043 (Vol 4) HxH: Tombbound Power

Suddenly, a human-shaped plume of smoke appeared in the field.

"Morel's Deep Purple."

Beyond recognized the ability immediately and shot a slightly more serious glance at Ronnel.

Having once smuggled himself into the Dark Continent, Beyond was deeply invested in its secrets. Over the years, he'd sought out many Nen users whose abilities might aid an expedition there.

Among them, Hide and Seek and Deep Purple were particularly valuable. To someone like Beyond—intimately familiar with the continent's lethal dangers—they were godsend-level support.

He had once considered recruiting Knov and Morel for his crew. But his father, Netero—who had a particular taste for dry humor—had cut off contact with them without hesitation, punishing Beyond's unauthorized expedition with a strict, irreversible ban: "Not until I'm dead."

It had been a bitter regret.

But now, Ronnel had revealed one of the very abilities Beyond had dreamed of securing for his team. He felt both delight and cautious surprise.

Could it really be used by someone else that easily?

The thought crossed Beyond's mind before he tamped it down.

Doesn't matter how he got it—as long as it helps us explore the Dark Continent, I'm not asking questions.

"The Hide and Seek offers an absolutely safe space in a hostile environment. The Deep Purple is perfect for deep recon. I'd say these two abilities are proof of my sincerity, wouldn't you?" Ronnel said with a calm smile. "If any danger arises, I'll step in when necessary—as long as it doesn't threaten me directly."

"On that basis, if we come across any treasures, then let's rely on our own ability to claim them."

"If you get to something first, I'll back off. If I get there first, you'll do the same..."

He looked at Beyond, who had gone quiet in thought. "How's that sound?"

"No complaints here." Beyond quickly returned from his thoughts with a hearty laugh. "Ronnel, your abilities are crucial to this operation."

He tossed aside whatever distribution plan he'd initially cooked up.

"With these two powers, the safety of our personnel jumps to a whole new level. That's worth more than any pile of resources. I'd say we're the ones who struck gold here!"

Thumping his chest, he grinned. "If you need anything—just name it. We'll do whatever we can to back you up!"

Now that he had access to these abilities, Beyond believed he might finally claim treasures he had once deemed out of reach.

"Then I'll be disrespectful~" Ronnel replied with a cheerful smile.

"Great! Hahaha, this expedition's already looking better than my last one!" Joy lit up Beyond's face.

Ronnel knew Beyond had once ventured into the Dark Continent.

In the early episodes set in the Kakin Empire, Beyond had shared some of that experience when he first appeared. Back then, chasing after his father's footsteps, he had secretly crossed into the Dark Continent—and returned with an alchemy plant.

Though the plant eventually withered, it had been enough to prove his achievement.

That single act earned him trust from the Kakin Empire, securing him as a strategic partner and allowing him to recruit numerous skilled allies.

But even with that edge, would he still come out on top when it came to splitting the loot?

We'll see when the time comes who moves faster.

Each side harbored their own ambitions, but they were equally satisfied with this new alliance.

Others in the group had already come to understand Ronnel's abilities. After placing their supplies into the Hide and Seek, no one raised any objection to the distribution plan.

Not that anyone dared to raise objections anymore—not after witnessing the earlier displays of malevolent intent and terrifying auras.

...

In fact, most of them secretly felt a wave of relief and safety now that a powerhouse like Ronnel was officially part of the team.

Ronnel's strength and position were beyond dispute now.

"I didn't expect Ronnel to have such a trump card for negotiation. Looks like your plan failed again~" Ging said, throwing a teasing look at Pariston.

Pariston, as always, just smiled—unshaken.

Once the supplies were packed into the Hide and Seek, the twenty-some members of the expedition took a short rest. After that, they regrouped and moved toward the predetermined coast.

It was the spot from which they would set sail.

...

Meanwhile, aboard the Black Whale, the landing ceremony was in full swing.

Backstage, in a sealed room, the Twelve Zodiacs were gathered around a round table.

"Damn it... he actually attacked me! Next time we meet, I'm gonna show him something really spectacular!!"

Kanzai clutched the back of his head, wincing in frustration.

The moment he and Ginta had set foot on the Black Whale, they'd let their guard down for just a second.

Beyond had taken full advantage, delivering a quick and ruthless sneak attack that floored them both.

They never stood a chance. Not against him.

"You'll probably just get smacked around again," Cheadle Yorkshire said flatly, not even bothering to hide her sarcasm.

"What was that?!"

"Enough." Saccho stepped in at the right moment to break up the noise.

"The landing ceremony's nearly over. From now on, our priority is clear: capture Beyond."

"Right. That's our top mission." Mizaistom Nana nodded. "Our support team is already following the Black Whale. ETA is sometime this evening."

"They couldn't bring anything sensitive on board," Gel added. "It's all with the support team behind us."

"Once support arrives," Saccho concluded, "it'll be time to march on the Dark Continent."