Chapter 204: Side Story Chapter 4

I had originally intended to rest for a bit, but before that, I thought I would eat something, so I went to the kitchen inside the airship. The head chef waiting in the kitchen,

"Right now, the staff is on break.

If you don't mind something simple, I can have it ready immediately."

"……No, I'll do it myself.

I just want to make a little something, is that alright?"

"Ha……

I have enough ingredients, so that's fine."

"Good, I'll borrow the kitchen."

I came up with an idea and decided to take my time.

I carried a large picnic basket and approached the transport vehicle.

Like the entrance to a sightseeing bus, I touched the door that looked normal at first glance and opened it.

This door was locked with Kamiji, so it could only be opened or closed if I, Netero, or Novu touched it. From the inside or the outside.

The Phantom Troupe inside the vehicle looked at me, who had suddenly boarded, with thoughtful expressions. The door closed with a "bang," and I found an onboard microphone near the driver's seat and turned it on. Putting the microphone to my lips,

"Oh, oh. Mike test.

Uh……

Thank you very much for using Suvardani Tourism today."

Several members of the Phantom Troupe were killed. I think I was craving entertainment, because it was interesting, and because I had nothing to do with it.

"If the weather permits, the airship carrying this bus is scheduled to arrive at Suwanda City in n hours. Ladies and gentlemen, although it is only for a short time, please enjoy the pleasure of chatting.

……Or rather, I might be placed in solitary confinement, so I cannot talk to my partners right now."

"Stick to the end……"

Phinks, who was sitting in the front row, rushed in. ──Looking at the data from just now, I remembered the faces and names of the Phantom Troupe members.

"Huh? Um...

Smoking is prohibited inside the vehicle. It looks like a built-in ashtray, but it is a visual illusion.

It is indoors, so please do not hit someone else's head or your own head with the ashtray just because you cannot smoke."

Uvogin, sitting in the last seat, shouted, "Pah!"

"Hey, miss!

Why are you aiming for a hit like that! You don't know why!"

"Hm?

Ah, I'll talk about it later, but I know your Ken rules, right?

So don't just say strange things and die."

When I said that, everyone fell silent. Yes, you seem to understand.

"When I look at the situation from the outside, you all seem to be exhausted.

Anyway, Roku definitely wouldn't let me eat, so I brought this for you."

I turned off the microphone and walked to the back of the bus with the picnic basket.

Crossing the referee's Sight Vision, I walked over to Uvogin in the back seat and removed the metal fittings of the basket.

Inside were sandwiches. Tuna sandwich, ham sandwich, egg sandwich, cutlet sandwich, four standard types. Well, the cutlet had just been defrosted from the refrigerator.

"Here, take it.

Let's say four people.

There are 4 types, so take one of each. Don't take too much."

"……Isn't it poisoned?"

"Why would I poison the captured Omara? Are you stupid?"

Saying this, I picked up an egg sandwich and stuffed my cheeks.

……Mugu mugu, pari pori. Melted egg, hmm.

Chewed a few times and swallowed it all. Licked the white off my fingers,

"Here…… you should taste the Poison.

Let the others calm down."

"……It should be a slow-acting poison, right?"

"This is troublesome.

That is why I had to use Poison in this situation.

Do you really understand the meaning of the Ken rules placed on you?"

Saying this, I picked up the tuna sandwich and muttered.

"……Uvo.

First of all, it's fine. Did you see this kid fighting?

An ordinary Hunter would quickly run away when Zoldyck attacks, but this kid fought desperately to protect the bus. Think about why."

Shalnark, sitting in the seat in front of me, said this.

Uvogin stared into my eyes as if to judge my true intentions. Muttering…… Jajanken.

"I am fighting for money.

I have nothing to do with the pride or sense of justice of a professional."

"……Don't lie. People who fight for money don't look like you.

This is a species that lives. If it were someone looking for money, they would naturally run away when encountering danger."

"When Gisang told you to run, why didn't you run?"

Even if you say that...

"Because I thought I would be killed if I ran.

I was in such despair at that time, I couldn't make the right decision."

"Hmph... well, that guy is not bad.

But if you add Poison or medicine to this kind of food, you're all set, right?"

"... Then do as you please."

I replied concisely. If this person can spare his life, I won't be killed. I am too tired now.

"..................... I'm hungry."

I looked at Uvogin's stomach, looking at that squeezed word. You were treated quite harshly... Could this be the reason for the delayed recovery?... Well, well, are you okay? Don't break the law.

Close the picnic basket once, then place it on the back seat.

I leaned close to him, bringing my face near the big man's ear,

"Keep it a secret..."

I placed my fingertips on Uvogin's stomach. ──Because the sensory cells were destroyed, I carved a Kanji character inside the abdominal cavity, prompting the cells in the affected area to be discarded and replaced by new, unharmed cells from the surroundings.

"... A full recovery might take a week.

The only things interrupted were the abdominal muscle fibers and skin, and the damage to the internal organs is in a state that can be repaired, so this meal... is a bit Hard, but if you chew it well, eat it, I think the pain will ease a little."

Saying this, I pulled away.

"Look. If you don't eat, you won't be able to recover.

After you finish eating, try to rest."

I picked up the picnic basket and rummaged through the contents again.

This time, Uvogin didn't say a word and grabbed four sandwiches.

I walked backward and turned the basket toward the nearby Shalnark.

"You are the 'Sorcerer', Uranus Cherry, right?"

After saying that, I looked away. How should I react...

"... Hmm, that's a nostalgic name, hey.

Who the hell are you calling?"

"Is that so?

I think it's a name that suits you very well."

Shalnark smiled bitterly and also grabbed four sandwiches.

I felt my face turn red.... Actually, I thought so too. I didn't want to be told.

I suddenly noticed and stared at Shalnark, who was holding the sandwiches.

"... Hmm? Do you want something from me?"

Yes? Why is your face so red?

"No...

I thought the nerves and ligaments around the joints were injured. This is difficult because it's almost the entire body, isn't it?"

Shalnark opened his eyes.

"I think it might be because I left it for a while and the joints came out...

From the outside, the joints themselves seem to have returned to their original state, but it's best to avoid sudden movements for the time being.

If used excessively, there might be sequelae leading to pain for a while."

Shalnark said nothing. Well, you know what I mean.

Moving further ahead, I came to a seat where three people were sitting side by side. Pakunoda was on the left. Chrollo on your right hand side?

But he doesn't look like a leader. The window next to him is a gusset. What kind of sitting posture is this? I feel a strange intention.

"Are you the leader, Chrollo?

I just called you."

A handsome older brother with a headband wrapped around his forehead. The total amount of Life Force and Spirit Power is prominent among them. There are no signs of exhaustion, so there might be some people who haven't fully recovered yet. Like Uvogin in the back.

"Was it your intention to have me call Illumi to get him to give up?

I don't think it's a bad move, but by provoking Illumi, it's completely meaningless."

"... No.

He was arguing with me from the beginning, and I was too selfish, offending him with whatever I said."

"If you ask Illumi to think according to common sense, that's a mistake."

"Hmm.

... Spider head, also known as the Madman Group, having said so much, he must be truly crazy. I will remember."

"You too, your Tongue is very sharp..."

Pakunoda muttered. I glanced at them,

"A bunch of lunatics, huh?

On the contrary, I act just as I want to."

"I'm not interested in what others think of us.

We just do what we want to do."

Chrollo whispered.

"Pah."

"Hmm, I do charity work sometimes.... It seems it's mainly related to Meteor City."

Chrollo stared at me.

"No, don't stare at me, hurry up and get me a sandwich.

Prison food is terrible and nutritious.

Now eat a nutritious Monday."

"I don't need you."

Machi, sitting beside Chrollo, muttered.

"... By the way, why?"

I asked. Machi looked away.

"..."

"Just like you're being fed."

Funny! Shalnark choked.

"Even if you say things like that.

... You guys, from now on, can be fed?

If you worry about it, you won't be able to eat anything."

"..."

You are a troublesome person.

"... Pretending to be a cool beauty is fine, but your hair isn't well-maintained.

Because it's rough and damaged."

Sure enough, Machi glared at me.

"What are you doing!

This is just the hairstyle!"

"Hairstyle has nothing to do with hair care.

It's a hassle to take care of, so it's obvious that you have that hairstyle."

"No...!"

"Stop it, Machi. Don't engage in stupid conversations."

Chrollo said with disgust. Well, if they argue with me like this, it'll be annoying.

"You take care of yourself."

Pakunoda stared at my hair and said kindly.

I couldn't help it. I smiled back.

"Thanks.

Just take the sandwich. Egg sandwiches aren't good when they get cold."

"I will."

Pakunoda got 4 sandwiches.... Hmm, this person looks amazing. Using your chest.

"Come on, take that one too.

If we don't hurry, we'll keep talking about hair."

Chrollo sighed. He reluctantly reached for his sandwich and tried to hand it to Machi. Machi reluctantly accepted. Pakunoda stared at the situation.... Right, that's it.

Chrollo picked up his share and started eating, so I finally backed up to the front of the bus.

Bonolenov in the seat on the left.... You have an amazing body structure. Under the bandages, my whole body is full of holes. Are you okay with infections?

Nobunaga was in the seat on the right in the same row. Hmm... maybe it's because I don't have a Sword, but I feel like a pathetic samurai.

Nobunaga stared at me.

"I feel terrible when you look at me."

After being told that, I shifted my gaze away.

"Don't go."

"You don't look like a star. Hey, look here."

Looking at Bonolenov, he reached for a sandwich without a word. Looking at me, the expression under the bandages was smiling.

"You, join the Brigade."

To Nobunaga's shameless remark—

I turned my eyes away as contemptuously as possible and opened my mouth to speak.

"O-ma-e-ha, a-ho-?

What's in the Brigade? You guys might be in the position of prisoners right now.

Do you want me to go to prison with you?"

"Not like that.

Since you're kind, I'm inviting you to team up with us."

"Being stupid isn't enough, are you an idiot?

What's the benefit of me teaming up with you people who got caught? This pathetic samurai.

Oh, I told you."

"Who is the pathetic samurai, Kono Taro!"

"You're the only one, heppokosamurai.

You're the worst character of the day, aren't you? This Nobu. Nobu."

Everywhere there were "Shh!" sounds and erupting reactions.

"Oh my god!!"

"……Stop it, Nobunaga."

Chrollo stopped him... while trying to hold back his laughter. Nobunaga shut his mouth for a moment,

"Hey, Chrollo!

Let's put this in Hisoka's spare round!

I'm going to educate this idiot!"

"Why should I be educated by an idiot!

Although I am Shinobu, I am stupid!"

"Who is Shinobu! You damn idiot!"

"Sorry, apologize to all the Mr. Shinobus in the country!!"

──For a moment, a stupid Curse──

"You guys, let's cut this out..."

Phinks's words brought him back to his senses, and he took a deep breath.

"Look, Nobu...

I won't join this Phantom Troupe.

Don't talk such nonsense, go eat your sandwich, you idiot."

"Hmph.

I won't eat a sandwich made by an idiot."

Nobunaga crossed his arms and turned to leave.

…………

"……That's right. I managed to do it."

"Wow! You idiot!

Why are you crying all of a sudden!

……I mean, did you really succeed?"

──When Nobunaga realized he might have violated the rule of "do not harm others," he became impatient.... Nothing happened. Well, if it's just this much, that's fine. I thought it would...

"Of course...

Who would cook for a bunch of murderers like you..."

"……No, why are you still preparing food?"

"I don't know. Somehow, something similar...

Anyway, I thought I wouldn't let you guys cook on time..."

"Of course.

We, thieves. I am also determined to steal food."

Feitan said this in front of the seat.

"……Do you know you can't do that anymore, Omara..."

"Shien," I fell silent.

"... Wait.

You really are an idiot, temme."

Saying this, Nobunaga finally picked up the sandwich.

……I really am an idiot. It's getting better.

I walked back to the front of the bus, suppressing the unease in my heart.

Shizuku was in the seat on the left, Kortopi by the window.

"Can I have it?"

Shizuku asked. I nodded,

"Ah, stop"

Now, put the basket on the correct seat.

"Sorry, can you open your mouth?

Ah, what?"

"?"

……How did this child open it so obediently? No, I was the one who said it.

When I looked at the mouth, it was almost as expected. A whisper.

"...... My teeth are cracking here and there.

If you don't take care of it, it will rot or chip, and it will be Hard. Sorry."

Saying this, I put my right index finger into her mouth.

"No"

Actually, the condition of the lower jaw teeth is serious, but the Tongue is in the way, so I had to implant a Kamiji to promote self-regeneration of the teeth into the upper jaw.... Well, next time.

Her jaw and the joints of her left arm from shoulder to wrist were broken, so I also buried Kamiji in the affected areas.... Broken like this, it's hard to heal completely. I have already received first aid, but since my Hatsu cannot recover, there is a possibility that I cannot fully heal.

Shizuku, who was still holding her mouth open, sighed and picked up the basket.

"Okay.

Please, sandwich"

"Yeah. Do you want to eat Kortopi too?"

"I'm going to buy it.

I've been wanting to eat it for a while, Shinobu is too noisy."

"Don't talk about Shinobu!"

Shinobu was making a fuss for some reason, but I ignored it.

I walked toward the front of the bus. Come on, it looks tough starting from here.

Franklin changed the direction of his seat, occupying the four seats on the right. His upper body seemed to have suffered serious injuries. He seemed to have received treatment several times, but it hadn't fully healed. By the way, there was a restroom on the left. I had intended to detain him for a long time, so I specifically booked a bus with a restroom, which cost a pretty penny.

"Sandwich.

... Can you eat it?"

Franklin made a pained expression.

"Hmm... I can't help but eat a little something.

At most one..."

"Then... a ham sandwich.

Please."

As I tried to pick it up and hand it over, I carelessly moved my left hand and took it. Not good... this is a guy with complete aftereffects.

Nen users can improve their own self-healing ability by controlling their aura to a certain extent... but since the control of aura is also restricted by the Seal, it cannot be counted on. To some extent, it is better than the general public.

Anyway, there's nothing I can do now...

Finally, I reached the front row of the bus.

Feitan on the left. Phinks on the right.

"Yes. You guys are the last ones. Go ahead."

Feitan glared at me.... Phinks looked like he wanted to eat, but hesitated when reaching out.

"Saki said it too.

We are thieves. I don't accept handouts."

"Because I don't want to...

Then you'd say don't keep eating in prison, right?"

"Feitan.

Don't misjudge your purpose."

Chrollo shouted from behind.

Feitan gritted his teeth.

"... If you don't like it that much, you don't have to eat it."

"Noisy."

Feitan grabbed the sandwich with his right hand and placed it on his lap.... Was your left arm torn off? It looks like the abdomen was sutured too... not as bad as Uvogin, but it's also terrifying. Even if you try to heal it, it will be rejected.

Phinks also reached out, trying to pick up the remaining 7 sandwiches.

"Hmm? Aren't these the same filling? There are four types."

"Ah. That..."

I looked at Feitan. He took it randomly, so it would be nearing the end.

"Well, it doesn't matter."

Phinks scratched his head.... Is this my right leg? The instep is torn from the middle. Be patient, it will hurt.

I closed the picnic basket with the remaining three sandwiches and placed it on the driver's seat.

After thinking about it, I turned on the bus microphone.

"So...

I believe you know everything you've done, but I believe you know.

Then do you think the Phantom Troupe would end up like this, what kind of joke is that?"

It might be because they didn't understand what I meant. The Phantom Troupe also reacted in confusion.

"The conditions for your bounty are basically regardless of life or death.

What's more, you weren't suddenly caught in a trap, that was the result of a battle, right? Although I don't want to pry, I think it's a Miracle that you are still alive."

"I don't need that kind of Miracle."

Phinks muttered.

"It's your fault that you lost so miserably that you couldn't even choose to fight and die. That's it.

If you are weak, can you complain? This is exactly what you did to your opponents."

"... I won't forgive you for ruining the Spider like this.

After you break out of prison, I will torture you first. Starting with your Finger. Gently remove your nails."

Feitan muttered hatefully.

"Ah!? What kind of lukewarm torture is that?

Clipping nails will come later. Aren't you going to insert a Needle between my nails and flesh to make a mess and torture me?

Most of them will cry and apologize."

At my words, everyone felt disgusted. No reason... this guy, although he is supposed to be an interrogation expert, was dissolute from the start.

"What are you going to torture me for?

I mean, if I'm killed while saying I'm sorry, will I be forgiven?

You hurt the dignity of the Spider, even if you kill me, I won't regret it. Realize that."

I had intended to provoke him, but the reaction was weaker than I had anticipated.... What?

──For the Spider, the person whose dignity is most wounded is either Aisha or Kurapika. No matter how much Uranus abuses them here, it is unlikely this image will be erased.

"Hmm...

You saved your own life.

I know you want to say this was a jailbreak—this was revenge—right after you were arrested, but you should also think about your time in prison until the very end."

There was no reply, but I could tell that each of them was thinking about something.

"The preventive rules imposed on you are strange.

You do whatever you want anyway; if you lose, you get killed, and that's that. It's a careless way of thinking, isn't it? You treat your own lives and the lives of others too poorly.

Is the law just there to make you suffer instead of choosing death?

... Do you understand that you are being given a chance to turn over a new leaf?"

"Since I have already recovered, I will say what I will say.

If you end up dying in prison, it's the same thing, isn't it?"

Phinks pointed out to me with a look of incomprehension.

"... I'm not talking about rebirth. This is about rethinking your way of life.

I am doing this for myself, not for anyone else.

I am telling you to realize how shallow your thoughts and lives are."

"What are you talking about, Mom?"

Feitan asked with an expression of profound incomprehension.

"... Kurta Tribe."

I will only tell you one word. The air inside the vehicle changed.

"Among your activities, this is the one that left the deepest impression.

Five years ago... that was an incident where a clan was attacked for their scarlet eyes, and they were taken away with a wicked scheme.

The message left there...

We reject nothing. So do not take anything from us.... Is that it?

It is said that the bombing terrorism caused by those involved in Meteor Town 10 years ago also left a similar message.... You can find out. You are from Ryuseigai."

Not a single person replied with a word.

I doubted myself. Was that message really left by the Phantom Troupe? I know about the terrorist bombing incident, but for the Kurta Massacre, it is a meaningless message. Who wrote it for whom? What is the point of revealing that the Brigade is from Ryuseigai?

"... In my view, you don't look crazy. Not right now.

However, including the situation with the Kurta Tribe, there are clearly some crazy schemes here and there.

As far as I know, the number of people I have killed is in the four digits. You cannot reach that number unless you commit not only necessary but also unnecessary murders.

First of all, if you are from Meteor Town, this situation of bickering with the Mafia is a mess...

Except for yourself, none of you care about others, right?"

Uvogin, who was sitting leisurely in the last seat, stood up. He shook the bus as he walked over to call me, placing both hands on the backrests of the left and right front seats.

"You know very well, don't you?

I don't care about other people who have nothing to do with me. We are.

Do what you want. Living the way you want is simple, right?"

I felt that he really thought that way. I responded coldly with a feeling of intimidation at the dark voice.

"... The result is this ending. Are you satisfied?"

"..."

"Answer me. Are you satisfied?"

The giant, gnashing his teeth, emitted a terrifying sound, seemingly using Enhancer-type Hatsu. The backrest also creaked. This physical strength without any Qi?

"This is a terrible law.

For those of you who live freely, there is no crueler treatment than this.

... The things I want to say must also be held back. Then I might as well be dead.

But let me tell you.

Suicide is the escape of scum.

Live through hell.

Struggle to the end, fight, suffer, and then die.... Don't live uncomfortably.

The Spider you rely on is dead. Consider living as an individual."

"The Spider is not dead."

Chrollo's firm voice came from the back seat.

"Even if one person is still alive, the Spider will regenerate.

... You should remember this. Whether your head dies or your legs die, as long as one person survives, we win. The Spider regenerates!"

I sighed deeply.

"Can I ask you one thing?

My head is dead, my legs are dead, no matter how you insert sarcasm, what is a variable Spider?

What does that mean? An organization is just an organization. I belong to that organization because it is convenient for me personally.

The group is just a Container.

This is where this terrible dependency ends. You are stupid. What does it feel like to live according to your own will? After all, aren't you tied down by yourself?

Chrollo, are you serious?"

"──After you die, the Spider can still survive."

"......"

Even through Uvogin's body, I could tell that Chrollo's existence was not peaceful. Trembling.

"I don't know what you mean by the word Spider.

Think carefully about what Chrollo is saying, even if his head is dead.

It depends on you. The reason I am willing to die is because I believe that if it is you, I can entrust it to you, and you will inherit my will.

This is why you can think that even if he himself dies, Chrollo is the only one who can keep his comrades alive.

...... Let me say it again.

The Spider is dead.

Is living as an individual so terrifying, you young people?"

A strong emotion filled the car. Hatred and confusion. I can tell that you are angry and confused by my words.

...... Even Uvogin, looking at me with eyes that seemed to want to kill me, didn't know what to say, his face showing a complex expression.

"...... Addiction to the Spider won't make you feel anything for strangers.

Your way of life is noble.

It is childish, fragile, and easy to think about.

Treating many people with emotions is much harder than you imagine."

Uvogin opened his mouth heavily.

"What is the point of noticing every stranger who has nothing to do with you?

I don't care."

"What is the point of Stick to the Spider?

It doesn't matter."

I will return the parrot to myself. Uvogin's voice choked.

"Don't ask for the meaning of others.

I want to know if I am the person who would consider this matter.

I don't care about other people who don't care. Because you don't think about what this means.

...... Also.

Have you ever thought about why I said there is no point in Stick to the Spider?

Don't stop thinking.

Don't easily believe the words of friends. You don't think enough.

Think about it yourself."

Put it in my mouth and rub my eyes. I don't even know what I'm saying. I know he is just venting his emotions, but I still couldn't help but say it.

Put down the microphone and say it with your own voice.

"...... Sorry, I said one-sided things to you who are bound by Constraint.

Why I am saying this to you, please consider it...... I beg you."

As if to escape, I got out of the car door. The door closed behind you.

"Ha......"

I spat out my stupidity from the bottom of my heart....... Let's take a nap. Ah, I left the basket behind. I have some left. I can't go back now, but...

I slowly walked toward the lounge.

Uvogin's gaze followed Uranus, then turned and walked to the back seat. Stopped at Chrollo,

"Captain....... What should we do?"

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

That guy left a lot of valuable information.

Think about what is best for each of you.

...... The possibility of me breaking out of prison is the lowest. Even if one of you manages to break out, as long as it is a bad thing, don't mind me. Ignore it and regenerate the Spider.

Don't be obsessed with me."

Not a single member of the Phantom Troupe responded.