Invention: Momotaro Jirushi's Millet Dumplings
Origin: Doraemon World — Future Tech Company
Function: By feeding this to animals, it can tame wild beasts and make them obedient to the user. Only works on animals; for humans, it's just ordinary food.
After animals eat these dumplings, they will definitely become close to humans and obey commands.
Dogs, lions, and other common animals, not to mention dinosaurs or even extraterrestrial creatures, all respond effectively.
Feeding it to animals or other beings makes them obedient in everything.
Luke only took a small taste of the Momotaro Jirushi's Millet Dumplings and shared two with Gon.
Then... They officially began their serious conversation.
"If you need it, I can help you pass the hunter exam as quickly as possible."
Seeing Gon's little face frown, realizing he might have misunderstood, Luke couldn't help but chuckle: "Of course, the help I'm talking about isn't the kind that cheats, gives special treatment, skips questions, or opens back doors..."
Seeing Gon's expression relax, Luke continued: "It's about training you so that you become stronger, allowing you to pass the hunter exam on your own."
"What do you think? This way, you can improve yourself and increase your chances of passing the future hunter exam..."
"I'm willing!!!"
Before Luke could finish his sentence, Gon blurted it out while nodding vigorously.
"You're not stupid."
Luke was amused by Gon's straightforwardness: "Aren't you afraid I might be deceiving you or have other motives?
"What if I sold you out..."
"Mr. Luke, you wouldn't."
Gon said firmly.
"I can feel that you're not a bad person!!"
He said with certainty: "And, Mr. Luke, you're a friend of Ging and the Vice-Chairman of the Hunter Association."
"The way you're doing this must have your own reasoning behind it!!"
Although Gon is young, his pure nature comes with a sharp mind. He's simple, but not foolish.
With Luke's identity, both his official position and his close friendship with Ging, Gon had no reason to think Luke was lying.
And... He's just a child; what's there to deceive him about?!
"Unfortunately, you guessed wrong."
Luke's lips curled slightly: "Although I am the Vice-Chairman of the association and a friend of Ging, I am also a bad person."
"Now I'll tell you this: in this world, never define anything absolutely."
"Even Ging has death row inmates as friends and partners."
"Similarly, I am actually the leader of a criminal organization..."
Suddenly, a deck of playing cards appeared in Luke's hand: "The Phantom Troupe, an A-ranked criminal organization in the world. I am the leader."
"Then I'll teach you one more thing: in this world, there's no free lunch, and no one does good for you without reason…"
"The gifts you receive already have a price secretly set by fate..."
"If you want guidance from me, then..."
Luke flicked the playing cards, revealing four cards: 4, 8, 12 (Q), and 13 (K).
"These were the four positions currently missing in the Phantom Troupe."
"You will also become a member of the Phantom Troupe."
"In short, you will become my person."
Luke smiled while looking at the still somewhat naive Gon.
Yes, Luke naturally wanted to recruit this future protagonist.
Even without considering the protagonist's destined luck, Gon's talents alone made Luke interested.
As for Ging Freecss' potential objections…
First, if Luke personally recruited Gon, out of respect for Luke's many invented tools, Ging Freecss would realize this was not a bad thing.
Second, even if Ging Freecss really had objections, they would be of no use against Luke.
Whatever Luke intends, even Ging Freecss cannot stop it.
Moreover, if Gon agreed, even his father could not intervene.
In Luke and Gon's communication, Ging Freecss' opinion was irrelevant.
Regarding Gon's future development, Ging Freecss was not too worried.
Even if Gon strayed onto the wrong path... so what?!
In the original story, after the Chimera Ant arc, Gon's body, forced to grow to optimal age via Vows and Limitations, couldn't handle it, leaving him near death.
Even the best Nen users in the Hunter Association could not resolve his withered state.
But Ging Freecss was not worried at all, even leisurely continuing his political maneuvering with Pariston in the Hunter Association's elections.
Even if Gon went astray, facing near-death situations, Ging Freecss had the means to successfully bring him back.
Thus, Gon's current situation was simply whether he was willing to accept Luke's offer…
"If I join this Phantom Troupe..."
Gon even knew to ask: "Then what do I have to do?!"
"Nothing at all."
Luke explained with a smile: "Members have great autonomy, usually acting freely and doing their own things."
"Only when I, as the leader, require all members to assemble, will everyone act together."
"Of course..."
Seeing Gon wanting to say more, Luke added, "Our collective actions usually have special purposes. Things like looting or killing are simply not on the agenda."
Luke joked: "After all, I do have some status."
"Is that so..."
Listening to Luke, Gon crossed his arms while thinking seriously.
Luke didn't rush, just waiting for Gon's decision.
After some time…
"I don't seem to find a reason to refuse."
Finally, Gon moved, touched his head, and realized he had no reason to refuse…
"I agree to join!"
He agreed.
"You've made a wise decision you won't regret."
Luke smiled even more, admiring Gon again, and pushed the four playing cards toward him: "Pick one as your code name..."
Luke briefly explained the basic requirements and rules of the Phantom Troupe to Gon.
Even without knowing the basic rules, Gon joined directly.
One must admit, Gon's heart was sometimes unusually bold.
After understanding Luke's explanation, Gon nodded in comprehension.
Then…
"So, can we start?!"
He quickly put everything else aside and looked at Luke eagerly.
"Start? Of course, and anytime."
Seeing Gon's delighted expression, Luke's face showed a kind smile: "But..."
"You have potential, but you're still just a child, without professional training or planning."
Luke's lips curved into a devilish smile: "I've decided to start you from the basics."
"This way, you can better adapt, receive, and learn the many upcoming trainings."
"Right now, you need a teacher who can properly manage you..."
Luke said this, then took out something Gon would never forget in his life.
Even in the future, after Luke took it back, it would remain unforgettable to Gon…
Back to the present.
Mito saw that Gon only suffered minor external injuries, nothing fatal or serious, and finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But just as she wanted to continue with some moral guidance...
Creak.
The door of their house was pushed open…