Chapter 328: Awkward Visit

Auren opens the door and, of course, sees the innocent-appearing Rakshala standing in front of him, now carrying a small suitcase and, of course, wearing her unique visor.

“I didn’t order room service,” Auren replies, the words just leaving his mouth.

“Oh, was that your attempt at a joke?” Rakshala asks, smiling. “I like it. It seems you are opening up to me more and more.”

“...”

“Come inside,” Auren offers, standing aside and fully opening the door.

Casually walking in, Rakshala heads towards the living room, with Auren following after her.

Curious, Jolt and Marsha immediately perk up, recognizing her instantly, but obviously not understanding what she is doing here.

Both bow down politely before Marsha hurriedly walks up to her, gently taking her suitcase.

“Lady Rakshala, that’s such a surprise!” she says. “You... will stay here?! I’ll prepare your room. How many people accompanied you here?”

“Rakshala?” Kurapika wonders, the name catching his interest.

“I’m here alone; please remain calm, Marsha. I’m just here on private business,” she says, smiling at her.

“How could I?! If you ever require anything, please tell me, or that oaf over there; we’ll get it for you immediately,” Marsha insists.

“Oaf? I’m an ace pilot, not a henchman,” Jolt mutters, but as he looks at Rakshala, he immediately backtracks. “But for you, I’ll do anything, of course; please forgive me.”

Rakshala just smiles at him, clearly not offended by his comments.

“Can we cut this short?” Auren asks. “We have some training to do and require... silence.”

“Who is that woman?” Leorio wonders. “She is beautiful... but why is she wearing that thing?”

“How can she walk around with that visor thingy?” Leroute asks. “She can’t see through that thick metal plate... or is it a trick gadget? I used something similar once to deceive some idiots into believing I was a supernatural woman and could predict and foresee the cards. Of course, that was only a distraction for my stacked deck and hidden cards, so even after I got exposed, I still won handily... those amateurs fell for it, hehe.”

“I thought you were targeting the Casinos...” Auren wonders.

“Details... I’ve gambled with all kinds of people; the casinos are the ones who got me arrested, though.” Leroute explains.

“...”

“No one cares about your gambling crimes, you evil woman!” Leorio replies, immediately drawing her ire, causing the two of them to face off yet again.

“Why... is her Aura like that?” Killua asks. “She... does not have any Aura surrounding her, but I can see and even sense something around her.”

“It’s called En,” Rakshala replies. “I’m sure Auren will teach you all about it; after all, he is the second-best En user that I know of.”

“Who is the best one?” Gon wonders excitedly. “That old Netero man? Or my dad?!”

“I’m afraid not,” Rakshala says, grinning as she turns her head towards Gon. “It’s me, of course.”

“Reminds me of my mom,” Killua comments quietly. “At least... the visor part, if it can be called that, as it doesn’t let one see.”

Rakshala shows a hint of concern. “Then let me take it off, if it bothers you, young man.”

Taking it off and revealing her blonde hair and blue eyes, Rakshala draws a strong reaction from Leorio, who mindlessly stares at her, dropping his guard, only to receive a painful slap across the face from the still-enraged Leroute.

Well deserved.

“She looks nice! Reminds me of you, Kurapika,” Gon states, smiling. “I thought there was an injury or something. I’m Gon!”

“Yeah,” Killua agrees. “Much better.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Gon,” Rakshala replies, approaching him and extending her hand. “Auren told me all about you five.”

One by one, she approaches Killua, Leroute, and Leorio, who all shake her hand, looking equally nervous and embarrassed.

“....” Auren crosses his arms, looking at Kurapika, who, despite being positioned in the center of the group, has been skipped and left for last.

Silently, the two of them stare at each other, their hair and eye color exactly the same, making them almost look like siblings, or at least relatives.

“Hey... uhm, Miss Rakshala, you look quite similar to Kurapika,” Leorio notices. “Is this a coincidence?”

“Her name also feels a little bit similar...” Killua points out, his eyes widening as he slowly notices the truth. “So is she...?!”

Kurapika, whose eyes are now trembling, obviously having made the connection as well, freezes up.

“Kurapika, remember what I said. There is no need to worry,” Auren offers support, trying to calm him down.

“Why would anyone worry about me?” Rakshala asks innocently. “There is absolutely no reason for anyone to fear me, except those going against my family, of course.”

“Are you really... from the Kurta Tribe?” Kurapika asks, mustering up the courage to ask.

“I don’t think my heritage is of any importance,” Rakshala says. “But I’ve been told that your view on the topic is quite different. Leorio.”

“Uhm... y—yes?” Leorio stammers nervously.

“You asked why I was wearing my visor, yes?” Rakshala confirms, her voice sounding kind.

“I—I... no... I mean yes, I was wondering that,” Leorio continues to stammer nervously.

“I once lost my eyes... you see, because of a superficial feature of my heritage, I was hunted down mercilessly. Sold out for a pittance by the people who claimed that they would help me. There is nothing more expensive than a stranger’s kindness. From that day onward, I learned to live without sight. The visor was a reminder of what I’d lost, yet after a while I began to adore it. Without eyes, you see a lot more than you’d expect. It makes me not only feel safe and protected, but also reminds me of what really counts. At least that’s what I told myself... again and again. Sight... I don’t need it.”

“Yet...” she says, turning her head towards Auren. “When it was finally returned to me, that changed. Still, from time to time, I like to remind myself to never depend on something too much; also, the lessons it taught me are something that I’ll remember until the day I die.”

“... Answer me!” Kurapika demands to know.

Smiling softly, Rakshala gently looks at Kurapika before her expression changes, her eyes widening and flaring up in crimson red as she stares right at him, as if she’s trying to pierce him with her gaze.

Flinching and stumbling backward, Kurapika awkwardly stares at her, obviously convinced.

“Her eyes... like Kurapika’s!” Gon points out the obvious.

“Not quite...” Killua says. “The Aura surrounding them, it’s so strong.”

“You’ve just opened your Aura Nodes, but you already show quite a bit of promise,” Rakshala says, her eyes returning to their blue color as she puts a hand on Killua’s shoulder.

“Auren,” she says, “I’m not here to disturb your training, and this is not about your student. Your name is Kurapika, right? My family is the one I’ve chosen; I couldn’t care less about blood relatives. My visit has absolutely nothing to do with you. In fact, I couldn’t care less about the tribe. I’m here because of my own personal goal, which is quite important. To become... a celebrity.”

“Huh?!” Auren wonders, now completely confused.

“That will be easy!” Leorio says. “With your looks, even I could turn you into a superstar.”

“Idiot, you’re thinking with your pathetic appendage. Obviously, that’s exactly the type of celebrity she doesn’t want to become. Lecherous guys like you are the worst.” Leroute immediately complains.

“While I’m... flattered,” Rakshala says, smiling. “I’m indeed aiming to become popular among everyone, not only men, but it’s certainly not a bad place to start.”

“Why?” Auren asks.

“It will take a year or so... but soon our presence will be known. While I’ve told you that a deal has been reached, that deal won’t last. And when the time comes, I want to be known as someone real, not just a politician. Surely you know about the value of first impressions... if I’m known for something else, even if I publicly turn out to be a politician or world leader, their first impression is already formed. That’s something I got to take advantage of. For that reason, it’s vital that I build up a reputation now. I require Vanessa’s assistance. As a Fame Hunter, she’s the best person to ask, and conveniently, she’s also my beloved student, friend, and part of my family. It seems luck is on my side.”

Why does she want to become one? Don’t tell me...

“You... want to personally and openly recruit people?” Auren asks. “So you want to create a reputation as a... fighter and celebrity? Before everyone knows the truth.”

“Isn’t it a human obligation to offer help to those most desperate?” she wonders. “Of course I want to help more people... and sadly, because of the cruel world we are living in, people are far too distrustful and scared. I want to build up trust and allow people to get to know me better. That will remove many of the later complications. Heaven’s Arena is simply a convenient place to start and should allow me to garner some interest before moving on to other opportunities.”

“...” Auren remains silent.

It’s not a bad idea... it’s... pretty hands-on... but is that really necessary? Couldn’t she leave public outreach to Vanessa alone? Although... it’s something different if a celebrity is promoting something, or if a celebrity is in charge of something. Surely... she has thought this through?

Suddenly, Auren hears a loud cry as the snake, resting in Marsha’s blouse, wakes up, slithers down Marsha’s body, and stares at Rakshala.

Walking up to her, Rakshala gently picks her up and pets her as if she’s her own child, showing no fear or hesitation.

Gently sliding up her arms, the snake wraps around her neck and rubs her head against her cheek, seemingly comfortable with her presence.

“What a beautiful young girl,” she says, placing her hand on the snake’s back. “How soft... like grass or pine needles. Will you grow a large pine cone for me someday?”

Making a loud but happy sound, the snake replies.

“Really? How kind; then I graciously accept,” Rakshala states, smiling at the snake.

“Are you just playing pretend now?” Auren wonders before looking at the others. “Anyway... it’s important that you don’t take too long of a break between opening your Aura Nodes. The flow of your Aura might be permanently changed or altered...”

“That’s the case if it takes months or years,” Rakshala corrects him.

“Feel free to ask me for help with any training or if you need advice on Nen, should Auren be too busy,” Rakshala offers playfully, still petting the snake.

“But alas, I feel like I’ve imposed and disrupted your training. My intentions are quite clear. However...” she says, looking at Kurapika. “You seem to have questions and concerns; let’s get them out of the way so you five can focus on training.”

“Marsha dear, could you escort me into my room?” She adds. 

“She will stay here?!” Leorio mutters nervously.

“Of course,” Marsha replies, leading Rakshala into one of the empty rooms.

Kurapika stares at her, but reluctantly follows behind.

“...”

Before he can leave the room, Auren stops him.

There is one thing I’ll have to make clear.