Hunter x Hunter : Germain Joins The Hunt

A hundred million Jenny?

That's the same amount of money you could get by mortgaging your Hunter's license. It's a steep price for a cursed eyeball, but for the right buyer, it's worth it.

Germain was a bit taken aback, but after a quick glance at Neon, he roughly understood the situation. It was likely that Neon's "Lovely Ghostwriter" had foreseen a certain future event. 

To prevent this outcome, the Nostrade family needed to acquire the "One Eye of the Lord of Crows."

Someone was offering a hundred million Jenny, and Germain needed the money urgently. Even though he might have fetched a higher price at a public auction, he had no reason not to take the deal.

"Deal," Germain said, nodding. "Once you transfer the money, it's yours."

Light was relieved to hear Germain agree so readily, but he also had a lingering sense of doubt. He was glad Germain hadn't tried to up the price—seemed like the deal could go smoothly. 

But then again, Germain's quick acceptance made Light wonder if the eyeball might not be as valuable as he thought.

If Light had more time, he would've looked into the matter further. But given the urgency, he decided to just proceed with the transaction. 

Neon's prophecy had pointed to an unfortunate outcome for Light within the month, and he needed to do everything he could to prevent that.

Keeping his daughter safe was his top priority. If he didn't, the Nostrade family, which was just starting to gain prominence, would collapse, and their enemies would take advantage of the chaos. 

Light couldn't afford to let that happen. Losing his daughter would be unbearable.

"Huh?"

Neon had never read her own prophecy. She believed that not knowing the details helped ensure the prediction's accuracy. But now, she was caught off guard by the urgency surrounding this deal. What was going on?

"Dad, you actually bought it. Didn't you say it was cursed? And it's just a beast's eyeball. It doesn't look good at all, and it's useless to buy it," Neon said, looking skeptically at her father, Light.

"Just put it in the basement," Light replied, softening his tone to reassure her. "The curse won't affect us."

Dalzollene, one of Light's associates, offered some advice: "Or we could give it to our enemies or competitors. This eyeball might cause them some trouble in the near future."

"Good idea," Light nodded, agreeing with the suggestion.

Germain knew what they were talking about. He was the first one to handle the "One Eye of the Lord of Crows" and had experienced its unsettling effects. Yet, after holding onto it for three days, he hadn't felt any further disturbances.

In other words, this eye only seemed to affect people's mind and with Nen abilities, it took at least three days for its influence to take hold. For ordinary folks, it might be faster. 

The conditions were complex, but considering the eyeball was no longer attached to the Lord of Crows, it was just a dead object now.

It was getting late, and Neon, who had insisted on accompanying her father on this outing, was starting to yawn and feel sleepy.

Seeing this, Light turned to her with concern, asking a few questions to make sure she was alright, then instructed Dalzollene, "Transfer the money to him. It's almost time for us to leave."

"Yes, boss," Dalzollene replied, bowing respectfully.

Light looked at his daughter again. "Neon, let's go. Get some rest and don't stay up too late."

"Yesss," Neon drawled out, sticking out her tongue playfully. "I know, Dad. I'll go to bed after I finish my 'Human Puzzle.'"

This was her latest obsession. As the name suggests, it was a puzzle, but it was made from human tissue. She planned to assemble it, frame it, and hang it at the entrance to her collection room.

"You little girl," Light smirked, appearing like a slave girl who couldn't resist the whims of Neon.

Light and his daughter were surrounded by a group of guards. A sea of dark-clad security swept in, and then vanished just as quickly.

Representing the Nostrade family, Dalzollene transferred 100 million Jenny to Germain's account, plus an auction house fee.

After Germain verified the transaction, he handed over the "Eyeball of the Lord of Crows."

Dalzollene took the glass jar, shot one last look at Germain, then quickly headed out to catch up with the boss.

By the time he reached the boss, they were already outside the auction house.

Neon had taken his seat in the back of a black car, while the boss was arguing with a newcomer.

It was a bald man wearing sunglasses, accompanied by several bodyguards, squaring off against the Nostrade family.

"Light, don't get too full of yourself!" The bald man snapped, his voice dripping with sarcascastic disdain. He raised his chin and pointed a finger at Light. "You're just a coward who got where you are because of your daughter!"

Dalzollene's expression darkened. He handed the jar to one of the guards and tried to step forward to confront the bald man, but Light stopped him with a raised hand.

"Stand down," Light signaled with a glance.

Dalzollene quickly complied. He fell back to stand beside Light, close enough to protect him if needed.

"Listen," Light stroked his upper lip, "we're all working for the 'Ten Dons', so let's not cause any trouble, alright?"

The gang leader, known as "Zenji," glared at Dalzollene, then roughly rubbed his shiny bald head and said with a sneer:

"You used to be just a small-time boss, and you climbed your way up through trickery! You think you're worthy as someone like me, who's risked life and limb for the 'Ten Dons'? You'd better watch your mouth."

Light folded his arms behind his back. "Not believing in Neon's divination is your choice. But do you really think the 'Ten Dons' can be fooled that easily?"

Zenji realized he'd messed up. He spat on the ground, as if that could take back his words.

"Hmph, I can't argue with you. But one day, the 'Ten Dons' will see through your act. And when that happens, your Nostrade family will be finished."

"Well, we'll see about that." Light kept his cool, though he felt a twinge of doubt inside.

"Tsk, what bad luck. Don't let me catch you again!" Zenji grumbled, leading his crew towards the auction house's gate.

Just then, the revolving door of the auction house swung open, and Germain stepped out, heading down the street where the streetlights twinkled like stars.

Zenji passed by Germain and suddenly had a realization. He turned around, staring at Germain's back, stroking his chin as if pondering.

"I think I've seen this guy somewhere before..."

Meanwhile, Light and Dalzollene stood by their car, watching the whole scene unfold.

"Boss," Dalzollene whispered, "after seeing that seller, I had this feeling I'd seen him before. I just remembered—he's on a wanted poster."

"A wanted poster?" Light raised an eyebrow, surprised.

"Yeah, his name's Germain. He's a B-level target for the police, and he's also wanted by the gangs. He killed one of our gang leaders, and some say he might be part of the Phantom Troupe."

"Germain?" Light seemed to recall something. He usually didn't bother with small-time criminals, but this caught his attention. "What's his story?"

********

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