In the early morning of Audur City, sunlight filtered through the gaps in the cheap hotel's curtains, casting long, thin spots of light on the floor.
Leo leaned against the headboard, closing his eyes to rest.
The steady breathing of Sophia and Shizuku could be faintly heard from the next room.
The phone screen lit up; it was 7:43 AM.
Leo opened his eyes, got up, and washed up.
Cold water splashed on his face, dispelling the last trace of sleepiness.
He looked at his own face in the mirror—his gaze remained sharp, but there was a hint of contemplation between his brows.
Feitan and Phinks were dead.
Including the previous deaths of Uvogin, Franklin, Shanark, Kortopi, and Shalnark, who died at the Xililike Auction House, the Genei Ryodan had already lost seven members.
More than half of the twelve legs had been broken.
But the upcoming battles would not be this easy again.
The commotion last night must mean the Phantom Troupe had discovered something, which was why Phinks and the others were so furious, bombarding the walls in frustration.
Retz's ability required a three-day cooldown before it could be used again, and the remaining members of the Phantom Troupe would inevitably assemble in full force.
Chrollo was no fool; having lost six members in succession, he would definitely realize that someone was capable of precisely locating the Phantom Troupe to hunt them down.
By then, trying to find a lone spider to target would be nearly impossible.
"I can only wait for Hisoka's news."
Leo wiped his face dry and walked out of the bathroom.
He looked out the window. The sky over Audur City was gray, as if it were about to rain.
That afternoon, the three of them took an airship back to Heavens Arena.
In the cabin, Sophia sat by the window and soon fell asleep.
Shizuku held a book, her eyes fixed quietly on the pages.
Leo closed his eyes to rest, contemplating the situation he might face next.
By evening, the airship landed at the airport in the city where Heavens Arena was located.
The three walked out of the terminal, and the familiar outline of the building came into view.
Sophia gave a big stretch, and Shizuku adjusted her glasses, maintaining her usual calm expression.
"Master, we're going to go look around first."
Sophia said.
"See you tomorrow."
Leo nodded.
"Go ahead."
Sophia and Shizuku turned and left.
Shizuku walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back to look at Leo. She paused, seemingly wanting to say something, but in the end, she just nodded and continued walking with Sophia.
Leo watched the two disappear into the crowd before stepping toward Heavens Arena.
The 200th floor, Wing's room.
Leo knocked on the door. A rustling sound came from inside, and then the door was pulled open.
Wing stood at the door. Seeing it was Leo, the expression on his face instantly became subtle.
He adjusted his glasses, his mouth curving into a half-smile.
"Yo, it's my dear Junior Brother Leo."
He emphasized the words "Junior Brother" heavily, as if chewing on something difficult to swallow.
Leo chuckled.
"Senior Brother Wing, long time no see. You look quite energetic."
Wing snorted and stepped aside.
"Come in."
The furnishings in the room were simple and tidy, unchanged from his last visit.
There was just one new small corner—it had a soft mat for training, with a few clean Dao uniforms neatly folded beside it.
Chiharu was sitting cross-legged on the soft mat, eyes slightly closed, breathing steadily and deeply.
He wore a loose white training uniform, his back straight, hands resting naturally on his knees, exuding a steady and reserved aura.
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly.
In just over a month, Chiharu had changed significantly.
When they last met, he was just a polite but slightly reserved child; now, the way he sat in meditation already had the air of a Shingen-ryu Disciple.
"It seems you really are well-suited to teaching Disciples, Senior Brother."
Leo turned to look at Wing, his tone sincere.
Wing snorted, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.
"That's only natural. When it comes to strength, I might not be your match, but regarding the theoretical knowledge of the Shingen-ryu, I won't lose to you."
Leo smiled.
"Mm, I agree on that. You've Cultivated under Master Biscuit for so long, so you certainly haven't been wasting your time."
This remark was very gratifying to Wing, but then he remembered something, and the smugness on his face turned into resentment.
"What brings you here this time?"
Wing asked.
Leo shrugged and sat down at the small table in the room.
"Nothing. I planned to rest for a few days after coming back this time, so I stopped by to see you and Chiharu, and to check if you've been slacking off."
Wing gave him a speechless look, not bothering to respond.
Just then, Chiharu, who was meditating, opened his eyes.
He was stunned at first, then saw Leo sitting by the table. An expression of both surprise and joy appeared on his face, followed immediately by a hint of resentment.
"Acting Master, Junior Martial Uncle Leo."
Chiharu stood up, bowed politely, and then said.
"You two were talking too loudly just now, interrupting my meditation."
Leo touched his nose and smiled somewhat embarrassedly.
"Sorry, Chiharu."
Wing adjusted his glasses and said solemnly.
"Since you've been interrupted, let's start with punch practice today. Go to the wall."
"Yes."
Chiharu turned and walked to the wall, feet shoulder-width apart, firmly planting himself in a horse stance.
After taking a deep breath, he began to throw punches—right straight punch, retract; left straight punch, retract.
The movements were standard and powerful, each punch carrying the sound of breaking wind.
Leo watched Chiharu's back and nodded inwardly.
Although Wing liked to slack off, he really had a knack for teaching Disciples.
Every one of Chiharu's movements revealed solid fundamentals, the kind honed only through day after day of monotonous training.
"I won't disturb you two anymore."
Leo stood up.
"I'm heading out."
Wing nodded: "Mm."
Leo walked to the door and suddenly turned back.
"By the way, Master Biscuit asked me to tell you to teach Chiharu well. She said she'll come back in a while to check the results."
Wing's face instantly fell.
Leo laughed, pulled the door open, and walked out.
Returning to his own room, the familiar furnishings allowed Leo to relax completely.
He took off his coat, tossed it on the sofa, and walked to the window to look at the night view outside.
The nights at Heavens Arena were always brightly lit, and faint cheers came from below—probably a match taking place on some floor.
The city skyline in the distance flickered in the night, peaceful and bustling.
The phone vibrated.
Leo took it out to look—Hisoka.
He pressed the answer button.
"Mmhmm~ Leo."
Hisoka's voice came through the receiver, carrying that signature, flippant, and eerie tone.
"I have news."
Leo's expression straightened.
"What news? Go ahead."
Hisoka chuckled, the laughter filled with a hint of pleasure, as if sharing an interesting toy.
"The Genei Ryodan is going to assemble in full force. The location is Niujiala City in the Bartochia Republic, and the time is the evening of April 20th."
Leo raised an eyebrow.
"Niujiala City!"
"That was the place where he had killed Shanark and Kortopi."
"The Phantom Troupe chose to assemble there... It seems they really did find something."
"Perhaps it was the last location where Shanark and Kortopi appeared, or perhaps they obtained clues through some channel."
"Chrollo's investigative ability could not be underestimated."
"I understand."
Leo said.
"Mmhmm~"
Hisoka drew out the tone, as if suddenly remembering something.
"By the way, I forgot to tell you, the Phantom Troupe has new members joining."
Then, without waiting for Leo's response, the call was disconnected.