Shadow Beast Squad

Oboro, who was already able to move slightly, stood beside a tree trunk.

He looked up and saw a black Spiders perched on its newly woven web under the tree branch, waiting for a creature to walk into its trap.

A butterfly fluttered by, but unfortunately got stuck in a spider's web and couldn't break free.

The spiderweb trembled slightly, signaling the Spiders to quickly crawl forward, use its fangs to bite its prey, inject venom, and turn it into its meal.

In no time, the once beautiful butterfly turned into dust, fell from the sky, and was completely eaten.

This is a ferocious and hungry Spiders... that didn't preserve its food by binding it with silk.

Long's eyes shifted slightly, and he saw a bird perched on a treetop.

Palm-sized, with brightly colored feathers...

The bird had been observing the Spiders's entire hunting and prey process. The moment the Spiders finished its meal, the bird darted up like a sharp sword. Its speed and power instantly shattered the spider web, and its hard beak accurately caught the Spiders before it flew into the sky.

"My lord...they're here." At this moment, a high-ranking member of the Fills Family came up from behind and said softly.

"Um."

Long responded with a single sentence.

He turned away from the bird that had turned into a black dot and slowly turned around.

He was wearing a loose-fitting white hospital gown, somewhat like a robe, and was leaning on a cane... He still looked pale and Exhaust. He couldn't do too much physical activity these days; he would feel tired if he walked for too long.

So... having a cane will save you a lot of trouble.

After a while, a large group of Mafia walked over from a distance. The five men in the lead were not dressed in traditional gangster attire, but were only wearing casual clothes. However, their appearances were all too familiar to Long; they were several members of the Shadow Beasts.

The person walking at the front was Xiao, who was wearing sunglasses, had gray-brown hair, and was wearing slippers.

His appearance was somewhat sloppy and unkempt.

The other four are Rabid Dog, Bat, Porcupine, and a white-haired man with pigtails.

These characters all appeared in the original work, but unfortunately... they died at the hands of Feitan and Machi.

Apart from the Shadow Beasts, the rest of the Accompany were all Nen user.

They were all elites from their respective Ten Dons' factions.

The Ten Dons consist of ten people. Over the years, the Phantom Troupe has caused trouble in various places, but the territories affected have not been large. For example, the Phantom Troupe has not ventured into the Republic of Padokea. The fact that five of the Shadow Beasts are present indicates that there are not many of the Ten Dons who currently want to eliminate them.

Some hadn't even noticed the bandits yet.

The area where the Phantom Troupe is likely limited to three or four gang territories.

Xiao spotted the man standing in the shade of the tree at a glance, his gaze filled with curiosity and scrutiny.

The Shadow Beasts had all heard the legends about 'Oboro'... Although Oboro has now stepped down from the Ten Dons for personal reasons, his influence still exists.

Even the Ten Dons they each followed had mentioned that... the Fills Family's situation was somewhat special.

One person, one family.

Gangs have their own rules and traditions. As Xiao approached, he bowed his head to Long, "Sir!"

The other four also bowed.

"Thank you for making this trip." Long smiled gently.

"Of course."

The Rabid Dog on the side raised its head and said in a disdainful tone, "Since half of our team has come, let's wipe them all out in one go!"

Wearing a red tracksuit, with only a few hairs on its head and an innocent-looking Porcupine, it chimed in, "That's true... It's already a blessing that they've lived this long! If they continue to cause trouble like this, it will seriously damage the prestige of our gang."

"Hmph... We haven't encountered any opponents who can put up a fight with us during this period. Judging from their past deeds, they seem to have some skills... Hopefully they're not too weak, otherwise we'll have made a wasted trip."

The reason the Phantom Troupe was allowed to cause trouble before was because their Shadow Beasts hadn't appeared yet.

Hearing what they said, Long said, "Don't worry, I won't let you down."

After speaking, he leaned on his cane and slowly walked past the crowd toward the gate.

Arrogance, conceit...

This was the first time Long had seen the Shadow Beasts, and it was also his first impression of them.

A comparison of dishes.

However, for ordinary Nen user, the level of the Shadow Beasts is already at the expert level... but this strength is not something they have cultivated step by step, but rather relies on drugs and genes, which is fundamentally different.

He had heard David mention that after the Shadow Beasts debuted, it was invincible... which made the Ten Dons feel like they had found a treasure. Not only in the underworld, but also in some other industries, including some individual groups in some countries, the Shadow Beasts has shown great power and is outstanding.

But the heights that Oboro once reached are beyond the reach of these 'modified beings'...

To give a simple example, this group of people are like playing against bots, and they've reached a certain level.

However, the Phantom Troupe battle against real players, absorbing experience while honing their competitive skills and form.

Putting aside the fact that its level is higher than that of the Shadow Beasts, even at the same level, it can completely crush the latter.

However, five people can still handle one without any problem.

Franklin's ranking in the Phantom Troupe's combat strength, coupled with his Emission abilities, means that he is not a significant threat.

Judging from their appearance, the Shadow Beasts look somewhat like subhumans... a few are clearly deformed, but most still retain a human appearance.

Especially Xiao... is no different from a normal person.

Judging from the current situation, the only thing that the Ten Dons did well was to make the Shadow Beasts have a strong sense of belonging to the gang and identify with their own identity and background... which is commendable.

Long's words excited the several Shadow Beasts even more...

Being able to demonstrate my skills and show off my abilities up close next to this important person is a rare opportunity.

As soon as Long moved, everyone rushed to surround him and led him into the building.

Only Xiao, gazing thoughtfully at Long's retreating figure.

In fact, on their way here after receiving orders, the several Shadow Beasts were quite interested in Oboro... because Oboro was the only Nen user among the Ten Dons. Those who had seen him said that his strength was terrifying, and that he was bloodthirsty, cold-blooded, and cruel.

After all, not everyone can overthrow an entire territory under their jurisdiction and rise to power single-handedly.

Long's deeds are considered a 'myth' even within the gangsters.

However, during this meeting... Oboro Exhaust that she was not even as strong as a normal person...

But there must be a reason why Xiao was able to become the leader of the Shadow Beasts.

Although this person has experienced a change in circumstances, their perspective and way of thinking are certainly still intact...

That Phantom Troupe... is probably not simple.

We must not be careless.

The fact that a family of Ten Dons could deploy such a tight defense and feel threatened is something that no ordinary organization or force could do.

A thought flashed through Xiao's mind. He looked at his smiling companions who were still chatting and sighed.

Then, he followed.

External support, including the arrival of the Shadow Beasts... these are all unknown to the Phantom Troupe.

Oboro had already had his men scout the area beforehand to make sure there were no watchers... Oboro could even guess that the Phantom Troupe had left on the day Netero appeared.

After the arrival of the Shadow Beasts, the task of defense and vigilance was entirely handed over to Xiao. He arranged for several partners to stand guard at various entrances and exits... By the time they finished, it was already dark.

Long continued to peruse ancient Chinese books in the hospital room.

Accumulate knowledge.

A few days ago, the Hunter Association sent a notification informing him that Oboro had achieved some success... but he was still far from being able to take the One-Star Hunter exam. He needed to continue working hard... However, this incident had made him quite famous within the Association, sparking a lot of discussion.

He gained some fame...

After all, to unsuspecting outsiders, this mission was practically accomplished by him alone... Hisoka was practically invisible.

To be assessed for star rating, you need to submit an application to the Association and go through certain procedures.

Besides ability, professional skills are also required...

Promotion to one star is decided by the Association department and is not difficult.

But at the second star level, in addition to the department, there is also a vote by higher-ups to select the list... In other words, you must have the qualifications to be recognized by other Hunter x Hunter or Accompany.

Upgrading to Samsung is even more complicated...

The Hunter Association also needs to submit a report to V5.

For example, Ging Freecss is now Two-Star Hunter and also a Zodiacs... His 'achievements' and strength are fully qualified to apply for a three-star qualification, but he has not done so yet.

The reason is that it's too troublesome! Just waiting for a reply from V5 takes an incredibly long time.

"My lord, everything has been arranged."

Xiao entered the ward alone and greeted Long.

"Um."

Long didn't look up at him.

"You seem to have killed a member of a Phantom Troupe?" After reporting, Owl had no intention of leaving, but instead asked a question.

Long raised an eyebrow, closed the book, and looked at the person in front of her. "That's right."

"Is it very strong?"

"The word 'strong' has a different meaning for everyone... For some, they might be incredibly strong, ridiculously strong. But for others, they're just troublesome." Long smiled knowingly, realizing that Xiao was a smart person, unlike the other Shadow Beasts.

"And what about us?"

Xiao leaned against the wall and continued to ask.

"To you... you can see them, but they are on the mountaintop and you are at the foot of the mountain."

"In terms of strength alone, the four of you can take on one... but what determines victory or defeat is not only strength, but also intelligence, experience, and willpower. You are far behind in these aspects. If you can catch up in these factors, four against one should not be a problem."

"I'm referring to the main combat force. Everyone in the Phantom Troupe has a different role and division of labor, and some are responsible for support or logistics, so their strength will be a bit weaker..."

"Four to one, huh..."

Long's frank words did not make Xiao disbelieve or feel sad; he just pursed his lips.

"I was able to kill that person because I got a little advantage... If it were just a one-on-one fight between me and him, I could have killed him, but I would have been injured myself." Oboro's next words made Oboro's pupils shrink.

How strong does a man have to be when he's in top condition?

"The fact that you're asking me these questions means... you're the only one among them who has the opportunity to make a change... The gangster environment will give you experience, but there will always be a plateau... Don't immerse yourself in a playground full of weaklings, enjoying the simple thrill of killing and a sense of superiority. Over time, you'll gradually lose yourself... Always stay 'clear-headed.' If you want to grow further, broaden your horizons." Oboro lowered his head and continued opening the book, speaking meaningfully.

"Yes."

Long's words touched Xiao's heart slightly.

He abandoned his lazy posture and expression, and looked at the man sitting on the bed, engrossed in reading.

He answered respectfully.