Chapter 144: Dolls

The forged replica and the empty sword, unlike a true Miracle, did not shoot out blades of light, but blades of pitch-black.

The Dark Blade, three times the height of the sea, fell straight down along the trajectory of the swing, striking the Inn where Gon and the others were staying.

If Sora's light blade were to break, it would split the Inn in two and vanish into particles of light, but the Dark Blade released by the sea would burst like water the moment it struck the Inn. "On the surface, it vanished as if it had evaporated."

Just as the sea said, it left behind a trace of ill omen, without a shred of elegance.

"!? Let's go!!"

Although it was already late, the moment he remembered Retsu was still at the Hotel, he screamed and ran toward the Hotel.

Killua, who distrusted her and remained wary of her, turned pale upon seeing the power and effect of what Umi had fired, and chased after her just like Gon.

Both forgot they were already exhausted, strengthened their legs, and jumped down from the window... the dark blade shot from the sea hit them directly... rotting food death rice paddy world cormorant until melting hair collapse reply hand sky stomach rice paddy big hole I go in to ensure she is safe.

"... It is... it's okay... anyway... safe..."

Fortunately, Retsu did not know what time it was, but perhaps because she herself felt it was dangerous to look from the window, she hid at the edge of the room, and that Dark Blade also erupted. I did not touch the pitch-black Mana scattered all around; I could only think that it was absorbing the Life Force of everything it came into contact with.

However, perhaps because I witnessed its power up close with my own eyes, I was still trembling while holding the doll.

He was quite terrified; the situation in the room was so horrific it could only be described as a Disaster, but for the moment, both Gon and Killua were relieved because Retsu herself was unhurt.

"Hey, you!"

However, Gon and the others were not given any time to rest.

Nobunaga called them outside the Inn; they probably felt it was impossible, but they would feel sorry if anything happened to Retsu, so they kept them quiet there, and the two jumped down from the ground and entered the Inn again.

When I walked outside, the sea had already vanished. Leaving that strike behind as a souvenir, she must have returned to Omokage.

Nobunaga was perhaps somewhat dissatisfied with being able to escape to Omokage and the sea, snorted in disgust, and asked Gon and the others: "Why do you have to get involved with them?"

Killua did not want to hand over their information to the Phantom Troupe, but before he could stop Gon, he simply said: "That guy stole Sora's eyes!" hit Gon on the back of the head, and then gave up.

"Yeah, I just said it. I mean, that woman has a habit of embodying fouls, and my sister is a foul too."

Just as Nobunaga said, the surrounding situation had already been told to him when Omokage scolded him, so thinking that keeping silent was meaningless, Killua felt even more foolish for his caution.

So, I sent Killua to Nobunaga to repay him for explaining Omokage's Nen ability to me.

"That's right. Well, according to Sora, your sister is more of a genius. Sorry, but honestly, we don't know much about her either. To be frank, compared to what I heard from Sora, it's more like Sora. We 'You really are an idiot, I'm surprised.'"

"... Of course, just like the habit of the atmosphere on the other side."

It was more of a complaint than providing information, but Nobunaga seemed to understand her inclination during the brief exchange, nodded firmly behind her, and was startled by an exclamation: "What? What are you doing?"

That voice was still vivid in the memories of Gon and Killua; the thoughts of no hostility toward Nobunaga tightened, and they took a fighting stance to confront him, but the other party narrowed his eyes slightly, and I didn't even look at them. Not even a glance.

"... Huh? You're not the same kid from Yorkshin anymore. How are you here?"

"These guys were also identified as prey by Omokage."

"Huh? Those eyes... hmm, there's a sweet feeling to them, so it's possible if Omokage uses their abilities."

Like Nobunaga, Machi, a girl who was a member of the Phantom Troupe, appeared.

When she saw a child she recognized, she looked strange, but she didn't pay as much attention to it as Gon and the others did.

Gon and Killua felt frustrated by these two who didn't care about them, and gritted their teeth.

Thanks to Biscuit, we had confidence in having more ability than when we were in Yorkshin, but now we were all injured from the battle with the sea, so the conditions were lower than in Yorkshin. Since they knew they had no chance of winning, they got information about Omokage from the two who never worried about what they said, even though they didn't want to be recognized as enemies by clicking their tongues.

Apparently, Omokage was a predecessor to Hisoka, who thought he had been killed by Hisoka for a long time, but when he discovered the grave of a man named Uvogin who had been killed by Sora, his survival was confirmed, and it touched the anger of the Phantom Troupe by stealing his eyeballs; it seemed all the members were looking for Omokage.

Machi and Nobunaga teamed up to look for him, just like he looked for Yorkshin, but when his gaze moved away from him for a moment, Nobunaga, who was angry at Omokage for desecrating Uvogin's death, volunteered to take action, and he reached the barrier of the person in the sea. But there was no such thing in town. He seemed to be in a bad mood.

The reason we finally arrived there now is probably because the disappearance of the sea lifted the barrier.

As evidence of this, people began to appear gradually, wondering what had happened, and not just in the vicinity.

They basically didn't care about the public eye, not knowing if it was questionable that they were being hunted by bounties, but if the police or something were called due to suspicion, they were confident they could kill and run away. They stuck their tongues out at the bully who appeared and shouted at Machi: "Let's go."

Machi tried to leave the place with him while kicking Nobunaga's calf, saying: "Don't do that to Hisoka, even if you are acting on your own."

Gon and Killua thought about whether to say something to the two of them or stop them, but even if their interests were the same, they had no intention of a temporary truce and fighting together, so they couldn't get good news. It was a pity, but I didn't say anything, thinking that just understanding a little was enough.

"Hey, Omokage."

However, Nobunaga might have given up on getting Gon and Killua to join the team, but perhaps because he still liked them, he turned around and left them a warning, then walked away.

"You guys seem to be chasing Omokage too, but don't linger in front of us; if you get involved with him, you'll die..."

---Phantom Troupe Spider button is what the Phantom Troupe will wear

"Ahhh! Good~! I finally got the call!!"

"What on earth is this! What's with that stalker-like incoming call!?"

Killua was terrified, having left a call on Gon's Mobile Phone, and finally the person he was looking for answered the phone in a half-crying, half-relieved voice.

Kurapika and Leorio were equally relieved, although the exchange between the two made them sigh with some annoyance.

However, Sora continued, "That's fine," and Killua's confusion only deepened.

"Sorry. Actually, last night, Hisoka snuck into the hospital to steal Sora's eyes, which let me understand the 'mastermind' a little."

Just from that, Killua understood why Sora had called in the middle of the night, and why he finally answered after leaving a call like a stalker; I felt sorry for Sora.

Of course, the reason I couldn't answer the phone or notice the incoming call was because of what happened last night.

It seems Sora called during the battle with the sea, but Killua and Gon's Mobile Phone were not out of range. Beetle 07.

Partly because he had been asleep before, he didn't have it on him, but had thrown the Mobile Phone into his suitcase, and a long time had passed.

Although Killua and Gon were not bad, it is not hard for me to imagine the level of worry Kurapika and Leorio felt, not just for Sora, so Killua apologized honestly, saying "Sorry for making you worry," and then I answered the phone, talked about the reasons you couldn't go out, and exchanged the information you obtained with each other.

A former member of the Phantom Troupe named Omokage. Its ability. Killua talked about the Puppet he fought with them.

"... Then, yesterday's opponent was a doll made by Kurapika's friend, the Flame Soldier... that doll... Omokage. I am Sora's sister."

"<<...Teeth? Sea? My sister?>>"

Hearing these words from Killua, Sora on the other end of the phone made a bewildered sound, and Killua couldn't help but widen his eyes, as if to say this was unexpected.

When Sora heard about Omokage's ability from Hisoka, he thought his sister and the Flame Soldier were in the same state. More importantly, according to Hisoka, Omokage uses the opponent's "attachments" as a Puppet.

Kurapika and Leorio also said, "Huh?"

That's why I was worried about him calling me in the middle of the night, but I didn't expect this.

However, I can understand why Sora had that reaction: "Why is my sister here?"

"..................... If we keep leaving it alone, Omokage will self-destruct, right?"

<<>>>

"I think so too."

"What's wrong, Killua!?? >>>>

Kurapika and Leorio rushed in at the same time because of Sora's careless remark, but Killua reflexively agreed, making them both awkward.

However, Killua was just convinced that his opinion wasn't wrong, so he told his sister about the trouble at the sea last night.

"What the hell is your sister!! Why is your sister a mage, yet she's so strong at hand-to-hand combat!?"

"Why do you think my sister can't fight in close quarters?"

"Don't answer me!! I already knew why I was your younger sister, but I didn't expect you to be a martial arts fighter, even if it's not magic!!"

However, although it was Killua's eighth attack, I wasn't sure if this was justified anger; I was asked back in a normal tone that I could discern, and I was even dumbfounded over the phone—this time, I was seriously angry.

And judging from Killua's complaints and Sora's natural reaction, Kurapika and Leorio seemed to have already guessed the character of Umi, "... You must be having a hard time." Killua was comforted by that voice.

"Not working hard! Even more pitiful!"

"Yeah, I'm really sorry. Contrary to her appearance, she's a stupid sister."

"Are you really going to apologize?!"

He didn't apologize for Sora, but instead spoke ill of his sister, yet Killua was actually relieved.

The day we met, she told me that she had exposed my regret for the scratches; I was terrified of what kind of influence it would have on the currently unstable Sora if my sister became a Puppet that hurt herself and her loved ones. It seems she accurately guessed that she was the source of the Omokage pressure, to the point of doubting whether she was truly a Puppet.

Perhaps my initial reaction wasn't that I didn't think my sister's memories would be treated as a Puppet, but because I know my sister so well, my Nen Ability is the same as my sister's, or even better. Because the disadvantage of the pressure brought benefits from having her by his side that were greater than the benefits of magic, he probably thought that even if it succeeded, it would be erased immediately.

"Judging from Killua's reaction, he really seems like he's still alive. That stupid sister, and you can't put Omokage aside. Is Omokage a super masochist?"

"Don't treat your enemy as a pervert for all your sisters."

Somehow, my sister also mentioned Omokage, but it seems I can't go against it, so if that's the case, he is usually an excellent pawn. That magic sister messed up the application of low-level basic magic."

"<>"

Sora poured out an impression, making Killua believe that this was exactly what Killua imagined; probably because he is an M, I'll just follow you.

However, Sora unexpectedly bit into the part Killua didn't care about.

"Hmm? Ah, I used a little, but I couldn't prepare it, and I didn't know what it was, so I couldn't reproduce it, so I used magic you've never done."

"I'm sure... Replacement Magic Flash Air," he said.

"<>"

As Killua explained, I remembered that Umi, who was fired last, was a "loser" and a subspecies of Sora's "Jewel Sword," so I thought I would ask this question. For some reason, Sora used Killua's explanation to ask back, becoming even more mysterious.

"Hmm? That's what I asked!"

"<>"

"Are you and your family's magic that unrelated?"

Regarding Sora's question, Killua answered directly, while Leorio and Kurapika had originally said: "Replacement Magic Flash Air" is like that, so the speech turned into a lecture on "Replacement Magic."

"<

"In short, melting a silversmith's fork and remaking it into a spoon is like skipping the assumption that it has already been melted and poured into a mold to harden."

"But, regardless of whether you skip this process, if you do this, you can imagine that the replaced spoon will be worse than the original fork, right? If it were replacing a fork with a spoon, it wouldn't be bad, but for example, if you use this magic, you can use a doll to replace a person's spirit, and use Sora's body to replace a pseudo-personality, but the connection between the two, the flesh and the spirit, is not, because it is strong, so it is a kind of magic that, if the body is slightly injured, it will immediately return the spirit to the flesh."

"If you try to forcibly overcome that defect, this time your spirit will suffer a great loss..."

"? Sky?"

Umi was lamenting her sister's poor performance, but at least his understanding seemed to be correct, and Sora temporarily continued to explain the "Replacement Magic" that Killua had not yet fully understood, but the explanation stopped in the middle.

Not only Killua, but Kurapika on the other end of the phone also asked: "Sora? What's wrong?"

"<<...Killua, I'm sorry. Solved it myself."

"I mean, I might be the culprit this time. >>"

"Huh? What twisted idea did you skip to again? I mean, don't take all the responsibility on yourself; even if you're fine, it's annoying just watching you."

"<

"As I noticed in the explanation of Replacement Magic, Omokage's Nen Ability might be a subspecies of Replacement Magic. >>"

If it were the initial apology of "solving it myself," he would have accepted it honestly, but in the second half, when he insisted for some reason that he was the culprit, Killua got angry and retorted, but Sora said "No, no, no" on the other end of the phone, waving his hand as if to say, first start explaining the "solve it myself" part.

"Huh? What's going on?"

"<

"By applying this magic, it is possible to simulate the resurrection of the dead. It is a way of replacing personality with a doll."

"But even if you replace your personality with a doll to make it look like you were when you were alive, you are still a doll. I can't grow up, I can't even eat. Most importantly, if a god who has experienced the end of 'death' is forcibly pulled back to this side and replaced, it is bound to leave a great scar on that god. Humans resurrected through personality replacement always have defects in thought and memory."

"This lack varies from person to person, but I don't know if Omokage intentionally or unintentionally created a Constraint called 'losing an eyeball' and fixed the lacking situation, right? That was my initial thought. >>"

Kurapika responded to Sora's explanation with "I understand," and he also talked about the advantages of using "losing an eyeball" as a Constraint.

"<

"Most importantly, if you can't change the fact that you've lost something, then even if you have insurance you can't fight against, like a doll that doesn't know what it has lost, that's not very convenient, so you have to think about the 'thing' you will lose. If it can be fixed, it should be better. >>"

"<

Leorio agreed with Kurapika's continued speculation, while Killua agreed "Yes" before asking Sora.

"So? I happened to learn that Omokage's ability is a subspecies of 'Replacement Magic' in your world, and I am convinced of it. But why say 'you are the culprit'?"

I was no longer angry, but from Sora's story, I still didn't know why Sora came to such a conclusion, so I returned to the story with some doubts, and Sora began to explain awkwardly.

"<>"

I mean, otherwise I wouldn't use it. This isn't magic that matches our magical lineage or Umi's Magic Attribute; first of all, applying this kind of magic to combat requires a lot of troublesome preparation. Replacement Magic is a replacement for degeneration, so if you use it in battle, you don't have to pay an extra price in the form of time and energy beforehand, and it doesn't matter if Umi is a genius-level Magician or something like that, you can only do things at the same level as the magic. I don't think so.

However, if you have the time and energy to prepare these things, it would be much easier to buy Jewels at the energy stone shop on the street corner and channel them with magic.

That is why Umi uses Replacement Magic, hoping to use it as a hint to further improve her own abilities by creating the ocean and obtaining the otherworld and magic knowledge of Omokage. 'Is this okay?'

Sora's explanation was certainly unfounded, but it also made sense.

To be honest, Umi's power to fight Gander alone should have been enough; although she didn't have many Jewels on her, Umi herself didn't need to bother preparing and using those magics that had little advantage," Killua thought.

"... Hmm, that does make sense. I mean, the thought of him not being good at magic really scared me, but..."

'What kind of eyes are you facing?'

"In short, it is a Demon."

While Killua was being persuaded, he realized Umi's strength once again, and when he inadvertently spoke his true impression, Leorio rushed in.

When I responded to that poke with an honest and frank impression, my sister immediately replied, "Yes, I know," and continued the story before being poked further.

'Then, if this hypothesis is correct, isn't Omokage too knowledgeable about magic? Don't you think so?'

First of all, since when did Omokage create the ocean and use it as a pawn? I want to know first. When he used the Flame Soldier, he knew my eyes were "Demon Eyes from another world."

"... That's right."

Hearing this, he realized that "Omokage knew Sora was a foreigner from another world" was good, but the timing was wrong.

Omokage's ability is "to create and manipulate his favorite dolls from the opponent's memories," so at first I thought he obtained the knowledge from Kurapika or Sora's own memories, but if that were the case, Pyro would become Sora's eyes, and it's strange that what I wanted when I took it was "Demon Eyes from another world."

The Flame Soldier was created only after Kurapika visited Shanha Shi, most likely.

Omokage knew of Kurapika's existence, but because he didn't know where Kurapika was or what he was doing, he lured him to Shanha Shi, told him he was a survivor of the Kurta Tribe, and finally turned him into a Flame Soldier doll. I think I did.

If that wasn't the case, if the Flame Soldier created from Kurapika's mind was already at hand, then Omokage would have known where Kurapika was. In that case, he wouldn't have needed to lure him to Shanha Shi; he could have just sent the Flame Soldier he made to Kurapika.

It is natural to think that Omokage did not know Kurapika's whereabouts and waited patiently after delivering information that there was no evidence that Kurapika or Sora could be caught.

But if that's the case, when and from whom did this guy get the information about the "Demon Eyes from another world"? The question deepens.

'... When I went to Shanha Shi, I was in a state that couldn't be called calm, but as expected, if I could say "just in case," I could understand it. Sora is the same. She is much more sensitive to these things than I am, so it's ridiculous to say I don't know if Omokage approached us with Malice or was even involved in some way.'

... That is to say, Omokage's ability, "entering the opponent's heart" itself, is likely a "because it is harmless, it cannot be detected here" type of ability.

If that is the case, if you think about the object of his obsession...'

It was Kurapika who answered the deeper question, not Sora.

'His target should have been Sora before me. Unlike me, Sora's eyes are hard to hide, and this idiot doesn't really want to hide them either; even a one-sided encounter is enough to be a reason for obsession with Sora.'

Then, in order to steal Sora's eyes, he burrowed into Sora's mind and peeked into her memories, where he learned about the "other world."

Finally, it relates to the story Sora told about "I might be the culprit."

'... If he got all kinds of information from my heart, it's my fault that Kurapika was discovered.

I'm sorry... even though I'm the culprit, I got everyone involved...'

Under Kurapika's conclusion, Sora apologized in a faint voice that was unbelievable to those who knew her.

She didn't choose to hurt others because of her own faults, but chose to keep hurting herself no matter how broken she was. The fact that the cause was also me and my loved ones must be a sense of guilt that seems to be crushed at any time.

That is why Killua said

"... Of course, that doesn't explain why I knew it was 'Demon Eyes from another world' when it was stolen by the Flame Soldier.

But isn't that strange? Why was the Flame Soldier the only one who appeared when she went blind 5 days ago?

I'm thinking too much. Why are you so stupidly negative only at times like this, when you're usually so positive that your head hurts?

Don't think it's all your fault, anyway. You're an idiot, but... you didn't do anything wrong."

Sora's hypothesis certainly understood the unnatural parts, but he pointed out that it would also create unnatural parts, and in the end, it had no basis, which was close to a persecution delusion caused by negative thoughts.

Sora is not bad; she doesn't need to take any responsibility, he told her with all sincerity and care.

'As Killua said.

Even if your hypothesis is correct and Sora is the cause, it's not Sora's fault. You are the victim, not the perpetrator. There is no excuse to blame you.'

"Well, I think you should cover your eyes a little, but that's because a person wants to see someone else's eyes in the first place because they are a bit strange, which is crazy.

It's clearly wrong; it's this world that had to hide it because it has peculiar eyes like yours."

After Killua, Kurapika and Leorio talked to Sora, trying to alleviate the guilt she didn't need to bear.

"... Thank you. That's right, I seem to have fallen into a vortex of negativity because I didn't get enough sleep. Yes, it's fine now."

But Killua. Jokes, hesitation, stubbornness, listen to me carefully, make a promise.

Next time you meet Umi, don't fight anymore. Absolutely run away.

When he saw that Sora's situation had improved and he was relieved, Killua's consistent overprotectiveness triggered his consistent stubbornness, and he pouted and protested: "You, believe in us a little more."

Logically speaking, just as Sora said, fighting is like suicide, even if there were only the two of us, let alone myself, and Gon and I couldn't do anything. I was reminded.

Honestly, Killua is absolutely someone I don't want to fight again.

However, although she is Sora's sister, she was about the same age as us when she died, so it is frustrating that people think she is "absolutely not an opponent."

What's more, it was Sora who thought so, not Kurapika or Leorio.

That is why Sora insisted that he had a chance to win; he knew it wasn't mean, but Sora believed in a victory that Killua himself didn't believe in, and still told him to beg.

"I believe in you and Gon. But, Killua. Correctly recognize your partner.

The opponent is my sister, but before that, Umi is a 'Magician'."

Correct Killua's wrong perception.

The girl named Umi Shikiori, I, Sora, before becoming a sister, she insisted that before getting such recognition, she considered herself a creature called a "Magician."

'Killua. Umi is a Magician, but she looks down on ordinary people because of the chosen one ideology prevalent among my parents and the Clock Tower. I don't think so; it's not a very evil accessory.'

He is a person of true noble pride, and although it is good, he hates taking advantage of others for his own pride. For that person, "using others" is "a kind of power; unless he does so, he will not be able to achieve his goals."

——Even so, that person is still a 'Magician'.

I cherish my pride, and I have the strength to continue protecting this pride. And as for a Magician, I believe he possesses a sense of fairness and Conscience closer to that of an ordinary person.

But even so, if that goal is the one he truly wants to reach, he will surely realize how sinful it is, discard his own pride and kindness, and drive himself, others, and everything in this world toward that goal. Who could sacrifice... no, a person who would sacrifice.

Even if success cannot be guaranteed, even if I succeed, I will pay more, not happiness, and even if I know I will regret what I lose, I still cannot help but reach out... He is a person of pure sin, far more so than the mages I call "scum."

Once again, I will talk about the creature known as a Magician.

He talked about what kind of person Umi is.

No matter how proud Sora is, although he is a noble who does not despair of mages, he is a person burdened with an inescapable "karmic retribution."

Because he is such a righteous Magician, unlike mages who forget their original intentions in the minds of the chosen, falling in love with their family status and honor, I learned that he is someone who keeps his "karma" at high purity. Sora's Suggestion.

《Killua. Confirmed.

Umi really dislikes Omokage; if she truly wanted to kill him, she would not oppose him, even if it were just talk.

That person plays the role of a doll that follows orders, catching her off guard and making her scratch her head. Flattering for the sake of killing and playing the role of a loyal subject is a necessary means, so Umi does not consider it a humiliation and takes pride in her performance. Even if you have insurance that cannot be violated, if you are allowed enough freedom of thought to argue, you don't have to deal with it directly; you just need to trap it, so there are many ways to do it.

Not doing so means you are not only being manipulated by Omokage, but also by Umi's own will.

... But Umi, who has no interest in others, does not complain or refute the opponents she dislikes one by one. Following the words of someone who wants to do such things is contrary to Umi's pride.

Nevertheless, I think Umi has a "purpose" that takes precedence over pride, rather than killing.

So Killua. Please, stop getting involved with Umi. Tell Gon too.

If Umi is a person called "Shikiori Umi" and is involved with you, that is fine. However, if Umi is involved as a "Magician"... she will not view you as a "human."

At best, an "Obstacle," at worst, "Material."》

From that last sentence, I understood what Sora was afraid of.

So Killua answered simply: "Okay."

I remember when replying.

"Can you save me from the 'Magician's work'? Can you save me from the 'origin of humanity'?"

In Gon's words, "Sister, do you love Sora?", she showed her anger when answering this question.

I remember she gave up on something, as if it were foolish to feel angry at the words "I will save you, so please help Sora."

The image of "Shikiori Umi" that Sora spoke of overlapped with the "Umi" he saw and interacted with; he felt there was a decisive difference somewhere, but Killua could not point it out.

Just as the mage sisters are unique, because it is a peculiar family and peculiar brotherhood, and Killua does not know if his feelings for his brother are correct or universal, he could not say it either.

Just like the Magic sisters, it was unique, because it was a peculiar family with a peculiar brotherhood, and Killua did not know if his feelings for his older brother were right or common, so he could not put them into words either.

Even if he didn't have a brother, it would be natural for him.

The answer Sora could not think of, the "deviation" Sora did not notice.

Umi is definitely a Magician, but definitely Sora's————

"Killua! Look at Killua too!!"

If I hadn't thought so unconsciously, I could have come up with the answer, but someone called out to me innocently.

"Don't rush! I'm coming, wait for me!!"

Both unconscious and conscious thoughts were dispelled by that voice being brought back to reality, and I could no longer remember what I was thinking.

Killua shouted at Gon's call, ending the conversation on the phone.

"Sorry, Gon called, I'd better go.

Just in case, I'll go look for the scenery you saw today again, but I understand what you mean, so I won't go overboard. Seriously, I don't want to deal with him again. In many ways."

《... Seriously, what did this guy's sister do to you? 》

When I responded to Sora's Suggestion with my true impression, Leorio, who had been speechless after hearing the story of Sora's sister, asked me when I was speechless.

"I'm really sorry. It's a feeling different from mine; she's very non-standard, a typical idiot sister who is very smart. 》

《Make it clear whether you are wary of, respect, or mock your sister.

Also, Killua, don't force yourself to look for the scenery. It seems I can move soon, so if you can wait in that town until you join me, I could be saved. 》

Sora apologized for his sister again. While Kurapika dutifully poked at Sora's way of speaking, he also made a proposal out of concern for Killua and Gon. However, regarding that proposal, Kurapika's usual stubbornness was 80%, and Kurapika's injuries were also serious. Still, 20% of the person who was worried about it responded faintly: "No, that's impossible. Sleep quietly, you idiot." Then he tried to hang up the phone.

Sora apologized for his younger sister again; while Kurapika was dutifully poking at Sora's way of speaking, he also made a suggestion out of concern for Killua and Gon, but regarding that suggestion, Kurapika's usual stubbornness was at 80%, and Kurapika's injuries were also Heavy. Normal. However, the 20% of him that was worried responded faintly: "No, that's impossible. Sleep quietly, you idiot." Then he tried to hang up the phone.

"... Hey, Sora. Why call your sister 'Umi'?"

Actually, I wanted to ask other things, things I should have asked.

For magic like the Gem Sword subspecies that Umi released at the end, if the substitute magic is not Umi's specialty magic, then I should ask him what his specialty is and what to watch out for. I was curious and asked at the end.

When she told Killua about her family, she called her "sister," but since she had been calling her "Umi" so naturally for a while, this might be a more natural way to call her.

Even Killua called Illumi "Illumi" without hesitation, so there was no uncomfortable feeling, but for some reason, Killua was curious.

Whether it's fighting or running away, rather than necessary information, the reason why I don't just call her "sister" makes me curious, even if there is no logic behind it.

Whether it was fighting or running away, rather than necessary information, the reason why I didn't just call her "older sister" made me curious, even if there was no logic behind it.

With a voice that made it easy to imagine he was just smiling slightly, he answered softly and casually.

"Because someone told me not to call you. When I treat her as my little sister, I feel like cringing.

So, from that day on, I changed the name from 'nee-san' to 'Umi'. I know that's not what it means, but it makes me angry."

So, from that day on, I changed the name from "nee-san" to "sea." I know that's not what it means, but it made me angry.

Well, a Goddess-like smile that gave up on everything.

Beyond the helplessness, the words I asked were like a prayer.

"............ Really."

Killua still couldn't think of an answer.

I hung up the phone without answering.

I hung up the phone without answering.

After Gon hung up the phone, Killua entered a clothing store. I wouldn't call it a luxury brand for women, but is there a demand for this in a rural town? It was a reasonably priced store with such a wide variety of goods that I found it rude.

In many ways, Gon and Killua shouldn't have anything to do with this shop, so Killua walked in with his shoulders slightly hunched, asking Gon why he wanted to come to this shop, as it should have nothing to do with him.

"It's a bit awkward, it's like this now..."

Unlike yesterday, Retsu, dressed like a young girl, smiled shyly.

The dress with lace and ruffles in a slightly Gothic Lolita Wind, her fluffy long hair tucked into a knit hat adorned with ribbons, looked as if it had been tailor-made for her from the start, not yesterday. There was a girl who was very cute, and I don't understand why I hadn't noticed.

The attack last night as a souvenir from the sea had a dangerous feeling, and having evacuated to the corner of the room, Retsu herself was not injured, but Retsu's luggage was placed closest to the window, and as a result, almost all other items were destroyed except for the doll she was carrying; as an apology, Gon suggested that Retsu change her clothes as a gift.

Killua still held a suspicious attitude toward Retsu, but he couldn't leave the girl who only had her pajamas left alone just because of their involvement, so even if Gon didn't propose it, he wouldn't apologize to that extent. I am going to make it normal.

However, compared to Killua, Gon felt more sorry for Retsu, insisting on giving her something better, showing the result of a natural playboy who respects girls and has no ulterior motives. This shop.

Of course, the reason Killua contacted Sora and the others outside the shop alone was because he felt it was better to contact Sora and the others after noticing that stalker-like phone call, but he was simply like Gon. "This is cute, it will absolutely fit Retsu!", I don't think I can choose clothes while making full use of compliments like dating, and I don't want to do that either.

Of course, even now, Killua didn't want to compliment Retsu.

I think it's cute, I think it suits you. However, Killua's real intention was that if he had the time and leeway to share his impressions with someone he wasn't interested in, he wanted to find a place that matched the scenery Sora saw as soon as possible.

Killua had thought that as long as he didn't say it out loud, he was still caring for Retsu, but if he openly stated his attitude, this care would be meaningless.

So Gon sighed, as if to say: "Calling Killua was a mistake."

Fortunately, Retsu didn't have a twisted and lost complex like Sora, so when Killua gave him a look that seemed to say "I don't care" instead of a compliment, he didn't seem to mind. On the contrary, I was tired of the shopkeeper using a machine gun to praise the good qualities of her materials.

"Hmm, great! It's been a long time since there was such good material to set the stylist's soul on Fire."

"Very good, miss! You look like a doll!"

"Hmm?"

For a moment, I felt uncomfortable.

Seeing the shopkeeper's compliments, Gon was a bit embarrassed, but for a moment, there seemed to be some tension on Retsu's troubled face.

He looked as if he had been startled, as if he had been frightened by something.

That is why Gon hurriedly told Retsu his true thoughts.

"It's okay, it suits you."

Hearing Gon's words, Retsu hugged the only surviving doll and blushed shyly, but she smiled very happily.

There was no longer any uncomfortable feeling in that smile, and Gon was relieved, but Killua's patience had reached its limit, and the two exchanged looks that were nothing more than dating.

"I don't care about that kind of thing, tell me as soon as possible, let us know where it is."

"Noisy! I'll show you around now!"

Unlike Gon, the cold remarks were zero sweet, and although he didn't really want to be praised, the cold remarks made him very unhappy.

It was Killua who was panicked by his words and actions, and he rushed up.

He grabbed Retsu's arm to pull her back behind him, repeating the Suggestion she had given many times since this morning, appearing very angry.

"Hey, you mean if you are Together with us, you will be in danger again!"

"It's okay!"

"You might die!!"

"... It's nothing... better than not starting."

At Killua's Suggestion, Retsu bit back reflexively. Killua also refuted his objections, but Retsu's response to Killua was so frustrated and painful that he couldn't help but cry.

Killua had thought that Retsu's appearance and his incomprehensible rebuttal would cause him to argue, and he was speechless.

Not only Killua, but even Gon, who wanted to mediate between the two, did not understand Retsu's intention, and both were dumbfounded, continuing to speak.

"Recently, I think

I don't have a good day every day. I don't know when there will be a day when I will live out the 'truth'."

What you said makes absolutely no sense. What's more, he didn't even have Sora's explanation.

However, this was enough for her, or it was something she couldn't explain herself, and she still had the answer, so Retsu's face was serious.

"When I am Together with Gon and Killua, I feel like something is about to start."

"... What... is about to start?"

Gon was confused and tilted his head, repeating her words, but in the end, Retsu didn't explain anything.

Killua, who didn't like this, clicked his tongue, then pulled Gon away from Retsu, then left the shop and warned him.

"... Hey, Gon. Don't trust Retsu too much. Something about him is suspicious. What he said doesn't make any sense."

Saying this, I caught a glimpse of Retsu waiting in the store.

I know I'm suspicious, Killua doesn't trust me, and coupled with her dress, she can only be counted as an ordinary girl.

But even without his previous remarks, in Killua's view, Retsu was full of suspicion.

The most suspicious thing was what he said at dinner yesterday.

Devoted to the "eyes" of the doll.

Until yesterday, I thought I was just overreacting to the topic of "eyes", but when I thought about Omokage's ability and his obsession and fixation on "eyes", her remarks were inevitably a bit funny.

Moreover, as expected of Gon, he guessed that Retsu did not tell them the truth for some reason.

So I agreed with Killua. However, even if he agreed, this stubbornness did not change his belief as usual.

"Yes."

"But what is that?"

"I think there is more in Retsu's mind."

Because I think that terrified, shocked face just now was not just my imagination.

Because I want to believe that the "truth" she didn't tell us is not something to deceive us.

At least, I feel like I'm really thinking about not living in the "truth" earlier.

"... That's why I want to see how the situation is..."

Gon realized that Retsu was hiding something, but he still chose to trust and see through it.

Since the Hunter Exam began, he had been reminded that no matter what he said, it was useless. Tell me, it will eventually be broken.

I was stunned by Gon's kindness, but because he is that kind of person, I was able to be saved.

It is truly dazzling.

I envy you.

I am very proud to be friends with him.

A voice echoed in Killua's mind.

"You betrayed your friend."

"!?"

The cold voice instantly cooled everything that was warm in my heart.

The brother who wouldn't even let me dream, the Curse, whispered from deep within my ears, from inside my mind.

That whisper sent a chill, making Killua's heartbeat like a tolling bell.

Gon noticed Killua's pale complexion, lowered his brows, and asked, "What's wrong?"

(Damn it! Why am I only remembering this now!)

Killua did not notice.

Even Gon, who was facing Killua, did not notice.

Biscuit's education was thorough, saying: "If you feel something is wrong, you must 'focus'."

"............" A stranger's soul doll."

When Retsu, who was watching over the two in the shop, saw Killua's complexion, Gon worried about him, murmuring at the moment the two completely lost their sanity, with a glimmer of suspicion flashing in his somewhat sorrowful eyes.

As if in response to that whisper, the clown doll held in Retsu's hand fell to the ground without strings and began to walk around.

No one noticed the existence of such an obviously strange doll; neither of them noticed that Retsu's doll was swallowed by Killua's Shadow, as if sinking into water.

It's just that I haven't found the right time to explain the subspecies of the Gem Sword, so please wait a moment.

However, Retsu told us the truth about the subspecies Gem Sword in the previous episode, and based on the information seen so far, we can already guess the true nature of the twisted Dark Blade.