Most Hunters chose to squeeze their way into becoming Hunters because they pursued wealth. Taking advantage of the common desire to reap without sowing and secure guaranteed returns regardless of drought or flood, Bred flamboyantly promoted his plan, dressing it up with decent reasons and ideals and putting on the air of someone seeking benefits for everyone. In an instant, he won praise from numerous Hunters who did not know his true identity.
Hunter Association headquarters, East Blue, North Blue, South Blue—the news swept out from the West Blue branch like a whirlwind, blowing through every Hunter Association base in a short time.
Every Hunter had heard more or less of Bred's deeds. Some sneered at him, some were indifferent, and some were furious with indignation. Yet even more sang his praises and gave him their full support. Bred suddenly became a popular figure in the Hunter Association, drawing immense attention.
In truth, Bred's method for creating a group within the Hunter Association that obeyed him was not original. Its originator was Pariston Hill.
Pariston Hill was now still a four- or five-year-old brat. Whenever his father, a private Hunter, accepted a commission, he would be sent to the West Blue branch, where he ran around and played with a lollipop in his mouth, grinning like a golden retriever.
After confirmation by the Hunter Association's Review Committee, which ruled out all doubts and ultimately verified that Bred had indeed hunted an A-rank-danger prey alone—the Phantom Troupe leader and Spider chief, Bankotsu—Bred gained both fame and fortune at once.
The honor of a one-star Hunter was something the Hunter Association had to grant him even if it had to hold its nose. Otherwise, where was the fairness?
And Bankotsu's head was truly worth too much. The World Government alone had offered