"Excuse me, but I don't understand what this is all about all of a sudden." I say confused by this unexpected request, along with the rest of the group.
"The three of us have experienced firsthand the martial arts skills of you and your disciple Nicholas, and after witnessing your astonishing performance in your fight against Hisoka, whom we considered unsurpassable, it became clear to us that you were far ahead of us in the use of Nen. That is why we wish you to train us as well as Nicholas and Ponzu and bring us to new heights as fighters." Riven explains, emphasizing their intentions.
"It's just as Riven says. While as a Lizardman it's not easy for me to recognize my limits and ask a human for help in becoming stronger, I've witnessed your incredible skill in hand-to-hand combat, and your astonishing ingenuity in creating efficient Nen abilities. That's why I believe you're the only one I could train under to become stronger." Tetsu adds aside.
"Like Riven, I've also fought hand-to-hand against your disciple Nicholas, so I can attest to his great skill without needing his Nen ability. If he could reach that level and become a Floor Master by training under your wing, then I'm interested in trying as well to become stronger." The Dancer also adds aside.
"As you can see, we're all eager to become stronger, and we think our best chance is under your mentorship. We'll train under your guidance and orders without being intimidated, no matter how difficult it may be. Please accept us as your disciples, Kai-sensei." Riven asks me once again.
'I see. So they were motivated to make this request after seeing my fight with Hisoka. Well, I knew this was going to get a lot of attention.' I think to myself before I get ready to answer. "I refuse." I nonchalantly respond.
"What? But why?" Riven asks, obviously dissatisfied.
"I won't be staying at Heavens Arena any longer. Until the Battle Olympia arrives, I'll be away doing Blacklist Hunter work alongside Nicholas, so I won't have time to come back here to give martial arts lessons." I start to explain condescendingly.
"Besides, making you guys stronger doesn't really benefit me. Nicholas is going to be my partner once we start practicing as Hunters, so he obviously needs skills for defending himself and handling certain situations. And Ponzu is a good friend of mine who I went through a lot with during the Hunter Exam and whom I've promised to support in any way I can, so I had my reasons for training her as well."
"And who are you really to me? A bunch of guys we've fought against and who, sooner or later, will come to challenge us for our Floor Master titles. It would be very stupid of me to help you do that."
"We have no intention of... !" Riven starts to respond offended before I interrupt him.
"In any case, the reality is that I am under no obligation to act as your teacher, nor do I benefit from it in any way, so my answer is no. Now please go away and leave us alone." I state, showing myself somewhat annoyed by his their presence.
Faced with my brutal rejection, the group of three fighters stands there clenching their fists and teeth in discomfort at the rudeness of my words and their inability to refute them. But then, Riven suddenly changes his expression as an idea crosses his mind.
"What if we work for you?" He asks, catching my attention again. "You've said you intend to work as a Hunter, so you'll definitely need employees working under you. In that case, you can hire us as personnel to perform tasks such as transportation, surveillance, fighting, and various other tasks. That way, you'd have more workforce, and we could be close to you so you could train us."
At his proposal, I ponder about it in silent for a few seconds. 'It's true that I had discussed hiring more personnel for our agency with Nicholas, and truthfully, hiring unknown outsiders could increase the risk of infiltration. While I don't know Riven and the others that well, the likelihood that they're part of the mafia or some other group detrimental to our agency is practically nonexistent given their careers in Heavens Arena.'
'Besides, having members who already know how to use Nen would be more efficient and easier than hiring ordinary bodyguards and starting to teach them from scratch, and I could also put them to work much sooner on dangerous missions that require a certain amount of strength.'
"You may be fine with that arrangement, but what about you two?" I ask Tetsu and The Dancer, surprising them. "Are you also willing to leave your careers as Heavens Arena fighters to work under Nicholas and I and obey all our orders without question?"
"Because I'm warning you right now: you'd be working for an organization in the underworld, doing things that aren't respectable or grand, and constantly putting your lives on the line. With that in mind, would you want to continue down this path Riven is proposing?"
With these terms made clear, Tetsu and The Dancer share a look and remain in awkward silence for a few seconds before Tetsu begins to speak. "My tribe follows the ideology and tradition of following the strong. You managed to defeat me in a fair fight, and I'm not unaware of the act of killing, so as long as I can learn how to become more powerful from you, I have no problem following your orders."
"I... don't have the confidence to say that I'm 100% in agreement with what you're proposing as Tetsu does, given the implications it entails. But having you as a teacher would be a great opportunity to become stronger, so I want to try. And if I don't live up to your standards, you can just fire me." The Dancer says, clearly showing his nervousness and lack of confidence.
"Well, there you have it. The three of us are willing to work as your faithful followers. What do you say to that then?" Riven asks with high expectations.
"Sigh. Before making a decision, I'd need to consult with Nicholas to get his opinion and discuss the terms of employment, and I'll also have to remain remote and inaccessible for certain periods of time due to work, so I wouldn't be able to keep a close eye on your progress. Are you okay with all of that?" I ask sighing in defeat.
"Yes! Of course! Thank you very much, Kai-sensei! I assure you, you won't regret this decision!" Riven says, letting himself get carried away by emotion.
"I haven't decided anything! I just said I'd consult with Nicholas, so don't jump to conclusions, you hear me?!" I say very firmly before they bow and leave the place satisfied.
With the trio finally leaving, I resume my conversation with my group of friends, and about half an hour later, Nicholas comes walking down the hall, looking pretty tired (I'm not sure if it's from the fight or the interview).
Excited, I jump up from my chair alongside Ponzu and rush over to congratulate him on his promotion to Floor Master before starting to update him on the possible signing of the trio of fighters who have been here before.
"It's certainly faster and more convenient for our agency to hire manpower right now. But do you think it's a good idea to hire inexperienced people?" Nicholas asks.
"They may have some difficulty handling certain delicate situations, but it's not as if they have to be official representatives of the agency. They'd serve better as low-ranking members, handling simple tasks and fighting when called upon. Plus, they already know how to use Nen, which is a factor to take into account." I state.
"Maybe. But even if we hire them, we'll still have to continue looking for specific profiles for management issues and interactions with other groups, and we'll also have to detail the terms and agreements for their hiring." Nicholas argues.
"It's certainly a pain. Besides, you can't trust anyone who comes to you in that way. The best thing would be to dismiss them immediately and forget about the whole thing." Killua nastily adds while sit on a armchair.
"You better keep quiet, that this matter doesn't concern you." I tell him sharply, making him tick his tongue in annoyance.
"Look, I understand you, Nicholas, and I agree with everything that you're saying. What do you say if we meet later at my apartment to discuss these matters, and we go to celebrate with the others your promotion to one of the 21 Heavens Arena Floor Masters right now? We have to make the most of our time together. After all, tomorrow is our last day in the tower."
Nicholas gladly agrees to my proposition, and informing the rest of the group about our intention to celebrate Nicholas's victory and promotion by touring the leisure and entertainment facilities offered by Heavens Arena, we leave with them to enjoy what is our last outing together in the city of Gelsea.
Date: July 16th, 2011
Point of View Switch: Reader
Currently, three days have passed since Kai's intense battle as a Floor Master against the other fledgling star of Heaven's Arena, Hisoka Morrow, solidifying his reputation as a formidable fighter, and the buzz around his skills and achievements having attracted not only crazy fans, but also individuals with particular interests wishing to establish a connection with him and his pupil, Nicholas.
In particular, the three fighters who had volunteered to work as employees under them the other day to train under Kai's teachings had left a lasting impression on the Hunter duo. After parting ways with the group yesterday after the celebration for Nicholas's promotion to Floor Master, Kai and him spent the rest of the evening and part of the night discussing in the 230th-floor penthouse over the terms and requirements to include in the contracts for Riven, Tetsu and The Dancer.
With the documents prepared on paper today, the trio of fighters came to them right after they had breakfast to confirm if they had accepted their proposal, removing the need for the duo to track them down, and when Kai presented them with the files with all the details about their obligations and working conditions, the three fighters signed without worrying about the possibility of serious injury or death, agreeing to start working for the agency as soon as they were contacted by Kai or Nicholas with their phone details.
On top of that, right after that, Ponzu had her first fight on the 200th floor with Kai's permission to reset her 90-day preparation period and check her growth as a Nen fighter before having to leave for the Federation of Ochima because of her reforestation project.
Although she hadn't performed as well as Kai and Nicholas, she had managed to defeat her opponent with a technical knockout using a mix of spins and kicks, proving herself as a worthy fighter on the 200th floor and leaving the stadium very pleased to go with Kai and Nicholas for them to congratulate her afterward.
Verifying that Ponzu has indeed become stronger than when she arrived at the tower, Kai has achieved all the goals he had set for his stay in Heavens Arena. After two months of intense training and relentless fighting, the day has finally come for Kai to embark on his journey to Greed Island.
He stands with the rest of the group at the fountain located at the entrance of Heaven's Arena, and each of them is ready to take their separate paths from there and continue on their own journeys, so it will take a while before they can see him and each other again:
Kai has his bag packed at his back, and a car with several escorts issued by Battera waiting for him to say goodbye to his friends to take him to a private blimp in the airport that will take him to Battera Castle, where he will begin his crusade to try to win the Greed Island game.
Nicholas also has his large backpack ready to travel across different continents to inspect the items, establishments and criminal cases he and Kai have been researching online for the Tsukimichi Organization during their stay at Heavens Arena.
Although lighter on luggage, Ponzu is also ready to rejoin her team on the reforestation project, with plans to continue traveling to make more contacts and gain more experience and contributions to her careers as a Botanical and Poacher Hunter once it's finished.
Having managed to repair his wounded pride over Hisoka (a feeling Kai identify with) by managing to punch him in the face and return his exam badge, Gon decides to return to his home on Whale Island with Killua so he can meet his aunt Mito and catch her up on his adventures so far.
Ultimately, Zushi is staying in Gelsea, continuing to train under Wing and fighting in the Heavens Arena in pursuit of becoming a Floor Master just like Kai and Nicholas, both of whom have inspired him and Wing to strive even harder in order to surpass them someday.
"It seems the time has come for us to part ways. I must say I feel very gratified and happy to have spent these past few months training alongside you. Even though we've had our ups and downs, I'm very happy to have deepened my relationship with all of you." Kai says with a warm and pleasant feeling inside.
"I feel the same way, Kai. Your dedication and skill have truly inspired me, and I've learned a lot about Nen and combat thanks to you and the others." Gon resplies with his usual happy and kind smile.
"Although I find it hard to admit, you've inspired me greatly as well. While we haven't always been on good terms, you've truly helped me better understand the Nen and the vast gap between our abilities, and that, in turn, has helped me grow as a Nen user." Killua adds besides Gon.
"You both now have a much better understanding of the vast world of Nen, and where you stand within it. The further you advance and learn along your paths, the more important it will be for you to master your own style, just as Kai and Nicholas did." Wing comments.
"Yes, I know it. I hope everything goes well for you in your work on Greed Island and in your career as a Hunter, Kai." Killua says extending his hand, to which Kai responds with a friendly and firm handshake. "And I also hope that you keep striving to continue improving your skills."
Killua says in a low tone before Kai quickly pulls his hand away due to a strong shock. "OW!" He exclaims in pain, to everyone surprise.
"Because if you relax and become complacent, I'll eventually outsmart you and uncover everything you're hiding before you know it." Killua says with a challenging tone and look while a small electric current is visible in his hand.
"You're free to come and try it whenever you want, you little bastard. I'll trample you every time and make you pay for your shameless attempts with a fitting punishment." Kai replies with a sinister face and smile.
"Those two always the same." Ponzu comments with an exasperated sigh.
"I'm also very glad I met all of you. I promise I'll keep training to surpass the mark you have set for me." Zushi starts speaking.
"Do you think you can overtake us?" Killua asks.
"I'm sure I will! I'll become more powerful and become a Floor Master! And when that happens, Nicholas, will you have your friendly rematch with me?" Zushi asks Nicholas, surprising him with the sudden question before a defiant smile forms on his face.
"Sure, no problem. After all, you're not the only one who plans to put in the effort. I'll also become more powerful, so don't get too confident that you will be able to beat me." Nicholas says, exuding confidence and competitiveness, which is unusual for him.
"Osu!" Zushi responds by making the usual Shingen-ryu stance.
"The truth is that I really understand how you feel, Zushi. Because now I also have someone I want to surpass." Wing comments smiling, attracting the attention of Zushi and Kai.
"Kai, since I met you, I've experienced a roller coaster of emotions unlike anything I've felt in a long time. Despite only having trained Nen formally for 6 months, you've not only mastered your own fighting style, but you've also helped me overcome the old limits I've settled with in the past, and you have encouraged me to try to become stronger again."
"I have no doubt that you'll continue learning and developing to become even stronger stronger, and in the same way, I will continue to strive to surpass you someday. Killua isn't the only one hoping for a rematch against you, so I hope you're ready to accept my challenge when the time comes."
At her polite but firm challenge, Kai frowns and smiles defiantly as he nods. "I will also be ready for you when that time comes." He says to Wing.
He then turns to face Ponzu, his harsh expression changing to a soft and pleasant one. "You're the one I've bonded with the most over the past two months, Ponzu. You've been an exemplary disciple, and your fight on the 203rd floor was a testament to your hard work and growth. You fill me with pride as your master."
"Ha ha. Thank you so much, Kai. But the truth is, I wouldn't have been able to get this far if it weren't for you. You've helped me grow stronger when I didn't even believe I could, and the Nen ability you created for me shows how hard you've worked to train me properly. I'm truly grateful." Ponzu responds with a smile.
"I'm glad you liked it in the end. It may not be overwhelmingly strong, but I think it's good enough so you can handle yourself in a fight, and I'm sure it'll come in handy in the future." Kai says modestly while scratching the back of his neck.
"Before we separate, I'd like to ask if you're satisfied with how things are? You can back out if you've decided to change your mind. I really wouldn't mind."
Ponzu, dressed in one of her light attire, approaches Kai with a shy smile before giving him a hug. "Kai, you have nothing to worry about. I'm satisfied with how things are. Now we must both continue on our chosen paths, so go out into the world and become a great Hunter that everyone knows. I'll be eagerly awaiting the day we meet again to talk about our adventures and achievements, "master"." Ponzu says in a soft, loving voice as she continues to hug Kai smiling.
"I'll be waiting for that moment too, Ponzu. I hope you have much success and joy in your career as a Hunter in the meantime, and that you continue to grow as a Nen user so you can survive and show the world what my disciple is capable of." Kai tenderly responds by hugging her back.
"Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other after all." Killua comments, obviously trying to tease Kai once again.
"Do you really want me to give you a little going-away present, you pesky bastard?" Kai asks raising his fist in threat and with his aura flaring in anger.
At Killua's sweatdrop and worried face, Kai calms down his aura and brokes the embrace with Ponzu before finally addressing his first disciple and fellow Blacklist Hunter, Nicholas. "Well, here we are. After two months of training and planning together, we're finally set to try achieving new goals."
"We've both grown a lot during this time, both in our Nen skills and in laying the groundwork for our careers as Blacklist Hunters. While I'll be busy for a while working to fulfill the job Battera hired me for, you'll have to work alone to manage the resources and management of our agency, the Tsukimichi Organization."
"With your current skills, I know you're ready to take on this great responsibility, but you'll still have to face many challenges developing the agency and dealing with potential clients and workers in my absence. Therefore, I wish you good luck in this endeavor, Nicholas." Kai says extending his right hand for a handshake.
"I also wish you good luck, boss." Nicholas says returning the handshake, a mix of excitement and sadness in his eyes. "I'll be managing the matters of the formation of the mercenary agency at the best of my ability, and training hard so I can join you in that Greed Island game as soon as I can."
Kai nods. "I know you will, Nicholas. But don't feel pressured for it. We'll meet long before you have to join me on this assignment of the agency. Take it for granted"
"Yes!" Nicholas responds enthusiastically.
With their resolve stronger than ever, Kai and Nicholas finally say goodbye to the group they have experienced so many events with and head off in separate ways like the rest while waving their hands to them in farewell to begin their careers as Blacklist Hunters and co-founders of the Tsukimichi Organization, ready for the next chapter of their journey as Hunters.