During this period of time spent with Gon and Killua, Kite often heard them mention their teacher.
Whenever this topic came up, the two would talk endlessly, with the word "amazing" appearing particularly frequently.
Although Kite hadn't truly encountered Morrow at that time, judging from the training results displayed by Gon and Killua, he could tell this teacher was no ordinary person.
He just never expected that the powerful Nen user who helped him out yesterday would turn out to be the very teacher Gon and Killua kept talking about.
He'd been hearing about how amazing this teacher was from Gon and Killua, and now he had witnessed it firsthand.
Morrow crossed the desolate land and came before Kite and Killua.
His gaze quickly swept over Kite's empty right shoulder.
Though simply wrapped in cloth, only a small amount of blood had seeped through.
Morrow guessed that among Kite's Crazy Slots, there must be some kind of healing weapon.
Perhaps its healing effect wasn't as astonishing as Angel's Breath, but stopping bleeding and relieving pain probably wasn't an issue.
As these thoughts crossed his mind, Morrow shifted his gaze to Killua, who stood nearby barely able to conceal his delight.
"Killua."
Morrow greeted with a smile.
Killua quickly stepped forward, eyes shining, and said, "Teacher, why are you here? Did you save Kite?"
Before Morrow could answer, Kite had already approached from behind Killua, his expression serious as he said, "I've heard Gon and Killua mention you many times. You're their teacher Morrow, right?"
Morrow first nodded to Killua, then looked at Kite and replied, "Yes."
"My name is Kite. I'm an old acquaintance of Gon's. Recently, my team has been working on a biological investigation commission, so I've had Gon and Killua join the operation."
Kite's expression turned somewhat grave, his voice lowering. "But due to my misjudgment, the situation spiraled out of control... If you hadn't intervened yesterday, I probably wouldn't be alive now. Thank you very much."
"No need for thanks."
Morrow said, "The main reason I took the risk to save you was because I didn't want the Chimera Ants to absorb you and convert you into their combat power."
"Very accurate assessment."
Kite's eyes narrowed as he nodded solemnly.
The most terrifying aspect of Chimera Ants was their racial ability of Phagogenesis, which could transform other creatures into their own combat forces.
If he had truly become food for the Chimera Ant Queen, it likely would have catalyzed the emergence of new combat power highly advantageous to the Chimera Ants.
In any case, Morrow's timely rescue had been a tremendous help.
Kite was prepared to sacrifice his life, but the thought of potentially being converted into combat power by the Chimera Ants after death made him somewhat resistant.
Morrow didn't continue the conversation, instead turning his gaze toward Gon under the shade of the trees.
Seeing this, Killua thought his teacher wanted to understand what had happened and began explaining voluntarily.
But as he spoke, he recalled how he had actually entertained the thought of abandoning Gon and Kite, and how his body had already subconsciously acted on it.
His voice gradually grew quieter.
Kite noticed Killua's unusual behavior.
Actually, he had noticed it as early as when they reached the border.
However, even now, he still believed it was caused by the tremendous mental pressure from that monster. Such cruel experiences are encountered by many Nen users who walk this path.
The outcome might be losing one's life, or it might leave an indelible shadow etched deep within one's heart.
Outsiders can rarely truly intervene; ultimately, the individual must rely on their own will and conviction to cross this hurdle alone.
Kite wasn't aware of Killua's current situation, so it was natural for him to think this way.
But Morrow was different.
He understood Killua's mental struggles perfectly.
In fact, given Killua's current Nen strength, if he truly harbored the thought of resisting the Nen needle, he might be able to pull it out himself.
However, the Nen needle left behind by Illumi had grown even stronger through death.
Under these circumstances, it was absolutely impossible for Killua to realize this on his own and extract the Nen needle.
Seeing Killua in such agony now, Morrow felt somewhat hesitant.
It could be said that Killua's current predicament was somewhat related to him.
After patiently listening to Killua explain what happened, Morrow simply said calmly, "But you protected Gon very well."
Killua's pupils trembled slightly, and he abruptly raised his head.
Morrow responded with a gentle smile.
Seeing his teacher's smile, a wave of warmth surged in Killua's heart, but it soon sank again.
If Gon and his teacher were to face such a situation again, would he still stand by and do nothing?
Just the thought of this possibility made him feel unable to forgive himself.
Morrow watched as the light that had just ignited in Killua's eyes gradually dimmed again, and he couldn't help but sigh softly to himself.
Forget it... At this point, what was there left to hesitate about?
If the pig-farming plan could proceed smoothly, he would have a chance to climb from the cliff to the summit.
As long as he possessed sufficient strength, he could cast off those unnecessary psychological burdens and truly look upon this world as he pleased.
With his thoughts settled, Morrow shifted his gaze, glancing at Kite beside him, temporarily suppressing his inner thoughts.
—--
In the afternoon.
The group returned to the nearest town.
Kite had already called back his anxious teammates and set the rendezvous point here.
Killua temporarily found an inn and settled Gon on the bed.
At that time, his mental stress had been too intense, and he truly hadn't held back when he struck.
If Gon hadn't erupted with a greater aura output than usual at that moment, he might have suffered serious injuries.
Even so, Gon still hadn't woken up.
While Killua was taking care of Gon, Morrow contacted Kalluto and Menchi, confirming that they would arrive around midnight.
Afterward, Morrow also came to the inn room.
He glanced at the still-sleeping Gon, then turned his gaze to Killua, who sat by the bed filled with guilt.
"Killua, you don't need to blame yourself. This isn't your fault."
"..."
Killua clenched his fists, remaining silent with his head lowered for a moment before speaking in a low voice, "Teacher, you don't need to comfort me like this."
"If that's what you think, you're misunderstanding."
Morrow looked at Killua's back and said calmly, "I'm merely stating a fact. The reason you always retreat in the face of strong enemies and difficult situations stems from Illumi's twisted methods of education."
"..."
Killua fell silent again.
Yes, what had always controlled his actions was the voice of his elder brother Illumi, echoing incessantly in his mind.
But when it came down to it, wasn't it his own inability to resist that voice?
Morrow said, "Get some good rest. When you wake up, you won't be troubled by this anymore."
As soon as the words fell, Morrow didn't wait for Killua's response and abruptly used his Astral Step ability.
Whoosh.
In the next instant, he struck the still-unreacting Killua unconscious with a palm chop.
The unconscious Killua slumped forward onto the bedsheets.
Morrow immediately moved Killua to a chair in the room, then pressed his index and middle fingers together and slowly extended them toward Killua's forehead.
Just as his fingertips were about to touch Killua's forehead, he suddenly stopped.
Everyone experiences moments of growth.
Having someone's help might make it easier to overcome obstacles and difficulties.
But it would also mean missing out on many gains and changes that should come with growth.
Morrow hesitated because he felt he might be depriving Killua of a growth opportunity.
If Kalluto and Kurapika had been present, they would have surely guessed the reason for Morrow's hesitation.
Because in Kalluto and Kurapika's eyes, this was exactly the kind of person Morrow was.
He would help his companions along the journey, but more often hoped they could achieve change through their own strength.
"Sorry, Killua."
Morrow pressed his index and middle fingers against Killua's forehead, and the Tree Rings immediately responded.
He didn't need to remove the needle to directly absorb the Post-Mortem Nen left behind by Illumi.
However, once the Post-Mortem Nen disappeared, Killua's memories would return, making him directly aware of the now-powerless needle from Illumi embedded in his head.
Absorb.
With a thought from Morrow, Illumi's Post-Mortem Nen was extracted.
Immediately, a snake-like cold black Nen flowed along Morrow's fingers to the Tree Rings tattoo on the back of his hand.
In just a few seconds, the Tree Rings completely absorbed Illumi's Post-Mortem Nen.
The energy of the fourth Tree Rings surged from 0% all the way to 9%.
Just a small Nen needle, and it gives 9% conversion.
Morrow withdrew his hand and looked down at the fourth Tree Rings energy on the back of his hand.
This was the fourth Tree Rings.
And the 9% conversion was enough to show how distorted and intense the "obsession" left by Illumi was.
Perhaps this Post-Mortem Nen's strength would continue to grow along with Killua's power.
All to keep Killua firmly suppressed at all times.
Considering this possibility, Morrow couldn't help but shake his head before turning to leave the room.
He didn't plan to stay long.
After all, Netero might arrive with his team tomorrow or the day after.
And he had to return to NGL to confirm whether the Chimera Ants had undergone widespread Nen awakening.
He also needed to harvest as many Officer and Squadron Leader level Chimera Ants as possible before Netero's team began their operation.
This meant that in the coming days, he would be competing with Netero's team for targets.
As for what consequences this might bring, Morrow didn't care at all.
At this moment, he only wanted to seize this opportunity to push his level up in one go.
Leaving the inn, Morrow headed straight for the NGL border.
Just as he reached the end of the street, he encountered Kite.
Kite looked at Morrow and asked, "Are you returning to NGL?"
"Yes."
Morrow nodded without hiding it.
Kite frowned slightly, wanting to dissuade him but unable to find an appropriate identity or reason.
But he quickly thought of the incoming support team and tentatively suggested, "The Association's support will arrive in at most two days. If your goal is to eliminate the Chimera Ants, why not wait for them to arrive and discuss the operation together? This would minimize the risks."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Morrow's expression remained calm.
Kite asked in confusion, "Why?"
"Once the support team arrives, you'll naturally understand."
Morrow didn't elaborate further, simply stepping past Kite and continuing toward the outskirts of the town.
The implication of his words was that after Netero's team arrived and intelligence was exchanged, they would inevitably become aware of his presence.
By then, Kite would learn that he had been rejected by the review department and was currently acting without authorization.
But the deeper reason... was that Morrow had to act before Netero's team arrived.
Only then could he harvest more experience points.
After leaving the town, Morrow didn't head directly into NGL. Instead, he waited at the designated meeting point for Menchi and Kalluto to arrive.
He waited until the sun set and night fell.
Menchi arrived before Kalluto.
When she received the notification, she was already in the southern part of the Yorbian continent, relatively close to the Barusa Islands where NGL was located.
Naturally, she reached the meeting point faster than Kalluto.
And Menchi hadn't come alone; beside her was Ponzu, who seemed somewhat listless.
Morrow glanced at Ponzu beside Menchi, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
He hadn't previously pressed Menchi about who she had ultimately chosen to teach Nen.
He only knew that her preferred candidate was Barbara, who already possessed some professional skills.
After all, with Barbara's capabilities, she was more likely to help Menchi achieve her goal of advancing to Two Stars, and it wouldn't require investing too much effort in teaching.
But perhaps the Hunter Association was already aware that Barbara had mastered Nen, so they didn't let Menchi take the easy way out.
It seemed now that Menchi had ultimately chosen Ponzu.
No wonder, ever since the Hunter Exam ended, Menchi had devoted almost all her time to teaching.
After all, she was aiming for Two Stars, and teaching Nen to a novice would take at least a year to start with.
From this, one could also see the cunning behind the Hunter Association's conditions for star promotion.
And the fact that Ponzu could endure for so long in such circumstances was likely due not only to the nature of her own Nen ability but also to Menchi's teaching methods.
At the very least, in terms of concealment and the use of Zetsu, she had clearly inherited Menchi's true skills.
And this, precisely, was the hallmark expertise of a Gourmet Hunter.
When Menchi saw Morrow after such a long time, a bright spark flashed in her eyes. She immediately ran over and gave him a warm, unreserved hug.
"Ponzu told me everything... Thank goodness you were there, or she wouldn't have made it back."
"Is she your apprentice?"
Morrow let Menchi hug him and asked softly.
Menchi rested her chin on his shoulder and replied, "Yeah, didn't I tell you?"
"No."
"Then I must've forgotten, haha."
Menchi naturally released him and turned to look at Ponzu.
Ponzu quickly stepped forward.
Perhaps because she was excited to see Morrow, the weariness on her face seemed to fade slightly as she bowed deeply to him.
Watching from the side, Menchi suddenly said, "Morrow, I took the liberty of telling Ponzu about hunting Chimera Ants in NGL... Sorry."
"It's fine, it's not a secret anyway."
Morrow smiled.
Menchi also smiled faintly, then changed the subject. "After learning about it, Ponzu wants to join the operation."
"Oh?"
Hearing this, Morrow looked at Ponzu with considerable surprise.
At that moment, Ponzu straightened her posture. Though she still appeared somewhat weary, her eyes shone with unwavering determination.
"I want to avenge my friends! Please allow me to participate in this operation, I beg you, Lord Morrow!"
After speaking, she bowed deeply once more.
Morrow never expected that Ponzu, who had just experienced such a perilous situation, could regain her courage in such a short time.
And all for the sake of avenging her friends.
"Even if it might cost you your life?"
He asked calmly.
"Yes. If I were to retreat now... I wouldn't have the face to meet them after death."
Maintaining her bow, Ponzu's tone showed no hesitation, clearly demonstrating her resolve.
But her ability to possess such determination was also due to the opportunity given by Morrow and her master.
Otherwise, with her own ability alone, no amount of determination would enable her to accomplish anything.
"Very well."
Faced with Ponzu's resolution, Morrow felt as if he was seeing this girl, who had met a tragic end at the hands of Chimera Ants in the original story, in a new light, and had even less reason to refuse her request.
This was another hurdle, a hurdle that Ponzu must overcome herself.
"Menchi."
"Hmm?"
"Your judgment is excellent."
Morrow smiled.
Menchi looked at Ponzu and also laughed. "Of course, it's not like you're meeting me for the first time."
After speaking, she turned her gaze back to Morrow and said with a serious tone, "My eye for 'picking people' has always been good."
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Bonus chapter @1200powerstones