Time flew by like a fleeting shadow. In the blink of an eye, the two brothers had nearly reached the age to begin their family training.
Today, like every other, was a quiet day. Ryker and Illumi played in the family estate, each absorbed in their own world.
Illumi sat quietly, his vacant gaze fixed on a set of building blocks he was stacking with precision. Ryker, however, observed his younger brother's work from the side without joining in.
After all, asking someone with the mindset of a near-thirty-year-old man to fully immerse himself in a toddler's playtime was a tall order.
Over the past two and a half years, Ryker had done his best to behave like any ordinary infant.
In essence, this meant eating, sleeping, and repeating the cycle. Occasionally, under the guise of childish curiosity, he'd gather information about the world he now lived in.
As much as he loved the 'Hunter x Hunter' series in his previous life, Ryker couldn't forget that the anime only scratched the surface of this vast, intricate universe.
There were too many gaps in its world-building, especially with Togashi's infamous hiatuses.
The humor in "Hunter x Hiatus" wasn't lost on him even in his new reality.
In all this time, Ryker had refrained from using his abilities—both the [Twin Complete Hands] and the [Sharingan]. His reasoning was simple: survival.
He had no intention of revealing his reincarnation or standing out prematurely. He'd learned well from the cautionary tales of characters like Alluka Zoldyck, who spent much of her childhood locked away from the world.
For now, Ryker prioritized blending in, avoiding suspicion, and learning.
Yet, he couldn't help but notice something unusual. Whether due to the system or his natural talent, Ryker felt that his thought processes and physical coordination had improved significantly.
His mind was sharper, his reflexes quicker, and his control over his body unparalleled for a child of his age.
...
In the family mansion, Ryker's parents were having a conversation about their sons' future.
"Dear," Kikyo began, her voice tinged with excitement. "Ryker and Illumi are both old enough to start training. Have you finalized your plans?"
She sighed dreamily. "Just think—our two boys, hand in hand, training together as brothers! It's so adorable, I can hardly contain myself."
Silva, seated across from her, responded in a calm, measured tone. "I've made my decision. For Illumi, I'll follow the standard training regimen. But for Ryker, things will be different."
Kikyo tilted her head. "Different? Why? Is it because of his advanced abilities?"
"Exactly," Silva replied. "Ryker's potential is exceptional. Over the past two years, I've observed him closely. While his eyes grants him incredible visual prowess, its full capabilities remain unclear."
"I've ensured no one uses Nen around him, so as not to disrupt his natural development or prematurely activate any hidden abilities."
Silva paused, his expression growing serious.
"But Ryker's not like other children," he continued. "His mind works differently."
"He's far more independent and self-reliant than Illumi, and he often seems lost in his own thoughts, disconnected from those around him. It's almost as if he's... already fully formed. Fully aware."
Kikyo gasped. "You don't think—"
"No," Silva interrupted, shaking his head. "He's not trying to distance himself from us. Not yet. But I fear that his strong sense of self could one day lead him down a path away from the family."
Kikyo's eyes widened, her voice rising. "What?! My sweet boy, Ryker? Leaving the family? Leaving me? That's unthinkable! I won't allow it!"
"Calm down," Silva said firmly. "It's just a feeling I have, not a certainty. Still, I need to prepare."
"Illumi will begin standard training under Zeno's guidance, with adjustments as needed. But Ryker... I'll oversee his training personally."
....
The next day, Silva summoned Zeno to his study.
"After Ryker and Illumi's upcoming birthday, their training will begin," Silva explained. "Start with poison tolerance. Administer the same dosage to both boys initially to gauge their limits.
Once we understand their respective resistances, adjust accordingly.
"Illumi's regimen will also include weighted exercises, physical conditioning, and reflex training—all while maintaining the weights."
Zeno hesitated, his brows furrowing. "Silva, this is an intense program for children, even by Zoldyck standards."
"Illumi isn't like Ryker; his development won't match his older brother's. Are you certain you want to push him this hard?"
"I trust Illumi's potential," Silva said firmly. "Please leave this matter to me."
Zeno nodded, though doubt lingered in his expression as he left the room.
.....
Back in the playroom, Ryker was lost in thought as he watched Illumi dig through a sandbox. Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine, prompting two unexpected sneezes.
'Is someone talking about me? A cute girl, perhaps?' he mused with a smirk.
Life in the Zoldyck mansion was comfortable, but Ryker often found himself missing the modern conveniences of his past life.
His mind wandered to the virtual "goddesses" he'd left behind on his phone.
'I'll have to wait years to grow into this body,' he thought wryly.
The system, too, had been a source of endless frustration. Beyond the two starter abilities, it offered no further rewards or guidance. And since killing anyone within the family was obviously off-limits, Ryker hadn't been able to test its mechanics.
'Maybe when I'm old enough to leave the estate,' he considered.
'Heaven's Arena might be a good place to rack up kills for the system... Wait. Why am I actively planning murder now? Damn it, this family is rubbing off on me!'
Despite his moral qualms, Ryker knew he had to play by the rules of this world. If survival meant embracing the darker aspects of his new life, so be it.
At that moment, Illumi paused his digging and fixed his empty gaze on Ryker. What went on in the younger boy's mind remained a mystery.
When the butler arrived to announce that lunch was ready, Ryker and Illumi left their sandbox behind and followed him to the dining hall, where Silva and Kikyo were already waiting.