Temporary Alliance

The forest wind carried a damp scent, while the distant roar of the waterfall seemed never to cease. Ryan sat quietly at the edge of the camp, using Ken to stabilize the flow of energy within his body and restore himself to peak condition. His gaze occasionally fell on Leorio, confirming his state. Although Leorio's mental strength had not fully recovered, he was much better than when they had first met.

Leorio leaned against a tree and complained in a low voice, "Damn... That really was a narrow escape. You have no idea... Hisoka's eyes... I felt like prey being watched by a wild beast." He scratched his hair, still looking tense. "If I hadn't run fast enough, I'd be the one lying on the ground right now."

Ryan glanced at him in silence and silently added, Run fast? You should say Hisoka just wasn't interested in attacking you.

As he said this, he lowered his head and clenched his fists. "My target is No. 246, Ponzu. Unfortunately... I nearly died of fright before I even found her."

Ryan nodded and was just about to speak when his ears twitched. A faint rustling came from the grass behind them.

His eyes turned cold. He swiftly reached into his bag, pulled out a black stone, and hurled it toward the grass!

"Smack!" The black stone struck the trunk of a tree, startling a figure into view.

"Tch!" It was an agile examinee with a monkey-like face. He scrambled up the branches almost like a real monkey, then, after taking in the situation below, bared his teeth in a sly grin.

"It's Monkey Man!" Leorio suddenly stood up.

Monkey Man glanced at them. Seeing that a sneak attack was impossible, he turned and ran.

"Don't let him get away!" Leorio charged after