Chapter 32: Motives
Unfamiliar with the existence of Nen, yet sensitive enough to detect its traces...
Kallista realized the presence of Nen only after fighting Moro and seeing him use her Gazelle Step.
As for Hwashidouro, he merely observed Moro during combat and noticed how his body seemed to be protected by an invisible suit of armor—like a wall that blocked all incoming attacks.
He believed this must be some kind of internal energy.
Though clueless about it, he longed for this mysterious force that could greatly enhance martial prowess.
Thus, following his instincts, he approached Moro directly and straightforwardly expressed his determination.
Moro glanced at Hwashidouro, then at Kallista.
To be honest...
He was far more surprised by Hwashidouro's sudden arrival than by Kallista seeking him out.
This was the same Hwashidouro who, in the future, was meant to be tested by Hisoka—and ultimately killed by him.
Had Hwashidouro unknowingly diverted himself from his destined death by pursuing knowledge of Nen?
Of course, that depended on whether Moro was willing to teach him.
And even then, it didn't guarantee that Hwashidouro would avoid catching Hisoka's attention later on.
But—
Moro's gaze rested on Hwashidouro.
He had the ability to help Hwashidouro evade his death entirely—it was simply a matter of whether or not he wanted to do so.
Would teaching him Nen here and now be like stealing Hisoka's "apple"?
Hwashidouro, noticing Moro's prolonged stare, immediately assumed a determined expression.
He wasn't the type to badger others, and he understood that the Sky Arena was full of remarkable talents. Even if Moro refused, he could still find another way.
But he had already made up his mind to learn from Moro and was prepared to persist for as long as it took.
Kallista, seeing Moro and Hwashidouro lock eyes, grew anxious.
She had arrived first!
In a panic, Kallista abandoned any concern for etiquette and grabbed Moro's arm, exclaiming:
"Moro, I'm willing to do anything—anything at all! And... and he's a man! There are some things he simply can't do!"
"?"
Moro and Hwashidouro both stared at Kallista, puzzled.
Realizing how inappropriate her words sounded, Kallista felt suffocated with embarrassment. She quickly let go of his arm and stammered:
"I-I meant things like cooking and cleaning!"
"There's a 24-hour laundromat in the arena. As for cooking..."
Hwashidouro smiled warmly at Kallista and replied, "I'm a certified chef. I can probably meet most of Moro's daily needs."
"..."
Kallista stared at Hwashidouro in disbelief.
Hwashidouro maintained his kind smile but had a resolute look in his eyes—he wasn't backing down.
A silent clash ensued between the two as their gazes met, sparks practically flying.
Both were martial artists and knew the significance of being a private disciple. They also understood the immense value of one-on-one training.
That was the root of their rivalry.
Kallista hadn't expected another contender to show up out of nowhere—and certainly not someone so decisive and direct.
She had underestimated the competition.
Now that the initiative had slipped from her grasp, she decided to go all in.
"Well, at least I have a chest," Kallista said, puffing out her chest proudly.
Hwashidouro's smile froze.
Beauty only slowed down a fighter's punch.
Hwashidouro had never been interested in women.
However, as he objectively studied Kallista's appearance, he had to admit that she wasn't unattractive.
Her body, honed from years of martial training, lacked softness but displayed a sharp, elegant athleticism.
Unsure how Moro might react, Hwashidouro cast a hesitant glance toward him.
However—
"I'll decide after my next match," Moro said, leaving the two behind as he headed toward the fighters' lounge.
Hwashidouro held his composure and refrained from saying anything further.
Kallista, though tempted to speak up again, swallowed her words as she noticed Hwashidouro's serene yet determined demeanor while watching Moro leave.
"I came here first!" Kallista huffed, glaring at Hwashidouro.
Hwashidouro slowly shook his head.
"The day you fought Moro, you hurt your hand trying to attack him. Thanks to you, I noticed Moro's potential. What I mean is... I was there that day. I owe you my gratitude."
"!!!"
A vein popped on Kallista's temple.
Inside the Fighters' Lounge
Moro sat on a chair, deep in thought.
Should he teach Hwashidouro Nen?
He pondered the matter carefully.
Though he'd entertained the idea of a "fruit farmer" plan during his time at the Sky Arena...
He didn't see himself as a ruthless opportunist.
Even if he were to cultivate "apples" himself, they'd have to be the kind of people he wouldn't feel guilty about using.
Like Tagore, for example.
Moro firmly believed that while a person's moral baseline could be lowered, there had to be a limit.
Based on the original story, Hwashidouro didn't seem like a bad person. Moro didn't want to exploit him as part of his plan.
That raised the question—
What motive did he have to teach Hwashidouro?
Lost in his thoughts, Moro almost didn't notice the time for his next match approaching.
Putting the matter aside for now, he headed to the arena for his 20th match at the Sky Arena.
The stands were packed once again.
Nearly all the spectators had come to witness Moro's ascent to the 200th floor.
That's right—
In their eyes, the result of the match had already been decided. Moro was bound to win.
Because Moro had never let them down.
And sure enough—
Moro effortlessly defeated his opponent and received the pass to ascend to the 200th floor.
The audience erupted in cheers, their faces flushed with excitement as they shouted Moro's name at the top of their lungs.
It wasn't just because Moro had won them money through their bets...
It was because watching his matches gave them a profound sense of satisfaction.
Moro listened to the thunderous roars from all sides of the arena.
When he first arrived in this city, he couldn't comprehend this almost frenzied level of passion and excitement.
But on the day of the preliminary matches, when he witnessed two skilled fighters engage in a brutal, no-holds-barred battle—
Even his heart had raced with anticipation.
Now, he could understand it.
As the crowd's fervent cheers enveloped him, Moro stepped into the passageway for fighters.
The Sky Arena was but a small corner of the world—
Yet it had allowed him to experience a unique and unforgettable part of life.
And the world was vast—
Which meant he had to survive and keep moving forward.
Unsurprisingly, Moro spotted Hwashidouro and Kallista waiting for him on the way to the 200th floor.
"Follow me," Moro said before stepping into the elevator.
This time, he gave them a response.
Hwashidouro and Kallista exchanged a brief glance—
Before quickly turning away, refusing to acknowledge each other.
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Powerstones?
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