Hisoka, it seemed, hadn't even considered gathering information or cards during his killing spree; he was completely indifferent.
"Did you forget my orders?"
"Orders?" Hisoka spun the cards that had suddenly appeared in his hands, a smirk playing on his lips. "What orders? I don't remember."
Loki turned, took a sip of juice, finished it, and slowly stood.
"Since you chose to follow me, you should obey my orders, Hisoka!" Loki said, his back to Hisoka, his expression impassive.
Pakunoda subtly shifted, facing Hisoka. This positioning allowed her to launch an immediate attack, and Hisoka was the target. Hisoka glanced at her with surprise, but he wasn't concerned; Pakunoda's abilities weren't particularly useful in combat.
Hisoka's gaze, fixed on Loki's back, burned with a renewed desire for a fight. The recent killing spree had fueled his bloodlust, especially with such a perfect target nearby. However, Hisoka wasn't a fool.
If Loki fought seriously, he wouldn't stand a chance. Loki wouldn't easily reveal his abilities; the consequences of discovery were unpredictable – a nuclear strike wasn't impossible. Greed Island, isolated from the world, presented an opportune moment.
The tavern's atmosphere was tense. Hisoka, who had suddenly burst in, looked extremely dangerous.
Yet, this dangerous man seemed to be on the verge of a confrontation with a seemingly ordinary kid.
'What in the world is going on here?' Goreinu swallowed hard, his gaze flitting between Hisoka and Loki.
He clearly sensed the intense killing intent emanating from Hisoka, but Loki radiated no aura whatsoever. Why would this dangerous man be so fixated on this seemingly insignificant kid, especially since Loki appeared to be in a position of authority?
Everyone held their breath, watching silently.
Hisoka chuckled. "Don't be angry! I said I'd follow your orders, but I genuinely forgot! I'll remember next time."
"Do you think I'd believe that?" Loki said without turning.
Hisoka's smile faded. "Then what?"
"Hisoka, I sense your killing intent. Care to test it?"
Suddenly, Loki turned, his cold gaze fixed on Hisoka. His calm tone belied the underlying threat.
Hisoka's eyes involuntarily narrowed.
'That look!
Terrifying. He's overwhelmingly strong. Loki! I want to kill him!' Hisoka's expression turned ferocious, his gaze fanatical. 'But seriously, I'd be dead.' He narrowed his eyes. "Fighting seriously against you, I'd rather not die!"
This made Loki laugh. Hisoka's strategy was clear: to kill him, but he knew it was impossible, yet the desire remained. The compromise was to get Loki to agree to a fight without full power, a pure test of skill.
Hisoka was a powerful Nen user, not because of his Nen's raw power, but his mastery of it. He was incredibly intelligent, capable of holding his own against stronger opponents. Subduing Hisoka would be advantageous.
Weighing the options, Loki slowly turned, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I won't use any of my previous abilities; we'll match each other's Nen output. Care to try?"
Hisoka's expression turned serious, his Nen surging. Seeing this, Loki nodded. "Seriously, but with conditions."
"I accept!" Hisoka readily agreed, anticipating Loki's conditions. Even death wouldn't matter if he failed to kill Loki at equal strength; any condition was acceptable.
Hisoka's immediate acceptance confirmed his long-held desire for a duel.
Loki looked at Hisoka. "Where do you want to fight?"
Hisoka briefly considered this. For him, a location with sufficient visual obstructions would be ideal, maximizing his combat effectiveness. But since Loki was already limiting his power, specifying a location would be unfair.
"Doesn't matter. Here is fine."
Loki nodded. "Then let's begin!"
"Alright."
The instant Hisoka finished speaking, Loki vanished. His speed blurred Hisoka's vision.
Bang! By the time Hisoka reacted, Loki's fist had connected with his face. Despite Hisoka's instant Nen defense, Loki's punch, even with suppressed Nen, retained its full force.
The blow landed squarely on Hisoka's face, feeling like a hammer blow of steel. Hisoka was sent flying backward, crashing through the tavern wall and out into the open.
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