Mount Kukuroo, the front gates of the Zoldyck family estate.
A feeling of awe washed over Oboro as he gazed at the towering gates he'd seen so many times in the source material. Like Heaven's Arena and Whale Island, this was another landmark worth visiting in this world.
He had barely stepped out of the car when he saw Illumi waiting at the gate, waving to him.
"Oboro."
Though years had passed, Illumi's appearance remained unchanged, the same long hair he would keep in later years. His help in contacting the Zoldyck family, including the matter of Alluka, was not born of friendship. There was no affection between them, only money. Perhaps too much money. Win or lose, Illumi would benefit. And of course there was the matter of Killua.
A number of vehicles of Oboro's gang lined the street in front of the Zoldyck estate and made quite a scene. Illumi ignored them, his eyes fixed on Oboro's frail form. The robes hung loosely around his weakened frame.
"You look miserable," Illumi said bluntly.
Oboro remained silent. Obviously, Illumi had learned something from Hisoka.
"Come. My father is waiting inside."
Two others stood near Zebro, the gatekeeper and cleaner of the Zoldyck family, who would later receive Gon and his friends. Looking younger than he would in future encounters, he bowed politely to Oboro.
Beside him stood a white-haired boy, Killua, the protagonist Oboro had been expecting. Fresh from his capture after the Sky Arena, his expression was cold and arrogant as he studied Oboro without restraint. The boy's curiosity was obvious.
Killua would be the key to the success of this plan.
Oboro ordered his gang members to retreat, bringing only his subordinate Mondel into the Zoldyck family's domain. This was their territory, everything would be done according to Zoldyck rules. The status of the Dons meant nothing here. The Zoldycks' acceptance of this meeting was not only due to money and Illumi's advice, but also to Netero's influence.
"You must be Killua, Illumi's younger brother. Hello." Oboro held out his hand with a smile.
Killua glanced at it before turning away with practiced indifference, his hands in his pockets as he walked toward Illumi.
Oboro's eye twitched. Though he knew Killua's personality well, the immediate rejection stung. He'd been so friendly when he'd met Gon and the others, clearly the protagonist's aura made the difference.
"Where are the items?" Oboro asked Mondel.
Mondel started, then hurried back to the car.
"We'll see if I can't convince you," Oboro muttered, watching Killua's retreat.
Moments later, Mondel returned with two large packages filled with various snacks, including Killua's favorite chocolates.
With one hand, Illumi effortlessly pushed open four Gates of Trials weighing a total of 16 tons. The complete Gate of Trials consisted of seven doors weighing a total of 256 tons, also known as the Door to Hades.
Mt. Kukuroo, the home of the Zoldyck family, rose nearly 4,000 meters above sea level. A dormant volcano surrounded by dense forest, most of its vast territory belonged to the Zoldycks.
Following Illumi along the path to the distant mansion, Oboro spotted Mike, the Zoldyck family's massive guard dog, lounging in the forest. Recognizing Illumi's guests, the beast merely raised its head before settling back down.
Mondel trembled slightly. Though he'd heard tales of the legendary assassin family, this was his first visit to Kukuroo Mountain. He'd come to gain experience at Oboro's side.
As they walked, Illumi and Oboro discussed business matters, though Oboro remained cold to him. Despite several attempts to engage Killua in conversation, the white-haired boy maintained his aloof demeanor.
"Our family rarely receives visitors," Illumi remarked, finally moving past the work talk. "You're the first since Killua was born. He's quite curious."
"He has more potential than you," Oboro remarked.
"Oh? You can see that? You, who can barely keep up with an ordinary person," Illumi's expression remained impassive.
After a while, Oboro's breathing became more difficult.
"Tsk. You're better suited for Hisoka's company," Illumi remarked.
Oboro gave him a disgusted look before letting Mondel carry him piggyback.
"Brother, is this guy really as strong as you say? He seems useless," Killua finally spoke, jabbing his thumb at Oboro skeptically.
Oboro's eye twitched again. Although he preferred Killua to Gon in the source material, meeting him in person revealed a sharp tongue and a difficult personality. He lacked Gon's friendliness.
"Very strong," Illumi nodded firmly.
"Stronger than you, brother?"
"I can't say. It's been too long since we last met, and I'm not sure of his previous level. But from what I've heard, he was at least my equal."
Finally, someone speaking sense, Oboro thought privately.
"Oh?" Killua blinked, showing the first signs of real interest in Oboro.
They finally reached the Zoldyck mansion, passing numerous butlers and servants in matching tuxedos. Each moved with the same composed aura, politely giving way. Even the gang-hardened Mondel was unsettled by their presence, their mere looks radiating ability. The Zoldyck family's talent for cultivation was undeniable.
Two figures awaited them at the entrance to the mansion: Gotoh, the head butler, and, to Oboro's surprise, Zeno.
"Young masters," they greeted Illumi and Killua with a bow.
"Return to base," Oboro said, dismounting from Mondel and letting him put down the snacks.
"Alone? But what if something happens?" protested Mondel.
"Gotoh, show our guest out," Zeno ordered.
The bespectacled butler nodded and gestured to Mondel. "This way, please."
Oboro waved dismissively, and Mondel reluctantly left.
"Killua, since this is our first meeting," Oboro smiled, indicating the two large bags. "A gift. I hope you'll enjoy them."
This small gesture could prove to be vital for his survival. A naked bribe, essentially.
"For me?" Killua's surprise showed through.
"Mm."
"Tsk, don't act so familiar. We just met." Despite his words, Killua's composure slipped as he examined the packages. Children were simple creatures at heart. His cheeks flushed slightly as he coughed.
Opening the bags in front of everyone, his cat-like eyes lit up at the sight of his favorite chocolate balls.
"Ahem," Killua caught himself, his expression sobering, though his tone remained noticeably warmer. "Not bad, I like you a bit more now."
Oboro's gesture drew pensive glances from both Zeno and Illumi, though neither commented.
Following Illumi and Zeno into the mansion, Oboro noted its vast size and complex classical architecture. Some of the corridors had a dark atmosphere.
After navigating the labyrinthine interior, they reached the main hall. Oboro looked back to find that Zeno had disappeared without a trace.
Illumi opened the doors and led him inside.