Chapter 3

After finalizing the last formalities of the agreement between him and Milluki, Hiro spent a few hours demolishing him in their favorite fighting game.

"I'm sure it's the controller that has a problem. I suggest we have a rematch on your next visit," said Milluki begrudgingly.

"Really a sore loser," Hiro thought.

"If you want, but anyway I could beat you at video games with one hand while picking my nose with the other," Hiro teased as he left the room.

Hiro did nothing other than his usual routine that evening before going to sleep.

It consisted of reading some medical and poison books, ending with meditating, not to awaken his Nen since he found it dangerous to play with his life energy.

Hiro was just meditating to keep his mind as clear and calm as possible.

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The next morning, Hiro went to meet his grandfather Zeno to receive his usual training.

Normally he would train with Killua, but for a while now it had just been him and Zeno on the training ground and in the torture chamber.

"I'm sure they've started Killua's special training to succeed Silva. If that's really the case, it's good news for me," he thought.

While Hiro was reflecting on his future and that of his brother, he hadn't noticed that he had already arrived at his destination.

"Hello Hiro, I see you're still in your own little world," said Zeno in the middle of the training ground.

At first Hiro was a bit surprised, but when you live for a long time in a family where everyone moves without making any noise, you develop an immunity to surprise and unexpected situations.

"Hello Grandfather," said Hiro with his usual fake smile.

"I've told you several times already that you don't have to wear that mask in front of me," Zeno sighed in the end.

"Well, that's not the most important subject right now. Today, you and Killua are going to leave the family residence for the first time," Zeno said calmly.

"Of course, in order to gain real experience, your father and I have decided to send you to a perfect place for you," he explained.

Hiro said nothing because he knew that around the age of 6, Killua had been sent to Heaven's Arena. And since he happened to currently be Killua's twin brother, there was a high chance he could end up there for the next 2 years as well.

"I chose to be reborn as a Zoldyck to maximize my talent and gain experience in various combat arts. So I can't complain about spending 2 years training in a tower," Hiro thought.

The reason Hiro had decided to start in the HxH universe was a bit complex yet simple at the same time. But there were a few reasons to explain this decision.

The first reason was Nen itself. It was such a versatile power that it would be stupid to hesitate to learn it.

The second reason was that his little sister who was currently locked up was literally a wish granting machine. So Hiro thought he could improve his ability to contract with devils, or even do more thanks to Nanika.

Finally, Hiro thought he could achieve his goal which was simply to be at the top of the food chain in fiction, not just his current universe.

Even if it was a long or eternal goal for now, he would focus on HxH. The other realities could wait.

That's why Hiro hadn't chosen a universe like Dragon Ball, since his survival there would depend on the mood of an individual who could erase him whenever they wanted.

And there were also worlds like the Nasuverse, where there were beings who could toy with his fate or worse.

"Hey Hiro, how's it going? I didn't see you all day yesterday," said Killua, running up to them.

It seemed he was late or maybe Hiro was just too punctual.

"Hello Grandfather," he quickly greeted.

"So why hasn't Grandfather started training with you alone yet? Why wait for me?" Killua asked doubtfully.

It seemed no one had informed him of the current situation yet.

"As I was telling Hiro a few minutes ago, you're leaving here this afternoon for a place outside the Zoldyck residence. There, you'll be able to practice all the combat techniques I taught you in a real situation," explained Zeno.

When Killua heard the news, he was literally jumping for joy. This reminded Hiro again that even though Killua had grown up in a family of assassins, he was still just a kid for now.

"You hear that Hiro? We're finally going to get out of the house!" said Killua with a wide smile.

"Yes yes, I'm not deaf and Grandfather already told me. I can't wait either," said Hiro with an authentic smile spread across his face since Killua's arrival.

"Now that Killua is aware too, you can go settle all the small details in your belongings before coming back here for your departure," said Zeno.

"Grandfather, may I ask you a favor?" said Hiro with some hesitation.

"It's rare for you to ask for something, Hiro. What is it?" said Zeno, looking at Hiro intrigued, even if his face betrayed nothing.

"I would like the two apprentice butlers that I specifically want to be able to come with me. That way, I won't be bothered by trivial things like having my stuff cleaned or other problems," explained Hiro.

"That can be easily settled, but I don't understand why you would ask me for the help of two particular apprentices," replied Zeno.

"Precisely, it's a service since I would like the specific help of those two outside of the residence," Hiro insisted.

Hiro had preferred to ask this favor from Zeno, because he knew his mother would surely refuse. And he preferred to avoid asking anything from Silva, since he was a more cunning man than he appeared.

After exchanging looks for a few minutes, Zeno had no choice but to concede.

"Alright, you can take two apprentice butlers of your choice. But don't forget they are the property of the Zoldycks and not objects for you to break at your whim," he finished with a slight warning.

"And be back here before noon for our departure," said Zeno as he walked away from Hiro and Killua.

"So tell me Hiro, why did you disappear yesterday?" Killua asked.

"And don't tell me it was to relax or some other stupid excuse, that won't work," he warned.

Hiro could only sigh at Killua, because he knew better than anyone in their family how stubborn Killua could be once he got an idea in his head.

"I was checking out a couple things that I'll explain to you later during our outing," said Hiro.

Even though Hiro had said that, he would never talk about his ability to contract with devils to anyone if possible.

Especially since in the HxH world, there were artifacts related to the Devil himself according to rumors, which could cause him trouble.

"Alright, I'll trust you for now," said Killua.

"Unfortunately, I have to leave you, I need to pack my stuff for the departure," Killua quickly explained before leaving.

Before Hiro could ask him questions about Silva, Killua was already long gone.

"He's really bursting with energy," Hiro mentally sighed.

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After parting from Killua, Hiro returned to his quarters to gather the objects and clothes he deemed important for his trip.

"Excuse me, can you inform Gotoh that I will need Canary and Amane on the training ground?" Hiro explained to a servant.

"Of course, young master Hiro," she said with a bow before retiring towards Gotoh's current location.

"With Amane and Canary on my side in the future, I'm sure I'll have a small personal team. But I would need to completely change their loyalty, no longer towards the Zoldyck family but towards me," thought Hiro.

Hiro couldn't help but feel impatient for the coming years.

Author's Note:

Here is your novice author. I hope you are doing well.

The story is evolving nicely and I'm starting to better understand the direction I want Hiro Zoldyck's adventure to take.

I would also like to ask you to send me your support through comments and especially give me your opinion on my writing style and other negatives or positives to point out.