The Meeting

"Alright, since you called for this meeting, Mizuki, please go ahead and tell us what you wished to discuss with us."

Ankoku says, looking at me.

"Yes, father. I have some...regrettable news to share. But I also have something amazing to share, as well."

I say, thinking about my immortality powers. If I told them about it, they might be more understanding, realizing that I want a free life.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Hanako look up at me, and winked.

I smiled. She definitely knows what the "regrettable" news is.

"Continue."

Ankoku says, staring at me unblinkingly.

I can't help but swallow as I took in the gazes of all the people who trained me and are strong nen users.

"Well... okay, so I've decided that Maha should be the heir. To the Zoldyck assassination business and stuff."

As soon as I say this, Maha stands up immediately, opening his mouth to protest.

I know Maha had wanted, just a little bit, to become the next head. But because everyone (thought) I would become it, Maha accepted it and excitedly looked forward to being by my side.

I could tell Maha wasn't happy. He probably thought he had played a part, even just a small one, in influencing my decision.

Mother and father, as well as most of the Zoldycks, looked at me in confusion and slight disappointment.

"Hear me out... I don't just not want to do it and shovel the responsibility onto Maha. I want to live a free life, which just isn't possible if I become the next Zoldyck head. Plus, I'm never having children, so you'd basically be ending the Zoldyck family line unless Maha's child became the next heir."

I hear Hanako snort, and my grandmother looks sharply at her.

I can tell she thinks I've been influenced by her, so I decide to make it clear I've been thinking about this for a while.

"Also, I have an ability which would make being the Zoldyck head boring. I developed it when I was at Heavens Arena, and I've been thinking about Maha becoming the next head instead ever since then."

That was partially true.

The family looks up in curiosity after I mention having an ability since Heavens Arena that I hadn't shared. Even Maha looks at me in anticipation.

"I basically have immortality. It's kind of more complicated, but I can basically stop aging and heal any mortal wounds. I can even come back to life if I'm taken by surprise. So I'm sure you can understand why I don't want to be stuck dealing with family affairs for the rest of my long life."

The Zoldycks stay silent, clearly thinking and processing this information.

Hanako also stays silent, although she was looking at me. Her eyes reflected amusement and betrayal, making me unsure which one she actually felt.

Hanako snickered at the confusion on my face, making me annoyed.

She's probably faking the betrayal. She's got enough at faking her facial emotions that I wouldn't even be surprised.

I think this bitterly, but I feel amused as well for being tricked.

Maybe I'm becoming too much like Hanako...

"You... what?"

Ahma asks, dumbfounded. She blinks, looking at me uncertainly.

"I didn't tell you guys because before because I didn't want you to think of me as a waste of time and decide not to train me. The Zoldycks are some of the strongest nen users in the world, and who wouldn't want to be trained by the best?

All of you have helped me improve so much, but I just can't take responsibility for the Zoldyck legacy."

Ahma sighs, Ankoku frowns, Zane stays silent, contemplating, and Hanako covers her face with her hand and turns away, her body vibrating as she hid her laughs.

Trying to lighten the mood and get rid of the tension, I say,

"It's not like I'll break all ties with the Zoldyck family. When I have time, I'll teleport back here. And I'll help train the next Zoldyck kids, and make sure the future Zoldyck heads don't ruin our reputation. I asked for this meeting because I wanted to leave on good terms with the family - but if it comes to it, I won't let any of you stop me."

Instead of lightening, the mood darkened. I kept a stoic and unreadable expression on my face, which was easy to do thanks to Hanako's training, and no one noticed my nervousness and uneasiness.

I recalled how difficult it was for Killua to escape his family, and strengthened my resolve.

I would not become the Zoldyck head - it limited too much of my freedom, and restricted much of what I could do.

I would also try my best to leave for my pre-storyline adventures on peaceful and good terms with my family and elders. I would visit, stay for some of Zeno and Silva's childhood... and stay at the mansion after Illumi is born.

But I needed to receive consent first....

In the worst-case scenario, I could escape, but that was plan Z, the last thing I wanted to do.

I stayed silent, waiting for someone to give their thought on the matter.

Chie was the first to break the silence.

"It's certainly disappointing, but we can't force you. Right, Zane?"

Chie looks at her husband pointedly. They had a relationship where they both cared about each other, which was uncommon in the assassin business.

I knew Zane wouldn't want to make Chie mad at him, and he (albeit a bit reluctantly) agreed.

I saw Zane look at Ankoku, and I could tell he received permission to make decisions on his own during this meeting.

Ankoku had become the head of the Zoldycks after I had become so advanced I didn't need so much of his time, so he was technically in charge.

Zane was "granted permission" to make any decisions, though, so Ankoku wouldn't be the only one making decisions.

"That's true... I suppose Maha would still be a suitable heir...we'd prefer you, but he's perfectly capable, and in fact very talented.

He would definitely take on and fulfill the duties of the Zoldyck head well, and given how you would definitely be bored with being the head of the Zoldycks- we all know your adventurous nature - we can't force you into doing this....

It's rare to see such talent in an individual such as yourself, Mizuki.

You would be a perfect Zoldyck head, but seeing as you've already made up your mind, Maha would indeed make an exceptional head.

His talent is incredible, one seen very rarely, but compared to you, it's hard to see him that way.

Then, Maha, you will become the next head. It will be your responsibility to take care of the legacy. Make me proud."

Zane looks at Maha, sincerity in his eyes, and not the kind that could easily be faked - at least not by Zane.

Maha smiled softly, replying, "Thank you, great-grandfather Zane. It is an honor and I will make you proud. I will make the Zoldyck name well-known and respected as well as feared. Thank you for the opportunity."

I smiled. Maha had the capabilities of becoming an amazing head of the family, and I knew his descendants wouldn't be anything to laugh at, either. 

Despite this, however, I still saw Maha as my cute little brother from over a decade ago.

I was looking forward to the future.

Zane cleared his throat.

"That's great, and I'm glad you're being so accepting of this.

"Now, Mizuki. You are free from the responsibility of leading the family and continuing the legacy.

"However, we can't just let you run wild. Stay, train Maha, and finish all the assassination jobs we had for you. You still have 8 jobs, and we can't cancel them.

"While you can fulfill the jobs while being elsewhere, thanks to your teleportation, I'd rather you stay here for another year, spar a bit with Maha, point out how he can get better... train him a bit before you leave.

"That's the least he deserves.

"And before I forget, I must tell you that I am well aware you will be gone for long periods of time when you leave.

"Therefore, do make sure to stop by every 5 years, at least.

"Preferably every year, but I understand sometimes it would be impossible or very demanding.

"That is easy enough, yes?"

I smile, a sincere one (although no one would be able to tell the difference), and reply.

"Of course, that would be possible. I can't guarantee I would stay long, but I would at least check in and let everyone know I'm here.

I also have to tell you something else.

It's about me being a Floor Master.

I'm sure everyone present knows when I was 20, I left to Heavens Arena for a few days instead of just a match with another Floor Master.

I didn't fully explain why, so I'll do so now.

I asked someone with power and authority if it would be alright to simply come to Heavens Arena, check in a bit, fight a challenger or fellow Floor Master, and leave every 10 years at least.

He agreed, and so I went there when I was 20, so that I would have to come on a year with a 0 at the end - it would be easier to remember.

So if you want to see me fight, come to Heavens Arena when you hear something along the lines of 'Mizuki fighting'. They'll probably exaggerate it, but it could be a chance to show the next generation how a girl; their aunt, great-aunt, great-great aunt - you get the idea - can fight. Plus, you might be able to talk with me."

I said the last part as a joke, but then realize it was partially correct.

No one seemed offended, but Zane seemed slightly amused at how I had acted slightly immature.

I'm sure he knew it was on purpose, but he was enjoying it anyway.

"Alright, I appreciate that you mentioned that. We'll all keep it in mind. If you have nothing else to share, we can hear other opinions now."

Zane finishes talking and signals that everyone can speak their minds now.

Hanako starts talking about how I was taking after her, and how she was so proud of me; she also whispered in my ear that I did a good job.

Chie spoke up before anyone else could start talking, and looked me straight in the eye.

"Mizuki, I know this might be an annoying request now, but later it will be important. Please find the Book of Wisdom that stores knowledge of others in it. I'll tell you the coordinates and everything I know about it later, and you can store my knowledge in it when you get it."

Gratefully, I accept the request.

"It would be my pleasure. Thank you for granting me permission to store your knowledge, great-grandmother Chie. It is an honor."

I spoke formally, since it was an official meeting, but eventually, as the meeting progressed, I spoke like most of the people present: informally and causally, trying to talk as quickly as possible.

***

Over 5 hours had passed since the meeting had begun. It was certainly more detailed than merely a few decisions, but we had decided the important things I needed to have confirmation on.

I would no longer be the Zoldyck head in the future; Maha was the heir.

I had permission to leave and travel freely, and since no one asked if my immortality could apply to other people such as them, I assumed they didn't care and wanted a normal death (or as normal as a top assassin's dear could be).

I also had to stay for a minimum of a year to finish my assassination jobs, and to train Maha.

(I would use this time to finally look for a library, since I hadn't had much free time before, with my busy training schedule)

As well as everything we formally discussed, we had also made some new important decisions.

It was also determined that I would stay and live in the mansion for a few years during the childhood of any future Zoldycks.

I could train them however I wanted to, and I didn't have to tell them my real age - which I had the power to decide anyway.

I didn't even have to actually train them; everyone decided that even if I didn't want to, I had to train them at least a little, even if it was just encouragement, sparring, or having someone by their side to motivate them.

It was also decided that since I was a Zoldyck, not only do I have unrestricted access to the mansion and mountain, but I also could sometimes take on jobs given to the Zoldycks and receive the full pay.

That was a great way to have funds if I ever run low, so I gladly accepted.

Towards the end of the meeting, I knew I had made the right choice to ask for permission to leave.

This generation of Zoldycks seemed more lenient than Killua's, and I was grateful for that.

***

"All of the decisions we recently agreed on, I approve and therefore will be put into action.

Ankoku said.

"Are there any objections?"

"..."

Hearing nothing, father continued.

"Then, this meeting is adjourned."

Everyone stood up, bowed their heads slightly, then left.

I left with Maha, and decided to say something, just in case he still felt guilty.

"Maha, I didn't want to become the head of the Zoldycks, and decided you would still be a perfect head and would be perfectly capable of continuing the proud legacy.

Don't feel guilty, because I felt guilty burdening you. It would be a waste if we both felt guilty, so let's just get rid of our guilt through a hug, okay?"

Maha stopped, swiveling around to face me, his face shocked.

We hadn't hugged since Maha was 5, so naturally it would come as a shock when he was so grown up.

I took this opportunity to embrace him, and shared my warmth with him.

"I'm sorry for leaving you so soon. But I'll always be around. And just so you know, I can make you younger, too, if you ever feel like it. Only when you're 50, though."

I winked, pulling away from him.

Maha chuckled, and smiled.

"I know. For the first part. And I'll think about it for the second part. Don't count on getting an answer until the next generation comes!"

I smiled back. These pure sibling conversations wouldn't last forever, but I would enjoy them while I could.

"That's fine with me."

Author's Note:

This was basically getting permission to leave the Zoldyck estate.

Also, I don't think I mentioned this before so I'll mention it now, even though it's kind of off-topic.

Some of Mizuki's training I didn't include, so in the future, don't think it was a mistake or anything if I include training I didn't mention before, okay?

Thank you!