Red Leaf Forest's End: Signs of the Gluttonous Beast's Territory

After finishing the last piece of Bell Snake jerky, the six set out again.

The atmosphere of Red Leaf Forest faded inch by inch behind them.

The deeper they went, the more enormous the trees became.

The towering trees rose even higher here. Their bark was dark red, their leaves edged with a cold metallic sheen, and the concentration of Nen in the air was almost thick enough to touch.

Every breath made their pores burn.

"Feels like... even the air here nourishes you more than the air outside." Gon took a deep breath, his eyes shining. "It perks me up more than that barbecue!"

Killua walked with his hands behind his head, his steps light. "Obviously. Between the Nitro Rice and the Bell Snake meat, your Nen reserves have grown by at least thirty percent. Of course your senses are sharper."

He paused, a grin tugging at his lips.

"But seriously, did we come here to explore or have a picnic?"

Leorio bristled. "What's wrong with a picnic? Look how much stronger you've all gotten! Would you be enjoying this without my brilliant cooking?"

"What did you do besides sprinkle salt?" Killua shot back.

"Seasoning is the soul of cooking!"

Kurapika walked near the front, a Chain turning idly around his fingers. He surveyed the vegetation, his brow furrowing.

"The plants are growing farther apart, but each one is getting larger," he said quietly. "We're moving up the food chain. The territory of a stronger predator should lie ahead."

Blue light flickered in Genos's eyes as data refreshed.

"Biological energy readings ahead have increased by an order of magnitude. We've left the outer reaches of Red Leaf Forest and are approaching... the outskirts of some apex predator's feeding grounds."

Saitama walked at the back, his expression calm.

He said