121 Chapter 115: Raymond's Interference!
After the whole fiasco, Raymond silently left, inviting Gon and the others to come over to his place tomorrow.
Currently, he sat in the passenger seat of his car, strolling through the road amidst a line of cars in front and behind.
"..."
Sin drove, occasionally stealing glances at Raymond, tightening his grip on the steering wheel.
"Why? Frustrated?"
Raymond's voice cut through the silence, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery.
"...Yes," Sin replied, his tone tinged with resignation.
Memories of the recent clash against both Phantom Troupe members and the Zoldycks flooded his mind.
While Raymond had ordered him to stay clear of the fight, witnessing the chaos unfold only highlighted his powerlessness.
Sin was confident in his abilities in a one-on-one scenario, especially when his life was on the line.
Since he knew there were some exceptions among them that only fight alone.
Despite that, their apparent bond and mutual concern for each other were unmistakable. He couldn't shake the certainty that they would always stand together in times of need.
With many members of the Phantom Troupe, engaging one could easily lead to facing another, just as Raymond had demonstrated.
"I'm your bodyguard, yet I couldn't even do anything," he muttered, his frustration evident in his furrowed brow.
The clash against the Zoldycks was even more humiliating.
Despite being part of their plan for the fight to be merely a show, being thrown out of it without contributing was a blow to his pride!
Raymond chuckled in response, turning his head to look at Sin.
"You're already good enough. What you need right now is more experience..."
"...I'll keep that in mind."
He knew Sin was strong enough to take on one of the members of the Phantom Troupe on his own with his current strength.
Although facing someone like Feitan might pose a challenge, Raymond was confident that Sin would be able to escape if he found himself overpowered.
After all, he always taught the kid that...
[He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious.]
"...Master's right. I need to gain more experience," Sin silently thought, his eyes now blazing with determination.
"..."
Raymond gave a small smile, noticing Sin's determination.
Buzz... Buzz...
His phone suddenly vibrated, and he took it out to answer it.
"It's me..."
"I've given him your message, Master. Should we proceed to the next plan?" Sakujiro's voice came from the other side.
Raymond's eyes gleamed as he smiled, "I see. Just stick around for now. I'll tell you when we proceed...."
"Understood."
After hanging up the call, Raymond turned to Sin, "We're going to that place..."
"Understood..."
Sin nodded in response.
Their car slipped away from the line of cars meant to guard them, heading towards a quieter road and a certain building.
"Yawn... What did Boss say? Can I go to bed now?" a purple-haired woman asked, her eyes unfocused with sleepiness.
"No," Sakujiro replied instantly, setting his phone down.
He then turned to his subordinate in the car, "Get the car going."
"Understood," the man replied.
"...So annoying," Cassandra sighed deeply, clearly longing to go to bed.
She sighed once again as she and Sakujiro opened the car door, disappearing into the darkness of the night.
Meanwhile...
Kurapika and the other bodyguards of the Nostrade Family were surprised to learn that the Phantom Troupe didn't possess the goods they sought.
With this revelation, they opted to administer muscle relaxants to ensure Uvogin remained immobilized for the entire day.
Meanwhile, Dalzollene contacted the mafia to inform them that they had captured one of the bandits.
However...
"What did you say? The Shadow Beast was wiped out?"
"Yeah, they never stood a chance..."
His eyes widened in disbelief, feeling sweat trickle down his forehead.
The Shadow Beast was renowned as the ten most formidable Nen users within the Mafia Community.
Their strength and cruelty were widely known, and even he himself knew he didn't stand a chance against them.
"Yeah, where are you right now?"
"We're at..."
Dalzollene provided them with the address before ending the call and returning to his men.
"Hmm? Where's Kurapika?"
Dalzollene noticed Kurapika's absence, prompting the others to shrug in response.
Melody, however, seemed to know of his whereabout, "He's gone to meet someone..."
"Meet someone? Is it the same person we encountered earlier?" Dalzollene inquired, a hint of concern evident in his voice.
"I'm not certain, but could be..."
Melody replied, shaking her head.
Dalzollene frown knowing the importance of the situation. Despite his concerns, he decided to let it slide considering Kurapika's contributions in this event.
"Regardless, stay vigilant. The mafia could send someone at any moment to pick up that guy..."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
In the outskirts of the city lay a serene park, its tranquility undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Tall, ancient trees cast long shadows over the winding pathways, their leaves rustling softly in the night breeze.
The faint glow of lampposts scattered throughout the park offered a gentle illumination, creating a surreal ambiance under the dark night.
Tap... Tap... Tap...
The rhythmic sound of footsteps echoed through the stillness as three figures emerged from the darkness, their silhouettes stark against the moonlit backdrop.
"Kekeke, I wasn't expecting this..."
Hisoka's eerie laughter filled the air as he fixed his gaze on Kurapika, who stood several meters away with a frown.
His attention then shifted to the third figure, who stepped forward from the shadows to reveal himself.
"...Raymond Celestia!"
Hisoka's unsettling chuckles permeated the tense atmosphere, causing Kurapika's frown to deepen.
Turning his gaze towards Raymond, Kurapika demanded, "What do you mean I can't kill that guy, Raymond?"
Having recently read the note handed to him by Sakujiro, Kurapika struggled to comprehend Raymond's directive forbidding Uvogin's demise.
It puzzled him how Raymond seemed privy to his intentions, including Hisoka's unexpected contact.
He even requested in altering their meeting place!
"You..."
Kurapika's scarlet eyes blazed with suspicion as he scrutinized Raymond.
He couldn't shake the feeling of frustration, knowing that Raymond was trying to intervene in his quest to eliminate the person he despised most.
Fixing his intense gaze on Raymond's nonchalant demeanor, Kurapika pressed on, "What are you planning? Are you siding with them?"
"Kekeke..."
Hisoka observed the tense exchange with quiet amusement, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he awaited Raymond's response.
Silently, he mused, "...Seems like changing the location was also his doing. I wonder what he's planning this time."
Having heard about the events at the Zoldyck Estate from Illumi, Hisoka finally connected the dots regarding Raymond's actions during the Hunter Exam.
With just their brief encounter and the knowledge of Raymond's deeds, Hisoka formed a rough understanding of the man.
He realized that this dangerous individual... who aroused his desire for a formidable opponent... was undoubtedly plotting something big!
"Hmm..."
Raymond glanced at Hisoka before turning his gaze to Kurapika, offering a smile as he spoke, "I stand by my words. He will meet his end, but not at your hands..."
"...What?"
Kurapika's confusion was evident, while Hisoka couldn't help but widen his smile even further.
---
Follow me on Twi-tter (X): @mythoast
Do you want to read 15 chapters ahead of the schedule? Here's where you can find them:
p@treon.com/mythoast
