52 Changing Orbits X Agreement X Visiting

The silver-haired kitten lost all resistance in almost an instant. By the time he realized what was happening, Killua found himself dazed and confused, nodding in agreement to Illumi’s “proposal” in the gentle warmth of his smile, about to tell the referee, “I admit defeat.”

A violent shiver snapped him back to awareness, and the little boy’s face turned ghostly pale once more. Yet the scene he imagined—Illumi bursting forth with murderous intent, forcing him to obey—did not materialize. Illumi stood less than half a meter before him, his gaze as soft as the eldest son of the Zoldyck family had ever been, quietly watching him. Killua didn’t even need to look up to picture the expression—a terrifying tenderness and doting warmth he once thought he’d never see on Illumi’s face.

Killua trembled again. Unbeknownst to himself, his previously tense shoulders had relaxed, and his complexion gradually regained its healthy, charming flush.

“Are you serious?” he muttered, trying to feign distrust and indifference, but a trace of anticipation slipped through his voice, instantly noticed by Illumi, who knew him so well.

“Yes.” Illumi smiled and nodded naturally, “When have I ever lied to Killua?”

Killua’s lips curled again—never lied? Wasn’t it Illumi who coldly declared that assassins have no friends, that Killua had no right to make friends? Although he had been raised on such notions, Killua never truly believed them in his heart. Otherwise, Gon’s protagonist aura alone could never have overturned his deep-seated subconscious beliefs.

Thus, Killua always harbored a primal fear, vigilance, and distrust toward Illumi. But this time…

Just this once, he thought, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension, summoning his courage to meet Illumi’s eyes for one last confirmation. Finding them filled with genuine tenderness and affection, Killua took a deep breath and spoke calmly:

“Then, I admit defeat.”

The brothers’ previous exchanges had prepared the examinees for this outcome, so Killua’s decision to concede didn’t provoke much surprise—save for Leorio, who remained somewhat disgruntled.

But immediately, Killua followed up with a statement that stunned everyone anew:

“I mean, for this exam, I withdraw.”

The silver-haired boy met Illumi’s gaze with composure, yet his words were astonishing. “No matter who my next opponent is, I concede. So, I suppose the exam ends here?”

He finally shifted his gaze to Chairman Netero, standing off to the side. The old man silently regarded him for several seconds before sighing helplessly.

“If you’re truly resolved to do this, then yes, the exam can end,” he replied, with a mix of regret and resignation.

Killua nodded, returning his gaze to Illumi’s face.

“That’s settled, then. I’ll go home now, and we can discuss that matter you mentioned when you return. But in exchange, you can’t lay a hand on Gon after I leave.”

—Fine.

Ultimately, Killua remained somewhat skeptical of Illumi’s assurances, so he chose to go along with Illumi’s wishes. It was better than being forcibly dragged home, and it guaranteed Gon’s safety.

Illumi looked at Killua with a hint of helplessness. Now he finally understood what Kurama had meant—his little brother’s distrust and fear toward him had become deeply rooted. If he treated Killua as he had before, things would only worsen.

Fortunately, he realized this before it was too late.

Or perhaps, someone had awakened him to it.

The brother, devoted in his own way, quietly let out a breath, then reached out to ruffle his sibling’s soft silver hair.

“Alright, I promise.”

Hearing Illumi’s commitment, Killua visibly relaxed. He knew his brother was a man of his word. Without hesitation, Killua turned and strode toward the door—he knew the Zoldyck family would arrange a return flight immediately, and all he needed to do was show that he wasn’t just paying lip service, so Illumi would understand his sincerity.

Illumi watched his brother’s silhouette fade at the doorway before turning and quietly thanking Kurama, who stood nearby with a smile.

The fox spirit shook his head with a gentle smile. In his view, Illumi simply lacked finesse in expressing affection. If he could find the right approach, he’d make an excellent elder brother.

Most importantly, after all this, the story managed to return to its original trajectory—Killua became the sole failure, while the other examinees advanced smoothly.

The process differed a little, but the outcome was as expected, which surprised Kurama. Yet Killua’s choice seemed reasonable, so the fox spirit soon let it go.

The subsequent celebration and briefing were routine formalities, with Kurama always at Illumi’s side. With circumstances changed, Gon, upon waking, didn’t rush to confront Illumi, and Chrollo, uncharacteristically, didn’t appear before Kurama, letting the fox spirit glide through proceedings unimpeded. In the end, Kurama and Illumi boarded the Zoldyck family airship bound for Kukuru Mountain—naturally, under Hisoka’s resentful gaze.

As Illumi’s guest, Kurama should have disembarked directly at the main estate, avoiding a trek across the mountain to reach the main house. But, intrigued by the infamous Gate of Limbo, Kurama told Illumi he wanted to see it for himself. So, their airship landed at the nearest private dock, and the pair boarded a sightseeing bus headed for the Zoldyck gate.

Their striking combination—one in red, one in black, plus an adorable white fluff—captivated countless tourists, though the powerful aura of the two beauties kept everyone rational; otherwise, Kurama wondered if disaster might erupt on the bus.

The bus finally stopped at the base of Kukuru Mountain. While the guide was enthusiastically introducing the Gate of Limbo, Kurama, cradling Mokona, followed Illumi at a leisurely stroll to the gate.

Many tourists noticed their approach, but none dared admonish them—not with the overwhelming presence of the two beauties. Even conversation seemed daunting, let alone “advice.”

Kurama and Illumi remained unconcerned.

“When I was not yet fourteen, I could push open nine doors,” Illumi recalled beside Kurama, his tone matter-of-fact. “Killua should be able to manage at least five this time. His talent surpasses mine…”

Kurama turned, curious. “But he hasn’t learned Nen yet, right? At Killua’s age, didn’t you already begin taking assignments targeting Nen users?”

Their conversations over the past days hadn’t been abundant, but they’d shared enough to understand each other’s general circumstances, so Kurama was aware of Illumi’s missions.

Illumi tilted his head. “Killua is different.”

He spoke with certainty.

Kurama blinked, unsure if Illumi was intentionally withholding something or if this was his true answer. But the fox spirit didn’t seem to mind.

Lowering his gaze, he smiled at the white fluff in his arms.

“Mokona, I’m about to push now, alright?”

The little creature quickly scampered onto Kurama’s shoulder. “Yes! Mokona’s ready! Go, Kurama~~”

Kurama pinched him playfully. “Hold tight to my clothes, or even my hair, if you must. When I exert force, I don’t want you to fall.”

The white fluff agreed, though he was reluctant to tug Kurama’s hair, settling instead for an awkward position hanging off the fox’s shoulder.

Illumi watched their interaction with interest. He seemed quite fond of Mokona, but as the eldest Zoldyck, he’d never clearly shown it. He’d generously offer Mokona treats and cakes, but never engaged further—Kurama surmised he wasn’t comfortable with such soft, adorable creatures.

—Unexpectedly, Illumi could be quite cute.

Kurama shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions, and pressed his hand against the heavy gate.

His physical strength was never his greatest asset. Among the four protagonists of his original series, Kurama was the least inclined toward close combat. Most often, he fought from afar, manipulating plants with strategic precision. So now, deprived of most of his demonic power and without Nen, he managed to push open eight gates; the ninth, though touched, wouldn’t budge.

But this was merely a test of physical strength, not absolute power. Neither Kurama nor Illumi found the outcome remarkable, and they soon passed through the Gate of Limbo, entering the Zoldyck domain.

Not long after, a thunderous sound heralded the arrival of a giant, white-furred dog before them.

Kurama gazed with curiosity at the famous Zoldyck guard dog. Honestly, its appearance gave no hint of its gruesome diet of human flesh. Its fur was soft and billowy, covering its body entirely. The big dog’s eyes reflected Illumi’s image, its long muzzle opened, howling joyfully to welcome its young master home.

Then, the dog bent its forelegs in a half-kneel, displaying a yearning (or so it seemed) expression…

Kurama paused in astonishment.

—So this was the “Sanmao” he’d never known.

Illumi, seeing Kurama’s surprise, thought he was wary of Sanmao, and stepped forward to rub the dog’s nose.

“This is Sanmao, our guard dog. When Father first brought him home, I hadn’t begun training yet, so I raised him myself. He’s closer to me.”

He patted the dog’s drooping ears as he spoke.

Sanmao whimpered softly, rubbing his head gently against Illumi.

Kurama suddenly found the scene strangely beautiful.

He smiled, about to speak, when a red figure raced toward them, interrupting him.

“Big brother!”

Along with the approaching figure, a clear voice rang out from afar.

Author’s note: (~￣▽￣)~ It seems everyone is surprised by Illumi’s sudden change? Actually, the signs were there—remember when Kurama discussed this topic with Illumi? He was already beginning to waver then, and today’s events proved Kurama right, so now… everything proceeds smoothly.

Thus, the Hunter Exam arc finally ends, and next is the Zoldyck family guest arc~(≧▽≦)/~ It shouldn’t last long, just some interactions with family members and a few triggered events. Incidentally, the romantic subplot between Hisoka and Illumi should also be resolved here.

The illustration for this chapter features a radiant, smiling Illumi—

_(:3∠)_ The early Hunter manga art style was a bit rough, but here Illumi really does smile brightly, just as the original depicted—though the anime skips over the change in his expression. In the manga, Illumi isn’t so emotionless, and his personality seems quite normal… [looks up]

Finally, as usual, here’s the preview for the next chapter: First Meeting x Exploration x Zoldyck. Kurama, newly arrived at the Zoldyck estate, will have his first meeting with the family—what sort of reception awaits? What attitude will Kalluto, the first member he encounters in the woods, show him? And after a brief introduction to the family, Kurama discovers… a rather shocking misunderstanding has arisen?! Stay tuned for the next chapter: “Fox Spirit Kurama,” First Meeting x Exploration x Zoldyck!

ps: Thank you to Silver Moon and Ice Moon for the thrown grenades! Much love~ =3= And rolling on, still seeking favorites =w= I’m very docile and easy to care for→