"I wonder what kind of person is coming this time." While Zeno marveled at the vast range of the surrounding En, Silva's expression was incredibly serious.
En is the most direct way to gauge a person's strength with Nen abilities, especially when it surpasses the ordinary scope of En. Generally, if someone can maintain an En with a radius of forty to fifty meters for some time, they're considered a skilled Nen user.
Exceeding a radius of a hundred meters means they're among the elite. Such individuals are rare in the Hunter world, and within the Phantom Troupe, only Chrollo could achieve this level.
Zeno and Silva could both extend their En to over three hundred meters. Together, their combined En could cover over a kilometer, enough to encompass the entire auction hotel. In the original story, this method was how they located Chrollo.
But now, the En covering the hotel effortlessly surpassed the combined range of Zeno and Silva.
However, the difference in strength cannot be simply explained by addition. The equation "one plus one equals two" doesn't apply to power levels.
En is not the definitive measure of a Nen user's strength. For instance, Nobunaga's four-meter En doesn't mean he's weak. En is just one of many advanced Nen techniques, unlike the four major principles that must be trained. High-level Nen techniques are chosen based on individual needs.
For instance, Wo Jin primarily trained his Ken and Ko techniques.
Nevertheless, the range of En is a crucial indicator of a person's aura capacity. An En that can cover the entire hotel signifies that its user possesses extremely powerful Nen energy.
With such a vast amount of Nen, even if the user lacks combat skills, their sheer Nen pressure could overwhelm you. This is the principle of "overwhelming strength conquers all." If they also have sufficient combat skills, their strength is unimaginable.
Bang.
As the hall doors opened, the eyes of the Phantom Troupe and the two Zoldycks focused on the newcomer. Seeing that it was Daniel, Zeno and Silva were shocked. They knew Daniel, but they hadn't expected his strength to reach this level.
En is one of the most challenging advanced Nen techniques to master. Few people train their En to exceed a hundred meters due to the sheer effort required. After all, En doesn't directly enhance combat power. Nobunaga's four-meter En suffices for his Iai slash, so he didn't train it further. There are many methods to track enemies, and En is just one of them.
The Zoldycks train their En for their work. As an assassin family, En is extremely useful for tracking enemies, especially in complex terrains. Without En, their targets could easily escape.
In the original story, Zeno and Silva used their En to deal with Chrollo. Without it, they would have had to search through nearly a thousand rooms in the hotel, especially if Chrollo used In to hide.
"Everyone's here. That saves me some trouble." Daniel scanned the hall, observing Chrollo and the Zoldyck family before slowly walking in. After entering, he casually waved his left hand, closing the door behind him.
"Chrollo, Phantom Troupe members, it's finally time to meet." Daniel didn't distance himself from Zeno and Silva, instead, he walked over to stand a short distance from Chrollo and the remaining Troupe members, smiling slightly.
Apart from Nobunaga, Wo Jin, Machi, Feitan, Phinks, Shalnark, Franklin, and Kubee, the remaining four members were here, except for Hisoka.
Unconsciously, the Troupe had lost more than half its members, including its main combat strength. The remaining five, aside from Chrollo, included one combatant, Bonolenov, and three support members.
"Is it really you?" Chrollo's expression was unusually calm, as if the loss of half the Troupe didn't affect him at all.
"Yes, it's me. There's no need for more words. Either I kill all of you today, or you kill me. I don't think there's anything left to say," Daniel said, manifesting a katana.
"Who are you, and why are you against us?" This time, it was Pakunoda who spoke, her eyes cold. She had a devilish figure and was one of the Troupe members who prioritized Chrollo above all else.
"Against you? I didn't expect the Phantom Troupe to say such things. It leaves me speechless. But since you asked, I'll explain. I was one of the survivors from your massacre, lucky enough to escape. Isn't it normal for me to seek revenge now?" Daniel narrowed his eyes, smiling slightly at Pakunoda.
"By the way, I'm not the only one seeking revenge. There's another survivor outside, a survivor from the Kurta Clan you annihilated, taking their eyes. He's here for revenge too. By now, he's probably killed that Phinks guy. Oh, and he killed that Kubee as well."
"Scarlet Eyes?" Chrollo whispered, followed by silence. The Troupe had killed too many people over the years to deny Daniel's claim, especially with Kurapika outside seeking revenge.
"Now you understand. Today's outcome is simple: you die, I live." Daniel brandished his katana, preparing to attack. But in an instant, he drew a Desert Eagle with his left hand and fired several shots at Chrollo.
The sudden shift took Chrollo and the others by surprise. Despite their skill, they hadn't expected such an attack from Daniel.
However, they were all Nen masters and quickly scattered. Chrollo retreated while pulling out a book and flipping to a page—Bandit's Secret.
"Such tactics, huh? It makes sense. Bullets and Nen projectiles are just objects. Pakunoda's vacuum can absorb them," Daniel observed as Chrollo activated his Nen ability, and Pakunoda and the others deployed theirs.
Pakunoda's Nen ability was a Specialization type. Like the Ope Ope no Mi, her bullets weren't harmful but dealt with memory. However, her revolver still had lethal power, as her Specialization made creating Nen bullets easy.
Emission-type Nen abilities vary greatly based on the user's behavior. Franklin's machine-gun Nen bullets, Pakunoda's revolver, or Gon's Jajanken are all examples.
The six categories of Nen abilities can all significantly enhance one's power if deeply studied. Zeno's Nen is Emission type, but shaped into a dragon.
"Move aside." At this moment, Chrollo instructed the other three to clear the area. Six floating Nen fish surrounded him—Fish in the Dark. The hall had turned into a closed room once the doors were shut.
As Chrollo spoke, the six Nen fish darted towards Daniel at high speed, unlike their slow movement in the anime.
"Fish in the Dark, huh?" Daniel evaded the six fish.
"Let's retreat for now," Zeno and Silva decided, moving to a corner of the hall, away from the battlefield.
"So, this is Fish in the Dark." Dodging the six fish, Daniel caught one with his left hand, activating his Specialization-type Nen ability to analyze it. The Desert Eagle disappeared, reabsorbed as Nen. It was a conjured weapon, not a real gun.
"Emission type, huh?" Holding the Nen fish, Daniel dodged the other five while deflecting Pakunoda's shots.
"So, that's how it works." Daniel smiled, exerting slight force, and the Nen fish dissipated into energy.
"I'd rather not reveal my hand just yet." Despite only analyzing it briefly, Daniel had already understood Fish in the Dark. Unlike Biscuit's Magical Beautician Cookie, which was a non-combat ability, Fish in the Dark was an Emission type attack that Daniel could easily replicate after analyzing.
Combat-type Nen abilities and support-type abilities differ greatly. Ging could instantly grasp and use any attack that hit him. This wasn't Ging's Nen ability but his mastery over Nen.
While Daniel's Nen mastery wasn't as refined as Ging's, he had extensive experience with shaping magic from Kamar-Taj.
Even without analysis, Daniel could mimic Zeno's dragon-shaped Nen ability. He could shape his Emission Nen into any form he wanted—dragons, tigers, lions, leopards, cats, dogs, anything he desired.
Using the same method, Daniel quickly eliminated the other five Nen fish.
"An Exorcist," Silva and Zeno realized, watching Daniel's technique. He wasn't just dispersing the Nen fish; he was erasing them.
This was another aspect of Daniel's analysis ability, making him akin to an Exorcist.
If he could analyze and replicate, he could also analyze and destroy. Destroying was even simpler than replicating.
While Silva and Zeno were shocked by Daniel's Exorcist abilities, Chrollo's expression turned grim. Exorcists were generally not very powerful, requiring significant time to dispel Nen. But Daniel was different—he was powerful and quick.
Such a strong Exorcist would make this battle even more troublesome. While Exorcists had little effect on Enhancers and Emitters, they were disastrous for Specialists.
Typically, the Nen fish from Fish in the Dark could automatically recover after being dispersed, but not now. Releasing more Nen fish would only result in Daniel erasing them again, wasting Chrollo's Nen.
"Battle Requiem," Bonolenov activated his Nen ability, forming a spear and mask from Nen.
"Jupiter," Bonolenov spun rapidly, forming a massive sphere that charged towards Daniel, tearing up the floor as it moved.
"This hotel's quality is impressive," Daniel remarked, smiling as he raised his katana and slashed down.
Boom.
A powerful sword energy tore through half the hall
, destroying the floor and ceiling. Bonolenov's spinning body was cleaved in two by the sword energy, which continued to break through reinforced glass and dissipate outside.
"Quite dangerous, isn't it? Is that poison?" Daniel swiftly retreated as Chrollo, wielding a strange blue-glowing blade, lunged at him.
"The True Blade," Chrollo's weapon, was something he only used in life-or-death situations. This blade had been forged a century ago by a notorious murderer and was highly coveted. There were many imitations, but Chrollo's was the genuine article.
Each holder of the True Blade was a killer, passing it down through generations. The blade had absorbed so much killing intent and resentment that it possessed unique powers. It was exceptionally sharp, able to cut through even reinforced Nen defenses, and carried poison that was fatal without strong resistance.
Chrollo had relied on this blade to rise to his current level. In battles of similar strength, avoiding the True Blade's strike was extremely difficult, as few had Silva's resistance to poison.
Chrollo had learned about the blade from a book and retrieved it from its hidden location.
"Close combat? You think I wasted my time learning the Six Powers?" Using Kami-e (Paper Drawing), Daniel dodged Chrollo's attacks before punching his right arm, breaking it and causing the True Blade to fall.
Bang.
Daniel then punched Chrollo in the abdomen, causing his face to twist in pain. As Chrollo's body flew back, Daniel's left hand released five chains, binding him.
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter
"Boss!" Seeing Chrollo captured, Pakunoda and Shizuku rushed over without hesitation. Among the Troupe members, these two held the utmost respect and loyalty towards their leader.
Shizuku was naturally forgetful, often forgetting people she met just moments before, but she never forgot the boss's orders. As for Pakunoda, she was willing to sacrifice her life for Chrollo.
"She seems to be a Specialist too, so I'll keep her alive for now. As for Shizuku..." Watching the two rush towards him, Daniel threw his katana at Shizuku and conjured a chain with his right hand, binding Pakunoda.
Thud.
The katana pierced through Shizuku, its force pinning her to the wall, her lifeless body hanging there. Thus, the Phantom Troupe was annihilated, save for Hisoka.
"It's all over, Chrollo." Daniel smiled and knocked Chrollo unconscious before doing the same to Pakunoda. He then picked up the True Blade from the ground.
With everything done, Daniel glanced at the two Zoldyck family members and then at a direction above the shattered ceiling. After a moment of hesitation, he left with Chrollo and Pakunoda.
"Hisoka, huh." Daniel looked towards the ceiling, sensing someone hiding there. Although the person was well concealed, using In effectively, they couldn't escape Daniel's observation Haki.
In terms of detailed detection, Nen's En is more comprehensive than Observation Haki, but for stealth, Observation Haki is superior. Comparing their effectiveness depends on the user's strength, like Rayleigh covering an entire island with Observation Haki, even discerning the strength of life forms.
If Hisoka had attacked, Daniel would have taken the opportunity to eliminate him. But since he hadn't, Daniel chose not to complicate matters, leaving Hisoka for Gon to deal with.
Daniel wasn't worried about Hisoka posing a threat. Hisoka's strength was comparable to Chrollo's, but nowhere near Daniel's. Even if Hisoka reached Netero's level, it wouldn't make a difference.
The conditions between them were vastly different. Given time, Daniel believed he could surpass anyone, whether it be the Four Emperors, Garp, or Im. It was just a matter of when, not if.
"I'm getting old," Zeno shook his head slightly as he walked to the broken window and jumped out. He reappeared standing on a purple Nen dragon. Silva followed, and the two of them flew upwards on the dragon.
As the dragon ascended, Silva took out a phone from his pocket. Seeing the screen's content, he answered the call.
"I hope I'm not too late. You didn't kill him, did you?" Illumi's voice came from the phone.
"It's over here. We'll discuss the details later."
"Ah, then I guess I won't get paid this time."
"Kurapika, it's best not to meet now." Carrying Chrollo and Pakunoda, Daniel sensed Kurapika ahead and immediately moved to avoid him.
If Kurapika saw him with Chrollo and Pakunoda, he wouldn't let Chrollo go easily. To avoid complications, it was best to avoid Kurapika.
"No surprise that the auction continues even after such heavy losses. The Ten Dons are dead, but the auction goes on." The next day, hearing this news from Kurapika, Daniel shook his head slightly.
Kurapika brought this information, having learned of the Ten Dons' deaths from his boss Light Nostrade. Light now heavily relied on Kurapika, which suited Kurapika's plans. Light's reliance stemmed from the loss of his daughter's "Angel's Auto Memoir" ability, causing him to panic. He had risen to power thanks to Neon's ability.
The major underworld forces were busy dealing with their losses and the deaths of the Ten Dons, and the auction was their main focus. Kurapika advised Light to take Neon and leave Yorknew City for safety.
The underworld forces, including the Ten Dons, were killed, yet the auction continued. The annual Yorknew City auction was the best channel for money laundering, and no one would abandon it unless the underworld was wiped out.
After the auction, the various forces would deal with the power shifts and the rise of new Ten Dons. They would fight for supremacy, but not until after the auction.
Kurapika would leave with Neon and her father. His mission was complete. The Phantom Troupe was nearly wiped out, and he had retrieved the Scarlet Eyes. There was no need for him to stay in Yorknew City.
As for the Greed Island game, Kurapika had heard about it from Gon and Killua but had no interest. His only focus now was retrieving all the Scarlet Eyes.
"Wait, now that the Troupe is gone, aren't you going to lift your vow and restriction?" Daniel asked as Kurapika prepared to leave.
While vows and restrictions could enhance power, they also had side effects. Kurapika's five chains each had unique abilities, and only by working together could they maximize their strength. But because of his vow and restriction, he couldn't use one chain on anyone other than the Troupe members.
Daniel had studied Nen after learning it and found a question about Kurapika's vow and restriction. If Hisoka, a fake Troupe member, could be affected by Kurapika's abilities, or if Chrollo changed the Troupe's name to something else, would Kurapika's abilities still work on them?
If they did, it meant the vow and restriction were actually targeting individuals, not the group. Nen's effects were profound, but Daniel couldn't verify this.
He couldn't use Kurapika as an experiment.
"No need." After a moment of silence, Kurapika glanced at his chain on his left hand and shook his head.
Although Kurapika was a Conjurer, his chains always appeared on his right hand's fingers, misleading enemies into thinking he was a Manipulator.
"You should think about your fallen comrades' wishes. Among the dead, some were your friends. They wouldn't want you to do this." Daniel knew Kurapika was a kind person. In the Succession War, Kurapika could have easily killed the Fourth Prince, but he chose to protect the princes instead, using his life-draining Nen ability to help them.
Most people wouldn't use their life to help others, especially strangers. Daniel certainly wouldn't sacrifice his life for a stranger.
"Pairo." Hearing Daniel mention his tribe, Kurapika whispered a name.
"Pairo, he was your friend?" Daniel immediately asked.
"Yes, he was my best friend." Kurapika smiled warmly, remembering Pairo.
"If he were alive, he wouldn't want you to fulfill his dream at the cost of your life."
"Dream?" Kurapika's expression turned nostalgic at the mention of dreams.
"To achieve dreams, you need to live. Your friends wouldn't want you to risk your life." Daniel sensed that Kurapika's vow and restriction hinted at a self-destructive tendency. Perhaps Kurapika intended to die along with the Troupe members, viewing that as the only way to avenge his clan.
All his tribe was dead, and he lived only for revenge. Without that purpose, Kurapika might have already taken his own life.
Though this was Daniel's speculation, helping Kurapika lift his vow and restriction might lead to a better future.
Vows and restrictions were about Nen manipulation. As an Exorcist, Daniel could handle it, though the difficulty varied.
"Can you lift the vow and restriction?" After a long silence, Kurapika's expression turned calm.
"Have you heard of Exorcists? I am one. If you trust me, I can remove the chains binding your heart."
"I also have a grudge against the Troupe, but now they're gone. The past is the past. Pairo wouldn't be happy seeing you stuck in hatred." To convince Kurapika, Daniel used Pairo's memory as a tool.
"Please help." Kurapika nodded solemnly. "What should I do?"
"Just trust me and restrain your Nen. Tell me when you're ready." Daniel approached Kurapika, raising his right hand.
"I'm ready." After a few deep breaths, Kurapika nodded.
"Then I'll begin." Daniel struck Kurapika with a hand chop, knocking him out.
"Room, Slaughterhouse." Activating the Ope Ope no Mi, Daniel dissected Kurapika's heart into eight pieces, revealing the chains and Nen dagger binding it. He began analyzing Kurapika's Nen attributes.
"Quite ruthless, doing anything for revenge." The chains and dagger, formed from Nen, couldn't be harmless when wrapped around his heart.
"Luckily, I have the Philosopher's Stone. Even if the heart shatters, I can save him. But the Archangel's Breath would be better."
The Philosopher's Stone required soul energy, but the Archangel's Breath only needed Nen, a significant difference. If Daniel had the Archangel's Breath, he wouldn't need the Philosopher's Stone as much.
Daniel had gathered much information about Greed Island from Battera, including the limited hundred cards. Upon clearing the game, players could choose any three cards to bring out, meaning those hundred cards could exist in reality.
This made Daniel speculate that most of those cards were actually Nen abilities. If he entered Greed Island, his special abilities might allow him to learn nearly a hundred Nen abilities.
Even if he couldn't learn all of them, a dozen would suffice. The hundred cards included many useful support abilities, one of which was the Archangel's Breath.
"It worked. Destroying Nen is easier than replicating it." After analyzing Kurapika's Nen attributes, Daniel quickly used his Nen to remove
the chains and dagger from his heart.
For other Exorcists, lifting Kurapika's vow and restriction would be extremely difficult due to its location. But with the Ope Ope no Mi, Daniel could remove the heart, making it much easier.
"How do you feel?" After restoring Kurapika and waking him, Daniel asked with concern.
"Much lighter. Thank you." Kurapika checked his heart's condition, looking relieved.
"No need to thank me. It was also a chance for me to practice. You have your own matters to attend to, so I won't delay you. If you need help, just call me."
Kurapika's safety reassured Daniel. It was his first time removing Nen from someone, especially a character he liked. If not for the Philosopher's Stone as a safeguard, he wouldn't have chosen Kurapika as his first target.
"If you need help, please contact me too."
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter
You may also Like
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT