A Hypothetical Promise

V5 compromised.

They had no choice but to compromise...

The Fills Family is just a country without territory, but that doesn't stop it from joining v5 and becoming a member... or rather, from now on, v6.

The Kakin Empire replaced the Fills Family in V5. At the same time, the Fills Family took the lead in forming a huge business network with multiple governments, controlling the economy of the human world, which is the so-called World Trade Organization.

Its actual controller is naturally Oboro.

Of course, these issues have sparked some discussion in various countries... but they will soon subside with the passage of time.

For ordinary people, it is still quite far removed from their lives.

This includes V5's public announcement that it officially recognizes the Hunter Association as an official body, and that all countries are required to cooperate fully during missions.

This has also boosted the Hunter x Hunter's identity and social recognition.

Yorkshire and the other members of the Zodiacs knew very well that all this power and glory came from Oboro.

Even Netero doesn't have that ability.

However, at the same time, it also means that... from now on, the Association will be dominated by Oboro.

This man, in terms of both strength and power, stands at the pinnacle of humanity.

The Oboro squad is ready to leave.

We are currently making preparations for our journey to the Dark Continent, and V5 has also provided a great deal of assistance.

Long wasn't in a hurry, because he needed to stay in the human world for a short period to ensure the Fills Family maintained control of the situation, lest V5 and some countries turn their backs on him the moment he left. This was highly likely... During this time, the Fills Family needed to forge deep bonds with various forces.

In addition, there is the possibility of infiltrating all aspects of the Kakin Empire. With this powerful nation as our backer, even if Oboro leaves, we need not worry.

If David and Fills Lily failed to protect the 'assets' he left behind, it only shows that they were incompetent... Oboro has already achieved what he wanted to achieve.

He didn't actually value this 'industry'.

Of course, David and Fills Lily had been with him all along, and Oboro had a lot of faith in their abilities.

Besides, as long as he doesn't die, he will eventually return from the Dark Continent.

This will deter some people with ulterior motives from making any rash moves.

During this time, some things also happened.

But Oboro didn't pay much attention to it.

For example, Gon has fully recovered under Alluka's 'treatment' and has now said goodbye to Killua and returned to Whale Island.

Then there's Kurapika. The death of the eldest prince, Benjamin, sparked infighting among the other princes of Kakin, who vied for Benjamin power and manpower... but the ultimate victor was the Fourth Prince Tserriednich, that psychopath. Kurapika, as a member of the mafia, joined this power struggle, hoping to avenge himself on the fourth prince, but... he failed.

Now, apart from King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, all the princes and queens are dead... Although on the surface everything seems normal for Kakin, the clever Kurapika realizes that Kakin has fallen into the hands of the Fills Family. So he personally went to David and, with Oboro's permission, handed over all the Scarlet Eyes he had collected.

In the end, he did not complete it on his own, but benefited from Oboro's influence.

Kurapika also heard about Gon's situation... After fulfilling his long-cherished wish, he went to Whale Island to meet Gon.

Oboro altered the plot and timeline, which, in a sense, saved Kurapika.

If he were to board the Black Whale and head to the Dark Continent as described in the original story, not to mention the unknown dangers he might encounter... just consider his Nen; every time he overuses it, he is draining his life force.

For the Zodiacs, Oboro's journey to the Dark Continent was expected.

Yorkshire is an interesting guy. Although he was very dissatisfied with Oboro becoming the president, he came to him again after learning that Oboro had already begun preparations. He said that as the president, Oboro should not shirk his responsibilities. What would happen to the rest of the Association if he left? Oboro's answer was simple: hand it over to the Zodiacs.

He also said... he has great confidence in Yorkshire.

Although the latter looked incredulous, he knew he couldn't stop Oboro.

The Fills Family has secretly taken control of everything, and with Jin on the Hunter x Hunter's side, Oboro isn't worried about anything going wrong.

Because it was uncertain whether Oboro would return alive after going to the Dark Continent, the Zodiacs drafted a resolution that if news of Oboro's death was confirmed or he did not return within a certain number of years, Yorkshire would take his place as Chairman.

Oboro also expressed his agreement.

The current situation is that it doesn't matter who becomes the chairman... The Fills Family has already occupied the center position in the world.

Furthermore, Oboro did not believe he would die.

Netero was able to venture into the Dark Continent twice... it's impossible that he couldn't have gone once and never returned.

Furthermore, his first trip there wouldn't involve directly venturing into the Dark Continent. Instead, he would first adapt... wandering along the edge of the Dark Continent to observe and gather information. This was only the first step.

It's about gradually entering the Dark Continent and finding that door.

Instead of completing it in one go.

That's unrealistic.

The following day, at Hunter x Hunter Headquarters, in the Chairman's office.

Oboro lay on the chair that used to belong to Netero, resting with his eyes closed.

In front of him stood a Yorkshire, his face contorted with rage, clutching a large stack of documents, his teeth clenched in fury.

Yes... The reason Yorkshire hates Oboro is because, like King, once he became the chairman, he became a hands-off boss, ordering his subordinates around while they did nothing all day.

The secretary, Beans, was kept running around by Long, traveling between various departments every day.

Yorkshire adjusted his glasses, then awkwardly carried a large stack of documents out the door.

There was no other way; Oboro's reputation among the Hunter x Hunter was now at an all-time high.

Better treatment, elevated social status, and a Hunter License commands respect from government officials wherever he goes... These are all tangible benefits, so who wouldn't support him?

Given that some star-level Hunter x Hunter also had some knowledge of Oboro's background, they dared not cause any trouble.

In terms of unity alone, the current Association is much better than it was during Netero's time.

Everyone also greatly admires and supports Oboro.

Of course, in the eyes of outsiders, Oboro is a dazzling president, but in the eyes of the Zodiacs, Oboro is a "lazybones" who orders them around like a devil.

As Yorkshire was leaving, she brushed past someone without paying any attention.

Before the door was even closed, a figure slipped in.

She looked at Long, who was taking a nap on the chair, with a smile on her face.

"You really have a lot of free time..."

This person was not polite at all and sat down directly opposite Oboro.

Hisoka.

"You're still alive?"

Long yawned and stretched his arms.

The series of events that followed left Oboro with no time to contact Hisoka after leaving the Heavens Arena... Besides, there was nothing to contact him about.

Hisoka did call him a few times, but Oboro didn't answer.

"When will your duel begin?" Longxiao asked.

He was referring to the agreement between Hisoka and Illumi.

In the original story, during the scene where Killua saves Gon, Hisoka, along with Illumi, goes to the Hunter Association and kills several Star-Rank Hunter x Hunter ... According to the rules, Hisoka should be classified as Crime Hunter. However, Ging was in power at the time... and he made some arrangements to prevent this from happening, so Hisoka can still freely enter and leave the Association.

Otherwise... he might already be a wanted person.

"He'll have to wait a while; it might be soon..."

Hisoka smiled.

"Alluka?"

Long straightened up from the chair.

While bringing Gon back to life, Illumi also witnessed Alluka's power firsthand. Now Alluka and Killua are traveling together, and I suspect this brother-obsessed devil is up to something again.

"Let's set a date for our plans... what do you think?"

Hisoka said softly.

His expression was very serious the first time.

"Sigh... you really are... unyielding." Oboro chuckled, suddenly pointing a finger at Hisoka opposite him, resting his chin on his other hand, tilting his head slightly, and said softly, "I can kill you... in less than a second, and you won't even feel any satisfaction before you die."

"..."

Hisoka's gaze sharpened.

"I know you too well... To put it simply, I've gone beyond what gives you any pleasure or emotional gratification. All you get from me is emptiness and powerlessness... The reason you won't give up is simply an obsession. It's like a child who can't get a lollipop, crying and throwing a tantrum..."

Oboro understands Hisoka's feelings.

He's about to leave the human world, how could Hisoka not be anxious?

Upon hearing the news, Hisoka immediately called him, saying he wanted to go to the Dark Continent together, but Oboro refused.

That's why he's in the office today.

"I can't help it... you're just too tempting."

Hisoka suddenly smiled, a red glint in his eyes. "If you don't agree, then today, right now... Even if I can't taste the 'deliciousness' I'm hoping for, I'll be happy to die here..."

As he spoke, Hisoka flicked the playing cards with his fingertips.

They unleashed their killing intent without any restraint.

But in Oboro's view, this scene... had no provocative effect whatsoever.

The opponent is too weak...

It didn't even arouse the slightest interest in Long.

Hisoka is too stubborn, to the point of becoming a demon...

"How about this... let's make an agreement between us."

Long raised the corners of her mouth.

"Oh?"

Upon hearing this, Hisoka's imposing manner indeed subsided, and he waited quietly for what was to come.

"My plan to explore the Dark Continent is divided into several steps. In the early stages, I will only learn about and adapt to that land. I will return later. After accumulating some experience, I will explore the depths of the Dark Continent. Once I enter the heart of the Dark Continent, one day, when you are ready, you can also go and try to find me. If you can find me, then when we meet again, it will be time for us to perform on stage."

Long said, word by word, "Otherwise... I really can't muster any interest."

"Moritonio said that people on stage are meant to complement each other, and that applies to you and Illumi as well... When performers fail to elevate a show, it loses its meaning, just like between you and me, where the difference in skill is now huge... There's absolutely nothing to watch."

"If you can establish yourself in the Dark Continent and find me, it's equivalent to having the right to fight me... At that time, you'll be happy, and I'll be happy too."

"You've been cultivating the 'fruit' all along, now it's my turn to wait for you... let's see if you can do it. Of course, if you die, it means... you're not worthy to perform on the same stage as me, and I can only feel sorry for you."

"..."

Hisoka squinted and remained silent.

"Are you pitying me because you don't want to kill me?"

He suddenly spoke.

"No... how could I pity you? Are you kidding me..."

"I just... don't like you."

"..."

"Prove it to me."

Oboro and Hisoka looked at each other. "Let me look forward to you a little bit."

"I believe that if I were to meet you on the Dark Continent, I would be very happy, genuinely happy... instead of what I have been doing before, trying to ignore you, you madman. I sincerely want to wait for a 'friend' on that land, even if we have to fight each other... based on your own strength."

"Because, when that time comes, I will definitely be very lonely."

Although Oboro didn't directly call Hisoka a friend, her words were undoubtedly an indirect acknowledgment of the relationship between the two.

This is the first time in over ten years.

Hisoka has been consistently turned away by Oboro, receiving no response whatsoever.

Smack

Hisoka smiled.

A sharp playing card pierced the table. Hisoka slowly stood up. "So it seems... we'll be separated for a while again."

The last time he was separated from Oboro for a long time was at a hotel after leaving the theater troupe. At that time, he left Oboro a card with his phone number on it. This time, he left an old card as a keepsake, just like before.

This card carries Hisoka's will.

The two of them are so in sync that they don't need to say anything more.

Oboro knew that the card on the table was the Hisoka was going to take away on the day he found him in the Dark Continent.

It's the same principle as the number tag Gon left for Hisoka.

Hisoka looked somewhat dejected as he turned and left.

But the sharpness in his eyes was extremely striking...

He will definitely keep his promise and step onto 'that stage' with Oboro.

"Be careful, don't die prematurely. Although we haven't seen Illumi yet, he's not easy to deal with." Oboro said with a chuckle as he watched the figure walk out the door.

Hisoka responded with only an arm Hisoka raised.

He clenched his fist.

This foreshadows that he will be the one to survive in the end!

"They really are... easy to fool, just like back then, they haven't changed at all."

After Hisoka left, Oboro curled her lip and flicked the playing card stuck in the table away.

Even if Hisoka's strength has increased compared to the original story, he is still not qualified to set foot on the Dark Continent and delve into it.

Based on Oboro's understanding of him, Hisoka would definitely go.

But they will most likely die.

Throughout human history, apart from Don Freecss who may have actually stepped through that door, no one has ever been able to enter the heart of the Dark Continent — Netero, Beyond, the V5 Alliance, none of them could.

Furthermore, according to the New Continent Expedition: East Chapter Don Freecss, Don Freecss found the location of the 'door' and encountered the 'guide' and the 'gatekeeper,' but there is no evidence that he actually stepped through the door. In other words, even after several hundred years, it is still possible that Don Freecss was still wandering on the edge of the Dark Continent. After all, even on the edge, given the immense and vast area of the Dark Continent, the time required for a human to fully explore it is unimaginable.

Of course, the more likely scenario is that he has already crossed the threshold.

"I hope... I can find you."

With this thought in mind, Long murmured a sentence.