HxH: Noah’s Heart

"Ha!"

Two figures collided fiercely and then leaped back.

Clap, clap, clap.

For the first time in three months, Tsubone faced Noah and applauded him three times.

"Even the strictest instructors or teachers, after witnessing your progress in these three months, would involuntarily applaud you. Little Noah, you are now qualified to be a competent butler for the Zoldyck Family."

Three months had passed, and Tsubone had witnessed every bit of Noah's improvement, both in strength and in his mindset.

She watched as this young man, who had started as a complete rookie, transformed into someone full of determination and confidence.

Tsubone couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.

He's truly an impressive young man, though his demeanor seems slightly different from that of a Zoldyck Family butler.

"Thank you, Teacher Tsubone."

Although Noah still didn't know the purpose of Tsubone's three months of guidance, it didn't prevent him from expressing sincere gratitude.

He thanked this elderly woman who had provided him with immense help from the bottom of his heart.

"Don't thank me. I was just following orders, and besides, I've gained some enjoyment from these three months. We've both benefited from each other." Tsubone said nonchalantly.

"Noah, when I grow up and learn Nen, will you train me too?" Amane ran over from the side, smiling.

Seeing the adorable Amane, Noah couldn't help but smile and replied warmly, "Of course."

"Hehe, then I'll become stronger than Noah."

"Oh, really? I'll look forward to it."

Just then, not far from the three of them, a figure appeared and respectfully bowed to Tsubone, saying, "Teacher Tsubone."

"Gatoh, have the training on your end concluded for today?" Tsubone asked casually.

The butler who appeared was dressed neatly in a tailcoat, had short hair, and wore glasses. He was none other than Gatoh, the head butler of the Zoldyck Family.

Seeing Gatoh, Noah suddenly realized that he hadn't seen Gatoh for the past three months. He wondered what this seemingly aloof head butler had been busy with.

Listening to Tsubone's question, Gatoh immediately replied, "Yes, it has concluded on my end. Only one individual qualified."

"Oh, just one?" Tsubone raised an eyebrow. "I didn't expect you to be unexpectedly strict, Gatoh."

"We all follow Teacher Tsubone's teachings," Gatoh said casually, casting a discreet glance at Noah, who stood nearby.

This young man has made significant progress. Under Teacher Tsubone's training for three months, he has transformed into quite a capable individual.

"Now, is there a reason you're here?" Tsubone asked, shifting the conversation back.

Having collected his thoughts, Gatoh spoke seriously, "Tomorrow, both of the qualified trainees will need to go to Meteor City to select a new batch of apprentice butlers. According to your judgment, the maximum limit is ten individuals. Once you bring them back, you and Ashu will be responsible for their training." Gatoh's voice was loud enough for everyone present to hear, including Noah.

"What does that mean?" Understanding that Gatoh's words were meant for him as well, Noah asked directly.

"You and Ashu will go to Meteor City, select a new group of apprentice butlers, with a maximum limit of ten individuals, and then bring them back. You and Ashu will be responsible for their training," Gatoh calmly explained.

"This is the training camp plan, and the two of us will train both of you. Then, it will be your responsibility to train more butlers according to the regulations. These butlers need to be both combat-oriented and service-oriented, in order to better care for the future young masters and mistresses," explained Tsubone, who was aware of the details.

Training?

Noah was momentarily stunned.

Why did this word feel so mismatched with the Zoldyck Family?

Although Noah remembered that in the original story, the Zoldyck Family did indeed have a special training camp for training butlers, it now felt subtly out of place.

But by now, Noah finally understood why Tsubone had been training him, which was for the establishment of this training camp in the future.

"Hmm? Ashu, the other person who passed the training is Ashu?" It was only at this moment that Noah noticed the other person mentioned by Gatoh earlier, who had also passed the training, was none other than Ashu, who had become an apprentice butler alongside him.

Gatoh nodded and said, "Yes, I've already informed him about the departure. You should go back and prepare for now."

Ashu…huh?

On the way back to the butler's room, memories of the young man resurfaced in Noah's mind. Since the test that day, Noah had hardly seen Ashu. He hadn't expected that the two of them would once again make contact under these circumstances.

As soon as he entered the butler's room, a figure approached.

Seeing the distinctive hairstyle, Noah immediately recognized the person's identity. Over the past few months, although Ashu's appearance hadn't changed much, his aura had undergone a significant transformation compared to several months ago.

Ashu also recognized Noah. His pupils slightly contracted, and he went straight to Noah, saying, "I was just looking for you."

Raising his head to look at Ashu, who was a head taller than himself, Noah smiled kindly and asked, "Is there something you need from me?"

"You probably heard the instructions from Gatoh, right?"

"Yes."

"Before we set off again, the two of us to conclude our fight." At this point, a hint of repressed fighting spirit flashed in Ashu's eyes, and his aura surged.

Feeling the Nen emanating from Ashu up close, Noah understood the meaning behind Ashu's words. He was challenging Noah to a battle.

"Agreed, let's do it now." Without hesitation, Noah remembered the battle that had been left unfinished several months ago. If Gatoh hadn't called it off at that time, he might have died at the hands of the man in front of him.

Since both of their strengths had improved, it was time to settle the battle that had been abandoned halfway.

Originally, Ashu had intended to let Noah rest for a while because he knew Noah had just finished training. He didn't want Noah to feel that he was taking advantage. However, he didn't expect Noah to appear even more eager than himself.

Seeing the unwavering fighting spirit in those sky-blue pupils, Ashu's lips curled.

"Good."