Hello everyone. I'm Gon Freecss, having successfully departed from Kukuroo Mountain. While Alluka and Nanika have a very unique way of looking at the world, just like Killua said, they're actually very kind and sweet children.
***
After taking Alluka from the Zoldyck estate, our group left the Republic of Padokea. Our immediate goal is to reunite with Kurapika and Leorio. However, we aren't reckless enough to travel long-term with newborns, so the plan is to introduce Alluka and Nanika and then split up for a while.
As for Leorio, his massive contributions during the Chimera Ant crisis haven't gone unnoticed. Under Cheadle'sguidance, he's been granted a total exemption from the practical portion of the medical license exam. Now, he just needs to pass the written test whenever he's ready. He's currently studying hard while helping Kurapika with the twins. Even Gin the Foxbear has become an expert babysitter, shrinking down to nap with Claire and Karin or letting them sleep on his belly when he's full-sized.
Meanwhile, our own journey was anything but quiet. Alluka, initially thrilled by her first flight on a blimp, quickly got bored of the speed. To keep her entertained, I gave her a "crash course" in Nen.
"WHAAAAA—?!" Killua screamed.
"Big brother!! I did what Gon-bro told me, and it worked!!" Alluka cheered.
"Kay!! ♪" Nanika added.
Using Castro's Double as a conceptual hint, I helped Alluka realize that since she and Nanika were distinct entities sharing a vessel, they could manifest separately. As long as they are touching each other or a third person, Alluka and Nanika can now exist as two separate bodies in the real world.
"Look, I'm glad you can both be out at once," Killua said, rubbing his temples, "but Gon, don't do stuff like this without warning! Did you forget the rules about 'Requests' and 'Wishes'?"
"Actually, while you were asleep yesterday, they made a few requests," I replied casually. "Nothing happened. And since I talked to them nicely, they promised not to listen to any of Hisoka's wishes."
Killua's eyes nearly popped out of his head. He had been exhausted from his lightning transformation and had slept like a log, missing the entire negotiation.
"Wait... they're separate now. How does that affect the power?" Killua asked.
"Nanika, how does it work?" I asked.
"Ai... Ai-Ai... Kay!" Nanika chirped.
"I see. So the ability doesn't trigger while they're separated," I explained to Killua. "They have to become one and follow the steps for the power to work."
"Well, that's actually much safer," Killua sighed in relief.
This 'safety mode' allowed our shadow monitor, Tsubone, to finally stop hiding. Silva's only condition for letting Alluka leave was that Tsubone accompanied them. As the top Zoldyck butler, she's incredibly helpful and not an obstacle at all. Seeing that the danger of a sudden 'Wish' was gone, her grandmotherly instincts exploded. She was currently giving Alluka and Nanika "lethal-velocity" airplane rides, spinning them around with tears of joy in her eyes.
***
While we were enjoying our flight, Beyond Netero and the Kakin Empire delivered their ultimatum to the world.
"The Dark Continent is with us! Finally, let us hear from the leader of this expedition—the son of the Hunter Association Chairman—Beyond Netero!!" King Hui Guo Rou announced.
Beyond stood on the stage, looking like a larger, more savage version of his father. "First things first—there is no guarantee you'll come back alive!" he shouted, grinning ferociously as he flared his aura. "But the Dark Continent has everything!! Everlasting food, ultimate metals, things that grant any wish! The fruits of human delusion are actually rolling around over there!!"
Just like Meruem's speech, Beyond's words shook the world. "I will remove any obstacle in our way!! I won't turn anyone away—there is a role for every individual! All you need is the courage to take the first step!!"
The Twelve Zodiacs, watching in real-time, felt their hearts pounding. Beyond possessed a charisma that was every bit as magnetic as his father's.
***
Immediately following the Kakin broadcast, the Hunter Association announced Isaac Netero's resignation and the start of a new Chairman Election. The V5, who wanted to grill Netero for his son's actions, found themselves stonewalled by the lack of a sitting Chairman.
"Hello, hello... I figured you'd be calling soon," Isaac said into his phone.
"Hearing your voice makes my scar itch, old man," Beyond's voice crackled on the other end. "You move too fast."
"Ho ho. I wanted to put down the heavy luggage as soon as possible."
"Whatever. It'll take me time to sort through the applicants anyway. But tell me: what's the Association's move? I've waited this long, I don't want to waste any more time."
"The policy will be decided by the next Chairman," Isaac teased.
"Don't play dumb. The Hunter Bylaws haven't changed. The second a new Chairman is elected, you're just going to be re-appointed."
Beyond, like the Zodiacs, believed Netero's return was a mathematical certainty. Netero's charisma and power were simply too high.
"Bwahahaha!!" Isaac roared with laughter. "You lot are so boring! Always betting on the favorite. Is this what Hunters have become? So defensive?"
"...Oh? You actually think you won't be re-elected? From where I'm sitting, you've lost your grip on reality. That makes you a failure as a Hunter."
"Then let's have a wager, shall we? On whether or not I am re-appointed after the election."
"I refuse. I've waited long enough, I'm not stalling for—"
"If I win, I won't interfere with your expedition. If I lose, I'll give you my full cooperation," Isaac offered.
Beyond went silent. The terms were too good to pass up. "...What are you planning? Did getting young make you want to try the Dark Continent again?"
Isaac just kept laughing. "If I win, bring me the most expensive and your personal favorite bottle of alcohol you own. Let's have a drink together for the first time in ages."
"...Fine. If it gets me to the Dark Continent, I'll take the bet. If I win, you'd better have the booze ready on your end."
"Ho ho. I'll be waiting."
Beyond hung up, touching the scar on his face. Decades ago, he had lost a fight with his father and been forbidden from traveling to the Dark Continent. He had wandered this "tiny garden" for far too long. Now, he finally had the chance to surpass his father.
As he prepared the alcohol, he thought about the election. He didn't see any other possible outcome but Netero's return. He had heard rumors of a "kid" who defeated the Chimera Ants when even Netero couldn't, but without official reports, he dismissed it as a exaggeration.
He didn't realize that while Netero was a "Martial God," the "Muscle" that had surpassed him was something far more terrifying.
The notification for the 13th Chairman Election reached every Hunter on the planet. The wager between the Neteros was set, and the fated meeting between the Freecss father and son was drawing near.
***
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