This unheard group, the so-called Phantom Troupe, should have been small fries, something he could casually wipe out.
Yet ironically, due to his Nen ability being countered, they not only shattered his domain, but he also suffered massive backlash and heavy injury.
Even their temporary base, the small tavern, had been reduced to rubble by Jupiter.
They should have handled everything easily, showcasing the composure and superiority of S-class criminals.
Instead, they escaped in humiliation, crawling, injured, and exposed.
His frustration was indescribable.
"Looks like that Phantom Troupe does have some dangerous members."
Iron Jaws, who escaped with them, still felt shaken.
He stared at the deep crater created by Jupiter, then compared it to his own size.
Yeah... If he took that head-on, he'd be flatter than paper.
"No wonder they refused to join us. Such a group of people, gathered together to form such a team..."
Violette suddenly felt that she vaguely saw the shadow of the Kute Gang of Thieves in them.
Back then, they were just as spirited and ambitious, and they gathered together under their leader, Kute.
And then they planned to make a name for themselves in this world.
Although they later earned a bad reputation, they certainly lived up to their life's ambitions.
And now, the younger generation surpasses the older, and newcomers have risen to prominence.
In a daze, Violette seemed to understand somewhat the thoughts of the two guys who had previously rejected her invitation.
Who wouldn't want to rely on themselves, together with their companions, to build their own success? A name of one's own?!
This isn't about using someone else's established reputation to elevate oneself; it's about starting from scratch.
It's building one's own name in this world.
Not to mention, a name like theirs, the Kute Gang of Thieves...
Anyone who hears that would think... The core of this organization must be based on stealing.
And those ambitious young people who set out to conquer the world hate nothing more than carrying someone else's name.
So, from this perspective...
"I think I understand why they're so fixated on us."
Violette suddenly said quietly.
"Hmm?"
Iron Jaw, standing beside her, subconsciously asked: "Is it possible that we did something before that made us enemies, and this is revenge?"
Violette shook her head: "Do you see hatred in their eyes?"
Hate... If Violette hadn't pointed it out, Iron Jaw really wouldn't have noticed.
"There's no hatred, but..."
Iron Jaw hesitated slightly: "I saw a burning fire in those people's eyes."
Ambition, excitement, and hunger, the kind of gaze Iron Jaw knew all too well.
"Are they treating us like prey?!"
Iron Jaw gradually realized something.
"To make a name for yourself in this world, and do so as quickly as possible..."
Mute, who had appeared silently beside him, also said in a low voice: "Then, naturally, it's by stepping on those already famous figures who have spread their fame throughout the world."
Clearly, they, the Kute Gang of Thieves, had become stepping stones in their eyes.
"Young warriors, eager to establish a reputation, are they?!"
Iron Jaw sneered after realizing what was happening: "They really think they're somebody."
"It seems that we, the Kute Gang of Thieves, have been a little quiet these past few months, and now any random group thinks they can treat us like prey?!"
"It seems that sometimes, we need to bare our fangs."
"Otherwise, any trash would dare to come and jump on our faces!"
"They're not trash..."
Violette was dismantling Iron Jaw's argument: "You've seen their strength."
"Whether it's their very solid basic combat skills and Nen application techniques, or their formidable Nen abilities."
"They dared to challenge us; they're not without their tricks."
"Most likely, they came specifically to deal with us; they're well-prepared."
Both Davalev Ndongo and Iron Jaw nodded.
The impact and power of Jupiter's fall had left a very deep impression on them.
"So, we need to deal with these five guys properly."
Iron Jaw also sized up the five figures opposite him, who had also been revealed due to the shockwaves from Jupiter's fall.
There was the swordsman, the short fox-eyed one, the fierce man with no eyebrows, the blonde woman with a hooked nose, and the bandaged man who summoned Jupiter, one similar to Mute.
"By the way, didn't you say there were seven people?"
Iron Jaw asked Davalev Ndongo casually, while remaining wary.
"Where are the other two?"
"Those two... Don't seem to be here."
A flicker of doubt crossed Davalev Ndongo's eyes.
"I clearly sensed them just now, but then they disappeared."
His focus had been on his own side, so he failed to notice when two people vanished.
Davalev Ndongo initially thought the other party might be planning to launch a sneak attack.
However, recalling his rare instance of failing to hear sounds, he realized the two people were definitely not there.
But where could they go in such a short time?
"Mmm..."
At that moment, Violette suddenly spoke up: "Why are they called the Phantom Troupe?"
"Who knows? Maybe it sounds nice, or maybe it has some special meaning?"
Iron Jaw replied casually: "Unlike us, we're just called the Kute Gang of Thieves, and everyone knows our leader is Kute, and it's very clear. Anyone can see it at a glance."
"So, if our leader is Kute..."
Violette narrowed her eyes, carefully scrutinizing the group.
"Who is their leader?"
"The leader of this group??"
This was another question Iron Jaw hadn't considered, and he scrutinized the five people again.
These five people, from any perspective... didn't seem like any one of them could be the leader.
"It seems none of them is the leader of the group..."
Iron Jaw had initially wanted to say, could it be that these guys don't have a leader?
But after thinking about it carefully, that thought seemed too foolish and idiotic, so he swallowed it back.
As an organization capable of gathering so many skilled individuals, how could they not have a leader?!
But currently, it really seems impossible to find one among them... so, in that case...
"The two who just left here, one must be the leader, right?"
Iron Jaw stroked his steel-like chin: "Shouldn't they have come here to deal with us?"
"Suddenly leaving here, where could they have gone...?"
Iron Jaw's voice trailed off, and he abruptly stopped.
"Looks like you've realized it too..."
Violette took a deep breath and glanced at Davalev Ndongo, who had also realized the situation and was now noticeably silent.
80 more chapters on my Patreon/SweetestDeath