Chapter 18: Collaboration
Ronin shrugged, feigning disappointment. "Sorry then. I prefer to face challenges relying on my own strength."
Miria disliked these types—pure martial artists, battle junkies.
However, she had to admit that only these "pure" types, when paired with her management skills, could pull off the "pig eating the tiger" upsets that she loved.
Those were the victories that maximized her profits.
She had been observing and evaluating Ronin since he first started making waves in the lower floors.
She was fairly certain he was an Enhancer. That, combined with his rapid growth and marketable look, was why she intercepted him today, right as he qualified for the 200th floor.
She needed Ronin. Not desperately, but as she said, it would be a win-win.
"Mr. Ronin, don't be so hasty to refuse," Miria said, composing herself. "While I may not be able to directly increase your combat power, I can play a crucial role in making money, gathering intel on opponents, and shielding you from external distractions."
She leaned forward slightly. "With my help, you can dedicate all your energy to training, which will naturally lead to faster improvements in your strength."
Miria had a point.
Although Ronin wanted to be like Gon or Killua—carefree and focused solely on the fight—his quickest path to power involved finding Scarlet Eyes.
A Golden Agent like Miria had connections and channels he didn't.
If he built a good relationship with her, specifically as a business partner, could he leverage her network to keep an eye out for Scarlet Eyes?
Seeing Ronin hesitate, Miria's eyes lit up. She pressed her advantage.
"Two fighters on the 200th floor can have vastly different outcomes. One fights a grueling match and earns nothing but a bit of fame. The other fights the same match but walks away with fame and a fortune. That is the difference an agent makes. For the same effort, why wouldn't you want the greater reward?"
"You've convinced me," Ronin relented. "So, what do you want?"
He had to admit, he wasn't great at negotiation.
He used to be an engineer, dealing with blueprints and quality checks. Trying to outmaneuver a professional shark in a negotiation wasn't his forte.
Better to cut the act and get to the details.
"Money," Miria answered succinctly.
Ronin saw the intense hunger in her dark eyes. She wasn't lying.
She was in it for the cash.
"What's the split?" Ronin asked the crucial question. He needed money too. If she asked for too much, he would walk.
"Fifty-fifty. I handle everything outside of your training. You just need to spare some time occasionally for necessary promotional events. Even if you lose a match, I guarantee you'll walk away with a substantial payout," Miria said, radiating confidence.
Ronin had the strength, the temperament, and the face of a star.
"One last question," Ronin asked. "I need information. Intel unrelated to the Arena. Can you get it?"
This was the dealbreaker.
"Like what?" Miria didn't agree immediately.
Ronin thought for a moment before speaking slowly. "Specific collector hobbies."
"Be specific."
"Human body parts," Ronin said without hiding it.
Miria pushed up her glasses, looking at Ronin with surprise. After a moment of silence, she nodded. "I can keep an eye out for you. If necessary, I can even facilitate purchases, but you will have to pay extra for that service."
"Deal." Ronin stood up and extended his hand. "Here's to a pleasant cooperation."
Miria stood up as well. She glanced at Ronin's large, distinct knuckles before reaching out and shaking his hand lightly.
Ronin's gaze lingered on Miria's hand for a moment too long.
It was beautiful.
Slender, pale fingers painted with soft pink nail polish. The skin was smooth and delicate, cool to the touch and soft as boneless silk.
Truly a pair of hands more beautiful than the person.
Ronin's eyes showed genuine appreciation, but to Miria, that look sent a chill down her spine.
Does this guy... want to chop off my hands and add them to his collection?
She withdrew her hand quickly, hiding it behind her back. Ronin noticed the movement.
Is she a germaphobe? Ronin wondered.
The rest was straightforward. Ronin followed Miria to her office, and they signed the contract.
The revenue split was 50-50, as agreed. Ronin's obligations were minimal: pose for photos when needed and fight. Miria would quietly monitor the black market for organ trades.
But her primary focus would be building Ronin's brand and selecting favorable matchups.
Miria's office was on the 192nd Floor.
This floor was a massive corporate zone, housing agencies, ad firms, and private studios.
Ronin wasn't surprised. He knew the 195th floor had spas and entertainment centers. Heavens Arena was a city unto itself; anything that made money was welcome here.
"Most Nen users in Heavens Arena are wildcards," Miria said, sliding a file across the desk to Ronin.
She looked at him seriously. "Self-taught, unrefined."
"I have some understanding of that," Ronin said, flipping open the file. It contained profiles of several fighters on the 200th floor.
"Good. That saves me from explaining the Six Aura Types from scratch. Many people here don't even know the concept of 'Categories.' They survive a malicious Nen initiation, refuse to learn the basics, and then develop abilities based on pure whim," Miria said, her tone dripping with disdain.
"They treat Nen like a generic superpower. They come up with an ability they think is cool, completely ignoring whether it fits their affinity. It's idiotic."
Ronin nodded in agreement.
He had plenty of examples in his head. The "Rookie Crusher" trio who underestimated Gon, or Kastro, who fought Hisoka.
Kastro was the prime example—an Enhancer who wasted his immense talent trying to master a complex Conjuration/Manipulation ability (Doppelganger).
It led to abilities that were either flawed or inefficient.
If one truly wanted to understand Nen, the best path was the Hunter Exam.
Once you obtained a license, the Association would send a professional master to guide you. If you passed their secret exam, you would learn the system properly.
Ronin looked at Miria, suddenly curious.
What is her Nen category? And is she a Pro Hunter too?
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