Red Forest's Golden Grain: A Chance Encounter with Nitro Rice

The entrance to the Red Leaf Forest looked like a natural archway soaked in blood.

Layer upon layer of red leaves blotted out the sun. Light slipped through the gaps, scattering mottled gold and crimson across the ground. The air smelled of rotting leaves and damp earth, with a faint trace of sweetness.

The six-person team walked deeper into the forest, their feet sinking into thick fallen leaves.

The brutal battle with the Breeder had just ended. They had replaced their torn clothes with spare supplies from Beyond's Expeditionary Force, though a few scrapes remained and their strength was still badly drained. Yet after fighting for their lives, they all walked with steadier, surer steps than when they had first entered the forest.

With all thirty-six pairs of Crimson Eyes recovered, Kurapika walked in the middle of the group, his chains resting quietly around his wrist. He seemed much gentler than before, no longer like a blade ready to leave its sheath.

Gon bounced along at the front, looking everywhere, his eyes shining like stars.

"Wow—this whole forest is red! It's even prettier than the autumn maples on Whale Island!"

Killua walked beside him with his hands in his pockets and rolled his eyes. "Quit sightseeing. Nothing that grows on the Dark Continent is harmless. Those leaves could be poisonous."

"I know, I know." Even as Gon answered, his hand reached toward a particularly red leaf.

Snap.

Kurapika's chain lightly flicked his wrist away.

"Killua's right," Kurapika said calmly. "Don't touch things carelessly in an unfamiliar place."

Gon pulled his hand back and chuckled, not at all upset.

Leorio walked behind them, rubbing his aching waist. "You kids have way too much stamina... Three hours of nonstop fighting, and even my bones ache. Aren't you tired, Saitama?"

Saitama walked at