Zebro had no personal opinions on the matter, but he was uneasy about Kaizen bringing his friend to Zoldyck Manor.
Zebro respected Kaizen immensely. However, he worried that Kaizen might face reprimands for bringing an outsider into the estate without prior notice.
After all, the Zoldyck family had long maintained an unspoken rule: assassins had no need for friends.
Zebro had heard this sentiment directly from the Zoldycks themselves.
So when Kaizen mentioned that he had already spoken to Zeno, Zebro immediately dropped the subject.
Crunch!
A gap appeared in the massive iron gate.
With Wendy's push, the doors swung open—one after another, up to the fourth gate.
"Kaizen, what now?"
Wendy turned back to him.
Kaizen observed her closely. She had pushed the fourth door open with ease, seemingly without using her full strength.
"Just step inside."
"Got it."
Wendy walked in.
"Zebro, see you later."
"Goodbye."
Kaizen approached the Testing Gate and pushed lightly.
The first door opened effortlessly as he stepped through.
Zebro watched Kaizen disappear into the manor's depths.
"It seems Master Kaizen is walking a very different path from Master Zeno and Master Silva," he murmured. "And from Master Illumi as well… I wonder how strong he is now?"
The first time Kaizen had faced the Testing Gate, he had pushed open the third door. The second time, he had reached the sixth.
Given how much time had passed, Zebro was sure Kaizen had grown even stronger.
Then, his thoughts drifted to Wendy.
He let out a sigh. "Master Kaizen's friend… pushing open the fourth door at her age, and with such ease? The difference between people really is staggering."
As Wendy entered the Zoldyck Manor for the first time, a massive figure emerged from the shadows.
A towering dog loomed over her, its piercing gaze locked onto her every movement. The beast's claws dug into the dirt, as if ready to pounce at the slightest provocation.
"This is Mike, the guardian beast of Zoldyck Manor," Kaizen introduced. "Don't worry, Mike only attacks those who try to enter the estate through unnatural means. If you pass through the Testing Gate, you're safe."
Wendy, however, wasn't intimidated. Instead, her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Kaizen, this big dog is adorable! Can I pet him?"
Kaizen froze.
Adorable?
He glanced at Mike again, struggling to see anything remotely cute about the monstrous beast. Mike was a living nightmare, a relentless predator. The number of intruders who had met their end in his jaws was uncountable.
Kaizen even suspected that Mike might have some connection to the Dark Continent.
Yet Wendy stood there, eager and expectant.
"I… don't know," Kaizen admitted. "I've never interacted with Mike much, so I can't say what he'll do."
"Ah, I see." Wendy looked slightly disappointed.
"But if you really want to try, I can ask Grandpa Zeno when we get up the mountain."
"That's too much trouble, Kaizen. Don't worry about it."
She shook her head. "It was just a passing thought. I've always loved furry creatures, but I was never allowed to have a pet growing up. Said it would be a distraction."
Kaizen nodded. "Alright, let's keep moving."
As they walked up the mountain path, a figure appeared before them.
"Master Kaizen."
Kaizen recognized the person immediately—one of the housekeepers who usually accompanied Kikyo.
"The dinner party is ready."
Kaizen frowned slightly. He hadn't expected this.
He had only informed Zeno that he was bringing Wendy as a guest. He hadn't anticipated Kikyo preparing a dinner on such short notice.
Despite their cold and detached demeanor, the Zoldycks valued family deeply.
Kikyo, however, was different.
Unlike Silva or Zeno, she wasn't related to Kaizen by blood. Their interactions had been minimal.
"…Alright," Kaizen said finally.
He and Wendy followed the butler toward the main estate.
As they neared the mansion at the mountaintop, the number of butlers lining the path increased. Each of them bowed respectfully, though Kaizen noticed curiosity in their eyes.
This was a first for Zoldyck Manor—at least in the past decade.
Most outsiders never made it this far.
For an ordinary person, this kind of reception would have been overwhelming.
But Wendy was no ordinary person.
Born into Fiora's royal family, she had witnessed far more elaborate and extravagant gatherings.
As they stepped inside the mansion, a familiar figure greeted them.
"Aunt Kikyo."
Kikyo's gaze shifted from Kaizen to Wendy.
"So, this is Wendy?"
Wendy smiled politely. "Hello, Aunt Kikyo."
"The dinner is ready. Let's head in."
Kikyo walked beside Kaizen and murmured, "Your grandfather Zeno and Uncle Silva aren't here, so I took the liberty of arranging everything. I hope it's suitable."
Kaizen's expression was unreadable.
He couldn't help but recall the scene in the original story—when Gon and his friends had arrived at Zoldyck Manor.
Back then, the reception had been… less than warm.
But the situation was different now.
Killua was expected to inherit the Zoldyck family's legacy, to continue as an assassin.
Kaizen, however, was not bound by the same expectations.
He was an assassin now, but that didn't mean he had to remain one forever.
His future was his own to decide.
"No need for all the formality, Aunt Kikyo," Kaizen said finally, his tone slightly awkward.
"This is the first time you've brought a friend home," Kikyo replied with a small smile. "It's only natural."
She turned to Wendy. "I wasn't sure about your preferences, so I had a variety of dishes prepared. I hope you find something to your liking."
"Aunt Kikyo, that's very kind of you," Wendy replied graciously.
As they stepped into the dining hall, a figure came running toward them.
"Cousin Kaizen!"
It was Kalluto.
The young boy looked curiously at Wendy, studying her intently.
Wendy smiled warmly.
"Hello, Princess."
An awkward silence filled the air.
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