Chapter 33: Return to Zoldyck Mansion

Kai finishes creating his third hatsu, that allows him to form of a dragon's scale that can cover his body or any part of it. The scale grants him various abilities depending on its color and pattern. He decides to take a break from his journeys and rest in the Zoldyck Mansion, where he lives with his family. He also wants to show them his new companion, Zal Dragon, a metal and wire dragon nen beast that he befriended in the Lost City of Zal.

Kai felt a surge of excitement as he entered the airport, his backpack slung over his shoulder. He could sense Zal Dragon's presence inside, a warm and comforting feeling that only grew stronger when they communicated telepathically. He had been waiting for this day for a long time, the day he would return to his home, the Zoldyck Mansion, in the Republic of Padokea. He had left it behind to pursue his dream of becoming a hunter, but he never forgot his family and his roots.

He walked up to the ticket counter and handed over his passport and credit card. He had earned enough money from his adventures in the Lost City of Zal to afford a first-class seat. He smiled as he received his boarding pass and thanked the clerk politely. He made his way to the security checkpoint, where he passed through without any trouble. He had hidden Zal Dragon's aura with his nen, making him appear as an ordinary stuffed toy.

He arrived at the gate and waited for his flight to be called. He took out his tablet and opened the file he had copied from the Lost City of Zal. It was a book about nen, the mysterious energy that allowed hunters to perform incredible feats. It was written by an ancient master who had explored the secrets of nen in depth. Kai had skimmed through it before, but he wanted to read it more carefully and learn from it.

He also opened a mental link with Zal Dragon, who was resting inside his backpack. They had become close friends during their time in the Lost City of Zal, where Kai had rescued him from a trap. Zal Dragon was a metal and wire dragon nen beast that he befriended in the Lost City of Zal. He had agreed to accompany Kai on his journey, curious about the human world and grateful for Kai's kindness.

"Hey, buddy, are you ready for this?" Kai asked him telepathically.

"Of course I am," Zal Dragon replied. "I'm looking forward to seeing your home and meeting your family. They must be very proud of you."

"They are, but they're also very strict and protective. They might not like you at first, but don't worry, they'll warm up to you eventually."

"I'm not afraid of them. I'm a dragon, after all. I can handle anything."

Kai chuckled. "You're also very modest, aren't you?"

Zal Dragon snorted. "I'm just stating the facts. You humans are so easily impressed by things that are normal for me."

"Like flying? Speaking of which, our flight is about to start. Are you ready for some fun?"

"Fun? What do you mean?"

"You'll see."

Kai put away his tablet and zipped up his backpack. He boarded the plane and found his seat, which was spacious and comfortable. He placed his backpack on the floor next to him and buckled up. He looked out the window and saw the runway stretching out before him.

He felt Zal Dragon's curiosity and anticipation in his mind.

"Here we go," he said.

The plane started moving, slowly at first, then faster and faster until it lifted off the ground.

Kai heard Zal Dragon gasp in awe.

"Wow! This is amazing! We're flying!"

"Yes, we are," Kai said. "And this is just the beginning."

He smiled as he watched the clouds pass by.

Kai felt a surge of nostalgia as he saw the familiar landscape of the Republic of Padokea. He had spent his childhood here, training and playing with his siblings and cousins. He had left it behind to pursue his dream of becoming a hunter, but he never forgot his family and his roots.

He took a taxi from the airport and told the driver to take him to the Zoldyck Mansion. The driver looked at him with a mix of curiosity and fear. He knew that the Zoldyck Mansion was the home of the most famous and feared family of assassins in the world. He wondered what business Kai had with them.

He drove for an hour, passing through forests and mountains, until he reached the end of the road. He stopped the car and pointed to a series of large metal gates that blocked the way.

"This is as far as I can go," he said. "Those are the entrance to the Zoldyck Mansion. You'll have to walk from here."

Kai nodded and paid him. He grabbed his backpack and got out of the car. He thanked the driver and waved goodbye.

He walked towards the gates, feeling Zal Dragon's excitement in his mind.

"Is this it?" Zal Dragon asked. "Is this your home?"

"Yes, it is," Kai said. "But it's not easy to get in. These gates are a test for anyone who wants to enter. They're very heavy, and you have to open them by yourself."

"How heavy are they?"

"The first one weighs 2 tons, and each subsequent one doubles in weight. There are seven gates in total, and only a few people have ever opened them all."

"Wow! That's impressive! Can you do it?"

"Of course I can. I've done it before, when I was younger. It's not that hard, if you use your nen."

"Nen? What's that?"

"It's the energy that flows through all living things. It allows you to do amazing things, like fly, heal, create illusions, manipulate objects, and more. I'll explain it to you later."

"Okay. But how do you use it to open these gates?"

"You have to focus your nen into your arms and legs, and push with all your strength. It's like lifting weights, but with your mind."

"I see. Can I try it too?"

"Sure, why not? But be careful, don't hurt yourself."

"I won't. I'm a dragon, after all. I can handle anything."

Kai chuckled. "You're also very modest, aren't you?"

Zal Dragon snorted. "I'm just stating the facts. You humans are so easily impressed by things that are normal for me."

Kai shook his head and smiled.

He reached the first gate and placed his hands on it.

He felt its weight and resistance.

He pushed with his strength.

The gate moved slightly.

He pushed harder.

The gate opened with a loud creak.

He walked through it and faced the second gate.

He repeated the process.

The second gate opened with a louder creak.

He walked through it and faced the third gate.

He repeated the process again.

The third gate opened with an even louder creak.

He walked through it and faced the fourth gate.

He looked back and saw Zal Dragon following him.

He had opened the first three gates as well, using his own strength and power.

He looked impressed and proud.

"Wow! You're amazing!" Kai said.

"Thanks! You're not bad yourself!" Zal Dragon said.

They smiled at each other.

They continued their way, opening one gate after another, until they reached the seventh and final gate.

It was the heaviest and hardest of them all.

It weighed 128 tons, more than a fully loaded Boeing 747 airplane.

It took them both several minutes of pushing and grunting to open it.

They finally did it, with a deafening creak that echoed through the mountains.

They walked through it and saw the Zoldyck Mansion in front of them.

It was a huge and majestic building, surrounded by gardens and fountains.

It looked like a palace fit for royalty.

They had made it home.

The guard and the tourists who were watching the gates from a safe distance were stunned and amazed by Kai's feat. They had never seen anyone open all seven gates by themselves, let alone with such ease and speed. They wondered who he was and why he was so strong. Was he a hunter? An assassin? A friend or a foe of the Zoldycks?

They also noticed his backpack, which seemed to move and make noises. They heard a faint roar and a hiss coming from inside. They saw something scaly and spiky poking out of the zipper. They felt a strange aura emanating from it. They realized that he was carrying something alive and dangerous in his backpack. What was it? A monster? A weapon? A pet?

They were too afraid and curious to look away.

Leo, the giant lion-wolf-dog nen beast that guarded the mansion, glanced at who opened the gates. He recognized Kai as one of his friends and family members. He had not seen him for a long time, and he missed him dearly. He immediately became energetic and ran happily towards him. He jumped on him and licked his face, wagging his tail. Kai happily hugged Leo and played with him. He then let Zal Dragon out of his backpack to show Leo his new companion.

Zal Dragon was curious and cautious about Leo, who was much bigger and stronger than him. He had never seen such a creature before, and he did not know if he was friendly or hostile. He sensed that he was also a nen beast, created by a powerful nen user, but he did not know who or why. He stayed close to Kai, ready to defend himself if needed.

Leo sniffed Zal Dragon and growled softly, but then licked him gently and accepted him as a friend. He sensed that he was also a nen beast, created by a powerful nen user, but he did not know who or why. He did not care about that, though. He only cared that Kai liked him and trusted him. He wanted to make Kai happy.

Kai smiled and introduced them to each other. He told them that they were both nen beasts created by powerful nen users, and that they had a lot in common. He told Leo that Zal Dragon was his friend and partner, who had helped him in many adventures. He told Zal Dragon that Leo was his family's guardian and protector, who had always been loyal and kind to him. He hoped that they would get along well.

They did.

They soon became friends, playing and chasing each other around the mansion grounds.

Kai watched them with joy and pride.

He had brought two worlds together.

Kai then walked to the front door of the mansion, holding his backpack with Zal Dragon inside and Leo following him. He saw his mother and siblings waiting for him at the door. They were Kikyo Zoldyck, his mother and the wife of Silva Zoldyck, the head of the Zoldyck family and a famous assassin. She was a beautiful and elegant woman, with long black hair and piercing blue eyes. She wore a white dress and a red scarf, which contrasted with her pale skin.

She loved her children dearly and protected them fiercely. She also had a strict and cold personality, and expected her children to follow the family tradition of becoming assassins. She was holding a sniper rifle in her hand, which she used to shoot anyone who tried to enter the mansion without permission. She had a sharp and stern expression on her face, but Kai could see a hint of warmth and joy in her eyes. She was happy to see him again.

Kai: "I'm home!" smiles.

Kikyo: "Kai!" rushes towards him to hug him "Welcome home, Kai. We missed you so much. How was your trip? Did you find anything interesting?".

Kai: "Thanks, mom. I missed you too. My trip was amazing. I found a lot of interesting things." kisses her on the cheek.

Kikyo: "Really? Like what?" looks at his backpack, which is moving and making noises "What's that?".

Kai: "Oh, this? This is my new companion, Zal Dragon. He's a machine dragon nen beast. He's awesome."

Kikyo: "A machine dragon nen beast? What do you mean?"

Kai: "Here, let me show you." opens his backpack and lets Zal Dragon out.

Zal Dragon emerges from the backpack and looks around his surroundings.

Kikyo and siblings gasp in shock and awe looking at him.

A machine dragon nen beast made of metal and wires, he was a marvel of engineering and magic. He had a small and sleek but long and slender body, that could coil and uncoil with ease. He had four legs, that supported his weight and allowed him to run and jump. He had two wings, that made him fly and glide through the air.

He had a pair of glowing eyes, that stared at them with curiosity and intelligence. He had scales, that sparkled with different colors and reflected the light. He had claws, that were razor sharp and could cut through anything.

He had an intelligent and wise personality, that made him a loyal and helpful friend. He was a rare and powerful creature, a descendant of the legendary dragons that once ruled the world. He was Zal Dragon, Kai's partner and companion.

Zal Dragon sees Kikyo and siblings and nods politely Greetings. "I am Zal Dragon, Kai's partner and companion."

Kikyo stares at Zal Dragon with wide eyes. "He…he can talk?".

Kai: "Of course he can talk. He's very smart and wise. He knows a lot of things."

Zal Dragon smiles modestly "Thank you, Kai. You are too kind."

Kikyo recovers from her shock and smiles warmly "Well, hello, Zal Dragon. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Kikyo Zoldyck, Kai's mother."

Zal Dragon: "The pleasure is mine, Kikyo Zoldyck. You have a wonderful son."

Kikyo: "Thank you. And these are Kai's siblings." introduces them one by one

Zal Dragon greets them each with respect and interest. Kai's Siblings greet him back with curiosity and admiration

Alluka Zoldyck, his younger sister and the youngest child of the Zoldyck family, rushes towards Kai for a hug. She is a cute and cheerful girl, who loves Kai more than anyone else. She also has a mysterious and dangerous power, which allows her to grant any wish, but at a high cost.

She is usually kept isolated from the rest of the family, except for Kai and Killua, who treats her with kindness and care. She hugs Kai tightly and says "Kai! I'm so happy to see you! You're back! You're back!" She then looks at Zal Dragon and says "Wow! Who's this? He's so cool! Can I play with him?" She then reaches out to touch Zal Dragon, who is startled by her sudden approach

Kalluto Zoldyck, his older sister and the third youngest child of the Zoldyck family, stands next to Kai for a bow. She is a beautiful and graceful girl, who dresses in traditional clothes and carries a paper fan. She is also a skilled and ruthless assassin, who uses paper as her weapon and manipulates it with nen.

She has a calm and quiet personality, but she also has a hidden jealousy and resentment towards Kai, who she sees as her rival for their mother's attention. She bows to Kai politely and says "Welcome back, Kai. I hope you had a good trip. Did you learn anything new?" She then looks at Zal Dragon coldly and says "What's that? Is that your new toy? Does it have any value or use?" She then flicks her fan at Zal Dragon, who dodges it swiftly.

Illumi Zoldyck, his oldest brother and the second oldest child of the Zoldyck family, stands behind Kai for a stare. He is a tall and creepy man, who wears dark clothes and has long black hair. He is also a powerful and feared assassin, who specializes in needles that can control people's minds and bodies with nen.

He has a twisted and obsessive personality, and he considers his family as his possessions. He especially likes to control Kai and Killua's life and choices, which often causes conflict between them. He stares at Kai intensely and says "Hello, Kai. You're back. Did you have fun? Did you kill anyone?" He then looks at Zal Dragon menacingly and says "What's that? Is that your new friend? Does he obey you or do you obey him?" He then throws a needle at Zal Dragon, who blocks it with his scales.

Milluki Zoldyck, his older brother and the third oldest child of the Zoldyck family, sits on a couch near Kai for a glance. He is a fat and lazy man, who wears glasses and a shirt with a computer logo. He is also a hacker and an otaku, who spends most of his time in his room, playing video games and collecting anime figures.

He has a spoiled and childish personality, and he likes to bully Kai and Alluka, who he sees as weak and annoying. He glances at Kai lazily and says "Oh, Kai. You're back. Did you bring me anything? Did you find any rare items or gadgets?" He then looks at Zal Dragon greedily and says "What's that? Is that a robot? Does it have any cool features or functions?" He then tries to grab Zal Dragon, who bites his hand.

Silva Zoldyck, his father and the head of the Zoldyck family, walked down the stairs to Kai for a hug. He was a muscular and handsome man, who wore a suit and had silver hair. He was also a legendary and respected assassin, who led the family business and trained his children to become assassins.

He had a serious and strict personality, but he also had a soft spot for his family, especially Kai, who he saw as his successor. He hugged Kai warmly and said "Welcome back, Kai. I'm glad you're safe and sound. How was your journey? Did you find anything interesting?" He then looked at Zal Dragon curiously and said "What's that? Is that a nen beast? Where did you meet it? What can it do?" He then smiled at Zal Dragon kindly and said "Hello, little one. I'm Silva, Kai's father. It's nice to meet you."

Kai hugged him back and said "Thanks, dad. I missed you too. My journey was amazing. I found a lot of interesting things." He then pointed at Zal Dragon and said "This is Zal Dragon. He's a machine dragon nen beast. He's my partner and companion. I met him in the Lost City of Zal, where I went to explore and learn more about nen. He can do a lot of things. He can fly, breathe fire, create illusions, manipulate metal, and more. He's awesome."

Zal Dragon nodded and said "Greetings, Silva. I am Zal Dragon, Kai's partner and companion. It's an honor to meet you. You have a wonderful son."

Silva nodded back and said "Thank you, Zal Dragon. You are very impressive. I'm glad you are Kai's friend. You must have many stories to tell."

Zal Dragon smiled and said "Thank you, Silva. You are very kind. I do have many stories to tell, as does Kai. We have been through many adventures together."

Silva smiled and said "I'm sure you have. I would love to hear them someday."

Kai smiled and said "We would love to tell them someday."

Kai: "Is Killua home yet?"

Silva: "Not yet, but he should be back soon."

Kai: "Where did he go?"

Silva: "He went on a mission with Gon."

Kai: "Gon? I haven't seen him since the Chimera Ants extermination."

Silva: "Yes, that's him. They're good friends than you with gon, you know."

Kai: "I know. He's a nice guy."

Silva: "He is. He's also a talented hunter. He and Killua make a great team."

Kai: "What kind of mission are they on?"

Silva: "They're hunting down a dangerous criminal who has a bounty on his head."

Kai: "Sounds like a tough mission."

Silva: "It is. But I'm confident that Killua and Gon can handle it. They're both very skilled and brave."

Kai: "I'm sure they are. I hope they succeed."

Silva: "Me too."

Kai: "I can't wait to see Killua again. I miss him so much."

Silva: "I know you do. He misses you too."

Kai: "I want to show him Zal Dragon and tell him about my adventures."

Silva: "I'm sure he'll love to see Zal Dragon and hear your stories."

Kai: "Yeah. He'll be amazed by Zal Dragon. He's so cool and awesome."

Zal Dragon blushes "Thank you, Kai. You're too kind."

Kai: "No, thank you, Zal Dragon. You're the best friend ever."

Kai took out his contact card, a device that allowed him to communicate with other hunters and friends. He pressed a button and called Killua, who was his favorite person to talk to. He waited for a few rings, hoping that Killua was not too busy or in danger. He heard Killua's voice on the other end, sounding surprised and happy.

Killua: "Kai? Is that you?"

Kai: "Hey, Killua! It's me!"

Killua: "Kai! I'm so glad to hear from you! Where are you? How are you?"

Kai: "I'm home, Killua. I'm at the Zoldyck Mansion."

Killua: "You're home? Really?"

Kai: "Yeah, really. I just got here."

Killua: "Wow, that's awesome! I'm so happy for you!"

Kai: "Thanks, Killua. I'm happy too."

Killua: "How was your trip? Did you find anything interesting?"

Kai: "Oh, yeah. I found a lot of interesting things. You won't believe what I saw and did."

Killua: "Really? Like what?"

Kai: "Well, for starters, I have some gifts and souvenirs for you from my journeys."

Killua: "Gifts and souvenirs? For me?"

Kai: Yeah, for you. But you better hurry up and come home soon, because they won't last long.

Killua: "What do you mean?"

Kai: "I mean, our siblings are already eyeing them and trying to take them. And dad wants to examine some of them for research. So if you don't come home soon, there won't be anything left for you."

Killua: "What? No way! That's not fair!"

Kai: "Well, that's how it is."

Killua: "No, no, no. You can't do this to me. You have to save some for me. Please, Kai. Please."

Kai: "Bye, Killua."

Kai hung up the call and smiled mischievously. He hoped to tease Killua and make him curious about his gifts and souvenirs. He also hoped to make him come home sooner. He missed him so much and wanted to see him again. He wanted to show him Zal Dragon and tell him about his adventures. He wanted to have fun with him like they used to.

He looked at Zal Dragon and said "That was Killua. He's my twin brother and my best friend."

Zal Dragon nodded and said "I know. You've told me about him before. He sounds like a great person."

Kai smiled and said "He is. He's awesome. You'll love him."

Zal Dragon smiled back and said "I'm sure I will."