As Kurapika spoke, his expression in the memory took on a hint of tenderness.
"One day, my friend Pyro and I came across a woman who had gotten lost, been injured, and fallen unconscious. We helped her, and in gratitude, she told us about human society."
Gelman knew that the woman Kurapika had omitted from his story was Shizuku.
And Shizuku had been a childhood friend of the core members of the Phantom Troupe.
Kurapika had no idea Gelman knew so much about his story—perhaps even more than he did. He simply continued as though this were the first time he had told it to someone.
"After she recovered, that woman left us, but she left behind an adventure storybook. Because of her, and because of that book, I became increasingly curious about the outside world."
"However, the clan chief was unwilling to let me come into contact with the outside world so easily. He believed it was too dangerous for our clan."
"But I insisted on leaving. It wasn't just because I was curious about the outside world. Only out there could I find a way to treat my friend Pyro's injuries."
Kurapika pressed his lips together, his face filled with guilt and self-reproach. Pyro had been injured while saving him, and it had haunted him ever since.
"So, the clan chief set several trials for me. Only by passing them could I earn the right to stay outside for an extended period."
"In the end, with Pyro's help, I passed every trial. Left with no choice, the clan chief could only keep his promise and let me leave."
"But only six weeks after I left, every member of our clan was slaughtered by the Phantom Troupe. Thirty-six pairs of Hokage Eyes were taken, and Pyro's head was cut