Hunter X Hunter: The Phantom Troupe's Carnage.

Chapter 35: A Man's commitment and his unbreakable will

Gon held Pitou tightly in his arms, his embrace unwavering as if he could shield her from the world itself. His tears fell silently, streaking his dirt-stained face as he whispered softly to her, though she was unconscious.

Then he looked at Makoto, his eyes filled with desperation and determination. His voice trembled as he spoke, "Makoto... please, get Pitou out of here. Take her far away from this place. She needs to be safe."

Makoto hesitated, still shaken by the events, but the urgency in Gon's voice left no room for argument. She nodded, stepping forward to take Pitou from his arms.

As soon as Pitou was out of his grasp, Gon's demeanor shifted. His tears continued to fall, but his aura flared violently, crackling like a raging inferno. The raw power emanating from him was suffocating, his anger boiling to the surface.

He clenched his fists, his focus narrowing to a single, burning goal.

Ending Chrollo.

Not long after, Pitou's allies began to gather around her. Erza and Millianna, their bodies bruised and weary, reluctantly pulled back from their battle after Feitan had managed to slip away.

Rem, still on alert, joined them quickly, and Kirito soared through the air, his eyes scanning the battlefield for any sign of danger or injury.

Finally, Killua and Kurapika arrived, their expressions grim but determined. Gon, still cradling the fragile Pitou, turned to face the group. His expression was heavy, filled with resolve as he spoke, his voice steady but tinged with the weight of the situation.

"Girls," he began, looking to Erza, Millianna, Makoto, and Rem. "Get out of here... let us finish this."

Millianna's eyes widened, and she stepped forward, ready to protest. "Gon, you can't-"

Before she could continue, Makoto placed a hand on her shoulder, her touch light but firm. The simple gesture silenced her, and the others turned to look at Makoto.

Once full of energy and confidence, Makoto now stood motionless, her eyes vacant, her spirit broken. She had no words, only a somber understanding of the weight of what needed to be done.

Her eyes met Gon's briefly, and though her face was devoid of its usual fire, she nodded. It was a quiet agreement, a recognition of the bond they shared-one that had been tested to its limits.

Kurapika, though hesitant, also nodded. The fight ahead wasn't something they could face together; this battle was for those who had the deepest stakes.

Gon's gaze hardened as he turned back to the others, determination setting in.

"Let us finish this. We'll bring justice," he said, his voice unwavering.

With a final, reluctant glance, Erza, Millianna, and Rem stepped back. The weight of the decision hung heavy, but they understood. This was Gon's fight now, and they had to trust him to carry it through.

As the group withdrew, the tension in the air grew palpable. The battle ahead would be fierce-Chrollo's end was near, and nothing would stop Gon from making it a reality.

As Makoto carefully carried Pitou on her back, her thoughts remained silent, her mind a swirl of conflicting emotions. Every step she took felt heavier, as if the weight of the situation was pressing down on her chest. She didn't dare speak, not yet, not with the overwhelming feeling of helplessness that had settled in her heart.

Her heart sank further as she felt how light Pitou had become. It was a stark reminder of the toll the battle had taken on her-Pitou, once so powerful and fierce, now reduced to this fragile state. Her body, so worn and weak, felt almost like a ghost in Makoto's arms.