Chapter 3: The New Member's Identity Becomes Fact
Germain,
Chrollofinally spoke, his voice cold yet hauntingly persuasive.
You've passed both trials of the Phantom Troupe.
You've retrieved the Promised Gem and withstood Paknotta's Memory Reading, proving your compatibility with the Troupe.
Congratulations. From now on, you're one of us the Eighth Member of the Phantom Troupe.
I must clarify from the beginning, Chrollocontinued, his expression unreadable.
The Phantom Troupe has few rules or restrictions. If there's a conflict among members, it's usually settled with a coin toss.
You're free to do whatever you want, go wherever you want but you must attend the assemblies.
He smiled faintly as he said it, not with joy or satisfaction, but with the expression required for the occasion.
Germain listened silently, then lifted his hand to remove his black tricorn hat, bowing slightly to Chrolloand the others.
Understood, he said.
As he bent his head, flashes of memory came to him.
The Promised Gems two priceless rubies that glowed faintly when brought together and faded when separated.
The original Germain had stolen them from a jeweler and delivered them to Chrollo.
As for Paknotta's memory-reading ability, it was a telepathic power that allowed her to recover memories through mere touch.
It was terrifying.
Fortunately, she had exercised discretion confirming only fragments of the original's memories: his true origin and lack of hostility toward the Troupe.
Had she seen more his abilities or weaknesses the original Germain would've refused the recruitment entirely.
Because of this psychic ability, the current Germain couldn't outright reject joining the Troupe.
He lacked any convincing reason; he simply didn't want to join nothing more.
His past in Meteor City and his record as a professional assassin were undeniable. A quick check would expose everything.
Likewise, his earlier desire to join the Phantom Troupe was equally verifiable.
So why had Germain suddenly changed his mind?
It was suspicious.
The Troupe could easily infer a possibility:
Under the influence of some Nen ability, Germain had altered his own memories even deceiving Paknotta and infiltrated the Phantom Troupe under false pretenses.
Now, having achieved his hidden purpose (or not), he'd somehow awakened his true memories and wanted to withdraw.
If that theory was true, the Phantom Troupe wouldn't let him leave not until they uncovered the truth.
And Feitan, without a doubt, would lead the interrogation.
That was a future Germain did not want to face.
For now, he had passed the test. All he could do was stay cautious and avoid drawing suspicion.
He'd leave the Troupe when the conditions were right certainly not tonight.
Clap… clap… clap…
Chrollobegan applauding.
The others exchanged glances, joining in with restrained applause.
When the sound faded, Chrollolooked around before speaking again.
Tonight's meeting has two introductions our new Number Four, Hisoka, and our new Number Eight, Germain. But there's one more thing.
Next year, we'll have a group event.
So that was it.
Everyone understood.
Chrollo rarely gathered both old and new members together. The true purpose was to prepare for the group operation planned for the coming year.
Germain felt a chill. This event shouldn't exist in the original timeline.
In the original sequence, after 1996, the Troupe held only small meetings not full gatherings.
Their next full assembly wasn't until 1999, during the grand auction heist in Uxen City.
But now, the group event had been moved forward to 1998 far earlier than expected.
And of course, such a collective operation could only mean one thing:
a blood-soaked massacre.
The old Germain might have relished it.
The current Germain did not.
Chrollocontinued calmly,
I'll notify everyone of the exact time and place one or two months in advance. Regardless of your obligations, I expect all of you to attend.
He smiled faintly at Feitan and Hisoka the two habitual absentees of minor meetings.
Feitan only nodded once, silent as always.
Hisoka, meanwhile, slowly raised his hand, pulling a card from between his lips.
Mmm… Chrollo, did you say that just for me?
His tone carried a playful menace.
I'm touched. I can feel your love…
Yes, Chrolloreplied without hesitation. I said it just for you.
Ahh… wonderful, Hisoka purred. If you'd grant me a few small wishes, I might do anything for you…
Chrolloignored him, clapping his hands lightly.
Well then that concludes tonight's meeting. You may all leave.
He rose gracefully, nodding once before descending the clock tower stairs.
How dull…
Hisoka licked his lips and smiled faintly before following after him.
The other members exchanged glances.
They knew Hisoka's obsession with Chrollowas dangerous and none intended to leave the two alone.
One by one, the eleven remaining Troupe members, each harboring their own motives, descended into the night.
Within three minutes, the vast chamber of the clock tower was empty once more.
Germain replaced his black hat, rubbing his chin as he drifted in thought until a familiar voice snapped him back.
Hey… have you decided yet?
Machi stood before him, arms crossed, head tilted slightly upward, her cold gaze fixed on his.
What?
Where to put the tattoo, she said flatly.
A tattoo…?
Ah, of course. Every member of the Phantom Troupe bore the mark a twelve-legged spider with their member number carved upon it.
There was no avoiding it now. Better to pretend to comply; there would be ways to remove it later.
Germain glanced down and pointed to his left thigh.
Here.
Fine, Machi replied curtly.
She pulled out two needles, their tips gleaming in the pale moonlight.
Tilting her chin upward, she gestured for Germain to expose his thigh.
So this was how they tattooed the spider, he thought.
With a resigned breath, Germain sat on the cold floor and rolled up his pant leg, revealing his solid thigh.
Machi held a needle in each hand and without warning, struck.
Chi chi chi!
The speed was astonishing; Germain could only see blurred afterimages.
A tingling sensation spread through his skin and then, before his eyes, the outline of the twelve-legged spider appeared on his flesh.
(End of Chapter 3)