Chapter 72: Take Everything!
"Another family wiped out. How many is that in the past three days?" A man in a mafia-style black suit, with short blond hair and a monkey-like face, stared at a distant building as he spoke.
Corpses were continuously being carried out of that building—in life, these had been influential mafia bosses, but now their deaths were gruesome.
"Twenty-seven," replied a tall, seductive woman with purple hair standing behind the monkey-faced man.
These two were none other than the bodyguards hired by the Nostrade family: Shachmono Tocino and Baise.
After Mord's disruption, the major mafia families in Yorknew City were on edge, significantly increasing their security measures.
Even the bodyguards were tense, jumping at every minor disturbance.
Given the Phantom Troupe's notorious reputation, such nervousness was understandable.
"Have you noticed the frequency of their attacks seems to have slowed down? On the first day, they massacred 15 families, on the second day 10, and today this is only the second," Baise suddenly remarked.
Shachmono nodded and said, "Now that all the major mafia families have tightened security, and I've heard the Ten Dons' elite unit, the Shadow Beasts, are already in Yorknew, it won't be as easy for them to succeed as it was in the first two days."
"You're from the Nostrade family, right?"
While Shachmono and Baise were talking, an unfamiliar voice suddenly interrupted.
They both started, instinctively leaping backward to create a safe distance.
Seeing the young man who had appeared before them, Shachmono already had his hand in his chest pocket, ready to activate his ability at any moment.
Baise also watched the newcomer warily. Until the moment the voice spoke, she hadn't sensed his presence at all.
This person is a Nen user, and his strength far surpasses mine.
Fortunately, he meant no harm. If he had attacked outright just now, both she and Shachmono would likely be dead.
The thought sent a chill of fear through Baise.
Baise turned to glance at Shachmono and saw a similar reaction in his eyes.
"No need to be nervous. I'm an old acquaintance of your colleague Kurapika and need to discuss something with him," the young man said with a bright, harmless smile.
"My name is Mord."
A friend, not a foe?
Even so, Baise remained vigilant. While having Shachmono keep watch, she dialed Kurapika's number.
After a brief conversation, Baise finally relaxed and stepped forward to hand the phone to Mord.
Mord exchanged a few casual pleasantries, noted down Kurapika's contact information, returned the phone, and left without further ado.
He had just emerged from the crime scene, tearing off the thin disguise from his face and body.
This would likely be Mord's last encounter with the Phantom Troupe.
...
On a desolate, unmanned road in the outskirts of Yorknew City.
As yellow sand swept by, several figures gradually materialized.
"How many years has it been since all thirteen of us gathered together?" a man dressed as a Japanese samurai spoke up.
"Three years and two months," replied a short man in the center of the group, his face concealed by a mask. "But this time, we have two new members. Machi... will that number four show up today?"
This group was none other than Nobunaga, Feitan, Machi, and Franklin, who had gathered at their leader Chrollo's summons to head to Yorknew City.
"I don't know either, don't ask me," Machi replied.
"Wasn't that your task?" Franklin glanced at Machi, puzzled.
Remembering Hisoka's irritating face, Machi curled her lip and said, "I was only responsible for delivering the message. Whether he comes or not is his business."
Feitan chimed in, "I dislike Hisoka too, but why does the leader let him act so recklessly?"
"Isn't it obvious? Because he's highly skilled. His Bungee Gum technique is formidable. Honestly, it's really hard to deal with," Nobunaga gave Hisoka high praise.
"Are you suggesting the leader fears Hisoka?" Franklin shot Nobunaga a displeased look.
"No," Nobunaga retorted sharply.
These two had never gotten along, and it seemed they were about to clash again when Machi interrupted.
"Alright, you two, stop arguing. What do you think about what Shalnark mentioned on the phone?"
"Anyone daring to impersonate our Phantom Troupe in their crimes—if I catch them, I'll make sure they regret ever being born," Feitan extended a hand, making a gripping motion in the air.
...
The Troupe's meeting place was an abandoned building.
By the time Machi and the other three arrived, the rest of the Troupe members had been waiting for a while.
After three years, the thirteen members of the Phantom Troupe were once again gathered together.
Everyone was waiting for the man bearing the inverted cross to issue his command.
The Phantom Troupe members, having not seen each other for so many years, began catching up and chatting.
"What do you think the boss wants us to do this time?" Shalnark spoke up.
"We're all thieves, so of course we're going to steal things," Uvogin said matter-of-factly. From Meteor City until now, everything he had was obtained through plunder.
In his eyes, the concept of paying for things didn't exist. Even if he just wanted a few bottles of beer, he would go and eliminate the convenience store owner before taking them.
"Countless rare treasures will appear at this Yorknew Auction. Why don't we guess what the boss wants us to steal?" Shalnark extended a finger as he spoke.
Being fond of card games, he equally enjoyed these guessing games.
"I think it's probably ancient books or something similar. The boss really enjoys reading," Machi said after some thought.
Feitan shook his head and interjected, "That's not it. I think it's games."
"Games?" Machi questioned.
Phinks, sitting slightly farther away, explained, "Several of the world's most expensive games will appear at the auction, and they're also the world's most dangerous games. I'm quite interested in them too."
Among the troupe members, he and Feitan were the most interested in the Greed Island Game.
"But no matter what, they're still just games," Machi insisted on her viewpoint.
Hisoka sat quietly alone in the corner, stacking his card tower while smiling as he watched the troupe members discuss.
Their bond is really quite strong.
Just as everyone was arguing incessantly, Chrollo, who had been silently sitting at the highest point opposite them, finally stood up. He looked at the troupe members, taking in all their expressions and demeanor.
Then he stated the purpose for which he had gathered the troupe members.
"Take everything."
"All the treasures at the underground auction... take everything!"