Note: Hi y'all just wanted to post to show that I am here and still uploading, just had something going on. Will get more chapters later on!....And I updated my p@tron "wink wink" if you cant wait lol'
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Under the control of Black Puppet Dance, Neferpitou split a massive amount of aura into the shape of an invisible shield that blocked the front while moving quickly to evade. But the Sheer Heart Attack Bomb shifted direction as Neferpitou changed position.
The pupils narrowed.
"A tracking-type ability?"
Either the speed had to surpass the bomb's, or the attack had to be endured directly. Choosing the first option would only give the human the chance to restrain movement with other tricks. That would be useless. Better to choose the latter, reducing the overall drain inflicted by this human.
The decision was made—movement stopped.
The Sheer Heart Attack Bomb struck the shield.
Boom!
A violent shockwave burst outward. Neferpitou's body was driven back again and again. Even with the shield composed of enormous aura, the impact of the Sheer Heart Attack Bomb still broke through to some extent. Clothes tore, and several wounds opened. The gaze returned to Ron, more cautious than before.
............
........
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Elsewhere, Youpi was locked in a bitter fight.
"Thunderbolt!"
Lightning crashed down on Youpi's body, paralyzing him for an instant. Knuckle used the chance to press in.
"In all the heavens and earth, only I take the loss!"
A Nen beast in the form of a doll appeared beside Youpi—Knuckle's ability. It granted aura loans to the target, interest accumulating over time. Once the total value displayed on the Nen beast exceeded the target's own aura, bankruptcy would occur. The victim would be forced into Zetsu, unable to use Nen at all. In that state, Youpi would have nothing but raw physical strength left. Even as a Royal Guard, without aura, survival would be impossible against skilled Hunters.
Landing his strike, Knuckle quickly retreated. At that moment, the Chameleon Ant used its ability, concealing both itself and Knuckle completely, erasing even their aura. Youpi could no longer locate them. His speed was insufficient to catch Killua, and he could not pursue.
Youpi's aura and body were indeed formidable, but the problem lay elsewhere. Born too recently, much of the Royal Guard's development was still like that of an infant. Experience, technique, understanding of Nen, and personal ability development—none were complete. It was as if an infant held a nuclear bomb: destructive beyond measure, yet incapable of operating the weapon, not even knowing which button to press. The comparison was exaggerated, but if given time, even without further growth in aura or body, Youpi would surpass Knuckle and the others completely.
That time, however, would not be allowed.
Concern for the King filled his mind, but Killua and the others pinned him down. Frustration and rage burned within him, the pressure condensing like real flames across his chest.
"You humans!"
Youpi roared, fury erupting. Hidden away, Knuckle felt cold sweat run down his back at the overwhelming aura.
"Incredible. No wonder Knov was shaken like that. If the Royal Guards are already this strong… then what about the King? Can Chairman Netero really stand against him?"
The battlefield was divided into four fronts.
Netero against the King.
Knuckle, Killua, and the Chameleon Ant against Youpi.
Morel, Shoot, and Gon against Pouf.
Ron alone against Neferpitou.
Netero had made his choice; there must be confidence behind it. As for Ron—someone not even older than himself, now fighting a Royal Guard one-on-one—it was astonishing. Knuckle cast a glance at Killua, wondering whether Killua could one day reach that same level.
Killua's rapid progress already defied belief.
When Youpi exploded with rage, Killua and Knuckle instinctively widened their distance. They had never expected to defeat him in direct combat. Their task was simple: pin him down. As long as Youpi showed no sign of breaking away, they would wait, letting Knuckle's ability keep adding interest. Time itself was on their side.
But whenever Youpi tried to leave, Killua's lightning would strike, and Knuckle's fists would follow, forcing him back. Each clash pushed the number on the Nen beast higher.
The fourth battlefield unfolded elsewhere.
When Pouf was driven back by Netero, Morel instantly pursued. Before Pouf could stabilize himself, Morel drew in a deep breath and exhaled heavily into his pipe. White smoke surged out, spreading to blanket the entire area, covering ground and sky alike.
Pouf expanded En to regain perception, but the range of smoke was too vast. Even his En could not cover it all. Hidden within were not only Morel, but also Shoot and Gon. Gon's attacks were straightforward, easy for Pouf to avoid if seen. But the aura that clung to Shoot made Pouf uneasy.
Wings trembled as Pouf tried to break upward into the sky, aiming to reach the King as quickly as possible. Dozens of smoke soldiers formed above, dropping down to intercept. They swarmed from every direction, forcing him back down. At the same time, Morel struck from below, tightening the encirclement.