Gladiator [K.Zoldyck X fem!Reader] (HxH)

42-Let the show begin

↜3rd Person Pov↝

Sitting in the waiting room, the four kids were waiting patientally for their next turn. "Then this says... Uh, tree?" asked (Y/N), staring at the book in Killua's hands. He released a heavy sigh, saying: "That's not even close..."

"Table?" "Now you're just guessing." "Was it right, though?" "No." "Ah." He looked at her for a moment longer, knowing that he had to teach her somehow. However, she's an idiot. And an airhead on top of that.

Grabbing the book out of his hands, she said: "Alright! If it makes you happy, then I'll learn super hard!" His cheeks flushed red as soon as she said that. He could feel his heart beating quite rapidly. A feeling he had become accustomed to ever since meeting her.

It was then that a lady spoke through the intercom. "#2056, (Y/N). And #1963, Zushi. Please head to arena A, on the 57th floor." "What?" asked Zushi, nervously looking over at (Y/N). "Uh-oh." she muttered out, frowning.

Zushi quickly stood up, saying: "Osu! I shall give it my best." "I don't want to..." said (Y/N), to which Killua asked: "What?" "I can't fight my friends." Thinking for a moment, Gon said: "It's for training. Not only for yourself, but for Zushi as well. He can get stronger from this, too."

"I mean... No, you're right, Gon. Okay, I'll do it." she said, smiling at her friend. Gon returned her smile, with Killua saying: "Good luck." Her smile widened as her cheeks took a light shade of red. She threw her arms around her white haired friend, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Killua!"

He blushed, hugging her back. Once they separated, Killua turned to face Zushi, saying: "Better luck next time." Zushi looked at him in confusion, but followed (Y/N) anyways. Before they left, Gon said: "Good luck, guys!" "Thanks! I'll be waiting for you two!" called (Y/N), waving at them before exiting the room. "Uh-huh!"

↜Time skip: a short while later↝

↜3rd Person Pov↝

"Alright, everyone! The event you've all been waiting for! We have a unique match-up for you! Two young ones, fighting it out! However, you don't want to underestimate them! Both had strong showings in their first rounds!" spoke the woman through the speakers.

She continued: "They both advanced directly to the 50s! We will now replay their matches on the big screen!" A video began to play, with the lady saying: "(Y/N) defeated her opponent within a single moment! One punch was all it took to knock him into the crowd!"

The people cheered, boosting (Y/N)'s spirits. She grinned, proud of herself for the applause she was getting. Oh, she was sure to be making a name for herself around here. It was only natural to her. She wanted to become a living legend- an immortal Gladiator- always remembered for her strength and power.

"Meanwhile, Zushi used martial arts to punish his opponent, scoring a flawless knockout of a 200+ kg giant!" The crowd cheered as well, which caused Zushi to smile to himself. The woman said: "Okay, everyone! Are you ready to press your gamble switches? In that case, switch on!"

The crowd all pressed some buttons, and the screen showed the photos of the current fighters. At the bottom of their picture was a count. The people had bet on who would win this fight. Zushi had 741 votes, while (Y/N) had 2'842.

She looked at the number, then asked: "Why do they think I'd lose? No, it's alright. I'm not a regular here. I have to show them what I can do. I have to put myself out there. I have to make a show that they won't forget."

Zushi nervously looked at her, having heard her rambling. "All bets are in, and the offs favor Zushi! Perhaps his martial arts knowledge gives him an edge?" spoke the lady, chuckling at her own statement. Truth be told, the crowd was simply not convinced that a girl as petite and fragile-looking as (Y/N) was a good fighter.

The worker that stood with them in the arena said: "This match will consist of three rounds, three-minutes each, decided by the points and knockout system! Begin!" Zushi immediately took his stance as (Y/N) cracked her knuckles.

She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath. In a low tone, she said: "Let the show begin." With that, she dashed towards Zushi, who was already nervous as it was. And seeing her approach this fast only made things worse.

He did throw a punch her way, but she simply ducked, swiping his legs and causing him to fall. Before he hit the ground, she grabbed his head, putting barely any pressure on it as she pressed him onto the ground.

The wooden floor cracked slightly, causing her to widen her eyes. "Ah, I'm so sorry! I barely put strength in that one!" "Clean hit!" called the referee out, the crowd starting to cheer immediately.

"That's amazing! (Y/N) has knocked out another opponent with only minimal effort! A clean hit and being knocked down get her two points. As you already know, under the points and knockout system, there are clean hits, critical hits, and knockdowns. Superb attacks count as 'clean hits', worth one point apiece." explained the lady over the speakers.

She said: "Unusually superb attacks are classified as 'critical hits', worth two points. Knocking down your opponent earns you one point. After amassing ten points, you are awarded a technical knockout. Of course, if your opponent cannot continue to fight after one hit, you win due to a knockout!"

(Y/N) watched as Zushi got up from the ground. The crowd grew louder as he took his fighting stance once more. However, his determined eyes turned wide as he noticed the wide grin on (Y/N)'s face.

Her eyes scared him especially. So empty of emotion, and yet filled to the brim with pride. It was clear that this was no ordinary girl. Just what had he gotten himself into?

A few drops of blood trickled down his forehead, where she had pushed him to the ground just a few seconds ago. Zushi wiped the blood away, while the referee called out: "Fight!"