Chapter 323

Ron also obtained Sumas, an extraordinary Nen Spirit, and managed to capture one A-level Nen user and one B-level Nen user alive. (talking about Sheila)

On top of that, the beast he created with the Kurta Clan's trait—Sasuke Uchiha—far exceeded expectations.

"This Kurta hideout was my lucky star."

Ron glanced at Uchiha Sasuke. 

"Currently, Sasuke has the three-tomoe Sharingan and Fire Release plus Lightning Release ninjutsu. 

Natsu's flames overshadow his fire techniques, but his Lightning Release is a brand-new power for me. Also, the three-tomoe Sharingan grants impressive dynamic vision. 

"As for standard ninja moves—Transformation, Substitution, Clone Jutsu—the usage might be limited here. By comparison, Transformation might actually be more useful in this world. 

"Sasuke's illusions aren't particularly potent, and Nen users—who generally have strong minds—are less susceptible to normal illusions anyway."

Suddenly, Ron noticed that Sasuke had something akin to Observer's crystal orb in his possession. A surge of information flooded into Ron's mind, making him beam with delight.

"Sasuke isn't at his maximum potential yet. Whenever he absorbs more 'Scarlet Eye–type' traits, he'll evolve further. Right now, he's only at the three-tomoe stage. If he progresses, that might mean the Mangekyo Sharingan."

A mere three-tomoe Sasuke was nice, but not jaw-dropping. A Mangekyo Sasuke—complete with Amaterasu, Kagutsuchi, and Susano'o—would be phenomenal.

"But from what the old man said, the Scarlet Eyes were a disease from the Dark Continent. For Sasuke to absorb more of that trait, we'd have to go where the Kurta Clan became infected."

"That isn't possible right now. 

We'd have to board the Kakin Empire's Black Whale to get to the Dark Continent. 

Still, at least this means Sasuke's upper limit can be pushed further in the future."

Ron dismissed all his Nen beasts with a thought and quietly took stock of himself. Summoning Uchiha Sasuke had boosted his aura volume again, and his physique and mental strength had also risen.

Summarizing:

- Natsu is now firmly at B-level. 

- Uchiha Sasuke is right at the B-level threshold. 

- Hanma Baki, Killer Queen, Lampent remain C-level. 

- Ron's own body is C-level, at the upper tier. He's only a step away from crossing into B-level himself.

"When we consider my total strength—myself plus all my Nen beasts—within B-level Nen users, I'd rank among the best. Honestly, most members of the Phantom Troupe couldn't beat me at this point."

Ron felt a bit emotional. 

When he first came to this world, three entities loomed large in his mind:

1. The Zoldyck Family 

2. The Hunters Association 

3. The Phantom Troupe 

All three were powerful. Even the 'weakest' of them—the Phantom Troupe—consisted of top-class Nen users. Mafia elites like the Shadow Beasts were utterly crushed by them. So, back when Ron first learned Nen, his initial goal was simply to reach a level matching typical Phantom Troupe members, i.e. strong enough to avoid most mortal dangers.

Now, three years had passed since Ron began using Nen, and he'd finally arrived at that caliber. But unlike many Troupe members, Ron's style was self-contained; his abilities weren't geared for group synergy.

Even if he had companions like Nina, Sally, or Shizuku, his core was always himself and his stable of Nen beasts.

He was more like Ging Freecss, whose powers served only his own goals, while any "team" existed primarily for his projects—like creating Greed Island.

"Members like Kortop, Shalnark, Pakunoda, Bonolenov… 

I'm now confident I surpass them in overall strength. As for Chrollo or Feitan, that's less certain. Of course, many factors besides raw power can influence a fight's outcome."

Having wrapped up in the Kurta domain, Ron set off for Heaven's Arena.

---

Meanwhile, in Meteor City, the Phantom Troupe had reconvened—all members were present. Their Kurta operation hadn't yielded what they'd hoped from Sumas, but they still got enough Scarlet Eyes to turn a significant profit.

Meteor City desperately needed money, and the Troupe's method—robbing or stealing valuables and quickly fencing them—infused cash into Meteor City. In so doing, they gradually reshaped it, moving it toward their envisioned future, even if they bore only hostility or indifference toward the outside world.

During a Troupe meeting, Chrollo received new intel in hand:

> "Ron—Heaven's Arena fighter, currently has ten victories, a conjuration-type or emission-type Nen user, twelve years old, classified C-level."

Chrollo turned toward Shalnark. 

"Shalnark, this is the one you mentioned before, right? The one you suggested as a Troupe alternate?"

Shalnark nodded. 

"Ron's talent is undeniable. He's only twelve yet already at this level. And his ability is well-developed. If he joined, he could be a great addition."

Chrollo turned to Machi. 

"What do you think, Machi?"

Machi recalled the Kurta mission. 

"I did cross paths with Ron briefly and cooperated for a short time. The Nen beast he used wasn't the same one Shalnark described. Its attacks were fire-based—very destructive. 

By official rank, he's C-level.

"However…" Machi hesitated. "My gut feeling says that if I fought Ron one-on-one, I'm not sure I'd win."

That drew the attention of all Troupe members. They knew Machi's strength well. She'd specialized more on healing and support, so she wasn't the strongest in a duel. But even so, it was noteworthy that she couldn't be sure of victory over a 'mere C-level kid.'