039 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

The fish, shrimp, and crab species from the waters bordering the Dark Continent truly had an extraordinary taste.

Even the storm had churned up all kinds of seaweed, oysters, starfish, and other seafood, tossing them onto the surface.

As for the takoyaki ingredients in Ronnel's hand, the two brainless sea beasts—the eight-clawed octopus and the giant squid—looked practically jealous. They sputtered out black ink and all kinds of mucus in protest.

Which made it all the more convenient for Ronnel, a real fisherman at heart, to pick up the leftovers.

He collected as much of the torn-up remains from the two beasts as he could, stuffing them into his space backpack. No matter how much he packed in, it never seemed full enough.

Who won between the two sea beasts? Honestly, Ronnel didn't care. Once he'd loaded enough to last him a lifetime—and eaten so much seafood that he didn't even want to think about it anymore.

By the time Ronnel left with a full haul, those two idiots were still fighting.

That kind of vitality and ferocity... No wonder they were sea monsters from the border of the Dark Continent.

Now, with all this seafood, the food situation for the journey was covered.

In terms of survival and shelter, his fourth-dimensional apartment handled that easily.

Throw in various support abilities, and he was as prepared as he could possibly be.

"It's been two months. Are we finally docking?"

Ronnel popped the last takoyaki into his mouth, stood up, and stretched.

"A new adventure's finally about to begin."

As for that lazy thief Togashi, who hadn't updated in ages because he was off playing—well, the massive cliffhanger he'd left behind still kept Ronnel's excitement for the Dark Continent burning in the back of his mind.

"Still, before diving into the Dark Continent proper, there are a few small things to take care of."

He paused in thought for a moment, then disappeared from the room in a flash.

Bill and Kurapika were left blinking, speechless.

...

After plowing through massive waves, the Black Whale finally reached its destination—safe and sound after two long months.

When the ship docked, its massive black anchor plunged into the sea, and the smokestack released a long, echoing blast—

"Pffft!"

Luzurus, Kacho, Fugetsu, Momoze, Marayam, and even the infant Fourteenth Prince all coughed up mouthfuls of blood at the same time.

Queen Oito let out a scream, and Kurapika quickly activated his healing chain. Fortunately, after a round of examination and treatment, nothing seemed life-threatening.

"The succession war has failed. The Kakin royal family still has to pay the price... Hui."

Nasubi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, eyes fixed expressionlessly on the grotesque, malformed Nen Beast in front of him. Its face twisted—and then, its entire body was crushed inward.

With a soundless shlurp, the creature vanished completely, as though it had never existed.

Similar scenes played out with the other princes.

Momoze, Kacho, and Fugetsu lost all awareness. As for Marayam, the disappearance of the Nen Beasts meant that the hidden pocket dimension he was in collapsed, and he returned to his original room without incident.

It had no effect on him at all.

"My guardian beast is gone?" Luzurus clicked his tongue in regret after Basho confirmed the news.

"Tch. I didn't even get to see what it really looked like."

"As long as you fail once, that parasitic Nen beast can never be summoned again... Hui."Nasubi waved away Nugui, who had approached with questions, and walked alone to the window.

Gazing at the distant shadow of black and yellow land, he muttered,

"I can't tell if it's a blessing or a curse... The future of Kakin looks bleak."

...

"So this is the Kakin royal family's treasure?"

In the third-floor cafeteria, Phinks jabbed curiously at the crimson, human-faced clay pot on the table.

It was the same vessel Nugui had used during the egg-in-pot ceremony with the princes.

Ronnel had brought it here as promised.

After a few pokes and getting no reaction, Phinks lost interest.

"There's nothing special about it."

"Because it's cracked," Shalnark noted, peering at the fine lines spreading across the clay figurine's face. "It's damaged—of course it doesn't do anything anymore."

Everyone turned to Ronnel.

"I figured something weird might happen to it if the succession war failed. The pot's connected to the bloodline of the Kakin royals, after all," Ronnel said with a shrug. "Cracks are normal. At least it didn't shatter like a ceramic tile."

By now, the pot had lost all its luster. Cracks ran through its surface. It looked like worthless junk.

When the succession war failed, the heirloom pot passed down through generations of Kakin royals had lost its power.

...

"This was always a possibility."

Chrollo, seated at the head of the table, shifted his gaze from the now-silent pot to Ronnel.

"It's time to go ashore. What are your plans, Ronnel?"

"Me? Like I said—I'm teaming up with Beyond. We're heading straight into the true Dark Continent together."

"Netero's son?" Franklin asked in a low voice.

"Yeah. The guy's a pro when it comes to high-risk exploration. He gave me a return contract I couldn't ignore."

"What's the point?" Phinks scoffed, standing up. "Teaming up with a bunch of boring guys like that? You'd be better off sticking with us!"

He cracked his knuckles and continued, "We talked it over with the boss. Once we're on land, we're hijacking one of the V5 or Hunter Association ships and heading straight into the Dark Continent!"

Phinks slammed his fists together, then grinned with menace.

"I also heard that chain bastard Kurapika is on board. If I get the chance, I'm killing that guy."

Feitan didn't say a word, but his eyes glinted with murderous light. He didn't need to say anything—his bloodlust spoke volumes.

"Still a no." Ronnel shook his head. "I've got my own goals."