Chapter 48: The Agreement
Zeno Zoldyck surveyed the scene, his face impassive. "It seems our services are no longer required."
Silva said nothing, but his silence was an agreement. His gaze lingered on Killua, then on Kyle, Kurapika, and the bound Chrollo. After a brief, silent assessment, they turned and walked away, disappearing into the darkness of the doorway as if they had never been there.
Now, only the four of them remained. The air was frozen.
Chrollo, ignoring the seething rage radiating from Kurapika, looked at Kyle. His eyes were deep, unreadable.
"You're the one who sent Uvogin to the other world, aren't you?" He was terrifyingly calm, as if he were discussing the weather.
"It seems you've already made your choice," Kyle said, not answering directly.
He had to admire Chrollo's decisiveness. The only reason their plan had worked so easily was that Chrollo had allowed it, his actions aligning with the prophecy.
"Another world..." Chrollo mused, feeling the Chain Jail constricting his Nen. "I don't know its rules, but I am certain that if it weren't for you, Uvogin would have been killed by him."
This was the power of Vows and Limitations. He was in a forced state of Zetsu. Only brute force could break these chains, and if Uvogin couldn't, he certainly couldn't.
Before Kyle could respond, Kurapika's voice cut in, so hot with suppressed rage that the air itself seemed to shimmer.
"Five years ago. Were you the leader then? Did you lead the massacre of the Kurta clan?"
His Scarlet Eyes were locked on Chrollo, reflecting the souls of his murdered family.
Chrollo met his gaze with a cold, dismissive smile. "Do you really think I'd tell you?"
Kurapika flashed back to his interrogation of Uvogin—the defiance, the loyalty... Why? he thought, his mind reeling. Why do these butchers have such bonds?
He snapped.
His fist smashed into Chrollo's face, the sound a dull, heavy thud. Again and again, he poured five years of hatred and agony into every blow.
Kyle and Killua stood back, making no move to stop him. They knew Kurapika needed this.
Finally, with Chrollo bruised and bloody, Kurapika stopped, his chest heaving. He summoned his Judgment Chain. Its sharp tip glinted in the dim light.
This was the moment that would decide everything.
"This is my Judgment Chain. I will set the conditions, and you will obey."
"First: From this moment, the Phantom Troupe is forbidden from attacking any of us."
"Second: All members of the Troupe must go to the Pirate World within seven days."
"Third: You, Chrollo Lucilfer, are forbidden from using Nen."
"Fourth: After all Troupe members have been banished, these Vows will be broken."
Without waiting for an answer, Kurapika plunged the needle-like chain into Chrollo's chest, embedding it in his heart.
Chrollo could feel the Vow take hold. If he violated a single condition, the chain would pierce his heart.
Kurapika then dispelled Chain Jail.
Chrollo, free, touched his chest. He couldn't feel the chain at all. He said nothing, simply took out his phone and began making calls.
Within minutes, the rest of the Troupe had arrived.
Chrollo explained the situation. As one, all their eyes turned to Kyle.
Kyle stepped forward.
"My ability is the [Book of World Resonance]. I can form a Death Contract with you and banish you to another world. If you wish to return, you must find and kill me there. If you die in that world, I will gain 1% to 10% of the power you cultivated."
"The choice is yours. Accept, or not?" Kyle looked at the Troupe, then at Chrollo.
All eyes were on their leader.
"I accept," Chrollo said without hesitation.
For him, it was simple. It was a chance to find Uvogin. He knew his members—Nobunaga, Machi, Pakunoda—would feel the same. Nobunaga, in particular, was vibrating with excitement that Uvogin was alive; he almost looked grateful.
"This Death Banishment requires a massive amount of Aura," Kyle explained. "I can only send one person at a time. Who's first?"
Chrollo spoke. "Is the destination random, or can you designate it?"
"Because you are an organization," Kyle said, "you will all be banished to the same place."
"Is that so?" a new voice purred. "Then I'll go first."
Hisoka stepped forward, a wild look of excitement in his eyes. He was no longer focused on Chrollo. This new world, full of strong opponents... he would get stronger, and then he would fight Chrollo after he had gotten stronger, too. The thought was intoxicating.
Kyle wasn't surprised. After all, he thought, Hisoka's just an imposter. This means his banishment won't be linked to theirs. He was supposed to be a crewmate, but it looks like he's choosing his own path.
Kyle didn't object. His Aura began to surge as he recited the terms of the Vow one last time.
Hisoka just smiled. "I accept."
The light of the portal enveloped Hisoka, and in a flash, he was gone.
The moment he vanished, Kyle staggered, a wave of Aura exhaustion hitting him, looking completely drained.