Kukuroo Mountain, Republic of Padokea.
This was the stronghold of the Zoldycks, the world's premier family of assassins, and a famous tourist attraction in its own right. Today, however, a heavy atmosphere hung over every member of the household, from the masters to the lowest butler.
Killua, hailed as the most gifted child in the family's history, had finally returned, and he brought with him a request that placed the head of the family, Silva, in a difficult position.
Father and son stood locked in a tense silent standoff.
After a full minute, Silva asked in a low, resonant voice, "Are you certain you want to do this?"
"Yeah! We made a promise: never betray your friends," Killua answered without a second thought.
Sensing the staggering aura radiating from his son, Silva couldn't help but sigh inwardly. He really has grown during his time away, far beyond my expectations. "Fine. Go and try. But I have one condition: you must not place the family in danger during this process."
"Understood! I promise, Alluka isn't the monster you think she is."
With that, Killua turned on his heel and headed toward the heavily fortified subterranean vault.
As his silhouette faded into the darkness, the elderly Zeno finally spoke up. "Unbelievable growth. According to the intel Illumi sent back, Killua's strength spiked suddenly after spending time with that young man, Allen, right?"
"Mhm. Illumi suspects he mastered a form of extreme training, one that pushes a person to the brink of death repeatedly without actually letting them die. It's the only way for one's Nen to explode in volume like that. But more importantly, it's in Killua's eyes. That is the look of someone who has looked death in the face and walked away," Silva explained, stroking his chin.
The Zoldyck family's stance on the anomaly known as Allen had always been clear: avoid making an enemy of him at all costs. If possible, they preferred a cooperative relationship similar to the one they shared with Chairman Netero.
Following the Chimera Ant Extermination Mission, Silva had learned from Kalluto and Illumi that Allen was now the undisputed strongest Nen user among humanity. Especially when he was at full throttle with his bow, he was less a man and more a humanoid engine of slaughter. He wasn't the type of opponent one could overcome through numbers or unconventional abilities.
"The youth of today are truly formidable. It seems if this old man doesn't want to be obsolete, I'll have to work harder," Zeno remarked meaningfully. "Do you think Allen will harbor designs on Alluka's power once he learns of it?"
"Hard to say. But I suspect even if he's interested, he would favor an exchange to achieve his goals rather than resorting to crude, forceful seizure," Silva analyzed seriously.
Zeno nodded thoughtfully. "So, there is a risk, but it's manageable."
While the father and son conversed, Killua had already reached the deepest level of the basement where Alluka was confined. After "completing" three "Something" requests to maintain appearances, he walked out boldly with his adorable sibling in tow.
Under the watchful eyes of a retinue of butlers, they boarded a car and slowly left the massive Zoldyck estate.
On another front, Illumi had finished explaining the terrifying danger of Alluka's power to Hisoka. The two were now in hot pursuit, intending to intercept Killua before he could reach the Hunter Association.
Thus began a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.
Meanwhile, at Hunter Association Headquarters, Cheadle had already finalized the election rules. The candidates had begun their political maneuvering for the seat of Chairman.
Listening to speeches and promises that sounded like career politicians fishing for votes, Allen couldn't suppress a yawn. "How long is this tedious, never-ending voting process going to last?" he asked, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Until a new Chairman is elected who commands the recognition of the majority," Cheadle replied in a hushed voice.
"The problem is," Allen complained, leaning his head on his hand, "I've made it perfectly clear I have zero interest in the position. So why are people still voting for me?"
It was true. Allen, who should have been a mere spectator or at most a disruptor, had been dragged into the election, and his vote count was surprisingly high.
The reason? Someone had been covertly circulating reports of his overwhelming performance during the Chimera Ant mission: his legendary feat of personally slaying dozens of Officers, two members of the Royal Guard, and the King himself.
Humanity naturally gravitates toward the strong, especially in a place like the Hunter Association, which was a melting pot of Nen masters.
"Shh! Stay quiet. This is a serious election," Cheadle whispered, glancing out of the corner of her eye at Pariston Hill, who still wore that same radiant smile. "If you want to give Pariston a real surprise, don't withdraw just yet. He'll become suspicious if you do."
Since the start of the race, Pariston had shown an abnormal level of enthusiasm, tirelessly using his influence over the "Temp Hunters" to create headaches for the other candidates.
"Whatever. It's not like I have anything better to do," Allen said, shrugging.
Just as he was about to pull out his phone to kill time with a game, a piercing ringtone cut through the air. In an instant, the eyes of everyone in the hall converged on him.
Undeterred by the collective gaze, Allen calmly pressed the answer button. "Hello?"
"Allen, I need your help," Killua's urgent voice crackled through the receiver.
"Help?"
Allen immediately realized that the boy had likely successfully retrieved Alluka from the Zoldyck mansion. A look of excitement and anticipation flashed across his face. "No problem. Hang in there; I'm on my way."
"Do you need me to send you my current coordinates?" Killua sounded visibly relieved. Being pursued by both Hisoka and Illumi at the same time had clearly put him under immense psychological pressure.
"No, that won't be necessary. I have my ways of finding you."
With that, Allen hung up and instantly activated his ability—Hunting Map. He immediately tagged the locations of Killua, Hisoka, and Illumi.
Then, completely ignoring the fact that he was in the middle of a high-stakes election, he stood up and announced, "I withdraw," before strolling out of the hall. He left behind a room full of baffled candidates and stunned voters.
"Dammit! He's just as impulsive as ever," Cheadle sighed, rubbing her temples as the hall descended into chaos.
Ging, standing nearby, chuckled. "That's exactly the kind of flair the world's strongest Nen user should have. But I'm curious, what kind of deal did you strike to get someone like him to play along with your election games in the first place?"
"Hmph! You'll find out soon enough," Cheadle replied with a defiant tilt of her chin, adjusting her glasses.
"Heh, I'll be looking forward to it..."