Silva learned about Kaizen's performance from Zeno.
Zeno, in turn, had gathered intelligence from both the Hunter Association and Dominica.
One man defeated a B-class Nen-enhanced beast.
One-on-one, he took down the severely injured A-rank Nen user, Ito Xius.
Even he had performed remarkably against the mutated creatures in the kingdom.
Kaizen's achievements had exceeded Silva's expectations.
He studied the young man carefully. Since Kaizen had begun learning Nen, he had been a constant source of surprises.
Each time Silva reevaluated him, Kaizen would shatter those expectations yet again.
'Maybe in a few years, he'll catch up to Illumi…'
'And Killua…'
Silva had to admit that, as of now, Killua's talent—despite being the Zoldyck heir—did not surpass Kaizen's.
'Still, Killua's potential will only be fully realized once he learns Nen.'
'His situation isn't exactly the same as Kaizen's.'
Kaizen smiled. "There's still a long way to go."
Silva glanced at the hotel across the street—where Killua was staying.
He then refocused. Killua was asleep, and the surrounding area was secure.
"What's next for you?"
"I'm heading to the Kingdom of Fiora," Kaizen replied. "Wendy invited me, and I want to see it for myself."
"Looking for inspiration from the beasts?" Silva recalled Kaizen mentioning this before—it had been his reason for going to Taris as well.
"That's right."
"You must have created quite a few beasts by now."
"Yeah."
"Don't neglect your physical training."
"I train every day—both physically and in Nen techniques. I've mastered more than 90% of my Nen skills."
Silva nodded approvingly. "Good."
"By the way, Uncle Silva, what's the situation at Ganlu Temple?"
"The underworld syndicate built a city around Ganlu Temple and named it Rocks. That guy used to be a Shadow Beast, but now he seems to be operating independently."
Kaizen frowned. Silva's words implied that this 'Rocks' had claimed dominion over the temple.
Considering the temple's spiritual significance, it wasn't surprising.
It seemed the underworld had underestimated the temple's importance when they tried to take control. Now, Rocks had capitalized on their oversight and seized power.
Kaizen had learned through Alan that the Shadow Beasts had been replenished to ten members again. But none of them were particularly noteworthy—meaning the individuals from the original timeline had yet to join.
"The Shadow Beasts really are in a dangerous line of work," Kaizen mused.
Two had already died by his hands alone.
By the time of the Yorknew City incident, all ten would be replaced.
Most likely dead, not promoted.
Within the underworld, a Shadow Beast was as high as one could rise as a hired enforcer.
Anything beyond that was reserved for those with political influence or family backing.
Rocks had seized an opportunity. He used his position to build a city in his own name, effectively rising above the rank of a typical Shadow Beast.
With Ganlu Temple under his control, his strength would soon surpass that of his former comrades.
If he continued cultivating the temple's spiritual energy, Rocks might even reach an A-rank power level.
Of course, he must have pledged allegiance to the elder who oversaw the underworld. Otherwise, the old man would have eliminated him—no matter the cost.
A powerful Nen user who couldn't move freely was still limited.
"Why are you suddenly asking about Ganlu Temple?" Silva inquired.
Kaizen replied, "During the Taris Kingdom operation, Dominica used a rare spiritual entity called Kolossim. It divides people into two opposing factions and forces them into one-on-one battles."
Silva's eyes widened slightly. "She used it?"
"Yeah. She carries it with her. When activated, it merges with the surroundings, transforming into its true form."
"A portable spiritual entity? That's an incredibly rare existence. There was no record of Fiora's royal family possessing such an artifact."
Silva pondered. "It must be an innate phenomenon rather than an artificially crafted one."
"Ganlu Temple couldn't be turned into something like that," he added before his gaze shifted to Kaizen's waist.
Specifically, to the worn-out sword strapped there.
"Is it dormant?"
"Yeah. It absorbed enough death aura and fell into deep sleep. No idea when it'll awaken."
"That's a fine sword—it aligns well with your abilities. Once it reawakens, it might become even stronger."
"Kaizen, use Ten. Let me see your aura."
Kaizen nodded. "Alright."
A surge of immense energy erupted from his body.
His aura expanded explosively, filling the space with an overwhelming presence.
Silva's eyes gleamed. "In terms of raw power, you're already at a B-rank level. Your other aspects are slightly lacking, but not by much. It won't be long before you fully reach B-rank."
"Plus, your abilities are unique."
"Once you hit B-rank, you won't just be at the bottom of that tier—you'll at least be in the upper-middle."
"Want to go all out?"
Kaizen hesitated. "Right now?"
"Killua's nearby."
"A quick match won't hurt. I already confirmed there's no danger around. He'll be fine."
Kaizen grinned. "Alright."
He wanted to know exactly where he stood at full strength.
Especially after obtaining the Lantern Ghost .
Against most opponents, Kaizen had to hold back and conceal his abilities.
But against Silva, he didn't need to hide a thing.
Their figures blurred.
By the time they reappeared, they were already in the outskirts, ready to clash.
------------
+285 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub