Chapter 5: Choice X Gamble X Resolution
"Yes! Now we have a win!" Leorio cheered as Gon comes back to the group. Kallua almost snicker, almost when Leorio mention that once he and Kurapika win, they would advance. Kallua wants one of them to lose though since he wants to see his father in action.
The next round is now being volunteered by Kurapika to go next and now he is facing his opponent. The opponent reveal himself causing Leorio to get jaw drop and shocked while the rest are looking blankly.
"Damn! That guy is loud" Karuze said with narrowed eyes as the opponent, Majitani laugh and shout loudly.
"That's one freaky body" Leorio said as he is still not recover from the shock.
"And face" Killua continued in which responded secretly by Kallua and Karuze snickering in agreement.
Kurapika calmly look at Majitani who point at the heart symbols on his chests showing how many he had killed that is only 19 and glad to find the number 20. Majitani continued to laugh while Kurapika only look calmly, no hints of fear are shown in his face.
Majitani decided on a match where they are putting their lives on line and brags with laugh, hoping to scare Kurapika but Kurapika just calmly accept and said that he would agree on whatever his opponent chooses. When Majitani decided on death match, again Kurapika only calmly accepts.
"That guy gets on my nerves. Bragging then laughing again and again when he got no guts at all, I want to kill him" Karuze said it with a tone as if his words are dunked in poison, both of his eyes are glowing. His sapphire eye are glowing azure while his crimson eye are glowing with scarlet.
"Hold your bloodlust, that guy is not worth to kill" Kallua said as he rolled his eyes in which successfully making Karuze eyes stopped glowing and he tries to take a deep breath to calm himself.
Kurapika takes off his tabard and discard it before discarding his weapon as well as Majitani asked him to since he didn't have any weapon. Kurapika seems eager to start as he keep asking Majitani to start quickly. Majitani try to think various reasons on why Kurapika is not afraid of him until he comes up with theory that either Kurapika can't run in front of his friends or too stupid to realize how frightening he is which making him smirk and prepares himself.
Leorio looks worried "Oi, Is Kurapika gonna be okay? This guy looks dangerous"
Killua look at the opponent boringly as he fold his arms on the back of his head. He can tell that Kurapika's opponent is just a blowhard who doesn't have any guts to hit anyone, let alone to kill anyone.
"No need to worry" Gon's voice said causing Killua to look in curiosity.
Leorio did the same then looking at Gon questioningly.
"Because when I look at him, I don't feel any chills" Gon said with crunched eyebrows.
Leorio getting confused "What does that mean?"
Only Killua looking at Gon with a smile, seems Gon is able to evaluate that opponent as well even though not as detail as Killua can tell.
Majitani began to show the `ace' up his sleeve. He starting to jump up and throwing a straight punch in Kurapika direction that successfully shattering the floor, luckily Kurapika quickly dodges it by leaping backwards and stay low.
Leorio and Tonpa look in surprise for seeing Majitani made a hole in the floor with his bare fist. Killua and Gon didn't comment anything, same with Karuze and Kallua.
After pulling his fist away from the floor, Majitani turned around to reveal a spider tattoo with twelve legs on his back which successfully made Kurapika gasp.
Leorio and Tonpa recognize the tattoo as that is the symbol that is worn by members of the notorious band of evil thieves known as the Phantom Troupe which is truly famous and anyone that is aspiring to be hunter should have heard about them.
"Genei Ryodan, huh. Brings back some memories, isn't it?" Karuze look at Kallua who only nodded before looking at Kurapika's condition.
"That opponent is a fool. Letting Kurapika to see anything spider related would only make things worse than ever. His scarlet eyes must have been activated already due to his rage" Kallua said, his eyes are still fixed towards Kurapika and followed by Karuze who does the same.
"How.." Karuze stopped, slowly shutting his eyes "Interesting" He opens his eyes again quickly to reveal that both of his eyes are glowing again, this time from excitement.
Majitani look mighty pleased with himself for having between the steel implanted in his body, it gives his arms the strength to shatter rock and the Phantom Troupe symbol by both of them would make him sure that no one would fight him.
Majitani keep laughing as Kurapika slowly stands up. He keeps provoking Kurapika who is only stay silent with his bangs covering his eyes. Before Majitani could finish talking again, Kurapika cut him off by revealing his eyes that is now scarlet color.
Karuze whistled "Nice, that scarlet eyes that shows rage is truly the most beautiful color after all" Karuze eyes began to gleam more as he smirks.
"Your eyes are gleaming way more than Kurapika's eyes from excitement" Kallua said as he look at Karuze's each different eye color.
"Alright, finish him off for me!" Karuze yelled excitingly and got responded by Kallua sigh and rolled his eyes before looking back at the match.
Majitani look in panic at seeing Kurapika in different condition than before. He look in surprise as Kurapika is gone and no longer in the same sport. Before he could react, Kurapika grab Majitani's chin and lift him upwards with his left hand then he squeeze his cheek harder.
Kurapika starting to curl his hand into fist and grip it hard which causing Majitani to panics more and saying he has surrender but Kurapika hears none of it and punch Majitani straight towards his right cheek down until his face is colliding with the floor then bouncing several times until he lay unconscious.
The group got surprised but Killua and Kallua whistled at the same time which brought a smirk in Karuze's face.
"Consider this is a warning" Kurapika said when he turn away from Majitani "First, a real Phantom Troupe tattoo has the member's number on the spider. Second, they don't bother counting how many they've killed. Third, never mention the troupe again. If you do, I'll kill you" Kurapika said in dark tone, his scarlet eyes flashed as he finish the warning.
Everyone still look in surprise while Karuze smirks and Kallua staring at Karuze in doubting look.
"What's with the look you give me, host?" Karuze asked, truly didn't like the way Kallua look at him now.
"You better not going to show Kurapika spiders or I would deal with you personally" Kallua said, threateningly.
`Damn, how did he know I was going to plan that?' Karuze went stiff "Geez host, I won't do that. I value our relationship, alright?"
Kallua only huffed at that comment.
"Okay! I'll finish up the job. Toss that guy out and send in your next competitor!"
Leorio's voice made Kallua and Karuze back into watching the arena.
A girl voice like giggled as another hooded figure come and object Leorio's request.
"What's that?" Leorio asked angrily.
"We can't move him yet, because his match hasn't been settled" The hooded figure moves into the arena then towards Majitani.
"The match hasn't been settled?" Leorio asked again, furiously "What do you mean?"
The hooded figure bend down to look more closely at Majitani before look up to see the group "He's still alive. He was only knocked out"
The group got surprised at that statement.
"Did you forget? This was a death match. The fight doesn't end until one contestant surrenders or dies. He's still alive, and he hasn't surrendered" The hooded figure laugh again before leaving.
"Tsk… Damned technicalities!" Leorio cross his arms.
"But she's right" Killua stated.
"I agree" Gon piped in.
Leorio shaking a bit before turning and look at Kurapika in annoyance " Hey, Kurapika! Go finish off that worthless trash!"
However, Kurapika calmly stated as his eyes closed "I refuse"
Leorio stared at Kurapika in disbelieve before went surprised "Why?!"
"The fight is over" Kurapika said as he opens his eyes, remembering his earlier fight with Majitani. "He'd already lost his will to fight when I punched him. I will not fight someone who's lost"
"Talk about prideful" Karuze commented as he look at Kurapika.
"Screw that! Then what do we do? They're claiming that the match hasn't ended" Leorio screamed in annoyance towards Kurapika.
"Let him handle it" Kurapika said.
"Huh?!" Leorio exclaimed in shock.
"Once he wakes up, we'll have our answer" Kurapika calmly said.
"Hey now, we only have so much time left. We can't afford to just sit and wait!" Leorio tries to persuade Kurapika.
"I have no intention of killing him!" Kurapika immediately said.
"Come on!" Leorio seems to be in the limit of his patience.
"Hey!" Killua suddenly called out "If you don't want to dirty your hands, I'll do it"
"Killua?" Gon said in question.
"You haven't ever killed anyone before, right? Are you scared?" Killua tries to provoke Kurapika.
"I have never considered whether murder is frightening. But this is a one-on-one battle. You aren't permitted to interfere" Kurapika calmly said, not falling for Killua's provoking.
"Okay,then" Killua seems slightly disappointed "But we're working as a team, so you shouldn't be too selfish"
"Oh, you do say useful things sometimes! Keep it up! Don't you understand that you're screwing up our chances?" Leorio seems happy that Killua is on his side.
"I'm sorry but I won't change my mind" Kurapika stubbornly yet calmly said.
"You stubborn fool!" Leorio slightly collide his forehead against Kurapika's.
"Just give it up"
The group turned to the voice of Kallua's from the speaker on the wall just above Kurapika's.
"Kallua?" Gon questioningly said while Killua slightly growled.
"If Kurapika doesn't want to do it then leave him be" Kallua said.
Leorio seems unable to accept that.
"Fine! A majority decision… O to kill him and X to leave him alive. Ready, and…"
Everyone push the button on the watch but the monitor is dead.
"Why isn't it working?!" Leorio exclaims angrily.
"BWAHAHAHAHHAHHAHAHA!" Karuze laugh at Leorio's stupid face and gesture.
"Maybe it's because we're asking the question?" Gon said, for it seems to be the case.
"Huh?" Leorio seems confused.
"The watches only work for questions presented by the examiners" Killua explained.
"I see.." Leorio grumbles.
"Okay!" Leorio raise his hand "Then we'll use a show of hands! Those who agree that he should be finished off… Now!"
Leorio is the only one who raises his hand at that.
"You traitor! Weren't you just lecturing Kurapika with me? We're supposed to be a team.. a team!" Leorio exclaims at Killua.
Killua turned to look at Kurapika "But it's pointless! He's not gonna change his mind"
"Hey Gon!" Leorio turned to look at Gon "Why do you oppose killing him?"
Gon lift up her index finger "Kurapika's right. He was on the verge of surrendering" Gon turned to see Kurapika before back into Leorio "Let's wait for him to wake up"
"I agree" Kallua said through the speaker. "Plus I am holding the most authorities here as the judgment so I say that Kurapika shouldn't finish him "
"Tch, that guy is totally abusing his authority!" Killua said, almost audible but Kallua still could hear it.
"Sorry Killua but I take decision based on all of your actions as well. Considering you are opposing of Kurapika's killing that guy since you know that Kurapika won't change his mind, correct?" Kallua said.
Killua grumbles more at that.
"We wouldn't know how long will that takes for that guy to wake up! I should just.." Leorio tries to think of something.
"You shouldn't force others to do things. Different people have different circumstances and ideals" Tonpa said.
"No one asked for your opinion" Leorio said.
"Hey… a majority ruling implies that you're asking everyone's opinion. Plus that guy who is in judgment had told us not to agree to kill him and that guy hold the most authorities after all" Tonpa said in quite a cheeky tone.
"Damn it! Fine! Do whatever you want!" Leorio angrily exclaims, ignoring Gon's calling out to him and went to the darkest end all by himself, mumbling "Man, what's wrong with these people?"
"Now he's sulking" Gon pointed out.
"None of this matters if we can't even progress. Don't you people get it? " Leorio said in bitter tone and sulky face though the group can't see it.
"Just leave him alone" Killua said.
`Idiot' Tonpa grinned `They've fallen for the trap of the majority decision. You would expect it to be easier for five people who've just met to make decisions by majority rule. While this method appears to revere each individual opinion, in actuality, it suppresses the minority. When a person consistently finds himself in the minority, his opinion is always rejected. His alienation, anger and discontent lead to antagonism. Eventually, the team dissolves. After all, we're rivals in this Hunter Exam. None of us would just stand by and watch, as our chances were hurt by someone else's dumb mistakes. But having been caught up in the spirit of this test, he's begun using majority decision in unrelated situations. And he made the mistake of holding a discussion before the vote. He even used majority decision in its worst form, a public show of hands. Unlike when people press the buttons of their own watches, everyone knows who diverged from the majority. So the minority can't even protest the decision. When someone feels they have no say, and that their opinions are constantly rejected, the group breaks down. In this case, it means all five of us will fail the exam, including that brat above us as well. It's just a matter of time." Tonpa cover his mouth to hold his laugh.
"This is getting quite bad, right host?" Karuze said, seeing the group atmosphere is really dark and gloomy.
Kallua slightly nodded at that.
"Hm?" Karuze slightly raise his eyebrow.
"What's wrong?" Kallua turned and asked Karuze, whose only having his Crimson Eye glowing.
"Hisoka" Karuze said in which made Kallua a bit alarmed.
"He's going to kill someone? Kallua asked. "That's impossible right? The applicant's path here is not supposed to cross with each other"
Karuze shook his head "Not one of the applicants for he's almost at the base of the tower. He's currently meeting someone who is not examiner but is purposely waiting for him for revenge because of the scar that Hisoka gave him a year ago. For my eye to activate means that guy named Togari would definitely be killed by Hisoka"
Kallua noted one of Karuze's ability, `The Bloody Eye' mainly his Crimson eye.
`Karuze's Crimson eye allows him to see someone before his death only by being killed (accident would not being seen by the eye) that is in the close range of him, a whole large building is the max for what Karuze stated (he seems not sure either). In order for the eye to activate, he needs to be in contact either the victim or the killer through himself or his host. Only when Karuze is inside of Kallua, that is when Karuze could share the memory of the death for his host (as killing reference) though there are times that Karuze didn't let his host sees anything for that would made Kallua lose concentration when he is focused on something else (Karuze can be considering sometimes). Still, due to the Bloody Eye would activate without he knows and if he didn't want to see it (sometimes annoying when he wants to see something else ), he would just close his Crimson Eye and re-open it when it stop glowing for that indicate, either the victim or the killer has died'
"The room was lit by green flames from the candles in their surroundings, Togari takes a crescent dagger and twirl it around before taking another dagger as well then twirl it again. Hisoka insults him by saying the scar he gets are the result of his inadequacies" Karuze said, Kallua nodded, trying to imagine the scene as Karuze described.
"Hisoka seems not utterly impressed by the dual wielding. But he seems a bit taken back Togari throw both the daggers above then he takes another two crescent dagger, yelling "infinite quad wielding" then throw both of that dagger towards Hisoka who dodges in ease. Togari caught both of the daggers that he threw above then tries to slash Hisoka who dodge it as well by jumping backwards. It was then both of the daggers come back, Hisoka notice it but those daggers managed to slash him, his right shoulder and the left side of his stomach" Karuze explain, Kallua a bit impressed for that Togari guy able to hurt Hisoka since Kallua thought from Karuze's explanation, Togari is not life-threatening despite he is the former examiner but manages to hurt HIsoka without nen, Kallua seems to contradict himself.
"Togari throws another both of his daggers before catch another daggers that coming towards him. Hisoka calmly stands while his Togari throws another both of the daggers towards Hisoka who is back on dodging again from the directions of up, down, front and back, in which Togari confident that Hisoka have nowhere to run. He keeps throwing all the daggers, hoping HIsoka would be cut from every angle by his endless stream of blades and dodging all of his infinite attack waves would be impossible. Togari keeps on throwing, wanting Hisoka to writhe in pain, until he die as Togari charges forward with the blades he just throws in front of him" Karuze excitingly explains in which Kallua thought right now it feels like he is listening to a radio with action scenes.
"From the shadow, it's like Hisoka get stabbed by the daggers but in actuality, Hisoka managed to catch both of them causing Togari to freak out. Hisoka stated that it is indeed difficult to dodge his attacks as he licks one of the daggers (Kallua shiver in disgust at hearing that, for he remembers that Fraze used to do that as well with his own sword and Kallua's sword mostly which makes Kallua makes sure to keep his sword away from Fraze's reach) Thus all Hisoka needs to do was simply stop the blades in which makes Togari having cold sweats all over him for it seems he needs a lot of time to master catching those blades while Hisoka does it very easily. Hisoka twirls both of the blades in front of Togari, commenting it was easier than anticipated and saying he appreciate Togari's futile efforts. Togari screams and Hisoka slash Togari's neck with those blades, successfully putting out the flames on their surroundings. GAME OVER!" Karuze made a motion slashing his neck with his hand as he ends the describing of Hisoka's killing and seems a bit breathless by describing all of it in detail as best as he could.
"Why didn't you just get back inside of me so you can share it inside instead of explaining it like this" Kallua said, having bit sympathy for Karuze who is still trying to catch his breath.
"It much more fun for me this way and I managed to see Hisoka is the first one to pass the Third phase with the total time of six hours and seventeen minutes" Karuze said with his Crimson Eye is now no longer glowing.
"I see, thanks for the information" Kallua nodded a bit at Karuze before looking at the group "Too bad that we still haven't out from this mess yet"
"Huh, you are right. What will you do as you are supposed to lead them anyway" Karuze said as he too looks at the group with no improvement.
"It depends of them, I only supposed to give them advice" Kallua said "It's risky but there is no other choice"
"What will you do?" Karuze asked, questioningly while Kallua only look at Karuze with a look-just-watch-and-see.
"Hey, Gon, Killua" Kallua said through the mic
"Huh? Oh, Kallua. What is it?" Gon enthusiastically answers while Killua looking away.
"The two of you are looking at that Majitani guy right? Do you think it's possible if he is dead already?" Kallua said.
Killua who heard that, seems understood as he sees Majitani once more who is still not moving. Immediately, he comes to Leorio's side.
"Hey.." Leorio looks up to see Killua and Gon upside down, Gon made sure to take several steps backwards so that Leorio wouldn't be able to see her underwear. "It's quite possible that he's already dead"
"What's that?" Leorio seems a bit shocked.
"Well, it's been several hours, and he hasn't moved an inch. Seems Kallua is right" Gon said which makes Killua's eye twitch and Leorio dash forward and tries to take a better look.
That makes the rest of the group followed, trying to see if indeed, was it true or false?
"Damn it, it's too far away for us to tell" Leorio said before yell "Hey! We want to check his body!"
The same hooded figure replies "What's that?"
Leorio pointed at Majitani "He could already be dead"
"I already told you, he's only unconscious" The hooded figure said.
"How many hours has it been? I can't just take your word for it!" Leorio angrily screams.
`Hm? Did that hooded figure person just smirk?' Kallua definitely had sharp eyesight but he make sure to double check. No doubt about it, that hooded figure definitely smirking.
"Then let's make a bet" The hooded figure said.
"A bet?" Leorio asked, not sure where this going on "on what?"
"On whether he's dead or alive" The hooded figure explains.
"What would we wager?" Leorio asked.
"Time" The hooded figure replies.
"Time?" Leorio repeats.
"We will settle our match through a betting game, a gamble. And we'll use time, rather than chips. Look at the monitor on the wall. We each have fifty hours. However, we can only wager multiples of ten. We continue placing bets until one of us has no hours left" The hooded figure challenged.
"A match where we gamble time…." Leorio seems still thinking about it.
"We'll take turns deciding what to bet on. If you end up with zero hours, your time limit will also be shortened by fifty hours. Of course, that include the other applicants up there" The hooded figure said.
"Wow host, just wow" Karuze said, almost unable to believe it.
"Their loss means my loss as well so it was not a surprise" Kallua calmly said.
"And if you end up with zero hours?" Leorio asked.
"Our sentences will be extended by fifty years" Leorio a bit surprised at that "If these terms are acceptable, I'll check whether he's still alive"
Both Leorio and the hooded figure narrowed their eyes.
Lippo watch in amusement, seeing Leroute who is serving a 112-year sentence for endangered species trafficking and illegal gambling. He thinks that this match is a game for Leroute.
"You should consider your answer carefully, Leorio" Kurapika tries to reason with him "If you lose, we'll have fifty fewer hours with which to escape the tower.
"You shouldn't talk…after all, this is your fault, for not finishing him off!" Leorio said harshly at Kurapika.
Kurapika look away from Leorio "Fine! I won't say another word"
Killua who is in the middle, look at Kurapika then Leorio then again, back and forth.
"Hey, we shouldn't fight amongst ourselves!" Gon scolded.
Killua seems give up, raise both of his hands and shrugged.
Tonpa covers his mouth again `Keep fighting, keep fighting..' he chanted in his mind.
"Right!" Leorio raise his index finger "I accept!"
"Okay! I chose our first bet, so you can decide how many hours we'll wager on whether he's alive or dead" The hooded figure said.
"I bet ten hours that he's alive" Leorio said.
"Very well. Then let's check" the hooded figure said then walked over.
"You're being pretty cautious" Kurapika commented.
"Weren't you going to not say anything else?" Leorio replies before walks over as well.
`Ten hours huh?' Tonpa still smirks at that remark.
`This was the obvious choice. Even if I'm wrong, as long as we confirm his death, Kurapika will have won this round. If he's really unconscious, I'll just kick his ass' Leorio thought before proceeding in examinations.
"See, he's unconscious" the hooded figure said.
"Seems like it" Leorio said back.
The monitor shows the opponent have 40 time while the group have 60 time now.
"All right! Leorio has the lead! "Gon cheerily said.
"This is bad" Killua said.
That attracts both Kurapika and Gon's attention.
"It's possible he isn't going to wake up" Killua said.
"What do you mean?" Kurapika said, though it more likes a demand.
"Remember when that hooded figure walked near the guy on the floor?" Killua said as he looking at Kurapika.
"What of it?" Kurapika asked as he too, looking at Killua.
"Me and that Kallua guy thought that he was already dead. But on second thought, they'd obviously prefer him alive, but remaining unconscious. If he doesn't wake up before the test ends, it shortens their sentences by seventy-two years" Killua explained.
"So if he doesn't wake up…"Gon trailed as Killua cut her off.
"That's my point!" Killua exclaimed.
"That's been their intention all along" Kurapika said.
"Seems that way, they seems know that all we want was just waiting for that guy to wakes up so because of that, they want him to pretend to be unconscious so our time would runs out" Kallua joins in the conversation in which the rest of the group seems a bit surprised but agrees at his words.
"Well, it's your turn" The hooded figure said towards Leorio "Decide what we'll bet on"
"Let's see" Leorio trailed as the group watch in anticipation.
"How about we bet on whether he's truly unconscious?" Leorio said.
"Huh?" The hooded figure seems surprised.
The group beamed and Killua understands while Tonpa just observing.
No one notices that Majitani is already conscious but being asked to be pretend to keep unconscious from the note he now hides in his mouth.
"All right, I bet twenty hours that he really is unconscious" The hooded figure said. "But how do we confirm whether he's truly unconscious?"
"Oh" Leorio bends down and pick up Majitani "That's simple" Leorio said as he drag Majitani, grumbling "This guy's heavy" then goes towards the end of the stage "I'll just toss him off the edge"
Majitani's panicking inside though his outside are pretend unconsciousness.
"If he's actually unconscious, he'll fall to his death" Leorio said.
"Are you insane?" The hooded figure said "His match hasn't been settled yet. We can't accept those terms"
"Don't worry. If he falls and dies, we'll forfeit the match, which will give you two wins. Is that satisfactory?" Leorio said.
"Yes, it is" The hooded figure agrees.
Majitani panicking's more, for his life is on the edge right now.
"But then I'm changing my wager. I bet forty hours that he isn't unconscious. Everything I have left" The hooded figure said.
Leorio smirks "Heh, little sneak. Finally showing your true colors"
As everyone watch in silence, Leorio then let go of Majitani who's then-
Completely awake.
"Whoa! Wait! I'm awake! I'm awake.. Don't let go! Whoa! Wait.. Whoa! I'm gonna fall!" Majitani wriggles furiously on trying to maintain his balance, before he could fall, Leorio grabs his hand and pull him on the arena with a `good morning' snide comment.
"You people are crazy. I've had enough! I'll take the loss! Forget the sentence reduction! It's safer in prison…" Majitani grumbles as he walks back to the opponent zone.
"You knew that he was awake" the hooded figure said
"I actually aspire to become a doctor. All I had to do was check his eye movement" Leorio said.
The monitor is now showing 80 for the opponent and 20 for the group.
"However, you're down to twenty hours" The hooded figure said.
"But now we have a 2-1 lead" Leorio retorts back.
Right he said that, the monitor is now showing the group has 2 wins.
"Now, it's your turn!" Leorio points at the hooded figure in challenge "What do you want to bet on?"
As Leorio just finished saying that, the hooded figure handcuff has been released and the figure pulls away the hood, revealing a young woman in pink twin tails.
Leorio blushed immediately from seeing Leroute.
"H- Huh? She's really cute.." Leorio laughs a bit.
"That old guy's probably dancing on the inside" Killua blankly stated.
"I have a bad feeling about this" Kurapika seems to agree with Killua.
"Then let's abet on whether I'm a man or a woman" Leroute said.
"Huh?" Leorio exclaims in surprise.
"What's wrong? Is there a problem?" Leroute asked.
"N-No" Leorio stammers `She's obviously a woman..or could she be a tranny? No, she's gotta be a woman' Leorio thought.
"That's fine but how will you prove if I'm wrong?" Leorio demands to know.
"Oh, right… I'll let you examine every part of my body. Until you're fully satisfied" Leroute said.
`Seriously!? Her body?' Leorio is excited now.
"So, what does she meant with examining every part of her body?" Kallua asked, that question is heard by the group as well.
"Oi, are you joking, right now?" Killua answer irritatingly.
"Host, just leave it be" Karuze said with a sigh.
"Leorio will bet she's a man" Kurapika said.
"Uh-huh" Killua nodded, truly agrees.
"Huh? Why?" Both Gon and Kallua asked at the same time.
"She's obviously woman, so why Leorio would bet she's a man?" Kallua asked again, truly not understand.
Both Killua and Kurapika can only look at the speaker with a doubtful look.
"Okay, I've decided. I bet ten hours that you're a man!" Leorio said, pointing his finger again.
Leroute smirked at that.
`Seriously?' Kallua thought in surprise, never thought his father and Kurapika would guess right.
"I knew it!" Kurapika grudgingly said.
"Dirty old man…" Killua narrowed his eyes towards Leorio.
"Huh? But how did you know?" Again, both Gon and Kallua said it at the same time.
"Well- that's" Killua tries to explain but Kurapika shut Killua's mouth.
`This way, even if I'm wrong, and it turns out she's female, I'll still get to examine her body! It's a win-win situation' Leorio thought with a smile. `Actually, please be wrong…'
Both Kallua and Gon are confused now.
"Okay! Reveal the answer!" Leorio demand as he points again.
"Too bad… I'm a woman" Leroute said.
"R-Really?" Leorio said in a happy tone, too happy.
"Would you like to check?" Leroute said.
"B-B-But of course!" Leorio immediately makes his move.
"Wait! What is Leorio's going to- Ack!" Gon squeaked as Kurapika tries to cover Gon's eyes and Killua do the same, now Kurapika cover Gon's right eye as he tries to turn away on the disturbing scene while Killua concentrate on covering Gon's left eye.
"Oi! Karuze! What is the meaning of this!?" Kallua tries to struggle as Karuze covers both of his host eyes.
"I need to protect your purity! This is way too soon for you and it is for your own good!" Karuze said as he covers his host eyes but his own eyes are fixed on the arena.
After both of Gon's and Kallua's eyes are uncovered, they turned to see the monitor shows the opponent have 90 while the group has 10 time then Leorio looked in bliss.
"What's going on, actually?" Both Kallua and Gon demand at the same time.
Killua just blankly grumbles while Kurapika lightly slap his forehead "Just watching hurts.."
"Kallua, do you realize what's happening?" Gon asked.
"No! Karuze covered my eyes" Kallua slightly grumble at that.
"Who's Karuze?" Gon asked in which attracts both Killua and Kurapika's attention.
"Look, you are way too soon for that. You are only 12 years old, you are minor" Karuze's voice is heard from the speaker which makes Killua, Kurapika and Gon stare in surprise at the unknown voice.
"He's gonna lose" Tonpa said in which now made everyone look at him. "The opponent has seen through Leorio's strategy. He's been betting conservatively, to minimize damage from either outcome. A gambler who focuses on avoiding a loss won't ever win. I guess Leorio just doesn't have what it takes"
"I hate to say it but, I kind of agree" Kallua said.
"Yeah since you are like your father, a gambler at heart" Karuze continued in which made Kallua goes silent. Well it's true that he gets the gambling genes from his father after all.
`As expected. His approach to gambling doesn't frighten me at all. He'll never beat me that way' Leroute thought with a smirk.
"Now, it's your turn to think of a gamble. What do you want to bet on?" Leroute asked in which snapping Leorio back to reality.
`This is no time to celebrate, I only have ten hours left.' Leorio thought as he sees the monitor.
"Leorio has no more room for error. If he loses the next wager, the overall score will be 2-2 and we will have fifty fewer hours to escape this tower" Kurapika said.
"I can't lose the next bet, but I can't think of anything that'd be a surefire win… Oh, that's it! We can bet on whether I'm a man or a woman. No, that wouldn't work" Leorio in panics now.
"Hey, old man…" Killua look disbelieve "You're thinking aloud"
"I know" Gon seems to get an idea.
"Leorio" Gon called out "How about whether or not you're still in your teens?"
"That's a good one" Kallua said, nodded as he sees that Leroute seems thinking about it as well as she cross her arms and look at Leorio.
"Come on, Gon!" Leorio seems a bit offended "I don't look that old.. I'm clearly a teenager!"
Leroute slightly fall and shocked "T-Teenager?" Then she looks at Leorio in disbelief as Leorio is now picking his nose "But he looks like an old man"
"Damn, that question would get her good!" Karuze said, getting clear reaction from Leroute that she definitely didn't expect that.
"How about asking question on whether Kurapika is a male or female?" Kallua asked.
"Oi, I can hear you!" Kurapika said, truly offended.
"Kallua would pass as a girl though, with a long, beautiful hair like that" Gon said as she takes some strands of her hair, remembering Kallua's hair is much smoother and shinier looking than hers.
"Bwahhaahahahahhahaha!" Killua laughed hard in which Kallua cover his red face with his palm, truly embarrassed for having his own father ridicule him and his mother thought he was feminine.
"Poor you" Karuze said, rubbing Kallua's shoulder but trying to stifle his laugh.
"Laugh if you want to, just leave me alone!" Kallua said in which Karuze begins to laugh in the corner.
"Right! In that case, we'll use rock-paper-scissors!" Leorio announced "A bet on who'll win a game of rock-paper-scissors!"
Leroute giggled "Sure"
Kurapika almost unable to believe it "Rock-Paper-Scissors? Why did he have to pick such a difficult wager?"
"Huh?" Gon seems confused "Rock-Paper-Scissors is hard?"
`I happen to be quite confident in my rock-paper-scissors skill. Just recently, I won a gourmet vacation in a tournament in the shopping district' Leorio thought, feeling confident.
"Let's see , then. I'll put eighty hours on my victory" Leroute said
Leorio look shocked "E-Eighty hours?"
"Is something wrong?" Leroute asked. "I'm free to bet as much as I want"
"W-Well, that's true" Leorio said, still in shock.
"And if you lose, I can still only take ten from you. Don't worry" Leroute tries to persuade Leorio.
"That woman is truly a pro gambler. Betting so much means she is very confident, that definitely would shatters Leorio with so much stress and a good poker face as well" Kallua noted, truly impressed and have fully recovered from the embarassment.
"Host, you want to gamble with her, right?" Karuze asked blankly.
`Shoot!' Kallua thought, he was busted.
`She doesn't need to bet eighty. Ten would suffice, what if she loses or is she that confident?' Leorio thought in jumbles.
`As anticipated, he's starting to stress. He's so easy to read' Leroute smirks at that, truly sure victory is in her hands.
"While rock-paper-scissors has simple rules, the game itself is quite complex. If you consider the game from a probability standpoint, there's only a one-third chance of losing. However if your opponent can predict your reasoning and control your reactions, defeat becomes much more likely" Kurapika explained.
"In other words, simple minded Leorio will be at disadvantage" Killua said, fully understanding and have recovering from his laugh.
"Rock-Paper-Scissors is quite a mental game, after all" Kallua said
"I see" Gon said, understands now.
"All right! I've made my decision" Leorio said.
Leroute giggles, decided to put Leorio more to stress "It's obvious what you'll use, I can read minds"
"Liar. Your bluffing won't scare me" Leorio said.
"You'll believe me soon enough" Leroute said, unfazed.
`As planned, he's losing his cool over a blatant lie' Leroute thought with a smile
`She can read minds? She's lying. She must be lying. But what if she's telling the truth?' Leorio thought with cautions.
"Leorio will use rock" Both Kallua and Kurapika said at the same time.
"Huh?" Gon seems a bit surprised.
"Let's do this" Leroute said.
Rock-Paper-Scissors.
Both use Rock.
"Wow, Kallua and Kurapika are right. Good guess!" Gon said, truly impressed.
"Nervous people unconsciously avoid any action that involves opening up. In other words, by making Leorio uncomfortable, she ensures that he's less likely to use paper" Kurapika explained.
"Besides, it's known that people usually would use scissors during the first round they started. Which is why I speculated Leorio would chooses rock" Kallua said.
"So if she sticks with rock, she's guaranteed a win or draw" Killua said.
"As I was explaining, rock-paper-scissors is actually a mind game" Kurapika said.
"Now I see" Gon said.
"Wait" Leorio paused "Since we both used rock, wasn't that a draw?"
"What of it?" Leroute asked.
"A-ha! So you were lying about being able to read my mind! If you really could, you'd have won! Rgiht!?" Leorio said.
"Oi that is not the issue here" Kallua said.
Leroute laugh in which Leorio asked in what's so funny about it.
"I deliberately gave you that tie" Leroute said.
"Quit lying!" Leorio retorts.
"Did you forget? We're trying to stall you here. If I chose to, I could force an indefinite series of draws… But that wouldn't be any fun. So I'll end this with the next turn" Leroute counters Leorio's retort. "Well? What will you use next? Think hard. Come on"
"Damn!" Leorio is now worried.
`That's it. Worry. Fret' Leroute thought as she sees Leorio.
"Worrying, Fretting. When someone loses confidence, they crave reassurance. That makes him more likely to either use the same hand, or, in an effort to regain his confidence, to use a stronger one than in the previous round" Kurapika explains again.
"Meaning that she wants Leorio to choose either rock or paper" Killua said.
"Yes. If she uses paper, she's certain not to lose" Kurapika said.
"Then Leorio just needs to stay a step ahead" Gon said.
"Well, if he could calm down, that might work" Kurapika said, though he seems not sure.
"Leorio" Gon called out causing Leorio to look at Gon "What of it?" Leorio asked.
"Hey, you'll win if you go with scissors next" Gon said in confidence.
"Wha? Scissors?" Leorio asked in surprise.
Leroute smiled "Go ahead, try it"
`Then she'll just use rock. No, she'll go a step further and choose paper. Wait, then she'll take another step and use scissors. No, no then she'll take another step and use rock' Leorio thought with stress and worry " Man, I have no idea what to think!" Leorio screamed.
"Let's go!" Leroute said suddenly and caught Leorio in surprise.
Leroute use paper and Leorio use Rock
Leroute spread her arms wide and giggling while skipping "It's my win!"
"Rock-paper-scissors really is complicated" Gon said.
"Now the score is 2-2" Killua said.
"Worse yet, we have to give up the fifty hours he lost" Kurapika stated.
"That includes you as well host" Karuze said as he looks at Kallua.
"I fully aware of the risk and accept it" Kallua said calmly, "besides, compared to life and death situation, this is nothing" in which Karuze only smirks for responding at that.
Leorio looks down "Sorry, I was pretty confident in my rock-paper-scissors ability"
"Pretty pathetic showing, then" Tonpa started to insult Leorio.
"What was that!?" Leorio got angry before calm himself, knowing he had no right to get mad. "Well, I can't argue with you on this one"
"So the time we have gambled and used away is in total of fifty nine hours, forty five minutes then" Kallua said as he check his own watch.
"Well, it is the last round now" Karuze said then look at Kallua "Be proud, your father would be the one battling this time. You respect and admire your father, right?"
Kallua nodded before lets out a smile, he truly admires his father to the point he respects his father so much that he wants to surpass his father. He wants to protect his family just like how his father trying to do the same as well.
Karuze lets out a teasing smile "But you are quite a softie with your mother, ne?"
Kallua slightly blushed and embarrassed at that, thinking that he do really like his mother. To the point that so many times his father got jealous of him being close with his mother. He does admit he has a soft spot for his mother but that's all, right?
Karuze knows that Kallua value family above all else, it is shown that he gladly becomes an assassin and the heir so that the Zaoldyeck would leave his parents and siblings alone out from the assassin business after all. His father thought that Kallua got that selfishness and stubbornness from his mother while his mother thought Kallua has that sacrificing and lonely personality from his father. If Karuze could say something, that would be the reason Kallua is doing that, is because he is both of their son.
"Anyway, the match is going to start" Kallua hurriedly look at Killua who is prepares to leave.
"What? Killua?" Leorio look at Killua in shock
"What's that supposed to mean?" Killua asked in demanding look.
"Damn it! I really needed to win my round" Leorio said in regret.
"Hey!" Kallua exclaimed, he can't stand when someone insult his family.
"Gon… This guy is totally pissing me off!" Killua angrily said while Gon tries to calm Killua down.
"Don't give up before we even know what the contest is. Well, if it's something like mental math, I'm surrendering" Killua avert his gaze as he said the last part.
"Eh? But Pa- I mean, Killua is supposed to be good at that" Kallua asked in surprise for his father used to tell him that he was really smart in which his genius gene is passed down to him, Kallua of course, being Kallua, believe everything his family said. Heck, even if his father say pigs can fly then he would very much believe it even though he knows himself that it is not true.
Killua gives the speaker a confuse gaze before narrowed his eyes.
"What do you know about me. You know nothing" Killua said coldy towards Kallua from the speaker.
Kallua instantly felt hurt. The wound that the assassination training can't be compared to what his father just said. Karuze felt silent, he even stopped teasing Kallua after hearing what Killua just said.
"You're right" Kallua said "Which is why I want to know you more" Kallua gives a bitter smile though Killua can't see it.
Killua widen his eyes, a bit surprised.
Before anyone can say anything, a loud crash causes them to look at the last opponent that is now revealing himself.
Leorio look surprised.
"That guy…" Leorio trailed off.
"You know him? Gon asked in surprise.
"We should take the loss. Killua! Don't fight him" Leorio said.
"Why not?" Killua look confused.
"Johness the Dissector. The worst mass murderer in Zaban's history. He chose his victims randomly. It was a famous case.146 people, young and old, men and women, met with brutal deaths by his hand. The victims had one thing in common. He murdered all of them with his bare hands. He was known for his iron grip, the power in his fingers." Leorio explains in terrified tone.
Jones destroy the rock with his hands "It's been so long since I touched human flesh"
"You don't have to face that psychotic killer..There's always next year" Leorio said, hoping Killua would understand.
Killua just ignoring Leorio and goes towards the arena.
"Damn it, does he even listening to what I said" Leorio grumbles.
"We should let him go. He could have a plan" Kurapika said.
Karuze looks at Killua "There is no need for a plan. A Zaoldyeck would never fall from that low level killer"
Kallua look at Killua who is now face to face with the Jones.
"Worried?" Karuze asked though he is quite worried about his host.
Kallua shook his head then went silent. His gaze is empty but it still fixed on the arena.
"How are we settling this contest?" Killua calmly asked.
"Contest?" Jones asked back. "I believe you're confused. This will be a one-sided massacre. I have no interest in the exam or any offer of amnesty. I just want to hear you scream"
"Really? Okay" Killua said, calmly. "Then the loser is the one who dies.
Jones looks a bit surprised but continued "Yeah, that's right. I'll tear your body apart"
Killua prepares to strike, the same as Jones but Killua was faster. Before Jones could do anything, he realized.
He was losing his heart.
"Wh-What?" Jones stutters unbelievably. "I'm so cold" He grabs his chest and look behind only to see Killua have his own heart on his hand.
Jones swaying and tries to goes forward to retrieve his heart back but Killua smirked and crush the heart with his sharp nail making jones lets out a scream then collapsed, dead.
Everyone gasps in surprise while Karuze smirk and Kallua gaze at Killua with his empty eyes.
"Hmph. Your father still had long way to go. If it was you then there would be no blood or even wound involved and that jones guy would not even noticing that his heart was taken" Karuze said.
Kallua only look in silence.
The monitor shows the group has 3 wins.
"Okay. That's three wins, two losses. We pass, right?" Killua said towards Bendot.
"Yeah, you win" Bendot said
"By the way, you must be itching for some action, since you didn't get to do anything. Want to play with me?" Killua said in playful remark.
Bendot in cold sweats answers "I'll abstain"
"Oh, okay" Killua shrugged then goes back.
"Who is he?" Leorio asked in no one.
"That's right. You guys don't know" Gon said.
"Don't know what?" Leorio asked.
"Killua comes from an elite family of assassins" Gon calmly explains.
"Eh? A-An elite family of assassins?" Leorio look shocked and getting more shocked when Killua is back.
"What?" Killua asked.
"Uh.. well, Good job" Leorio suppress a smile.
After that a hidden door has opened in which explained that it is a small room where the group must spend the fifty hours they gambled away there. The same happen in Kallua and Karuze's place. Seems they are not going to be placed in the same place.
"Well, let's go" Killua said.
"Yeah!" Gon nodded towards Killua with a smile.
The group then goes towards the small room and the same goes with Karuze and Kallua. Karuze is a bit worried, seeing his host still having empty eyes.
`Host, what's wrong with you' Karuze thought.
Meanwhile, the group looks around the small room. Leorio complained on having to spend fifty hours in the room.
"Killua" Kurapika called out "Can you tell me how that technique works?"
"Technique?" Killua asked, not understanding.
"The one you used to instantly remove his heart" Kurapika said.
"Oh, that wasn't even a technique. I just ripped it out" Killua said
"Ripped it out?" Kurapika asked.
Killua switch into his cold look "But to make it easier, I manipulated my body a bit" Killua shows his hand immediately sharpened.
"Y- Your nails" Leorio asked in surprise.
Gon look impressed.
"Mass murderers are still only amateurs. I used to be a professional" Killua point towards himself "But my old man would've done better. When he removes a heart, you won't even see a drop of blood" Killua said.
"How reassuring" Leoiro said.
Kurapika silently look at Killua `As long as he's on our side'
"Well, then. We have more than two whole days" Killua said as he sees the digital clock plastered on the wall.
"What should we do, Killua?" Gon asked.
"First, we should search the room for any kind of entertainment" Kilua said in enthusaiasm.
"Yeah!" Gon aggress.
The two then goes on searching.
"Man, you kids don't have a care in the world" Leorio said as he looks at both easy going kids.
Meanwhile at other room, Kallua only sit in silence while Karuze tries any teasing but none of it seems to make his host snap out from his empty gaze.
"Dammit host, get back to reality will you! Do I have to go inside of you and rack your minds!?" Karuze exclaims, though he actually hates to do so since Kallua has so many memories stored inside of him.
Karuze only sit back on the couch with a sigh.
Moments later, Kallua blinked and his eyes are now back to the usual sapphire color.
"Damn, you finally snapped out of it!" Karuze said.
"Oh, what is it?" Kallua asked Karuze.
Karuze narrowed his eyes "You got guts, host. Ignoring me and all then just acting as if nothing is wrong"
"Sorry, I'm just deep in my mind" Kallua said.
"Not this deep. If like that then it's got to be very important, right?" Karuze asked.
Kallua nodded "I guess I kind of thinking what Papa just told me"
Karuze looks confused "What are you talking a about?"
"Remember when Papa just coldly tells me that I know nothing about him? Now that I think about it, it has been a very long time ever since I spend time with Papa in future and what I know about Papa in the past, was he is protective of Mama and an assassin, I don't think I know anything else" Kallua said, sounds disappointed.
"Geez, you are giving emotions only when it involves your family, huh? So what about it?" Karuze asked.
Kallua shook his head "Nothing, I just thinking that. I want to know more about my parents at this time. So I was thinking of going to stick around with them for a while. I do think of leaving them after I get my license but- I guess I still want to be with them more"
Karuze smirked "So no more afraid of changing the future thing?"
Kallua slightly smiled "Well of course I need to be careful of that"
"Great. I'm itching right now" Karuze said as he unsheathe his sword "We have 50 hours here and I don't want you to slack off your training"
Kallua smiled, he unsheathe his sword as well "Just make sure not to destroy this place.
Sound of swords clashing are echoing as Kallua sparred with Karuze. Kallua smiled, he had a new goal now. His goal would be deepening his bond with his parents in the past. He was drawn with them and he realizes something. No, he was feeling it which is strange as he is not supposed to feel.
Maybe he would be able to find some answers that he had always longing to know, no matter what.