HxH: Apex Predator

At this moment, Ryker's strategy had succeeded.

His plan had always revolved around finding the perfect opportunity to use his Sharingan's genjutsu on his opponent.

However, for the genjutsu to work, he needed to make eye contact.

Wearing sunglasses had been a critical part of his deception—if he had removed them prematurely, Jackie would have become cautious, and his plan might have failed.

Luck played a significant role in the success of his strategy. Ryker hadn't anticipated that Jackie would overthink his disguise to such an extent, imagining it as a complex Nen vow.

That misconception had created the perfect opening. This was a prime example of how overanalyzing could backfire.

Jackie was now under Ryker's genjutsu. Without hesitation, Ryker sprang into action, using both hands and feet in rapid succession. His first move was to kick Jackie's mop—now lying on the ground—out of the ring.

Then, with his right hand transformed into a sharp hand-blade, he swung at Jackie's left wrist, which was gripping the folding chair.

Why hadn't Ryker aimed to kill Jackie outright when he was caught in the genjutsu? It was simple: Ryker prioritized caution.

This was his first time using the Sharingan's genjutsu in a battle, and his opponent was a floor master-level Nen user.

Ryker couldn't predict how long Jackie would remain trapped in the illusion. The safest approach was to disable Jackie's weapons first.

If Jackie retained his weapons' enhancement, he might recover faster, turning the tide against Ryker.

Additionally, Ryker's physical size and positioning played a factor. At his current height and reach, it was far easier to target Jackie's left wrist than his vitals.

*SWISH!*

When Ryker delivered the first blow, everything unfolded as planned. His kick sent the mop flying out of the arena, and his hand-blade slashed through Jackie's left wrist.

The mop's departure significantly weakened Jackie's aura reinforcement.

Without his mop, Jackie's defensive capabilities dropped. His left hand, previously strengthened by Nen, was severed cleanly.

Simultaneously, Ryker's excess force caused the folding chair to shatter in midair. Jackie's aura dropped further, leaving him significantly weakened.

At that moment, Jackie's pain jolted him back to reality, breaking free from the genjutsu. But it was too late.

The first sight he saw upon regaining clarity was Ryker's grotesque, muscular left hand, claws extended, lunging straight for his chest.

Jackie had no time to react. A searing pain shot through his torso as Ryker's claws pierced his chest. The smaller fighter wrapped his legs tightly around Jackie's waist, anchoring himself firmly in place.

Despite his injuries, Jackie instinctively counterattacked. His remaining hand struck at Ryker, but Ryker had anticipated this.

Shifting his aura to strengthen his left side, Ryker minimized the damage while raising his right hand for a decisive strike.

*SWISH!*

With a single swift motion, Ryker's hand-blade slashed Jackie's neck. The floor master's head flew backward, severed cleanly. Blood sprayed into the air as Jackie Chan's lifeless body fell to the ground.

*THUD!*

The arena was silent for a heartbeat, and then chaos erupted.

Ryker, still perched on Jackie's corpse, ignored the crowd's reaction, his attention fixated on his system interface. He was checking his purification points, eager to confirm his progress.

When he saw that the unlock option beneath "Kamui" had lit up, a surge of exhilaration overtook him.

'Finally! After all the hardships since I arrived in this world, I've finally achieved it. Freedom is within reach!'

He couldn't suppress his emotions any longer. Throwing his head back, Ryker burst into laughter.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! HAHAHAHA!"

Years of suppressed frustration and pressure were released all at once.

The crowd, meanwhile, had exploded into a frenzy. No one had anticipated this outcome. Jackie Chan, a revered floor master, had been defeated—killed, no less—by a young challenger.

Commentators shouted into their microphones, their voices filled with disbelief and excitement.

"Ladies and gentlemen! The impossible has happened! Ryker has not only defeated Jackie Chan but has become the new floor master! This is a historic moment in the Sky Arena! Let's give him a round of applause!"

Amid the chaos, Ryker descended from the stage without a word.

In the audience, Tsubone wiped tears from her eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. Beside her, Illumi Zoldyck watched in silence, his expression unreadable.

Biscuit rose from her seat, whispering to herself. 'A monster from the Zoldyck family… What have they created this time?' She quickly grabbed Wing's hand and exited the arena.

Unbeknownst to Ryker, someone else had been observing the match from the shadows—a tall, muscular figure with long silver hair cascading to his waist. His piercing gaze remained fixed on the ring even as the fight concluded.

This was Silva Zoldyck, head of the Zoldyck family and Ryker's father.

Silva had come to assess Ryker's growth personally and to evaluate his potential. He had also been alerted by Tsubone, who reported that someone might be plotting against Ryker.

As the crowd erupted around him, Silva turned and disappeared into the shadows, unnoticed by anyone.

Meanwhile, Ryker's crimson eyes—revealed during the battle—had drawn the attention of many.

Those with sharp instincts had already begun scheming, sensing the potential within the boy's blood-red Sharingan.

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