Chapter 550

Ron was deeply interested. The individual in question had returned from the Dark Continent and had even created something like the Cursed Silver Coin. Enhancing Nen strength through contracts might sound like a simple phrase, but to truly carry it out was far from easy—if it were, then every Nen user would be able to replicate it, and the overall level of Nen users would not remain at its current state.

There had to be strict conditions involved if one could truly raise Nen intensity through such means.

The world of Nen users was a relatively closed circle, not accessible to ordinary people. Even within that circle, sharing knowledge did not seem to be its strength. This could be seen in how many Rookie Killers at the Heavens Arena didn't even know techniques like Gyo. Strictly speaking, those Rookie Killers hadn't fully entered the circle of Nen users. True members of the circle had access to those foundational techniques: the Four Major Principles, Gyo, Shu, En, In, Ko, Ken, and Ryu. Ron had mastered all of them.

Not just Ron—members of the Phantom Troupe also understood these techniques. Constraint and Vow were frequently applied as well.

If it were just an ordinary request, Ron would certainly not be interested in participating—for example, if a middle-aged man asked him to find some "Love Sardine." But this time was different.

"Menchi-senpai, what was the real reason this person hired freelance Gourmet Hunters to search for the Love Sardine?"

"According to the information we extracted from interrogation, he said it was because a dark god commanded him to do so."

"And as for what that god's goal was, we still don't know for certain."

"But based on my speculation, there are only two possibilities. One is that he intended to kill them. The other is to have them help spread the Cursed Silver Coins."

Ron hesitated slightly. "I'm joining this mission."

"They'll go with me." Ron gestured to Misty, Shizuku, and Sally. Among the three, Misty and Shizuku had sufficient strength. Menchi herself wasn't a particularly high-ranking Nen user, and though Sally was weaker, her long-range capabilities made her useful.

"Alright."

"When do we depart?"

"Right now!" Menchi stood up as she spoke. "The boat's ready. Buhara and I made the preparations already. We can head directly to the port."

"Okay!"

It all sounded incredibly efficient, almost like they had just been waiting for Ron's agreement. But Ron didn't find that suspicious. Nen users and Hunters were by nature highly efficient; dragging things out was something ordinary people did. Ron himself worked the same way.

He wasn't worried, because he understood the Zoldyck family's connection with Linne, and given that foundation, Gourmet Paradise wouldn't be hostile toward him. More importantly, Ron had confidence in his own strength. He had already reached a level where few could pose a threat to him. With Sumas's existence as an added layer of security, unless the enemy was an S-rank Nen user, there wasn't much to worry about. And even if the enemy was of S-rank, Ron wasn't without options for retreat.

After extensive tempering, Ron could now begin to barely operate Rosgell, the humanoid Nen weapon. Just a little—barely. But even that would be enough to buy some time if he ever faced an S-rank threat. That time was all he would need to retreat into Sumas's space. In that case, even an S-rank Nen user wouldn't be able to do anything to him.

.............

...

.

The group of six arrived at the port. A small boat floated on the water. A young man stood at the bow, and upon seeing Menchi and Buhara, he raised his hand in greeting.

"This is another member of our operation—Koshiro," Menchi introduced. "He's a graduate of the Moon Institute and specializes in vegetable-based cuisine. Once this mission is done, you should try his dishes—they're excellent."

Ron gave a slight nod and boarded the boat. Menchi then introduced Ron to Koshiro. "This is Ron—Ron Zoldyck. Those three are members of his team."

Koshiro extended a hand with a smile. "Nice to meet you. I'm Koshiro."

"Ron."

Ron gave him a once-over. He looked to be in his twenties, with short pink hair and black-framed glasses. His entire appearance exuded an almost overly meticulous temperament—very likely a sign of obsessive-compulsive tendencies. He was dressed in a chef's uniform.

"Buhara, let's go."

"Understood."

From the exchanges so far, it was clear that Menchi was the one leading the trio. Buhara, seated at the bow, was like a stabilizing pillar—his presence alone carried weight. The others found places toward the middle and back of the boat, sitting cross-legged on the deck.

Menchi surveyed the group and said, "Let me briefly explain our search method." She pulled out a silver coin. "This is one of the Cursed Silver Coins created by the corrupted one, but it's already been specially treated by Senior Linne. I can now touch it directly without being affected by the cursed Nen infused in it."

"Moreover, I can use this coin to sense the presence of that corrupted one—but only within a close range. So our first phase is to search this sea area. Besides our team, several other teams have headed in different directions."

"Ron, during this process, feel free to fish or whatever. Once I find a lead, that's when I'll need you."

Koshiro brought out several fishing rods—more professional than the one Gon usually carried.

Ron didn't refuse and gave it a try. Misty and Shizuku had no particular interest, but Sally was quite into it. She was also good at sitting still. For a sniper, patience and waiting were crucial, which was similar to fishing in some respects.

The small boat cut rapidly through the sea. Menchi gripped the silver coin, focusing on sensing any nearby presence. Ron and Sally were fishing. Misty looked around with curiosity—even if the seascape was repetitive, she remained fascinated. Shizuku observed and recorded notes as usual.

Suddenly, Ron felt the rod in his hand tremble. And this movement was clearly different from that of an ordinary fish.

"Wait a bit," Koshiro said quickly, seeing that Ron was about to lift the rod.

Ron halted. "Alright—now."

He yanked the rod upward.

A large golden fish broke through the surface of the sea.

Menchi and Buhara's attention was instantly drawn to it.

"That's..."

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