HxH: I Will Be Supreme

Aboard the airship, Oboro discarded his ruined new clothes, changing into an old t-shirt and shorts before settling into the economy class lounge. A simple bandage covered the needle wound between his eyebrows.

"Combat experience... I need more fights to improve my skills."

Standing at the cabin's floor-to-ceiling window, watching the earth below, he reflected on his encounter with Illumi. It only reinforced his determination to reach Heaven's Arena.

The Arena's Nen users were notoriously inconsistent in quality, mostly weak, though some masters like the Floor Masters existed. But from what he remembered of Hunter × Hunter, even the Floor Masters shown in the movie seemed unimpressive, barely above fodder level.

Still, Heaven's Arena would provide constant battles, perfect for experimenting with Nen techniques and testing different combinations of abilities. Through numerous fights, he could learn how each technique performed in various situations.

Among anime he knew, Hunter × Hunter had perhaps the most comprehensive and well-designed power system. The variety of Nen types, Emission, Enhancement, Specialization, and others, meant facing diverse abilities would help him develop better combat strategies.

Knowledge alone wasn't enough. He needed practical application to develop his own fighting style.

Plus, the Arena offered the best way to make money. He clearly remembered Killua spending hundreds of millions of jenny there on snacks and chocolates...

And Oboro desperately needed money.

"Ah... there you are."

The familiar voice made him tense.

Illumi.

"What do you want?" Oboro asked coldly.

The economy section was bare bones, hundreds sharing one room, sleeping in seats. A luxury airship like this surely had private rooms... Illumi must be staying first class.

The Zoldycks never lacked money.

Someone of Illumi's status would never travel under his real name, being a Zoldyck required discretion, though disguise came naturally to them.

"Are you deliberately avoiding me by staying in economy?"

Illumi stood beside Oboro, his face turning mechanically as he asked.

As a Nen user, one typically lived comfortably regardless of profession. While not ultra-wealthy, they rarely worried about basic needs.

And someone of Oboro's combat ability represented a potential Zoldyck client...

"Yes." Oboro didn't elaborate.

It was embarrassing to admit being broke.

Illumi stared silently for a moment before declaring, "You have no money..."

"..."

"I guessed correctly..."

Illumi clapped his hands together. Though his tone remained flat, Oboro detected a hint of smugness.

How irritating.

Different from Hisoka's brand of annoying, but equally grating.

Both had sharp minds and insight, but while Hisoka at least appeared human despite his twisted nature, Illumi seemed more machine than man. His emotional flatness and blunt statements struck like needles to the spine.

"I can lend you some!"

Illumi held up one finger.

"No thanks." Oboro smacked the back of his head and returned to his seat.

He didn't need to think twice, such a loan would surely come with strings attached.

Illumi withdrew, disappointed.

Shortly after, a flight attendant in red approached Oboro with a practiced smile. "Sir... your ticket has been upgraded to a private room. Please follow me."

"I can't afford-"

"A guest has already paid."

Illumi, obviously.

Sighing, Oboro followed her. The second-class section offered free food and drinks with better amenities. Since someone else paid, he might as well enjoy it.

His private room featured a king-size bed, bathroom, and TV, pure luxury. The whole floor was noticeably quieter than economy.

After a refreshing shower, Oboro stepped out to explore, only to come face-to-face with his neighbor.

His expression darkened.

Illumi. Their rooms shared a wall.

"Oboro, how nice to see you again." Illumi raised his hand in a rigid greeting.

Oboro wasn't surprised Illumi knew his name, he'd clearly arranged this room assignment deliberately. Passenger records would show his name, and the Zoldycks had a computer expert who could access any information. Milluki Zoldyck, Killua's second brother, could crack government databases like children's toys.

That oversized otaku...

"No need for such wariness. Yes, I initially planned to kill you, the fewer who know my identity, the better. It prevents unnecessary complications."

"But I've changed my mind. You show great potential as a future client."

Illumi spoke without filters.

"Is arrogance genetic in the Zoldyck family? Kill me... heh."

Oboro shoved his hands in his pockets and walked away.

Illumi followed.

The airship's confined space meant Oboro couldn't shake the expressionless assassin.

"You are strong... the most challenging Nen user I've encountered recently. I'm certain I could kill you, but the cost would be high. I'd likely sustain serious injuries and waste considerable time... Such effort deserves payment. Without compensation, it's poor business."

Illumi explained matter-of-factly.

"Tch." Oboro's disgust showed plainly.

"I researched you... you worked in a famous circus before disappearing. Training with someone?"

Illumi ignored social boundaries. Despite Oboro's obvious annoyance, he continued.

"Though I only found those few months at the circus. Everything before is blank."

"Your privacy invasion shows zero manners."

Oboro stopped, sneering.

Of course Illumi found nothing, even Milluki would fail. Before Morittonio, he'd been a homeless orphan.

"How do you know about me?"

Illumi stuck like glue, following Oboro's every step.

"Were you this annoying as a child?"

The response deliberately missed the question.

This Illumi wasn't yet the one from the main story, he was still a teenager.

Oboro hadn't expected him to be like this already.

Nature truly was hard to change, true for both Hisoka and Illumi.

"My family loves me very much."

Illumi said seriously.

"Oh..."

Oboro's derision was clear.

"You know my family well? My father or grandfather? Did your Nen teacher tell you? They must be a client, probably someone important from Glam Gas Land's underworld. The caliber of client my parents usually work with... I need to diversify my own client base..."

Even young Illumi was career-focused...

The first day passed torturously, with Illumi's constant questions and presence.

Oboro ignored most inquiries.

The following days, Illumi grew quieter but still sought Oboro out regularly. Oboro adapted, letting him tag along.

His tolerance had improved, perhaps thanks to dealing with Hisoka.

Finally, after two weeks, they landed in the Dentora region of Padokea Republic.

Oboro felt relief at finally escaping his emotionless shadow...

But as he descended the airship stairs, an idea struck.

"Here... someone's contact number. He's more likely to become your big client than me..."

He handed Illumi a note.

"Stronger than me?" Illumi asked without hesitation.

"We haven't met in a while, so I'm not certain... but he fits the Zoldyck clientele better. He enjoys killing and causing trouble... you're problem solvers. You'll get along."

Oboro fled without goodbye.

Let Illumi find Hisoka... they shared interests. It would distract Illumi from targeting him.

Illumi watched Oboro leave, then pulled out his phone and dialed.

After several rings, someone answered.

"Oboro?" The voice was lazy yet expectant.

Hisoka.

He'd reserved this number specially for Oboro, shared with no one else.

After nearly two years, he'd been wondering when Oboro would contact him.

"Apologies, this is a number Oboro gave me... He mentioned you might have issues needing resolution. I can assist... with a new client discount." Illumi recited mechanically.

Silence filled the line.

"Who are you?"

Hisoka's tone turned cold.