Chapter 72 : Hisoka's Call!!!

On the morning of March 9th,

Germain sat beside the lake, its surface gleaming like jade. He leaned over, studying his reflection in the shimmering water, carefully shaving his beard with a razor.

Training had concluded, and it was time to bid farewell to his untidy appearance. To an outsider, it seemed like he was bidding farewell to his old self by the lake.

His striking beard fell away under the blade, revealing a once youthful face now smooth and delicate like peeled egg whites.

Setting aside the razor, he rose from the lakeside and entered the wooden house slowly, akin to a flag unfurling in the spring breeze. Moments later, he emerged.

He didn't carry much with him, just a shrunken backpack resembling a dried oyster.

Yet, he had made many friends.

The "cats" of the mountains, sensing Germain's departure and likely permanent absence, emerged from bushes, behind trees, and along the trail's edges.

They nuzzled against Germain's thighs affectionately, marking him with their scent as he stroked their fur one by one.

"Take care of yourselves," he said firmly.

Adjusting his backpack, Germain departed along the trail, under the watchful eyes and quiet snorts of the cats, large and small.

Reaching the road, he found the bus stop leading back to where he came from. Boarding a bus, he headed for Martin Town nearby.

During breakfast, Germain received a text on his phone.

"Mr. Germain, I've arrived in Martin Town. Where can I find you?"

Germain replied with his location. Shortly after, Abengane, the dark-skinned Mind Remover, appeared before him.

"Long time no see, Mr. Germain," Abengane greeted.

"Long time indeed."

Abengane observed Germain, unchanged in his simple black hunter's attire with sharp eyes, yet sensing a new undercurrent of danger.

When danger loomed, his dagger would emerge stealthily from beneath his thin cloak, gleaming with menace.

Abengane felt a mix of gratitude and regret.

He was thankful that he hadn't fled and avoided the worst of Germain's anger. But he regretted ever reaching out to Germain in the first place, knowing now how terrifying things had become.

"Let's find a suitable spot," Germain remembered Abengane's need for peace. "You like being surrounded by trees, birds singing, and flowers blooming, right?"

"Yes," Abengane nodded uncomfortably. "May the forest spirits bless us both."

"Then let's head over to that grove."

Germain picked a secluded spot and led Abengane there.

After mentally preparing himself, Abengane followed into the grove.

They found a clearing with no one around, just the dancing shadows of trees.

Germain had a good eye; Abengane had to admit that this spot was perfect for what he needed.

Abengane began setting up the exorcism ritual, lighting a small bonfire. Green smoke began to curl upwards.

He took out the exorcism doll and glanced at Germain. "I'm ready here. Are you prepared?"

"I'm ready whenever you are." Germain edged closer.

With resolve, Abengane started chanting the spell. He focused on the swirling smoke in the bonfire until he spotted a group of dark shadows.

They were coming... one, two, three, four... five.

Abengane silently counted once, then again in confusion.

Four minus one equals five? In just a short while, two more apparitions had materialized.

Abengane's premonition was correct. As long as he continued dispelling Germain's Curse, more and more Nen beasts would appear in the campfire.

Damn... They exuded an ominous aura, as if they were about to entwine with him at any moment.

Abengane didn't want to be ensnared by these Nen beasts. It would be a nightmare to coexist with them for any length of time.

"Help me eliminate that one," Germain said, trusting his instincts as he pointed at one of the "scarlet Nen beasts." "We'll discuss the others later."

Abengane reluctantly nodded, as if resigning himself to his fate. "Alright. I'll start removing the mind now."

Moments later, the "scarlet Nen beast" representing "fear of light" vanished. Abengane quickly drove the other Nen beasts away and extinguished the campfire.

Still in shock, he sighed with relief, but soon shivered as if catching a cold. He held himself tightly, looking pitiful.

"My job here is done, Mr. Germain," Abengane said.

Germain summoned the "Hunter Badge" and confirmed its effectiveness. "Thank you. I've transferred the payment to your account. I'll contact you again in a month. Goodbye."

Unfamiliar with Abengane, Germain didn't linger. He nodded and walked off, reminiscent of someone leaving abruptly.

Abengane hesitated to speak and watched Germain disappear from sight.

It's best to leave, it's best to leave.

Though he had mentioned Germain needed at least a month to recover from the Curse removal, a month was quite tight.

He felt compelled to make this decision.

Abengane needed more time to prepare mentally and physically. A month was too short.

Next time, he promised himself, he would stand up to Germain and fight for his rights.

Walking along the roadside, Germain's phone rang with Hisoka's name on the screen.

"Germain?" Hisoka's distinct voice greeted him. "You're not easy to reach."

"What did you mean by 'common interests'?" Germain asked cautiously.

"Common interests mean just that," Hisoka chuckled. "You're quite bold. Are you really aiming to lead the Phantom Troupe?"

Germain remained silent. It suited him not to give away too much.

"But we're not so different," Hisoka grinned. "I've been wanting a one-on-one with Chrollo, but it's been impossible."

"For instance, during the recent heist in the underground vault, he was always surrounded by at least two guards. After the job, he vanished completely."

"Germain, you see, I've been itching for a showdown with Chrollo, but I can't get close. If we work together, things could change."

Hisoka outlined his plan.

"I'll say I've found you, convinced you to reconsider, and asked to meet Chrollo. If Chrollo agrees, he'll show up."

"However, he'll probably bring at least two or more of his crew. That's where you come in. If you can distract them, I can catch Chrollo."

"That way, I get what I want, and you get what you want. It's a win-win for both of us."

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