บท 164: Chapter 161 : Four Troupe Members!!
The train chugged along a winding track, its chimney puffing out thick white smoke. The smoke quickly spread, making the surrounding mountains look as if they were wrapped in clouds and mist, creating a stunning view.
Kurapika leaned his shoulder against the window, gazing down at the town hidden within the dense forest below the cliff.
Not long ago, Kurapika, Germain, and Saiyu had finished their lunch, and the train had stopped briefly at a nearby town station.
After a short pause, the train started moving again, leaving the town behind and heading deeper into the mountains.
"I'm going to walk around the corridor and get some fresh air," Saiyu said casually, hunching his shoulders. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked out of the compartment.
The compartment was neither large nor small, but staying inside for more than twenty hours felt stifling. Some might call it mental training, but in truth, it was just tedious.
After Saiyu left, Germain began his daily practice of the "Advanced Nen Techniques".
Ever since Bisky warned him to focus on basic training, Germain hadn't missed a single day of practice, except for the three days when he was severely injured and unconscious.
Just like Germain, Kurapika also kept up with his training, but he had an extra task: stabilizing his "chain" ability.
Kurapika could try controlling his "Scarlet Eyes," but he was forbidden from using "Absolute Time." That ability was only for moments of extreme desperation—something Germain had warned him about.
Keeping that in mind, Kurapika moved away from the window, sat cross-legged on the bed, and began meditating.
Barely ten minutes had passed when Germain suddenly opened his eyes, snapping out of his concentration.
He had sensed something unusual—despite his focus during practice, he always kept a level of awareness about his surroundings.
At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the corridor, followed by Saiyu bursting through the door. He quickly slammed it shut behind him.
"Germain," Saiyu said seriously, "something's not right outside."
Hearing this, Kurapika couldn't continue his meditation and stopped his training for the day, turning his attention to them.
Germain blinked, climbed off the bed, and asked, "What do you mean?"
Saiyu explained what he had seen and heard.
"I just reached the front of the train and saw a group of people acting strangely. Their eyes were lifeless, and their movements were stiff as they searched each room. I suspect they've been affected by the 'Manipulation Type Nen ability.'"
"Manipulator?" Germain asked, pausing for a moment. "Is it definitely directed at us?"
"Not sure," Saiyu replied, shaking his head. "But I think it's highly likely. I didn't get too close, but I sensed some dangerous criminals radiating malicious intent from the front of the car."
"That level of Nen is rare, even among Nen users. Considering all the possibilities, I think they are..."
Bang—
Before Saiyu could finish, a dull bang interrupted him.
Germain and Saiyu turned to the gray wall. From the other side, the sound echoed again, like distant thunder.
Kurapika cautiously got out of bed and moved next to Germain.
"This blatant murderous intent towards us, this straightforward way of acting..." Germain concluded, "Kurapika, they're coming."
The muffled sound grew closer, becoming clearer.
Kurapika recognized it now. It was the sound of walls being broken. It seemed to have reached the next compartment, where he could hear screams of fear and mocking conversations.
He had a premonition, but Germain's words confirmed his intuition, which soon became reality.
Bang—
A thunderous noise rang in his ears as the wall cracked and shattered. Amidst the flying bricks and dust, two figures emerged.
The first was a tall man with long, messy hair. When he saw everyone in the room, his eyes flashed with ferocity, and he grinned wide, revealing two rows of beast-like teeth. He waved his powerful arms, capable of breaking through walls, and laughed, "Hahahaha - I told you before, this is the easiest way to find someone!"
"Of course I know," replied the thin man beside him, who had long dreadlocks and a samurai sword at his waist. He curled his lips and glared at Germain with cold eyes.
"Even though they have nowhere to run on a speeding train... I wanted to find them quietly and take them down to weaken their fighting strength..."
"But now that things have come to this, forget it. Just kill them."
"These are Uvogin and Nobunaga from the Phantom Troupe," Germain said to Kurapika beside him.
"What?" Nobunaga frowned. "This sounds like you're introducing an acquaintance..."
"And this brat has been staring at us since earlier. Does he really want to be the first to die?"
Nobunaga's next words were directed at Kurapika, who was filled with murderous intent.
Germain reached out and held Kurapika's arm, saying softly, "Calm down."
Kurapika was taken aback.
Memories of the past flashed through his mind, reminding him of Germain's repeated warnings. He took several deep breaths to calm himself.
However, it was clear that the attacking enemies weren't just Uvogin and Nobunaga.
Two more figures emerged from the hole.
The first person had a smooth forehead with a cross mark on it. He wore a coat and always had a confident smile.
This was the "Phantom Troupe Leader," Chrollo.
The person behind him had long black hair that fell to his waist, eerie dark pupils, and a pale face with no expression.
This was Illumi, the eldest son of the Zoldyck family.
Aside from that, no one else appeared.
"Hey, Germain," Illumi with long black hair said, raising his right hand in greeting. He blinked and explained why he was there.
"I didn't want to get involved in your feud, but Chrollo insisted... Plus, since Hisoka considers me a target, I can't ignore this completely."
"So, I temporarily joined the Phantom Troupe and am now the No. 4."
"Actually, I need to talk to you about something... Did you say something strange to Killua? He's been away from home for half a year. Is he with you?"
Germain raised his hands. "I don't remember saying anything 'strange,' and Killua wasn't with me."
Illumi stared at Germain for a moment before saying, "Well, never mind. I'll find a way to make you tell the truth."
Finally, Chrollo spoke up.
"We finally found you and your companions. We put in a lot of effort and resources to intercept you here."
He smiled and added, "Is it just the three of you? That seems a bit too few."
The screams from the next room faded, leaving a quieter atmosphere.
At this moment, Saiyu turned sideways, covering his mouth with one hand, and whispered to Germain, "Four members of the Phantom Troupe have come. I think you're doomed this time. Tell me, is it too late for me to cut ties with you now?"
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