Spoilers for chapter: 343-345

Well, surprise! I didn't know if this would ever move past a one-shot, I left it open ended just in case I ever managed to put together a story outline for this. With a bit of encouragement I did. Not ideal timing admittedly since I prefer not to have more than three WIP and I'm trying to get in Christmas one-shots since it's December, but I still hope you enjoy this.

Mizaistrom spent hours watching every video clip, reading every crime report, and pouring over countless transcripts written by the hunters that oversaw the examinees during the exam. Seven years worth of information starting from the genocide in Lukso had landed in his lap in glorious chronological order thanks to the blessing that was Cheadle's precise nature. His target was smart, but sloppy if he didn't want to be traceable. There was a mile wide paper trail with everything from an entire town's worth eyewitness reports of two red-eyed children in strange tribal wear beating up a group of thugs to going to the Sengi guild, an agency controlled by the Hunter Association, to claim a bodyguard job for the Nostrade family.

Deduction: Kurapika wanted to reclaim the remains of his kin and took the most efficient approach to obtaining it. His ability to cover his tracks, however, needed work.

Standing in front of the tall office building, Mizaistrom had to admit the kid was learning. It was tall and entirely ordinary in appearance the type of building where men would have brought their ties and briefcases to work. Its paperwork was all clear and the Nostrade family's tax record had been clean. A mob den in plain sight. It showed its shiny exterior for the world while being a festering sore of humanity. Intelligence and underworld ties, he could only hope he would not regret bringing in the new Rat. The world did not need another Pariston.

Shoes clicking on the tile floor, he walked into the lobby. Well light, expensive wood furniture, and intricate wall trimmings, it seemed a reputable place of business, if one could discount the three thugs playing cards in the corner. Cheap punks for show, the real muscle was the hunter seated as the receptionist. A suit and tie looked good, but they couldn't hide the slight spike in aura when he'd walked in.

"I'm from the Hunter Association," said Mizaistrom slipping a hand into his pocket. "Is Kurapika here?" One, two, three, his hand settled on the card he wanted: yellow. Without the use of Nen, his offensive aura alone could kill the three thugs so they'd need to be restrained if they tried to get the jump on him. Of his three abilities, Closed Trial would be the most effective.

In his Cross Game blue was admittance into the courtroom, yellow was restraint, red was expulsion from the courtroom. First, he had to reveal to his target the yellow card's exclamation marked side and issue a warning. If the target ignored his warning, he would flip the card to show the cross side of restraint. Thus the target would become encased in a squared parallelepiped prison that prevented movement. The ability could be utilized as many times as necessary and worked against multiple targets simultaneously.

From behind the front desk, Linssen leaned back in his office chair. "He's away. If you have any important business leave it with me."

"I'll wait here until he comes back."

Thud - the punks stood knocking over their chairs in their rush.

Mizaistrom played his card displaying it to the four men in front of him. "Acts of violence will not be permitted."

His warning went unheeded.

One came from each side while the biggest charged him directly. At least they understood how to use their numbers to their advantage.

Standing his ground, Mizaistrom said, "Restraint."

Within their Nen-cages, the punks cursed at him.

He walked around the caged men to sit on the couch. "You can not step towards me."

Observing him through Gyo, Linssen stood up from his chair. "Kurapika is in the basement. I'd advise you avoid provoking him, he's been... stressed lately. I'll go-"

Creak - the back door opened.

From across the room, Kurapika glared up at his unwelcome and uninvited guest. "What do you want? You've kicked up enough noise to wake the dead."

Still struggling the biggest punk called out, "Boss, this asshole is up to something!"

Kurapika bristled, his patience, always minimal these days, abruptly running out. "Either make your statements in some way meaningful or, preferably, remain silent."

Image was important in the underworld, any sign of weakness could snowball into an endless stream of challenges to his authority. Having his men lose a fight would require retaliation or he'd lose face.

Watching the men back down, Mizaistrom let out a sigh of relief. Spitting on Kurapika's reputation certainly would have done his recruitment effort no favors. "Your flunkies are woefully inadequate when it comes to subterfuge – except for the one behind the desk there. Hanging around in this place, where's your pride as a Hunter?"

"I'll have you know we're not a criminal organization," Linssen replied, his tone was even clearly refusing to rise to his bait. "Our group's income is derived from offering bodyguard services and gambling both legal activities in this country."

Supplementary deduction: If the most efficient way was a path paved in sin so be it, but he avoided criminal action when possible.

"Last I checked the Nostrade Family was mafia and those services you provide are a pretty way to say protection money and taking advantage of addicts. Furthermore-"

Kurapika took a deep breath and released it as a faint, frustrated sigh. "Well, aren't you noisy."

Deflection rather than disagreement, Kurapika wasn't as comfortable with his work as he wanted to seem. The large bags under his eyes spoke of the weight of carrying his entire tribe's fate on his shoulders. Dark and cold his aura seemed to linger in the air. It was surprisingly strong for someone who'd learned Nen only two or so years ago. There'd only be a few people within the association able to handle the situation if he went out of control.

Fortunately as one of the former Chairman Netero's sparring partner's Mizaistrom considered himself one of those few. Mizaistrom was "the conscience" of the Zodiacs, there was no one better for the job. As the one recruiting Kurapika, it was only right for him to be the one responsible for keeping the boy on the right path. Resolve for finding the truth and justice had always been his higher calling even if it required questionable methods at times. That was something he believed they could agree on.

Conclusion: Kurapika was an agitated powder keg, ready to explode. It'd be lucky if everyone didn't burn. He was also the perfect protege for him.

"My name is Mizaistrom Nana and I'm with the Hunter Association. I've come to talk to you about the upcoming expedition Kakin is launching on the Dark Continent."

"Pass."

"Leorio recommended you highly. You're still seeking your comrade's stolen eyes aren't you?"

"What of it?" asked, Kurapika his pale fingers pulling at the knot of his tie as if choking. Aura spiking there was no doubt behind his contacts were fiery red eyes. "Speak carefully, association or not your in no position to act disrespectfully towards the dead."

Mizastrom managed to meet Kurapika's eyes for it was the only thing he could do at that time. Frozen and unforgiving, Beautiful and deadly, it was like staring into an arctic desert. The uncanny aura alone produced by the eyes certainly left an impression. There was a moment of stillness, of silence, before he said, "Half a year ago, footage was leaked to the Association from a black site dealing in the fetish trade of human flesh. Do you know what was on it?"

"Of course, I have my resources."

"We identified the owner of the last scarlet eyes in circulation. Of course, I'm not at liberty to release the information to anyone outside the association. We want you to join the Zodiacs, you'll be required to spend two months with us on the boat to the Dark Continent. The mission will be extremely dangerous so make sure everything is in order before departure. Help me catch the Phantom Troupe and I'll help you reclaim your family's eyes."

Threatening, manipulating, cold hard cash - the end of it all was within site. One more beast, this time a prince and Kurapika's life's work was completed. It came cheap, too cheap, Kurapika hardly considered the destruction of his sworn enemy a cost at all. He wasn't sure if this deal offered him a small taste of heaven or if it was going to condemn him to a lifetime of loneliness. The anger that had always been his companion since the day his family died would be gone and he truly would be alone. No one to greet him. No one to welcome him. No one at all.

"Deal. Now talk."

From his back pocket, Mizaistrom produced a photo. "This man, the 4th prince, Tserriednich, has the eyes."

"And we'll both be in the same boat, I presume?"

"Correct. I also expect the Phantom Troupe will make an appearance as well. Over time they've been escalating. At first, they were street thugs Meteor City, then they moved up to slaughtering entire towns, and next was robbing the world's largest auction while spitting on the mafia. How do you suppose they top that?"

"Robbing a prince."

"Close," said Mizaistrom with a slight smile. The boy was just as quick as he'd expected. "Rob all the princes. Once they're on the ship, however, there will be nowhere to escape and that's where we'll catch them."

A band of world class thieves, a royal family with treasure, and an inescapable ship outside of human territorial waters, it was an undeniable recipe for disaster.

Head tipped down, Kurapika's hair covered his eyes. He bit his lip. "Just when I thought I was done chasing them, here I go to the end of the world after them."

"You're a Black List hunter, you'll get use to that feeling..." Or at least Mizaistrom hoped he lived long enough to.

Gesturing to the door, Mizaistrom led Kurapika outside to a black car. A heavy click came from it when Beans unlocked the doors. As they settled inside, it was too quiet. Kurapika's mouth opened, no doubt to deliver some cutting put-down, but he simply sighed.

Silence.

"Fighting the Spiders is something I can handle, but my abilities will likely be of little use for your expedition."

"Leorio values you highly."

"It's strange isn't it," Kurapika asked in a low voice, ducking his head down.

The value Leorio place was far from misplaced. After going through all the video recordings of the 287th Hunter Exam that featured Kurapika that much Maizaistrom was sure of. Strong, agile, and a genius level intelligence, he was someone worth having as an ally. There had only been improvements since he'd learned Nen, by the reports he'd survived at least one assassination attempt while on a train and two A-list criminals from the Phantom Troupe had been taken down by him.

The disbelief, however, wasn't strange either. It was a good sign that he was on his way to becoming paranoid enough to survive as a Hunter. Assassination was common when you carried a card worth millions. One in five hunters lost their license within a year of receiving it. Without even touching on the mafia ties he'd made, being a bounty hunter was an additional target sign on his back. Hunting criminals meant making enemies so the typical life expectancy of a Black List hunter or a crime hunter tended to be... short. None of this was helped by that he had two world class treasures seated in his eye sockets. Luck was on his side that no one had gutted him, yet.

A sigh - inappropriately long-suffering, Kurapika shook head for good measure. "Where is the future Doctor, anyway?"

"He's back at the Association. He'll be studying under the new Madam Chairman, Cheadle, for the duration of the expedition."

Deep, red, and angry, his stare hardened. "Still studying... What use does a student hold for your plans?"

More silence.

To avert the potential crisis of Leorio refusing the expedition, the additional requirement of recruiting Kurapika had been met. He was slow to trust, thus making the third-party involvement of Mizaistrom difficult. Yet, there was no denying the potential of gains from their alliance. A crime hunter to investigate the mystery of the missing scarlet eyes and a Black List bounty hunter to catch his bank robbers.

Mizaistrom slowly spoke as if tasting his words to ensure they were a bland as possible, devoid of anything that may cause further distress. "During the recent election, Leorio made quite the name for himself. The chairman herself doesn't even have an approval rating close to his."

"So you're throwing him into the fire for political capital."

"I wouldn't go that far. It takes considerable skill to hit Ging hard enough to have any effect. The man has one of the hardest heads I've ever seen."

"Leorio or Ging?"

"Both."

Kurapika appeared to be gritting his teeth, but he nodded without saying anything. At least Leorio was too stubborn to die on them, he'd give him that much. "So what made him go into politics? Running for office seems an unusual choice for a med student."

"Gon was hospitalized during the recent Chimera Ant troubles, he'd been a part of Chairman Netero's punitive force. He's recovered since."

"I see. I'll help in any way I'm able."

"That's the best anyone can hope for. I'd do suggest you act mindfully, this is a large political undertaking and the power balance of Kakin, the V5, and the Hunter Association are all at stake. If possible the most nonconfrontational path would be for the best. While your situation takes priority, I want you to work closely with me rather than pulling in more outside factors."

Beans brought the car to a stop as they arrived.

His hand already wrapped around the door handle, Kurapika huffed. "No need to worry, I have no intention of causing an international incident."

As they entered the Hunter Association headquarters Leorio caught sight of them.

Reaching the threshold and Mizaistrom was startled to see a look of hurt on his face – not an expression I had ever seen on him before. The air got colder as Kurapika's face froze into a neutral expression. There was history here and he felt every bit the intruder.

Recovering, Leorio pointed sharply at Kurapika. "Damn it Kurapika, give me your email!"

There was the man that stirred up the entire association.

"No."

And there was the man he was going to partner with for the next several months...

Leorio stomped his foot. "Do you know how worried you've had me the past few months, you ass!"

Voice faint as his the look in his eyes softened, Kurapika said, "There's no reason to worry about me, I'm-"

"The fuck there isn't. Gon, Killua, you - all my friends are putting their lives on the line while I sit around safe and sound. All I wanted was to be a doctor so I'd have the power not to lose someone again and it almost happened anyway. Well, I'm sick of it. I'm not letting you fight alone anymore."

"The Dark Continent is a savage place..." Kurapika shook his head and gave him a faint chuckle. "It'll be nice to have someone I can trust there."

"My thoughts exactly."

The slight hesitation before Kurapika exhaled with relief gave away just how unaccustomed he was to smiling. "Leorio... It's good to see you again."

"I'm glad to see you too. I've been sweating like a pig all day at the thought of meeting all these new people."

"At least they chose the right animal for you."

"Rat bastard."

Clearing his throat, Mizaistrom watched as the pair jumped slightly in surprise. Gesturing towards a nearby entryway, he said, "If you're finished with the reunion this door leads to the meeting room. There you will be introduced to the other Zodiacs and Cheadle will brief everyone on the mission details."

Nodding their understanding, they slipped inside.

Mizaistrom stared at the doorway which Leorio and Kurapika had already disappeared through. He'd been on the fence at first, but after seeing the two old friends met up he was now sure of his choice to bring in the new Rat.

Kurapika was not Pariston.