Hearing these words, Kastro's expression instantly changed.
Uncontrollable anger surged in his eyes.
That look was infuriating. It reminded him of Hisoka when he was defeated.
That same condescending gaze, as if controlling everything, making him feel insignificantly small.
"As expected, geniuses are arrogant. But don't underestimate others!"
Kastro sneered and vanished from his spot.
"So fast!" Killua exclaimed.
Even Hisoka, sitting in the corner, brightened slightly. Kastro's reaction speed had clearly improved since their last fight.
Looks like he hasn't wasted these years.
Bang—
A dull thud echoed.
Surprisingly, Little Ulquiorra didn't even move his feet. He calmly raised his right hand and made a blocking gesture.
Kastro appeared on his right, disbelief etched on his face.
It was a guaranteed hit, yet it was blocked as if predicted.
He had absolute confidence in his speed.
"If your confidence relies on this snail-like speed, you'll be disappointed. Show me something real, or you'll lose miserably, Kastro."
Ulquiorra Ryker spoke coldly.
Ryker had En!
And Super Senses!
Even without En, his perception easily tracked Kastro.
This speed might work on normal masters, but not on Ryker.
"Then be careful. My next attack might cripple or kill you. Honestly, I don't want a genius like you to die by my hand."
Kastro's expression finally shifted. He realized this young, cold assassin was far more dangerous than he looked.
In that brief exchange, Kastro felt completely seen through. It made him uneasy and annoyed.
Huff—
"Watch out!!"
Kastro took a deep breath and assumed a classic stance.
The crowd erupted.
"It's the Tiger Bite Fist!!"
"Kastro is getting serious first. That kid must be strong."
"Useless. Once Kastro uses his ultimate, the kid is dead."
"Not necessarily. The kid hasn't moved a step. I think he's stronger."
Kastro entered full combat mode. He dared not be careless.
This guy might rival Hisoka.
He must win this.
Tiger Bite Fist!!
This time, Kastro was faster, rushing straight at Ryker.
To his surprise, Ryker made no move to defend, just watching the attack come.
Tiger Bite Fist!!
Considering Ryker was young and this move was for Hisoka, Kastro didn't use his Double ability. Just the honed Tiger Bite Fist!
But to his horror, Ryker simply pushed out a single hand to meet the fist!
Is he crazy? Taking it head-on will shatter his arm!
Kastro felt a pang of conscience and shifted his aim slightly at the last moment.
He wanted to win, not maim or kill.
He was an honorable fighter!
"Oh?"
Ryker saw the shift. So, he adjusted too.
He slapped the Tiger Bite Fist head-on.
BOOM—
A dull explosion. Shockwaves rippled out.
The nearby audience gasped.
When the dust settled, everyone stared blankly.
Ulquiorra Ryker stood unmoved.
But Kastro, who attacked, was knocked back ten meters.
His right hand was bruised and swollen, knuckles bloody.
It felt like hitting a steel plate.
Kastro was shocked. At the moment of impact, he realized Ryker's strength far exceeded his own.
And his defense was terrifying!
Is he a grandmaster of physical conditioning? How is he so strong?
His hand trembled, dripping blood.
His proudest attack was blocked effortlessly.
And he was an Enhancer!
His Tiger Bite Fist could slice flesh easily. Yet Ryker took it like it was nothing.
"It seems you lack a clear understanding of your strength. Or you overestimate yourself."
"You are weak. If you don't have more moves, I'm ending this."
Ulquiorra Ryker spoke expressionlessly, eyes fixed on Kastro.
Honestly, Kastro was a rare talent.
And he had traits Ryker wanted.
Name: Kastro
Traits: [Enhancement Talent] (Gold), [Tiger Bite True Fist] (Gold), [Nen Clone] (Double Purple), [Paranoia] (Purple), [Avenger] (Purple), [Old Injury] (Double Blue)...
Gold traits in Heaven's Arena! A rare find.
If Kastro had a stronger will, he could beat Hisoka.
In the original timeline, he severed both of Hisoka's arms. He only lost due to shattered confidence.
And he had a "Saintly Mother" mindset. Holding back in a death match? Trash mindset for a warrior.
Ryker critiqued internally.
Poor Kastro. You won't pass my level.
But I want to see more moves. With [Super Copy] (Gold), I can steal them.
Kastro finally woke up.
He realized the danger.
If he didn't go all out, he would lose.
Ryker was superior in attack, defense, and reaction.
Only his secret ultimate move offered a chance.
"Hisoka!! You must be watching! Open your eyes and see! This was meant for you, but I have to use it now!"
Kastro shouted, scanning the crowd for Hisoka.
Finding nothing, he turned back to the ring.
"Kid, I admit you are strong. A true genius."
"But..."
"DON'T LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE!!"
Kastro raged.
He charged again.
Nen Clone · Gold!
The audience couldn't see it clearly, but Ryker could.
Bam—
Kastro split into two and attacked from different angles.
Ulquiorra Ryker was pushed back, a scratch appearing on his face.
"What happened? That attack was blockable, why didn't he block?" Gon was confused.
"No! Look closely. There was a double image. Two attacks from different spots. It's a high-level Nen technique," Killua explained.
The crowd cheered, chanting Kastro's name. The tide was turning!
Ulquiorra Ryker stepped back, wiping his cheek.
The "scratch" was just dirt from Kastro's shoe.
Damn!?
No damage?
Kastro's pupils shrank. What kind of defense was this?
"Nice ability. Barely worth watching. But unfortunately, your affinity isn't Conjuration or Manipulation. Training this must have been inefficient."
"Why not stick to Enhancement? Mastering one path is reliable."
"And you still hold back? If you used Tiger Bite Fist just now, I might have bled."
"People like you can't be truly strong."
Ulquiorra Ryker analyzed calmly.
Kastro's face was ugly.
True, if he used Tiger Bite Fist in that sneak attack, he might have done damage. But he held back again.
"Damn it! Stop lecturing me! I'm not your student!"
"Since you want to taste my true power, pay the price for your words!"
Kastro snapped.
No more holding back.
Nen Clone! Tiger Bite True Fist!
Two identical Kastros appeared!
The crowd gasped.
"Oh? Interesting. Very realistic. You hid your aura before splitting, then divided your aura equally."
"This makes the clone indistinguishable."
"But isn't that stupid?"
"You can't beat me at 100%. Splitting into two 50%s makes you even weaker."
Ulquiorra Ryker smiled.
"Not necessarily!! I decide the outcome!"
Two Kastros rushed forward.
But for Ryker, this was child's play.
Kastro was an Enhancer training in Conjuration/Manipulation (Double). He "wasted his memory capacity" (Hisoka's theory).
Against a Transmutation Grandmaster (Red)?
Like showing off tricks to a god.
"Heh!"
Ulquiorra Ryker grinned, showing white teeth. He reached out towards one Kastro.
Five fingers spread!
Lightning danced at his fingertips.
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