Hisoka's invitation

Laughter drifted down the corridor, carrying a hint of nonchalance.

Hisoka leaned against the wall by the stairwell, dressed in a red bodysuit with his trademark clown makeup on his face. He twirled a playing card between his fingers, sweeping his gaze over everyone before it settled on Gon, his eyes gleaming with unnerving intensity.

Killua immediately stepped forward to shield Gon, sparks flickering at his fingertips.

"Hisoka, what are you doing up here?"

"Looking for someone fun, of course." Hisoka licked his lips, flourishing the card between his fingers, his gaze fixed on Gon. "Long time no see, Gon. You've gotten quite a bit stronger."

Gon poked his head out from behind Killua, his eyes sparkling.

"Hisoka! You're on the ship too!"

He had fought Hisoka at Heaven's Arena before and had been wanting a rematch ever since.

Leorio stood behind them, muttering under his breath.

"This guy just won't go away. He's everywhere. And that makeup makes him look like an opera performer."

Kurapika gripped his chain pendant, his whole body tense.

Hisoka was unpredictable. No one knew what he might do next.

Everyone had assumed Hisoka had come for Saitama.

The surge of Nen earlier had been so powerful that anyone would have been drawn to the strongest person there.

Instead, Hisoka never even looked at Saitama. His gaze stayed glued to Gon, as though he were watching a piece of fruit slowly ripen.

"I was fighting downstairs when I suddenly sensed the Nen up here. At first, I thought it must be someone impressive." Hisoka smiled and pointed his card at Gon. "I didn't expect to run into you.

"Want to fight? Right now."

Gon's eyes instantly lit up, and he started to rush forward.

Killua grabbed the back of his collar and hauled him back.