The New Chairman

When the V5 troops arrived, they briefly handed over the ants to Anthony and Fante, and then began to deal with the ants' corpses.

Several staff members in protective suits carefully removed the bodies of Youpi and Shaiapouf. Although the two ants had been dead for some time, they had not yet decomposed and were still of research value.

However, when the person in charge searched for the Chimera Ant King's remains, they found nothing.

He immediately questioned Anthony and the other man, and also inquired about Long's whereabouts.

Anthony had already filmed and confirmed the deaths of the Chimera Ant King and Komugi, and sent the photos to the Association. Furthermore, everyone was aware that ants infected with the deadly poison and radiation couldn't survive. Therefore, V5 wasn't worried about the Chimera Ant King being alive; what they needed was his corpse.

However, the person in charge received the reply that Oboro had ordered... the Chimera Ant King's body to be cremated.

The reason is ridiculous.

Because the Chimera Ant King is essentially a source of infection, it should not be exposed to the elements for extended periods.

Upon hearing this explanation, the person in charge of V5 was stunned.

This is clearly a joke on them... Before this, V5 had already notified the Hunter Association to properly protect the Chimera Ant King's body until they could receive it. Oboro did this without consulting the Association or informing V5.

The person in charge flew into a rage, pointing his finger at the two Hunter x Hunter and cursing them... He also yelled for Oboro to appear immediately.

"The Hunter Association is an independent, non-governmental organization, not affiliated with your V5 organization. In other words, we have no obligation to follow your orders! The Chimera Ant issue should have been handled by an international human organization like yours, but you've dumped this mess on the Association..."

Anthony glanced at the furious man in front of him, who was jumping up and down in anger, and said calmly, "Most of us Hunter x Hunter are engaged in commissioned missions or tasks, and all our actions are based on our own will... We do what we want to do. Since you V5 don't care, we'll take care of it for you. So how to handle it is none of your business."

"You!"

The person in charge gaped open.

What Anthony said makes sense and is true.

But everyone knows the true nature of the relationship between the Hunter Association and V5 behind the scenes.

Without V5's protection, the Hunter Association wouldn't be what it is today; it would just be a group of adventurers who wouldn't receive international recognition and wouldn't be worthy of respect.

What does this mean? Is the Hunter Association going to break ties with V5? The person in charge looked ashen-faced and uttered several "good"s.

Then he turned around and made a phone call to inform the higher-ups.

Anthony sneered, knowing that V5 would definitely make things difficult for the Association and even cause them trouble... but since the captain had given the order, he naturally did as he was told.

Oboro went to absorb the soul of the Chimera Ant King.

The more powerful a soul is, the more its Nen power will change drastically as its magical strength increases... And with the support of Nen power, Nen will naturally be better refined and developed, and will change accordingly.

Therefore, Oboro needs some time.

"Damn it, that bastard Oboro!"

At the Hunter Association headquarters, the Zodiacs received the order from V5.

V5 officials blamed the Association for Oboro's unauthorized decision to destroy the Chimera Ant King's corpse.

Because they couldn't contact Long, and they couldn't find him.

The V5 executives gave them a severe dressing-down and threatened that the Association would give them a satisfactory answer and result within twelve hours.

Yorkshire answered the phone herself, and after hanging up, even the usually composed Yorkshire couldn't help but swear.

"The Association hasn't even decided how to hold him accountable yet, and he's already caused such a huge problem for the Association!" Yorkshire took a deep breath. It was an undeniable fact that Oboro and his teammates had appeared in NGL, hunting ants, and then moved with the expeditionary force to East Gorteau.

Although on the surface Oboro provided information on the Chimera Ant and did indeed help the extermination team eliminate the ant threat, upon closer examination, there are still many suspicious things.

Yorkshire saw this as an opportunity to challenge Oboro!

"He's already got everything he wanted... so even V5 isn't a threat to him anymore..."

Beside him, Pariston smiled and casually remarked.

His expression appeared gentle, but his eyes were actually slightly cold.

He was tricked by Long! He was schemed against.

He wasn't allowed to get involved in the Chimera Ant's affairs, otherwise... Oboro wouldn't have been able to complete his plan so easily.

Oboro's targeting of the Chimera Ant must be for some purpose, and a particularly important one at that.

But it's too late now.

With this thought in mind, Pariston looked at Ging Freecss, who had his arms crossed and remained silent, and said, "Now that the chairman is dead, then... according to the rules and procedures, we must elect a successor."

His words drew angry glares from the other Zodiacs on the table.

Pariston!

Yorkshire let out a shout.

The president has passed away... and this guy is already thinking of taking over the position?

That's a bit too heartless...

"That's right... Is there something wrong with what I said?"

Pariston spread his hands and laughed, "Isn't that inevitable?"

After saying that, he glanced at Ging Freecss: "However, I think... before the Chairman went to deal with the Chimera Ant, he should have already given instructions about the new Chairman, right?"

His words were loaded with meaning, drawing everyone's attention sharply to Ging Freecss.

"Um..."

Seeing this, Jin scratched his head and said impatiently, "Although it's a bit inappropriate to discuss this now, since it's on the topic, I'll say it... The old man contacted me before he passed away and directly decided on the next chairman. He had also signed some documents in advance and contacted V5..."

After these words were spoken, the room fell silent.

Everyone's thought boils down to one word: Who?

Pariston smiled knowingly. He knew... it wasn't the old man who sought out Kim, but rather Kim who took the initiative to approach the chairman.

"The Beans was also there at the time."

As Jin spoke, he gave a wink to the Beans nearby.

The latter coughed, his expression confirming Jin's words and proving their truthfulness.

He took out the videotape he had prepared beforehand, walked to the front, and inserted it into the device.

Then, the television screen flickered, and Netero's face appeared...

Some of the Zodiacs couldn't help but tear up.

Regardless of their squabbles or disputes, most people still genuinely admire and respect the president.

"Hehehe..."

It was that familiar laughter again.

"Are you all here? Since you're all here, I'll get straight to the point. When you see this videotape, it means I'm already dead... Well, don't be too sad. Compared to most people, I've lived long enough... Hehe..."

The person is already gone, but they're still joking around.

It's clear that the chairman already had some premonitions when filming this scene.

The old man was very confident in himself, and everyone had great faith in him... but he never showed even the slightest hesitation or unease in front of outsiders.

Some of the Zodiacs choked with sobs, while others wailed and cried.

Among those who were particularly emotional was Wei Yang Ginta.

"Regarding the successor... After some consideration, I have decided to appoint Jin as the next president of the Association, and he has already agreed! As for the official bodies and some international organizations, the Association will inform them in turn... So, you don't need to worry."

"With you all here in the Association, I feel very reassured."

"Uh... well, that's settled then."

With a snap, the TV screen went black.

Pariston cast a meaningful glance at Ging Freecss ...

After watching the video, he understood one thing... The old man used the Chimera Ant incident as leverage, offering to "personally intervene" to get V5 to agree in advance and pre-select Ging Freecss as the next chairman.

Throughout the entire process, not a single word related to "Long" was mentioned.

This shows that Netero also doesn't want the Association to fall into Oboro's hands... Most importantly, Ging Freecss stepped forward. If he had to choose between Ging and Oboro, then the chairman would definitely choose Ging without hesitation.

This is beyond doubt.

Inside the room, the Zodiacs Branches looked shocked.

They were not shocked by the chairman's nomination of Kim as his successor, but by the fact that Ging Freecss, who had been elusive and averse to trouble for many years, had unexpectedly stepped forward to become chairman.

Given their understanding of gold, this would have been almost impossible in the past...

Even if Netero offered Ging Freecss the chairmanship while he was alive, the latter would absolutely not agree.

But this time, things have changed! Ging Freecss raised his arm. "Let me explain."

"First, I am only serving as the temporary president, essentially acting as an agent. Once the Association is stable, everyone can choose a satisfactory candidate through any means."

"Secondly, with the appointment of the president and the filings and documents from all parties, my appointment is a done deal, an undisputed fact, and there is no possibility of any questioning or overturning. I am now the president... it's just that the Association has not yet made an internal announcement."

"Third, the internal management of the Association will remain the same and will still be handed over to you, but I have absolute veto power."

"Fourth is... the internal notification of the Association must be carried out immediately, preferably after the meeting, to inform all Hunter x Hunter."

That's all I wanted to say.

After speaking each word clearly, Jin lowered his hand.

The reason for immediately notifying all Hunter x Hunter was clearly to do so before Oboro returned.

Moreover, the rules that Kim mentioned were flawless and watertight.

At least that's how Pariston sees it.

Pariston smirked. Interesting...

From this perspective, it seems that Oboro no longer has the chance to become the president.

This was a proactive 'offensive' by Ging Freecss.

"Although there are documents and the chairman's personal appointment... if we make this decision so hastily, we may not get the support of all Association members, and... some people will be unhappy." Pariston and Ging Freecss looked at each other.

"To become the president, it's not enough to just have documents; at the very least... you need to be respected by the people."

King remained unmoved by Pariston's words, knowing he was not well-liked.

But with Netero's endorsement and official documents, he remains the chairman even if some people disagree.

This cannot be changed.

In order to stop Oboro, some extraordinary measures must be taken.

"In that case, I'll also announce something."

Pariston smiled and said, "From now on, I am stepping down as vice president."

"..."

Everyone fell silent.

Only Jin stared at him and asked, "Are you sure?"

"He looks down on the vice president, and besides, we are already adversaries. It's no use trying to get him to confront me directly."

"You can't escape now. If you're still holding the position of vice president, you might still have a glimmer of hope."

"Also, I advise you not to go looking for that person. He can't protect you... and he might even be in mortal danger himself. Stay with the Association; you might still have a chance to survive."

Ging Freecss said in a deep voice.

"His transformation after this incident is unimaginable... His strength and dangerousness are beyond your comprehension. He no longer fears even V5, let alone you and the people behind you..."

"Hehe."

Pariston chuckled softly after hearing this.

He actually turned and left in front of everyone.

He unilaterally announced his resignation as vice president, without considering the opinions of the other Zodiacs and the management.

They didn't even give others a chance to express their opinions.

Jin frowned.

This is troublesome...