Such is the unpredictability of the world—Menchi's worries were insignificant in the face of Chairman Netero's curiosity.
The young, beautiful girl stood there looking delicate and pitiful. But when Killua lifted his head, he immediately noticed that only one pearl earring remained.
"How interesting." A smile curved at the corner of Killua's lips, his interest clearly piqued.
Seeing that the main player had arrived, Lu gave Killua a subtle look, signaling him to stay alert.
Killua understood at once and gave a slight nod.
"Go ahead and sit down," Gon said warmly, completely unaware of the silent exchange between Killua and Lu.
Lu didn't object to Gon inviting her. Instead, he smoothly shifted seats and sat beside Killua, subtly placing himself between Killua and the girl to block any direct contact.
The girl's brows furrowed slightly, but she quickly regained composure. After ordering a cup of coffee and dismissing the server, she introduced herself.
"Hello. My name is Anita. Thank you for letting me join you."
"Hi! I'm Gon. That's Killua, and that's Lu," Gon said cheerfully.
He glanced at Killua and Lu, who were absentmindedly turning their cups in their hands. Assuming they were just in a quiet mood, Gon refrained from saying more.
"My goal is to become a Blacklist Hunter," Anita continued, seemingly unaffected by the atmosphere and unconcerned about speaking so deeply to near strangers.
"Do you already have someone you're trying to catch?" Gon asked, thinking of Kurapika's objective.
"I have someone I need to take revenge on. The most unforgivable kind—revenge for my father's murder."
Her eyes fixed directly on Killua as she spoke.
"My father was a merchant who traded at Mount Dazna (OC). He formed fleets that exported the fragrant spice stones from there to countries all over the world. At the height of his business, he made enough profit to buy an entire nation."
She didn't hide anything, speaking steadily while staring straight at Killua.
Even Gon could tell she was implying something. Though he didn't fully understand, he sensed something was about to happen.
"My father's success drew envy. Perhaps a competitor hired professional assassins to kill him. I didn't need to investigate, because the killers were the Zoldyck Family—the most infamous house of assassins in the world."
Her voice brimmed with hatred, her eyes burning with resentment.
"The house of assassins… that means…" Gon finally realized. She was talking about Killua's family.
Killua turned his head with a slightly wicked grin, about to speak—when Lu lightly tapped his arm, signaling him to wait.
Trusting Lu, Killua leaned back casually against the sofa, holding himself still.
The show begins, Lu thought.
"I see… You must have suffered terribly. I understand how you feel. Let's become Hunters together and fulfill our dreams. Allow me to introduce myself—I'm Leorio. And may I have the pleasure of knowing your lovely name, miss…?"
Leorio had appeared out of nowhere.
He casually draped an arm over Anita's shoulder and leaned close to her ear, speaking in a low, smooth tone. In an instant, everyone's attention shifted to him.
How could there be a beautiful woman present without the dashing and refined Leorio making an appearance?
"This sister's name is Anita!" Gon said brightly upon seeing Leorio.
"Anita—what a beautiful name. Why waste time playing with these kids? We adults should stick together. How about we go over there and share our dreams?" Leorio whispered suggestively near her ear.
Even if he intended to help defuse the tension around Killua, Leorio's nature was unchanged—he couldn't resist approaching a pretty girl.
"Get lost. I'm not in the mood for your nonsense. Stop babbling in my ear."
The atmosphere she had worked to build was completely ruined. The fact that she didn't attack him outright was already remarkable restraint.
"That won't do. My name is Kurapika. In truth, I'm also aiming to become a Blacklist Hunter. So I believe I understand your feelings."
Kurapika stepped in as well, trying to draw Anita away. He had already sensed her hostility toward Killua. Protecting his companions was his first instinct.
"You shouldn't get too involved with her. She's here for me."
Seeing his friends step in to shield him, Killua couldn't remain silent any longer.
When Lu didn't stop him this time, Killua knew the moment had come. Without hesitation, he drew the hostility toward himself.
Anita forcefully shrugged off Leorio's hand and stood up, as if to make herself more imposing.
"I heard rumors that someone from the Zoldyck Family is taking this year's Hunter Exam."
Her expression was solemn and cold.
Ruo knew, however, that the rumor likely referred not to Killua, but to his older brother Illumi. Even if Illumi concealed his appearance, the Hunter License could only be issued under a real name. That must have allowed word to spread. Killua was merely implicated.
"So that means… Killua is…" Kurapika began, analyzing Killua's identity with curiosity. This was his first encounter with someone from that family.
"You're mistaken. I'm not part of the Zoldyck Family at all. Don't get it wrong," Killua replied.
Having run away from home, he had no intention of carrying the family name. Denying it came without hesitation.
But Anita was the type who never backed down once she had made up her mind. Her hand moved instinctively toward the dagger at her thigh, poised to strike.
Killua remained seated casually—but the instant her hand touched the dagger, his gaze shot toward her.
The killing intent in his eyes made her flinch.
"So you joined the Hunter Exam to avenge your father, is that right?" Leorio asked, his tone finally serious.
"That's right," Anita answered coldly.
"You'd better remember this," Killua said quietly, head lowered as if deep in thought.
"Anyone who can be hired at a high price to be killed… might have been someone worthy of hatred to begin with."