Palasta Airport.
"Kikyo, study your skills diligently while I'm away."
"Right, and don't neglect your [Nen] training."
In front of an airship, the tall Silva and Dio stood side by side, giving instructions to little Kikyo, who did not even reach their waists.
Kikyo nodded helplessly, occasionally saying, "I know."
Seeing this, Silva nodded, his rugged face betraying no emotion.
Dio reached out and ruffled Kikyo's hair. After some thought, he said, "This might sound like a last-minute attempt to make up for things, but Kikyo, whether you become a Hunter or an Assassin is your choice to make in the future. Before then, you need the strength to protect yourself."
He simply crouched down, looked Kikyo in the eyes, and said earnestly, "So whatever you do-don't die before then."
Dio said this because he had previously suppressed some of the power of the Nen Needle in Kikyo's brain.
Although that Nen Needle restrained Kikyo, there was no denying that it also protected her to some extent.
Now that this indirect protection was gone, Dio had to actively remind Kikyo to make up for the vigilance she lacked.
"Oh, okay-"
Sensing Dio's tone, Kikyo was a little puzzled by his seriousness, but she agreed anyway.
With departure imminent and time running short, there naturally was not much time to talk.
After briefly going over everything, Dio and Silva turned and boarded the airship.
After the airship took off, Kikyo stood alone in the middle of the airport. She raised her head, held up a hand to block the sun, and squinted at the shrinking airship.
She watched her respected father leave, along with the Teacher she did not particularly respect but unexpectedly got along with.
*A Hunter, huh-sounds more interesting than an Assassin. But how would I find Dio when