novelraw Chapter 358 - 359
Chapter 358 - 359
Upon seeing Morin's approval, Wing's face couldn't help but break into a broader smile. "Though not quite on Kastro's level, Zushi is undoubtedly qualified as a successor of the Shingen-ryu."
Wing stepped forward and gently patted Zushi's head. "This child has both perseverance and drive. In the future, he will surely contribute to the legacy of Shingen-ryu. In this way, he won't bring disgrace to his master's teachings."
Wing held Zushi in high regard, and Zushi indeed lived up to Wing's guidance and expectations. The bond between master and disciple was undeniably deep.
"Zushi is impressive. In less than two years, he's reached such a level, far surpassing many other Nen users," Morin praised, not holding back his compliments, especially since Zushi was his junior disciple. Moreover, Zushi indeed worked hard, and the results of his training were evident.
"No, no, it's all thanks to Master Wing's teachings. I still have many shortcomings and need guidance from both Master Wing and you, Uncle Morin," Zushi quickly shook his head, his face earnest and sincere.
Looking at Zushi's bright, spirited eyes and his maturing face, Morin couldn't help but smile. People do grow, after all. Over the past two years, Zushi had undergone much training at the Heavens Arena. Under Wing's guidance, his skills had significantly improved, a transformation Morin could sense in Zushi.
Moreover, his entire demeanor had changed. If Zushi was once a sheltered flower, he had now weathered many storms, growing into a qualified Shingen-ryu disciple. Of course, despite his progress, Zushi's current abilities were still lacking, not yet on par with Gon and Killua. Even as a floor master, he was just at the lowest tier.
Perhaps Wing wanted Zushi to experience the atmosphere of the martial arts tournament, to gain more experience and knowledge. But still, being a floor master at the Heavens Arena, known worldwide, shouldn't be underestimated.
Zushi's participation in the tournament was also communicated to Gon and Killua, who were currently training with Kite in their Hunter profession. They had agreed to be there on the day of the competition.
Since meeting Kite, Gon and Killua had joined his team, exploring nature and unknown creatures together. Kite had a high-tech camera that, when photographing any creature, would display related information if it had been documented. For undiscovered species, the camera would alert and record it, acknowledging the first discoverer.
Gon and Killua were having a great time with the camera. Morin suspected this high-tech camera was a tool Ging had obtained from a companion during the creation of Greed Island. Perhaps, after discovering enough creatures and losing interest, Ging had passed it to Kite, who then gave it to Gon. It could be considered a unique form of legacy.
As they were about to continue their conversation, Morin's phone suddenly rang. "I need to take this call," Morin said to Wing, stepping outside with the phone.
"Hello?! Morin, we're here. Where are you now?" came the familiar loud voice of Uvogin over the phone.
"Is it just you and Nobunaga?" Morin asked, maintaining a prudent distance.
"No, Machi's here too," Uvogin continued. "She mentioned having gathered information that this tournament is quite intense, with exaggerated betting odds from major casinos. She's planning to make a profit again."
Morin thought, So this is the nature of a gambler, or perhaps it's just a trait of Transmuters like Killua and Machi, who can't resist these things? But rather than a love for gambling, it's more about the benefits it brings. Killua likes to take advantage, and Machi loves money.
Even though Morin had given Machi the "Forced ATM," she was still eager to make money? Last time, Uvogin and Nobunaga's withdrawal from the tournament earned Machi a sum. Is she planning to repeat that success?
Morin shook his head, deciding not to dwell on it. He left the arena, took a few turns, and met up with Uvogin, Nobunaga, and the increasingly beautiful Machi in a secluded alley.
Since the last withdrawal incident, Uvogin and Nobunaga had been prominently featured on the Heavens Arena's wanted list, marked in black and red. Even someone as carefree and fearless as Uvogin had to be somewhat cautious on foreign turf. They were here to cause trouble, and drawing too much attention could spoil their plans.
In the nearly deserted alley, Morin reunited with his old friends Uvogin, Nobunaga, and Machi, who had grown even more beautiful. Their original four-member group from Meteor City was together again.
"Don't worry, I won't bet too much, just a billion or two at most," Machi reassured, her arms crossed, still as cool and flawless as ever.
"You've grown even more beautiful, Machi!" Morin couldn't help but compliment her. No lady dislikes praise, even those with a reputation for ruthlessness and a love of money.
---
"You've gotten stronger too, Morin!" Just as Morin was about to say something, Uvogin stepped forward and gave him a big hug. "How about we have another match now?"
"Even if we fight a hundred more times, you'll still lose," Morin retorted, pushing Uvogin away with a smirk. "Besides, if we start a fight, we'll just attract the attention of everyone at the Heavens Arena!"
"Ah, you're right!" Uvogin scratched his head, laughing as he stepped aside, giving Morin and Machi some space.
"Why did you come along?" Morin asked softly as he approached Machi.
"If you can come, why can't I?" Machi replied with a nonchalant glance at Morin, showing little emotion. Their relationship wasn't something they'd openly display in front of straightforward Enhancers like Uvogin and Nobunaga.
"Is it because you're short on money?" Morin asked helplessly. "Didn't I already give you the 'Forced ATM' tool?"
"That's different," Machi perked up at the mention of money. "I hardly use those tools anymore."
"Why?" Morin asked.
"Getting money that way isn't interesting," Machi replied.
Morin was a bit speechless, not quite understanding her logic. But then again, women often have unique ways of thinking, especially someone like Machi from Meteor City.
"So you're still determined to make money through gambling?"
"Of course," Machi said, meeting Morin's gaze without backing down.
"I see," Morin nodded slightly. "So what are you planning to bet on?"
"I'm betting that this martial arts tournament will have unexpected events!" Machi declared confidently. "Unexpected events that will stop the tournament!"
Morin gave Machi a peculiar look. "What? Is there something on my face?" Machi asked, feeling a bit self-conscious under Morin's gaze.
"...Nothing," Morin replied. Could Machi really be that suited for gambling? It was like she had already peeked at the answers!
The possibility of Jed and his group crashing the Olympia Martial Arts Tournament was something no one anticipated. Even Netero wouldn't have predicted Jed's resurrection through the power of malice.
Since Uvogin and Nobunaga's withdrawal from past tournaments, major events have included a betting option for "unexpected events causing the tournament to halt."
This year's Olympia Martial Arts Tournament also had such an option, though it was largely ignored. After all, those who became floor masters wouldn't risk offending the Heavens Arena at such a crucial time. The odds for this bet were, therefore, incredibly high, and Machi seemed intent on taking a big gamble.
"With you guys around, I doubt this tournament will proceed smoothly," Machi explained, clearly betting on Morin, Uvogin, and the others causing some disruption.
"But if you place too large a bet, the Heavens Arena won't just sit idly by. Such a strange occurrence will definitely prompt them to investigate thoroughly. If there's a significant amount of money bet on something going wrong, it's bound to raise suspicions."
Especially since the Heavens Arena had been burned by this before, they'd be extra cautious. On one hand, they'd heighten security; on the other, if something did happen, they'd certainly investigate thoroughly afterward.
"No worries, I've got experience with these things," Machi said casually, exuding confidence. Indeed, when it came to gambling and making money, no one had more experience than her.
"There's still three days until the tournament starts. Let's find a place to stay!" Uvogin said nonchalantly. "Morin, I haven't stayed at your place in ages!"