The stands around the arena on the 101st floor were packed.
The atmosphere was far more heated than before.
Anyone who made it this far had some real skill.
On opposite sides of the ring.
Killua and Zushi stood facing each other.
The referee stood between them.
"Begin!"
The referee gave the signal.
Killua didn't move.
He kept both hands in his pockets, his gaze languid.
"Hey, kid."
Killua looked at Zushi, who had taken his stance.
"Just give up. I'd hate to cripple you by accident."
Zushi ignored him completely.
"Fight!"
He shouted and charged straight at Killua with steady steps.
A textbook straight punch shot toward Killua's face.
Killua sighed.
He tilted his head and dodged the punch.
Then he pulled out his right hand.
No one even saw him move.
Thud.
A dull impact sounded.
Killua's knife-hand had already struck the back of Zushi's neck.
His aim was precise.
The force was just right, too.
It was a textbook knockout blow.
In Killua's experience, that strike could put a burly grown man to sleep for a whole day.
Zushi went limp and pitched forward.
Boos filled the arena as the crowd voiced their displeasure at such a quick match.
The referee raised his hand, ready to declare Killua the winner.
But just as he opened his mouth.
Zushi planted both hands on the floor where he had fallen.
He gritted his teeth.
Unsteadily, he got back to his feet.
A large patch on the back of his neck had turned red, but the fighting spirit in his eyes hadn't faded at all.
"Again!"
Zushi shouted and took his stance once more.
Killua froze.
He looked down at his hand.
The force was right.
So was the placement.
How could this kid still get up?
*Not only had