Chapter 11: Check the almanac before going out

Morning sunlight filtered through the forest canopy as Oboro sat motionless on a streambed stone. Birds soared overhead while various small animals approached the water to drink, displaying none of their usual wariness of humans. To their senses, he might as well have been another rock or tree.

When Oboro finally opened his eyes, a bird landed fearlessly in his outstretched palm, chirping contentedly. He smiled, carefully modulating his aura before raising his hand to let it fly away.

"I planned for six months of training, but time slipped away... a full year has passed." He rose, moving toward a familiar cave. After so long, he knew these mountains as intimately as his own body.

His mastery of the four major principles; Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu had reached remarkable levels. While his physical strength hadn't increased dramatically over the past year, his control over aura had become extraordinarily precise.

By carefully manipulating his aura's wavelength and volume, Oboro could make forest creatures perceive him as one of their own, a feat requiring profound understanding of Nen's fundamental nature.

Each principle served its purpose: Ten for defense and enhancement, Zetsu for energy conservation and concealment, Ren for increasing aura output and offensive power, and Hatsu for manifesting techniques. He'd focused on perfecting these basics before attempting advanced applications.

When his aura control reached sufficient levels, he began exploring more complex techniques like Gyo, In, Ken, and En, though he primarily concentrated on fundamentals during his isolation.

Approaching the cave entrance, he heard rustling from the surrounding forest. Gray-maned wolves emerged, gathering around him like oversized dogs, familiar with his aura signature after so many months.

Their alpha, a massive white furred wolf the size of an ox, emerged carrying a package in its jaws. Such creatures, far larger than Earth's wildlife, were common in this world.

"I'm leaving now," Oboro smiled, patting the alpha's head. "I'll visit when I can."

The white wolf's mournful howl sparked a chorus from the pack, bidding farewell to their human companion.

His training had extended far beyond the original plan, eighteen months instead of six. Though his appearance hadn't changed dramatically, his aura and bearing had transformed completely. Nen training inherently shaped one's spirit and will.

He'd checked on Glam Gas Land periodically. The circus was long gone, after Morittonio's disappearance following the Grand Hotel performance, their reputation had crumbled. The troupe had scattered to continue their wandering lifestyle.

"Abaki must have left too," he mused. She'd likely pursue her dream of becoming a Hunter.

Glam Gas Land remained prosperous, its streets filled with performers inspired by the Morittonio Circus's brief fame. Fire-breathers, dancers, and clowns entertained crowds, though their amateur techniques were obvious to Oboro's experienced eye.

After getting a haircut and new clothes, he rejoined city life, even buying a phone. His savings had lasted well, given his self-sufficient mountain lifestyle.

"Next stop: Heaven's Arena in the Republic of Padokea," he decided in his hotel room, counting his remaining jenny.

Though his Nen foundations were solid, he lacked practical combat experience. Unlike Hisoka's natural battle instinct, Oboro needed to develop his abilities through actual fights. Heaven's Arena, with its constant matches and prize money, offered the perfect training ground. While many contestants were barely above amateur level, they'd serve well as practice opponents.

The next day, Oboro arrived at the airship terminal wearing a white shirt, black pants, and sunglasses. The journey to Padokea would take several days.

His thoughts drifted to the Zoldyck family estate on Kukuroo Mountain. "Killua must be deep in his training by now..."

At four years old, the future heir would be experiencing the family's brutal assassination training, having started at just three...

His musings were interrupted as someone sat beside him in the waiting hall. Though there were plenty of empty seats, this person had chosen immediate proximity.

Oboro glanced over, his pupils contracting behind his sunglasses.

The young man had long black hair, fair skin, and distinctive clothing. His features were set in an unnaturally stiff expression, radiating such cold intensity that nearby passengers unconsciously relocated.

Soon their row was empty except for the two of them.

"Of all people..." Oboro steadied his racing heart.

Speak of the Zoldycks, and one appears, though instead of Killua, he'd encountered Illumi. Someone as dangerous as Hisoka, which explained their future partnership.

Though his hair wasn't as long as it would become, the outfit and unique aura were unmistakable. At sixteen, Illumi was two years younger than Oboro, though his presence made such details seem irrelevant.

"A Zoldyck in Glam Gas Land can only mean an assassination contract," Oboro reasoned, maintaining his composure.

His heart jumped when Illumi suddenly stood and moved directly next to him.

"You... know me?" Illumi's head turned mechanically, his grey eyes carrying oppressive weight despite his emotionless tone.

His perception was razor sharp, he'd noticed Oboro's few studying glances.

"No," Oboro smiled disarmingly. "Your outfit just caught my attention."

"Oh." Illumi turned away but remained seated, creating an atmosphere of strange tension.

As passengers avoided their row despite standing room only, time crawled by until the departure announcement finally broke the silence.

Oboro rose smoothly and headed for the boarding gate.