HxH : Pokemon Master

"Ahem."

Facing Gardevoir bewildered gaze, Akira coughed twice and stopped his movements, instead picking up the tea that Gardevoir had brought.

When not going out, it was quite nice to let the Pokemon out to play together like this.

After all, although they were essentially composed of Aura, they each possessed their own consciousness.

"Blissey~" Blissey, dressed in an outfit resembling a nurse's uniform, stood behind the sofa with a smile as she massaged Akira shoulders.

As the Happiness Pokemon, Blissey loved bringing happiness to others.

She thoroughly enjoyed performing massages like this that could relieve others' fatigue.

The nurse uniform suited her perfectly—in the Pokemon world, Blissey often worked at Pokemon Centers. Her job involved healing and saving lives, providing care for Pokemon.

While enjoying Blissey massage, Akira also had Gardevoir serving tea beside him.

In the room, some Pokemon were eating, others playing in water... This gave Akira a unique sense of fulfillment.

Unconsciously, he had already acquired so many Pokemon.

This was what a true Pokemon Master should look like!

In the future, he would have even more Pokemon to satisfy his collecting desires. Unlike Pokemon games, there were no restrictions on carrying only six here—all his Pokemon were with him.

One man, an entire army!

***

Several days after Akira arrived at Heavens Arena, the arena finally welcomed its biennial Martial Arts Tournament, the most bustling time of all.

There were still a few hours before the scheduled start time—it was currently afternoon, with the opening ceremony set for evening. From morning till night, Heavens Arena entrance was packed with an endless sea of people.

Such long queues were unprecedented since the arena establishment.

All of this was because of Akira!

To handle the seemingly endless stream of people, Heavens Arena specially doubled its ticket-checking staff.

No other events were scheduled at Heavens Arena today—only the biennial Martial Arts Tournament.

Anticipating the massive crowd, the organizers had renovated the venue in advance, expanding it significantly to accommodate more live spectators. Large screens were also installed to provide better views of the action in the arena.

Heavens Arena signature betting system naturally wasn't neglected either, having opened early for wagers.

Interestingly, despite the betting options, it was almost as if there were none.

Because the vast majority of people bet on Akira to win—hardly anyone wagered on other Floor Masters claiming the championship.

Even though Heavens Arena set Akira odds extremely low, to the point where betting a large sum on him would yield minimal returns, people still chose to bet on Akira rather than other Floor Masters.

After all, this was a tournament where the champion was already predetermined. Everyone knew in their hearts who the champion would be—they simply wanted to witness it firsthand.

Among them, "Loves Anime Most in This Life" placed the largest bets.

To others, he must have seemed like Akira most extreme fanatic.

But in reality, he just wanted to take advantage of this guaranteed profitable opportunity to make some extra cash for buying anime merchandise.

"Hmph hmph, since that Akira is participating, there's no question about who'll take the championship title."

"Since this aligns so well with our Zoldyck Family principles, I can't miss this chance to make a killing!"

Inside the Zoldyck Family compound, in a dimly lit room, Milluki Zoldyck, Killua older brother and Silva second son, sat muttering to himself in front of a computer screen.

The unlit room was illuminated only by the faint glow from the monitor.

Surrounding Milluki were multiple computers, all streaming live broadcasts from Heavens Arena.

Milluki stared intently at the screens, his eyes nearly hidden by the fat on his face.

Milluki was perhaps the least Zoldyck-like member of the family.

His obese physique made it hard to believe he was an assassin, let alone a member of the world's top assassin family.

Unlike other family members, Milluki was lazy and didn't focus on physical training. He preferred the internet and games, with a hobby of collecting anime figurines.

His assassination methods matched his personality - he'd use cyber attacks to remotely detonate bombs on targets. He also developed various technological weapons, making him an anomaly in the Zoldyck Family.

He was their rare high-tech specialist.

Given how times were changing and considering Milluki genuine talent in this area, the family didn't force him to follow traditional methods. He mainly handled the family intelligence gathering and cyber operations.

Milluki most distinctive features, besides his obesity, was his hairstyle that made him look like a bloated Levi from Attack on Titan.

Zeno Zoldyck stood behind Milluki with his hands clasped behind his back, hunched slightly.

His sharp eyes scanned the room interior - stacks of pizza boxes, scattered soda cans, and walls covered with anime figurines.

The sight made the old man mouth twitch slightly, though he ultimately said nothing.

"Place a bet on Akira winning for me too."

"I'll transfer you the money later." Zeno aged yet powerful voice came from behind.

After a pause, Milluki chubby face showed deep astonishment.

Had he heard that correctly?

"Grandpa, you want to bet on Akira winning?" Milluki swiveled his chair to face Zeno, his expression still disbelieving.

"Yes."

Zeno glanced at the shocked Milluki before speaking slowly.

He wasn't stupid - with Akira participating in the Martial Arts Tournament, wasn't this a guaranteed win?

Unlike those ordinary people online who'd only seen Akira fight videos, he had personally experienced the full force of Akira Ren at close range!

Forget about competing with those so-called "Floor Masters" from Heavens Arena - even if his old friend Netero participated, there'd only be one outcome: losing to Akira!

This was practically free money.

With that being the case, why wouldn't he bet on Akira?

"Grandpa, didn't you always say nine out of ten gamblers lose?" Milluki asked hesitantly.

"This is the tenth one."

"But you said gambling is a bad habit that'll leave you penniless!"

"Gambling is when you don't know the outcome. This is called investing when you do!"

???????

Milluki face paled with shock.

He wanted to say something more, but seeing the look in his grandfather eyes, he swallowed his words.

***

As dusk approached, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed the city in a honey-like hue. The Martial Arts Tournament at Heavens Arena finally commenced.

"Now, let's give a warm round of applause to welcome the 21 Floor Masters participating in this event!" At the announcer cue, numerous Floor Masters emerged from the dimly lit competitor tunnels.

They were met with sparse, scattered applause.

Truth be told, any applause at all was generous—everyone knew this tournament was essentially arranged for Akira.

Normally, Floor Master participants would be those from the 230th to 250th floors.

The 251st floor served as the prize.

Thus, Akira was nowhere to be seen among them. Naturally, one couldn't expect much enthusiasm from the audience.

As the Floor Masters stepped forward one by one, the crowd finally got a clear view of their appearances.

It had to be said that illustrations had their limitations—they couldn't perfectly capture the bizarre and grotesque appearances of these Floor Masters.

The new Floor Masters who had emerged over the past year were all oddly shaped, like deformed melons and cracked gourds.

There was one with a head as large and round as a buttocks.

Another was wrapped entirely in bandages, with a mouth resembling an insect maw—a mummy-like figure.

Among them was also a lithe man in yoga attire who stood out strangely.

What should have been a grand entrance of Floor Masters instead resembled an alien invasion scene.

Even young Zushi among them, could be considered one of the more normal-looking participants.

Aside from Zushi, another standout was a blonde woman dressed like a queen.

The others... were largely unsightly.

***

Inside Heavens Arena, the event was in full swing.

Meanwhile, a man who looked far older than his actual age was rushing to the venue.

"Oh no, oh no, I'm late."

"Which match is Zushi in again? I think Gon and the others came too." Leorio hurried through the old streets, glancing at his watch while quickening his pace.

"But honestly, is this tournament even necessary?"

"Akira's definitely going to win, right?"

"Too bad the odds on him are so low. Even if I bet all my money, I wouldn't get much back."

Muttering to himself, Leorio focused on speed rather than watching his step.

"Whoa—ah!" Preoccupied with his tardiness, he tripped over a poorly secured manhole cover and fell flat.

"Seriously! These things should be properly covered!"

"What if a child tripped over this?" Ever the kind soul, Leorio first thought was of children's safety.

He quickly secured the cover properly.

"Caw, caw—" The cries of crows overhead added an eerie atmosphere to the scene.

Just then, as if sensing something, Leorio suddenly turned to look back the way he came.

There, he saw four mysterious figures cloaked entirely in black robes, their faces hidden, walking toward him.

Their destination was the same as Leorio—Heavens Arena.

But while Leorio was going to treat injuries, they were going to inflict them.

Adjusting his small round glasses, Leorio narrowed his eyes at the approaching group. For some reason, an inexplicable sense of dread gripped his heart.

The four figures moved like phantoms, appearing before Leorio in the blink of an eye after being some distance away.

Before Leorio could react, one of the burly men struck him with a knife-hand blow, knocking him unconscious.

"What should we do with this guy?"

"No need to kill him. He looks too dumb to be a Hunter anyway."

"Fair enough."

As soon as the words were spoken, the burly man lifted the manhole cover and unceremoniously tossed the unconscious Leorio into the sewer.

***

"Hello, everyone. I am Netero."

Chairman Netero had arrived at Heavens Arena as a special guest.

At the moment, he was in a reception room specially arranged by the organizers, speaking to the audience via live broadcast.

"How unusual. He's actually being serious this time" Biscuit Krueger remarked from the spectator stands, surprised.

Given Chairman Netero usual style, he should've wrapped things up after just a couple of sentences.

"Well, it is a formal occasion" Wing, Biscuit disciple and the master of Floor Master Zushi, chimed in from beside her.

"Now, I'd like to clarify something." Midway through his encouraging speech, Netero expression suddenly turned solemn as he shifted to another topic.

What was he going to clarify?

His words instantly captured the attention of countless viewers.

"Some believe that Akira title of 'Strongest in the World' is baseless—that it isn't real."

"Let me state this clearly: Akira has indeed surpassed me."

"I am no longer the strongest in the world."

With that, Netero image vanished from the screen, leaving behind a wave of shock among the audience.

The man once hailed as the world strongest had openly admitted it—admitted that Akira was stronger than him!

Whether they were watching live at the venue or through paid broadcasts, everyone was momentarily stunned before erupting into fervent celebration—their idol was now confirmed the world strongest!

At this moment, no one doubted Akira title of 'Strongest in the World' anymore.

After all, it had been personally confirmed by the former world strongest.

Netero words ignited the crowd passion, with chants of "Legendary Akira!" and similar praises filling the air.

Biscuit and the others couldn't help but click their tongues in amazement at Akira overwhelming influence.

"So, how do you feel seeing this? That's your man, after all~" Biscuit covered her mouth with a hand, chuckling as she teased Menchi beside her.

Most people would have a lot of thoughts seeing their beloved being so adored, right?

"It's fine. Because he's Akira~ It's only natural for him to be popular." Menchi smiled faintly, showing little emotional fluctuation.

In her eyes, this was all as it should be.

The audience idolized Akira for his feats, becoming his fervent fans.

As Akira woman, she was naturally no exception.

If there were rankings for Akira most devoted fans, she would undoubtedly take first place!

She just didn't show it openly most of the time.

Menchi had only come here to chat with Biscuit, Thanks to Akira warning she already knew this Martial Arts Tournament wouldn't last.

"Hmph, stronger than you, Netero? You've grown old!"

In a shadowy corner, a mysterious figure clad in a black robe sneered, grinding his teeth as he spoke.

Today, they had come here for one purpose—to take revenge on Netero and the Hunter Association!

With a glance at the warm-up performance of [Fairies' Prayer] on the stage, the cold and serpentine Shura spoke in a chilling tone.

"Rengoku, you're strong." Hearing this, the little girl named Rengoku trembled slightly, her youthful face betraying a flicker of fear.

"See you in Nirvana." Shura icy words echoed in her ears.

The four members of their revenge squad each had their own roles.

There was Jed, their leader.

Gaki, who cleared out the small fry.

Shura, who controlled the machines.

Rengoku role was the most unique—she could Seal a target aura by sacrificing her own life.

This technique would be used on Chairman Netero.

In the next moment, Gaki, Shura, and Rengoku vanished from the spot, leaving only their leader Jed behind, a sinister smile twisting his lips.

Netero! Hunter Association! Their revenge was coming!

***

"Wuu~"

"Alright, alright, stop splashing water on me."

On the 251st floor, Akira was playing in the pool with Lapras.

"Wuu~"

From the way Lapras' eyes crinkled, it was clear the Pokemon was having fun with Akira.

Akira flipped out of the pool in one smooth motion.

With a deliberate surge of Aura, the Aura around his body rippled, instantly evaporating the water clinging to him.

To Akira, the towel nearby was nothing more than decoration—utterly useless.

Glancing at the large screen on the wall, currently broadcasting [Fairies' Prayer], Akira knew it was time.

Jed and the others were about to make their move.

Until two days ago, Jed group had been Akira primary targets for experience points.

But now, things were different.

Because a new Incubation Bar had appeared in his mind!

He had thought Heavens Arena had already hatched Lucario and that no new Pokemon would emerge.

Who would have guessed there was still more?

Perhaps it was due to this movie's storyline that another Pokemon could be incubated.

Last time, the movie plot had hatched the overpowered Ditto.

So what would this new Pokemon be?

Heavens Arena was likely Fighting-type and Jed, who had returned from death for revenge, would probably be Ghost-type.

There weren't many compatible Pokemon with that combination~

Just thinking about it, the anticipation in Akira eyes was practically materializing!

[Jed, Gaki , Shura and Rengoku are characters from Movie Hunter x Hunter Last Mission]

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