Morning on Whale Island.
The sea breeze carried its salty dampness into the courtyard.
The wooden house halfway up the hill was in utter chaos.
Three backpacks lay in a row on the floor.
Gon stuffed spare clothes into his bag.
Killua neatly stacked boxes of limited-edition chocolate.
Luo Ye crouched in front of his backpack, trying to force an enormous watermelon inside.
"Why are you bringing a watermelon?"
Killua pointed at the backpack that was about to burst.
"It's not like they don't sell fruit in Yorknew City."
Luo Ye didn't even look up.
He pressed down hard again.
"It's a taste of home."
Luo Ye sounded perfectly justified.
"Besides, it's a long trip. If the airship doesn't serve meals, this is our strategic food reserve."
Mito came out of the kitchen.
She carried a plate of freshly cooked meat patties.
Watching the three busy boys, her eyes reddened again.
She stepped forward.
She straightened Gon's collar.
"Make sure you're careful."
Mito's voice trembled.
"If you can't beat them, run. Don't try to tough it out."
Gon nodded firmly.
"I will."
Luo Ye sidled over.
He casually swiped a meat patty from the plate and stuffed it into his mouth.
He spoke through a mouthful of food.
"Don't worry, Aunt Mito."
Luo Ye patted his chest.
"I'm here."
"Whenever there's fun to be had, I run faster than anyone."
"I definitely won't let Gon get the short end of the stick."
Mito rolled her eyes at him in exasperation.
But she said nothing more.
Killua stood to one side.
His hands were tucked into his pockets.
Watching this ordinary family farewell,
he felt an emotion he couldn't quite describe welling up inside.
"Let's go."
Killua turned and headed toward the dock.
He avoided looking at them.
The passenger ship's