Ron and Ponzu switched seats, with Ponzu taking over the driver's seat and Ron settling into the passenger side. Taking advantage of the lull, Ron closed his eyes for a bit of rest. There was a good chance they would be fighting that night, and although their opponents—based on Tuck's intel—shouldn't pose too big a threat, Ron still wanted to be at his best.
Especially since absorbing Toriko had significantly boosted his strength, he had little doubt he could handle these assassins. Even so, a lion uses all its strength even when hunting a hare. Being fully prepared was only prudent.
They split the journey into three segments: three hours, then four hours, then another three hours. Ron drove a total of six, while Ponzu handled four. After ten hours on the road, they finally arrived at their destination: the city Tuck had mentioned.
Ron stored the car in Sumass, then walked into town on foot. Once they found a quiet spot, he took out his phone and made a call.
"Excellent." Tuck's relief was obvious in his voice. "Tell me where you are. I'll send someone to pick you up."
Ron glanced around and chose a noticeable landmark.
"Got it. Wait right there. My people will be there soon."
A short while later, a vehicle pulled up. Ron carefully checked the surroundings for anything suspicious before stepping forward with Ponzu. He knew Tuck well enough to have some trust, but not to the point of abandoning caution altogether. That was simply how he operated—no matter how friendly they were, if someone wasn't part of the Zoldyck Family, Ron could never trust them completely.
"Mr. Ron," the driver said. "Tuck asked me to bring you straight to him. Your companion is…?"
They got in, and the car headed north. There were plenty of people and vehicles, making the place seem like an ordinary city, yet there was something vaguely unsettling about it. From his past experiences here, Ron knew that was just how this country worked—normal on the surface, rotten beneath.
Before long, a mansion came into view. The driver stopped by a side gate, and a butler peered outside to confirm his identity before opening up. Someone was already waiting a short distance away: Tuck himself.
Tuck was older than Ron, though notably weaker in combat, currently only a B-rank Nen user. Ron kept his own aura in check.
"Ron, long time no see."
"It's been a while, Tuck."
They shook hands, and Tuck turned to Ponzu.
"Ponzu, a member of my group."
After the brief introduction, Tuck led them to a high vantage point in the estate. From here, the sprawling grounds were visible—a large central area crowded with buildings, all brightly lit. Massive walls and patrol towers surrounded the perimeter, and most of the guards were ordinary people, though the squad leaders were all Nen users. As defense went, it was impressive.
Tuck pointed to the cluster of buildings in the center.
"We're here to protect Baron Karu, who lives there. According to our intel, people from 'Nightfall' are going to attempt an assassination sometime in the next few days. We have no clue how they'll strike—it might be infiltration, a direct assault, some trick.
They always announce their targets in advance, and despite our precautions, they've succeeded multiple times. Their infamy is rising. Honestly, they're a bunch of lunatics who kill to boost their own reputation. People are terrified of them now, more so than that Red Tron group we investigated before."
Tuck's loathing was obvious.
"Ron, I have to rely on you tonight."
Ron gave him a steady look. "I took the job, so I'll do it. But don't expect me to go beyond the scope of the request."
Tuck was well aware of Ron's rules, which matched those of the entire Zoldyck Family.
"I'll leave this place in your hands," Tuck said. "I need to handle something else."
As Tuck walked off, a young man trailing behind him glanced over at Ron and Ponzu, then hurried to catch up.
"Tuck," the youth muttered, "who was that guy? He doesn't look strong, yet you're acting like he's so important. I mean, he's just some hired help, right?"
"Shut your mouth," Tuck snapped. "He's my friend, and he's stronger than I am. If you don't know who you're talking about, keep quiet. I won't tolerate such stupidity. Another word like that, and you're out."
"Right… understood," the young man mumbled, looking down. But inside, his eyes simmered with resentment.
"What's he all arrogant for? He's just a plaything to these nobles. Let's see how long he lasts before they toss him aside like the rest."
Once Tuck was gone, only Ron and Ponzu remained at the overlook.
"Captain," Ponzu said, "is there anything specific you want me to do now?"
"Yes. This will be a good chance for practical experience. Release your bees and spread them over the entire estate to maintain a 'bee radar.'"
She activated her Honeybee Radar ability, sending out around a dozen bees in different directions. They were small, easily overlooked, and with nightfall approaching, their buzzing was almost imperceptible. In a city , a few extra bees wouldn't draw suspicion. On the device Ponzu held, little dots lit up, each corresponding to one of her scouts.