Hello everyone. I just want to apologize for taking so long to update but I have been a bit blocked in my writing and also my last year at university is hitting me pretty hard but there is also another reason I haven't been writing as much.
I've come across another fanfiction crossover of My hero academia and Hunter X Hunter called Not quite a villain (but far from a hero) by FreeFacepalmSamples. And I've taken such a liking to it that I started making a doujinshi for it. The first chapter's already on my Deviantart account. And if you're a fan of both series you can go ahead and check out the story here on Fanfiction.
I've also been trying to write some original stories I hope to post on my wattpad account in the future.
But I have not given up on this story, no matter how busy I get.
Hope you all enjoy.
With two months cleared for Sakura due to Gon's injury and disregarding of Wing's instruction not to fight on the 200 floor and only practicing Ten every day, she found the chance to take some of the prize money earned at Heaven's Arena and put it to use.
Sakura realized that she was running a bit low on supplies and thought to take up some new stock in poisons as well. With the kind of people she's been meeting by far, she felt better for it. And there were many that interested her after receiving some suggestions from Killua but after hearing the prices she decided it was better to make them from scratch than to buy. It was also easier, given she could order the ingredients online with Killua's help since she was so 'anarchy' according to him. Of course, that wasn't where her shopping ended. She had bought one bag of clothing and undergarment, which she had also been lacking in coming to this world. And seeing as she didn't know when she would be able to return, she thought it best. And without Gon and Killua around, shopping for those necessities was made easy.
Counting the bags she carried easily under her arms, smelling strongly of herbs and oils, Sakura grinned. She wouldn't call herself an eccentric when it came to her spending habits but suppose that was due to the fact she didn't have nearly this much to spend before. Nor the time, as most were devoted to training.
'I should probably head back soon, I still have to give Gon his healing session….' Sakura cut her own thoughts short when she gazed into the display window of a pastry shop. The smell of cream, sugar, and chocolate hitting her nose made her mouth water as she drew closer, crossing the street. 'I'm sure another half hour won't matter, especially if I bring back something,
It had taken almost half an hour before Sakura left the store.
Sakura walked out carrying just the right amount to earn her stares from people she passed down the street. However just as she was certain that the bakery was going to be her last stop, another display window wrapped her attention in a net and pulled her in. Weapons daggling still in the window, ranging from kunai and shuriken. As well as other metal trinkets. A rather queer combination of merchandise but still, Sakura was intrigued enough to go in.
The store was a bit stuffy, almost cramped, with a wooden floor that traditionally bent every time someone would step on them but there was complete silence as Sakura stepped along the wood that the man at the counter had to take a second glance to make sure someone had actually entered. The walls were lined with clear display cases of the different metal objects. Weapons were safely displayed on the walls. While the rows of display cases arranged trinkets and accessories, but none of the typical range that you would often find anyone wearing.
'These aren't bad,' Sakura thought as she tapped the tip of the kunai on display, almost drawing blood. She had looked around for a store that sold weapons at the start of her shopping trip but eventually gave up, after receiving triggered expressions from the strangers she had asked. Unlike her weapons which were generic, these came with peculiar but beautiful patterns linking either the hilts or the metal itself. And they seemed to range from the same work.
Exploring the store further, having examined all of the tools she would use as a ninja, Sakura's attention averted to the other metal works in the store. She hadn't really ever been the type to wear accessories, like her long hair, she thought it a hindrance on her body and her activity as a ninja. But that didn't mean she couldn't appreciate the aesthetics, and these were especially capturing to the eye.
Primarily there were metal items, pendants, rings, bracelets and more.
While most pieces were wonderful to admire, Sakura wasn't struck with the urge to take anything out of the case, until she was nearly in the center of the room. There was something neatly set on display, but these accessories had engraved letters, forming a sentence. A small plaque on each case displayed the words that were cleverly placed on the different metal works.
Sakura' held her gaze longer than she could place before she straightened herself, went back to gather the weapons she wanted, paid and exited the store.
Her heart a little heavy.
"You're late,"
Killua glared at the pinkette who was standing at the door to Gon's room, she was holding a box with a pink ribbon on top and Killua was getting a faint scent of something sweet but he surpassed the urge to take a look. Having resolved he would first chastise Sakura who was not one-not two, but three hours later for their training and Gon's healing session-not that the boy needed it anymore.
Sticking her tongue out, Sakura gave a hearty laugh, holding the box towards Killua waiting for him to open the door completely for her. "Sorry, I got a little sidetracked,"
Killua huffed, "For three hours?"
She had actually returned to Heaven's Arena an hour ago. She just didn't want to leave her room for a while.
"I brought sweets,"
Killua glanced at the box, seemingly distracted for a few seconds before exhaling heavily and turning his head, a small blush on his face knowing he was caught like a child taking a bribe.
He took the box, "Better be chocolate in here,"
Sakura grinned without laughing as Killua finally opened the door completely, but she stilled upon entering when she saw Gon doing a one-hand stand on the arm that was supposed to be severely injured. Holding his weight with ease, as if holding up nothing more than a feather.
"Hey, Sakura!"
"G-Gon!?" Sakura exclaimed still frozen place. "Y-You're injuries…are they-
"Completely healed," Killua mumbled, his mouth stuffed with a chocolate éclair. "I couldn't believe it either. I just came to see him, and he had already taken the cast off."
"But they were supposed to take four months to heal," Sakura crouched down in front of Gon who was still holding himself upside-down. "Gon are you sure there's not any pain in your arms, ribs or anywhere else?"
Gon's smile widened, "Nope, I'm a hundred percent healed!"
When he stood up straight again, Sakura remained on her knees, double checking Gon's form to confirm that what he said was correct. But when she pressed around the area's where his major injuries were previously, she found that they were completely healed.
"It's amazing to think that you're already completely recovered like this,"
"But it's because of you isn't it?" Gon titled his head, "Your healing is what fixed me up so fast,"
"Gon, it should've still taken you six weeks at the least to heal injuries like yours. My ability isn't some kind of magic, I can't instantly heal broken bones-well not yet anyway," Sakura stated, standing up again, rubbing the back of her head. "Seriously, what are you made of?"
"I asked him the same thing when I came in," Killua chided, digging through the box for more sweets. "Three weeks to heal a four-month injury is far from natural. He's gotta be some kind of mutant right?"
Puffing his cheeks, Gon glared at Killua. "I don't want to hear that from you Killua."
Killua narrowed his eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Alright you guys," Sakura snickered, slapping her hands on Gon's shoulders. "With you healed like this, you can go back to training,"
Gon pulled his face, holding up his hand where the promise thread resided. A constant reminder of the promise he made. "But Wing-san said I couldn't use Nen till two months were finished."
"I didn't mean studying Nen," Sakura said. "I've been thinking this for a while since you and Killua mentioned not having any disciplines in martial arts. If you're going to face Hisoka or any other Nen master here, you're going to need to improve on your fundamentals."
Killua swallowed a pastry hole before he spoke, "Oh I get it. You want to help Gon with his physical training."
Sakura nodded, "We all may be starting out in learning Nen, but that's not going to be the only obstacle when you face Hisoka. This isn't going to be like the Hunter exam; it's a straight out fight and even without Nen Hisoka could beat you." Gon flinched at the reminder but didn't say anything against it. Knowing it was true. "He's a veteran of battle and I'm sure that's one gap neither of us can jump. But that doesn't mean we can't make the other gaps between us a little smaller. I've already faced Hisoka head-on."
"Yeah, and if I recall you were nearly skewered with a deck of cards; broke your arm and limped away with a hole in your side," Killua narrowed his eyes at the pinkette in a scolding manner without the need to scold.
"I walked away with experience,"
"You say that, but its likely Hisoka was holding back so he didn't accidentally kill you," Killua pointed out bluntly.
Sakura held her tongue long enough for silence to settle over them before she smiled, "So was I."
"Eh?"
"Or to be more specific, I was being held back by my own fear of facing Hisoka." Sakura put a hand over her chest feeling her heartbeat, "But I'm beginning to see his tricks. So if I face him again, I'll definitely do better than before,"
"Just hope that day never comes," Killua sighed, having caught the hint of eagerness in her voice. Sakura could chastise and lecture him and Gon all she wanted but Killua was beginning to realize that the pinkette wasn't the type to take her own advice.
Gon then interjected, "Will you really train me Sakura?"
The pinkette gave a curt but heavy not, "Of course!"
"Alright!" Gon fist pumped, "When can we start today?"
Sakura ruffled the boy's wiry hair making him squirm "Slow down, you've just recovered so for today let's just do our regular practice for Nen but first, I think we should celebrate. I got some great sweets from this pastry shop and-HUH!?"
When Sakura looked back to Killua who was holding the pastry box, she was stunned in finding that there was nothing but a few crumbles and toppings that had fallen from the treats Sakura bought. Killua's face covered in a few crumbs.
"Oops, did you guys want some?"
"Well, I did buy them!" Sakura fumed, stomping her foot. "I can't believe you finished the whole box there were like twenty pastries in here!"
Killua held his hands up, smiling without regret, "Well you should've said something sooner,"
Folding her arms, Sakura huffed, "Well luckily, I've still got some extra stashed in my room," She turned around again to Gon, "Come on Gon, there's no way Killua's getting any after this,"
"Isn't that kinda mean Sakura?" Gon asked with a dry smile, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead.
Again Sakura exhaled heavily, "No way. That glutton just finished off the whole box I was going to share with you too. But thanks to him I didn't even get to have any! So he can just forget about having any more! The rest is just for you and me!"
"Well actually….." Gon's eyes trailed passed Sakura's shoulder and then back to her "I think that might be a problem,"
Sakura stopped, frowning, "What are you talking about Gon?"
"Um Sakura," Gon scratched his cheek, "Killua just left and he took your room key…."
Sakura felt around in her skirts pockets for her key's and realized they were gone, she didn't even feel when Killua took them. In that instant, she was running out of the room with Gon closely behind her.
"KILLUA GET BACK HERE"
…
…
..
..
..
..
To start with training, Sakura chose to take things outside so that they wouldn't be as restricted inside. As she knew she'd likely cause quite a bit of damage to the surrounding area. There was a space near Heaven's arena, cleared with grass, a few trees and was often cleared of people by late afternoon which was when she scheduled the sessions so that in the day, they could continue to practice their Nen.
Killua remained to the side so that he could spectate, watching Gon and Sakura face each other on opposite sides. He leaned his elbow on their tops, which Sakura insisted they remove since this was bound to get a bit rough.
"You sure you don't want to take part Killua?" Sakura called, stretching her hands up in their air and then bending don straight to touch her toes.
"Yeah, I'm good," Killua waved. He wasn't sure what kind of antics the pinkette might pull if she was instructing him, especially since she was still pissed at him for yesterday's incident. "I'm not even sure Gon should be doing this. You might decide to 'accidentally' give him another four-month injury,"
Sakura clicked her tongue, "I'm not that petty,"
"The twenty bumps on my head and strawberry cream in my ears say otherwise," Killua commented back. A dull ache returning as he thought back.
There was just enough of a head start for Killua to get to Sakura's room a few seconds before Gon and Sakura did, and in that time he went to the bags to rummage through for the treats however in his haste he had failed to realize that he had grabbed the wrong bag. The instant Sakura's eyes landed on the bag, she became livid. Her anger startled him and he threw the bag, allowing all the articles to fly around the room. On clear display for all of them. In an attempt to lighten the mood, Killua had given a comment on Sakura's bland choice in garments, ranging in colors like black and grey; suggesting that in the future she go for a more enticing color and perhaps a different style. It was also somewhat an opinion he couldn't help sharing.
But that just triggered Sakura; with her dignity stretched thin, she lashed out. She took what was left of those treats she had gotten and was throwing them around with great accuracy at Gon and Killua. Thankfully both boys had spent most of their lives under the glares of women who tended to be a bit irrational or erratic at times and therefore took the best course of action at that moment. Which was to apologize, take her hits and then make a swift escape until she cooled off.
Sakura's face turned a little red, but she attempted to brush it off. "If you don't mind I'd rather not talk about it,"
"Not like it was anything we haven't seen before," Killua stated bluntly, "I mean you're in one right now,"
Sakura gritted, glaring at Killua. "Killua, if you make one more comment on my under-clothes, I'm going to give you injuries that'll take more than four months to heal,"
Killua held up his hands in mock surrender but remained silent. Sakura was not only quick to cry but also easy to anger, but that just encouraged Killua to tease her even more.
"So what are we going to do for this training?" asked Gon as he and Sakura finished up their warm-up exercises.
"Well…..we've got another month before we can resume Nen training. But with this extra time, we can devote it to improving your fundamentals."
Gon tilted his head to the side in confusion. "Fundamentals?"
This type of response and interaction was expected. "Your physical endurance, fighting skill, things like that," Sakura clarified before shifting her stance, her eyes narrowing, "This is how my master trained me, by constantly attacking. Okay, ready?"
Gon felt a bead of sweat form on his cheek, but otherwise nodded, "Yeah,"
Despite his sharp eyes, Gon lost sight of Sakura in an instant, barely registering the dust particles scattering the area where she once stood before a pink blur appeared and he felt a sharp jab to his stomach.
Sakura sent him flying back into a tree, landing with a heavy thud.
Killua winced, watching Gon struggle to hold in his lunch, clutching his stomach painfully.
"Come on, I didn't' hit you hard enough to send you through that tree. Get up!" Sakura instructed. Gon managed to get back up to his feet.
Sakura came at Gon again, this time taking her time to ensure the boy could actually track her movements, and when she was in front of him again, went to hit him. Gon moved his head away from Sakura's fist as it came forward but gasped when he felt the sharp pain in his side. He thought his ribs had cracked again.
He skidded across the ground, feeling the grass burn his skin before he twisted his body to draw his hand down and put the break on himself. Sakura was quickly at his side, throwing another punch to the side of Gon's face which sent him into the air once more and crashing back down.
"You need to work on your reflexes," Sakura stated, "Hisoka won't keep his defenses down while you try and punch him in the face. At some point, he's going to counter in your fight and you have to be ready,"
Gon barely had a chance to wipe the dust from his eyes before Sakura was in front of him again, attacking. This time he attempted to move back instead of remaining stationary, he couldn't outrun her, but Sakura was actually matching his pace this time. Even so, Gon could see the difference in their abilities.
He was hardly able to keep up with her fists, moving at rapid pace, the wind pressure was strong as well. No doubt though she was still holding back to avoid injuring him. If she could punch 120 tons of the Testing Gate, she could very likely break bones and crush internal organs.
The first and second strike was avoided, but on the third Gon was once again sent crashing into a tree. His vision was blurry from the blow.
Sakura flexed her wrist, waiting for Gon to gather himself. During her training, it had taken her quite some time to properly match Tsunade's speed and react accordingly. But her reflexes and reaction time had greatly increased during that period. Even when she was getting knocked around every day. It was experience and visual aid that helped her the most. She was hoping that in this short amount of time they had, Gon would at least be able to improve on his own fighting abilities. Even his vision. He had to be able to fight Hisoka without resulting in anything too dangerous like going into a state of Zetsu.
Hisoka was further than both her and Gon in terms of combat experience, and even though Sakura was physically stronger than Hisoka. From an objective standpoint, it wasn't hard to imagine who would win in a head-on fight.
Sakura knew the major flaw of her power was her need for physical contact, as was the weakness of most close-range fighters. That was something easily remedied with speed and other jutsu, but at times it wasn't always enough and she had to get creative. She learned to use certain tactics.
And Gon was going to have to do the same if he wanted to punch Hisoka.
"Well, that was fun to watch!"
"Ouch!" Gon threw his hands over the bump on the back of his head after Killua lightly smacked him at the back. "Killua that hurts!"
"What part of you doesn't?" the white-haired boy countered, grinning. Sakura had been thorough in her lesson, and the end result was a battered and bruised Gon. "You spent more time on your face than your feet today,"
Gon pouted, he wasn't able to counter Sakura's attacks at all and had spent the entire time on the defensive and badly. The pinkette was stronger, faster and more experienced than himself. But Gon refused to surrender. He wanted to get stronger and he hoped that with this practice he would. At least like this, his life wasn't at risk-not entirely perhaps.
Sakura came into the room, in an oversized shirt and shorts, her hair slightly damp with water. "Okay Gon, let's get you healed up."
Killua and Gon sat silently while the pinkette healed Gon's injuries he received that day. It wasn't all that bad, there were no fractures or internal damages, but bruises were scattered all over the boy's body from his intense sparring session.
Still, her ability really left them in awe.
Killua wanted to ask about it for a while, but he didn't think it was something she would want to explain. He didn't mind explaining his techniques because it wasn't something someone could mimic without extreme training. But Sakura had shown so much reluctance in revealing her true strength, he assumed she didn't want to talk about it. She was a ninja after all, as he had only recently discovered.
"Sakura how does your power work?" Gon asked.
Thankfully, Gon didn't often take in those kinds of considerations.
She looked at him, "What do you mean?"
"Your super strength, walking on water, on walls, your healing-
"The clones," Killua added.
Gon gave a questioning look, "Clones?"
"Yeah, she used that when she fought Hisoka-and by the way what do you mean walking on water?"
"During the Hunter exam, on Zevil Island, she was walking on the water,"
"You're kidding right?"
"No," Gon shook his head.
Holding her chin, Sakura clearly contemplated explaining things to the boy's and only opened her eyes when she made her decision.
"The source of my power is chakra," Gon and Killua's expressions were mimicking the ones they gave Zushi when he was explaining Nen to them as if they were aware of the terminology. "It allows me to use certain abilities, like walking on water, making clones, healing, and super-strength, these are called jutsu and are vital for a ninja. Chakra is the source of all this jutsu. Charka is produced within the "chakra coils" that mainly surround and connect to each chakra-producing organ, the energy circulates throughout the body in a network called the "Chakra Pathway System", which I believe is something similar to the Nen aura nodes.
Chakra is created when physical energy and spiritual energy are molded together. These two energies become more powerful through training of physical endurance and meditation and exercise of the mind. Therefore, practicing a technique repeatedly will build up experience, increasing one's spiritual energy, and thus allowing more chakra to be created and the same applies for physical energy, except the ninja needs to increase their endurance instead. Do you understand?"
"That…..no not really" Killua commented. He barely understood half of what Sakura was saying but he perhaps got the just of it. Meanwhile, Gon looked like he was about to blow a fuse inside his head.
"Bottom line, chakra is the source of my ninja techniques and seems to have both contrasts and similarities to Nen," Sakura told them. "I think the best way to describe it would be to say that Nen and chakra are two different types of life energy that I have. Because if I overexert myself using charka like with Nen, I risk losing my life,"
"Wow,"
Sakura ran a hand through her hair, "To be honest, chakra's a lot more complex than what I've just explained but I don't think it's necessary to go into detail since it seems to be something only I possess."
Killua nodded, "That makes sense, still it's an awesome power, considering you could use it to stay on par with Hisoka"
"Yeah! You're amazing Sakura!" Gon exclaimed making the pinkette blush bashfully.
"You guys…."
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
..
The week passed by quickly as Sakura, Gon and Killua trained together, practicing their Ten and then having physical training with Sakura. But while the three were barred from participating in matches it didn't mean that Heaven Arena was quiet.
And Killua was the one to decipher what all the noise was about.
"Would you stop looking at me like that? It's like you're waiting for me to catch fire," Killua glared at the pinkette who was watching him on the other side of the table. He, Gon and Sakura was sitting outside a café, Killua suggested they head for lunch today instead of training.
"I don't know what it is but I have this feeling you're holding out on something," Sakura said, clicking her tongue.
Killua shrunk into himself at the perceptive and accurate assumption. He scoffed, "Lucky guess,"
"Not at all, I'm just learning more about you," Sakura said smirking as she took a bite out of her food.
"Really? What is it?" Gon asked.
To start off, Killua reached into his pocket and dug out three tickets to a match in Heaven's Arena
"Tickets for a match?"
"These are for Hisoka's match," Killua elaborated to Gon, whose eyes became wide with astonishment. A comedic sight when his cheeks were puffed up with food. "Since I'm on the 200th floor I got first dibs at tickets but I had to pay an arm and a leg for them,"
"Which explains why you're making us treat you to lunch,"
"This is also your information fee," Killua said sticking his tongue out for a moment before withdrawing, "I've also asked around about Hisoka. He's got a record of 8 wins and 3 losses with 6 KO's resulting in death,"
Sakura swallowed thickly, "How nice,"
"But he still lost three matches," Gon observed.
"Those were due to forfeits, he signs up for a match and then doesn't show."
That gave a frightening through to the trio; realizing that every time Hisoka has fought thus far, he hasn't lost a single match. And those were up against other Nen users who were also strong in their own right. All this meant was that Hisoka was stronger.
Killua held up four fingers, "He's also only given up a total of four points. One knockdown and three clean hits. Word is he's as strong as a Floor Master,"
'How am I not dead?' Sakura wondered before glancing at Gon, who just admitted to being in a predicament yet despite his trembling there was an excited light in his eyes.
Hisoka's match was for that same day, so the three quickly decided to return to the arena before it started. Killua still had more information to share, this time in regards to Hisoka's opponent Kastro. This apparently wouldn't be their first encounter. As Kastro actually fought against Hisoka in the past, and although he lost he was the one to get that knockdown and three clean hits on Hisoka. That itself intrigued Gon and Sakura. Both having faced Hisoka, they were aware of his skills.
"You should have the chance to analyze Hisoka's fighting style," Killua said with a bit of excitement that was not overlooked. "Maybe even see him go all out,"
Without realizing her fists clenching Sakura gave a small grin, "That's something I'd like to see,"
Gon then looked worried as they stepped onto the escalator, moving to the next floor. "But what about my promise to Wing-san?"
Sakura slapped her forehead, "That's right,"
"Huh?" Killua frowned, "You'll just be viewing the match, of course, it's okay!"
"Not okay!"
Sakura, Gon, and Killua jumped as they reached the top of the escalator, only to be stopped by Wing's sudden appearance at the top; Zushi standing close behind him.
"Viewing a match counts as studying Nen,"
"W-Wing-san," Gon greeted stiffly.
"Don't scare us like that,"
Sakura pulled her face, "How'd you ever know we were here?"
Wing did a quick look over Gon and he became astonished, "Gon-kun, is your arm healed already?"
Gon lifted his arm, "Yes, it's completely healed,"
"Since last week," Sakura elaborated.
Killua then chided with a smile, "And since he's healed, he can watch the match right?'
Wing averted his gaze, "No when I said Gon-kun had to wait two months I meant two months,"
Sakura pouted; that certainly was a disappointment. If Gon couldn't view the match then it seemed wasted since he was the one who wanted to go up against Hisoka and it was likely he would have been able to learn more about his fighting style, but if that included Nen then she supposed that did count as studying it.
Killua had a sullen expression on his face because of the expensive ticket money he just lost.
Wing then told Gon to take the other month to practice his Ten and recover from his injuries.
"Um, Wing-san," Sakura raised her hand a little, until he looked at her, "What about physical training? I've been helping Gon with his fighting a bit,"
"So long as he's not using Nen, that's fine but don't overdo it," Wing instructed.
"Osu!" Sakura nodded,
Wing and Zushi greeted the three briefly before leaving as quickly as they appeared.
Killua sighed, "This sucks, but I guess you'll just have to watch a recording,"
Gon nodded, "Yeah,"
Sakura patted Gon on his head, she could see that he was actually disappointed about not being able to view the match as it played out. "Sorry, Gon,"
He smiled, "Don't worry about it, you guys go ahead. Enjoy the match"
Killua and Sakura waited until Gon was out of sight, heading over to the elevator and likely back to his room.
Killua glared at the ticket in his hand, Sakura thought he was probably hoping it would combust and transform into the money he spent for it.
"There's no way I'm getting a refund,"
With Hisoka's match an hour away and the stadium filling up fast; Sakura and Killua were following the crowd. Getting snacks before deciding where they were going to sit. The television screens that were lined all around the arena to record the matches as they played were already on for this match and there was someone giving announcements for the match. Speaking about the history and background that the two competitors shared. There were images showing Hisoka and then Kastro.
His appearance made Killua and Sakura a bit apprehensive, as they were both perhaps prejudice, expected some kind of behemoth of a man with dull eyes lacking sense, but this man was the exact opposite. He reappeared again on screen, this time a recording rather than a picture. Sitting and being interviewed. His long, fluttery clothes hid his lean figure completely, his silver hair was long and flowing and his eyes very sharp.
"I kinda expected a gorilla," Killua admitted without guilt and that gave Sakura more confidence in admitting she shared his thoughts on the subject. Though she couldn't say she was disappointed in Kastro's appearance-if anything it was the exact opposite.
"Not bad," she complimented.
They listened to the interview, where Kastro blatantly stated his intentions of winning his match against Hisoka, as he wouldn't fight a battle he could lose. Killua was intrigued with his confidence, and more curious for a closer examination.
"Sakura, I'm gonna check something out quickly; I'll be back before the match starts. Save me a seat inside,"
When Sakura's protest to being left alone and having to play seat-keeper, the annoyed pinkette ended up doing exactly as Killua had instructed. For almost an entire hour she had to keep persistent individuals joining the audience from taking the spare seat. She didn't have any bag on her at the present time so that made things even harder.
When Killua finally arrived minutes before the match, Sakura had given him a bitter glare in greeting. "Where the heck did you go?"
Killua opened his mouth, then closed it, turning to the stage as Hisoka and Kastro entered and made their way onto the arena. They were having a short exchange of words and Killua took the chance to speak, "I went to check out Kastro, get an idea of him,"
"You did what?!"
"But he found me out; he's actually impressive. I'm not sure how he'll fare against Hisoka but he seems good. Not sure if I'd want to take him in a fight,"
"So while I was stuck sitting here, warding off seat-grubbers, you were chatting up Hisoka's rival?"
"Basically," Killua shrugged, wincing when the pinkette smacked him on the back of his head.
"You could've let me in on it, I wouldn't have minded talking to him too,"
Killua scoffed, "Yeah right; with that look, you had on your face he'd probably think you were a fan,"
Sakura's cheeks puffed red as she fumed, denying Killua's implications-however slightly accurate. "At least I didn't think to actually go and spy on the guy,"
"Actually the weirdest thing happened," Killua said in a serious tone once again, "When I got to his room, he was sitting on the couch, then I hear a voice behind me, turn around and there he is, I look back through the door and he's no longer sitting there."
Sakura frowned, "So, you heard his voice behind you while you were looking at him through the door?"
Killua nodded, "I'm sure of it. Though I'm not sure what kind of ability he has. He also said he sensed me when my aura vanished through zetsu when I got on the floor. Turns out other Nen users can sense when someone hides their presence close by,"
That was certainly something noteworthy, as the three teens were still learning Nen and were barely on the basics. Every bit of information would probably count.
"BEGIN!"
The referees call for the match had the audience turning abruptly from every other occupation to focus on the ring, including Sakura and Killua, to watch the confrontation between Hisoka and Kastro.
And they could hardly move their eyes away from the ring, especially when they were barely able to follow what was happening. Kastro landed the first strike, despite the certainty that Hisoka had dodged him. It was like an optical illusion.
Without taking his eyes off the stage, Killua leaned towards Sakura, "Did you see that?"
"I'm not sure what I just saw," Sakura said, blinking quickly.
It happened again. Kastro attacked, Hisoka seemed to dodge and was knocked across the stage, giving a second point to Kastro. Though the distance between the stage and the stands were wide, it wasn't as if the visuals were glared, so why did it look like she was watching Kastro turn to a cloud of mist?
The conflict continued, Hisoka going on the evasive for a while until Kastro managed to get him again, kicking on the side, which Hisoka effectively blocked but then was suddenly hit from behind.
That's when Sakura began to make the connection, basing her own experience to what she was viewing during this fight. Taking what Killua told her as well.
As her conclusion drew closer, so did her hand covering her mouth. "So that's it!"
"What? What is it?"
But Sakura didn't hear him, still fixed on the stage. Hisoka got up, dusting himself off before stating what everyone has been seeing Kastro do-vanish; although soon after stating that wasn't entirely accurate. But Kastro refused to elaborate on his ability; instead resuming the fight that was seeming very once sided. Holding out both his arms, curving his fingers that were not prepared to punch, nor jab. The crowd became rowdy, calling out in excitement 'he's going to use the Tiger Bite fist!'
"Tiger bite fist?" Sakura questioned.
"That technique can split a tree in two when used by a master," Killua told her. "Meanwhile Hisoka hasn't figured out Kastro's ability and neither have we,"
"I have a theory," Sakura said turning to him.
"What-
Gasps and a chilly feeling of fear running through the audience turned the rails of their train of thought as they looked back at to the stage. Kastro had struck Hisoka and the technique had severed off his right arm. Yet Hisoka remained perfectly poised as if he had been afflicted with no pain.
"Wh-What the-?" Sakura's throat went dry.
She watched as he evaded Kastro, catching his severed arm; he looked satisfied with the result and his words explained why. "Your ability is, a double."
Kastro smirked, "That's correct,"
Sakura narrowed her eyes, "I thought so,"
"Really?" Killua asked. "You already guessed it?"
"Mm," Sakura confirmed softly, "While I was watching Kastro disappear and reappear, it reminded me of a friend who did something similar when we fought together against our teacher. When he was being attacked, he used his clone to come in from behind and strike. Assuming a Nen user could make a clone of their own, things were becoming more vivid."
Then Kastro created his double for everyone to see, gasps of stunned individuals echoed around. Amazed and confused, unable to understand the ability, how it was possible. Right now, Sakura and Killua were just wondering how the outcome of the match as going to be affected now that Hisoka knew the trick behind Kastro's power….
Hisoka took a scarf from his pocket and covered his arm before throwing it into the air, the arm was gone and in its place, several cards fell to the ground. He then posed a question, which only made this match seem like an odd performance. He told Kastro to pick a number from one to thirteen, add four, double the result subtract six then divide by two and subtract the original number. Some people in the crowd tried doing it but they were quick to lose count of the numbers they were unable to calculate without seeing.
"One," Killua and Sakura said instantly. No matter what number they chose, that would always be the answer, but they were missing the point of this. It was strange even for Hisoka.
"I already know your answer," Hisoka said before doing something that even made Sakura cringe. With his left hand, he dug into the open flesh of his right arm and pulled out a bloody card with spades on. "The answer is one,"
Throwing the card out to Kastro who easily knocked it away, infuriated only by Hisoka's behavior and disregard he went to strike again. Moving to severe Hisoka's left arm and with easy success. And then vanished with a disorientated expression.
"So you did attack with your double. If you had attacked yourself, I was fully prepared to counter," Hisoka pulled out the right stump of his arm, only to show his arm fully intact. "With this,"
"What the hell?" Sakura and Killua mimicked.
Kastro and everyone in the audience were stunned while Hisoka had a rather smug grin on his face as he asked Kastro if he could figure out the secret behind his tricks. The taunting had was starting to infuriate him to the point where his rage was clear and that's where the scales of the match were drastically shifted.
Hisoka only further edged on his opponent, stating how he would now be able to predict Kastro's movements by knowing his ability and how unfortunate it was that he would certainly meet his end very shortly.
The suggestion enraged Kastro that he attacked without bothering to mask his double any longer, and that's when Hisoka finally decided to strike back and hard. The left arm of Hisoka's that was still severed and on the ground went crashing straight into Kastro's chin as if by some invisible pull. That was just meant to stun Kastro so it didn't matter that he wasn't knocked down because seconds later cards that Hisoka had thrown on the ground were flying and then pierced through Kastro like a hot knife to butter.
No one could fully understand where that attack came from, but it was over in a second. Kastro was on the ground and Hisoka was walking away pleasantly holding his left arm under his restored right.
Killua and Sakura stared at the stage in awe and a bit of fear.
"What just happened?" Killua asked knowing he wouldn't get the answer he wanted.
"I don't know," was Sakura's honest reply, however, she had the full intention of finding out.
That night, Sakura and Killua went immediately to Gon's room and in little description, so as not to be breaking the promise to Wing, they told Gon what happened. Merely expressing how it was one of the most incredible fights they have witnessed. What's more, admitting their ignorance of Hisoka's abilities.
There was little they could do from this point on other than to wait for the month to draw to its climax. Training in Ten as they were instructed.
Sakura returned to her room, making sure to lock the door behind her and before she thought to do anything else, she turned to another chapter in the book. At first, she simply glanced through the match but it depicted exactly as she and Killua had seen it. Keeping the mystery of Hisoka's ability. And she had been prepared to close the book had it not been for the next page that read in continuation to Hisoka taking his leave from the stage. A shocking discovery certainly ensured.
Hisoka stepped through the hall where he saw a familiar figure waiting for him. The women, dressed in a short kimono, thick locks tied, and big yet firm eyes that barely wavered, showing strength without needless emotion. Machi, a member of the Phantom Troupe. And at the time, a personal preference of Hisoka's.
The two went back to his room, where Machi finally began to chastise Hisoka for his performance in the arena. Mainly his recklessness that cost him his arms, which wasn't a necessary price. But they both knew it wasn't an issue either as she was there.
Machi quickly got to work, taking Hisoka's left arm and a needle, she used her aura to create the thread, and began her Nen stitches, reconnecting Hisoka's nerves, muscles, bones, and blood vessels before giving a quick tug to pull the stitches together and reattach his arm completely. After a quick test, she moved on to the right arm, restoring it in the same manner. While Hisoka remained memorized by the sight.
When she was finished, Machi set to take her leave again after Hisoka promised to send her the money owed for the treatment. Aware Hisoka could easily manage the rest of his injuries with his Bungee gum and Texture surprise.
In repetitive demonstration, Hisoka took a scarf and used his Hatsu, known as Bungee Gum. An ability that made his aura sticky and like elastic, to attach it to his arm, then using Texture surprised. An ability combining his aura and imagination he was able to conceal his wounds by making the scarf look like a layer of skin.
Machi was always impressed by his speed and the applications he had with these two techniques. It was one tailor-made for someone like Hisoka. As he knew how to use them to its fullest potential. Like how he used them to defeat Kastro.
Every nerve of Sakura's was pinched in anticipation; her palms starting to sweat. As she read further she came to understand more than she had bargained for. Hisoka's abilities were explained clearly before her. The application of his ability, where the names came from and more so how he used this to defeat Katstro. What the rest of the audience had thought to be magic, was really Hisoka's Nen ability's at its work. Sakura herself was amazed at the way he had used this and was reimagining the match as it took place again while it was explained in the book.
The card trick was merely misdirection, the scarf was meant as a weapon, not a prop, Hisoka's arms being severed was all part of that act as well. Everyone was put in place for a chain reaction to play out as Hisoka wanted.
For a moment Sakura questioned how it was possible that she, Killua and Kastro who could now use Nen weren't able to realize Hisoka's tricks. But as it turns out, Hisoka had been applying Zetsu to hide his aura and the only way to have actually seen it was to focus your aura into your eyes after using Ren. An application of Nen that Sakura, Gon, and Killua were yet to learn. Kastro had missed this because of his own emotional turmoil that blinded him in battle.
Still, it was amazing how Hisoka had actually extorted nearly all of Kastro's weaknesses and took advantage of his psychological state, winning the match. And the trickle of admiration Sakura regretfully couldn't wipe away for Hisoka grew a little after she read this.
He was a cold-blooded murderer without doubt, but he wasn't like most she had crossed paths with. His ambitions and goals were for him alone. Someone who lived only for themselves.
Again she was ready to place the book down, her interest in continuously checking the book for any changes and marking how much closer she was to the end was like a thinning stream. The further it went the slower the water flowed. But for a moment it seemed to start raining as Sakura turned the last page for the chapter, ending in this night.
As Machi prepared to take her leave, she informed Hisoka of a change in their plans. That all Troupe members were to be in Yorknew city by August 30. Pressing that attendance was mandatory for all, and not just those who found it convenient. She even confirmed that their boss would likely be present for this job as well. After she made a swift exit.
Hisoka found none of this odd. Being a part of the Phantom Troupe for so long-or at the least pretending. The spider tattoo on his back merely another application of his Texture surprise. Masquerading as a member without anyone's knowledge. All in the hopes of getting to fight the boss and that time seemed to be nearing.
This was why he had told Kurapika of the spider's plans to come to Yorknew. He didn't know what type of role the Kurta might play, but if there was a chance that he could be useful to Hisoka, then giving up that bit of information was not a waste. And he felt that it wouldn't be.
But August was still a long way off. Although he wasn't disappointed, not when he had some other toy's to play with for now.
"Geez," Sakura exhaled. Reviewing the information again and again yet always drawing to the same conclusions. She now knew Hisoka's ability's and that he was pretending to be a member of the Phantom Troupe. And he likely wanted to collaborate with Kurapika in Yorknew.
Now the question was what to do with this information. They weren't able to reach Kurapika at this time and Sakura didn't think any other form of communication would work other than face-to-face if she decided to bring up this topic. Though she didn't know what the point would be in that conversation.
However, in terms of Hisoka's ability, there was another questioning. "Should I tell Gon about Hisoka's abilities?"
There was an abrupt shift in the room after Sakura spoke, the temperature was normal and the lights were on but the colors in front of her seemed to fade almost. The slight tinge that wouldn't easily be noticed had she not began feeling uneasy. Then the book. It started with a faint feeling but it was beginning to build.
The pages in front of Sakura showed an even more drastic shifting, the words slowly, twisting and then going back and twisting again; blurring and slowly fading and reappearing. This lasted only for a minute but Sakura kept her breath locked in her chest until the letters reverted and she could read normally again.
As she exhaled she asked herself, "What was that?"
And thus I end here. I promise to try and not make everyone wait this long again but there are other stories and priorities that need my attention. In fact, I've got a lot to do just for this week but I had to post after reading all those reviews. And I hope you'll all leave many more.