What Law cared about was Ging smoothly accompanying him to the Dark Continent. As for other matters within the Association, unless Netero spoke up, he wouldn't proactively take on responsibilities.
Regarding the V5's special order and Netero's stated personal plan-
From that moment, Law silently drew a line in his mind, positioning himself outside the situation.
He didn't think Netero was joking. Most other Zodiac members probably also didn't think Netero was joking.
'Prepare to mentally sever ties with the V5.'
This statement represented no ordinary meaning.
If Netero made a high-risk choice, the Association would become a small boat drifting on stormy seas, capsizing with a single misstep.
Once it capsized, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it would be beyond redemption.
After all, the Association was a non-governmental organization, while the V5 were the world's five great nations. The disparity between them was self-evident.
Simply put, the Hunter Association couldn't shake the V5's position, but the V5 could dissolve the Hunter Association at any time.
When Netero said he wanted to cross the sea via an irregular channel and reach the Dark Continent before Beyond, Law stopped thinking.
In that instant, his view of everyone in the meeting room became much clearer… a comfortable feeling of detachment.
He saw Beans with sweat all over his face, desperately wanting to stop Netero but knowing he definitely couldn't, showing a conflicted expression.
He saw Cheadle looking grave, probably too busy to think about how to persuade Netero to abandon this idea, but rather considering how to minimize losses if Netero really did this.
He saw Mizaistom, who remained silent throughout, showing a helpless look in his eyes, likely thinking the same as Cheadle.
He saw Kanzai's frozen, bewildered expression, seemingly unable to keep up with Netero's erratic pace.
He saw Pyon, who didn't care either way, turning back to find her playing with her phone again.
He saw Botobai's calm face, clearly ready to support any of Netero's actions unconditionally. Sitting beside him, Ginta had the same attitude and stance.
Both were staunch supporters of Netero. Whatever Netero did, they would follow closely, without the slightest wavering in conviction.
Finally, Gel, Saiko, and Cluck, all frowning, clearly not supporting Netero's willful plan.
But they also knew they couldn't stop Netero. In the end, they'd have to obediently board the pirate ship.
Law swept his gaze around, then glanced at Ging, who was rubbing his temples.
"Chairman, are we really going to ignore the special order issued by the V5?"
Cheadle identified all potential drawbacks in the shortest time. Then, the hypothetical consequences were unthinkable.
Netero looked at her calmly. "Not exactly ignoring it, but slacking off. Because this time, the V5's commission is mandatory. However, whether we complete it depends on us."
"Of course, this situation is special. If we fail to complete the commission, we will lose the V5's trust."
Everyone's expressions changed slightly. Losing trust didn't sound too serious, but it actually was. Using a business analogy, the V5 were the Association's most stable and highest-quality clients.
"Do we have to go to this extent?" Cheadle still held a glimmer of hope in her heart.
"Must do it."
The next second, Netero's reply completely cleared her of any hope.
Cheadle sighed inwardly, thinking: 'There's no choice. I can only do my utmost to assist the Chairman.'
Listening to the conversation between Cheadle and Netero, everyone's mood involuntarily grew heavier, changing the atmosphere in the entire meeting room.
Netero calmly looked at everyone, smiling. "If you have questions, bring them up promptly. If you don't, how would I know your thoughts?"
'Bring them up, my foot!'
That was the collective thought from Cheadle and the others.
…
Meanwhile, less than an hour after the public declaration, online views exceeded one hundred million.
The one hundred thousand telephone lines the Kakin Empire prepared in advance were completely overwhelmed by consultation and registration calls for immigrating to the new world.
Not only was the fastest and most developed information network, the internet, in an uproar… even in the real world, people discussing this topic could be heard everywhere.
That unknown continent full of abundant resources might become humanity's second home. This immigration concept and hope were equivalent to Earth's people wanting to one day develop a home on the moon or Mars.
Everyone who received the news was discussing it.
The Kakin Empire's public declaration indeed stirred the entire world.
One of the masterminds, Beyond, sat leisurely in his Japanese-style room, drinking.
In the room, aside from the long-haired woman pouring wine and Beyond, the Temp Hunters from Hunter Association who had already confirmed joining the team were also present, including Pariston.
"No matter how we adjust, the telephone lines' overload phenomenon cannot be resolved," A man wearing spiral-rimmed glasses sat on a low stool, reporting to Beyond.
"Haha, just handle registrations as best as possible," Beyond said indifferently.
The spiral-glasses man raised his hand to adjust his glasses. "Additionally, we just received a message from Nasubi Hui Guo Rou. The V5 have formally demanded he retract the declaration and agree to sign a treaty not to invade the Dark Continent."
Hearing this, Beyond shook his head lazily. "He knows what to do. Good grief, the V5 have been talking nonsense for hundreds of years, and they're still at it."
Why choose the Kakin Empire as a partner?
First, the Kakin Empire's national power is strong.
Second, the Kakin Empire hasn't signed the treaty.
"So, no reply?" The glasses man asked.
"We still need to observe proper etiquette. Reply directly, telling them not to worry about it."
Beyond downed the wine in his cup, then stood up, shaking his arms as if to evaporate the excess boiling energy inside him.
He turned, looking at the other nine teammates in the room, grinning. "Those who want to follow, I won't reject. Those who want to leave, I won't retain. But if anyone tries to hinder me, I will definitely eliminate them!"
Pariston looked at Beyond, the corner of his mouth slightly upturned, his eyes calm.
Beside him were strong teammates who, though were Temp Hunters, constantly honed themselves.
A man with a double chin, resembling Popeye, wearing Japanese fisherman's clothing.
A man with golden hair covering half his face, eyebrowless.
A short man wearing a mushroom cap, round-eyed, licking a lollipop.
A man with spiral glasses, the ends of his long hair curled.
A man with clown makeup on his eyes, wearing chef's attire and a chef's hat.
A man with a bowl cut, freckles beside his nose, rather obese.
A girl with twin pigtails, wearing a sailor uniform, with obvious mechanical features on her appearance.
A robot two or three people tall, its head like a washing machine drum opening.
Upon hearing Beyond's words, each person's lips curved slightly upward.
These were all Beyond's teammates, and none were weak.
Of course, some members weren't present.
Without a doubt, in terms of numbers alone, they could definitely surpass the Zodiac.
Beyond's words were stating they would face a formidable enemy.
Pariston rested his chin on his hand, his thoughts drifting elsewhere.
He was thinking:
'The Association must be holding an emergency meeting right now. And Chairman would definitely make choices that would astonish others.'
'However, I couldn't figure out what Law planned to do for now.'
'Also, the V5 must be very anxious.'
Thinking this, the corners of his eyes gently curved.