"That's right. How should I put it... I have a few things I'd like to say to Killua. I trust the head of the Zoldyck Family isn't so petty?" Takeru continued.
"How can I be sure you don't mean Killua harm?" Silva asked impassively.
"We're somewhat friends, you know. And if I truly intended to harm him, he would have died long ago during the Hunter Exam. You can ask Illumi. There were plenty of opportunities during the exam," Takeru replied with a calm smile.
"I see," Silva said, exchanging a glance with Zeno before nodding slightly.
Through the previous battle, both had acknowledged Takeru's strength. Considering Takeru's proposal now, they thought it wouldn't be a bad thing for Killua to have a friend like him.
While they generally disapproved of Killua making friends, it was mainly because ordinary people were unworthy of being their friends. Takeru's displayed strength had earned their recognition...
Much like Zeno's relationship with Netero, as long as one's strength reached a certain level, even if they didn't become friends, the Zoldycks would strive to avoid becoming enemies.
Seeing their agreement, Takeru smiled and followed them towards their residence...
The journey was swift, and Takeru maintained a composed demeanor. Soon, he saw their home… a place shrouded in gloom, exuding an oppressive atmosphere.
After traversing a long corridor, Takeru encountered Kikyo and Kalluto again. He waved cheerfully at them, ignoring Kikyo's subsequent hysterical screeching, and continued following Zeno towards the cell where Killua was confined.
Upon entering, Takeru saw Milluki, the chubby brother, whipping Killua with a leather strap.
"Hey, Killua. You're looking quite rough, aren't you?" Takeru teased, seeing Killua bound by chains and covered in welts.
"You... Takeru! Why are you here?" Killua exclaimed, utterly bewildered.
He never imagined Takeru could come here, especially seeing Zeno behind him, clearly having escorted him...
"Who are you?" Milluki, on the other hand, held his whip cautiously, eyeing Takeru.
"Milluki, step back," Zeno ordered calmly.
"But Grandfather, he—" Milluki started to protest but fell silent under Zeno's gaze.
"Excuse me, Old Master, could I have a private word with Killua? It won't take long. And I won't be taking him with me," Takeru said, turning to Zeno.
"One minute," Zeno stated after a moment's thought, giving a slight nod.
"Much obliged," Takeru replied with a light smile.
"Hey, Takeru, seriously, why are you here?" Killua pressed, frowning.
"Of course, I came with Gon to find you," Takeru shrugged.
"Gon..." Hearing this, Killua was stunned, a wave of warmth flooding his heart...
"Yeah. After you left, Gon was worried sick when he woke up. He even injured Illumi's arm over it. Then, right after getting his Hunter License, he rushed here," Takeru continued.
"And where is Gon now?" Killua asked eagerly.
"Gon? He's probably still at the main gate. I came ahead. They're likely still undergoing the trial," Takeru explained.
"I see... But why didn't Gon come in with you immediately?" Killua questioned further.
"Because my method of entry was a bit... aggressive. If Gon had followed, he'd probably be a corpse by now," Takeru stated bluntly.
"Anyway, I came in mainly to tell you that. I believe you'll see each other again soon. Do you have any message for Gon?" Takeru asked with a light smile.
While Takeru had liked Killua in his previous life, his actual interaction with him in this world hadn't been extensive.
After all, he only had a month here and little time for making friends...
"Please tell him... to be careful. And... I'm doing fine. I can't come out to see him right now because of some matters, but I will go find him later!" Killua said earnestly.
"Understood," Takeru nodded.
Knock knock!
Soon, the door was knocked. Milluki, Zeno, Kikyo, and Kalluto appeared in Takeru's view.
"Well then, Killua, see you next time, if fate allows." Takeru waved and walked out without looking back...
As he passed Kalluto, Takeru playfully patted his shoulder with a mischievous grin. "Your ability isn't bad. But you still need to work hard in the future."
With that, he left without a backward glance.
Simultaneously, Takeru checked the attributes of his Twilight Set.
[Twilight Shadow: Defense +180, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution. (Times Broken: 8)]
[Twilight Armor: Defense +225, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution... (Times Broken: 8)]
[Twilight Moon: Defense +120, Strength +240, Additional Skill: Destructive Evolution... (Times Broken: 7)]
Compared to the shield and armor, the weapon had been broken one fewer time.
...
After leaving the estate, Takeru swiftly departed from Kukuroo Mountain, soon reaching the outside.
By the time Takeru emerged, night had fallen. As he approached the Testing Gate, he could hear Leorio's astonished voice.
"You just said this door weighs two tons? And that's just the first one?!" Leorio exclaimed in horror.
"Correct. You see there are seven gates in total, right? The larger the number, the heavier the gate, with the weight doubling each time. By pushing this Testing Gate, the number of doors that open corresponds to your strength. By the way, when Killua-sama returned home, he opened the third gate by himself."
"The third... so that means he pushed 12 tons?" Gon calculated.
"That's 16 tons!" Kurapika corrected, breaking into a cold sweat.
"And Takeru opened four gates earlier... meaning he has a pushing strength of 32 tons?" Umaru added, equally shocked.
"That's right. Your companion is truly extraordinary," The old gatekeeper, Zebro, remarked with a sense of awe.
Just then, Takeru placed his hands on the gate again. As it swung open, his figure appeared before everyone...
"Takeru!" Seeing Takeru safe and sound, Umaru beamed with relief.
"Hey there!" Takeru greeted the group with a smile.
"Takeru! Did you see Killua? Where is he?" Gon rushed over excitedly.
"Of course. I'll relay his message now: 'Gon, be careful. And... I'm doing fine. I can't come out to see you right now because of some matters, but I will go find you later!'" Takeru conveyed Killua's words directly.
"Takeru, what matters? Why can't he come now? No, I want to go find him!" Gon insisted, growing agitated.
"Gon, with your current strength, entering would be a suicide mission. You wouldn't even get to see Killua, let alone find him."
"If you truly want to see Killua, start by pushing this gate open. I've said all I need to. The rest is up to you. We'll be leaving here soon, heading for a place called Heavens Arena. We'll meet again if fate allows."
Takeru looked at Gon seriously, then waved for Umaru to follow. He had discussed this plan with her beforehand, so she wasn't too surprised by the sudden departure...
As for Takeru, unconcerned by the dark night, he returned to the town. Though he had no money, he easily dealt with two individuals harboring ill intentions, then 'redistributed wealth' a bit, securing some funds for himself.
While Takeru still carried crystal coins manifested from the previous world, he preferred not to waste them unless necessary...
With money in hand, he found a cheap inn to rest. The next day, Takeru and Umaru embarked on their journey towards Heavens Arena.