Zebro: I see. So, you're all friends of young master Killua. I'm glad to hear that.
He quietly prepared tea for us as we settled in.
Max: Like I said, I'm just—ugh, whatever. Think what you want.
Max (thought): I said I was just an acquaintance tagging along, but they keep calling me his friend. Can't believe this old guy bought it, too. Well, whatever. Gon's always honest, so maybe that's why. Not like I lie much either.
Zebro: I've worked here for twenty years, but this is the first time any friends have come to visit.
After setting down the teacups, Zebro joined us at the table.
Zebro: Honestly, I probably shouldn't say this, but the place can be a bit lonely. No one ever really visits.
Max: What about those tourists?
Zebro: I meant no one ever visits inside. Though we do see plenty of those...
He nodded toward a trash can in the corner—inside were the skeletal remains of the two intruders from earlier.
Max (thought): So, what you're saying is no one gets out alive once they go in. Got it.
Zebro: Well, it comes with the territory. A family of assassins is bound to be isolated. Still... I'm glad you came. Thank you.
He gave a respectful bow.
Leorio: Don't mention it.
Zebro: That said… I still can't let you go inside. You saw that massive arm earlier, right? That creature is Mike—the Zoldyck family's watchdog. He only obeys the family and attacks anyone else. He's still following an order given ten years ago: kill every single intruder.
Kurapika's expression shifted, as if he realized something. I didn't know what it was—and frankly, didn't care.
Zebro: Technically, he's not even following the order anymore… since he keeps eating them.
He laughed at his own joke. Leorio and Kurapika didn't seem amused. After a short chuckle, Zebro turned serious again.
Zebro: Anyway, I can't let you in. I wouldn't want to reduce young master Killua's friends to skeletons.
Max (thought): Hah. Not like that applies to me… And I think the old man knows it, too. I'm grateful he kept quiet.
Kurapika broke the silence.
Kurapika: Sir, how is it that you're safe?
Zebro looked momentarily confused before realizing Kurapika had caught onto something.
Kurapika: You must go inside sometimes. Otherwise, why would you have a key?
Zebro: Sharp observation… But you're only half right. I don't need a key to enter. This key is for intruders.
Leorio: A key for intruders?
Zebro: Most intruders try the front gate first. If I don't open it for them, they attempt to break in. Real troublemakers. So, we added a locked door to the side. The intruders steal the key from the helpless guard… and then Mike eats them.
Kurapika's eyes lit up again as something clicked in his mind.
Kurapika: A locked door… That's it!
Max (thought): Yeah, I already knew that door was a decoy. There's no way that flimsy thing is the real entrance. If it were, breaking in would be too easy.
Zebro: As you've figured out, I'm not a real guard. I just clean up after Mike.
Max (thought): …Wait, that I didn't know.
Kurapika: And the actual gate isn't even locked!
Max (thought): Yep, that part I did know.
Zebro: Exactly.
Leorio: What?
They continued discussing until night began to fall. Eventually, everyone decided to try pushing open the gate. Max didn't move to help, and while the others sighed, they didn't bother asking why—they already knew Max wouldn't be fully helping with things like this.
Leorio went next, straining against the gate, but it didn't budge.
Leorio: I've tried pushing and pulling, but it won't budge! Are you sure it isn't locked?
Zebro: You just aren't strong enough.
Leorio: That's absurd! I used all my strength!
Zebro removed his shirt and stepped forward.
Zebro: Just watch.
Max: Want me to help? I don't mind giving an example.
Max (thought): I don't really want to… but let's just say I feel sorry for the old man.
Zebro: No, no need. I already know you could open it easily. But I still have to do it myself. I'll explain why after I show them how it's done.
Max: Alright, suit yourself.
As Zebro positioned himself, he began explaining:
Zebro: This gate is officially called the Testing Gate. Anyone who can't open it is unqualified to enter the Zoldyck estate.
He pushed with all his strength. The massive door groaned as it slowly opened, stopping at the first panel. Sweat dripped from his forehead as Gon and the others watched in awe.
Zebro let go, and the gate automatically closed behind him.
Zebro: As you saw, it closes on its own. So, you'll need to run through during the brief moment it's open. Don't worry about Mike—he's been ordered not to attack anyone who enters through the Testing Gate.
Max (thought): But what if someone strong enough to open it just gets lazy and uses the side door instead? Would Mike still attack? Well, if he does, then it's either death… or the guy's strong enough to kill Mike. Anyone that strong but that lazy is still weak in my book.
Zebro: Still… it's getting harder with age. But if I can't open it, they'll fire me—so I have to stay in shape.
Max (thought): So that's why he turned down my offer.
Zebro: I should mention… each door of Gate One weighs two tons.
Everyone froze, stunned—except Max. Leorio looked the most shocked.
Leorio: Four tons?! No way anyone's supposed to open that! Wait… Gate One?
Zebro: Yes. Take a closer look—there are seven gates in total. With each one you go up, the weight doubles.
Leorio: Doubles?!
Zebro: The number of gates that open depends on the strength you use. For reference, when young master Killua returned home recently, he opened Gates One through Three.
Max (thought): So that's what those numbers meant. I could probably open all seven with my weights off and Nen on… maybe even without Nen. Still, I wonder how far I could go with my weights on… Meh, I'll test it later.
Gon: Gate Three? That would be… 12 tons!
Kurapika: 16 tons, Gon.
Gon laughed sheepishly, scratching his head after realizing his mistake.
Zebro: Do you understand now? This is what it takes just to get through the door. The Zoldycks live in a completely different world.
Zebro (thought): That guy could probably do it… but he just doesn't want to. I bet the others have some idea why he's holding back, but none of them bother to ask.
Gon: Hmm, I don't like this. Mister, lend me the key. I came here to see my friend, not to be tested. So treat me like an intruder. Let me borrow the key—I'll go through the side door.
Kurapika: Gon!
Leorio: Hey…
Max (thought): I'm not stopping him if he tries… but I won't help either.
Gon: If you won't give me the key, I'll climb the wall if I have to!
Leorio: Don't be stupid, Gon! Didn't you see that thing? Its arm was bigger than your entire body!
Gon: I don't care! I can't just accept this… and I won't!
Leorio looks at Gon, surprised by his determination.
Gon: Why would you test your own friend? I'll never go in through that gate.
Max (thought): Huh… Does it count as me testing them if I don't help? Nah, I don't think so. I never challenged them—I just said I wouldn't help. That's not a test. Right?
Zebro: You're absolutely right. However, forcing your way through is impossible. Mike will kill you.
Kurapika: I agree. We have plenty of time. Let's figure out a way to go through Gate One.
Max (thought): What else can they do but train?
Gon stays silent but defiant. Leorio and Kurapika sigh in unison.
Leorio: It's no use. He's not going to change his mind.
Kurapika: Indeed. The same could be said of Max. He could help us easily, but he chose not to. And we agreed—whether he helps or not is entirely his choice.
Zebro: Unfortunately, I cannot give you this key. I won't feed young master Killua's friends to Mike.
Max (thought): He's probably right… but Gon is the protagonist. That means he still has a chance to survive somehow.
Zebro: Well then, please wait here for a minute.
Zebro walks into the security post and picks up the telephone to make a call.
Zebro: Hello? This is Zebro. Four of young master Killua's friends are here to see him.
Max: Like I said—just an acquaintance.
Leorio quickly shushes Max, not wanting him to ruin anything. Zebro continues the call, but from the look on his face, things don't go well. He eventually hangs up.
Zebro: Yep… I got scolded.
Gon: You called the mansion?
Zebro: No, that was the Zoldyck family butler. All communication with the mansion goes through him. It's not easy to get in touch with the actual family.
Gon: Can you call again? I want to talk to him myself.
Zebro: If you're sure… but don't say I didn't warn you. You won't enjoy the experience.
Zebro dials again and hands the phone to Gon. Everyone gathers around, curious—Max standing the closest as the line connects.
Butler (Telephone): Yes, this is the butler's office.
Gon: I'm Gon, one of Killua's friends. Is Killua there?
Butler (Telephone): Master Killua has no friends.
The call abruptly ends.
Max (Thought): Wow… that's cold.
Gon immediately dials again, remembering the number. Zebro presses the buttons on the telephone, and the call connects.
Butler (Telephone): Yes, this is the butler's office.
Gon takes a deep breath and raises his voice.
Gon: How could you possibly know that?! Put Killua on the phone!
Leorio and Kurapika are stunned. Max, being closest to the phone, flinches.
Max (Thought): My ears are burning… At least they're tough, but still—you should've known I was the closest, jeez. I'll let it slide.
Butler (Telephone): I believe you said your name was Mr. Gon?
Gon: Yeah!
Butler (Telephone): Let's pretend, for the sake of argument, that Killua-sama has a friend named Gon. There's no proof that you are Gon.
Gon: If you put Killua on the phone, he'll recognize me!
Butler (Telephone): By your voice? That isn't a reliable method of identification.
Suddenly, Gon hears his previous words played back to him. The butler continues.
Butler (Telephone): That was a simple recording. And voices can be mimicked in many ways.
Max (Thought): He's not wrong. I can mimic a bunch of voices myself.
Butler (Telephone): Next, you'll probably say he'd recognize you by sight.
A coin flicking sound echoes faintly through the line, but Gon ignores it, listening intently.
Butler (Telephone): There are a few methods to perfectly mimic someone's appearance—but it's still possible.
Max (Thought): Yeah, like Illumi. But height? Eh, who am I kidding… This is a world where "impossible" barely means anything. Still, height is tricky... right?
Butler (Telephone): It's also possible you've been forced to approach Master Killua under sinister motives.
Max (Thought): Not Gon. He'd rather die than be used like that. But me…? Eh, if I could run, I would. If not… I'd do what I had to. But man, I hope that never happens.
Butler (Telephone): As long as the threat remains, I cannot allow you to meet Master Killua. The Zoldyck family practices assassination, and naturally, that comes with enemies. As butlers, our duty is to guard our masters. I apologize, but please leave.
The call ends again.
Max (Thought): This feels like that novel I read in my past life—loyal butler to a weak master, then the master grows stronger… Classic setup.
Gon places the receiver back down and storms out of the security post, visibly upset.
Leorio: Hey! Gon!
Gon ignores him and walks toward the gate.
Leorio: He's really pissed now.
Kurapika: He's going to climb the wall…
Max (Thought): It's a gate, Kurapika. A gate.
Leorio: What?
Gon pulls out his fishing rod and casts it toward the top of the gate, the hook lodging firmly onto the roof.
Max (Thought): What is that fishing rod made of?
Leorio: Hey! Stop it, Gon!
Gon: It's okay. You three can wait here. I'll go alone.
Gon begins climbing.
Max (Thought): Already planning to.
Leorio: I can't let you do that!
Gon: I'll be fine!
Leorio: No, you won't!
Kurapika: Both of you, calm down!
Leorio: I am calm!
Kurapika: Max, can you help?
Max raises his hand and shakes his head, refusing. Kurapika sighs.
Max (Thought): His choice. Not my problem.
Leorio: Come down here, Gon!
Kurapika: Don't be stupid!
Zebro sighs and approaches, holding a key.
Zebro: Gon, I'll give you the key. You can use the front gate.
Max (Thought): So he's sending Gon to a quicker death. As expected of a Zoldyck employee. Cold.
Leorio: Hold on, pops! We can convince him to stop!
Zebro: Really? He seems like a stubborn kid. But to make amends, I'll go with him through the gate.
Gon freezes mid-climb.
Gon: Huh?
Max (Thought): Nevermind. He's the kind Zoldyck employee.
Zebro: Mike might recognize me and choose not to attack. Though, I'm almost certain he'll kill us all.
Zebro (Thought): Except him.
Max (Thought): Except me.
Gon climbs down.
Gon: You can't. I don't want to cause you any trouble.
Zebro: No, I'm coming with you. If I let young master Killua's friends die, I wouldn't be able to face him again. If you die, I die too.
Max (Thought): He's serious… But why? You've only just met Gon—not even for a full day—and you're already willing to die for him? I don't even know what to say.
Gon pulls back his fishing rod and steps away from the gate.
Gon: I get it now. I didn't stop to consider your position. I'm sorry.
Kurapika and Leorio sigh in relief. Zebro nods with a soft smile.
Zebro (Thought): He's a good boy. Willing to put aside his anger for someone else's sake. He believes in himself… and his friend. He's got a strong heart. Mike probably won't scare him at all.
Zebro: You must like animals, Gon.
Gon looked a little confused by the sudden question but answered honestly.
Gon: Yeah, I do.
Zebro: Just as I thought. Did you grow up in the countryside?
Gon: Yep! How did you know?
Max (Thought): Did you just expose where we're from? …Wait, he still doesn't know the island's name, so it's fine. Besides, even if it's a countryside, we still have decent stuff—like a gym, a market, and electricity.
Zebro: Gon, I'm going to open the Testing Gate again. I want you to see Mike for yourself.
Gon tilted his head, puzzled, but nodded. Leorio, Kurapika, and even Max looked curious. They were about to witness the true form of the mysterious creature.
To Be Continued…