In the Coastal District of Tsumuri City, the Minke Building stood among many modern structures; it wasn't the tallest, but it was full of design flair.
The streamlined glass curtain wall reflected the shimmering waves in the sunlight, looking like a clear crystal on the coastline.
News of the Jewelry Exhibition had already spread, and media vehicles and security personnel arriving early for duty began to appear around the building.
Leo and the other two stood on the second floor of a café on the opposite street corner, observing through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Machi Komacine ordered a black coffee and took small sips.
Kansai ordered the largest cup of iced cola and gulped down half of it in one breath.
Leo only asked for a glass of water.
"The exhibition starts in two days."
Machi Komacine put down his cup, his gaze always locked on the main entrance of the Minke Building.
"We need to familiarize ourselves with the internal structure, especially the escape routes and possible raid paths."
Kansai burped and wiped his mouth.
"Then let's just go in and take a look. We have licenses anyway."
He said it lightly, but it was indeed the most direct method.
A hunter license served as a universal pass in many situations.
Half an hour later, the three of them stood in front of the main entrance of the Minke Building.
Machi Komacine and Kansai showed their licenses, and the security captain immediately and respectfully cleared the way, even personally accompanying them inside.
Leo, meanwhile, circled to the side of the building and found a rooftop of a high-rise building with a good view.
The rooftop terrace of a business hotel happened to overlook the Minke Building and the surrounding blocks.
He paid the waiter some money to gain temporary access to the terrace.
The rooftop offered a wide view. Leo leaned against the railing, and his eyes were covered with "Gyo."
His vision became incredibly clear; he could see the windows of every floor of the Minke Building, the vehicles coming and going, and every subtle movement of the pedestrians on the street corner.
The wind was strong, making the hem of his clothes flap loudly.
Leo stood as still as a statue.
Inside the Minke Building, the Jewelry Exhibition hall was still being busily prepared.
The white display stands had been set up, glass display cases were being put in place one after another, and staff were testing the lighting and security Systems.
Machi Komacine walked very slowly.
His gaze swept over every corner—the height of the ceiling, the positions of the load-bearing pillars, the coverage angles of the surveillance cameras, the fire exit doors, and the ventilation duct outlets.
He constructed a 3D model in his mind, calculating possible combat zones and assessing risks.
Occasionally, he would stop to ask the accompanying security guard about some details.
"Is the glass of this display case bulletproof?"
"What is the emergency evacuation plan?"
"Does the power System have backup lines?"
The questions were professional and direct.
The security captain was a bit nervous at first, but after realizing this Hunter was genuinely trying to understand the situation, he provided detailed answers.
Kansai's method of "reconnaissance" was completely different.
With his hands behind his head, he strolled aimlessly around the hall, looking like an idle person who had wandered into the venue by mistake.
But everywhere he went, his nose would twitch slightly—like a real beast catching a scent.
His fingertips brushed casually against the walls, the edges of the display stands, and door handles, leaving behind almost imperceptible Nen marks.
"Hey."
Kansai suddenly stopped and pointed to a vent near the back door.
"How big is this opening?"
The security guard was stunned for a moment and checked the floor plan in his hand.
"Sixty centimeters in diameter, standard ventilation duct."
Kansai snorted and said no more.
But Machi Komacine understood his meaning—that was a possible infiltration or escape path.
The two spent nearly three hours completing the inspection of the entire floor.
By the time they walked out of the building, it was already getting dark.
Leo walked out of the hotel across the street, and the three met up to return to the inn where they were staying.
The room was a standard suite, with a living room large enough for the three of them to hold a meeting.
Machi Komacine drew the curtains, turned on the portable projector he had brought, and projected the floor plan of the Minke Building onto the wall.
"The situation is a bit complicated."
He got straight to the point.
"On the day of the Jewelry Exhibition, there will be thirty professional security personnel on duty, all armed. There is only one main entrance for visitors to enter and exit the exhibition site, but there is also a back door connecting to the freight passage and employee area."
The red dot of a laser pointer moved across the map.
"The most troublesome part is the guest list—over two hundred celebrities, politicians, and business leaders have confirmed their attendance, including three mayors, over a dozen entrepreneurs, and many media figures."
Machi Komacine paused, his tone serious.
"There are too many people. If not handled properly, causing panic or accidental injuries will result in serious political and social consequences."
Leo nodded.
He understood Machi Komacine's concerns—while Hunters had privileges, they also had to adhere to basic boundaries.
In large-scale public events, the safety of ordinary people must come first.
Kansai let out a sneer and leaned back on the sofa.
"Hmph, that's why I hate these people the most."
His voice was full of unabashed disgust.
"Each one dressed up like a gentleman, but doing nothing but filthy things behind the scenes. I've been a bodyguard for them and seen those scandals—corruption, bribery, trading power for sex... beasts in human skin."
Kansai had worked as a guard for many wealthy people, politicians, and business leaders, witnessing too much filth beneath the glamorous surface.
This experience made him full of disdain for the so-called "high society."
He sat up and spread his hands.
"In my opinion, the simplest way is to just guard the door. As soon as those three scumbags show up, take them down immediately! Clean and efficient!"
"No."
Machi Komacine rejected it directly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.
"You're too conspicuous. If you guard the main entrance, they will definitely not show up."
Kansai was instantly annoyed and "thumped" to his feet.
"What did you say? You smelly bull! Who's conspicuous?!"
Seeing the atmosphere turning tense, Leo spoke up at the right moment, his voice calm yet clear.
"Mr. Kansai, calm down. Mr. Machi Komacine has a point."
He walked between the two, facing Kansai, his tone sincere but firm.
"After all, you are members of the Zodiacs from the Hunter Association; your reputations precede you."
"If The Three Jackals Trio has done their homework, they will likely recognize you. Once they are alerted, they will either cancel the operation or change their plan—which would make things even more difficult for us."
Kansai glared at Leo, his chest heaving, but he didn't shout again.
A few seconds later, he sat back heavily on the sofa, crossing his arms and sulking.
Leo turned to Machi Komacine and offered his suggestion.
"I can be the one to guard the main entrance. I'm a newcomer, just recently became a Hunter, and there's no information on me out there. And..."
He gave a slight smile.
"My practice of 'Zetsu' is quite good. As long as I conceal my presence, I'll look like an ordinary person. They won't be able to tell anything is wrong."
The room fell silent for a moment.
Machi Komacine fell into thought.
Kansai also looked up at Leo, the anger in his eyes fading slightly, replaced by evaluation.
"Hmm..."
Machi Komacine nodded slowly.
"This arrangement is indeed more secure. You'll be in the open, and we'll be in the shadows."
He looked at Kansai.
"Kansai, you lie in ambush in the back door area of the exhibition hall. It's relatively concealed and suitable for your tracking specialty."
Kansai curled his lip but didn't object.
"If they show up,"
Machi Komacine continued.
"I will send a signal from within the venue. We will act simultaneously, end the battle quickly, and try our best not to involve the visitors."
The plan was basically finalized.
Machi Komacine looked at Leo.
"Did you find anything while you were observing outside?"
Leo shook his head.
"I observed from the nearby rooftop for a long time. I didn't see anyone suspicious scouting the area. Either they are extremely confident and feel no need for prior reconnaissance, or..."
He paused.
"Or they have an inside contact and have already obtained sufficiently detailed intelligence."
This possibility made the atmosphere in the room heavy for a moment.
"Regardless of which it is,"
Machi Komacine stood up.
"We prepare according to plan. Now, everyone rest and conserve your energy."
Two days later, the day of the Jewelry Exhibition.
The weather in Tsumuri City was great, with bright sunshine and a gentle sea breeze.
Cordon lines were set up around the Minke Building early on, media cameras and lenses were pointed at the entrance, and flashes went off one after another.
Leo changed into a well-fitting black suit—one of the casual outfits prepared in advance, well-tailored but with elastic fabric that didn't restrict movement.
He stood by the reception desk on the right side of the main entrance, his hands hanging naturally at his sides, his expression calm.
He looked like an ordinary venue staff member or a plainclothes officer from the security team.
Every person entering was quickly evaluated by him.
Ordinary person, ordinary person, ordinary person... occasionally one or two with faint Nen, but none posed a threat.
Machi Komacine and Kansai had already entered the venue ahead of time.
Kansai looked a bit awkward in a suit—he kept tugging at his collar, his expression like a tiger wearing a collar.
Machi Komacine, on the other hand, was completely at ease; he even wore a pair of rimless glasses, looking like a refined scholar or curator.
"Suits still don't suit me."
Kansai grumbled in a low voice while adjusting his cuffs.
"It's so uncomfortable. I don't know how you guys stand it!"
Machi Komacine ignored him, his gaze sweeping over the visitors entering one after another.
He counted the people in his head, assessing everyone's movement patterns and looking for any possible anomalies.
Standing at the door, Leo watched luxury cars drive up and stop, doors open, and men and women in lavish clothing step out.
They were either haughty, reserved, or chatting and laughing, displaying perfect social masks in front of the cameras.
The air was filled with the scents of perfume, cigars, and power.
Leo was expressionless, his eyes as calm as water.
The hunt was about to begin.