Disturbance on the Lower Decks

Back in his room, Kurapika set the velvet box on the table and gently opened it.

Ten pairs of Scarlet Eyes lay in neat rows on the velvet, glowing a translucent red beneath the light.

He reached out and lightly touched a glass cover. His touch was so gentle, as if he feared disturbing something.

Leorio came closer and lowered his voice.

"Are they all real?"

Kurapika nodded.

"They're real."

"Good." Leorio breathed a sigh of relief. "I thought that guy might try to pass off fakes. But he just handed over ten pairs? I can't shake the feeling he's up to something."

"Of course he is." Killua leaned against the doorframe, a lollipop in his mouth. "Who knows what he's cooking up for three days from now? There's no way he'll let a loss this big go."

Gon crouched beside the box, looking at the eyes inside, and scratched his head.

"But he can't beat Mr. Saitama. Tricks won't work either, will they?"

"Idiot. He won't come at him head-on." Killua flicked Gon's forehead. "He could use poison, launch a sneak attack, or get someone else to do his dirty work. He's got plenty of options. No one in the Succession Contest is simple."

Kurapika closed the box and locked it in a cabinet.

"Whatever he has planned, I'll get the remaining twenty-six pairs back."

His voice was firm, without a trace of hesitation.

Early the next morning, footsteps thudded down the corridor just as dawn broke.

Gon, dressed in workout clothes, ran laps along the corridor. Sweat poured off him, but he didn't stop.

Killua leaned against the wall with a bottle of water, handing it over whenever Gon ran past.

"Slow down. Aren't you worried you'll fall?"

"I'm fine!" Gon took the water, gulped down a mouthful,