childish nature peeked through his cheeks flushed as he coughed lightly.
When the servants opened the bags and revealed piles of snacks especially his beloved chocolate balls Killua's catlike eyes lit up instantly.
He was delighted.
"Ahem…"
Realizing he'd lost his composure, Killua quickly put on a serious face again, though his tone softened noticeably.
"Not bad… I suddenly like you a lot more."
Haze's gesture left Tsubone deep in thought. Illumi tilted his head slightly but said nothing.
Soon after, Haze followed Illumi and Tsubone into the castle to meet Silva.
The interior was vast its layout complex, its decor classic and intimidating. Some corridors were so dim they seemed to swallow the light.
After walking for a while, Haze looked back and noticed Tsubone had vanished at some point.
Illumi opened a door and motioned for him to enter.
(End of Chapter)