Ron was a bit surprised when he got a call from Netero—he hadn't expected things to turn out like this.
"Ron, sorry to trouble you."
"No worries, Chairman."
After they hung up, Ron turned to Nina and the others.
"I need to head downstairs for a bit."
He stepped into the elevator.
Ding!
The elevator started descending.
Upon reaching the 200th floor, it stopped and let someone in.
"Ron…senpai?"
"Kastro. Long time no see."
Kastro was older in years, but Ron's strength and status in Heaven's Arena far surpassed his. Hence the respectful form of address.
"Where are you heading?"
"Outside for a moment."
Kastro nodded. "What about you, Ron-senpai?"
"I'm going down to the 50th floor. I've got a small errand."
"Is there anything I can help with?"
"It's nothing big," Ron said, then paused. "By the way, how's your record going on the 200th floor?"
"I've won eight matches so far."
"If you have time, I'd like to arrange a fight between you and someone. How about it?"
"Who did you have in mind, Ron-senpai?"
"My cousin," Ron explained. "He hasn't learned Nen yet, but it'll happen soon. Once he reaches the 200th floor, I'd like you to show him what a real Nen user is like."
"Sure thing, no problem."
"Thanks."
"No need to thank me, Ron-senpai," Kastro said. "Compared to all the help you've given me, this is nothing."
Just then, the elevator dinged again at the 50th floor. Ron stepped out, and Kastro watched until his silhouette disappeared, then let the doors close.
"Ron-senpai's cousin?" Kastro murmured, curiosity growing.
…
Ron arrived at the entrance of a small café, where he saw Killua and a few others gathered around a table.
"Cousin Ron, over here!" Killua said, raising a hand.
Ron spotted him. "Killua, Gon."
Sadaso stood up and introduced himself. "Ron-senpai, I'm Sadaso, a competitor on the 200th floor."
"Hello."
Then Ron turned to Wing. "You must be Wing?"
"Yes, I'm Wing."
"Would you mind showing me your Nen?" Ron asked. "That's probably the easiest way to confirm things."
"All right."
A swirl of aura appeared around Wing's body.
"That's enough," Ron said.
He could tell that Wing's aura was similar to Netero's—just like Ron's was similar to Maha Zoldyck's—indicating they shared the same style or lineage. Most Nen users in the world didn't belong to any formal school; but for those who did, an experienced eye could see the resemblance.
Ron looked to Killua and Gon.
"Killua, Gon, Wing is indeed the instructor Chairman Netero arranged for you. The Chairman explained everything to me on the phone just now."
Hearing that from Ron, both Killua and Gon finally believed it. Ron turned back to Wing.
"Wing, I'll leave Killua and Gon to you."
"It's no trouble at all," Wing replied. "I'm here for exactly that."
He then addressed the two boys, "All right, now that my identity's settled, let's go. I've prepared a place outside where I'll teach you about Nen."
Killua and Gon exchanged a quick glance.
"Yes, Wing-sensei."
"Ron-san, Sadaso-san," Wing said, "I'll be taking them with me now."
"Sure," Ron replied, aware of the situation thanks to Netero's call. He turned to Sadaso. "Sadaso, thank you for warning Killua and looking out for him."
"There's no need to thank me, Ron-senpai. I've known Killua for years now—it's the least I can do."
"All the same, Killua owes you one." Ron paused, then said, "How would you like an invitation to join TST?"
"TST?" Sadaso repeated, momentarily confused.
"It's a small group, built around a few of the Floor Masters," Ron explained. "Joining gets you certain perks, but also some obligations. Everyone in it is pretty strong."
Sadaso's eyes lit up at once. "Wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
Ron didn't give a detailed explanation. He only asked once more, "Do you want in?"
After a brief hesitation, Sadaso clenched his teeth and nodded.
"Yes. Thank you, Ron-senpai."
He didn't know exactly what TST was, but phrases like "a few Floor Masters" and "everyone in it is strong" told him this was a rare opportunity—something beyond the reach of most fighters. Without Ron's direct mention, Sadaso might never even learn groups like this existed, let alone receive an invitation.
"Give me your phone number. I'll text you when I have news."
"Of course, Ron-senpai."
Sadaso rattled off his number, and Ron nodded. Then Ron left. Watching him go, Sadaso felt a surge of excitement.
"Ron-senpai…thank you," he whispered. "And Killua…thank you, too."
He couldn't help being grateful he'd questioned Wing's identity earlier. Initially, he'd been hesitant—this wasn't really his concern, and Wing's strength clearly surpassed his. Still, his worry for Killua's safety had prompted him to speak up. That moment of goodwill had been rewarded right away.
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