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140 HxH: The Strongest Assassin
🕑 Added 2024-11-24 06:02:04 +0000 UTCKaizen had never encountered the Shadow Beast members before. His only knowledge came from the sparse details in the original records.
First, the Shadow Beast was an elite unit under the direct command of the Ten Dons, the leaders of the world's underground mafia. Their reputation as the strongest Nen users among gangsters was widely acknowledged, though Kaizen couldn't dismiss the possibility of hidden talents stronger than even these infamous enforcers.
Second, the Shadow Beast members introduced in the original records had some physical disabilities. Kaizen mused whether these weaknesses were the result of their origins—perhaps they were killers forged in the crucible of Heavens Arena.
And finally, their infamous encounter with the Phantom Troupe painted a grim picture of their capabilities.
Though the Shadow Beast's record against the Phantom Troupe was poor, it wasn't entirely one-sided. For instance, during their clash with Uvogin, Rabid Dog managed to catch him off guard, biting off a piece of his flesh, while Porcupine's quills were sharp enough to pierce his aura-reinforced body. Even the earthworm was able to pull Uvogin's arms into the ground.
"If the four Shadow Beasts had coordinated better and struck decisively, it's not impossible they could have killed Uvogin," Kaizen considered.
Kaizen, trained under the Zoldyck family's strict principles, always assessed his opponents cautiously. He tended to overestimate their capabilities rather than underestimate them.
At the time of Yorknew City, Kaizen classified the Phantom Troupe's strength at the peak of A-level. However, their members varied in power, with the stronger ones at the forefront and the weaker ones barely scraping into B-level.
As for the Shadow Beast, Kaizen initially pegged them as B-level combatants, noting that even fighters within the same rank could vary significantly in ability.
For example, members of the Kute Gang of Thieves were considered A-level, yet they were no match for Zeno and Silva Zoldyck, who were also classified as A-level. Similarly, if Uvogin was an A-level combatant, it made sense for the Shadow Beast members to sit in the B-level range.
But now, watching Leech and Rabid Dog in action, Kaizen revised his assessment. Their strength didn't even reach the B-level he expected—they were solidly C-level combatants.
"If Greed knew the truth," Kaizen mused, "how would he react? What he envies and covets—the Shadow Beast's strength—isn't even on par with mine."
Kaizen shifted his gaze, scanning the battlefield.
"I wonder where these two rank among the Shadow Beast. If the others are at this level, then the Phantom Troupe's strength during Yorknew City wasn't as overwhelming as I first thought."
But Kaizen wasn't ready to write them off entirely.
"Nen ranking is only one factor. Combat ability can be another story altogether."
Kaizen had learned this lesson repeatedly, most recently when he encountered Raiken. Though both Raiken and Altan were technically C-level Nen users, their capabilities in a fight were worlds apart. Raiken, with his straightforward combat focus, would undoubtedly dominate the more technical and supportive Altan in a direct confrontation.
The same principle applied to the Phantom Troupe. Characters like Shalnark, with his intelligence-oriented abilities, filled a very different role compared to the combative Uvogin. Others, like Shizuku, had utility abilities with limited direct combat application.
Kaizen couldn't help but note how much weaker utility-oriented combatants like Shizuku might have been if they didn't have the backing of the Phantom Troupe's overwhelming force.
In this moment, the fight between Kinlf and the Shadow Beast took an unexpected turn. Kinlf, sensing Rabid Dog's speed was beyond his ability to keep up, charged at Leech instead. Leech, unbothered, kept his hands in his pockets until Kinlf was almost upon him.
"Ah… TUI!"
Leech spat a mass of green liquid directly into Kinlf's face.
The corrosive substance immediately ate through Kinlf's skin, leaving him blinded and disoriented. His eyes, nose, and mouth burned as he clutched at his face in agony. Stumbling forward, he lost all sense of direction.
Kaizen's eyes narrowed.
"That's a disgusting ability... but effective," he noted. "Kinlf didn't expect such an attack, which cost him dearly."
As Kinlf flailed, Rabid Dog darted in, tearing another chunk of flesh from his body before slipping back into the shadows.
The crowd, witnessing the Shadow Beast's dominance, began to cheer.
"As expected of the Shadow Beast! They're incredible!"
"Kinlf doesn't stand a chance against them!"
Kaizen listened to their excited chatter, but his analysis was more measured.
"Kinlf, Rabid Dog, and Leech are all C-level Nen users," he thought. "But even at the same level, the gap in combat ability is clear. Rabid Dog, and Leech, both fighters, have a significant edge."
Kaizen smirked slightly.
"Still, if I were to face them, it would be a different story. I would crush them—now or in the future."
This wasn't arrogance. It was simply Kaizen's unshakable confidence in his own abilities.
"Boom!"
Kinlf collapsed to the ground, defeated.
Rabid Dog turned to Kaizen and the others, his gaze sharp.
"Take him away," he barked. "Don't worry—he's been poisoned. He won't be able to use Nen for a while."
