If killing Beyond, the so-called person in charge, could resolve this matter, the V5 would probably laugh their heads off.
But for great nations, any non-governmental organization isn't an issue. What can escalate a situation the most has always been matters between nations.
Not assassination, but apprehension.
From this, one can vaguely see the V5's intentions.
Law's eyes showed contemplation. As Beyond had said before, if the V5 wanted to forcefully stop the Kakin Empire's exploration of the Dark Continent, they could only resort to military means.
Because, from the moment of that live broadcast, the Kakin Empire's attitude was clear: utterly shameless, like a dead pig not afraid of boiling water.
Precisely this posture made the stability-seeking V5 hard-pressed to handle.
This wasn't a simple matter of fighting or killing one person to solve.
If military means were taken, it might evolve into a world war. After all, the Kakin Empire was no small country.
If a real war broke out, even if they could destroy the Kakin Empire, they would also suffer significant losses. That wasn't a situation the V5 wanted to see.
So, from the moment the V5 issued the special order, they roughly indicated their stance: using soft methods, not hard, or perhaps 'using both soft and hard tactics'.
"I have a question," Kanzai said, one hand on the back of his chair, the other raised.
"Speak," Netero looked at him.
"Is Beyond strong?"
"Hmm..." Netero pondered, then casually said, "Probably stronger than me."
"Huh?" Pyon put down her phone. "Then wouldn't I be just delivering myself on a plate?"
"Is such self-deprecation really appropriate?" Cluck said disdainfully.
"If you're so good, you go," Pyon retorted.
Cluck's eyes widened. "If we can go together, why would I go alone?"
"You definitely haven't played MOBA-type games. Multiple people going together is purely a waste of resources. Besides, fragile types die the fastest and don't even get assists," Pyon rolled her eyes.
"What nonsense are you talking?" Cluck looked bewildered.
"Is it that hard to understand?" Pyon said lazily while tapping her phone rapidly. "If Beyond is stronger than the Chairman, then non-main combatants like us going over probably don't even have value as cannon fodder, right?"
Cluck understood this time and said coldly, "Idiot, that's because you're weak, not us."
"Exhibitionist!" Pyon glanced at Cluck's mostly exposed cleavage and retorted lightly.
"That's enough from you two."
Cheadle couldn't take it anymore.
But she had to admit there was some truth to Pyon's words.
Although no one who became a Zodiac member was weak, further classification still distinguished non-main combatants from main combatants.
Like her, Pyon, and even Cluck, they couldn't compare to people like Ging, Botobai, and Kanzai.
Because professions like Botobai and Kanzai dealt with combat all day, so their combat power was naturally stronger than professions like doctors, archaeologists, and musicians.
As for someone like Law, he couldn't be used for comparison.
Botobai, with his arms crossed as usual, said, "If the entire Zodiac deploys, I don't think it's that difficult."
When saying this, he subtly glanced at Law.
After all, with this monster here, plus their coordination, could apprehending Beyond possibly fail?
Then, Gel spoiled the mood: "Don't forget the Temp Hunters in the Association. I don't think Beyond planted only Pariston in the Association. Frankly, who can guarantee there aren't more of Beyond's people among us?"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Kanzai said unhappily.
Gel glanced at him, like a snake sticking out its tongue. "Exactly what it means. If you don't understand, go back and restudy language. If you've never been to school, then pretend I didn't say anything."
Kanzai's temper was always explosive. He slammed a hand on the table, glaring angrily at Gel. "You stinking snake, want to fight?"
Gel's snake-like eyes emitted a chill. Her right hand instantly transformed into a cute snake head tied with a bow, saying coldly, "How do you want to die? I can grant your wish."
Pyon and Cluck had just stopped, and now it was Gel and Kanzai's turn.
Cheadle covered her forehead, looking powerless.
Saccho, the Horse, clearly ignored the tense standoff between Gel and Kanzai and said calmly, "The Temp Hunters' reputation has always been poor. Considering overall strength alone, they aren't worth serious attention, right?"
"I think so too," Ginta agreed.
In his view, the Temp Hunters was a group seeking rewards while avoiding danger. He essentially looked down on them.
"I don't think so," Ging refuted.
Botobai, Saccho, and Ginta immediately looked at Ging.
"Who among those recruited by Pariston… no, I should say, recruited by Beyond, is weak? Don't forget, they are a team aiming to explore the Dark Continent."
"So even under the Temp Hunters' name, you can't simply consider them a ragtag group."
Ging's words, spoken in a flat tone, made Botobai and the others frown slightly.
Irrefutable, because it made sense.
After Law pointed out that the key wasn't Beyond but the Kakin Empire, the formal meeting became chaotic. It could be said the discussion groups split into three or four, not on the same wavelength.
Law quietly watched the intense discussion about this order, then glanced at Netero, who wasn't joining the discussion but rather watching with amusement. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
'These guys, even after being 'played' by Netero so many times, still couldn't clearly recognize Netero's fundamental intentions?'
Even Cheadle, who excelled at identifying problems and solving them, hadn't realized this. In fact, she kept resolving conflicts arising at the meeting table, busy and flustered.
A fire broke out here, and she went to extinguish it. Turning back, another fire started there.
"I say, you guys."
Law tapped the table forcefully with his finger, the sound overriding others.
Everyone looked at Law. Beans, standing beside the table, wiped the cold sweat from his face. He was probably the most anxious ant on a hot pan, especially since Netero remained unmoved.
"The decision has always been in this old man's hands. Even if you discuss for three days and three nights and reach a conclusion, if this old man disagrees, what can you do?"
Law flipped the finger resting on the table, pointing at Netero, who sat there calmly.
The meeting theme was apprehending Beyond. Discussing based on that was normal.
However, if Netero intended to be stubborn, there was no option for obey the majority in the meeting room.
Hearing Law's words, the Zodiac members' hearts all sank.
'Damn it, forgot about that.'
Thus, everyone looked at Netero.
"Chairman, what do you plan to do?" For some reason, Cheadle had a bad premonition.
Hearing this, Netero asked with a belated attitude, "You're done discussing?"
Hearing this, Cheadle and the others had dark lines on their faces.
"Alright, I'll state my plan," Netero nodded.
Law and Ging immediately exchanged glances… 'Given Netero's nature...'
Netero looked around at everyone and said seriously, "First, mentally prepare to sever ties with the V5."
Hearing this, the Zodiac members were shocked. Then, they heard Netero's next words.
"Then, use an irregular channel to cross the sea, reach the Dark Continent before Beyond, and stand there openly, waiting for Beyond to arrive before apprehending him."
The Zodiac members suddenly felt the urge to flip the table. Even Ging had a slight impulse, especially since Netero very seriously mentioned 'using an irregular channel to cross the sea'.
"Ch-Chairman, are you serious?" Ginta stammered.
Netero looked at him. "I'm always serious."
"So, what was the point of our earlier discussion?" Kanzai said blankly.
"Very meaningful! You completely energized the meeting atmosphere. Very good," Netero said seriously.
If directly going to Kakin to apprehend Beyond equated to a physical victory, then Netero wanting to wait on the Dark Continent for Beyond to arrive and then hunt him was a double victory in spirit and body.
Probably, Netero wanted that feel, and felt this hunting method was the most interesting.
So, he was even willing to take a huge detour.
Thinking this, what else could Law say?
For him, regardless of what happened between the V5, Association, Kakin, and Beyond, it wasn't that important.
What he wanted to see, from beginning to end, was only one thing: that Ging would go with him to the Dark Continent… via a regular channel to cross the sea.