Chapter 153: Struggling to the End

Rather than being killed by his younger sister, he preferred to commit suicide, not wanting his own death to stain his sister's hands. He bravely and cleanly slit his own throat.

The blade cut too deep; had the blade not snapped, his neck surely would have been severed. Umi's entire body reverted to a bare doll form and collapsed to the ground.

"!"

The doll's size returned to about twenty centimeters. Along with the fallen doll, she noticed something smaller glowing and falling, so Sora stepped forward and picked it up.

It was an earring.

It was an earring similar in design to the souvenir Sora and Kurapika had gone to treat Kurapika with in this world.

In addition to the marbles and beads Umi had obtained while fighting Gon and Killua last night, Sora recreated them from memory and said, "My sister once used these things." Whether prepared by Omokage or by himself, it seemed to be a genuine gem.

It was unclear whether it was meant to be a trump card or if there was another purpose.

There was no way to know anymore.

I don't even want to know.

So Sora grabbed the picked-up earring and turned around; the azure sky was glaring at him.

A man who entered a loved one's heart without permission and without reservation, touched parts he shouldn't have, and stole and hurt the loved one's heart. He killed Umi, even if it was what he himself wanted, and pointed with his blood-stained left finger, declaring.

"You are next."

The four were stunned, unable to keep up with Sora and the surging waves.

"Kick! I won't let you escape again! Come down!"

However, Omokage ignored Leorio's reluctance, clenched his hands with all his might until blood flowed, and then spat it back out.

"Hey! The sisters really look exactly the same! At first I was skeptical, but Umi said, 'I will be the first. Sister Sora shouldn't touch you. I believe you would be sad, but I would definitely kill you without hesitation, and you wouldn't have a chance to steal my eyes.'"

"If you can only treat your sister as 'Material', then you should think it's only natural that you can kill your sister without hesitation!!"

He shouted out the words he thought would hurt Sora, then threw them onto the line of abandoned shame.

After all, this man's eyes were full of knots everywhere. No, perhaps "knotted holes" would be better, since nothing could be seen. If the scene I saw was irrelevant, that would be fine, but I couldn't hear anything, so I couldn't be fully saved.

This man did not understand the overly beautiful smile at the end of the sea, nor did he understand why Sora was so angry that he used his eyes to cut off the path connecting him to the sea.

Indeed, what existed between those sisters was too twisted to be called "bonds" or "love"; it was likely nothing more than "attachment."

However, even if they were twisted, there must have been some kind of warmth between them that was not just the coldness of "magicians," but something of "humans," only they themselves were unaware of it.

So, of course, Sora, who rarely got angry at himself, and even Kurapika, whose boiling point for Sora was lower than his own, no longer looked at his remarks.

If you say something irrelevant, any kind of slander will make you feel more disgusted than angry, and you will have nothing to say, but after all, you can only see the world that is convenient for you. This indicated that their reaction was no longer in the category of "the opposite of love is indifference," and, misunderstanding that they were speechless, he regained his composure and continued with a creepy smile.

"Woo woo woo... are you all misunderstanding something?"

"Misunderstanding?"

Killua was stunned by that smile and the usual incomprehensibility, returning the parrot to the parrot, while Omokage responded with an even deeper smile.

"Phantom Troupe Spider, I will tell you why I entered."

It wasn't a question for Killua; no one asked, and I wasn't interested. Considering his personality and abilities, I could imagine why this guy's "motive for joining the Brigade" was also the reason he left the team under the guise of preparing a team. His own doll, letting Hisoka kill him.

"—Phantom Troupe Spider, because I wanted a doll of a member."

"My 'stranger soul doll' is an ability created out of obsession. The person closest to the Brigade members... that is to say, the one with the deepest connection to the Brigade, is the member themselves. The fastest way is to join the Brigade myself and contact other Brigade members."

I can understand why you would say that at this time. On the contrary, everyone regretted only caring about it until now.

The coffin boxes surrounding them on the walls of this hall began to rattle, as if something inside was rampaging, as if they were answering.

Everyone already understood the "misunderstanding."

I tell you a fact: defeating Illumi, the Flame Soldier, and Umi was not the end of the story.

"That is—!?"

Seven people came out of the coffins.

Franklin, a giant even Leorio, who is over 190, could look up to.

On the other side, Feitan, a man in black who might be smaller than Killua or Gon.

Machi, a delicate girl who seemed not yet 20 years old.

Nobunaga, a ronin-style man wearing a kimono.

A fox wearing a strange hat, reminiscent of an Egyptian pharaoh.

Shalnark, who could only be seen as a friendly young man.

Immediately after... Chrollo Lucilfer, a man with a cross pattern on his forehead, holding a black book, slowly appeared.

They were all exactly the same as what I saw in Yorkshin, only the eyes on their faces were filled with bottomless darkness.

But they all had the same facial expression.

They were expressionless, with no emotions on their puppet faces, and said nothing.

Nothing more than Omokage's "property," just "tools" that were convenient to handle, an army without a "heart."

"Phantom Troupe!?"

"Phantom Troupe Spider, I especially like capable people who are actually convenient, and... you are opponents I could never defeat."

I knew it, but everyone inadvertently raised their voices in despair, losing the hope that they were different.

Only this time, Omokage's explanation was correct; he commanded the dolls and laughed at their despair.

"Now is the beginning of the second act; just because you are tired, don't pull the curtain immediately just because it's not fun, okay?"

Looking at Omokage's disgusting words, everyone gritted their teeth and thought: "This sucks!"

Just as Omokage said, everyone here had already consumed quite a bit of aura. Sora and Gon had recovered their sight, and Kurapika had stolen aura from Umi with the Chain on his index finger, so he had recovered some, but that was nothing more than hot stones and hot water.

Moreover, he was not an official member, and the most troublesome Uvogin was absent; because there were no eyes, he might be weaker than himself, which was a salvation, but even so, Omokage said "actually convenient," and the members who appeared were all from the Martial Arts faction of the Spiders.

"Hoo...!"

Feitan thrust a Sword toward Leorio's neck, Gon's legs were entangled by Machi's threads, and Leorio was distracted.

Killua realized Gon was in danger and rushed over to help him, but Nobunaga blocked his path.

Further into the "En" territory, Killua instinctively felt his neck would be torn from his torso, and he was unable to move.

"Damn! Come on! Fuck you!?"

Sora tried to Materialize the Gem Sword again to support Killua or rescue Leorio, but the Gem Sword that appeared on her right hand shattered into particles of light before it could fully form.

The reason for this was Shalnark, who had crept up while using Zetsu. Because the restriction Sora had placed on the Gem Sword incarnation—"the enemy is outside the Direct Death range"—was not being met, the sword could not maintain its shape and collapsed.

"Sora!"

Kurapika warned her of the danger while fighting.

As expected, Sora, who had not been informed by Kurapika, also noticed Shalnark, and after turning and throwing a roundhouse kick, he tried to destroy the Puppet with Direct Death.

But before that, the Shalnark Puppet stabbed its body with its Antenna, turned into a Manipulation System via Automatic Mode, and avoided it with a movement that ignored the burden on its own body.

Shalnark dodged out of range, but because Franklin's nephew was at a loss, Sora could not Materialize the Gem Sword again to go help someone.

"Damn it... not an opponent I can fight while injured..."

In such a predicament for everyone, Kurapika let out a faint sound he didn't want to let out.

"Perhaps this doll is also my trump card, 'Chain Jail' is verified."

The restriction of this chain is "If you use it on a 'person' other than the Phantom Troupe, you will lose your life." It doesn't exist. If there is a problem, Omokage, as a former member of the organization, is more likely to fall into the restriction.

Therefore, I used the Middle Finger Chain without hesitation, but Kurapika's Aura was overwhelmingly insufficient to restrain the eight people, including these Puppets and the Shadow.

Even if it were enough, there are too many people; even if one enemy discovers an opening, the others will fill it in, and the other members have a higher chance of attacking you with a Fire Barrage.

In fact, Kurapika had already tried to restrain Phinks many times, but every time, Chrollo embodied the "Indoor Fish" attack.

Although I don't want to show my weakness in front of the Shadow, the current situation is the worst.

No wonder Omokage mocked their "misunderstanding."

"Wooo... you struggle like a puppet, I can't beat you. Now, please be gentle and give me your eyes again."

"Fuck! You can't afford it...!"

Perhaps deeply convinced of his victory this time, Omokage showed an ecstatic smile and tried his best to stroke their nerves.

Leorio was like a hostage, swearing with a blade pointed at his neck; Kurapika bit his lip, bleeding from frustration.

Like Leorio, Gon was enraged by the Shadow's words and tried to tear off the thread of the Puppet, but the more he struggled, the more it wrapped around his body like spider silk.

Machi walked over to Gon, who was struggling like a fish in a net, as if to declare the end of the harassment, and blood seeped out.

(Damn! It's not just the Aura, the number of people is too disadvantageous! First of all, if you think about the main body, these guys don't care about the Shadow's orders and carry out suicide attacks without hesitation, but how do you deal with them...)

Killua couldn't move even though he saw them in a desperate situation. I know that if I move, Nobunaga's Sword will be drawn, so the sound of that Curse echoed in my mind again, and there were only cowardly and negative thoughts in my mind, and I couldn't move.

Even though I knew Shalnark was approaching me with a spare Antenna, I couldn't move.

Similarly, Kurapika was at the mercy of Phinks and Chrollo, while Sora was at the mercy of Franklin, who was busy with his own fighting style.

(Is everything going to rest!?)

"Sorry!!"

Sora, who was still struggling, roared as if angry at Kurapika's inner despair of resignation.

Immediately after, as if in response to that roar, something flew straight toward Feitan's blade, which was about to cut into Leorio's throat, as if to show off, and Leorio's thrust was not that strong, and it was destroyed by one Sword.

"!?!"

The balance of the battle, which had been favorable to the Shadow and the Phantom Troupe Puppets, was shaken and tilted by this blow.

"!? Damn old man! Put it on!!"

Feitan was momentarily distracted, and in the instant the Nen Bullet stopped firing for a few seconds, Sora further simplified the original simple chant, Materialized a Gem Sword, and created a light blade to shoot out without a charge.

Compared to usual, this was a very fragile blow, only the size of a throwing knife, but compared to usual, it was a story.

It's always too powerful. Even if it was fired without a charge, it was enough to cut the Nen threads binding Gon.

At the same time, Kurapika did not miss the tiny gap between Phinks and Chrollo.

For the Phinks Puppet, "Chain Jail," grabbed the chain and used centrifugal force to throw Phinks toward Nobunaga.

Perhaps even the Puppet has feelings; sure enough, Nobunaga failed to cut Phinks, who entered the "Quan" with Iai, Nobunaga broke his posture to face Killua and dodge, and Killua, who was almost restrained by Nobunaga, saw the balance collapse, and he began to move, escaping from Shalnark who was approaching from behind.

Kurapika restrained Phinks. "Chain Jail" left the Phantom Troupe member.

No matter how much you stretch, if you are bound by others, your actions will be greatly hindered. In this state, Chrollo's Puppet manipulated "Indoor Fish," and Kurapika knew he couldn't escape, so he gritted his teeth and avoided the carnivorous fish that came to bite him.

The five of them escaped from the desperate situation like this, kept their distance from the Puppets, and gathered into a team.

It cannot be said that the situation has completely reversed, but the five of them breathed a sigh of relief, the chessboard turned to a situation much better than before, and the Shadow clicked his tongue helplessly.

Then, for better or worse, everyone present couldn't help but think about what the first move was that caused such a big change in the situation; what destroyed Feitan's weapon was a "Throwing" object.

... Looking at the "Throwing" object stuck in the floor, leaving aside the Shadow and the Phantom Troupe Puppets, the five people saved by it, especially Sora, frowned for some reason.

The moment they saw it, they said gratefully: "I don't know what that is, but I'm saved!" This is a very scary reaction, but it is not unreasonable.

"What are you waiting for with the doll?"

Their voices, which could only be described as sticky, made them defend their reaction.

From that moment on, I knew it was a playing card with Aura, which would be thrown to the ground, and I didn't even have to think about why he was here. However, I don't know how he knew about this place; only the obedient Gon raised his voice and honestly expressed his surprise.

"Hisoka!? Why are you here?"

"Go back!!"

"I know how you feel, but shut up!!"

To cover up Gon's surprise, Sora frankly ordered Hisoka to fulfill his desperate wish, and the other three rushed into Sora. However, the three also spoke their true feelings.

No wonder. This person certainly didn't come to help us. At present, the number of allies has not increased, only one enemy-like enemy has increased. There is no reason to be happy about an enemy that cannot even be called an enemy, even if it is difficult to use, let alone trust.

"Well, I'm still confused, only Gon welcomed me."

"No, I never welcomed you either. So? Do you have anything to do? How did you know about this place?"

As usual, he seemed not to care about the insults from Sora and the others, but while mocking Gon, he groaned and said he was hurt.

It wasn't just dislike, but an instinctive reaction; sure enough, Hisoka seemed slightly injured, pouting as he replied, not cute at all, not cute, but rather a killing intent.

"Looks like a fun struggle party, I invited a friend who is good at Tracking to chase you all."

"Chase...? Tailings, did you get hit?"

"One..."

"... Hey."

After all, Hisoka's motive for breaking in was within expectations, but the reason he knew the location was unexpected, so when Killua asked, Sora made a foolish sound.

Sora hurriedly covered his mouth, but his voice was heard clearly; Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio all glared at him, and even Gon just smiled vaguely, as if he had encountered trouble. Don't follow me.

"No, you're wrong! I noticed, but I didn't let it go; I just realized I didn't want to be bothered anymore, I thought it was over, so I didn't have to bother saying anything random!!"

"Same thing!! Say it first!!"

Confused by the three people's gazes, "This again?" instead, I was the one being scolded, again because of exposing the reason everyone was angry, "I figured it out myself, did it myself, let them solve everything themselves."

"Really, Sora is that rare type of villain who causes trouble because of bravery, loyalty, and humility, isn't he? By the way, talking nonsense is dangerous."

"I know! That's why you should go back to the dirt!"

When Hisoka warned him while trying to express the personality of a woman named Sora, it seemed the most inappropriate, yet was actually the perfect expression; Omokage threw a Needle that had made the mark as thin as possible into the "shadow" with a thread. Sora was knocked down immediately.

The interaction between the two was the biggest factor in making them lose their composure, but after convincing themselves they couldn't worry about these guys, the four regained their lost spirit and prepared to fight.

However, the particularly high-IQ Killua and Kurapika understood that if there was any more room for maneuver in the current situation, it would be even more hopeless.

Our current situation is almost the same as before, just with a slightly increased life expectancy.

The Aura has already been exhausted, and Hisoka, the number of intruders, should not be counted as a temporary ally, so the outcome will not change.

"Hehehe... are you pretending to be an ally of justice, Hisoka?"

"Can't be helped."

"Anyway, it just adds to my Collection."

Perhaps because Omokage knew this, the frustrated face from just a moment ago returned to a relaxed smile.

That smile made Kurapika's nerves rub with all their might.

And Kurapika was not the only one angry at his words and actions.

"... How could you do this!! Even Retsu is sad!"

Hearing Gon's roaring appeal, Omokage's face twisted with disgust.

"Let us...!?"

"Yeah! Why... why make Retsu sad!? Why can't you understand Retsu's feelings!? Everything you think, everything you are, Omokage... at least... sister let us, since that's the case, then that's what I think, so even if I'm sad I want you to understand, so I cried, but why—"

He looked displeased, but even so, this was a name Omokage could not ignore, so when he reacted, Gon recovered his tears and asked, "Why?"

Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua noticed his words, and their faces all became painful.

... The Dolls made by Omokage are not real, because they are made of "someone's obsession." To say they are exactly the same as the real thing is not a good Copy.

To anyone other than the owner of that obsession, it might be a personality that doesn't look like it at all, recognizable as fake at a glance.

That is why... let our existence prove it.

Omokage was once a kind older brother, not a fiction fabricated by Retsu to comfort and cover up the pain of being used as a pawn, but a fact.

At least, Omokage didn't like imitating other people's eyes, believing his younger sister was an ordinary kind girl.

Perhaps the motive for stealing others' eyes was "for the sake of my sister," which is the truth. At least that's how it started.

Omokage put an existence that shouldn't be weighed on a scale. Like the sea, he might be a person with a big flaw somewhere.

But that doesn't mean my sister isn't important. I sacrificed my sister on the scale... but if I could avoid losing her, I didn't want to lose her; she was a lovely existence.

So even knowing his sister didn't want him, even knowing it was nothing but complacency, Omokage still intended to atone for sacrificing his sister... At first, he probably just wanted to meet his sister again. I think... I should create her, let us, with that feeling.

But at some point, that wish twisted, rotted, and fell to the point of collapse.

I don't have eyes like my sister's, which is probably due to my pride as a Doll Manipulator, but I cannot Compromise more easily than this.

If I Compromise, even "sister's death" was initially "sister lost her life because of things that should have been compromised."

I don't know if the reason I hate it is because I don't want to look down on my sister's death, or because I want to alleviate my own guilt.

However, at some point, Omokage forgot its original purpose.

I don't know if it was the result of my gaze moving away from my guilt, or my heart being fascinated by someone else's eyes, I couldn't see anything anymore.

Unknowingly, "for his little sister" had become a legitimate reason for his own Collection. The sister herself changed the means and purpose, becoming a pawn for that purpose, completely changed... but the sister Retsu was still the same as before.

Separated from her brother, Retsu, who was her brother's heart, had long ago acquired the personality of "Retsu" independent from Omokage. Omokage had nothing to do with her thoughts. It was all Retsu's.

But... the beginning of that thought was the clear morality he gave me, "don't hurt others" and "don't lie and deceive your friends"... without a doubt, this was an Omokage.

Retsu is not only the Doll of Omokage's little sister, but also Omokage's "Conscience" itself.

It was precisely because he realized this that Gon made the appeal.

Precisely because she is the one who created her, hoping she remembers her "Conscience," and also hoping she remembers his "Conscience."

But... only Gon had such expectations and hopes.

Because of this, Gon's words made the three of them feel a bit helpless.

And Sora, who clearly noticed Gon, also quietly snuggled up to Gon.

No matter what kind of answer I get, even if that answer is painful, at least I can hug you.

I snuggled up to a sad face I could only make.

Omokage answered.

"Shut up! What do you guys know!? The beauty of these Dolls..."

"..............."

Gon's words did not reach the appeal, including the salvation of Omokage.

After receiving this answer, Gon was enlightened under the intimidation of Omokage. He had known for a long time that his conscience only existed in Leorio.

Actually, there is no need to think too much; just looking at Omokage so far is enough to know.

If Gon's plea just now could have recovered his conscience, then before this, he would have reacted differently to the harsh words of Sora and the sea.

If he still had a shred of conscience, he at least would not have used Retsu to steal people's eyes, but that kind of person who says doing so is Retsu's happiness no longer applies to him.

A resident of his own world who seeks understanding, refuses to understand, and withdraws.

Despite this, Gon still hopes.

Because Retsu's smile is burning in my eyes.

Gon wanted to believe in Retsu's faith, so he believed.

"I don't care about theories! Anyway, you are all my Collection!"

Unable to say anything more, Gon had a hurt expression on his face and had to remain silent.

Omokage did not notice anything. The reason I hurt and mocked him was not because of Gon, but because I wanted to give meaning to her death as a human and her life as a Doll. Gon shed tears silently because he sympathized with the person who did not realize he was coming; Sora silently hugged Gon from behind.

"Omokageeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!"

Omokage could not forgive Gon's tears, because he cried not only for Retsu, but also for the old Omokage.

There was no need to worry about "Will this chain be effective against those who leave the group?" Originally, Kurapika was not worried, but now Kurapika's mind had completely eliminated the shackles of his own chains.

I just can't let it go.

Like a close friend, someone who hurts people like themselves and makes them cry, only seeing the world they want to see is unforgivable; Kurapika brandished his chains.

Hisoka prepared a deck of Playing Cards to prevent Kurapika from stealing his main course, Omokage, but he was unexpectedly attacked. Shalnark used Automatic Mode; since he only knew that Shalnark's ability was an orthodox Manipulation System like Illumi's, he was somewhat surprised by this trump card, was slow to react, and had to deal with him.

"You're in the way."

Even so, Shalnark, who is not a complete fighter, could not be Hisoka's enemy.

If he had blocked Omokage and the cards he himself was about to throw at Kurapika, it would have pierced Shalnark's face deeply like the face-monkey in the Hunter Exam, his body trembling with the momentum. Playing Cards flashed in his throat.

While rotating Shalnark's neck, which had not yet turned back into a Doll, with his fingertips like a ball, he looked around and licked his Tongue.

"If you're like a toy, you can't be my opponent."

He threw the head of a Shalnark Doll at Feitan, and Feitan used his dark weapon and the speed of his small physique to attack him.

It didn't look as good as the real thing. Fortunately or unfortunately, Hisoka's motivation did not increase, but he did not wither.

"Hmm... although it's troublesome, for the time being, it seems I can only deal with toys; killing, or should I treat this as a shoulder warm-up before the match?"

As a result, Hisoka defeated one of the Dolls, and the five of them were lucky enough to fight the other three, but they had no time to realize or be grateful. Or rather, even if they did, only Gon would be grateful.

In fact, no one noticed that Hisoka was fighting three-on-one; Kurapika was just watching Omokage, and the other four were worried that Kurapika had attacked Omokage directly.

As for Omokage, 3 of them were enough to confront Hisoka. The Phantom Troupe Spider judged it to be a series of specializations, and Hisoka decided to let go and focus on Kurapika and the others.

"I know... it was a Nen Ability that defeated Uvogin! Then I will show you another Nen Ability!"

The originally fierce and ominous aura of Omokage expanded and became even more fierce.

I thought he would increase the number of Dolls or strengthen them, but contrary to what I imagined, the Dolls disappeared like a mirage, turning into something like mist, becoming so fleeting that they seemed to disperse and vanish.

"You retracted the Dolls!?"

"They were Dolls created with my Aura, so it's easy to be deceived."

"And once you absorb the Aura that turned into a Doll, you can do things like this."

Perhaps it was because the Aura given to the Dolls returned to him, and Omokage's Aura further strengthened; the released Aura was enough to make the defense of the "coat" make the skin tingle.

If this alone was amazing enough, of course, Omokage's other abilities were not that simple.

Kurapika's chains did not seem impatient, and he casually stretched his right hand toward the floor.

Seeing this, Sora, who is sensitive to the discomfort of the world, noticed.

His hand was completely different from before. And what was behind him?

"! Sorry, little brother! Kurapika, you are too 'bad'!!"

He threw Gon, who was holding him, to Killua beside him, and Sora jumped out to give instructions to Kurapika.

It happened almost simultaneously with the instruction.

"!?"

The fingertips of Omokage's right hand loosened, and a high-density Bullet sprayed out from there.

The Bullet deflected the chain shot by Kurapika, blew it away, and flew toward Kurapika and the others.

"Damn it! Put it on!!"

In front of Kurapika, Sora jumped to the front line without hesitation, once again chanting minimally, materialized a Gem Sword, and shot a blade of light to neutralize the Bullet that should have hit them directly.

But there were too many to cancel them all. Since everyone was protected with as much Aura as possible, there was no fatal damage, but they were still hit, and their Aura and physical strength were consumed.

"What the hell!?"

"This is the technique used by a member of the Phantom Troupe just now!!"

"Impossible... his other abilities..."

While Leorio cried out in despair, trying to deceive the pain of being hit, Gon answered dutifully, and Killua's face turned pale, as if he had already guessed Omokage's ability.

Omokage affirmed Killua's anxiety with loud laughter.

On his back, he carried a ghostly, fading Franklin Doll.

"That's right! If you collect a Doll, you can use that Nen Ability!"

"The ability to let a Doll manipulate its own body..."

"No, it just looks like a shelf!?"

Sora made his usual piercing strike at Omokage's ability, saying proudly with his arms spread, and started running with the Gem Sword in his hand.

I guess he intends to hit Omokage directly while using the Gem Sword to neutralize the Nen Bullets until he enters the Direct Death range.

Although Kurapika was still angry at Sora for doing anything without permission, he knew it would be more dangerous to scold him and stop him. He manipulated the chains again.

He intended to support Omokage at the very least by guiding Sora's consciousness into his chains, but Omokage mocked Kurapika's thoughts and Sora's actions as "sweet."

The moment I withdrew the hand that had fired the Nen Bullet, Omokage crouched down, placed a hand on his waist, and drew something out.

Before I knew it, Omokage was holding a Sword, and the puppet behind him had turned into Nobunaga.

Under the control of the Nobunaga puppet, Omokage gained Nobunaga's power and severed Kurapika's chains with a high-speed drawing technique.

It was an excellent Iai, and it took him a moment to realize he had been severed, not even having time to inject any aura to reinforce it.

But I didn't think much of it, nor was I shocked that my chains were severed. Just as I had planned, Omokage's consciousness, attention, and abilities turned toward me. Sora did not miss this opportunity and swung the Gem Sword.

"I will pierce the world—"

But the Sword did not fall. It was a casual matter that could not be called a strategy, so precisely because they cared for each other, their actions backfired.

"!? When did those guys get here!?"

Just as Sora stopped the Sword he was preparing to swing down, Leorio and Kurapika noticed; Kurapika was speechless, while Leorio blamed himself for not noticing and failing to stop it.

Omokage mocked their compassion and resolve.

After severing Kurapika's chains with Iai, Omokage immediately let go of the Sword and twisted his arm over his shoulder like a warm-up.

Omokage, carrying the Phinks puppet on his back, launched an attack with his arm wrapped in amplified aura.

After erasing his presence with Absolute, Sora rushed straight ahead; Kurapika, who had been attacked by the chains, was blinded and attacked them silently, even entering Omokage's range... Sora could not use the Gem Sword. And Killua was the reason.

"What!?"

"Whoa!!"

Surprised to find their presence noticed, the two instantly switched from Ten to Ken, which was close to Ryu, and retreated to dodge, but suddenly hit the steps of the stairs. At that spot, my feet could no longer hold, and the two of us rolled down the stairs under the pressure of Omokage's fist.

"Gon! Killua!!"

Sora let go of the Gem Sword, applied the aura around the Gem Sword to his legs to reach the bottom of the stairs with leg strength, and then protected the two with that body.

After intercepting the two with Phinks's ability, Sora immediately opened his clenched fist, pointing his fingertips toward downstairs again to protect them from Omokage, who was shooting Franklin's Nen Bullets.

"... Jin, you big idiot!!"

Kurapika cursed as if spitting blood.

Was it because the two acted without saying anything to them, or because they didn't want to die, but were so angry at the restrictions that they gave up their lives? Against Sora?

"What on earth are you doing!!"

Leorio also yelled at the two of them and tried to run toward Sora with a bag full of medical tools, but Omokage sneered at their actions and fired telepathic Bullets to stop Leorio's advance.

As expected, it seemed he couldn't use another puppet's ability at the same time, but replacing it with another puppet was faster than you'd think.

Although we gained the power of three people, thinking we had a chance to win was a mistake because the number of people was only one. This was about the same as dealing with three people at the end.

In particular, Franklin was too focused on being hurt.

Franklin's ability was Sora's natural enemy. In a series of long-range, high-power attacks, it was almost impossible to use Direct Death, which was a foul among Sora's fouls.

At the very least, if Franklin were separated, we could defeat Franklin first with a few people, or take over his attacks, but since he was absorbed, other than hitting Omokage directly, we could use Franklin's mind. A way to do something about the Bullets.

And although it was a difficult ability to be caught between them, even if someone other than Sora entered Omokage's range, they could break through the defense and attack abilities of Nobunaga and Phinks, who were good at close combat, making up for this ability. No one had that much aura.

Sure enough, it was impossible for one person to keep everyone out of range, but as long as Sora didn't get close, one Omokage was enough, so it made sense to absorb these three people and use them.

"Ugh, ugh, ugh..."

That was why, although I had aura defense, I was hit directly and fell to the ground. "!! He didn't attack the two angry, unarmed people, but watched their exchange with a creepy smile.

Like an interesting spectacle.

Kurapika and Leorio were so angry their guts were burning from that look, but if they moved poorly, Omokage would prey on the three people who were less capable of defense than himself, so Sora recovered a little. What to do, wait for the two of them to calm down. And endure quietly.

However, the hardest thing to endure was always the decision.

"Weakness is a sin. No matter how precious friendship and family are, if you are weak, you will only hurt the people you want to protect, and it will only turn into a tragedy, making the people you protect even sadder. But that tragedy is over.

I will end my life like a rotten apple and live forever as my Collection!"

"... Hmm?"

Even the aura that the eyes had recovered was almost exhausted, and Sora didn't even have the strength to stand up, but... even so, Sora, who was still smiling bitterly while panting and insisting "It's okay," suddenly sighed. It scared both worried children.

Not only Gon and Killua, but Kurapika, Leorio, and even Omokage were stunned by Sora's sudden energetic awakening.

Because Sora had no loose aura, nor did he take out any Jewel or weapons, his hands were gently clenched, and he stood up dizzy and defenseless. It was Sora who started to let out a dry laugh, clearly with a disrespectful look.

"... Hehehehe. Weak? You are so weak... Except for me, these children... Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio are all weak... Hehehe... What are you talking about, my loincloth? A fool, borrowing the tiger's authority, doing nothing, only wearing someone else's loincloth, nothing at all."

Frankly, Omokage was attracted by Sora's behavior.

I was still talking about Omokage in a stupid way, but unlike now, I had no room to say anything more, just provoking him with my raw impression.

But even now, I couldn't see any intention to offend the other party. It was just a monologue. The voice accumulated in my mind had just leaked out of my mouth, and the anger and pressure Sora had accumulated along with the words also overflowed from his mouth, which made Omokage retreat grandly.

Not only Omokage, but even his friends, knowing they were called "weak" and getting angry, timidly shouted "Sora?"

However, the rope of Sora's endurance pack was amazingly strong, and once it was cut, it wouldn't stop.

"Damn it, although we rely on others for everything, we treat these children as weak, and in the end, it's just a rotten apple?

... Ah, I'm starting to feel like an idiot now. I really feel like an idiot because I'm so stubbornly trying to do my best."

Sora had been spitting out the pressure that had been accumulating in his mind for a while, finally finished speaking, and turned around to say.

Looking back, Sora showed a refreshing smile, as if he had spit out all the pressure and felt refreshed, but that fresh smile was not because he had spit out all the pressure.

It simply blew up.

"So, sorry everyone! It was really bad for you and me to sway back and forth like silly sisters, but please keep shaking me for a while!

"!? Wait a minute, Sora!

Gon, Killua, and Leorio had just teased Sora's declaration of letting go: "Hmm?" stretched and stopped.

However, Sora ignored Kurapika and rushed toward Omokage again.

"!? You idiot! Do you think I won't take your life for those eyes!?"

Omokage, who didn't expect another suicide attack in that Ryu, was stunned for a moment, but then fired Franklin's nemesis, which could be said to be Sora's natural enemy.

I don't think it's a waste to lose the freshness of killing him, but I already understand Sora's troubles, so even if it's his head, or even his eyeballs, even if they aren't the Deadly magic eyes, those eyes are burned into his hands, you just need to go in.

That is why I intend to kill it completely.

…………But,

"What!?"

"Huh!?"

"Eh, why!?"

"Are you serious!?"

"………………"

Sora ran.

Although the power was not as great as the real Franklin, every strike still passed directly through the rain of bullets with the power of large-caliber Bullet.

The whole body was covered by the minimal 'Wrap', but accepting the 'Flow' of perfect Aura distribution that directly hit him, not brute force, but gently parrying and offsetting, the damage received was reduced, and the burden on the body and the consumption of Aura were minimized.

In a way completely different from before, Omokage was startled by the special attack that showed off his powerful skills.

Perhaps noticing their reaction, Machi and Feitan, as well as Hisoka who was playing with a Chrollo puppet, also cast their gazes in that direction amidst their playfulness, and noticed.

Sora originally possessed an amazing evasive reaction similar to Fortune Telling, but conversely, this was a combat skill that had to be avoided. Setting aside lower-ranked opponents, Franklin's Nen Bullet that was incompatible with him, running the shortest distance by moving left or right one step, I had no divine skill, parrying as if dodging it, including not just contingency techniques, but also physical arts.

Hisoka accepted it gladly; she, who should have possessed this ability, was actually doing this now.

Because it was viewed from afar, the shape could not be seen, but even so, I could see a tattoo-like pattern on the back of Sora's right hand, and this alone was enough to understand the current situation. Situation.

This is why Hisoka decided to end this play as soon as possible.

I had been looking forward to Omokage for about three years being removed from Hisoka's main course rack.

Faced with the rarest, most rare food, to Hisoka, Omokage was nothing but junk food.

＊＊＊

For Omokage, a few seconds felt strange.

I simply couldn't believe everything that happened in that moment.

The Nen Bullet itself seemed to be deliberately dodging, the body wrapped in an aura that completely blocked the Nen Bullet, covering only the parts of the limbs that the Nen Bullet touched, parrying smoothly. "It" kept pushing forward.

Even Omokage, who had no interest in anything other than puppets and eyeballs, might have been fascinated if the opponent hadn't approached him, if his own attacks hadn't been blocked. This was a perfect combination of "Hard" and "Flow" and taijutsu.

While walking forward, using and utilizing the last bit of Aura as much as possible, running up the stairs, Omokage finally realized that Franklin's ability was not working, turning himself into a Puppet that he manipulated.

With this, when you step into a "En" with a radius of 4 meters, you can cut off your head with a counterattack. Even if that perfect "Hard" and "Flow" prevented this, Omokage had a chance to win.

Omokage's "Doll Catcher" is Shalnark's Automatic Mode, because it can ignore its own limits and control its own body, so it can switch to a completely different fighting style, which is impossible under normal circumstances.

If you switch from Iai to melee immediately while protecting your neck, which is the most important point, your body will not be able to keep up with your movements, even if the opponent has already anticipated it.

Such speculation is too sweet even for "Sora," who constantly dreams of death, but for "that," it is even sweeter.

Iai saw through the technique that Omokage praised as "one day reaching the realm of a proper Barrier," which was unworthy of Omokage's ability.

It was not accomplished through personal experience, but because it was something that entered the "Quan" and automatically activated, so it was relatively high-skill.

The moment Omokage let go of Franklin and the puppet replacing Nobunaga assumed the Iai posture, "it" kicked away the melee that Omokage had shot before flying directly at him.

Instead of parrying like a soccer ball, even in soccer, the momentum was too strong, the power was like a laser, no metaphor, kicking it directly back at Omokage. The body moved regardless of everything.

Even the Nen Bullet kicked back with laser-like power could be cut off as long as it was within the range of the "Circle".

However, this action allowed "it" to catch up.

Because Iai is powerful, it is not suitable for continuous attacks. I should have dodged that bullet instead of cutting it. Iai should have been used on the next opponent entering the "Circle", and the real Nobunaga would have done so, but regardless of Omokage's intentions, it would automatically activate. The chance to hit "it" in the head with a Deadly Iai was lost.

……Kurapika threw Phinks, who was entangled in chains, like throwing a hammer, dodging without hurting him.

Or was it because of Nobunaga's "heart," knowing that the next one would suffer a loss, that he dared to draw his Sword and cut it?

Who knows?

All I know is that I didn't have enough time to put the Sword back into the scabbard at my waist. So Omokage changed dolls again.

From Nobunaga to Phinks.

At this time, Omokage had no intentions left. This was entirely a reaction that occurred in flight, because he was already accustomed to the role division of "Franklin for long-range, Nobunaga for defense, Phinks for melee."

Usually, for an ordinary opponent, this would be fine. Not wasting a single second is much better than thinking about bad things.

However, the opponent did not fall into the "ordinary" category.

Omokage should have realized that "it" was an "anomaly" rather than being threatened by it.

However, this "Doll Catcher" even so, relying on the faces of others, did not notice that there was anything wrong with the opponent.

Even if you noticed that Sora's movements had suddenly improved, even if you took into account the fact that she was covered in scars all over her body, even if she was in perfect condition, she didn't have the strength to perform such a trick. In particular, I didn't notice that I was watching the battle with the Flame Soldier, the sea, and the Phantom Troupe puppets, even though I had been fighting until now.

Therefore, the reason Omokage noticed the "anomaly" was completely different.

This is a story I understood because I discovered a "difference" that anyone could see, even if it was a knot hole.

The Phinks puppet replacing Nobunaga manipulated Omokage, turning its shoulder in a circle to attack it with that momentum, but while exchanging with thin threads, it did not lose the momentum to move this way. Omokage attacked him with momentum, smashing his fist, which had already been "healed," directly into his stomach.

When "Doll Catcher" was activated, the whole body was automatically wrapped in a nearly powerful aura, but even so, the damage could not be avoided. Omokage flew backward while vomiting blood, not hitting the wall, but hitting the wall, breaking through the wall, and falling directly out of the Residence.

At the same time, he saw

I simply couldn't believe what I saw, and the question of "What is that!? What is going on!?"

That... on the other side of the blue and scarlet eyes, Omokage was fascinated by the scene before him and fell into the rubble.

Regardless of whether he realized Omokage's new obsession, he stayed upstairs for a while, assuming a posture of punching him away, looking at the large hole he had dug in the wall, and then said "that" with a slightly troubled expression.

"……Oops. Although I entered the distance, I still made a mistake."

Franklin's melee Bullet was also troublesome for "it," so he wanted to bring it into melee, but since it had just come out, he had to act before he knew the situation, so he was too aggressive. I awkwardly regretted it.

Kurapika was the only one who could think "My head hurts...", it's a pity I don't know if I understand this situation.

The others, Gon, Killua, and Leorio, could only stare at the back upstairs with wide eyes and open mouths.

Even if Sora suddenly unleashed her ability, it would be shocking and speechless. Although it was relatively expensive, no matter how I asked the man's voice, I didn't know what to ask anymore.

No, in reality, I more or less understand what this "voice" has done to her.

I understand, but I had heard of it, yet when I truly saw it, I could not believe it and could not help but be dumbfounded. Calling it "it."

"Hey, it's been half a year! I've missed you so much, 'Karna'!!"

Responding to the call and looking back.

Hair that had grown for over half a year, combed with his right hand, engraved with patterns of the stars, moon, and Sun shining in the sky.

"So that's how it is. If possible, I do not want to see you, Hisoka.

Ah, but I want to see you all. Long time no see, Kurapika. Are you Gon, Killua, and Leorio?"

To Hisoka, "it"... had already entered Sora's heart, and continued to dream of her living a happy life from then on. Half of the twisted contradiction of the guardian servant.

After answering Hisoka's words, the Hero of Charity Karna turned his gaze from Hisoka toward the four of them and spoke.

Facing Hisoka, he was expressionless with a cold look, but it seemed he was still clearly wary of him; yet toward Kurapika and the three he was meeting for the first time, there was only a little, but it was still clear, and he was kind and affectionate. He happily narrowed his eyes and raised the corners of his mouth.

Facing that gentle warrior whose expression was like a blade, the three were stunned once again for the first time, while that person immediately tightened his expression and spoke.

"I would very much like to thank you for the pleasure of seeing you again and seeing you, and also thank Master, but I do not have time.

Kurapika, I am sorry, please answer me."

Hearing Karna's words, Kurapika raised his head, supporting his head with both hands to endure a headache.

Vaguely anticipating Karna's question, Kurapika wanted to reflexively say "No!" while keeping a straight face to ask Kurapika for important information.

"Who was the person I just hit?"

"Why are you here!?"

Karna, who could only share information about Sora's memories like a dream, asked him a compelling question, while Kurapika was shocked that the Prophecy he least wanted to come true had done so.

It goes without saying that Gon and his friends, as well as Hisoka and the three Brigade Puppet who had been fighting him, had all lost their strength.