As they shared stories, Max finally learned what had happened to Gon and Killua—and more importantly, why he wasn't allowed into the Zoldyck mansion.
Max: "Wait, you're telling me... the reason I wasn't allowed inside the mansion is because of that joke I made during the Hunter Exam? And you told them about it?! You damn snitch."
Killua: "Hey, I can't lie to my family. You wouldn't believe it—Dad and Grandpa weren't mad. But they gave me that cold stare. But my mom and Milluki? They took it really personally. They wanted to kill you for 'insulting the family name' or whatever. But Dad said the Zoldycks don't act unless they're paid or if that person is on the hit list, and it wasn't worth the trouble. Plus… he said you were strong—close to his level, according to the report from the butler. So when you called to borrow our materials, they agreed. But only because I vouched for you... with one condition: don't ever set foot in the mansion."
Killua (thought):Still… I can't believe he's close to my dad's level. Does that mean he's stronger than Illumi?
Max: "Shit... I can't believe it. I'm seriously thankful, Killua."
Max (thought):Note to self: Never insult or joke about elite families again… though let's be honest, I probably still will.
Killua: "Eh, don't mention it."
Max: "Just to be clear—I don't owe you anything, right? You gave it to me, no strings attached. Also, I've told you before, I'm not your friend—I'm your acquaintance. That hasn't changed."
Killua (thought):So stingy, greedy… and unbelievably stubborn.
Killua (irritated): "Fine. You probably wouldn't accept it if I asked for a favor anyway... But someday, I want to try that sword of yours. It looked amazing when you cut through that dummy like it was paper. My dad might even like you if he saw that weapon. He appreciates a good craftsman."
Max (grinning): "Hah! You really do know me. If that's all you ask, then of course, I'll let you try it. And don't worry—I still have no intention of ever meeting your dad. Still... I do feel a little bad. How about I settle things with money someday? Say... a hundred million Jenny if I ever get rich."
Killua: "You know my family's already rich, right?"
Max: "Yeah, but... did they give you any money when you left home?"
Killua: "...No. I don't really want to rely on them for anything."
Max: "Then you accept?"
Killua: "Sigh... Fine."
Max: "By the way, you got any idea how I can earn money quickly?"
Killua: "You offer to pay me, but don't even know how to make money? Sigh... Don't worry, I know a place. You can earn cash by fighting."
Max: "Nice!"
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio overheard the whole conversation and just sighed in unison.
Soon, they reached the Testing Gate.
Max: "I'll open it."
He gently set his sword down and stepped forward. With a deep breath, he pushed the gate—all the gates.
Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika were stunned. Even Killua was left speechless.
Killua (thought):He might actually be at the same level as Dad...
Gon & Kurapika (thought):He's strong...
Leorio (thought):What kind of monster is this guy?!
Max (thought):Back when I tried this with my weights on, I could only open five doors. Without the weights, six. With Nen, seven. I really need more training—I'm getting rusty after spending so much time at the forge. And next time, I've got to carry less stuff. The sword isn't heavy, but with this giant bag, I can't even sling it on my back. I'm stuck carrying it by hand like a delivery boy.
After they passed through the gate, Max quickly grabbed his sword and dashed through just before it closed. As he did, Killua asked how he managed to pull it off. Max simply replied, "Extreme physical training."
Killua didn't quite buy it—he suspected Max was hiding something. And he wasn't wrong. Max had used Nen but chose not to mention it. Killua remembered Max briefly mentioning something about Nen before, saying he'd figure it out on his own eventually. So, he figured Max must've used Nen to get through the gate and decided to stop prying further.
A private car was already waiting for them outside. Its driver—one of the Zoldyck butlers—had probably been parked there the entire time.
Max (thought):Thank God the car is big.
As the group rode in the spacious vehicle, they chatted among themselves. At one point, Max turned to Killua.
Max: "Hey Killua, you're not mad about the advice I gave you back then, are you?"
Killua: "What advice? Since when?"
Max: "Uh... during the Hunter Exam? When you were under Illumi's control?"
Killua: "Ugh, I don't remember much. The only thing I heard was that you were trying to wake Gon up by dumping a bucket of water on him. Also—please stop bringing that up. Whatever happened, I forgive you. It's over."
Max (thought): If he doesn't remember, there's no point bringing it up. Better end this conversation quickly.
Max: "Alright then. Thanks… and sorry for reminding you."
Killua just nodded, letting the conversation drop. They continued talking casually with the rest of the group. The butler driving the car remained completely silent, not reacting to any of their chatter.
After some time, they finally arrived back in Dendora. The car ride ended there, and their next step was to catch a train. The group continued on foot toward the station, chatting as they walked. Gon idly flipped a coin in his hand. Eventually, while still flipping it, he turned to Killua and asked about Gotoh's final coin trick—the one the head butler had used to test him.
Max already knew most of the story about what had happened between Gon, the others, and the butlers.
Killua replied, "Yeah, he's used that trick on me before. Once you know the secret, it's so simple it'll make you mad."
Gon blinked. "Huh? Really?"
As Gon flipped the coin again, Kurapika reached up and snatched it mid-air. "I'm assuming this is what he did," he said calmly.
He tossed the coin up himself, then caught it with both hands. His movements weren't particularly fast—it was obvious the coin had landed in his left hand. Still, he looked at Gon and asked:
Kurapika: "Which hand?"
Gon pointed. "Your left hand, right?"
Kurapika opened his right hand to reveal the coin, and Gon's eyes widened in surprise.
Gon: "Huh? How? Hey, how did you do that?"
Kurapika began explaining: "Gotoh held two coins."
Gon: "But he only had one!"
Kurapika continued, "He hid a coin in his right hand while flipping the other. He let us see him grab the coin with his left hand, but before asking which hand held the coin, he raised both arms—just enough to slip the first coin into his sleeve."
Max, silently watching, had a thought.
Max (thought):So that's one advantage of long sleeves, huh? Makes sense why so many casino players wear them. Maybe long pants help too…
Kurapika concluded, "That left the coin in his right hand."
Killua nodded. "You got it."
Gon's face scrunched up. "That really makes me mad."
Killua smirked. "Well, I'm pretty sure he only used that trick on the final round. Gotoh hates cheating—even in games."
Gon groaned. "That's even worse!"
As they continued walking toward the station, civilians nearby began backing away. Many looked horrified just at the sight of Max carrying that massive sword. The blade's presence alone made them uneasy. Max could feel the effect—his sword certainly worked as a deterrent—but it didn't feel great being avoided by everyone.
Killua glanced over. "Well, it makes sense. Carrying that thing around is enough to terrify most civilians. And the way you're holding it—like you're ready to slash someone—just makes it worse."
Max sighed. "Yeah… Next time, I shouldn't bring so much stuff. That way I can at least sling this on my back."
Gon and the others sighed, feeling a bit uncomfortable themselves. The civilians were clearly frightened—not just of Max, but likely assuming he was the captain of their group.
They eventually arrived at the train station. At the ticket counter, the staff looked startled and hesitant upon seeing Max with such a large weapon. At first, they insisted weapons weren't allowed. But once Max presented his Hunter License, the tension eased and they allowed it, albeit nervously.
Once on the train, the group settled into their seats and continued talking. Leorio leaned forward, directing his question at Gon.
Leorio: "So, what are your plans now, Gon?"
Kurapika: "Are you going to look for your father, or heading home first?"
Gon: "Neither."
Max (thought):I already have a good idea what Gon's aiming for. As for me, I really want to go home… but I still need money. Killua mentioned a place where you can earn cash through fighting. I have a feeling that's our next stop. I'll probably have to say goodbye to Leorio and Kurapika soon—they don't really have a reason to stick with us. They've got their own goals to chase.
As Gon replied, he took out the ID badge marked with the number 44—Hisoka's badge.
Gon: "I'm gonna punch Hisoka in the face… and then return his ID badge. I can't even think about finding my dad or visiting Aunt Mito until I've done that."
Killua: "And do you even know where Hisoka is?"
Gon paused, suddenly realizing the flaw in his plan.
Gon: "Umm… well..."
Killua: "Idiot."
Leorio: "Thought so. Figures."
Max (thought):If Gon doesn't find Hisoka, Hisoka will probably find him first. Just a hunch, though.
Then Kurapika spoke up.
Kurapika: "I know where you can find him, Gon."
Max (thought):Never mind, then.
Gon: "What?! Really?"
Kurapika: "Yes. Hisoka told me himself."
Leorio: "During your match?"
Kurapika: "No, it was after that."
Leorio: "After?"
Max (thought):I didn't watch that part, so I didn't know… Not that I regret it.
Kurapika: "Yeah. I questioned him after the orientation ended. He said on September 1st, he'll be waiting for me in Yorknew City."
Leorio: "He said Yorknew City?"
Max (thought):So this world's version of New York, huh? They just flipped the name. I wonder if there's a statue of liberty here too—maybe with a different name. Hope so.
Gon: "So if I go there, Hisoka will be there?"
Kurapika: "Yeah. You can count on that."
Gon: "But September 1st is still six months away..."
Max: "Then use that time to train. You really think opening just the first or second Testing Gate is enough to land a punch on Hisoka? I'd bet he could push through Gate 5—maybe even Gate 6."
Gon nodded, taking Max's words seriously.
Still curious, Killua turned to Kurapika.
Killua: "So… is something happening in Yorknew City around that time?"
Then Leorio snapped his fingers like he realised something.
Leorio: There's an auction. the biggest in the world!
Kurapika: "That's right. From September 1st to the 10th, they'll be auctioning off an enormous collection of rare and valuable artifacts from across the globe. It attracts seasoned collectors and powerful individuals from all walks of life, each looking to satisfy their greed. There's more money concentrated in Yorknew City during that time than anywhere else in the world."
Leorio: "You think the Phantom Troupe will show up?"
Kurapika: "It's entirely possible. At the very least, I expect to find many of their associates there."
Max: "You know… after hearing all that, I kinda feel like joining the Phantom Troupe."
He smirked jokingly. The others recognized the sarcasm—but Kurapika didn't take it lightly. His eyes flared scarlet as he stared at Max.
Kurapika: "If you do… I won't hesitate to strike you down. Right here. Right now."
Max stared back, unimpressed.
Max: You're supposed to be the smart one, and you can't even tell when I'm joking? Come on. If I ever became like them, I'd never get a peaceful night's sleep again. And seriously, stop glaring at me with those creepy eyes.
Max (thought):"Beautiful eyes," my ass. I knew they were creepy. And even if you did attack me, you'd lose. Guess he let his emotions take over.
Kurapika took a deep breath. The red faded from his eyes.
Kurapika: "You're right. I know you'd never do that. Sorry—I lost control for a second. The Phantom Troupe… brings out the worst in me."
Max: "You really should know better. Threatening me over a joke? If it was just talk, I'd let it go. But if you actually attacked me—I probably would've punched you like I did Tonpa. You're lucky I consider you an acquaintance. If you were just some random stranger, I might've turned you into a real woman on the spot."
Max (thought): Or maybe not—I'd probably just go with the usual gut punch. But if they came at me with killing intent… well, we both know how that ends.
Kurapika shivered slightly at the thought but managed to stay composed. The others exchanged uneasy glances, quietly reevaluating how dangerous Max might actually be.
Kurapika: "…You're right again. Still, I'd appreciate it if you didn't make those kinds of jokes anymore."
Max: "No promises, femboy."
Kurapika's eye twitched in irritation, but he only sighed in resignation. The others, seeing his reaction, silently vowed to never make Phantom Troupe jokes around him—ever.
Gon: Then… Kurapika, you'll…
Kurapika: Yeah. After this train ride, once we arrive at the airport, I'm afraid this is where we part ways. We already met up with Killua again… Now, I need to make some money if I want to participate in the auction.
Leorio: Money, huh?
Kurapika: Yeah. I'll have to seriously start looking for employers who'll hire me as a Hunter.
Leorio: I see…
Gon: Kurapika! Let's meet up in Yorknew City someday! I'll be there!
Kurapikanods, then says: If I run into Hisoka before you, I'll make it a priority to let you know.
Gon: Thanks!
Max (thought): He's serious. But honestly, before I made that joke about joining the Phantom Troupe, I might've believed he'd actually call to let Gon know. But now? I bet he'll get so obsessed with the Troupe, he'll either forget to message us—or just ignore it entirely. Not like I was planning to call him anyway.
Leorio: Then I guess I'll be heading back home once we land at the airport too.
Gon: You're leaving too?!
Leorio: Yeah. From the start, my goal was to become a doctor. And thanks to this... [holds up his Hunter License] I won't have to worry about outrageous tuition fees anymore.
Leorio: So I'm heading home to hit the books hard! Hehehe.
Gon: I see… It's sad, but I guess it can't be helped. Do your best, Leorio!
Leorio: You bet, Gon!
Max: I believe in you too… The Oreo.
Leorio:Leo—sigh… I'll let it slide since this is a happy moment.
Leorio turns to Gon and smiles.
Leorio: Gon, over these last few months, I learned a little about tenacity from you. We'll meet up again. Next time… it'll be September 1st, in Yorknew City!
Gon: Yeah!
Kurapika: I'll be looking forward to it.
Kurapika, Leorio, and Gon stack their hands together. Max stands off to the side.
Max: Sorry, I'm not promising anything.
Gon: But you should still do it with us!
Max: Nope. Even if I show up, I'm not stacking hands. I still see you guys as acquaintances, not friends.
Gon: Come on… please?
Max looks at Gon's puppy-dog eyes, sighs, and reluctantly joins the hand stack.
Leorio: Until we meet again.
Kurapika: Yes… that'll be—
All except Max: September 1st, in Yorknew City!
Max (thought): Whatever.
The train ride ends. They board the airship. At the airport, Kurapika and Leorio say their farewells and part ways.
Now, it's just the three of us.
To Be Continued...