When Beyond revealed his partner's identity, the numerous doubts in Law's mind were instantly resolved.
Saying it was an epiphany might be an exaggeration, but it was like locks clicking open and tangled threads gently unraveling.
The Blackstone Family's assassins, Beyond's proposal today, the one-month deadline.
Various pieces of information were explained once the partner surfaced.
Since those Blackstone Family's assassins had nothing to do with Pariston and Beyond, they were likely sent by the King of the Kakin Empire.
The deeper reason was unknown, but the surface reason was clear: the restriction on Beyond.
The Darkstone Family's assassins failed. Not long after, Beyond sought to meet him and mentioned a one-month deadline. This deadline was probably imposed by the Kakin Empire's King, pressure applied on Beyond.
Merely revealing the partner's identity led Law to connect so many dots.
This point, Beyond didn't know. While eating the remaining food, he talked about the plan.
"Over two hundred years ago, V5 signed a treaty prohibiting invasion of the Dark Continent. Abiding by the treaty is an obligation for all participating nations. But the Kakin Empire didn't join. That means the Kakin Empire doesn't need to follow this treaty."
"And our plan is to forcibly bring V5 on board!"
Law and Ging listened silently, both thinking the same phrase: mobilizing national strength.
Among the many countries on the Six Continents, only the powerful Kakin Empire could do this. Beyond had great foresight, planting a seed in the Kakin Empire long ago and nurturing it carefully until today...
"How... do you plan to do it?" Law asked.
A gleam flashed in Beyond's eyes. He extended his hand, forming a fist. "The Kakin King will announce the existence of the Dark Continent to the world. As for the pretexts to use for promotion, they are countless."
"Such as inexhaustible resources, endless food, the dream continent representing humanity's future..."
"What we need to do is spread this information worldwide, creating a special 'gold rush', with no restrictions on numbers or affiliations. As long as you're human, you can participate."
"Once people are incited, it won't be a situation V5 can control."
"If V5 truly wants to control it, the only remaining method would be military force. So if V5 doesn't compromise, a war affecting the entire world could very likely erupt!"
When mentioning war, Beyond's expression and tone didn't change at all.
A war affecting the entire world... This wasn't a casual jest. If a world war truly broke out, countless people would die.
Realizing the potential risks of Beyond and the Kakin Empire's plan, a grave look appeared in the depths of Law and Ging's eyes.
"But V5 will absolutely compromise!"
Beyond declared with certainty, brimming with unparalleled confidence-
As if the powerful V5 would walk step by step according to his plans.
"Revealing all this, aren't you afraid we'll ruin your plan?" Law looked at the confident Beyond, his tone calm.
Hearing this, Beyond realized he had gotten carried away while speaking and basically revealed the entire plan.
He laughed heartily, unconcerned. "You won't do that. Because our destination is the same. So you'll only stand on my side!"
After a moment of silence, Law said, "Excessive confidence isn't a good thing."
"Is that so?" Beyond stood up, saying seriously, "Then I look forward to the day the result arrives."
Neither Law nor Ging spoke, looking up at the standing Beyond.
Beyond glanced at the empty wine bottle, praising, "This wine has a strong flavor and is quite rare. I hope there's a chance to drink it again."
Having said that, he turned without hesitation, striding forward, leaving behind one last sentence.
"I'll contact you actively in half a month. Or, you can contact me within half a month."
The two silently watched Beyond walk away until he disappeared from sight.
"What do you think?"
Ging turned to look at the calm Law.
Law gazed at the empty, secluded forest ahead. "He mentioned 'large ship' and '200,000 people' earlier, indicating they are fully prepared. And it has been planned for an extremely long time."
A large ship capable of carrying 200,000 people couldn't be built in a short time.
Using the ship construction time to deduce how long Beyond and the Kakin Empire have been planning is inaccurate. It definitely started much earlier.
"What are your plans?" Ging asked.
Law looked at Ging, countering, "What about you?"
Ging pinched his chin, thinking. "Since you've agreed to Beyond's condition, of course, we should first find a way to resolve the restriction."
"Then why did you ask?"
Law gave a deadpan look.
"I thought you might have a Plan B," Ging said very seriously.
Law paused, thoughtful. "Hearing you say that, having a backup plan does seem more reliable."
"Uh, I was just casually saying."
"..."
...
Several days later, Law and Ging returned to the Hunter Association.
As soon as they landed, Ging directly parted ways with Law, heading to a pre-arranged location to meet with Shiro.
Because Law told Ging that Knov had already decided to join the team and suggested persuading Shiro to join as well.
After all, the combination of Knov's and Shiro's Nen Abilities would create an invincible logistics system.
On this point, Ging strongly agreed. When leaving Whale Island, he began arranging to meet Shiro today.
Whether he could persuade Leorio was still unknown, but he would do his utmost.
Law returned to the association, going straight to the Lawlin Museum.
Sabro was still busy. Salin and Bruna were huddled together, studying various ancient books.
Continuing like this, Bruna might be influenced by Salin and become a scholar.
After briefly chatting with Sabro about the company's recent situation, he learned there hadn't been any major capital inflows lately.
"Oh, right. Ellie called yesterday wanting to borrow some funds from us," Sabro suddenly said.
"Then lend it to her."
Law casually replied.
Although he knew Ellie's company was unlikely to face a capital shortage, Law didn't care about the reason for borrowing.
But Sabro fell silent.
"What?" Law was puzzled.
"She wants to borrow 50 billion, possibly with follow-ups. So I didn't agree immediately, waiting for you to return to discuss," Sabro said.
Hearing this, Law was surprised. It was hard to imagine Ellie needing such a huge sum.
'Was her company facing serious problems?'
Seeing Law's surprised expression, Sabro explained, "According to her, the reason for borrowing is that she accepted an extremely large order."
"An order?"
Law was even more surprised hearing this.
'What kind of order could make Ellie's company struggle to handle?'