Leorio had been trailed by Killua ever since they came back up from the canyon by the updraft. Gon hadn't seemed bothered by it. Instead, he followed like a curious puppy, wanting to learn about Killua's relation with the suited competitor. Kurapika was also curious about the far taller individual.

Leorio was just glad Killua was just being a little pest. He could be a down right spoiled terror when he wanted to be. He seemed to favor just being a little leech.

"So old man, why're you taking the exam?" Killua pestered.

"I could ask you the same thing Killua. You're mother can't be thrilled about this."

"Your mom?" Gon asked.

"Oh she's not. I slashed her face."

A groan was expelled from Leorio's lungs. He rolled his eyes to send a look to Illumi.

"Any other wounds I should know about?"

"I stabbed Piggy," Killua admitted proudly.

"Of course you did," Leorio sighed. He was half tempted to question Illumi about that considering he arrived after Killua and might know more of what was going on at the mansion. He knew better though. Too many people for the assassin to leave alive. Too much hassle.

"Piggy?" Gon parroted in a confused tone. Kurapika seemed far more wary of the little details. Picking up on the slashing and stabbing of a family member or two.

"Why did you slash your mom and stab your brother Killua? Besides the usual," he added exasperated.

"Because I wanted to. And it wasn't like mom was okay with me just leaving to take the exam anyway."

Leorio didn't give a verbal response, just a look telling anyone paying attention that he was done with the snowy haired boy.

"Alright!" Menchi called out, "Eggs are ready! Everyone who jumped, come grab one."

A slight sadistic twinge coursed in his body. He may not be aboe to question Illumi, but he could make him aware that he knew about the family. And make him uncomfortable. That was a bonus.

He made sure to grab an egg right after Illumi, a position no one coveted but him at the moment. He noticed how quickly people were tearing into them, no doubt ravenous. Illumi did not. With a well placed smile he lightly tapped Illumi's shoulder.

People watched as the needle headed man turned to phase the brave suited man.

"Gittarackur, aren't you going to try your dream egg? They're a delicacy." Leorio began to peel the shell off his egg and took a big bite. His mouth felt an explosion of rich flavor and a surpringly creamy yolk that just melted in his mouth. A salty tang lingered even after he swallowed.

"It would be a waste for you not to enjoy it."

Leorio's glasses lowered ever so slightly and he utilized a small spurt of his nen. More of a reprimand use than an actual threat. Most would pass it off as tension. Illumi knew better.

Stilted and jolted, he broke the shell and took a bite of the egg. Leorio caught the slightest grimace in his eyes as he ate the egg. Leorio's smile grew.

"Good right? I'll leave you to it," he waved goodbye. With a confident pivot, he walked back to Killua. He knew Illumi wouldn't drop his appearance in front of Killua nor would he make an attempt to torture him in a vipers den of hunters. Leorio wasn't ignorant. Netero felt dangerous, but playful. Menchi felt highstung, but well tuned. And Hisoka, he felt like he would join in on carnage making at the drop of a hat. At least three individuals besides him and Illumi that could possibly handle the nen using assassin.

He just kept eating his dream egg, pride oozing from his form as Illumi was stuck now eating the food he didn't like.

Sitting aboard the airship, waiting who knew how long to reach the third phase, Leorio was sandwiched between Gon and Killua. Both had taken to asking him odd or inane questions.

Gon seemed genuinely curious. Killua seemed paranoid.

"So you're Killua's friend?"

"Ha!" Killua interrupted. "He works for my family!"

"I work for your parents. And on occasion your grandpa," Leorio stated.

"That's not what Illumi says," Killua snickered.

"Your brother was the one who recruited me. Of course he would see it as me working for the family."

"Wait, seriously? Illumi hired you?"

"How did you not know that you little gremlin?"

"Honestly, I just thought Illumi was gay. Now I know you're pretty much his pet."

"Why you-!" Leorio pulled Killua into a headlock. He could feel Killua dig his teeth into his suit and reaching skin. He hissed but didn't release his grip on the white haired brat. "I am not some kind of dog!"

Kurapika watched at a casual distance, the chaos Doc-Leorio was causing with Killua. It was minor, but lively and animated. He had been reserved until Killua began pressing buttons that were previously invisible.

"Leorio," Kurapika called over. Leorio looked away from the squirming and biting child assassin.

"Yes Kurapika?" he spoke almost in a clinical manner. Almost as if there wasn't a child being restrained, biting his arm.

"You know Killua well, and seemed bothered by being called an old man. With such an age gap between you two, why are you so bothered when he calls you old?"

Leorio blinked and locked eyes with Kurapika.

"Kurapika, how old do you think I am?" he asked in a truly unnerving and neutral tone.

"I would say your late twenties or early thirties," Kurapika answered. Irritation bloomed across Leorio's face as Killua let go of his arm in favor of laughing hysterically.

"What the hell! I'm a teen! Just like you!"

Gon and Kurapika stared at Leorio like he had said he had a third arm. Killua just laughed at the comment of Leorio's age. The group as a whole, refused to acknowledge those who were watching their group for different reasons and interests.

So the while airship to the third location is a fun ride. At least for Killu.