After Sophia's promotion ceremony concluded.
Next, Satotz unfolded the document again.
He began to read out Leo's achievements—in less than two years as a Hunter, he had eliminated over fifty wanted criminals.
He participated in the operation to eliminate the Genei Ryodan and, as a primary combatant, killed several members, including their leader, Chrollo.
Furthermore, he tutored and trained his apprentice, Sophia, to promote her to a One-Star Hunter.
Having made such outstanding contributions, his qualifications were sufficient for promotion to a Two-Star Hunter.
A collective gasp echoed from the audience below.
After Satotz finished reading the final achievement, he took a brand-new hunter license out of a metal box.
Unlike the previous one, this license was embedded with two silver stars.
"Leo, congratulations on your promotion to Two-Star Hunter."
Leo took the license and nodded slightly.
His expression was calm, as if this were merely a trivial matter.
Applause erupted from the audience again, even more enthusiastic than before.
Just then, three figures walked in from the side door.
Walking in front was a short man wearing a yellow baseball uniform with an excited smile on his face—the Tiger, Kansai.
Two people followed behind him.
An intellectual woman wearing glasses, with long green hair and a steady demeanor—the Dog, Cheadle.
The other was a sturdy, large man with an afro and a beard, wearing a serious expression—the Sheep, Ginta.
The three walked to the front row and sat in the empty seats.
As soon as Kansai sat down, he winked at Leo on the stage, which made Cheadle frown slightly.
After the ceremony ended, Leo and Sophia walked off the podium.
Kansai was the first to rush up and punch Leo on the shoulder—the force was not light, but Leo did not budge an inch.
"That's amazing, Leo!"
Kansai shouted excitedly.
"I didn't expect you to be promoted to a Two-Star Hunter so quickly! You really are my friend, I'm so tsundere!"
As soon as he finished speaking, a calm female voice came from behind him.
"It's proud, not tsundere."
Kansai's face instantly flushed red, and he turned his head sharply to glare at Cheadle.
"Mind your own business!"
Cheadle pushed up her glasses, expressionless, but the corners of her mouth seemed to lift slightly.
Leo watched this scene and couldn't help but laugh.
He nodded towards Kansai.
"Mr. Guanxi, long time no see."
Then he turned to the other two and nodded politely in greeting.
"Young Miss Cheadle, Mr. Ginta, hello. I've heard much about you."
Cheadle looked Leo up and down, a scrutinizing light flashing in the eyes hidden behind her lenses.
A few seconds later, she revealed a faint smile.
"Hello, Mr. Leo. I heard Machi Komacine mention you some time ago."
Ginta also nodded, his voice low.
"Hello, Leo."
Leo smiled.
"I didn't expect to have such renowned members of the Zodiacs come to visit; it's truly an honor."
"No need to be so formal."
Cheadle's tone was calm, but her next words carried a certain depth.
"Machi Komacine said you are a powerful Hunter, but your desire to kill is too strong."
This was stated directly, without any pretense.
The surrounding air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Kansai's expression froze on his face, Ginta's brows furrowed slightly, and even Sophia, who was talking to Shizuku in the distance, stopped what she was doing.
Leo, however, did not show any sign of displeasure.
He remained smiling and replied in a calm tone.
"I only did what I had to do. Whether to forgive these wanted criminals is God's business. I am only responsible for sending them to meet God."
Cheadle fell silent.
Kansai slapped his thigh.
"Well said! I agree!"
His voice was loud, drawing side-glances from many people around.
"Every minute these scumbags live in this world, there will be one more victim. They should be sent to meet God!"
Leo raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Kansai.
He hadn't expected this usually boisterous Tiger to be able to say something like this.
Ginta also nodded slowly.
"Although I don't entirely agree with Mr. Leo's point of view, I will not refute it either. Sometimes, people like Mr. Leo are indeed needed to deal with those criminals."
Both of them had stated their positions, but Cheadle did not continue the argument.
She just looked at Leo, the scrutiny in her eyes gradually turning into... approval?
"I came here this time just to see what kind of person Machi Komacine keeps talking about."
Cheadle said.
"Now I've seen it."
She paused and pushed up her glasses.
"I should go. There are still many matters in the Association that need to be handled."
She nodded slightly towards Leo.
"Goodbye, Mr. Leo."
"Goodbye, Young Miss Cheadle."
Cheadle turned and left, her pace composed.
Once she had walked away, Kansai let out a long sigh, and the tension on his face instantly turned into a smug smile.
"It's rare to see Cheadle get bested; it's so satisfying! Hahaha!"
Leo looked at him, somewhat speechless.
"Aren't you colleagues?"
"Colleagues are colleagues, but watching her get bested is something else."
Kansai said righteously.
"Who told her to act like 'I'm the smartest' all day long."
Ginta coughed lightly on the side, reminding Kansai to watch his image.
Kansai restrained himself a little and patted Leo's shoulder.
"Alright, I should go too. There's a commission to handle. See you next time, Leo!"
"Goodbye, Mr. Guanxi. Let's meet again next time."
Kansai waved his hand and strode away.
Ginta didn't speak, just nodded at Leo, and then followed him away.
The bustle faded, and the hall returned to calm.
Leo turned around and saw Sophia standing with Shizuku.
Shizuku was still in her quiet manner, while Sophia excitedly waved at Leo.
He walked over.
"Master!"
Sophia held up the One-Star Hunter license in her hand, the smile on her face impossible to hide.
"I'm a One-Star Hunter now too!"
Leo smiled.
"Mm, well done."
Sophia nodded vigorously and then carefully put away the license.
Leo looked at Shizuku.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go back."
Shizuku nodded and stood up.
The three walked out of the Association building side by side.
The sunlight shone on them, warm and cozy.
The distant sky was as blue as if washed, and a few white clouds drifted leisurely by.
Sophia suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Leo.
"Master, where are we going next?"
Leo looked into the distance and was silent for a few seconds.
The Genei Ryodan was resolved, and the promotion was complete.
Next...
"First, back to Heavens Arena to take down the Floor Master."
"And I promised Nico I would personally instruct him; now that things are settled, it's time to take him as an apprentice."
Leo said slowly.
"Then... there are still many things to do."
That's right, there are still many things to do.
Find the Doctor and crush his bones.
He still remembered the inhumane purgatory at The Purifiers' base, unforgettable to this day.
The secrets of the Dark Continent, unknown powerful figures, and even greater strength awaited him to pursue.