Chapter 55: Kurapika's Goal
Ronin's objectives weren't just training; he was also investigating the Mafia.
To reclaim the Scarlet Eyes efficiently, having a Mafia background was the most convenient path. Kurapika had done exactly this in the original manga.
Ronin delegated this task to Kurapika.
However, unlike Ronin's initial idea of targeting the Ten Dons directly, Kurapika chose to infiltrate smaller, localized gangs after gathering intel.
"Small gangs are easier to control," Kurapika explained. "Targeting the Ten Dons is risky. Even if we eliminate the current leaders, unless we control the core structure, new bosses will just replace them."
"Furthermore, my investigation revealed that the Ten Dons command a special forces unit called the Shadow Beasts. I suspect all members are Nen users. Fighting unknown Nen users carries significant risk."
"By infiltrating smaller gangs, we can recruit Hunters and build a power base, making our goals easier to achieve."
Although Ronin had given Kurapika free rein, his personal preference was still the Ten Dons.
Not because he looked down on small gangs, but because he viewed challenging the Ten Dons as a trial by fire.
Specifically, his target was the Shadow Beasts.
While Netero trained in isolation, Ronin preferred learning through combat.
Whether it was the thrill of close-quarters Taijutsu or the firepower suppression of Ninjutsu, Ronin enjoyed fighting. He even enjoyed the cheers of the crowd at Heavens Arena.
If the Phantom Troupe threat disappeared, he might even return to the arena to challenge the Floor Masters or participate in the Battle Olympia.
"I still suggest aiming for the Ten Dons. If we can secure a seat at that table, it will be a massive asset for our future," Ronin stated his preference.
"That means confronting the Shadow Beasts," Kurapika said solemnly.
"Scared?"
"No. Actually, I'm a bit eager to try," Kurapika smiled faintly.
During his training after awakening, Kurapika had used Water Divination to determine his Nen category.
Normal state: Conjurer.
Scarlet Eyes state: Specialist.
Although he hadn't fully conceptualized his Hatsu yet, he was currently focusing on fundamentals alongside Neon. However, he had a rough idea for what he wanted to conjure.
If he were an Enhancer, he might have chosen the path of a frontal warrior like Ronin. But he wasn't.
So Kurapika positioned himself as a Support/Strategist.
He knew exactly what they lacked to achieve their revenge and reclaim the eyes.
1. Power (Training Time).
Realizing he and Ronin were both Specialists (in certain states), Kurapika knew their biggest deficit was time. Given enough time, their growth would surpass almost anyone.
Training Nen was a grind. It required constant stamina expenditure.
Recovery was the bottleneck.
If he could create an ability to accelerate recovery for himself and Ronin, it would exponentially increase their training speed.
2. Intelligence.
Information was key. Knowing the enemy's abilities beforehand was how Ronin defeated Uvogin and Omokage. Nen battles were information warfare.
3. Healing.
Ronin was a tank, but injuries were inevitable. Kurapika wanted to handle the logistics and medical support.
4. Self-Defense.
He refused to be a burden.
5. Punishment.
Finally, a selfish desire. He wanted the people who stole his family to feel the pain of having their hope stolen. He needed an ability to capture and neutralize them.
How to satisfy such greedy, multifaceted requirements?
Kurapika found the answer in the Nen theory Ronin taught him: Conditions and Vows.
If I conjure chains... can I assign a different ability to each of the five fingers?
And his Specialist nature could be the key to maximizing the efficiency of those five abilities!
Ronin didn't know the specifics of Kurapika's thoughts, but hearing his eagerness, he smiled with relief.
The plan was set.
Finding the Ten Dons wouldn't be easy. The key was to make enough noise in the underworld to attract attention.
Once they became a significant enough threat (or asset), the Shadow Beasts would be deployed. And the Shadow Beasts were the best leads to the Ten Dons.
"Let's pull a big heist," Kurapika said one evening by the riverside camp.
Training was done for the day, and the three of them were grilling fish.
"Elaborate," Ronin asked, intrigued.
"We don't have enough liquid cash. Why not just rob the Mafia auctions directly?" Kurapika wrote his thoughts on a portable whiteboard.
Ronin felt that Kurapika was becoming a bit... dark.
But he didn't interrupt. If they could get the eyes without spending their own money, he didn't mind.
However, robbing the Mafia would make them criminals with bounties. That wasn't an ideal status.
"We rob them using the Phantom Troupe's identity."
Kurapika's next sentence made Ronin sit up straight.
"The Phantom Troupe will definitely guess we are coming to the Yorknew Auction on September 1st. I even suspect the Scarlet Eyes listed in the catalog were put there by the Troupe as bait."
"Since they are setting a trap, why don't we use their identity to commit crimes? They have so much debt already, a little more won't hurt them."
Kurapika wrote two terms on the whiteboard: Shadow Clone Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu.
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