Ron and Netero were both on Hisoka's list of future targets. The only difference was that Ron was already a current target, while Netero—far beyond Hisoka's reach—was set for a more distant day than even Gon. Hisoka had no clue how long it would take him to reach the point where he could truly challenge Netero, rather than be instantly crushed.
Boom!
They stepped into a large, circular training area. Once they were inside, the door slid shut.
Netero stood facing Ron on the far side.
"All right, Ron, let's see what you've got."
Ron nodded.
Several figures appeared around him: Natsu, Uchiha Sasuke, Lampent, and Hanma Baki. He did not summon Killer Queen or Akame, nor did he call out Chii.
For a Nen user, hiding trump cards was crucial. Right now, Ron had two key abilities worth concealing: Killer Queen's power and Akame's ability.
Admittedly, some had seen Killer Queen in Taris Kingdom or Fiore Kingdom, so it wasn't completely secret, but there was no need to show it here. Killer Queen was geared more for killing than sparring, and the same went for Akame.
Netero carefully observed the four Nen Beasts. First he looked at Hanma Baki.
"A Nen Beast that's an Enhancement-type martial artist. It has a very strong fighter's aura—probably inspired by Heaven's Arena, judging by the techniques. There's a resemblance to some of the fighters there."
Next, Netero examined Uchiha Sasuke.
"The aura feels unfamiliar, somewhat akin to that of the ninja candidate, Hanzo, yet also quite different. Hard to pin down until he attacks."
Then he glanced at Lampent.
"This one seems like support or auxiliary."
Finally, his gaze settled on Natsu—the strongest aura of the four.
"There's a slight similarity to the Nen users of Fiore Kingdom."
Netero looked at Ron. "Go ahead."
"Understood," Ron replied.
With Ron's command, Natsu charged straight at Netero.
"Fire Dragon's Iron Fist!"
Flames wreathed Natsu's fist, boosting its power.
"So that's Transmutation?"
Netero slid aside to dodge, but Natsu pressed the attack. Simultaneously, Uchiha Sasuke closed in. Lightning crackled around Sasuke, enhancing his speed and reaction time.
"Chidori!"
A harsh, bird-like screech rang out, as though countless birds were crying together—enough to make an ordinary person's ears ring.
"Such an attack…"
Netero locked onto Sasuke, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.
"So this Nen Beast can wield such a powerful strike? Then it must have a matching weakness—defense, perhaps?"
In an instant, dozens of thoughts ran through Netero's mind. He wanted to test it, but Natsu came at him again. Netero threw a counter, but Natsu's defense and recovery were both formidable. With Netero purposely restraining himself, it wasn't enough to deliver a finishing blow.
"So that's how it is," he murmured.
"This fiery Beast is the overall strongest—top-notch offense and defense. Almost like a Transmutation-type flame Nen user combined with an Enhancement-type brawler. It is very suitable whether fighting solo or in a team. If it's got a partner to tie up the enemy, it's even harder to strike its weakness. Then its attacks can be unleashed at full force."
Suddenly, Netero noticed Sasuke's eyes.
"That's… not Scarlet Eyes, but something else. They're red, but with comma-like marks. Seems Ron drew a bit of inspiration from Kurta's Scarlet Eyes, though the pattern is different. A powerful binding vow, perhaps."
At that moment—
"Smog!"
A cloud of thick mist spread through the training room, shrouding everything and blocking perception.
"A large-scale field alteration, suppressing the opponent's senses. Similar to Morel's approach. So it really is an auxiliary-type Beast."
All the while, Natsu kept attacking. Sasuke lurked in the shadows, launching strikes when the opportunity arose. The two of them coordinated impeccably.
"These three Beasts are outstanding. At only sixteen years old, Ron already wields such power—no wonder Zeno brags about him. Even in the Hunter Association, it's rare to see someone with so much raw talent… except Ging.
Ging Freecss is the most gifted person I've ever encountered. If I had to pick someone who might surpass my prime, Ging would be the most likely candidate.
"I wonder if Ron can match Ging's level someday. Ging's talent was visible to the naked eye. Barely in his twenties, already an S-level Nen user forging his own path—something many can't achieve in decades or in their entire life. And since then, he's only grown."
Netero also recalled,
"Gon and Killua are talented, too, but they're still young. Each has a towering figure ahead of them: Gon is overshadowed by Ging, and Killua by Ron. Surpassing those two won't be easy…"
A faint smile crossed Netero's face at the thought.
"Fire Dragon's Horn!"
Wreathed entirely in flames, Natsu charged Netero from the front. At the same time, Sasuke circled behind.
"Chidori!"
Lightning flared. Another figure appeared on the other side—Hanma Baki.
"Cockroach Dash!"
Snapped out of his reverie, Netero felt a sudden disharmony. Compared to Natsu and Sasuke, Hanma Baki seemed out of phase, unable to keep pace. It wasn't that he didn't want to coordinate—Ron's will was everything to his autonomous Nen Beasts—but rather that Hanma Baki simply wasn't strong enough.
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