The forest buzzed with life—or maybe it was death.

Leaves rustled from above as the sun leaked in through thick canopies, casting dappled shadows across the blood-soaked forest floor.

Broken ant limbs twitched near their boots. Chimera Ants.

Tougher than expected, faster than they should’ve been, but Gon, Killua, and Kite had pushed through. Each victory meant the boys were growing stronger. And more reckless.

Gon wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes gleaming with adrenaline. “We did it!”

Killua, breathing hard, leaned back against a tree with a cocky grin. “Barely. I swear that last one had a blade for a tongue. What the hell is that evolution tree?”

Kite stood nearby, wiping his weapon on his sleeve with practiced ease. “Don’t let your guard down. If these scouts are out this far, the nest’s expanding faster than expected.”

Then a twig snapped.

Killua’s head snapped up. Gon stilled.

Another crunch in the underbrush.

“Who’s there!?” Killua barked, immediately sliding into a combat stance, his hand sparking faintly with the threat of lightning. His eyes scanned the trees—sharp, predatory.

Gon didn’t move, but his focus narrowed. Kite simply turned his head slightly, gaze already trained toward the disturbance. Calm. Dangerous.

You stood half in shadow, half in light.

Leaning casually against a tree trunk, one hand resting on your belt. No Chimera Ant. No visible threat. Just… you.

You glanced between the three—Gon with his wide, alert curiosity; Killua with sharp suspicion; Kite with calm, predator’s caution.