"Has it begun?" As night fell, Daniel Davis stood on the top floor of a four-story building opposite the auction house, listening to the constant gunfire and screams. He watched the flames rising around the auction house and immediately understood that the brigade had begun their operation.
It wasn't a covert assassination but an outright massacre. Charging in from the front entrance were four members: Wo Jin, Franklin, Shalnark, and Pakunoda.
With Franklin's full Nen power unleashed, the hundreds of bodyguards armed with various weapons at the front entrance were suppressed by him alone. Whether hiding behind cars or walls, none could withstand his Nen bullets.
Wo Jin, relying on his enhancement-type defense, ignored the bullets of the underground bodyguards, rampaging through them. Everyone in his path was torn in half, creating a gruesome scene. Soon, Wo Jin's entire body was covered in blood.
Shalnark and Pakunoda, on the other hand, dealt with the enemies on both sides. Shalnark's Nen ability, carrying the fate antenna, caused the bodyguards to fall into self-destructive fights.
"Feitan came too, it seems his previous injury hasn't healed." Using his observational Haki, Daniel noticed the brigade members attacking the back entrance of the hotel, including Feitan, who had a bandage on his right hand and a sword in his left, slaughtering bodyguards with ease. Feitan, likely venting his earlier frustrations, killed nearly all the back entrance guards single-handedly, leaving little opportunity for the accompanying Phinks and others to act.
The Nen users placed by the Ten Dons at the front and back doors were no match for the brigade members. Their Nen abilities couldn't harm the brigade at all.
Inside the auction hotel, there were many Nen users. Considering how many Nen users Kurapika's employers, the Nostrad family, had, it was clear the underground forces had no shortage of Nen users. What they lacked were experts like those in the brigade.
The difference in strength between those who can use Nen and those who can't is vast. Even a trained assassin like Killua felt some danger facing Zushi, a novice Nen user, not to mention ordinary people.
For the underground forces, anyone who could use Nen and wasn't afraid of ordinary firearms was considered formidable. The true extent of the capabilities of top-tier individuals was beyond their imagination; they generally believed firearms were the most powerful.
Just like in the pirate world, ordinary pirates couldn't comprehend the strength of the Four Emperors. For instance, Krieg's pirate crew believed that numbers and strong equipment made them powerful, even when facing Dracule Mihawk, attributing his abilities to a Devil Fruit power.
Of course, the Ten Dons had hired some strong fighters, including members of the Zoldyck family, bounty hunters, and mercenaries. However, these people wouldn't be guarding the doors; they would likely confront the brigade inside the hotel.
"A requiem for the fallen, perhaps?" While the brigade members were on a killing spree, their leader Chrollo had already reached the rooftop of the auction hotel. Standing on the wall, he waved his hands as if conducting an orchestra, his eyes cold and devoid of emotion.
"Shalnark, carrying others' fate." Seeing Wo Jin and Franklin breaking into the hotel building, Daniel moved towards Shalnark on the right, using Moonwalk mixed with Shave.
"Kurapika's chain provided a useful idea," Daniel thought as he stealthily approached within five meters of Shalnark, who was still focused on the remaining bodyguards. Using Hidden, Daniel extended his Nen towards Shalnark, wrapping it around him. As Shalnark killed the last resisting guard and let his guard down, Daniel's Nen began to materialize.
"Got him." Daniel thought as he waved his right hand, pulling Shalnark bound by the chains towards him.
"You're the Chain User. No, your chains don't have the forced Zetsu effect." Shalnark, pulled over, looked puzzled rather than panicked.
After rescuing Wo Jin, Shalnark had thoroughly investigated the circumstances of Wo Jin's capture and shared the intel with the entire brigade.
"Smart, you're right, I'm not the Chain User. But it doesn't matter now, does it?" Daniel smiled at Shalnark.
"True. You know, I usually carry two antennae."
"I know. Carrying others' fate doesn't just control others; it also allows for automatic operation mode. No need to explain. I'm very familiar with the brigade's abilities." Daniel interrupted Shalnark before he could finish speaking.
"I see." Shalnark began, then a mechanical voice behind him announced, "Automatic mode activated. Eliminate the enemy with full power."
With the mechanical voice's disappearance, Shalnark's body emitted a powerful Nen energy. His eyes turned hollow. Shalnark's automatic operation mode turned him into a data-like state, maximizing his abilities. As long as the target remained, the automatic mode wouldn't stop.
A person's state is influenced by many factors: psychology, surroundings, injuries, etc. Shalnark's automatic mode discarded these weaknesses.
Shalnark disliked using this ability because he was unaware of the outcome, win or lose. Another reason was that after the automatic mode ended, his body would ache for days, like someone who had never exercised suddenly running a marathon.
"Your Nen energy increased a lot, but it's a pity." As Shalnark's powerful Nen energy erupted, Daniel increased the Nen on the chain, using Shu.
"Like a Super Saiyan, but this is your limit." As Shalnark in automatic mode prepared to act, Daniel added another layer of chains, further binding Shalnark. Despite the strength of his automatic mode, Shalnark had no chance to strike in Daniel's presence.
"This automatic mode is interesting, but you're too weak." After binding Shalnark, Daniel pulled him close, intending to knock him out but realized it was futile. In automatic mode, Shalnark's consciousness didn't matter.
Daniel then simply removed the Nen needles from Shalnark's body. With the needles gone, Shalnark's powerful Nen energy sharply declined.
"So this is your Nen ability. Interesting." With his automatic mode gone, Shalnark regained consciousness. Seeing Daniel next to him, his face changed. Until now, Shalnark hadn't encountered such a situation in automatic mode.
"Shalnark!" At this moment, Pakunoda's voice came from the side. Daniel looked over to see Franklin and Pakunoda about five meters to his left. Perhaps because Shalnark was in Daniel's hands, they didn't immediately attack.
"Be careful, he's strong," Shalnark warned upon seeing them.
As Daniel prepared to speak, he suddenly looked up. Wo Jin was descending towards him, delivering a powerful punch.
"Aren't you concerned about Shalnark's life?" Daniel thought, moving to the side with Shalnark in tow. Franklin, who was ready to attack, stopped his Nen bullets upon seeing Shalnark in Daniel's grasp.
"You're just in time, saving me the trouble of finding you." Daniel said, tossing Shalnark aside and raising his right hand to beckon Wo Jin.
"You must be the Wo Jin that Nobunaga mentioned. He was crying out your name when he died."
"You killed Nobunaga." Wo Jin's expression turned furious upon hearing Daniel's words. His rage made his Nen energy seem about to explode.
"That's right. Not just him, but also that pink-haired girl, Machi. But don't worry, tonight, all brigade members will die." Daniel made a throat-slitting gesture with his right hand.
"I'll kill you!" Wo Jin roared, concentrating his Nen energy into his right fist. As he charged, the ground beneath him cracked like a spiderweb. This was Wo Jin's strongest move, the Super Destructive Punch.
"Hmph."
Facing Wo Jin's full-powered punch, Daniel sneered, his right hand clenched. Armament Haki and Nen energy gathered, turning his fist pitch black. He stepped back with his right foot and punched towards Wo Jin's Super Destructive Punch.
Boom.
As their fists collided, a massive explosion and shockwave spread from the point of impact. The powerful shockwave forced Pakunoda to step back, only stabilizing when Franklin blocked her front.
A figure flew out like a shooting star from their collision but was pulled back mid-air by a chain.
"Wo Jin." Pakunoda, Franklin, and the struggling-to-stand Shalnark looked at the figure being pulled back, their faces filled with shock. The figure was Wo Jin, whose right arm had completely disappeared, blood gushing from the stump.
The scene left the trio stunned. Wo Jin's strength was the greatest in the brigade. Even their leader, Chrollo, wouldn't confront Wo Jin's Super Destructive Punch directly. Yet, Wo Jin had been reduced to this state with a single punch.
"I overdid it," Daniel thought, pulling Wo Jin's bound body to his side.
"You're the third." Daniel smiled at the furious Wo Jin, who showed no change in expression despite his severe injuries. Daniel then lifted his right foot and stomped on Wo Jin's left arm, breaking it with a crack. Wo Jin merely grunted in response.
"Spit." Wo Jin suddenly raised his head, spitting a Nen-infused saliva at Daniel. Daniel dodged it lightly, the saliva piercing through a wall twenty meters away, leaving a smooth round hole.
Bang.
Daniel's expression turned cold. He kicked Wo Jin's chin, sending him flying. Two sharp chains from Daniel's left fingers pierced Wo Jin's chest, then swung his body towards Franklin and Pakunoda.
"Run." Franklin made a quick decision, grabbing Pakunoda by the shoulder and tossing her away before aiming his hands at Daniel and unleashing a barrage of Nen bullets.
Bang, bang, bang.
Daniel didn't bother defending against Franklin's Nen bullets, instead using Wo Jin's body as a shield. The barrage riddled Wo Jin's corpse with holes, rendering it nearly unrecognizable.
At the same time, Franklin was knocked to the ground by Wo Jin's body. Among the Phantom Troupe, Franklin was the slowest in terms of movement speed, which was why he had Pakunoda escape first.
Thud.
With the sound of chains piercing through Franklin's skull, the cautious and steady member of the Phantom Troupe finally stopped breathing.
"Think you can escape?" Daniel smiled slightly as he watched Pakunoda run into the hotel building. He swung the chain connected to Shalnark, pulling him over.
"Who are you?" Though Franklin and Wo Jin's deaths pained Shalnark, he knew it wasn't the time to dwell on it. He needed to figure out who Daniel was to help Chrollo escape.
For the Phantom Troupe, anyone could die except the leader. Chrollo had declared that he could be replaced if he died, but many in the Troupe disagreed. To them, Chrollo was the soul of the Troupe. As long as he lived, he could always rebuild it.
"Is that really a question? I'm obviously an enemy of the Phantom Troupe. Did you think you could kill so many people without expecting someone to come after you? It's not just me. Many others with grudges against the Troupe are here tonight. We owe thanks to Hisoka. Without his information, we wouldn't have known the Troupe would be here."
Daniel dragged Shalnark towards the hotel building as he spoke.
Bang.
As Daniel was about to enter, he heard the sound of breaking glass above. A figure fell from above, landing heavily and creating a large crater. The figure in the crater was a bloody mess.
"Kubee," Shalnark started to speak, but then three more figures fell.
"It's them," Daniel immediately recognized Kurapika, Phinks, and Feitan.
In the crater was Kubee, whose body was now unrecognizable.
"So, you showed up too," Daniel remarked as he watched Kurapika, Phinks, and Feitan rise to their feet.
"We're here to settle things," Kurapika said coldly, his eyes fixed on Daniel.
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"Kurapika killed Kubee, damn it. After seeing Wo Jin, I should have expected this," Daniel thought, looking at Kubee's corpse with frustration.
Among the many abilities of the brigade members, Shalnark and Kubee's abilities were the most useful to him, especially Kubee's "God's Left Hand, Devil's Right Hand." It was an excellent support ability, on par with Pakunoda's vacuum. If Daniel hadn't already extracted the ability "Unbelievable Convenience" from Owl, he wouldn't have been so indifferent to Pakunoda's vacuum ability earlier.
Although Pakunoda's vacuum appeared to have a larger internal space than Owl's Unbelievable Convenience, this was actually due to the difference in their strengths. With enough Nen, it wouldn't be difficult to cover an entire city using Unbelievable Convenience.
However, Unbelievable Convenience wasn't invincible. Similar to Machi's Nen threads, the larger it was, the more fragile it became. For instance, someone as powerful as Netero could easily break free if Owl used Unbelievable Convenience on him.
When the strength of Nen users is not vastly different, the attributes of their Nen abilities are crucial. However, if the power gap is significant, the attribute restraint becomes less important.
Among the five top Nen users in the Hunter world, three are enhancement types. This highlights the importance of strength in Nen abilities; even Netero was an enhancement type.
"Dead is dead, I suppose." Although he wanted Kubee's Nen ability, since Kubee was already killed by Kurapika, Daniel couldn't possibly trouble Kurapika.
"Shalnark, what's going on?" As Daniel was feeling frustrated over Kubee's death, Phinks and Feitan also noticed Daniel and the captured Shalnark. Seeing Shalnark's condition, their expressions changed immediately.
The reason Feitan didn't recognize Daniel was simple. When Daniel captured Owl and Machi, he looked different, and Owl hadn't seen his true face. It was only when he killed Nobunaga that Daniel revealed his true face.
"Run! Tell the leader to retreat and disappear," Shalnark shouted urgently at the two.
"Ah." Shalnark's words and expression made Phinks and Feitan's faces change again. After exchanging a glance, they nodded. Feitan immediately rushed towards the auction house building, while Phinks stayed behind, keeping a close eye on Daniel.
As long-time comrades, Phinks and Feitan understood Shalnark's character well. His words made them realize they were facing a formidable enemy.
The Phantom Troupe had survived so long not only due to their strength but also because of their caution. They weren't just reckless brutes.
Like in the original story, after Wo Jin's death, the Troupe used Kubee's ability to fake their deaths and create the illusion of their demise. Moreover, after receiving Neon's prophecy, Chrollo immediately considered retreating. If not for Hisoka altering the prophecy, the Troupe would have disappeared long ago.
Chrollo's cautious nature was evident in his battle with Hisoka in Heaven's Arena. In the Hunter world, there's no such thing as true invincibility; only by being cautious can one survive.
Even someone as strong as Meruem, who could withstand Netero's full power without a scratch, was ultimately outwitted. Although the Phantom Troupe was formidable, they could easily lose members if someone targeted them strategically, as Kurapika did. His restriction and vow targeted the Troupe specifically, allowing him to kill Wo Jin despite only half a year of Nen training.
Even now, if Chrollo hadn't hired Illumi to assassinate the Ten Dons in advance, he would likely have been killed by Zeno and Silva Zoldyck.
With enough money, the Zoldyck family would take action, even if Silva was wary of Chrollo. Later, Chrollo even hired Illumi to kill Hisoka.
"Did Feitan just flee? That doesn't seem like him, or did Shalnark's words contain a hidden message?" Daniel wondered, watching Feitan leave. Feitan, known for his fearless nature, fleeing was unexpected. The only explanation was that Shalnark's words carried a coded message.
"Still, thinking you can just leave underestimates me." With this thought, Daniel moved swiftly, using Soru to instantly surpass Feitan and block his path.
"Move." Without breaking stride, Feitan charged at Daniel, his left-hand sword infused with powerful Nen energy aimed at Daniel's neck.
"Did you forget about me?" As Daniel intercepted Feitan, Phinks attempted to reach the bound Shalnark, but Kurapika intercepted him with his chains.
Kurapika, though uncertain of the situation, recognized Daniel. Despite their limited interaction, they had graduated from the same Hunter exam. Moreover, Gon and Killua had mentioned Daniel to him.
Even if Kurapika didn't know Daniel, the surrounding circumstances made it clear that Daniel was an enemy of the Phantom Troupe, giving them a common foe.
"I don't need your ability." Daniel had no particular interest in Feitan's transformation-type Nen ability, guessing it had powerful explosive capabilities, which he didn't need. He already had sufficient combat strength and required more support abilities.
With this thought, Daniel faced Feitan's incoming sword, using his Lingxi One Finger technique. He caught the sword between his right index and middle fingers, then kicked Feitan's left arm, breaking it with a crack. Feitan's body flew back, crashing heavily into a black car, crushing it.
After kicking Feitan away, Daniel turned the sword in his hand, gripping it firmly.
"Kurapika versus Phinks. Kurapika seems injured, probably from a three-on-one fight earlier," Daniel observed the battle without intervening.
Tonight marked the end of the Phantom Troupe, and it was Kurapika's chance for revenge. Though he had killed one Troupe member, it likely wasn't enough to quell his hatred.
"Still standing, huh?" As Daniel approached Shalnark, he sensed a powerful, chaotic Nen energy. Turning, he saw Feitan, who had risen from the crushed car. Despite his arms hanging limply, his intense Nen energy made the surrounding air sizzle and heat up rapidly.
Feitan, despite his shaky stance, was chanting softly, "Pain Packer, transform into scorching heat, unforgivable sinner, punishable by death."
As he chanted, a two-meter diameter fireball began to form above him. From its color and the surrounding heat, it was clear this wasn't ordinary fire but high-temperature flames.
"Looks like a wide-range attack. Isn't he worried about harming his comrades, or does he have the resolve to sacrifice them to defeat the enemy?" Daniel noticed Phinks and Shalnark's faces showing slight relief, understanding their trust in Feitan's attack.
The Phantom Troupe was ruthless to their enemies but showed a different attitude towards their comrades.
Swoosh.
From the auction house building's 32nd-floor window, Chrollo, seeing the situation below, had a rare moment of concern and gloom.
Four floating Nen fish swam around the room, while three people were pinned to the wall, their bodies severely mutilated yet showing no signs of pain, only eerie smiles.
Fish in the Dark, a stolen Nen ability, could only be used in enclosed spaces, with the number of fish depending on Chrollo's Nen.
"Is this the end? Then let's make it a grand finale," Chrollo said, taking out a piece of paper from his pocket. Reading the text, he waved his hand, turning the paper to ashes. He then resolutely opened the door and walked out.
"I can't let you use that move." Seeing the high-temperature fireball forming, Daniel moved swiftly, appearing in front of Feitan and decapitating him with a single strike.
Boom.
As Feitan's head slid off his neck, the fireball exploded. Although not at full power, the blast's impact was still significant.
"You can't die yet." Daniel ran out of the blast range, extending his left hand, "Room, Slaughterhouse."
Once out of the fiery explosion's reach, Daniel used his Ope Ope no Mi power to swap Kurapika and Shalnark out of danger. He had intended to keep his Ope Ope no Mi ability as a trump card, combining it with his Nen to develop a special tactic.
He considered it a trump card because his mastery of the Ope Ope no Mi was far superior to Law's, not only in research and learning but also in combat. He even felt close to awakening its full potential, suspecting his understanding of the trait-based Nen ability was linked to the Ope Ope no Mi's influence.
"That was powerful," Daniel thought, relieved as he looked at the devastated scene. If he hadn't acted quickly, he would have been fine, but Kurapika and Shalnark might not have survived.
Shalnark's life didn't matter much; Daniel could forgo his Nen ability. But if Kurapika died, it would be a waste. Kurapika was his favorite character in Hunter x Hunter, unlike Gon, who he felt indifferent towards.
The scene before Daniel was chaotic: melted cars and scorched ground, especially at the explosion's center, now charred black.
The heavier the injury, the stronger the explosion. This was Feitan's Nen ability, possibly influenced by his masochistic tendencies.
"Cough, cough." Amidst the chaos, Daniel heard violent coughing and saw the heavily injured Phinks crawling out from the rubble.
Phinks's quick thinking saved him; realizing he couldn't escape Feitan's attack, he used his energy to create a pit in the ground and hide. Despite this, he still ended up severely injured.
"He's all yours." Daniel glanced at Kurapika before dragging Shalnark towards the hotel building.
"Bringing you along is a hassle." Once inside, feeling no immediate presence nearby, Daniel knocked Shalnark unconscious with a single strike. He then took out a box, enlarged it, and placed Shalnark inside.
"The first thing I need to perfect is definitely the Unbelievable Convenience." With this thought, Daniel activated his En to survey the building for any information.
"Is this a massacre?" Sensing the surroundings through En, Daniel headed towards the twentieth floor of the building. According to his perception, it was the only floor with any life signs; the rest of the building was lifeless.
On the twentieth floor, in a large banquet hall, the area originally meant for grand events, two groups occupied opposite sides. On one side stood the Zoldyck family members Silva and Zeno, while the other side was led by Chrollo and the remaining Troupe members.
Both sides were cautious, neither making the first move. Silva, having fought Chrollo before, was aware of his strength. Even with Zeno, a veteran fighter, on his side, he didn't dare to act rashly.
Chrollo, on the other hand, wasn't focused on Silva and Zeno. He had gathered all the Troupe members, waiting for someone—specifically, Daniel.
In the original story, Chrollo obtained the "Angel's Auto Memoir" ability from Neon. Neon also foretold his future. This time, the prophecy indicated a crisis for all Troupe members, leaving no room for escape. Even if they fled now, the outcome would be the same. This made Chrollo abandon the idea of retreat.
Chrollo's doubt in the prophecy also played a role in his decision. He was biding time, waiting for Illumi to resolve the situation, so he could hire Silva and Zeno for a high price.
Had the Zoldyck family not had the rule of not accepting contracts from the target, Chrollo would already be negotiating with them. The Zoldyck family wouldn't betray their employer, killing the first contractor after accepting a job from the target.
"Didn't expect to see such a powerful En. Even Netero might not have one this strong," Chrollo remarked, noticing Daniel's En. He turned to his members, giving a signal.
Understanding the gesture, the Troupe members prepared themselves for a final stand.
"Let's end this," Chrollo muttered, ready to face the approaching storm.
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