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323 HxH: The Strongest Assassin
🕑 Added 2025-02-23 06:01:02 +0000 UTC"What I want to say is simple. If you have any questions, I'll answer them."
Jili glanced at Kaizen and Mond.
"I'd like to ask, is it just us going?" Kaizen inquired.
"Of course not," Larkin replied. "Our Aiyi family isn't the only group interested in the Scarlet Eyes. Others are after them as well."
"In fact, we've invited far more people than just you. You're only one of the test groups."
Mond raised his hand. "How many people exactly?"
Larkin shook his head. "I can't say for certain, but at least a few hundred."
Mond pressed further. "Can you determine the strength of the Kurta clan?"
"No."
"What about their numbers?"
"No idea."
Larkin gave Mond a measured look. "As I mentioned earlier, we only have the approximate location of their hermitage. No one has actually entered yet."
"So there's no point in asking further."
"That said, if the Kurta clan isn't found in the end, our Aiyi family will compensate you—10 million Jenny per person."
All three of them were Nen users, having passed the first assessment set by the Aiyi family. They were certainly not here for nothing.
It was reasonable to guarantee such a price.
The Aiyi family was powerful, but there was no need to risk offending so many dangerous individuals over something so trivial.
"Any other questions?" Larkin asked, scanning Kaizen and the others.
The three exchanged glances but remained silent.
"If there's nothing else, I'll take a rest. Feel free to talk among yourselves."
With that, Larkin closed his eyes.
"Mond-san," Kaizen greeted.
Mond looked at him and smiled. "Kaizen, I've heard Doppo mention you several times. He says TST's future is incredibly bright, and you already have the level of a Floor Master. Maybe we can cooperate later."
Kaizen nodded. "I'd appreciate that."
"No need to be so formal. We have different abilities—working together benefits us both."
Mond had heard Doppo Yoneda speak highly of Kaizen more than once. Yoneda had nothing but praise for him, believing he was responsible for eliminating three lower-tier Floor Masters. However, Mond knew that despite Kaizen's skill, there were still limits—his age alone was a factor.
"By the way, Kaizen, how many victories have you racked up so far?"
"Nine."
"Just one more, then?"
"That's right."
"Which Floor Master do you plan to challenge once you qualify?"
"I haven't decided yet," Kaizen admitted. "I don't know enough about them right now. I'll do my research after I qualify."
"No rush, then."
Kaizen had nine wins. According to his own pacing, it would take about two more months to secure his tenth. After that, he'd still have up to six months to decide on his challenge.
Similarly, once a Floor Master was chosen, they had half a year to schedule the match.
"Any recommendations?"
"Hard to say just yet, but when the time comes, you can consult me and Doppo. We'll help you figure it out."
"I appreciate it."
"Anytime."
Silence gradually settled over the vehicle as the driver continued onward. The others closed their eyes, meditating.
Kaizen had no interest in the Scarlet Eyes, murder, or money. There was only one thing on his mind:
He wanted to study the Kurta's unique traits to enhance his Nen Beast.
"But this isn't quite what I expected."
"According to the original story, I assumed the Kurta clan's massacre was solely the work of the Phantom Troupe. But now, that doesn't seem to be the case."
"Kakin's Aiyi family."
"Multiple employers."
"The Phantom Troupe might be among them."
"Then, just how strong was the Kurta clan?"
Kaizen recalled that after the massacre, thirty-six pairs of Scarlet Eyes had circulated in the black market. Yet, the Fourth Prince only possessed a few.
"That means most of the Scarlet Eyes ended up elsewhere. The attackers must have been extremely powerful."
A few hours later, they switched to a smaller vehicle.
Eventually, they boarded a compact airship, which carried them further until they reached an area thick with fog. The airship could go no further.
Upon landing, Kaizen took in the scene.
A large number of people had gathered—some dressed like Larkin, clearly part of the Aiyi family's personnel, while the rest were hired mercenaries.
He could sense various levels of aura among them, some strong, some weak.
Larkin addressed the group. "According to our intel, the Kurta hermitage should be somewhere nearby. But we still need to locate the actual entrance."
Larkin turned to Kaizen, Mond, and the others. "My job was to bring you here. From this point on, you're on your own."
"If you obtain a pair of Scarlet Eyes, contact me. I'll arrange a trade."
"If you don't, let me know, and I'll transfer the 10 million Jenny to your account."
With that, Larkin departed, leaving the three of them facing one another.
Jili turned to Kaizen and Mond. "Fate brought the three of us together—why not team up?"
Kaizen and Mond exchanged looks, then nodded.
"Sounds good."
Thus, they formed a small group and began their search, much like the other mercenaries scattered throughout the area.
A figure appeared beside Kaizen—Natsu.
Sensing the potential dangers, Kaizen had summoned him in advance, ensuring they were prepared. Many of the people here were dangerous, some possessing immense strength.
And among them… was the Phantom Troupe.
Even though Kaizen hadn't seen them yet, he knew they were lurking.
Then, suddenly—
A panicked voice rang out.
"We found something!"
