---
Kai stood before the colossal Trial Gate, his slight form dwarfed by its iron expanse. In his hands, he still held the 20-jin teacup the gatekeeper had offered. The elderly man watched with quiet admiration.
"It's good to be young," the gatekeeper murmured, remembering his own fervent youth in Kai's determined gaze.
He was about to continue when—
Creeeaaak—
The fourth gate groaned, metal roaring under impossible pressure. Kai's raw strength was forcing the twin slabs apart.
"Unbelievable…" the gatekeeper whispered.
Instinctively, he summoned his Nen—but this was no aura technique. Kai wasn't using Nen here at all. He was simply applying brute physical force.
Boiling tea sloshed over the cup's rim, splashing down the elder's robes. He didn't flinch; he could only stare.
"Such prodigious power…"
Kai exhaled through clenched teeth. Sixteen tons per panel—thirty-two tons in all—yet the gates continued to part.
"Not enough," he thought. "My body still needs more strength… more time… more resources."
His Gourmet Cells had already boosted his physique beyond normal human limits, but they couldn't substitute for years of natural growth. Fortunately, his Nen—the pure manifestation of life force—was boundless by age.
With a final push, the fourth gate swung fully open. Kai stepped back and, turning to the stunned gatekeeper, asked softly, "May I try again?"
The man blinked, still disbelieving. "Y-yes… of course."
[Training Mode]
Boom—
Kai released a burst of Nen that rippled outward like a gale. One… two… three… until even the sixth gate shuddered.
A child lifting a mountain. Even the mocking tourists were silenced, their disbelief audible in the roaring metal.
A phone rang from the guard station.
"Understood," the gatekeeper said, setting down his teacup. "Please—come with me. The Patriarch awaits."
---
They traversed the estate's grand corridors in silence. Eventually a butler appeared and escorted Kai into the main reception hall.
Here, the legendary Zoldyck mansion was nothing like the dark fortress rumors depicted. Sunlight spilled through huge windows, gilded columns lined the walls, and the scent of exotic wood perfumed the air. Plush rugs of strange fur cushioned each step.
Kai took a seat, sipping his tea. The butler melted into a silent statue in the corner.
Halfway through his cup, Kai's senses flared.
[Battle Readiness]
An invisible tide of hostility washed over him, sharp and suffocating.
Hair on end, eyes narrowing, he rose instantly.
Clap. Clap. Clap.
Applause rang out from the doorway.
"Truly worthy of defeating Illumi," drawled a deep voice.
Kai didn't need to turn. The aura alone told him who had entered.
Silva Zoldyck—head of the world's most feared assassin family.
Moments later, others joined: Zeno Zoldyck, the unflinching grandfather, and Illumi Zoldyck, expressionless as ever.
Kai bowed courteously. "It's good to see you again."
Illumi simply stared, unreadable.
Silva wasted no time.
"You came for business, not pleasantries. State your request."
Kai met his gaze evenly.
"I wish to contract the Zoldyck family to defend Meteor City. Specifically—to eliminate any hostile Nen users who attack it."
He produced a respectful salute toward Zeno. "For each target, I'll pay five billion Jenny. Even if no one appears, twenty billion as guaranteed retainer. Should the Patriarch himself join the mission, we can negotiate further."
Silence fell, heavy and expectant.
Kai held his ground. Then, he activated his Nen ability:
[Virtual Reality]
Gold ingots, gemstones, and rare alloys materialized in a glowing pile at his feet—one ton's worth of treasure, arranged with impeccable order.
"This is half the advance. The remainder upon successful completion."
Light danced across the precious metals, casting flickering reflections on every gilded surface.
Finally, Silva nodded. "Agreed."
---
Kai exhaled. The world's most deadly family had accepted his contract.
Meteor City's defense would never be the same again.