Hunter x Hunter: Guiding Shadows

Orin looked around at the chaos surrounding Heaven's Arena. The usual hustle and bustle seemed different today—thicker, heavier, like the air was weighed down with something dark. He felt an ominous energy in the atmosphere.

Beside him stood his father. The usual thrill that lit his father's eyes was missing, replaced by a hollow, restless look. He held Orin's shoulder tightly as they made their way through narrow alleys, finally stopping in front of a dimly lit door. A peeling symbol was scratched into the wood, barely visible under the flickering light.

Orin felt his father's grip tighten as he knocked on the door.

A man in a dark suit appeared in the doorway. He barely glanced at Orin, his gaze moving over him with disinterest. A quick exchange of words with Orin's father made the man's lips curl into a small, satisfied smile.

"Is this him?" the man asked, though he clearly already knew the answer. This time, his eyes lingered, observing Orin more closely.

"Yeah," Orin's father replied, his tone hollow. "He's tough. Just needs a little discipline." His words felt like an attempt to raise Orin's worth, as if he were some commodity to be bartered, not his son.

Orin glanced up, searching his father's face for any reassurance, any hint of second thoughts. But what he saw instead was a cold, indifferent expression. His father had already made his decision and was ready to walk away.

"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Ashford," the man in the suit said smoothly. "Your debt is cleared. The Clemence family always honors its bargains, and you're welcome back anytime." He turned his gaze to Orin, a sly smile on his face. "We'll take good care of him. Teach him a thing or two—and yes, a little discipline, too. After all, it's an important virtue, isn't it?" His words held a mocking edge.

Orin's father gave a dismissive snort, taking one last look at his son before turning away. As he walked off, his figure fading into the crowd, Orin felt a surge of anger and confusion. Why did he have to pay for his father's gambling debt? And why now, of all times, when he'd just recovered memories of his previous life? The sudden realization that he was in the *Hunter x Hunter* world still felt surreal. But first, he thought bitterly, he'd find a way to hit back at that deadbeat father of his.

"Now, now, don't look so angry, boy!" The man's voice snapped Orin out of his thoughts, his tone teasing. "You're much better off with the family… as long as you prove your worth." The last words were sharper, the playful tone slipping.

"What are you waiting for?" the man barked. "Get in here." He gestured to the darkened hall behind him.

Orin took one last look over his shoulder. Swallowing his anger and fear, he lifted his head high and stepped forward, determined to remember every detail of this place and every face. No matter how long it took, he would walk free of this cage. He swore it.