Disaster and Hope

"I never expected him to be one of the Ten Dons!"

The following day, on the rooftop of a tall building near the hospital where Oboro was staying, all the other members were there except for Chrollo and his two companions.

The leading Shalnark sighed.

He never imagined that the man in the suit who took the Hunter Exam with him and Phinks was one of the ten emperors of the underworld. However, he did guess that Oboro's identity was not simple. After all, having already awakened Nen, taking the Hunter Exam just to obtain a license meant that he must have a powerful force or organization behind him.

Even if all else fails, you still have your own team...

"The Ten Dons are all ordinary people, only this guy is Nen user..."

"Machi asked from the side."

"Based on the information we've gathered, it seems that... for figures of the Ten Dons' status, becoming Nen user is unnecessary and too troublesome. With their power, they could easily hire a large number of people like us to serve them... Power is what they value more." The Shalnark nodded and smiled.

Then, with a serious expression, he said, "However, this Oboro is no ordinary expert... he's very strong!"

"Judging from the fact that Phinks fought him and was killed, it probably only took a minute or two. The battle ended very quickly... It wasn't exactly a crushing defeat, but it was close enough."

Machi raised an eyebrow.

Actually, the members of the group understood this without the Shalnark saying it.

This Long is too young... He's about the same age as them. Judging from the information I have, he climbed to the position of Ten Dons entirely on his own, and he's also the owner of the Heavens Arena.

This is also why they were very cautious in this operation.

The prey is extraordinary.

"Someone's coming!"

Standing on the edge of the rooftop, holding a telescope, Pakunoda said in a deep voice.

A black limousine drove into the hospital grounds and stopped at the entrance of the building where Oboro lived. The hospital had several inpatient wards, but Oboro occupied an entire building by himself; there were no other patients besides him.

The entire building was swarming with Mafia bodyguards, and entry and exit were strictly controlled. There was also a Nen squad of nearly twenty members from the Fills Family. Furthermore, members of the Hunter Association frequently appeared, all exuding powerful auras... This made the Phantom Troupe hesitant to act rashly.

All they learned was that the Ten Dons, Long, seemed to have been seriously injured and was receiving treatment here.

Through the binoculars, a person stepped out of the black limousine.

Pakunoda's pupils contracted, and he immediately put down the binoculars, looked away, and turned around.

"What's wrong?"

Uvogin and Nobunaga noticed her expression and looked over.

"It's the Association's president, that old man."

"Pakunoda said calmly."

Isaac Netero!

"Not only does he hold a pivotal position in the underworld, but it seems that Oboro also has a certain status within the Hunter Association ... The Hunter Association is just a platform organization, not a complete group, and its members are all primarily driven by their own interests and actions."

The Shalnark stroked his chin. "Oboro is just a newcomer... he only just joined, why is he receiving such attention? Even a big shot like Netero personally showed up..."

"Could it be that they've discovered us, or sensed our intentions, and are protecting that guy?"

Nobunaga grabbed a handful of his long, flowing hair and asked doubtfully.

Meanwhile Pakunoda had already called the leader, Chrollo, to discuss the situation.

"Impossible."

The Shalnark grinned, held up a finger, and looked at Nobunaga. "The other party is the most outstanding character in the Hunter World today... To put it bluntly, with his abilities alone, he could easily kill us dozens of times. Besides this old man, there are others in the Association who could take us down without lifting a finger... The fact that we are still alive and well means that we have not been exposed."

"Don't underestimate the Hunter Association... The Hunter x Hunter's influence in today's society is all based on the creation and promotion of the Hunter Association, and the Association can be said to have been built up by this old man... Compared to them, we are just a bunch of shrimps."

The Shalnark's words displeased Nobunaga, yet he had no choice but to admit it.

Uvogin spat out a mouthful of phlegm.

If it weren't for Chrollo's orders and the group's rules, he would have wanted to barge into the hospital and confront the guy who killed Phinks.

Just how strong is it...?

This was the first time their Phantom Troupe had acted with such apprehension, caution, and hesitation.

"Okay... I understand."

Pakunoda put down his phone and looked at the group members. "The leader means we should retreat first."

After they finished speaking, the group left one after another, temporarily ceasing their surveillance.

Meanwhile, Netero arrived at Oboro's hospital room.

This is his first public appearance since Long's incident, which has lasted for more than half a year.

"Hehehe... you look quite energetic..."

As soon as I opened the door, the old man's familiar laughter reached my ears. Long was sitting on the bed, holding a book of ancient Chinese texts and reading it.

Looking up, he saw Netero wearing wooden clogs and baggy training clothes, stroking his beard, one eye closed and the other open, speaking in a teasing tone, slightly mischievous.

"You almost killed me..."

Long was very calm.

"But you've already gotten what you wanted... haven't you?"

Netero's words had a hidden meaning.

He gestured and greeted Fills Lily, who was standing to the side.

"I get a headache just looking at you now... I guess your visit isn't for anything good..." Long slowly put the book aside and sighed.

How could you say that... I came all this way just to see you!

Netero had a smiling face.

Seeing that Long didn't believe her, she changed the subject, "Okay... I've just been feeling a bit bored lately and want you to recover quickly."

"You don't need someone to have fun with, do you? There are so many people in the Association... especially some of the Zodiacs. Don't keep staring at me... After what happened, I get a little nervous just looking at you now."

Long speaks the truth.

It is often said that old age turns people into monsters.

Not to mention someone like Netero, who has weathered many storms, led a rich and colorful life, and lived to be over a hundred years old...

When facing the old woman Biscuit, Oboro was able to 'steadily gain the upper hand' and even have a bit of a way to control her, but when dealing with Netero, Oboro couldn't gain any advantage at all... This mission is a typical example of an open scheme.

Even knowing there was a 'trap,' he had no choice but to jump in.

We cannot be careless in dealing with this old fox.

"You guys chat..."

Fills Lily wisely left, called over her subordinates outside the door, and pushed herself out.

Once only the two of them were left in the room, Netero regained a serious expression. "The basic operations are all set, right..."

"I can barely walk a few steps."

"Hmm... Once we're capable of basic actions, we should focus on restoring our physical condition first, and then on our own 'qi'. Do you have any ideas?"

Netero stared at Oboro with a half-smile.

He was asking the question intentionally, to see what Long's understanding of "nian" was.

"You mean, using external energy to nourish and replenish the flesh and blood?"

"Long answered."

"Hehe... you're really smart." Netero's eyes lit up as he praised her.

Given the current situation, Oboro is in a good mood and has not been discouraged, which is within the old man's expectations.

The training process for Nen user begins with sensing their own life energy, or 'essence,' learning to control it, and imbuing it with self-awareness, transforming it into 'Nen energy.' Then, through the technique of 'entanglement,' they stabilize the Nen energy throughout their body, preventing its loss. Next comes 'refinement,' which stimulates, strengthens, and enhances the Nen energy... Through physical training and mental discipline, they enrich their Nen energy... In Oboro's view, this is a process of increasing 'internal strength.'

Within the realm of the cultivation method of 'refinement', how can one increase the amount of mental energy?

First and foremost, it is to strengthen the flesh and bones, making one's original vitality more vigorous.

Secondly, it absorbs external 'energy' and steals the 'vital energy' from other 'life forms'...

However, the host of this 'qi' must be very weak... and the 'qi' emitted must be extremely pure, without any impurities, otherwise it is impossible to plunder it.

It is equivalent to absorbing and transforming.

Oboro knew this because in the Dark Continent arc of the original work, when Kurapika helped ordinary people quickly become Nen user, this point was mentioned and described indirectly.

The best environment for plundering air is nature.

Every blade of grass and every tree... these unconscious lives emit a faint aura, but it is safe to 'eat' them.

This is also the secret behind why Long chose to go into seclusion in the mountains for cultivation, and why his magnanimity far surpasses that of ordinary people.

"A full recovery, and returning to your previous level, may take a long time..."

Netero said.

Long had already made his calculations.

Everything started anew, from the Moritonio Circus to joining the Association ... It took him nearly five years to grow, but his current state is worse than when he was in the Circus. Although his body and mind have adapted to 'Nian', and he has the mindset and experience to accelerate this process, it will take at least... three years.

Oboro didn't want to wait...

If there were no other way, he would devote himself to spiritual practice.

But if there's a better way, why not use it?

"I've already contacted the Zoldyck Family," Oboro said.

"Oh..."

Netero was not surprised.

"You know?"

Long smiled slightly.

"Hmm." Netero nodded slightly.

Oboro offered the Zoldyck Family a price they couldn't refuse!

However, the matter concerning Alluka is a secret.

Although that thing was in Kukuroo Mountain, it was always imprisoned and sealed off... because without 'imprisonment', the consequences would be unimaginable.

The Zoldyck Family's mission is more accurately described as guarding 'that thing'.

Oboro was going to Kukuroo Mountain, so whatever happened would be within the Zoldyck Family's territory, and he would bear the consequences himself... Therefore, it would not affect or harm the outside world.

The Zoldyck Family had no reason to refuse such an astronomical sum of money.

The real reason why Netero came to see Oboro this time was actually related to this.

From the Zoldyck Family's perspective, Oboro might know about this... perhaps it's related to Netero.

Where did you get that information?

The old man asked with interest.

He had no doubt about the Zoldyck Family's information blockade regarding 'that thing'... and since it concerned the Dark Continent and the Five Calamities, it was a top-level secret even in V5, and very few people would ever see it.

Even if Oboro were one of the Ten Dons, he wouldn't be able to reach that level.

I won't tell you.

Long met the old man's eyes and gave a faint smile.

The unpleasant feeling of arousing Netero's curiosity without letting him know the truth... Oboro felt a sense of vengeful pleasure.

"Well."

The old man slapped his forehead, realizing what the little fox was thinking, and his expression turned serious. "It can help you heal yourself... but with your injuries, it's probably difficult to fully recover, and... you'll have to pay a 'price.' That power is very dangerous... you might not be able to bear it."

"Let's do it my way..."

"No, I'm confident I can achieve my goal without paying anything... with 100% safety and success rate!"

Long resolutely refused.

"Um?"

Netero narrowed his eyes. Oboro wasn't joking, and besides... knowing Oboro as he did, the kid was serious!

"The person who made the wish wasn't me... The Zoldyck Family has already noticed something's amiss..."

Long said something.

"How much do you actually know about the Dark Continent?"

For the first time, Netero couldn't quite discern the depth of Oboro's expression.

Over the years, very few people have ever traveled to the Dark Continent and returned... Judging from Oboro's background and resume, unless he has direct connections with the higher-ups at V5, otherwise...

But that's impossible.

He possesses extensive martial arts skills, profound Nen power, and a thorough understanding of certain secrets.

Biscuit had previously suspected who Oboro's master was...

These are things that cannot be accomplished by an individual alone...

"The five major disasters and their corresponding five hopes... I know everything you know."

Long's expression turned languid, and she deliberately dragged out the last syllable, "Even things you don't know... I know some things too..."

"..."

Netero.

"What's wrong? You look a little pale... Are you feeling unwell?" Long asked deliberately.

"..."

"Ah... are you worried I'll leak this? Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret. I know very well what kind of impact it would have if these things got out. So, I'm just telling you," Oboro said with a smile.

"These secrets are only kept from most people. Within the Association, besides me, there should be others who know... You already guessed that I joined the Association because of you and Linne, so you must have already guessed some things..."

"Hehehe..."

Suddenly, Netero, who had been keeping a straight face, laughed again. Although he was laughing, his eyes were extremely serious. "You little rascal, you really can't let your guard down for a second... Even I, an old man, find you a bit hard to figure out. Terrifying..."

"We have to keep a close eye on you, otherwise... no one can guarantee what kind of trouble you might cause."

"You're not just keeping an eye on me... But you're so old, won't it be too much of a strain? Can you keep up?" Long smiled.

"Hmm... at least he's eating well and sleeping well now, looks like he can live for several more decades, so you don't need to worry about him..."

Netero said calmly.

"I won't forcefully stop you from going to the Zoldyck Family. It's your decision, and I have no right to interfere... After all, you're the one who has to bear the risks."

Good Luck...

After saying that, Netero made an OK sign, showing a row of teeth and smiling.

Immediately, he went out of the room.

Before leaving, he muttered to himself, "These younger generations these days are all so difficult to deal with... But that's what makes it interesting..."

After the former left, Oboro, who seemed relaxed, slowly exhaled a breath of stale air.

Relax your tense body.

He knew Netero would come...

This was a test and a game of strategy.

An invisible confrontation.

Choose between the five calamities and the five hopes...

Netero and V5 are on the side of fearing disaster... for fear of causing irreversible consequences for the human world.

But as a transmigrator, Oboro's soul does not belong to this world, and he has no relatives. He only wants to become stronger... Therefore, he is more inclined to explore hope.

Disasters threaten the general public... but for those with certain abilities and skills, they are merely a challenge.

He enjoys challenges! Therefore, even if the human world collapses, in Oboro's eyes, it is a natural process of survival of the fittest.

Outsiders might call him heartless... or say he has no humanity.

Driven by a thirst for power, Oboro also admits to his selfishness... but he might find it hard to accept someone like Netero.

They care about all of humanity...

If Oboro knew about Netero's previous conversations and assessments of him with Biscuit... it would mean that the two of them had not misjudged him.

And it wasn't just Oboro who bore this selfishness.

Beyond Ging Freecss forms they exhibit are different, they are Pariston the same.

They... are the same kind of people.

Outside the hospital building, Netero walked to the car door, looked back at the high-rise ward window, and sighed.

Wasn't I the same way when I was young...?