Gotoh reflected on his earlier assessment.
"Master Killua's friends are quite talented, but not particularly strong. One of them, a boy named Gon, is around the same age as Master Killua, and his talent is quite exceptional."
"Hmm! And what about the kid I asked you to observe closely, Loki?"
At this point, Gotoh's expression turned serious.
Gotoh's serious expression and tone turned grave.
"Master, if Mr. Loki harbors any hostility towards the Zoldyck family, it will present a considerable challenge."
Silva hadn't expected even Gotoh to give such an assessment. A considerable challenge? Silva wouldn't have cared if another butler had said this, but Gotoh was different. Gotoh understood the Zoldyck family's strength. For a butler who knew this to give such an assessment meant Loki's strength was at least on par with his. Even if there was a difference, it wouldn't be significant.
Gotoh's assessment was carefully considered. First, Loki's displayed strength far surpassed his own, and the amount of Nen he unleashed was astonishing—and that was just an instant burst. It wasn't his full power. Therefore, Gotoh concluded that Loki's total Nen capacity likely exceeded Illumi's and might be below Silva's.
More critically, Loki hadn't shown his abilities. Nen strength is important, but how a Nen user develops their abilities is even more crucial. A powerful ability can compensate for a large gap in raw strength. Gotoh's assessment was logical.
"Is that so!" Silva was surprised, but then remembered Zeno mentioning Loki being Netero's disciple. Considering that, someone Netero chose having this level of strength was normal.
"Master, he's likely an Enhancement and Transmutation type Nen user," Gotoh continued. Loki's ability to catch his coin barehanded required Enhancement-type strength and Transmutation-type control over Nen changes. Gotoh could only make limited judgments based on Loki's single action.
"I understand. If Killua leaves, regardless of who orders you to follow him, do not go."
"Yes, Master."
After hanging up, Gotoh felt a pang of reluctance. Killua was leaving again, and Gotoh sensed he might not return for a while.
'Master Killua, though you carry the Zoldyck blood, I hope you find your own path in life.'
From the butler's room to the Zoldyck family's residential area wasn't far as the crow flies, but the winding path made the distance considerable. Loki didn't mind the extra time; the scenery was nice. Kurapika and Leorio, however, found the endless winding path, the gloomy surroundings, and the oppressive atmosphere quite unpleasant.
In the Zoldyck's torture chamber, Milluki panted. "Killua, you're going to suffer much more."
Killua, hanging there, shrugged indifferently. He was covered in wounds, but this was normal for him. Milluki's strength seemed considerable, but to Killua, it felt weak. He felt like he was resting.
Milluki, turning to get more torture tools, was interrupted by Zeno entering. He glanced at the sweating Milluki. He looked at the injured Killua. "Killua, you're free to go."
"Oh! It's over already!" Killua broke his chains and stretched. Milluki gritted his teeth, furious that Killua felt nothing after his efforts. This was a great insult.
Killua smiled at Milluki. "Don't be angry, brother. If I hadn't hurt you before, you wouldn't have held back."
"You're fine!"
"Don't blame me. I know you held back. Thanks!" Killua said, leaving.
Zeno looked at Killua. "Silva wants to see you. Go."
"Got it!" Killua left, leaving Zeno and Milluki.
Milluki was furious. "Grandpa and Father spoil him. He's not an assassin anymore."
Zeno sighed. "Milluki, what do you think of Killua?"
"Killua?" Milluki, calming down, said, "He's exceptionally talented, but that's why he needs stricter training. He shouldn't be allowed to…"
Zeno ignored the rest.
'Silva wants Killua to meet Netero's disciple to create pressure!'
Creak…
"Father." Killua opened the door.
Silva, sitting cross-legged, opened his eyes.
"Did you meet anyone interesting?"
"Father, you mean Gon?"
Silva gestured for Killua to sit. "Tell me about your friends."
Killua nodded, awestruck that Silva cared about his friends. He felt uneasy, but the conversation shifted to Gon, and Killua's mood improved. He smiled more when talking about Gon.
Silva noticed this. This smile was unusual for Killua, who'd received assassin training since childhood. Killua had lost his assassin persona and become an ordinary boy.
"Father, I never thought we'd pass the Hunter Exam that way. Gon always has unique ideas; breaking the rules is so interesting."
"Besides Gon, do you have other friends?"
"Two more companions. We don't talk much, but they're friends."
"What are their names?"
"Kurapika and Leorio."
Silva paused. "Only two?"
"There's one more, around my age. I don't feel close to him, but we talked. We know each other."
"What's his name?"
Silva's eyes narrowed. "Loki. Is there anything unusual about him?"
Killua nodded. His father understood him well.
"Loki… he seems extraordinary. Even when talking to him, he doesn't seem distant, but it's hard to feel closeness."
Silva nodded. "I understand. Similar to Illumi—easy to talk to, but hard to become friends with."
"Yes, exactly."
"Killua, if you decide to leave, I'll let you go," Silva said suddenly. Killua's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Of course. Father never lies."
Killua jumped excitedly.
"However…" Silva said, making Killua tense.
"You must promise me, no matter when, never betray your friends." Silva raised his fist.
Killua, expecting harsh conditions, was surprised. He raised his fist and lightly bumped it against Silva's.
"I promise. I won't betray my friends. If I do, I'll come back."
"I'll never come back."
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