Happy New Years everyone. I have finally finished this chapter, but I've had a lot to do. I wanted to update my other stories but they are still a little ways from being completed. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter.

"There it is!" Killua pointed out the window of the airship that was hovering above all of the buildings in the city below-all except one.

A metal tower of an asymmetrical structure, leading high into the clouds. Sakura and Gon eagerly looked out to marvel at their mystery destination. When Gon asked what they were going to do next having time before the Yorknew city deadline. Killua stated outright that they (Gon in particular) needed to begin training if he wanted to increase his chances-which were almost none existent in punching Hisoka and paying his debt.

Though Gon wasn't' completely in agreement, he was after Killua brutally depicted the difference in strength between Gon and Hisoka by drawing a line in the sand and heads of Hisoka, Sakura and Hanzo, then marking him as far as he could go before drawing a line to where he would stand on the power scale. And the depiction seemed so vivid, despite Sakura's assurance that it couldn't have been as bad as Killua was making it out to be.

Nonetheless, the general idea was set for them. And when Killua asked Gon and Sakura to present their current financial status both were flushed. Gon didn't have much on him since traveling and Sakura didn't have any since being transferred into another world with a different currency. Killua stated to be in a similar situation but he also revealed to have a solution to kill two birds with one stone. A place where they could make money while they were training.

"Is that the place you told us about?" Sakura pressed her palm against the glass, awestruck still.

"Yup, that is Heaven's Arena. Two-hundred and fifty-one stories. Nine-hundred and ninety-one meters tall. It's the world's fourth tallest building."

Gon couldn't help the giddy feeling beginning to boil, "So this is where we'll be training…."

"By the way Sakura," Killua tapped the pinkette's leg, "When will you be taking off the cast? With your skills, I doubt it will be a problem but even so, how is it that Gon's arm is already healed and you're still in a cast?"

Sakura chuckled dryly, "Well actually, I think I should be able to remove it now. Gon's got a terrifying healing factor that I don't."

Gon's cheeks became slightly tinted, "Yeah, but I still think I owe you mostly for my recovery Sakura,"

"Don't mention it," Sakura ruffled Gon's hair playfully, put at ease with his winsome grin.

Killua looked, letting out a soft breath of content. He could honestly say that leaving home to be with them was one of his best decisions.

Before the airship landed, Sakura had removed the cast completely and had given herself one more healing session before they left. There was still a small discomfort, but nothing too severe and when she fought she'd prefer not to look like a wounded gazelle; literally. Although Killua commented she was probably going to give that impression either way. She, however, wanted to decrease the chances of pity even if by a small percentage.

Heaven's Arena building was something to marvel at from the ground as well, starring up as far as one could crane their neck and they still wouldn't be able to see the top. At least not from where Gon, Sakura and Killua were; which was in a long line leading into the building.

"I can't believe so many people are going to Heaven's Arena," commented Gon.

"There aren't any conditions here like the Hunter Exam," Killua held up his fist, "You just gotta defeat your opponent. The higher you go, the more prize money you earn. This is as good as it gets for those looking to make a living with their fists,"

Sakura smirked, "I'm actually getting a little excited now,"

"Good to hear," Killua grinned back.

It took some time, but eventually, the three friends reached the counter, where a woman handed them a form to fill out. That's when something else came to light for Sakura. While reading the page, all which appeared in kanji to her, something happened when she filled it out. The words seemed to shift, blurring for an instant before sharpening into curves and dots, a type of syllabary she wasn't aware of and then shifting instantly back to kanji.

Then she discretely glanced over Gon and Killua's writing, that's when she saw a similar thing happening. But it was after they had written something she saw the letter's shift.

'Does this have something to do with the book?' Sakura then reminded herself that she was in another world, one that she was becoming integrated with through the story. And it wasn't too far out there to believe that this world would have a different writing system to hers even if the language was the same.

Then she remembered how Naruto said he couldn't read the pages of the book and that there was a correlation to that.

'So I can read and write in this world's syllabary without having to practice?'

She was jolted from her thoughts when there was a heavy tap on her shoulder, she looked over at Killua who was handing in his form with Gon.

"Sakura hurry up and fill out your form. You're holding up the line,"

"R-Right!"

Quickly she started filling in the blank spaces of her form, careful not to let anyone see her do so before the words shifted themselves. Although what she learned was surprising, it couldn't compare to the book that brought her to this world. And therefore was mute.

Sakura handed back her page, "Sorry for the hold-up,"

The women briefly turned to the monitor of her computer, to check something before looking back to the three friends, "Killua Zoldyck-sama, you're #2054. Gon Freecss-sama, you're #2055 and Sakura Haruno-sama you're #2056. They'll call your number on the first floor of the arena, so make sure to remember it."

They followed in the direction the women at the counter pointed them in, going through a straight and short hallway that lead them to the battle area of the first floor. The stands were packed with eager fighters waiting their turn to step into one of the rings. Which, were small, square and placed vertically alphabetical from A to P. There were three figures in each ring, two the opponents and the third the referee.

"Wow," gasped Gon, peering around at the different fighters.

"It's been a while, but this place hasn't changed a bit," Killua said with a nostalgic tone as he, Gon and Sakura made their way down to the stands to sit until it was their turn to brawl.

"You've been here before Killua?" asked Gon.

The white-haired boy nodded, with a casual smile "When I was six. My dad left me here without a penny, told me to reach the 200th floor before coming home. Took me two years."

Sakura made a little-choked sound of surprise, somehow she knew that she shouldn't be this stunned but when looking at the violent nature that many of these competitors were displaying in the ring and then picturing a six-year-old Killua fighting just nudged her.

Killua then explained to them that while there were people of Hisoka's caliber here, they would only be on the higher floors. And since that's what they were aiming for, Killua didn't want them to waste too much time here.

Then the intercom went off, calling on another match. "#1973. #2055. Please enter ring E."

Gon jumped, "That's me!" he pulled a face while removing his backpack, "I'm getting nervous now!"

"Don't worry," Sakura told him, "You'll definitely be alright,"

Killua then chided, "Gon you made it through the Testing Gate right?" Gon gave him an odd expression without answering, "In that case, all you have to do is push hard,"

"O-Okay….?"

Sakura watched from the stands with Killua as Gon entered the assigned ring, followed by a behemoth of a man three times the boy's height and five times his size stepping in without worry. Most of the crowd's eyes were now focused on ring E; surprised and amused to see a young boy stepping in to fight.

"Will he really be able to win with just one push?" Sakura asked,

Killua smirked, his arms folded across his chest. "We shouldn't waste unnecessary time on opponents we can finish in one move. We want to get to the higher levels as quickly as possible,"

"I suppose….."

"And besides, with this bunch, we can definitely take it easy. Just look." Killua pointed back at the ring.

The referee had made the call for the match to start, the man was the first to attempt to throw a punch but Gon easily avoided it without having to move a step before countering with a push like Killua suggested and the man was sent out of the ring, passed another and slamming hard into the walls of the stadium, leaving an imprint of his body in the cracks. Nearly the whole floor fell silent.

"Well, what do you know," Sakura smiled, closing her eyes. "You were right,"

"I usually am,"

Sakura mumbled under her breath about Killua's arrogance, but the boy caught a trickle of insult though only broadened his smile.

Shortly after Gon returned from his match both Killua and Sakura were called down for theirs. Sakura stepped into ring B and she heard the comments rolling in already as her opponent, yet another heaping mass of muscles stepped into the ring with heavy footsteps. His sharp eyes glaring down at her with amusement.

"A girl?"

"Hey, man take it easy on the little lady!"

"Just push her out of the ring!"

The referee stood between them, "The point of this much is so that we can appraise your skill levels. You are allowed three minutes to demonstrate that."

Taking a step back, the referee threw his arm forward, "Begin!"

"Hey, don' think that just because you're a girl that you're going to be able to cry your way out of this," the man said before charging forward.

"Funny," Sakura grinned, raising her arm up, holding her index finger on her thumb until it was a millimeter away from her opponent's forehead, then releasing. The flick of her finger sent the man catapulting back until he hit the wall hard enough to leave behind the outline of his body, knocking him unconscious.

"I was going to say the same thing to you,"

Once again, the arena was left stunned. First over Gon's fight that ended with a single push, then it was Killua who won his match by knocking out his opponents with a single chop to the back of the neck, then Sakura who gave her opponent one flick to the forehead. But it wasn't just the three friends who were getting attention.

"Look over there!"

"Another crazy strong kid!"

Sakura glanced around, the arena area until she saw a small boy-smaller than Gon and Killua, with short brown hair, thick eyebrows that reminded her a little of her friend Lee's, and big hazel eyes. In front of him was a hulking man, unconscious on his back.

'Not bad,'

Sakura, Gon, Killua and the other boy all left the first floor, entering the elevator operated by a young woman who began explaining further the rules of the arena.

"The first 200 floors of Heaven's arena are divided into classes, each comprised of ten floors. So after someone defeats an opponent in the '50s, they move on to the '60s but if they lose they drop back to the 40s"

"Oh, so that's how it works," said Gon.

Then another voice entered, "Plus, I heard that on the 100 floor, you get your own room!"

The three friends didn't respond, only to look behind them at the younger boy standing with them in the elevator.

The boy quickly apologized for not introducing himself prior and threw out his arms downwards holdings fists, "Osu, my name is Zushi. What about you guys?"

"I'm Killua,"

"Sakura, pleasure,"

"I'm Gon, nice to meet you."

Just then the elevator doors opened revealing the 50th floor where they continued conversing. Zushi followed beside the three friends.

"I saw your fights earlier. It was amazing!"

Killua gave him an odd expression, "What are you talking about? You made it up here with one match as well,"

"Yeah, you literally knocked out that giant with only a few hits," Sakura complimented.

Zushi held up his hand, "No, no, I still have a long way to go. By the way which martial arts discipline do you all practice? I study the Shingen-ryu fighting technique."

Sakura put her hand on her chest, gesturing to herself, "Well, I studied shinobi fighting techniques,"

"Shinobi? So does that mean you're a ninja?"

Sakura nodded, "That's right,"

Zushi then looked back at Killua and Gon, "Well, you're definitely strong, to be able to send your opponent back with just a flick to the forehead…..What about you, Killua-san, Gon-san?"

Killu and Gon looked at each other, "We don't have any right?"

"Yeah," Gon confirmed.

Zushi stopped walking, his jaw dropped in awe "You're kidding! You're both that strong with no training? I still have a long way to go."

Shortly after, the four heard clapping echo in the hall, "Zushi, you did well,"

The brown haired boy turned around, his posture straightening. "Master,"

There was a man standing behind the four. Lanky with dark hair parted in the middle and thick glasses, he was in a sense plain but held an approachable smile. Albeit he was rather untidy, one side of his shirt sticking out of his pats while the other was tucked. Zushi was quick to point this out so that his master could fix it.

"Who are they?" the man asked with a sown on smile.

"These are, Gon-san, Killua-san, and Sakura-san,"

"Nice to meet you, I am Wing,"

To return the greeting the three friends briefly crossed their arms in front of them before flinging them out as Zushi had, mimicking "Osu!"

"I didn't expect to meet other children. Why are you here?"

Killua explained their circumstances, "We're here to train to get stronger but we're also broke so we're making money simultaneously,"

"Killua's a veteran here," Gon chided,

"Oh, you must be fairly skilled, but you should pay strict attention to your opponent's body as well as your own,"

Again they repeated, "Osu,"

Finishing their introduction to Wing, Sakura, Gon, Killua, and Zushi went to reception to receive their prize money. They were handed a small envelope after exchanging their tickets received from the referees. One hundred and fifty-two jenny.

Killua immediately went to the vending machine to spend his money on a drink, "One the first floor whether you win or lose, your reward covers a canned drink, but beyond that, a loss gets you nothing,"

"Hey I want one of those," Sakura went over to the vending machine behind her friend, taking out an ice tea. "So you were saying?"

"A loss passed the first floor gets you nothing but a win against an opponent in the 50's nets you fifty-thousand."

Gon and Zushi smiled in anticipation, "Fifty-thousand,"

"That's a lot," said Zushi.

Almost finishing his drink, Killua lowered his can from his mouth to speak, "The 100 floor, I think wins are worth a million and passed the 150, about ten million."

This time Gon and Zushi weren't the only ones stunned as Sakura had a scene. Coughing up a bit of her drink, Sakura wiped her mouth as her eyes began to tear as she spluttered. "Wha-What?! Ten-million?"

That would be more money than she's ever made before. Killua was certainly serious when he said Heaven's Arena was the best place to make a living with your fist. Sakura wondered if perhaps there was a place like this back in her world….

"Yeah,"

Gon then interrupted, "Wait, didn't you make it to the 200th floor Killua? How much do you get for winning there?"

Killua shrugged, "I don't actually know because I quit when I reached 200," Killua answered casually, looking up, "But when I was in 190s, I had around 200 million total."

Sakura, Gon, and Zushi stared at Killua awestruck.

"T-Two hundred million," Zushi trembled,

"Where's that money now?" Gon asked, and Sakura couldn't help thinking the same thing considering he was completely broke due to the airship ride to get here. Although the answer on what he spent that money one was almost as surprising and hearing how much he had.

"That was four years ago, so of course it's gone now. I spent it all on snacks!"

Sakura opened her mouth, then closed it, then opened it again, "Y-You spent 200 million on snacks in four years?"

"Yep,"

"What kind of snacks were those?" Zushi wondered out loud.

"Either the expensive kind or the cheap kind in bulk," Sakura nodded.

Killua rolled his eyes, tossing his can away, "We should probably head up to the waiting room. Since we got through our first match without injury we'll likely get another today,"

The waiting room was filled with lockers and packed with eager fighters. All of whom glared at every new individual that entered the room. They were especially fixated on the four, as they made their way in. Most with powerful builds, showing off years of training and working out. Although Killua wasn't impressed at all and wasn't afraid to state it outright for the entire room to hear when they went to take a seat on one of the benches.

"These opponents should be a cinch, just take it easy," Killua told Gon.

"A little louder, I don't think the guys in the corner over there heard you," Sakura nudged Killua playfully.

Then a second later the intercom went off inside the room, "#2054, Killua-sama. And #1963, Zushi-sama. Please head to arena A, on the 57th floor."

'Oh boy,' Sakura grimaced. An astounding coincidence that out of everyone on the 50th floor it was Killua and Zushi who were pinned to fight against each other.

Zushi was nervous about facing Killua but he swallowed that down to hold a strong front, "Osu! I shall give it my best,"

"Well, you can win them all. Better luck next time," Killua's comment earned him a swift swat at the back of the head from Sakura who gave him a pointed look in return.

"Good luck to both of you," Gon said to Zushi and Killua as they made their exit.

"I'll wait for you both above," Killua could throw him a comment or an icy glare.

Gon sighed, "He didn't' have to be so blunt about it,"

"Like it's a done deal…." Sakura shook her head but smiled. She could tell Killua had the advantage in terms of physical strength and most likely speed. Even so, she didn't think that blatant disregard for his opponent was necessary since they had just put themselves on friendly terms with Zushi. And she also knew that Killua's behavior could be a dangerous thing for him in the future should he encounter someone strong who is able to hide their power until it's too late. She remembered Sasuke making the same mistake several times.

She herself had also learned not to look down on people in any manner because it was a trend that could have server repercussions in the future.

"But I think Killua's going to win right?"

Exhaling softly, Sakura nodded, "It seems very likely."

While Sakura proved to be right, neither were expecting Killua to be the last person to arrive up on the 60th floor. Sakura and Gon had finished their matches, with little effort on their part, just a push, and a flick and it was over. After meeting up, they went to cash in their tickets before waiting for Killua on one of the benches near the elevator. Only a few minutes passed before the doors opened and Killua stepped through. Completely uninjured.

"Hey Killua," Gon called, rushing over to his friend. "It took you a while to get here."

"Yeah I ran into a little trouble," Killua started walking away, knowing that Sakura and Gon were trailing shortly behind him. They were quick to sense something was off about him.

"Did Zushi put up more of a fight than you were expecting?" asked Sakura. Because of their own matches, Sakura and Gon weren't able to get an update on Killua's match.

"Sort of," he replied, keeping his eyes ahead. "He definitely has potential, but right now he's just target practice for me,"

"Then what was the problem?" Sakura raised an eyebrow. "If he's so weak, shouldn't one chop to the back of the neck have finished your match?"

Killua stopped in his tracks, his voice held concern and confusion and…..something else, "I received the points TKO, but I couldn't knock him out. Further, when he changed his stance, his aura reminded me of my brother's."

A bead of sweat ran down the side of his face, recalling the match. More specifically what happened with Zushi. He had changed from his regular defensive stance that would protect him to another that gave Killua a lot more openings to attack, but with it came this powerful force that Killua didn't want to get anywhere near. It was as if he's body became shrouded with a dangerous scent. It made him uneasy to remember.

"It must be some kind of technique," Killua said. That was all he could conclude after linking that feeling to his brother. While Illumi was much stronger than Killua, Zushi wasn't and yet he managed to make Killua retreat back. It was only after Wing called out to Zushi from the stands in a stern voice that the feeling vanished and Killua didn't want to risk it coming back. So he finished the fight as quickly as he could, with a powerful punch that sent Zushi out of the ring. But even then, with such a bone-crushing hit, Zushi still stood back up.

And then there was the conversation he overheard between Zushi and Wing after his match that delayed Killua further.

"His master called it Ren, but he told Zushi he wasn't allowed to use it until he reached the top floor,"

Sakura held her chin, she remembered being in a similar situation to what Killua was describing with Hisoka. Although there were only brief fleeting moments when she sensed something and then it just vanished. She was a little too focused on the actual battle though to pay much attention to these things. What's more, Hisoka's bloodlust had been spiraling, practically trying to drown her. And with Killua mentioning how Zushi was able to take his blows with less damage than what was initially meant to be inflicted; also drew Sakura back to thinking of Hisoka.

"I think you might be right about your Ren theory. When I fought Hisoka, I actually had a similar experience, but it was almost fleeting,"

Killua nodded.

"Wait, Zushi was told he couldn't' use Ren till he reached the top floor. The strongest fighters are at the top floor right?" Gon said,

Killua stared up at the ceiling as he spoke, "Guys change in plans. We're aiming for the top floors,"

"Uh-huh," Gon said in agreement, although that was his plan from the beginning.

"Right," Sakura was eager to see if their theory was right about this power. If a power like chakra in her world exists, it wasn't too far out there to think that there could be in another world. But she still couldn't believe it completely until it was officially confirmed.

Six consecutive matches won in three days, without injury. That was the record Sakura, Gon and Killua had set in their short time at Heaven's Arena. They were breezing through the different floors, sticking to one move per match. News spread of the three at the arena, their audience filling the stands to watch them, either to ensure their bets for their win or loss.

When they got to the 100 floor, each was given their own private room. It wasn't as spacious and the interior was simple, a single bed in the corner with a dresser and television set but it was enough. Gon and Sakura were ecstatic since they wouldn't have to worry about money and lodging, however, Killua warned them though that should either of them drop below the 100 floor, they would lose the room.

As it was the first time he had shown concern for their brief battle, Gon and Sakura took it to heart, although later found that they were still able to keep going strong. Winning their matches with a single strike until they reached the 150 floor. And yet there was an unsettling cloud hanging over them now, as their trip to the arena was defeating the point of their objective.

To get stronger.

'At least there's an upside to winning like this,' Sakura thought with a smile. She, Gon and Killua was standing at the reception to hand in their tickets for their last matches won and all the zeroes made her a little excited. She hadn't made this kind of money before and so easily as well.

"Wow, I've never seen so many zeros," Gon said as they walked away from the counter, holding a receipt for the prize money that was deposited into an account. "And just a week ago, we were totally broke."

"I'm a little annoyed though," Killua admitted, walking with his hands behind his head. "When I was here, it took me almost two months to reach floor 150. Meanwhile, you're breezing through it,"

"You were six," Gon and Sakura reminded him.

"Well yeah but still,"

"Oh yeah, I saw Zushi on TV earlier," said Gon.

"Yeah, he's still on the 50th floor,"

"It doesn't really make sense does it?" Sakura stated more than asked. "From what Killua told us, it seems he would be able to make it to the higher floors,"

"I'm still wondering about that Ren Killua sensed," Gon and Sakura looked over at their white-haired friend.

Killua pointed upwards, "Maybe if we face opponents higher up,

"Or wouldn't it be faster to ask Zushi?" chided Gon, to which Killua gave a dry chuckle, as he realized that Gon's idea was so practical, he was actually embarrassed that he didn't think of it first. As was Sakura.

"Well then, let's go ask him."

The three friend's found Zushi after his match and he was more than cooperative in explaining what Ren was, however this lead to more confusion than understanding. Despite saying it with a straight face, hiding absolutely nothing; Gon, Killua and Sakura weren't able to absorb the information, and could only stare at Zushi with wide-lost expressions and as the explanation continued, Gon's head even seemed to smoke a little.

"Ren is one of the four major principles. The four major principles for disciplining your mind and body. Fundamental to every martial art!" The manner in which Zushi spoke, was like he had read it from a book and was repeating it step by step. "You must know 'Ten', learn 'Zetsu', achieve 'Ren' and reach 'Hatsu,'. That is all a part of 'Nen' training. That covers everything!"

"Eh?" Sakura asked blinking rapidly.

"I have no idea what you just said!" Killua exclaimed, glaring at Zushi.

"Zushi,"

When Wing called his pupil, the boy's face immediately changed to a nervous stand. Wing walked up to them with a smile on his face, but a clear warning in his posture.

"Are you sufficiently educated that you can teach other's?" Zushi just gave a nervous laugh, knowing that it wasn't a two parted question. Wing then addressed the three.

"Gon-kun, Killua-Kun, Sakura-chan. There's an old saying that if you learn something piecemeal, you'll end up knowing less than when you started,"

Sakura rubbed the back of her neck, "Yes, that points certainly been proven right now."

"So a little knowledge is dangerous?" Killua closed his eyes, "But I want to know right now. Because it's related to the secret behind my brother's power,"

Wing's smile vanished in that instant and he asked Killua if his older brother was able to use Nen, even though he knew the terms were completely lost on the trio. However, the way he said it, at least told Sakura that this wasn't just a martial arts practice, but she was still just as lost as Gon and Killua

"I need to know what Nen and Ren even mean," Killua said strongly, voicing his determination for the truth. "I'll agree to the full learning process rather than a quick explanation! And if you're willing to teach me, I won't try to figure it out myself."

Wing stared at Killua; more specifically his eyes, stern until he lowered his head, "I understand. Come with me to my residence."

Wing brought the three friends back to his current dwelling, a small apartment house, walking distance from the arena. Sakura, Gon, and Killua stood attentively in front of Wing who was beside a whiteboard, with a marker in hand. Zushi stood silently on the side. Curious as to what his maser's intentions truly were.

"Nen means to burn your soul. In other words, it tests your strength of will," Wing explained, wringing on the board, 'Burn'. "And the four major principles are of a training curriculum for strengthening your will."

Neither, Gon, Killua or Sakura were really coming to understand Wing's lecture by far. Though Wing wasn't finished yet. They kept the information close at hand, in hopes that they would be able to go back to it as the lesson continued. Wing began writing out the four principles that Zushi had mentioned.

"Ten means to focus your soul on a single point, to increase awareness of your ego and goals. Zetsu means to express yourself in words. Ren means to temper that will. And Hatsu means to act upon that will."

Gon repeated the four principles, but it was clear there was still little substance to those words. At least for him and his friend's.

"Killua-kun, Zushi tempered his 'refusal to lose' against you during the fight."

Sakura rubbed her cheek, "I'm sorry, but I'm still a little confused. I know that it's possible to intimidate an opponent psychologically to some degree, but I've had a similar encounter to what Killua was explaining with another person and it felt like a lot more than that. I would actually feel physically crippled from time to time and that made it hard for me to concentrate."

The feeling Sakura had when she fought Hisoka was something similar to a capable person being thrown off balance due to other factors like nerves. When a person wasn't in their sharpest frame of mind, it could greatly affect the outcome of their ability. And she had experienced that in her fight during the final phase of the Hunter exams. But Sakura felt that it wasn't the only reason her match with Hisoka went the way it did.

"I think a demonstration will help you better understand," Wing turned to Killua, "Killua-kun….I think I'm going to kill you now,"

Wing's tone completely lacking in motivation diminished the threat of his statement, and therefore no one reacted including Killua; who told Wing to 'go ahead.'

"Are you ready?"

"Sure. It's not happening," Killua said, holding his hands in his pockets.

Wing then said he would take things step-by-step so that the three would grasp the lesson better. "First comes Ten," Wing bent down with his legs apart, holding his fists in front with his arms crossed over. "I focused my soul into a single point."

Gon, Killua and Sakura watched Wing without responding yet.

"Zetsu, you can express yourself mentally or verbally." Wing watched the three for a few moments longer than necessary before closing his eyes, "I will kill you."

They watched and waited, as Wing remained stationary, at first they could feel nothing but then when Wing opened his eyes, they appeared sharper and it felt as if fear had taken physical form and hit them in a wave with Wing as the source of it. This tremble-worthy feeling was something Sakura could recognize as when she encountered some of her most dangerous opponents, but the one who was closest to this was Hisoka.

When Wing barely tilted his head forward, Killua had vanished from his position and Wing returned to a normal standing position in which that feeling evaporated. Then Sakura and Gon looked around the room until spotting Killua in one of the top corners at the ceiling, holding himself up far against the wall.

"That was Ren. If I temper it enough then I can act. Hatsu. If your will is strong enough you can make your opponent back down without moving a muscle," Wing pushed his glasses up on his face, explaining that another term for this would be 'bluffing'. He told them that Ren was meant to harden that which was soft, and hence made someone lose the ability to correct an incorrect idea.

Killua jumped down from the wall, listening to Wing's explanation. "You should avoid using Ren until your soul has fully matured. Right now you three and Zushi should be training your souls."

Killua narrowed his eyes but turned towards the door calling to his friend's. "Sakura, Gon let's go,"

But before they could move, Wing continued, "If you want to learn about Nen, you should focus on mastering Ten. If you focus on mastering Ten, you will no longer feel the pressure of your opponents will.'

Sakura glanced back at Killua and Gon before looking to Wing once again. She bowed her head slightly. "Thank you for the lesson,"

Killua waited until, he, Gon and Sakura were further away from Wing's residence before he spoke again. It was already dark when they left and the streets were quiet. It was only then that he stated outright that Wing was lying to them. Although Gon didn't understand why Killua would say that, Sakura did.

"His explanation made sense, but it doesn't explain Zushi's toughness," Killua stated. "He kept getting up after I knocked him down until I finally hit him as hard as I could. But even then, he was still able to stand and didn't take on as much damage as he was supposed to,"

"I've had a similar experience," Sakura agreed. When she was landing her punches on Hisoka, her chakra punches didn't have a very strong effect, which had made her interpret Hisoka's strength and durability as something greater than what it should be.

"Willpower didn't keep him standing. He's hiding some other secret,"

"Why doesn't he want to tell us then?" Gon wondered though neither of his friends could answer that question. And they would likely all be left to wonder.

"Guess we're back to our initial plan," Sakura shrugged.

"Getting to the top floors,"

"And finding out ourselves," Gon finished.

Passed the first floor, Heaven's Arena had single rings that were placed in the center of the stands where an audience could watch from all corners. There was a large screen to show the contestants for those matches as well as for tallying the votes for those betting on who would win. Gon, Sakura and Killua were still able to breeze through their matches until the 190th floor. All three were having their matches on the same day and they were being screened almost simultaneously. The stands were packed with an audience who wanted to see if the three rookies could make it to the 200th floor on this day or if they were going to finally be dropped down.

Sakura stared at her opponent, he wasn't like one of the larger individuals she had faced, but he was well built through training and sharp eyes which held experience but also an arrogance that had him misinterpreting her entirely based on appearance.

"You may be powerful, but with that body, you're clearly breakable." Her opponent sneered. "It's only a matter of reaching you before you can strike,"

The referee threw down his hand, calling for the match to start. "BEGIN"

The man moved in a blur towards the pinkette, reaching forward with the intent to grab Sakura quickly and toss her out of the ring. But when his hand lurched forward, she pushed down on his arm easily, giving an opening to his head where she used her other to give a quick flick. In another fast blur, he was sent flying out of the ring and into the wall surrounding the ring.

"Critical hit and knock down. Three points. Knockout! The winner is Sakura!"

The crowd's cheers grew loud, but they weren't just for her when Sakura looked back at the screen in the other arena, she saw Gon and Killua standing in the ring, without their opponents in sight.

"Once again, the three rookies have managed to knock out their opponents with one attack. And have successfully cleared the 190's! They advance to the 200's!"

191

192

193

194…

"I wonder what the 200 floor is like," Gon said, staring up at the elevator numbers the higher they went. The three had packed their belongings and met at the elevator to take them to the 200 floor since they would now be moved to different rooms.

"Beats me, I haven't actually been up there," Killua said.

"I'm more curious about the type of people that are on this floor,"

When the doors open for the 200 floor, it was like entering a threshold to a whole other building. Granite tiles along with beige painted walls, soft red carpets, couches instead of hard benches. It was as if they had entered the front of a five-star hotel rather than the next floor of a fighting arena. There were few individuals around but none to take notice of. They looked around for the reception until Killua spotted the sign to take them there.

Now their excitement began reaching its climax and they were content; that it until they took the turn to the hallway meant to lead them to the reception. As they came to that turn-off, an ominous feeling crept out of nowhere and seemed to envelop the three. Their senses heightened, warning them to danger, one that they were yet to see.

Sakura, Killua, and Gon remained in place. Their eyes fixated on something that they could not see but clearly sense.

"I don't like this,"

"Let's go!" Killua hissed, keeping his eyes on the hallway. "We can do this!"

The three began walking into the darkened hallway, but that feeling that they sensed did not go away. Only intensified.

"This seems familiar somehow," Sakura grimaced. "This is murderous intent."

"And it's aimed at us," Gon added. He couldn't bring himself to move forward, or rather, he didn't want to move forward.

"Who's there!? Show yourself!" Killua yelled, trying to keep himself rooted while every instinct inside was telling him to run away.

A figure appeared from around the corner, but it was no what they were expecting. A woman, who was obviously an employee at the arena based on her uniform. She looked at the three and smiled.

"Killua-sama, Gon-sama, Sakura-sama correct? The receptionist desk is over there, so please register for a 200s match today," She gestured to the side, but the hallway prevented them from seeing anything due to the distance they were forced to maintain. Despite that, the murderous intent suddenly seemed to vanish. "You won't be able to register after midnight, so please be careful,"

"Was she the source of all that intent?" asked Gon.

"I can't tell,"

"Something's telling me no," Sakura whispered back to them.

"By the way," the women continued, "There are currently one hundred and seventy-three contestants in the 200s. And starting from the 200s all weapons are allowed. Also, you will no longer receive prize money in the 200s class. You will only fight for glory, so please understand that if you're going to participate."

Halfway through the explanation of the dynamics of the 200 floor, Gon, Sakura, and Killua had stopped listening, distracted by the appearance of a playing card that seemed to float in the air and then landed right in front of their feet. When their vision went from the card back to the women, they froze.

A new presence had made itself known, as the women finally seemed to notice someone standing behind her and moved out of the way. A very familiar figure was now present and shook the three to their core. Turning slowly before his narrowed yellow eyes met the friends.

Killua exhaled, "H-Hisoka,"

Sakura swallowed the lump in her throat before finding her voice, "What are you doing here?"

With his hand resting against his forehead and his other arm lax at his side, Hisoka replied nonchalantly. "It's not that strange. I love fighting and Heaven's Arena is a temple devoted to the craft. And why are you here?" Though he asked, he didn't let them answer, holding a sly grin while he spoke. "Just kidding. This isn't a coincidence, I've been waiting for you,"

Sakura narrowed her eyes. She hadn't forgotten those feelings Hisoka's presence stirred, but the memory didn't do justice. "Waiting? How the hell could you have known where we'd be?"

"Remember how you ordered your airship tickets over the cyber-net? With a little effort, it's possible to determine when a where a person will be. Well, I knew you would come here eventually. And so," Hisoka closed his eyes a moment too long before opening them again to observe the three. "As a veteran here, I have a little warning for the three of you. It's too early for you, to step on this floor,"

When Hisoka raised his hand, that ominous feeling that Gon, Sakura, and Killua had felt when they turned into this hallway returned, only this time, it was much worse. As if there was a physical force of nature keeping them from moving forward.

"How early depends on your efforts. Leave for now," Hisoka strolled to the end of the hall, no hesitance in turning his back to the three before he sat down against the wall. "It's too early right now,"

Killua was quickly irritated by the statement, and in a moment forgot caution, "That's stupid! We just got up here…."

Hisoka had raised his hand once again, and the wave returned, a pressure that was difficult to defy or fight against.

"I won't let you pass. Not that you could anyway,"

Sakura had encountered similar experiences to this in battle, even a time when Naruto had lost control, but this was something different. She was still able to move forward.

'I should be able to move forward still,' Sakura thought. If Hisoka's ability was similar to Zushi's then perhaps she had been misled this entire time. Determining Hisoka's strength as something more when it was not. But the only way she could prove that and overcome this was to take the step towards him and believe that the consequences this force promised was just an illusion. A magician's trick.

Gon was about to do the same, when everything, the pressure, and their footsteps were halted by a voice.

"Stop,"

Looking back, Wing appeared on the other end of the hallway. "You have no defense against his Nen,"

"Nen?" Sakura's tone took the word to a question.

"Right now, the three of you are like someone standing naked in a blizzard and wondering why it's cold," Wing said bluntly but he knew he had their attention. "If you continue to strain your body, you may die,"

Killua pointed his thumb at Hisoka, "This is Nen?! He can stop us from moving forward just through willpower!?"

Looking at Hisoka and then back at Wing, Sakura reached a quick conclusion through her analysis. "That explanation you gave us about Nen…It wasn't the full lesson was it?" Wing didn't respond, but she already had her answer, "The real Nen is actually far more powerful than what you explained to us,"

"Yes, I was lying." Wing confirmed, his hands tucked behind his back, "But I wasn't lying completely. I will teach you the truth about Nen, so retreat for now,"

Sakura glared back at Hisoka. From their previous encounter, the last thing she wanted to do was turn her back on him. For many reasons.

Gon looked to the receptionist, asking what would happen should the three fail to sign for a fight before midnight like she had cautioned them. She told them that should Sakura or Gon fail to register for a match today, then they would have to start from the first floor again. But Killua was different because he had turned away from the 200 floor before, he would be considered lacking in the commitment needed to fight on the floor and would, therefore, be banned from participating again.

"Hey Wing-san," Killua turned back, after hearing the explanation. "If we back down now, will we be able to return here by midnight?"

The digital clock on the wall in the hallway was already reading eight-thirty.

"That depends on you,"