"Although I don't know who else is targeting you Spiders, the only member I killed was the big guy numbered 11."
After a brief silence, Kurapika gave his response.
Pakunoda nodded slightly, then turned to leave the airship. As she stepped forward, she continued speaking:
"The person who died at the Hotel Beitacle was Nobunaga, Uvogin's partner. He was a swordsman. You should already have his information. His death was instantaneous—his neck was severed by an extremely powerful martial skill.
We suspect it was someone from your assassination team."
Her words, though directed at Kurapika, were also a veiled message to Chrollo.
"Decapitation? Assassins? If that's the case…"
Chrollo, ever the strategist, immediately began connecting the dots. His thoughts flashed to the rooftop encounter from the previous night—the man in the human-skin mask. His right hand, now healed, clenched into a fist as the memory resurfaced.
Could it be him? The killer who severed my arm, wielding multiple Nen abilities at the auction...
Pakunoda, having said all she needed, exited the airship and moved quickly toward the base.
Onboard, Chrollo stood still, his mind heavy with the implications of her report. He didn't glance through the window to watch her leave. Instead, his gaze was distant.
Uvogin was gone. Nobunaga, too. Now, Pakunoda and the others were about to strike a deal with the Chain User. More deaths seemed inevitable.
Even with his usual rationality, Chrollo hadn't accounted for the depth of his comrades' emotions, particularly Pakunoda's. She and others would do anything to protect him as the leader of the Phantom Troupe, even if it defied logic.
But not all of them would agree. Half the group might follow their feelings, while the other half, bound by the Troupe's strict code, could resist the deal.
Would this lead to internal conflict?
Perhaps the prophecy was right: half the group would die—not because of the Chain User, but from tearing each other apart.
The airship sank into silence, broken only by Chrollo's faintly flickering gaze.
From the Airport, it took Pakunoda less than thirty minutes to reach the abandoned building serving as their base. The remaining nine members of the Troupe were already gathered.
Pakunoda addressed them directly, proposing the deal to exchange Gon and Killua for Chrollo.
As expected, the suggestion drew fierce opposition.
"Tell me where the Chain User is, Pakunoda. I'll kill him myself!" Phinks growled, his frustration palpable.
Ignoring him, Pakunoda scanned the group. Then, as if reaching a decision, she exhaled deeply and spoke with firm resolve:
"I won't reveal the location. I'll take the two kids to the designated spot alone. I hope none of you will interfere."
Her tone left no room for negotiation.
"Think I'm in the way?" Phinks shouted, stepping forward aggressively.
At that moment, Machi moved between them, her back to Pakunoda.
"We'll cover for you," she said, her tone unwavering.
Her words further stoked the tension.
"What do you mean, cover her?!" Feitan's cold voice cut through the room. His narrowed eyes glinted with hostility as he joined Phinks.
"You've all lost it. Maybe the Chain User already brainwashed you!"
"It has nothing to do with him," Machi snapped. Her calm demeanor only intensified the tension.
Before anyone could act, a sharp voice broke through the charged atmosphere:
"Whoever strikes first, I'll help the other side kill them."
The room fell silent as everyone turned toward the source.
It was Ronnel, stepping forward with a composed expression.
"Ronnel?" Shalnark's eyebrows lifted in surprise.
"That's right," Ronnel said. "We're all members of the Phantom Troupe. The rules forbid internal conflict. Whoever makes the first move, I'll back the other side."
"Oh?" Feitan's voice was laced with venom. "And what if you're the one who's been brainwashed?"
"Idiot!" Machi shot back, glaring at Feitan.
"Am I the idiot here?" Feitan sneered.
"Yes," Ronnel interrupted sharply, a mocking grin on his face. "You're acting like one."
"What did you just say?" Feitan's voice darkened.
"I said you're an idiot. Do you really think Kurapika, after capturing Chrollo, had time to brainwash all of us? Use your head for once."
This sharp retort hung in the air, leaving Feitan momentarily speechless.
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