Kapitel 65: Chapter 62: A Date
"Oh? We apologize, but since the last few days, there hasn't been anyone registering for a battle anymore..."
The clerk explained, her voice tinged with weariness.
Hisoka regarded the clerk's sleepy expression with an unreadable expression.
"But, you can still register yourself. It's just that you'll have to wait for another fighter to register. Would that be fine with you?"
It was true...
The other fighters on the 200th floor had been focusing on training after witnessing the events unfolding in Heaven's Arena.
They had seen the formidable power of those fighters.
Hisoka could understand why this happened, knowing they were Raymond's subordinates.
While they might not be able to provide some entertainment for him, for the fighters on the 200th floor, they posed a significant challenge.
"...Understood," Hisoka replied dryly, accepting the situation.
The clerk, with her sleepy eyes, nodded as she entered Hisoka's name into the registry, "Your name is now registered. We'll notify you in advance if there's a fighter signing up for a match later."
Hisoka didn't respond, merely turning away and vanishing down the corridor back to his private room, his movements seemingly devoid of life.
Meanwhile...
"..."
Machi strolled down the bustling street, her eyes taking in the sights of the prosperous city that had flourished since her last visit.
Hisoka's words about the annual auction by the Ten Dons lingered in her mind, despite the event supposedly being cancelled.
She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that gnawed at her.
"That clown wasn't stupid," she muttered, her frown deepening.
The fact that Hisoka had heard such a rumor and felt compelled to relay it to her suggested there might be some truth.
Machi knew she couldn't dismiss it lightly.
"I need to validate the news first," she said to herself, determination firming her resolve as she scanned the bustling streets.
The streets were alive with activity, filled with cars zipping by and public transportation bustling with commuters.
The roads were smooth and well-maintained, a far cry from the pothole-ridden paths of the past.
Towering buildings stretched towards the sky, their sleek facades gleaming in the sunlight.
"..."
Machi couldn't miss the logos of big-name companies proudly displayed among the towering buildings and bustling streets.
These symbols of global recognition spoke volumes about the city's place in the world economy and its reputation as a center of business and progress.
The cars whizzing past, the smartphones in people's hands, the name-brand clothes they wore, even their internet providers—all linked back to these companies.
It felt like their influence reached every aspect of daily life, leaving no stone unturned.
She shook her head, muttering, "...Fucking greedy!"
And the companies behind them all were part of the same umbrella, belonging to a single holding company.
The interconnected web of influence and power left her with a sense of unease every time she thought of it.
"...I need to get going fast," she muttered under her breath as she increased her pace to blend into the crowd without drawing any unwanted attention.
Machi had caught sight of someone she wished to avoid—a figure from her past, someone she had encountered years ago in her hometown.
The encounter had left her with a lingering sense of unease and the instinctual urge to distance herself from him as swiftly as possible.
"A dangerous guy," she muttered, her expression darkening with a mix of wariness and apprehension.
Despite labeling him as such, Machi couldn't deny the complex emotions that stirred within her at the thought of their past encounter, leaving her with a furrowed brow and a troubled mind.
"Hmm?"
Machi's senses heightened as she felt the atmosphere shift, the usual bustle of the street giving way to an eerie silence the further she walked.
Her frown deepened as a sense of foreboding settled over her.
Glancing around, she noticed a group of men in black suits seemingly enclosing her surrounding area.
Instinctively, she extended her perception outward, sensing the presence of even more individuals surrounding her.
With a quickening heartbeat, Machi activated her Nen, channeling it throughout her body.
In one swift motion, she retrieved her sewing needle, readying herself for whatever confrontation lay ahead.
"...!"
She took a cautious step backward, her body tensing as she adopted a defensive stance as a car rolled to a stop in front of her.
Machi's senses heightened, her pulse quickening with apprehension.
"...Such presence," She muttered as she felt somehow familiar with it before shaking her head as her eyes sharpened, "...He's dangerous!"
The presence emanating from the vehicle was undeniably strong and imposing, sending a shiver down her spine.
With a sinking feeling, Machi realized that whoever emerged from the car was not to be underestimated.
She could sense the looming danger, her instincts warning her of the imminent threat to her life.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as the driver stepped out of the car, revealing a face she thought she'd never see again.
Shock painted her features as she pointed a trembling finger at the familiar figure, her voice quivering with disbelief.
"Y-You... Aren't you supposed to be dead?"
"It's a bit complicated," Sakujiro replied.
His voice was calm yet tinged with a hint of nostalgia as he addressed her by name, "Little Machi..."
Machi remained silent, her thoughts swirling with confusion and apprehension.
"Let's talk about it sometime later," Sakujiro continued, his tone suggesting a sense of urgency, "as my Master would like to invite you for dinner..."
With a resigned sigh, Sakujiro opened the passenger seat, gesturing for Machi to join him.
As she hesitated, her gaze locked with the piercing crimson eyes of the man inside the car.
A wave of complicated emotions washed over her, leaving her speechless.
"It's been a long time, isn't it?"
Raymond greeted Machi with a gentle smile, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia as he motioned for her to join him, "Why don't you come in and let's talk about the good old days in some other place?"
"..."
Machi hesitated, her gaze darting around the area as she weighed her options.
With a deep breath, she turned to face Raymond, her expression hardening into a determined glare.
"You don't accept refusal, do you?" She scoffed, her voice laced with annoyance.
"Oh, please... I'm not that mean..." Raymond chuckled, his words carrying a hint of amusement.
"...Fucking liar!"
Machi retorted, her response filled with skepticism.
As she stepped into the car, she could sense the tension among the men surrounding them as she clicked her tongue in annoyance.
Raymond paid no heed to Machi's protest, issuing instructions to Sakujiro without a second thought.
"I've got my date ready. Bring us to the usual place, Sakujiro."
"Understood, Master!"
"Hmph, who's your date!"
Machi spat, her cheeks puffed up in annoyance.
She averted her gaze, trying to hide her embarrassment, but the rush of complicated emotions only seemed to intensify, causing her cheeks to flush slightly.
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