Just a Spider

Bai Zhu pressed his sword back into its sheath, his fingers still resting on the hilt.

No one in the basement responded immediately.

Several black scorch marks had been burned into the long table, and smoke still curled from its edges. Uvogin stood where he was, his chest rising and falling twice before he dragged his chair back and sat down heavily.

"Interesting."

Nobunaga pushed his sword back into place without another word, but his hand never left its hilt.

Machi raised a hand to pull away several burnt threads, staring at the silver-white feather atop Bai Zhu's head for a moment.

Shalnark held his phone, the smile on his face fading somewhat.

Chrollo closed his book, his fingertips pressing against its cover.

Hisoka stood by the stairs, looking even more excited than before.

Bai Zhu nodded in satisfaction at everyone's reactions.

"Wouldn't it have been better if we'd started like this? Why put on such airs and make everyone uncomfortable?"

Milluki poked half his head out from behind them and muttered softly.

"You were obviously the one who provoked them first!"

Bai Zhu turned around.

"Young master, you've been awfully chatty today."

"Do you know we'd get buried if the basement collapsed?"

"Don't worry. I was very restrained just now."

Milluki's voice nearly cracked.

"You call that restrained?"

Illumi naturally walked over and sat beside Bai Zhu.

Bai Zhu tilted his head and glanced at him.

"Young master, you're sitting so close. You're making me a little nervous."

Illumi spoke calmly.

"It wouldn't matter if I sat farther away. If you'd decided to attack just now, no one here could have stopped you."

Milluki's face turned green.

"Big brother, could you not encourage him at a time like this?"

"I merely stated the facts."

Bai Zhu raised a hand