"Let's fight, let's fight..."
"It's just a phone call. Does it really need that much thought?"
Ronnel teased as he noticed Gon's troubled expression.
"If you don't want to call, I'll just keep the phone."
As Ronnel made a move to pocket the device, Gon suddenly spoke up.
"I'll call!"
The hesitation vanished from Gon's face, replaced by a look of determination.
After all, it was just a phone call. If he couldn't muster the courage now, how could he face his father, Ging, in the future?
Taking the phone from Ronnel, Gon pressed the dial button without further hesitation.
"Beep... beep... beep..."
The street seemed to fall eerily silent, the sound of the ringing phone echoing in the air.
Why does it feel so intense all of a sudden?
Killua, the Phantom Troupe leader Chrollo, and the others seemed to be holding their breath. Even Killua's thoughts started racing.
"Is everyone curious about Ging's reaction to Gon?"
Killua's sensitive mind jumped to conclusions as he eyed the group.
Machi stood quietly nearby, her sharp gaze fixed on Killua and Gon, ready to act if either tried to flee.
Chrollo, as Killua had guessed, was just as curious. This phone call was a rare opportunity to gauge Ging Freecss' personality.
As for Ronnel? He was simply enjoying the show.
Ging had likely set up the phone to pick up automatically. Now, Ronnel thought, Ging was in for an unexpected surprise.
"Beep... beep... click."
After a few more rings, the call connected.
"Ronnel, are you done already? It's only been a few hours! Hahaha~"
Ging's signature laugh came through the phone, his rough, carefree tone unmistakable.
The sound made Gon's hand tremble slightly.
"That's... that's definitely Ging's voice! It matches what I heard before!"
Over a month ago, back on Whale Island, Gon had found a tape left by Ging. The message within had left a deep impression on him, even though the tape was erased shortly after.
Hearing that same voice now brought a rush of emotions to Gon. He was sure—it was his father.
"Why aren't you saying anything, Ronnel?"
On the other end of the line, in a dense jungle, Ging leaned against the head of a massive dinosaur, casually picking at his foot as he spoke.
But something felt off.
The lack of a response made Ging pause.
His sharp instincts kicked in, and his demeanor shifted. His hand dropped from his foot, his gaze sharpening like a predator sensing a trap.
Just as Ging was about to speak again, a single word from the other end disrupted his thought process entirely.
"...Ging."
The voice, immature and slightly shaky from puberty, carried a depth of emotion that struck Ging like a bolt of lightning.
The blood connection was unmistakable.
"Why... Gon?!"
Ging's voice cracked as his expression twisted in disbelief. His usually unreadable face now looked as if he'd swallowed something bitter.
He wasn't ready for this—not now.
By Ging's calculation, Gon should have just passed the Hunter Exam and begun learning Nen. He should be preparing for Greed Island, not calling him.
Greed Island...
Realization dawned on Ging.
"The game is part of the auction in Yorknew City. And Ronnel's there too... so that's how."
Scratching his messy hair with the same hand he'd used on his foot, Ging sighed. But before he could piece together a proper response, Gon spoke again.
"Ging, are you still there?"
"Uh... ah..." Ging's usually sharp wit faltered. His response was clumsy, even for him.
"You... where are you now?"
On the streets of Yorknew City, Gon's heart pounded. He wanted to share everything—his adventures, his friends Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio—but he hesitated.
His eyes darted to Chrollo, whose piercing gaze felt like it could see right through him. Gon swallowed hard, realizing this wasn't the time.
"It doesn't seem very convenient for you right now, does it?"
Ging's question cut through the silence, instantly shifting the atmosphere.
Chrollo's eyes narrowed briefly, and Machi tugged the threads binding Killua's hands a bit tighter, making him tense.
Ronnel, knowing Ging all too well, smirked.
He wasn't asking out of concern. Ging simply didn't want to deal with the situation.
"Uh, yeah, it's not the best time, but—"
Before Gon could finish, Ging interrupted, his voice decisive.
"Well, if it's inconvenient, we'll talk later. I've got something to do anyway. Bye!"
Click.
The line went dead. Gon stared at the phone, stunned.
Ging Freecss—the father he'd searched for—was as unpredictable as ever.
------------
+250 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub