Oboro and his two companions stayed in the town for a few days, equipped themselves simply, and then set off for East Gorteau.
During this time, Oboro contacted Bisky.
He learned that Chairman Netero had almost recovered his optimal state.
Regarding Kite, Gon already knew… The child didn't say anything, but Bisky could sense from Gon's demeanor that he was aware of Kite's death.
The news of Kite's death had not yet been publicly announced, possibly because Netero was protecting Gon.
But Gon wasn't a fool… He spent all day with Killua, and from the latter's reactions and words, one could glean some clues.
Killua couldn't hide things from Gon…
However, Bisky mentioned that Gon's mood had adjusted well. Perhaps he didn't want others to worry, or perhaps he felt that with the Ant King's extermination about to begin, he didn't want everyone's attention focused on him.
Oboro smiled knowingly upon hearing this.
This was indeed Gon's personality.
Of course, Bisky also inquired about Oboro's team, such as whether he was actually in NGL… and if he was involved in the Chimera Ant incident. Oboro didn't hide anything, stating directly that he was indeed nearby and that the Chairman was aware of this… He would not participate in the extermination team's missions and actions.
This greatly displeased Bisky… who felt Oboro was shirking his responsibility.
Because if Oboro were involved, dealing with the Ant King would undoubtedly be easier, and the casualty rate would be significantly reduced.
Oboro merely told her to seek the Chairman's opinion. If Netero instructed him to participate, he would naturally accept…
Hearing Oboro's words, Bisky had nothing more to say, though her tone was filled with a hint of complaint.
After all, during the extermination mission briefing, Netero had personally stated that with his involvement, there was no need for more people to risk their lives.
If not for Gon and Killua's prior connection with Kite, the Chairman wouldn't even have let the two children participate…
"The Chairman knows my situation clearly… He is playing a game of chess with me. Furthermore, what he cares about most is still the Association… not individuals." Oboro said with a smile as he walked along the road leading away from the town's entrance, speaking into his phone to Bisky.
"Oboro, what did you do?"
The old woman sensed his hidden meaning, her voice deepening.
"I believe he will die at the Ant King's hands, but the old man doesn't think so… My affairs might be hidden from some within the Association, but you can probably guess some of it."
Oboro walked as he pleased, with Anthony and Fante on either side. "Setting aside Pariston and the Twelve Zodiacs, what do you think would be the consequences if I left the Association, became a criminal hunter, or fell out with others… without the Chairman?"
"…"
Bisky was speechless.
The Association would descend into chaos!
Even if it eventually calmed down, it might take a very long time.
"Oboro, I warn you..."
Bisky took a deep breath. The current Oboro was no longer the brat she first met at Heaven's Arena. "You are not allowed to lay a hand on the Chairman. If you do… I will definitely kill you! I swear…"
"Where is your mind going? Don't misunderstand. When I said the Chairman might die, it was solely because the burden on his shoulders is too great. I have no intention of making any moves while he fights the Ant King. As I said, in terms of pure strength, the Chairman cannot win against that monster..."
Oboro chuckled and explained, "I'm telling you this purely because I know you have a good relationship with Morel and Knov. If something happens to the Chairman, from the perspective of the entire Association… I hope you can persuade them, as well as some senior members of the Association, to support my succession."
"If there's any disruption in the succession, it won't be good for anyone. Moreover… this is also something the Chairman wouldn't want to see, you understand?"
"…"
Seeing Bisky's lack of response, Oboro raised an eyebrow. "What? You don't believe the old man will fail either?"
"You know me… I never lie."
"The Chairman will not fail." Bisky stated decisively.
"Yes… he will also 'perfectly' complete this mission..."
Oboro emphasized the word 'perfectly.' "However, for what comes after, you will support me, right?"
"No."
Bisky's voice was somewhat cold, as if at this moment, they were merely colleagues with no personal feelings to discuss.
"Matters of management are the affairs of the Twelve Zodiacs and the Association's high-ranking officials. It has nothing to do with me."
"Sigh."
Oboro sighed, seemingly having expected Bisky's answer.
"I just need you to keep an eye on Knov and Morel..."
Beep beep beep.
After Oboro finished speaking, Bisky hung up the phone, indicated by the busy signal.
"Didn't agree?" Anthony, standing beside him, asked with a sideways glance.
"No direct response, her attitude is rather vague… but I think she'll understand." Oboro smiled.
He put away his phone.
"It doesn't matter… I just want to ascend to the Chairman position relatively smoothly and peacefully… This way, it will be good for everyone. But if there's going to be a struggle, then we'll use our own means."
Oboro said calmly.
He wasn't worried about Bisky's side… Even if she didn't help him, she probably wouldn't betray him and would at most remain a bystander.
However, if an elder Hunter like Bisky were to step forward, it would undoubtedly be more advantageous for Oboro.
"Let's go."
With that, Oboro called out.
The three immediately quickened their pace, speeding away from the town.
Oboro had actually seen Gon, but the latter hadn't noticed him.
At that time, Gon was on a date with Pam… so Oboro didn't want to disturb them.
During his conversation with Bisky, she revealed that Gon had stated he wanted to find Kite's remains even if Kite died… but this was now impossible. In the original work, Kite died at the cat-woman's hands and was kept as a 'collection' by Neferpitou, which is why his body was preserved… Now, it was likely eaten by the Queen Ant.
Gon's insistence on participating in the mission was to see it through to the end and fulfill his wish.
However, with the cat-woman gone now… He wondered if Gon would still go berserk.
If he didn't go berserk, he wouldn't lose his Nen and become an ordinary person later, and there wouldn't be the plot of Killua adventuring to bring Alluka out… Or perhaps, the protagonists would board the Black Whale and meet with Kurapika.
As for Gyro, Oboro didn't pay much attention.
He probably… had already left… heading towards Meteor City.
...
Oboro had been to East Gorteau before, so he was very familiar with this closed-off small country.
The situation here was much better than in NGL. When he came to complete the Gyudondond tribe's mission back then, he had thought this land was very barren. Now, he realized that at least this country had a complete system and military management, although it was a dictatorship.
But it was still a complete country.
Unlike NGL, which was merely a gathering of a large armed force.
NGL had only been established for a few decades… As a country, it was still too 'immature.'
Whereas East Gorteau had gone through several kings.
Stepping into this land again was less complicated than the last time, as the checkpoints and borders were no longer guarded… Along the road to the royal city, there were many abandoned villages and towns. The residents had long since migrated… Some had escaped, while others might have met their demise before they could.
The country changed hands, and the entire royal city fell… What the Gyudondond tribe couldn't achieve with the power of rituals back then, three ants had accomplished now.
Or rather, it was solely the work of Pouf, one of the Royal Guard members.
There were still many Chimera Ants from NGL in East Gorteau… Oboro harvested their souls without exception whenever he encountered them.
East Gorteau's terrain was also mountainous, but the royal city was built on a vast plain.
It was built magnificently and grandly, with the entire city having a square framework, situated on the ground. The buildings within the city were densely packed, exuding an exotic charm.
Given East Gorteau's dictatorial regime and the King's extravagant lifestyle, he was willing to spend a lot of money to adorn his own territory.
The country's limited resources had been almost entirely exploited and sold off…
"Combining the territories of NGL and East Gorteau would be sufficient for the Fels family's domain… but it would be difficult to still call it a country. V5 wouldn't make concessions indefinitely. Let's use NGL as a precedent to test their attitude. If it works, that would be ideal… even if it's just a nominal title, it's still a country."
"If not, then designate it as a special administrative region… and turn these two areas into a 'world factory'…"
The next day, under the cover of night.
Oboro's thoughts raced as he led his two teammates to a location tens of miles away from the royal city.
Standing here, they could already see the shadow of the royal city walls stretching out in the distance.
Yet, unlike the outside world, there were no signs of the city's prosperity – no lights or noise.
"It's so quiet… eerily quiet."
Anthony pursed his lips. "Speaking of which, after we got close to the royal city area, we haven't seen any living people, right?"
Although Chimera Ants appeared sporadically throughout the country, the people of East Gorteau were not all dead or had fled. There were still many survivors. The three had encountered quite a few in the past two days. They had also learned from a local that the new King was searching for top talents from various fields in East Gorteau to meet him at the royal palace.
"Ants are just ants…"
Oboro retracted his thoughts, looked at the capital city under the night sky, and said calmly, "They've occupied the nest, becoming rulers of a country through brute force, yet they have no idea how to manage or operate it." To put it bluntly, they just occupied a royal palace and declared themselves king.
For example, the loss of border defenses, the outflow of citizens, etc.
From the perspective of ants or livestock, seizing human territory naturally makes one a king, no questions asked…
But from the perspective of human civilization, it was absolutely the worst.
"However, he does have potential and could become a qualified King."
Then, Oboro changed the subject.
"Captain, are you praising it or belittling it?" Anthony asked, confused.
"It's learning about humans… or rather, learning. It hasn't resorted to outright war or direct territorial expansion, which indicates… it's still preparing." Oboro said softly.
He knew that Meruem was currently in the royal palace, competing with the 'top talents' from various sectors of East Gorteau. These 'top talents' referred to various chess players. And playing chess was a process of strategic maneuvering. Through observation, the Ant King could gauge the limits of human capabilities in 'warfare strategy' and, by playing chess, familiarize himself with and understand human thinking.
Although East Gorteau was a closed-off small country, it wasn't entirely isolated. Some people participated in international competitions and qualified, Komugi being one of them. This was one of the few opportunities for the country to gain some prestige and honor.
As long as they could make a name for themselves in major competitions, considering the entire human population, they could indeed be considered outstanding.
If even these individuals couldn't catch Meruem's eye, then he could smoothly implement his plan to conquer the world and make the best judgment.
At the same time, he could also consider what arrangements and status to give to the 'new humans' in the new world.
"Aren't you going to go in and take a look? That cat-woman is already dead… the remaining two ants, their sensory range shouldn't be that large, right?" Fante asked, extinguishing his cigarette and crushing it with his toe.
"Never mind, let's just wait here."
Oboro shook his head.
The cat-woman was irrelevant.
The key was Meruem.
Entering the royal city was a minor issue, but sneaking into the royal palace was too difficult.
As long as the Ant King was alive, the 'radar' signal would always be active.
"Komugi…"
Oboro sat down on the ground and murmured.
He was quite interested in this girl.
Nen, this energy, was passively awakened in most people… including himself.
Without guidance from predecessors, it was difficult to break through that 'invisible barrier.'
But Komugi was an anomaly. When she was highly focused mentally, playing chess with Meruem, a colorful, bubble-like aura would appear around her… This was undoubtedly Nen.
The ultimate manifestation of life energy!
Relying solely on self-awakening Nen, there were two points: one was an opportunity, like Neon, the daughter of the Nostra Mafia family.
Her Nen ability, Angel's Perfume…
This character was a typical representative.
The probability of such an opportunity was extremely slim…
To put it bluntly, it was like a soul mutation, a stroke of great luck.
Oboro was now a soul-type Nen user, so he understood this well. Souls were inseparable from the mind.
And there was another point, besides the opportunity: the 'soul itself.'
Pure and clean… This required a person's soul to be free of 'impurities.'
In a certain aspect, one could pour their entire soul, including their life.
This was also a form of enlightenment.
Netero's pursuit of martial arts, Komugi's state while playing chess… were all like this.
However, Chairman's soul, although having some innate quality, also required post-natal tempering and effort. Practicing Nen itself was a process of tempering the will.
As for Komugi, the innate quality of her soul was greater than the acquired.
Her chess playing was a form of cultivation, akin to practicing martial arts…
With each game of chess, she might have grown as much as a Nen user after combat and strategizing… But considering her age and the purity of her Nen, she could even surprise the Ant King Meruem.
This girl's talent was truly astonishing.
However, this didn't mean Komugi had the potential to cultivate Nen… Talent only indicated a higher starting point, not the destination.
Moreover, this talent of hers undoubtedly needed to be expressed through chess. If she started systematic cultivation, it would be like dusting a brilliant, flawless gem, potentially having the opposite effect.
"Her entire life was spent playing chess, with chess as her companion. It's a pity… If she had met a good teacher and followed her personal will and soul characteristics, she might have had the chance to become the strongest Nen user… using battles as a chessboard, people or lives as pieces, strategizing against all beings, fighting against people, fighting against circumstances… not killing, not drawing blood, just simple regret-free moves, decisive captures… Just the thought is chilling." Oboro narrowed his eyes. He didn't have this talent and didn't understand chess.
But Komugi's grasp and insight into chess were unprecedented and unparalleled.
Even the Ant King, a being transcending the biological, a superhuman brain, couldn't overcome her…
Manipulation, Specialization, Emission, Transformation?
Oboro's old habit kicked in again.
He realized that if he were Komugi's teacher, regardless of her Nen attribute, he would be confident in helping her develop the most monstrous Nen ability…
Even more terrifying than his own.
Because it only needed to revolve around one core.
That was chess!
As long as she was playing chess, Komugi would not lose.
The only drawback was Komugi's personality…
Nen abilities could be invincible, but if they couldn't be unleashed, they were meaningless… Komugi was simple and timid, and didn't understand the complexities of human hearts.
Even if she possessed powerful Nen abilities, it would be easy to kill her.
However… this talent truly made Oboro's heart flutter.
Speaking of which… ever since he had established himself in the Hunter world and gained immense power, he had never taken on disciples…
The only one, the bald guy Charles, was merely a nominal one… and not someone Oboro willingly and sincerely wanted to take as a disciple; it was simply fate.
Later, Gon and Kurapika… he had only given them some basic training and they hadn't received his true teachings.
Komugi… was too tempting!
"Should I save her or not?"
A glimmer of light flashed in Oboro's narrowed eyes.
The problem was, saving Komugi meant he couldn't escape the Ant King.
Moreover, there was another crucial factor: the poison.
"Although I am a transmigrator and have obtained everything I desired… I cannot guarantee I will return alive from the Dark Continent. Having come to this world after so much effort, I should leave something behind. This way, even if I die… I'll accept it."
Oboro gazed at the starry sky and said calmly.
He had his pride…
He had told Kurapika before that he wasn't qualified to be his disciple due to his qualifications. Oboro was serious.
In terms of potential, only Gon and Killua were worthy of his attention.
No choice, he was a transmigrator… his perspective was bound to be high.
But these two kids were the protagonists themselves, with their own backgrounds and bloodlines, so they didn't really need him.
Training them held no sense of accomplishment for Oboro and was meaningless.
Because he knew very well that even without him, these two kids' futures were destined to be extraordinary.
But Komugi was different…
"That potent poison… the only solution is to reshape the flesh and blood."
"Flesh and blood are inseparable from the soul. The loss of vitality in flesh and blood leads to the demise of the soul… Most importantly, the soul is a private entity. If I were to take her as a disciple, I couldn't forcibly control her. Once my ability subjectively controls her, it's essentially the same as her soul dying… because what's attached is my consciousness, not her own. If she disagrees… her soul will still dissipate on its own, along with the Ant King."
"My help would then lose its original purpose."
"Furthermore, considering her bond with the Ant King… sigh…"
For Komugi to agree, the Ant King must still be alive.
Otherwise, Komugi would willingly die alongside Meruem.
"Reshape flesh and blood… the soul remains, even if only partially, but the body changes, a new vessel… hehe."
This matter wouldn't be difficult for Oboro, the transmigrator, at all. The answer had already appeared before; it was achievable.
Rebirth through another's womb!
Whose womb, naturally, was that of a Chimera Ant.
Moreover, regarding the soul aspect, as it stands now, no one in the entire world, except him, could save Komugi and the Ant King.
If he didn't intervene, this human and this ant were both doomed to die.
The question is, should he save them?
Meruem's soul… was a grand feast that Oboro had long coveted!
There was a conflict between these two desires.
It's a difficult situation…
There are always one or two days a month, you know…
____________________
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