The flames disappeared, and the web woven from Bungee Gum also vanished. The entire arena was filled with scorched marks, the result of the intense heat from Natsu's fire, resembling the remnants of an air raid. Only the area near where Ron had stood remained relatively untouched.
A stone fragment fell as Hisoka's figure emerged from the ruins. At this point, he was in a pitiful state—his clothing was in tatters, scorched in many places, even his hair was singed, and numerous wounds covered his body. His aura had grown unstable, and compared to before, his overall presence had significantly weakened.
Ron looked at Hisoka. Hisoka also looked back at Ron, but the excitement in his eyes had greatly diminished, replaced by a serious and solemn expression. Regardless of whether Ron still had other trump cards or hidden abilities, Hisoka clearly understood that, with his current strength, he could no longer force Ron to reveal anything more.
Now, the only thing Hisoka could consider was himself, and what final means he still had available.
Ron turned and began walking away from the arena. Hisoka narrowed his eyes. "It's not over yet."
A pristine deck of cards appeared in his hand—no one knew where it had come from. As aura infused the cards, they began to shimmer with a ghostly glow.
"Whoosh!" The cards flew out from different angles but were all aimed at the same target—Ron.
At that moment, a figure appeared behind Hisoka. Under normal circumstances, Hisoka would have noticed immediately, but after the previous battle, his state had greatly deteriorated, and he failed to react in time.
"Chidori Stream." Intense lightning surged from Uchiha Sasuke's body, accompanied by the sharp cry of birds. One hand landed on Hisoka's shoulder, and the lightning discharged was channeled almost entirely into Hisoka's body.
Hisoka's body convulsed as sparks flared violently. The cards that had already been launched lost control and dropped helplessly to the ground.
Hisoka collapsed. A puff of black smoke rose as the smell of char filled the air.
Ron walked off the arena without looking back. Only then did the referee recover his senses.
"In the Floor Master Challenge, the challenger Hisoka has failed!"
As the referee's voice rang out, the spectators all turned their eyes to the figure strolling away from the arena, while only a few still looked toward Hisoka.
"So that's the result?"
"I suppose it makes sense for it to end now, but for some reason, it feels like something's still missing."
Judging by the course of the fight, after Hisoka had cast a spider web over the arena and Ron had responded with scorching flames that filled the entire ring, both of them had used extremely large-scale Nen techniques—high in destruction, high in consumption. It was as if both players had thrown out their ultimate moves, and ending the match afterward felt natural.
Yet, many in the audience felt a strange sense of dissatisfaction.
"Ron was too calm, as if he never truly exerted himself. No, rather, it felt like from beginning to end, Ron never saw this fight with Hisoka as his top priority. That's why we feel this strange disconnect."
Wing voiced his thoughts aloud. Gon blinked and asked, "Then, Wing-sensei, does that mean Ron is much stronger than Hisoka?"
Wing was silent for a moment. "Ron won this match—that's beyond question. Between the two, Ron's overall strength is most likely higher."
"However, in Nen battles, there are many uncertainties. If they meet again, the outcome could change. That applies to all of you as well."
"Never underestimate someone just because you've beaten them once. It's entirely possible they could find a way to counter your ability and turn the tables."
Nina and the others cheered in excitement, joined by Ron's fans and especially the gamblers who had bet on Ron—those who now stood to gain significantly were the most jubilant.
The host worked to build up the post-match atmosphere. According to the Floor Master Challenge format, there was still supposed to be a post-match interview for the winner, but Ron had already left. The staff of Heavens Arena couldn't forcibly bring him back—after all, a Floor Master's status far exceeded that of a regular contestant.
Machi looked at Ron's departing figure, then at Hisoka, who was lying collapsed in the arena. A medical team rushed in, quickly lifting Hisoka onto a stretcher. Though Ron had severely injured him, he hadn't killed him, so the arena still had a responsibility to treat Hisoka. Despite his failed challenge, Hisoka remained an official contestant of Heavens Arena.
"Congratulations on your win."
Ron waved his hand. "It was nothing, just an ordinary match. Misty, Sally, Shizuku, have you finished packing?"
"Good. Then we'll depart tonight." Ron said, "I'll be going out around noon." He then pulled out his phone and called Killua.
"Cousin Ron, congratulations."
"Killua, let's grab lunch. I need to head out and I'm not sure when I'll be back."
Killua paused. "Okay."
Not long after, Ron arrived at the restaurant. Killua and Gon were already there.
"Cousin Ron, over here!"
Killua and Gon stood on tiptoes and waved toward Ron.
"Order whatever you like." Ron handed the menu to Gon and Killua. Ron had already tasted nearly all the food Heavens Arena had to offer. For someone with "Gourmet Cells" like Ron, repeated ingredients and dishes rapidly lost their effect, so he had long since lost interest in them.
Soon, the food was served.
"Cousin Ron, can I ask you a question?"
"In your fight with Hisoka... did you not go all out?"
"Did Wing tell you that?"