Balaril Art Exhibition Centre.
It was only 10 o'clock in the morning, yet the venue was already thronged with people.
Today, famous painters from all over the world would gather here to showcase their latest, never-before-seen works.
For fans who truly appreciated fine art and especially those who were keen collectors today was nothing less than an annual super-carnival.
Of course, while all the painters invited were celebrated, there were still differences in their stature. Only the most popular and powerful artists were assigned exhibition halls in the best, most prominent locations.
Naturally, Hiro belonged to this top echelon.
And since he had never once appeared publicly before, this rare opportunity to see him in person had already caused a frenzy among fans. Crowds jostled at the entrance to Hiro's exhibition hall, waiting impatiently for the doors to open.
In Hiro's personal exhibition hall, the staff were busy hanging his works each one dark, terrifying, and bizarrely imaginative.
Every time a painting was unveiled, the staff would freeze for a moment, startled or even trembling slightly. Only after calming themselves could they hang it securely on the wall.
"The style of Mr. Hiro's work this time… it's really going to scare the fans. I heard a few of the girls who were hanging them earlier even burst into tears the supervisor had to replace them with us horror enthusiasts," one staff member said, still looking uneasy.
"Yeah… even I, and I'm a die-hard horror movie fan, could barely handle it," another added. Then his expression brightened. "But don't you think Mr. Hiro's talent is just amazing? So many creative ideas… I can already see horror-themed art blowing up after this. We're lucky just to be here."
Just then, a flurry of whispers ran through the hall.
"Look it's Mr. Hiro!"
"Oh my god, he's so young… and so handsome! He's better looking than a lot of celebrities!"
The employee passage opened, and Hiro entered dressed impeccably in a tailored suit and crisp shirt, his calm yet magnetic presence instantly commanding attention.
"Thank you all for your hard work," Hiro said warmly. "After the exhibition, I'll treat you all to a meal."
The staff broke into cheers and applause.
"Wow thank you, Mr. Hiro!"
A tall, poised woman in a sharp professional suit followed close behind Hiro. She was the agent Hiro had been working with Colleen.
*"Teacher Hiro, when I first heard you say you wanted to paint in a horror and bizarre style, I was honestly shocked. It's so completely different from your usual work.
"But… after seeing your pieces today, I was completely convinced. This transcends subject matter it's pure art that cuts right to the soul!
"Teacher Hiro, your artistic talent is truly… unprecedented, unrivaled!"*
Colleen's voice was warm and effusive as she flattered him.
But Hiro, as always, remained perfectly calm. He only gave a faint smile and replied: "Colleen, I'll leave everything to you today. I'll cooperate fully with your arrangements."
"Don't worry, Teacher Hiro I'll give it my all!"
Though she kept up her flattery offensive, Hiro never really reacted which, if anything, only made Colleen more intrigued by him.
Perfect… this man is just perfect… talented, wealthy, handsome…She couldn't help but sneak a glance at him, her heart fluttering slightly.
Meanwhile… on the rooftop of the exhibition center.
Hisoka was perched on the guardrail, phone in hand, legs lazily swinging, as he watched the dense crowds gathering below.
"Illumi, your elder brother actually showed up at his art exhibition. "His voice was equal parts amused and curious.
On the other end of the line, Illumi's cold, flat tone came through: "There's no need to question what my elder brother decides."
Hisoka let out a laugh, unbothered.*"Fine, fine. My bad. I admit I was wrong.
"Anyway wait for me. I'll come meet you now."*
After hanging up, Hisoka's playful smile widened into something a little more unhinged almost crazed.
"I want to know… I have to know… I must know what you're planning, Hiro… what are you really up to?"
His grin stretched wider as he jumped down from the ledge.
At the same time down below at the entrance to the Balaril Art Exhibition Center.
Mizaistom Nana, one of the Twelve Zodiac members of the Hunter Association, stood patiently in line. The two-star Crime Hunter, clad in his signature ox-themed suit, wasn't on duty today he'd come here purely as a fan.
Or more accurately… to meet his idol and commission a portrait.
Truthfully, Mizaistom had never paid much attention to painting before. He'd never really cared about art.
But two years ago, entirely by chance, he'd stumbled across a black-and-white ink painting of an ox online.
The style was unlike anything he'd ever seen stark and minimalist, yet somehow so vivid it felt like the ox might step right out of the paper at any moment.
When he looked into it, he discovered the artist's name: Hiro. And the style itself was called ink painting.
From that moment, Mizaistom had a quiet dream: If he can draw an ox so perfectly… then as the "Ox" of the Zodiac myself, how amazing would it be if I could have him paint my portrait? It'd make the perfect profile picture for my social media too… so cool.
For the next two years, he quietly followed Hiro's work, though he could never find any way to contact him directly. Now, finally, with Hiro appearing in public at this exhibition Mizaistom had come running to Balaril without hesitation.
"…Hm? I thought I saw someone on the roof just now?"
He glanced upward, scanning the rooftop, but saw nothing out of the ordinary.
"Must've been my imagination."
Shrugging, Mizaistom returned to waiting in line patiently.
Just then beep beep his phone buzzed.
"This is Mizaistom."
A voice came through the line. "Yes. As it happens, I'm already in Balaril."
Pause. "I see… suspected use of Nen in a crime? …Understood. Send me the details. I'll investigate right away."
He ended the call, his expression settling into his usual cool, serious demeanor.
"Uh-huh… no trouble."
After hanging up the call, Mizaistom Nana let out a quiet, resigned sigh.
Tch. Just my luck. I finally get a chance to meet him face-to-face… and work calls me right in the middle of it.
Well there was no helping it. He could only put his personal plans on hold for now.
Still… it wasn't too bad. The exhibition would last the whole day. If he wrapped up the job quickly, he could still make it back in time.
He muttered to himself, adjusting his tie as he turned: "Right. Just finish this fast, and come back later. No problem."
But just as he was about to step into the entrance of the exhibition hall, one of the staff members in uniform approached, politely blocking his way.
"Excuse me, sir the gentleman in the ox costume? Could I see your ticket, please?"
Mizaistom paused, then raised a hand and gave a small, apologetic wave. "Sorry. Something's come up. I'll be back later."
Without further explanation, he pivoted cleanly, turning against the flow of eager guests flooding into the hall and making his way back toward the street.
Behind him, the ticket inspector could only stare in bemusement at his retreating back, shaking his head.
"…What the…? Was that guy for real? After standing in line for hours, he just turns around and leaves?
"Tch. What a weirdo. Looks like all he wanted was to show off his 'unique aesthetic' or whatever…"
He glanced after Mizaistom one more time, only to see him immediately mobbed by a group of onlookers asking for photos.
"…Hah. Typical."
The inspector chuckled dryly, shook his head, and went back to scanning tickets.