On the morning of May 4, 2001, Chairman Netero strode down the quiet, empty corridor, his long sleeves fluttering. He looked just like an immortal sage.
As he muttered about being woken so early—an old man's sleep was precious—he silently prayed that things weren't as serious as he feared.
He pushed open the door and entered the spacious, brightly lit hall. Six old men sat at a long table, all looking extremely uneasy.
By age, Chairman Netero could have been their grandfather. But he still looked vigorous, while they looked more like men nearing the end of their lives.
The United Nations of Begros, the Sahelta United States, the Oochimaru Federation, the Republic of Minbo, the Kingdom of Kukan, the Kakin Empire...
The leaders of all the V6 nations were gathered here.
The Kakin Empire had a new king, though he wasn't from the Hui Guo Rou family. He belonged to another ancient noble family—a result of negotiations between the various parties.
But power had passed into the prime minister's hands, and had not been taken back. So, in practice, the prime minister of the Kakin Empire's parliament was its leader.
The old men looked frightened and exhausted from their long journey. Fear still lingered on their faces, and only when they saw Chairman Netero did a glimmer of hope appear in their eyes.
They scrambled to their feet and stumbled over to Chairman Netero, heedless of their dignity.
One old man said, "Netero, you have to stop him. You have to talk some sense into him. He—he's completely insane..."
Another said, "He's captured me three times, then let me go three times... I can't take it anymore. I can't take it! Why can't anyone stop him?"
A third man's voice rose sharply.
"I was only interested in Greed Island's