After all, the original version was stored in Emuksu's home. It was his most powerful healing item besides [Angel's Breath], and borrowing it at will was out of the question.
Ronnel didn't need such an advanced healing machine capable of treating both internal and external injuries—this one was more than enough.
"Put her in. This machine will help her heal. It won't be as fast as yours, but at the very least, it will save her life. There's no issue at all."
Seeing Neferpitou still hesitant and wary, Ronnel's expression hardened.
"You don't have a choice. Either I blast you away and put her in myself, or you do it yourself. There is no third option."
As he spoke, he released a sliver of his aura, letting it roll toward Neferpitou.
Feeling the immense pressure, Neferpitou's eyes narrowed in alarm.
"This aura… It's strong enough to threaten the King! We can't let him get near His Majesty!"
A single thought flashed through Neferpitou's mind, and he made his decision in an instant.
He now understood that he lacked the strength or position to defy this human. However, he would find an opportunity. No matter what, he had to ensure that this man suffered severe injuries—injuries that would make him no longer a threat to His Majesty. Even if it cost him his life, it wouldn't matter.
With that resolve, Neferpitou watched as the human activated the machine, a nutrient solution flowing into the chamber. He could tell from its structure and composition that it was indeed meant for healing.
Having made up his mind, he wasted no more time. He retracted Dr. Blythe and carefully placed Komugi—now in slightly better condition—inside the machine.
...
"Let's go see Kite."
As the machine's cover sealed shut and Komugi's treatment officially began, Gon spoke in a subdued tone.
In the original course of events, Gon had endured the crushing weight of guilt and self-reproach over Kite's fate. Even on the brink of losing control, he had managed to hold himself together while Neferpitou treated Komugi for an hour.
Though Gon still carried the simplicity and willfulness of a child, his fundamental beliefs had never wavered.
Growing up in nature, surrounded by wild animals, had given him a deep understanding of the value of life. He had never lost his respect for it.
With Komugi no longer in immediate danger, Gon turned and started walking in a certain direction.
Neferpitou cast one last glance at Komugi in the healing chamber before following behind Gon, Killua, and Ronnel. His head was slightly lowered, his thoughts unknown.
...
Kite's body had originally been kept in Hotel Rafflesia by Shoot. Later, after having to deal with the Royal Guards, he had relocated it to one of the 21 rooms in the fourth-dimensional apartment.
Ronnel contacted Knov via his specialized phone, and Knov opened a portal to release Kite in the same place they had entered the palace.
By the time Ronnel and the others arrived, Kite's body was already wandering aimlessly.
At the sight of him, Neferpitou closed his eyes briefly before reopening them, his body tensing as determination settled in his gaze.
"I can't heal him. He's already dead."
His voice was calm, yet absolute.
"He was already dead when he fought me. I cannot bring a dead person back to life."
The words struck Gon like a hammer. His pupils dilated as his mind struggled to process the statement.
"You're saying… Kite is dead?"
A strange shift occurred in Gon's voice, a creeping tension making its way into his tone.
"No. There's still some residual aura in him, and it's not the kind that intensifies after death."
For a brief moment, Gon's mind went blank. But as soon as he heard that last sentence, his eyes snapped back into focus.
"Ronnel?"
Ronnel nodded. "Yeah. His aura is weak, but it's proof that he's still alive. Normally, when a Nen user dies, their aura either strengthens due to lingering emotions or completely dissipates."
He paused before continuing, his tone firm. "This situation is different. It suggests that Kite is surviving in an unusual way. As long as he's alive, there's still hope."
A small, reassuring smile played on Ronnel's lips.
"Also, I spoke with someone I know. He can't come here now, but he'll be available in three months."
"Three months?!"
Gon's hands clenched into fists before he slowly exhaled, as though a heavy weight had been lifted from his chest.
"Then, after this mission is over, I'll go to Ging and Greed Island. I'll find a way to heal Kite!"
Having regained a sense of direction, Gon's resolve shone brighter than before.
Ronnel gave him an approving nod.
In truth, the healer had only said three months to placate Gon. In reality, Kite would regain his memories much sooner—possibly in less than a month.
By the time Gon reached Greed Island in search of a cure, Kite might have already recovered on his own.
If that happened, Ronnel and Killua wouldn't have to worry about handling the situation, and Gon's burden would finally be lifted.
Watching Gon return to his usual self, Killua let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Unlike Gon, who placed absolute trust in Ronnel, Killua was more skeptical. Though he wanted to believe Ronnel's words, something about them felt too convenient.
"If Ronnel is lying just to reassure Gon… then when the truth comes out, the backlash will be brutal. I really hope he's telling the truth."
Killua sighed inwardly.
After all, the cruelest thing in the world was to give someone hope—only to shatter it completely.
He worried for his friend.
Gon and Killua trusted Ronnel, but in Neferpitou's eyes, the man was simply feeding them false hope.
He had fought Kite firsthand. He had been the one to sever his head. No one knew better than him—Kite had died that day.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)