Under the sunlight, the snow accumulated on the tree trunks had partially melted, sparkling with crystalline brilliance. However, it was only the early stages of winter, and the harsher cold was yet to come.
After a morning’s journey, the villagers of Snow Village finally returned with a large haul of supplies. As the lively convoy approached the village, the festive atmosphere spread to every villager.
Many women in the village paused their chores and stepped out of their homes, looking curiously and puzzled at the abundant harvest. The men, having been briefed by Kouichiro, knew the expedition’s purpose and were astonished at their return with such a bounty.
“Hey, just how much stuff did they get?” one villager whispered to his neighbor.
“Who knows, but it’s all taken from those bandits holed up in Shōjōji Temple!” the neighbor replied, happy for the team’s success.
“Shh… keep your voice down. Remember what Chief Kouichiro told us? This is a village secret; don’t blabber and cause trouble!”
“Oh, right… but seeing this haul, there must be a lot!”
“Do you think there’ll be any for us? Chief Kouichiro did promise everyone in the village a share…”
“We didn’t volunteer to help, so we can’t complain if we don’t get any. But did you hear that the kid from Eiji’s family led the bandit attack?” one villager whispered.
Hearing this, the other quickly looked around and then patted him. “Everyone knows that! But don’t call him a kid. Even Chief Kouichiro calls him Lord Rin. I heard it myself. He’s no ordinary child.”
The previous villager’s face changed, glancing around nervously before nodding in agreement. Such conversations filled the village, with each villager curious and in disbelief about the returned convoy.
Meanwhile, in a secluded corner of the village, in front of the now-expanded Eiji residence, Haku, bundled up warmly, stretched out her small hands, her eyes wide with determination.
“This time, we must succeed, Pikachu!”
Next to her, Pikachu’s furry face was serious as it nodded firmly.
“Ready? Let’s begin, Pikachu!” At Haku’s soft command, Pikachu leaped onto a nearby platform.
Suddenly, a small, perfect arc of water appeared mid-air. Pikachu, seeing this, jumped high, stretching its limbs.
“Whoosh—” It passed perfectly through the narrow water arc, its lightning-shaped tail tucked in to avoid touching the water.
“Wow, Pikachu, you did it! Amazing!” Haku cheered as she released her chakra control, the water arc splashing to the ground. Her face was full of admiration for Pikachu.
“Pika Pika!” Pikachu’s mouth curved into a cute smile as it modestly rubbed its head.
Watching enviously from the corridor, Shiokko noticed the village commotion and stood up excitedly. “Haku, Pikachu, it looks like Lord Rin has returned!”
Hearing this, both Haku and Pikachu’s faces lit up with joy as they ran towards the village. Shiokko followed, calling out, “Haku, Pikachu, slow down! Be careful not to fall!”
Running with their short legs, Haku and Pikachu soon saw a figure in the street, their faces breaking into smiles.
“Pika!”
“Brother!”
Rin, who had been looking down, heard the calls and looked up, smiling when he saw Pikachu and Haku. However, his face changed as they ran towards him, quickly shouting, “Don’t come near me!”
“Whoosh!” A shadow flickered, blocking Pikachu and Haku’s path. Haku stopped, confused, while Pikachu’s tail bristled in displeasure.
Ignoring Pikachu’s hostility, Chrollo turned to Haku, speaking gently. “Rin’s body isn’t stable right now. Getting too close might harm you. Please be patient.”
Hearing this, Haku clenched her small fists, worriedly looking at Rin. “Brother, are you hurt?”
“Pika Pika!?” Pikachu echoed.
Rin smiled gently, reassuring them, “Don’t worry, Haku, Pikachu. I’m not hurt. I just have some issues with my newly acquired Nen ability. Until I solve it, I don’t want you getting hurt by accident.”
Pikachu tilted its head, ears drooping, while Haku still looked confused. Rin didn’t explain further and, with Chrollo protecting him, headed home.
Seeing Rin return, Shiokko smiled with joy and wanted to approach, but Chrollo stopped her. Rin patiently explained the reason again, then, led by Chrollo, entered a house and closed the door, leaving Shiokko, Haku, and Pikachu puzzled and unsure of what was happening.
Inside the empty room, Rin sat cross-legged on the floor, holding the deep purple book, looking distressed. “From what we’ve observed, it seems the Devouring Spirit Book can hold a maximum of four people for now… though this might increase in the future.”
“In completing the conditions, the opponent’s Nen is devoured by the book and converted into strength, which is fed back into your body…”
“For now, this is all we can see. The rest might take time to reveal,” Chrollo calmly analyzed from the corner.
Rin sighed, spreading his hands. “But this sudden surge of power is too much to handle! If I accidentally use it on Haku, it would be disastrous…”
As he spoke, he lifted his hand from the floor, revealing a shallow handprint indented in the solid wood.
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