"This is a bit troublesome..."
The horizon began to show the first light of dawn.
Oboro walked to the outskirts of the ant territory, a ruined village ravaged and slaughtered by the ant swarm.
Hearing footsteps, Anthony and Fante emerged from a wooden hut.
"Captain!"
They were greatly shocked by Oboro's appearance.
Because Oboro looked extremely disheveled, barely clothed, and covered in bloodstains… clearly having just emerged from a fierce battle.
Oboro's injuries had mostly healed. He had found a few ants along the way and used Life Steal to recover.
However, the damage inflicted by Neferpitou was not to be underestimated, and he still needed time to recuperate. His current vitality had only repaired the external wounds and some of the internal organ damage.
"It's fine."
Oboro smiled faintly.
"You..."
Fante seemed to realize something.
Their surprise stemmed from the fact that, according to the plan, they were not supposed to intervene in anything that happened within the ant territory from this point on; they were merely observers.
Oboro's task was only to collect souls.
"Mhm... I killed that cat-woman." Oboro nodded.
"Hiss..."
Anthony's eyes widened in disbelief.
Regarding Neferpitou, both he and Fante knew and understood her.
Fante understood Oboro's expression and said grimly, "With the cat-woman dead, the subsequent plan will also need to change..."
Yes, this was the main reason Oboro had initially been reluctant to confront Neferpitou directly.
First, Kite's soul had been absorbed by him, meaning Kite could not be reborn… Even if his body were eaten by the Queen Ant and fused into a new being with some of its genes, it would not awaken memories of its past life; it would just be an empty shell.
Second, the reason Chairman Netero, Morel, and the others didn't immediately attack the ant nest was because the old man sensed Neferpitou's strength and realized that a rash attack might not guarantee victory…
Not to mention the presence of division chiefs and other high-level ants in the ant nest. Thus, he began to adjust his state.
Furthermore, compared to the sheer number of ants, the Hunter Association members were too few, and those capable of joining this battle were even more scarce.
Therefore, everything had to be planned carefully and executed cautiously.
Now… with the cat-woman dead, even if the timeline was delayed, and Pouf and Youpi hatched from their eggs, the threat they posed to Netero was far less than that of the cat-woman.
Given the Chairman's personality, upon realizing that the two Royal Guard members would not threaten him… Netero would undoubtedly take swift action before the Ant King's birth, nipping the danger in the bud.
Perhaps the month-long training period would not occur…
And Netero would be able to accomplish this!
This meant that the subsequent move of the Ant King, Pouf, and Youpi to a new location, East Gorteau, might not happen.
Oboro would also have difficulty harvesting the remaining division chiefs… "Yes, we need to make Netero wary, at least until the Ant King is born."
Oboro said calmly.
"With the remaining numbers of the ant colony alone… the Chairman wouldn't dare to act rashly, right? After all, even if the Association sends a team, the number of members won't be too large, and the lower-level hunters are hardly a fighting force." Anthony said.
Don't be fooled by Oboro's seemingly effortless and enthusiastic ant-slaughter. Dealing with some division-chief level Chimera Ants was not a major problem for him and Fante.
But they were all Star-ranked Hunters… and few in number within the Association.
Moreover, star rank didn't necessarily equate to strength. With Oboro's training and guidance, both of them could rival some two-star Hunters, especially Fante, an Enhancer.
"The Chairman's strength is at least comparable to yours, Captain..."
Fante glanced at Oboro.
Oboro smiled and remained silent.
Meanwhile, Anthony shut his mouth. Fante's meaning was obvious.
What Oboro could achieve, perhaps it wouldn't be so difficult for the Chairman either…
Numbers sometimes… might be useful, but in the face of absolute strength, they could at most create a minor ripple.
"We need to find a way to stall for time."
Fante lit a cigarette and took a puff.
His brow furrowed.
Regarding Oboro's Nen abilities, his teammates knew some of it.
Though not much, they were familiar with it.
Oboro had once said that the Ant King would break out of its shell prematurely, being a premature baby… but this did not diminish its terror.
Oboro needed to ensure that the Ant King would perish with Netero without losing strength, because the quality of the dropped souls was directly related to the individual's vitality and strength.
If the Chairman invaded the ant nest, judging by the Captain's description of the Ant King, Meruem might be born earlier upon sensing the enemy's presence… Although they would still fight in the end, their strength might be affected.
Then… the 'soul quality' that the Captain cared about most would likely weaken.
"Don't worry, I have a way…"
Oboro patted Fante's shoulder and walked towards the small wooden hut. "I'm too tired. I'll take a nap first."
Fante and Anthony exchanged glances.
They followed him.
...
Meanwhile, after Killua escaped NGL with Gon, he found the companions of Kite's investigation team and immediately notified the Association headquarters.
Soon, it attracted the attention of the Association headquarters.
The Association naturally had to relay the situation to V5.
V5, as usual, immediately issued a strict order to Netero… They had no intention of acting personally.
The Association was fortunate to have V5's backing to reach its current status… Externally, the Hunter Association remained a private organization, not under V5's jurisdiction.
In V5's view, such matters… didn't warrant expending their own resources; they could just have Netero clean up the mess.
Besides… there was that Oboro in the Association!
Otherwise, wouldn't all the benefits and social status they had fought for the Hunter Association over the years be invested in vain?
Netero was well aware of V5's intentions, but he didn't care… Since the juniors couldn't handle it, he had the responsibility and obligation to step forward.
Furthermore, he also wanted to see… what capabilities this species called Chimera Ants possessed.
"Chairman, this is the data sent by Killua and Kite's team…"
In the headquarters office, Wing-kun took a document from the fax machine and placed it on Netero's desk.
The Chairman stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the city view, lost in thought.
Upon hearing the voice, he turned, sat down, and picked up the document.
The paper was filled with intelligence about the Chimera Ants… such as their habits, characteristics, including the fusion of genes from other creatures, and their hierarchical structure, etc. Naturally, it also mentioned the cat-woman.
"Kite…"
Netero read as he asked.
"Killua said… that the cat-woman's strength was terrifying. Kite chose to cover their escape and stayed behind… His current condition is unknown, and we can't contact him." Wing-kun recounted truthfully.
Then, he put down the document.
Netero took out his phone and dialed a number.
He then contacted Killua.
And personally asked some questions.
"You're saying… Kite didn't even have time to react and was severely injured in just one encounter?" Netero narrowed his eyes and asked with a chuckle after hearing Killua's description.
"Yes."
Killua replied.
Even though they had been in mortal danger, Netero still sensed Killua's lingering fear from his trembling voice.
"You've worked hard."
The Chairman comforted them.
"Then, in your opinion, if it were me… who would be stronger, you or that ant? Judge based on your intuition…"
"Is that so? Ho ho ho… then I'm really looking forward to it."
Clearly, Killua had given his answer.
"You should leave for now and await the Association's next arrangements."
After chatting for a while longer, Netero hung up the communication.
He then looked at Wing-kun. "Call everyone here… everyone."
"Yes."
The Twelve Zodiacs!
...
Around noon, in the conference room.
The Twelve Zodiacs were gathered, and even Ging Freecss and Pariston had appeared.
Everyone had heard about the ants and Kite's situation…
Now that Kite was likely dead, Ging, as his teacher, remained unfazed. Shortly after entering the room, he sat in a chair and fell asleep.
This scene greatly displeased several meticulous women like Yorkshire, Krum, and Gluttony.
They couldn't see any worry or sadness on this man's face… Truly, too pathetic!
No wonder he was so detestable!
Soon, the Chairman arrived, fashionably late.
Although it was called a discussion, it was essentially him unilaterally issuing orders and making arrangements regarding the Chimera Ant matter.
Ging Freecss still appeared somewhat absent-minded. Pariston, sitting opposite him, wore a constant smile.
The two of them were not here today to discuss the ants.
Because… they had anticipated this scene long ago.
Ging glanced at Pariston, his eyes deep and thoughtful…
Beep beep beep…
In less than ten minutes, Netero had made all the arrangements. Just as everyone was about to leave after the meeting, his phone suddenly rang.
Ging Freecss's expression changed.
Pariston also focused his gaze on the Chairman… A thought simultaneously arose in both their minds: It's here!
"Is it Oboro?" Netero answered the phone, laughing loudly in front of everyone.
"Ho ho ho… it seems you already know…"
Everyone looked at the Chairman chatting with Oboro, their thoughts varied.
Oboro… hadn't appeared in the Association for a long time.
Including Menchi and the others.
The Association currently didn't know what Oboro and his team were doing… or where they were.
But calling at this sensitive juncture…
"You've been to NGL?"
After a moment, Netero raised an eyebrow, and the Twelve Zodiacs also showed surprise.
Then, the Chairman put the phone on speaker, allowing everyone to hear Oboro's voice.
It seemed… Oboro had asked him to do so.
"I'm in NGL right now!"
Oboro's words caused Pariston and Ging Freecss to straighten up simultaneously.
I have more detailed information about the Chimera Ants, which I've already had someone deliver…
Regarding the matter of exterminating the Chimera Ants, it must be handled with caution. If you, Chairman, were to personally take action, I hope that all members participating in the mission, including yourself, would undergo targeted training beforehand… because the danger of these ants is more severe than you imagine.
I heard about Kite's situation… The ant he encountered was one of the Royal Guards. Honestly, even in your current state, Chairman, your chances of winning in a direct confrontation are not high.
"…"
Silence filled the room.
Not a sound could be heard.
Pariston appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was churning.
Oboro is in NGL?
Impossible!
It was more likely he was illegally entering a certain sea area on the way to the Dark Continent. Could it be that his guess was wrong?
Pariston hadn't paid any attention to NGL and the ant matter at all… His energy had been entirely focused on finding evidence of Oboro's illegal entry. He had discovered that the Fels family owned a private sea area in the Republic of Bartochia, which was the location of Hero's Island.
And not long ago, a ferry had indeed passed through the navigation control under the name of a company under the Fels family, ostensibly for offshore resource extraction, and returned within a certain period.
He had obtained the passenger list, which included Menchi and Gebuwich among others. Although they used disguises and aliases… Menchi had even gone to Kakin specifically to deliver information about the Chimera Ants to Kite earlier, but it was clearly a diversion.
Their true illegal route originated from… the Republic of Bartochia.
Moreover, with the Fels family's current power and influence, they could force V5 to make some concessions, such as offshore resource extraction… However, whether the passengers on the ship were the same people after its return, with the same names and appearances, was unclear.
With Oboro's abilities, it was entirely possible.
But why?
Why would he admit to being in NGL in person at this particular moment?
"He's… saying it for everyone to hear, to disguise the fact that he's already heading to the Dark Continent, and to buy time… Beyond the human world, there's no signal… He wants the Association to focus their attention on the ants. Calling at this time makes it more believable that he's near NGL, when in reality… it could be some ability, or… it's not him!" Pariston thought to himself.
"It's still a deception… there were only the three of them on the ship, making me think it was a ruse, but it was a ruse within a ruse…"
Kite was very likely… truly dead!
And Ging Freecss, upon hearing Oboro's words, had a sudden thought.
His previously emotionless face finally showed a hint of… solemnity.
The killer of Kite was that ant…
But the one who extinguished Kite's hope of 'living' might be Oboro!
Ging… had guessed it.
Although… not entirely certain.
Because he didn't know the limitations and specific effects of Oboro's soul-based Nen ability…
Of course, Ging didn't blame Oboro, as the primary factor in Kite's death was the ant.
However, Kite's soul… might have been…
Ging had already reviewed the Chimera Ant data before coming…
He had noticed something.
Since they had integrated human genes, judging by the ants' behavior, some things were also inherent… and couldn't be shed.
There were hints appearing…
Souls!
The residual consciousness of the host, already present in the gene cells… a certain human consciousness.
____________________
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