They say when fans go overboard, it's the idol who pays the price.
The fanbases for both fighters had reached a fever pitch—so much so that it stirred backlash and controversy from the public.
Still, the Heavens Arena didn't mind. In fact, they welcomed the drama. It brought in another wave of attention, helping them ride the momentum. They even encouraged it from the shadows.
At this point, the hype was undeniable. It had become the biggest topic outside of the Dark Continent expedition.
...
Chrollo and Hisoka, however, couldn't care less.
Even if someone told them, they'd probably just mutter a disinterested "Oh," before going right back to conserving their energy for the upcoming match.
Public opinion meant nothing to them.
Fame? Publicity? What was that supposed to mean? Could you eat it?
...
The showdown between the two was a promoter's dream—full of mystery, tension, and spectacle. Heavens Arena had poured in everything to milk it. Every wall, screen, and broadcast carried their faces.
As Ronnel walked through the halls toward the elevator, the flood of advertisements—from flashy digital signs to old-school posters and flyers—assaulted him from all sides.
Anyone who stepped foot into the tower would know: a deadly battle was about to unfold on floor 250.
Ronnel stepped into the elevator and stared at the giant posters of Chrollo and Hisoka covering the interior. He was speechless.
Before long, the elevator reached its destination: the 251st floor. A private level set aside just for him.
...
"Yo, Ronnel! Long time no see!"
As soon as he pushed open the door, Shalnark grinned and raised a hand in greeting.
Kortopi sat up on the bed and came over.
Machi, leaning against the window, turned her gaze toward him when she heard the commotion. Her eyes were cool and quiet. She didn't speak—just nodded in acknowledgment.
These three were the only Phantom Troupe members still staying in Heavens Arena.
Ronnel smiled in return. "So, what's the current situation? Fill me in."
"Nothing too complicated," Shalnark said, stretching casually. "The boss is already confirmed as the host for the fight and has set the date. Everything's ready."
"What time, exactly?"
"Tomorrow. Two in the afternoon."
"Got it."
Ronnel nodded thoughtfully. "Is the captain in good condition?"
Shalnark scratched his cheek.
"Well, knowing him, he probably picked Heavens Arena because it's full of Nen tailored to this environment."
He paused for a moment, then added, "And the boss already has a strategy in mind. He borrowed some abilities from me and Kortopi."
Shalnark shrugged, flashing a cheerful grin.
"If things really go south, you could always stick an antenna in him and let me take over. Not ideal, and he'd hate it—but if push comes to shove, he'll make the call."
"He won't need that much trouble," Machi said from the window, her voice low and firm. She turned slightly, arms still crossed.
"I've fought Hisoka more than once. He's strong, yeah—but compared to the boss, he's still a step behind."
"In other words," Kortopi chimed in, "this is where Hisoka's story ends."
...
Ronnel remained silent, a subtle flicker of doubt crossing his face. But he didn't say anything. He simply waited in the room, eyes distant, for the battle to begin.
Just then—
"A mosquito?"
All three frowned and instinctively reached for the back of their necks.
Ronnel did the same.
"A mosquito? At this height?" Shalnark muttered.
"There shouldn't be any up here," Kortopi added, scanning the room warily.
The three of them stiffened, alert.
Ronnel, on the other hand, let a sly smile tug at the corner of his lips—only for a moment.
"[Autopilot Mode], [Gallery Fake], [Nen Stitches]... Even if Nen is borrowed, it doesn't disappear completely."
"So it can still be copied…"
That was right. He had done it again.
Using his nano-sized ability, [Beelzebub], Ronnel had quietly taken a drop of blood from all three of them.
Even though Shalnark and Kortopi's Nen had been temporarily lent to Chrollo, it didn't stop Ronnel from accessing their powers.
As long as the original user remained, Ronnel could still draw out their abilities.
This "siphoning" trait from the Ant King was truly terrifying.
...
He was already familiar with Shalnark and Kortopi's Nen. No surprises there.
Machi's Nen, though—she was a Transmuter. Her ability transformed aura into thread, which she could manipulate freely.
It was versatile—great for offense, tracking, and healing. Her signature technique, Nen Stitches, allowed her to instantly reconnect torn muscles, bones, blood vessels, and nerves.
After Hisoka's fight with Chrollo, she even reattached his arm. It was good as new.
A strong support skill. But Machi lacked imagination when it came to applying it.
She mostly used her threads for stitching wounds, binding enemies, or following trails—nothing with serious offensive punch.
In that regard, Doflamingo was far more creative. He weaponized threads in ways Machi never dreamed of.
Flight. Puppeteering. Self-repair. Birdcages...
Interesting.
Ronnel figured he could experiment. Maybe even develop some of those same tricks. Later, though—after the fight between Hisoka and Chrollo wrapped up.
...
While Machi, Shalnark, and Kortopi remained on alert, Ronnel sat silently in place.
Then, without a word, he slowly closed his eyes.
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)