Hunter x Hunter: From Obtaining the World to Beyond Heaven

Qiduo asked softly:

"It's been three years. How is Father's health?"

She had thought that when she saw Sherlock again, she would feel excited, aggrieved, and guilty.

But in reality, it's more about worry.

No matter how irresponsible he was, those two decades of wonderful memories before Sherlock left without a word were not fake.

That being a good father and husband for over twenty years was no lie.

Ultimately, it's impossible for Qiduo to really accuse Sherlock of anything.

Everyone has the right to choose. Some people cherish their family and loved ones, while others consider their dreams and pursuits to be more important.

The father and daughter may have opposite personalities; there is Keto, who values ​​family and kinship, and there is Sherlock, who is free-spirited and unrestrained.

Sherlock sensed the concern and worry in his daughter's voice behind him and was momentarily stunned.

After a long while, he gave a wry smile as if waking from a dream, and said:

"Were we so engrossed in our conversation that we didn't even sense your arrival, my daughter."

“I am healthy now and have a good appetite, but sometimes I miss you and your mother.”

The moment Sherlock chose to respond rather than run away, a rare sense of warmth emerged in this narrow alley.

The father and daughter, who had been separated for a long time, did not have any earth-shattering arguments, complaints, or tears.

There was only the bland small talk, like a family gathering at the dinner table.

Diya, the one who started all of this, had already quietly withdrawn from the alley, giving up the space.

That's right, it was he who summoned Qiduo.

When Sherlock first appeared, the message Dia received was from Qiduo, who said that she had developed a usable vaccine and was asking where everyone else was.

So Dia distracted Sherlock by chatting with him while having Qiduo come to see her father.

Qiduo moved quite quickly, silently approaching the unguarded Sherlock.

This is thanks to her superb ability to conceal herself.

Diya leaned quietly against a wall outside the alley, crossed her arms, and watched the sun slowly sink on the horizon.

The sunlight cast his long shadow, making it appear as if a second person had appeared on the wall, while the surroundings were empty and quiet.

Only the faint sounds of conversation could be heard coming from the alley.

Qi Duo asked:

"If you miss your mother, why don't you go see her?"

Sherlock answered:

"Actually, I went to the company's annual meeting once this year, but I just asked her not to tell you. Don't blame your mother for keeping it from you; she doesn't want to involve you in my affairs."

Qi Duo asked:

"Okay, let's not talk about her for now. I'll deal with her when I get back. But what about your business?"

Sherlock answered:

"There's only one thing in all of this, and that's about those things outside the lake. I haven't mentioned them to you before, but since you were able to tell that kid Dia, it means you should know about them too."

"Modern human society is built on a few crumbling pillars—pillars called the ancient human ancestors."

"I don't want to explain my actions as something noble, but at least you should be able to understand that I'm doing something that benefits humanity."

Sherlock didn't turn around to look at Qido; he simply tried to soften his voice as much as possible, hoping to prolong the conversation.

There was one thing he lied to everyone about.

It wasn't that he was afraid of trouble that prevented him from visiting Qiduo.

On the contrary, if it were merely a hassle, Sherlock could easily overcome all the obstacles to see his daughter, his proud masterpiece.

The only reason Sherlock avoids Qido is that he fears he might give up his thirst for the Dark Continent because of Qido.

Like a sailboat that could have sailed far away, but was chained to the shore, that was something he couldn't accept.

But behind him, Kido noticed something she hadn't noticed before:

"Father, I have no objection to your desire to explore the Dark Continent, but why mention Dia?"

"Because he has that quality, that pure hunter's heart. In terms of both strength and attitude, your students are already shining gems."

Sherlock praised in an admiring tone:

“Your teaching ability is also very good, my daughter.”

But the next moment, Qiduo suddenly changed her tone, speaking to her father in a serious and warning manner:

“Father, whatever you are planning to do, I beg you not to involve Dia. He is just a student who graduated from university a little over a year ago.”

"Everything in the Dark Continent is too dangerous for him."

Sherlock frowned slightly upon hearing this, then subtly probed:

“You may not know him well enough. In my opinion, he is fully capable of standing on his own.”

“I don’t care, that’s no reason for you to drag him into your affairs.”

Qiduo shook her head and continued seriously:

"I don't want anything to happen to him because of your arrangements, Father."

"..."

Sherlock paused for a moment, then said, seemingly with a hidden meaning:

"Flowers in a greenhouse are meaningless. Your protection of Dia may only cause him to waste his abilities."

"There are enough troubles within Lake Möbius for him to hone his skills. There's no need to take such a big risk. At worst, I'll be his sparring partner."

Qiduo's voice suddenly rose and became more urgent.

This unexpected and irrational change in emotion clearly made Sherlock think of something.

His eyes suddenly narrowed as he looked at the long shadow cast by the changing angle of the sun at the alley entrance, and he suddenly said:

"Qiduo, Dia is just your student, not your slave. You have no right to decide his future..."

"This doesn't make sense. Why shouldn't I be qualified? He'll definitely understand me!"

This answer made Sherlock's heart sink, and he immediately realized that his daughter might have gone astray!

How can this be allowed? This violates worldly ethics!

No, I have to find a way to make her realize her problem. My daughter is so smart; once she realizes what's wrong, she'll definitely be able to turn back from her misguided ways...

Completely unaware that his previous actions were also unconventional, Sherlock decisively asked:

"You don't like him, do you? You like your student?"

At that moment, Sherlock clearly sensed that his daughter behind him had frozen in an unexpected way, as if she was thinking about how to respond.

The shadow at the alley entrance swayed and silently grew longer.

"..."

Qi Duo paused for a moment, then suddenly stood up straight, feigning composure, and calmly replied:

Yes, I like him.

"That's my answer, so do I have the right to interfere in his affairs?"

"Father, sir?"

The last four words seemed to be squeezed out from between her teeth.

Sherlock could almost picture the shame and anger she must have felt as she said those words.

"..."

Sherlock's eyes twitched, and he pursed his lips, remaining silent.

"Is someone talking about me?"

Suddenly, Dia poked her head in from the alley entrance.

His tone carried a hint of feigned modesty.

"?"

Qiduo stood there, motionless, feeling as if she were melting.

After a few seconds of silence, she said softly:

"Dia, have I not told you what happens when you eavesdrop on other people's conversations?"

"You're right, my daughter. This audacious brat is no ordinary traitor. Today, your old father must cleanse your house!"

Sherlock stared intently at Dia, then suddenly revealed a sinister smile and walked towards him.

The next moment, Qiduo's merciless voice rang out again:

“Father, this is a private matter between him and me. Please leave.”

"Uh-huh?"

Sherlock gasped in astonishment as he watched Dia's smug smirk and the "I've won, old man" look in her eyes...

--------------

After driving Sherlock away, Dia and Qiduo remained silent and turned to walk towards the palace.

The short distance of a few hundred meters now seemed endless.

After a moment of distraction, Dia's gaze settled on Qiduo beside her, and she whispered:

"Actually, I didn't eavesdrop on purpose. I was just distracted and didn't hear what you were saying."

"I know."

Kido said expressionlessly:

"I'm not angry."