Outside the Nostrade family's villa, the tension had reached its peak.
Chrollo stood at the gate with a faint, amused smile. He knocked, but received no answer.
"It seems Mr. Nostrade has no intention of cooperating," Chrollo said. His voice was soft, yet carried an unquestionable authority.
"Boss, let's just charge in!" Phinks was growing impatient. Patience had never been his strong suit.
"No rush." Chrollo raised a hand to stop Phinks. "We're thieves, not bandits. There are still some rules we ought to follow."
He turned to Shalnark. "Shalnark, contact the Ten Dons. Tell them Uvogin is with us. If they want to save him, they'll have to give us something in exchange."
Shalnark nodded and immediately took out his phone to make contact.
Chrollo's gaze returned to the villa. He knew the man in white had to be nearby. He could sense a faint, elusive presence lingering around the building.
That presence was peculiar. Unlike the overt force of nen aura, it was restrained and unfathomably deep. It only made his curiosity grow.
He needed to draw that man out.
"Nobunaga, Franklin, break through the defenses around the villa," Chrollo said. "But don't hurt anyone inside. I only want them to know we can get in."
"Yes, boss!" Nobunaga and Franklin immediately obeyed.
Nobunaga drew his katana, and a sharp wave of sword energy instantly carved a massive breach in the villa's perimeter wall. Franklin raised both hands, the gun barrels on his ten fingers spewing a dense barrage of nen bullets that shattered the trees and statues surrounding the villa.
Inside the villa, Kurapika and the others sensed the attacks outside, and their expressions darkened.
"They're coming in!" Dalzollene said anxiously.
Kurapika gripped his Chain tightly, his gaze resolute. He knew he had to hold this place.