Chapter 74: September 1st, Night
According to his memories, the original Phantom Troupe members who participated in the first Yorknew Underground Auction robbery were seven in total: Uvogin, Nobunaga, Feitan, Machi, Franklin, Shizuku, and Shalnark.
Those who stayed behind were: Chrollo, Phinks, Bonolenov, Pakunoda, Hisoka, and Kortopi.
Knowing that the underground gangs had strengthened their security, Chrollo should dispatch more combat personnel than in the original timeline.
Based on Mord's estimation, at least Phinks or Bonolenov would be sent out, and this would be about the limit considering they needed to guard against Hisoka.
Meaning, the situation would likely become a 3v4 scenario.
Hisoka finally got his wish to fight Chrollo, Kurapika would face a combat member of the Troupe, while Mord himself had to deal with both Pakunoda and Kortopi simultaneously.
Although these two weren't combat specialists, no member of the Phantom Troupe was weak. Especially Pakunoda, being one of the founding members, her strength shouldn't be underestimated.
The best scenario would be if Hisoka could eliminate one of them through a surprise attack first.
Mord kept simulating the scenarios that might unfold tonight in his mind, scratching his head. It really wasn't going to be easy to handle.
...
Nostrade Family Base.
"Kurapika said members of the Phantom Troupe will attack the underground auction venue. Should we..." Melody's words were cut off by a stern middle-aged man beside her: "Don't mind that deserter. Behind the underground auction stands the Ten Dons, the leaders who control all mafia organizations across six continents and ten districts."
"Earlier they issued an order—the auction will proceed as scheduled."
"This is a grand event for underground organizations worldwide. It absolutely cannot be canceled because of some thief group, or where would the face of global mafia organizations go?"
The speaker was none other than Dalzollene, captain of the Nostrade Family's security team.
Though he said this, the recent series of mafia family massacres had greatly impacted all the bodyguards. Those mafia families had also employed Nen users among their guards.
Coupled with the notorious reputation of the Phantom Troupe as Class-A wanted criminals...
Dalzollene noticed the concern in Basho and others' hearts and continued: "Don't worry. The auction proceeding normally doesn't mean the mafia higher-ups aren't doing anything."
"Originally, according to regulations, buyers could only bring up to three people, and no weapons, recording devices, or communication equipment were allowed inside. This time, they're making an exception and lifting all these restrictions."
"Also, according to my latest intelligence, the 'Shadow Beasts'—a unit composed of the ten strongest members from the Ten Dons' gangs—will join tonight's auction security."
Hearing that the Shadow Beasts were joining, Basho and the others finally felt somewhat relieved.
In their view, the strongest force in the underground world should be evenly matched with the Phantom Troupe.
If Mord learned about the Ten Dons' arrangements, he would definitely curse them for being fools!
After all my efforts, you're just bringing in these small fries? You should be going to Kukuroo Mountain to invite those real powerhouses!
"Alright, now let me assign your missions. You must retrieve these three items for the young lady: Princess Corco's full-body mummy, the tissue paper used by actor Sonne Limarch with DNA certification, and the eyeballs of the Kurta Clan—the Scarlet Eyes renowned as one of the Seven Beauties of the World."
"Tonight's auction is bound to be chaotic. No matter what happens, everyone must adapt to the situation. Our primary mission is to successfully bid on the target items!"
...
Yorknew City streets.
"Hey, everyone, come quick! Come look!"
The shouting drew the attention of passersby. A man in a suit and sunglasses was energetically calling out, while beside him stood a silver-haired youth holding a dazzling diamond in both hands.
Behind them, a table was set up with a black-haired boy seated on one side and another stool placed opposite him.
The crowd was puzzled.
Then the suited man loudly explained: "This is a conditional auction! The item up for bid is this three-million-jenny diamond! Rest assured, it's absolutely genuine—comes with a jeweler's appraisal certificate!"
"The condition is an arm wrestling match. The first person to defeat this young man wins the item! Participation fee is ten thousand yen!"
"The auction starts now!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the scene immediately erupted.
Arm wrestling against a child? To them, it seemed like taking the diamond for free. Everyone feared being left behind and rushed to take out money to register.
"Alright! I want this diamond!"
"I want to join too!"
"I was first, don't crowd everyone, line up one by one!"
...
These three were none other than Leorio, Gon, and Killua, who had arranged to meet in Yorknew City. In order to raise funds to bid for Greed Island, they had ultimately devised this scheme under Leorio's planning.
Following Mord's gaze, Kurapika looked over and spotted Gon and the others. His expression shifted, and he said coldly, "Don't involve those three in this matter. Their abilities are nowhere near sufficient to handle the Phantom Troupe members."
Mord chuckled and replied, "Got it. Let's go."
He hadn't been looking at Gon and the others at all, but rather at a short-haired girl in the crowd with a pure appearance, wearing black-framed glasses and an inverted cross necklace.
The Phantom Troupe members had left their nest.
It was time to meet Hisoka.
Standing in the crowd, Shizuku looked around. For a moment just then, she had felt as if someone was watching her.
Was it just her imagination?
Finding nothing, she redirected her attention to the sparkling, translucent diamond in Killua's hand. From the first moment she saw it, she couldn't take her eyes off it.
"Next, let's welcome our next challenger."
Seeing the challenger's appearance, Leorio's face showed an exaggerated expression.
"Oh, this is the first female challenger tonight! Give it your best, miss!"
...
The bustling noises of Yorknew City gradually faded behind them.
Two figures swiftly raced toward an abandoned old district on the outskirts of the city.
"Mord, what if all the Phantom Troupe members are there when we arrive?" Kurapika voiced his concern.
"They've already set out," Mord said calmly.
Along the way, Mord was moving at almost his full speed in normal condition. If it were before, Kurapika would never have been able to keep up with Mord's pace.
It has to be said, he's like a bug in existence. Although this is partly due to the conditions and vows, it doesn't change the fact that Kurapika is a Nen genius.
His growth rate actually surpasses even mine, who's practically cheating.