Meteor City — Sector 2, Council Chambers
"Is the intel confirmed?" Elder Lido asked grimly, his voice like gravel underfoot.
"Yes, sir," the aide replied. "They've Meteor City territory. Based on their route, they should be in the inner districts by now."
Lido's brows knit together.
They didn't even bother to hide their return?
What arrogance.
Or… was it something else?
"Ridiculous," Lido snapped. "Is the Zoldyck name just for show now? They couldn't even take down a single boy?"
The ornate teacup in his hand shattered under pressure, shards clinking to the floor.
"…It seems I'll have to handle this myself."
He stood.
"Activate the Death Corps. Once I give the signal—exterminate them."
"Yes, Elder."
Lido's mind raced. The boy's return was too brazen. Almost like a challenge. But what could he do? No one outside the upper echelon of the Ten Dons knew he had been the one to hire the assassins. There was no way that secret had leaked.
Still, he couldn't ignore the threat.
Kai's power had grown far too dangerous.
Once just a promising orphan, now his name was whispered even among elite Nen users.
He had to die. Tonight.
---
Meteor City — Sector 1
Outside the Elders' compound, a thunderous voice roared:
"Lido! Drag your wrinkled corpse out here!!"
It was Uvogin, his bellow amplified with Nen. The sound shook windows, cracked walls, and echoed across the entire district.
"Warn us before you do that, idiot," Nobunaga scowled, sheathing his katana with a click.
Before Uvogin could bark back, Elder Lido emerged, his robes billowing behind him. His personal guards formed a perimeter.
"…What's the meaning of this?" Lido asked coldly.
"You already know," Kai said, stepping forward. "You tried to have me killed. I'm here to return the favor."
Gasps spread like wildfire. Challenging an Elder… publicly?
Unheard of.
"You overestimate yourself, child," Lido sneered.
Kai's gaze was calm. Almost bored.
"Uvogin," he said, not taking his eyes off Lido, "handle it."
"Gladly!"
The ground shook as Uvogin charged forward like a raging beast.
"Machi, Nobunaga," Kai added, "support him if needed. I'm heading to Central."
"Got it," Machi nodded, calmly preparing her threads.
"You better not die before we catch up," Nobunaga smirked.
---
Minutes Later — Sector 0, Council Citadel
A massive explosion echoed in the distance as Kai arrived.
Within the towering council chambers, the remaining Elders were just gathering their forces.
Too late.
"Asura Style: Hundred Arms Manifestation."
Behind Kai, a skeletal colossus of glowing Nen erupted—its size eclipsing the chamber itself. Rows upon rows of spectral arms extended behind him, each one humming with lethal power.
Even seasoned Hunters would tremble before that pressure.
The Elders hesitated.
Kai did not.
"Execute."
The skeletal avatar moved with a terrifying grace, each arm delivering precision strikes that shattered stone, bone, and Nen alike. Elders fell one by one, unable to resist the overwhelming force.
---
Elsewhere, in the Western District
"Did you feel that?" Chrollo Lucilfer muttered, wiping blood from his cheek as another explosion rippled through the sky.
"That wasn't Uvogin," Feitan said flatly.
Chrollo's eyes narrowed.
"That was Kai."
For a second, he was silent.
"…So that's the true extent of his power?"
A moment later, he sliced through an Elder's heart.
"I still won't lose."
---
That night, Meteor City changed. Forever.
The rebellion wasn't quiet.
It wasn't hidden.
It was announced.
In 20 minutes, the Council of Elders—an unshakable institution for decades—was annihilated.
By a boy the world once threw away.
By Kai.
---
Days Later — Kai's Address
Standing before Meteor City's citizens, Kai spoke:
"Meteor City's strength was never its leaders. It was its people."
"For too long, our talent has been sold off. Our best have been sent out to serve others. That ends now."
He raised his hand. Behind him, former members of the Phantom Troupe stood silently.
"From this day forward, Meteor City will train its own. Protect its own. Raise its own."
"District Overseers will be appointed. Not Elders, not tyrants."
"From now on, we rise together."
His voice echoed not just through the city—but across the world of Hunters.
A new power had awakened in the shadows.
And his name was Kai.
---