Chapter 522.2

Chapter 522

After submitting his application, Killua returned to the hospital room.

"Killua, where did you go just now?"

"I went to register for a match."

"Has the opponent been assigned yet?" Gon asked expectantly.

"Not yet." Killua shook his head. "But we should find out soon. The results should be coming in any minute."

Killua had applied for a fight scheduled for tomorrow. However, the match required an opponent. If no one else signed up for tomorrow, Killua's request would automatically roll over to the next available date until a match was confirmed.

Ding dong!

A notification chimed on Killua’s phone. He quickly took it out and glanced at the screen.

"Killua, what’s up?"

"The matchup has been confirmed," Killua said. "The fight is tomorrow afternoon. My opponent’s name is Kastro."

It wasn’t a name Killua recognized. Almost instinctively, he thought to consult Ron. As a member of the Zoldyck family, gathering intelligence before a fight was practically second nature. In this respect, Hisoka and Gon were complete opposites. Hisoka never researched his opponents—he preferred the surprise of unexpected abilities during battle. Gon similarly didn’t bother looking up information. When facing Gido, Gon hadn’t checked his background either, despite the Heavens Arena offering a forum with fighter profiles and match videos.

But Killua paused. He realized Ron might not know much about Kastro either. Ron was the floor master of the 200th floor, while Kastro was merely a challenger. It was unlikely Ron would keep tabs on every contestant. Killua figured Sadaso might be better informed.

After a moment's hesitation, Killua called Sadaso.

"Killua?" At the moment, Sadaso was training at TST’s dojo. Ever since joining the TST, Sadaso had immersed himself in his training. The top-notch facilities and strong sparring partners meant that each day of progress now exceeded what used to take him a week. This rapid improvement had left Sadaso completely hooked, so much so that he’d stopped keeping up with outside affairs.

"Sadaso, do you know someone named Kastro?"

"Kastro?"

"Yeah."

"I know him. Why do you ask?"

"I just registered for a fight, and I’ve been matched with him."

Sadaso’s expression stiffened, then turned serious.

"Killua, where are you right now?"

Killua provided his location. Not long after, Sadaso arrived at the hospital room.

"Killua. Gon." Sadaso greeted them politely. "Gon, how are you feeling?"

"I’m fine." Gon smiled. "The doctors said it would take a while to heal, but I think I’ll be up and moving in a few days. Once I can walk again, my recovery should speed up. Don’t worry."

Sadaso nodded and turned to Killua.

"Killua, are you sure your opponent is Kastro?"

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even know the name." Killua shrugged.

Sadaso paused briefly before explaining, "Kastro isn’t a rookie killer. Fighters at Heavens Arena fall into three categories. First, the rookie killers—those who, after enduring the brutal baptism of the 200th floor, developed psychological issues. These people have no real future or potential and won’t advance far."

"The second type is fighters like me. Average talent, average strength, but with clear goals. We advance step by step, grounded and determined. We might not achieve greatness, but we’ll never become like the rookie killers."

"The third category includes the contenders most likely to challenge for the position of floor master. Kastro belongs to this group."

"He arrived at Heavens Arena much later than I did but has shown remarkable strength and rapid growth. After reaching the 200th floor, he went through the rookie baptism. Fortunately, his opponent wasn’t a rookie killer, so he didn’t suffer any lasting injuries or psychological trauma. Since then, his progress has been astonishing."

"Kastro is exceptionally talented in Nen. So far, he’s secured nine victories. Aside from his first match, he hasn’t lost once. Winning his next fight would qualify him to challenge the floor master."

"For this match, Kastro will be going all out. He has superior strength, speed, and offensive abilities. I’m nowhere near his level, and those rookie killers don’t even come close."

Sadaso then glanced at Gon. "Gon, the one who injured you—his name was Gido, right?"

"Yeah." Gon nodded.

"I knew him from long ago. Before his rookie baptism, he wasn’t like that. Afterward, it was as if he became a completely different person."

"Kastro is far stronger than Gido. Killua, if your opponent really is Kastro, don’t push yourself too hard. He’s not like the rookie killers. He won’t intentionally inflict serious harm, but his natural strength surpasses all the rookie killers combined."

Sadaso’s tone was earnest. His earlier support for Killua wasn’t just because they were acquainted. He genuinely considered Killua a friend—half a friend, at least. Of course, there was an element of investment as well. Killua’s potential was immense. Still, Sadaso’s willingness to confront Wing earlier proved he truly valued Killua’s well-being. Otherwise, without knowing Killua’s connection to Ron or his real background, it would’ve been too risky to challenge Wing on Killua’s behalf.

Later, Sadaso had gained the opportunity to join the TST through Ron. That had been a tremendous boon, deepening his gratitude toward Killua.

Killua absorbed Sadaso’s explanation, his expression growing serious.

"I understand. Thanks for the heads-up, Sadaso."

Ron, meanwhile, received a message from Kastro.

"Ron-senpai, the match has been confirmed."

"Good," Ron replied. "Tomorrow’s fight should be worth watching."

In the original storyline, Killua’s time at Heavens Arena had only yielded the basics of Nen. He’d fought a single match—against the rookie killer Riehlvelt. But now, things were unfolding differently.