V5 had been compromised.
They had been forced to make concessions. The Fells family a nation without territory had managed to join V5, transforming it into V6. The Kakin Empire had replaced the Fells Family within the council, while the Fells themselves had taken the initiative to forge alliances with numerous governments, establishing a vast business network that now controlled the human world's economy the so-called World Trade Organization.
The actual controller was, naturally, Oboro.
Though these developments had stirred considerable discussion across various nations, the commotion would inevitably fade with time. For ordinary citizens, such matters remained far removed from their daily lives. This included V5's official announcement recognizing the Hunter Association as an official department, requiring all countries to provide maximum cooperation during missions.
As a result, the hunters' social status and recognition had skyrocketed.
The Twelve Zodiacs, led by Ging, knew perfectly well that all this power and glory had been brought by Oboro. Even Netero hadn't possessed such influence. But simultaneously, it meant that from now on, Oboro would have the final say in the Association's affairs.
This man, in terms of both strength and power, stood at the pinnacle of humanity.
Team Oboro was preparing to depart.
They were heading to the Dark Continent, finalizing preparations with substantial assistance from V5. Oboro wasn't rushing, as he needed to remain in the human world awhile longer to ensure the Fells family maintained control over the situation. This would prevent V5 and other countries from turning against him the moment he left a very real possibility. During this period, the Fells family needed to establish deep ties with various powers.
He also needed to infiltrate every aspect of the Kakin Empire. With such a powerful nation's support, there would be no cause for concern even in Oboro's absence.
If David and Filslily failed to preserve the "assets" he'd left behind, it would simply prove their incompetence. Oboro had already achieved his objective. In truth, he didn't particularly value this "industry."
Of course, David and Filslily had accompanied him the entire way, and Oboro had considerable confidence in their abilities. Besides, as long as he didn't perish, he would eventually return from the Dark Continent.
With this understanding, even those harboring ulterior motives wouldn't dare act rashly.
Several significant events had transpired during this period, though Oboro hadn't paid them much attention.
Gon had fully recovered under Alluka's "treatment" and had bid farewell to Killua, returning to Whale Island.
Then there was Kurapika. The death of the eldest prince Benjamin had triggered internal conflict among Kakin's other princes, all vying for Benjamin's power and resources. The ultimate victor had been the fourth prince, Tserriednich that perverted man. Kurapika had participated in this power struggle as a faction member and attempted to take revenge against the fourth prince, but had failed.
Now, except for King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, all the princes and princesses were dead. Though on the surface everything in Kakin appeared unchanged, the perceptive Kurapika realized that Kakin had fallen under the Fells family's control. He personally approached David and, with Oboro's consent, received all the Scarlet Eyes collected by the fourth prince.
In the end, he had accomplished his goal not through his own abilities, but with Melody's assistance.
Kurapika had also heard about Gon's situation. After fulfilling his long-cherished wish, he journeyed to Whale Island to meet Gon.
Oboro had altered the plot line and timeline, and to some extent, had actually saved Kurapika.
If Kurapika had boarded the Black Whale according to the original storyline and headed for the Dark Continent, he would have faced unknown dangers. More importantly, with his particular Nen ability, each overuse represented a severe drain on his life force.
The Twelve Zodiacs had anticipated Oboro's journey to the Dark Continent.
Ging was an interesting character. Though deeply dissatisfied with Oboro becoming chairman, he had approached again after learning of Oboro's preparations, arguing that as chairman, Oboro shouldn't abandon his responsibilities. If he left, what would become of the Association's remaining members?
Oboro's answer had been simple: leave it to the Twelve Zodiacs.
He had also added, "I have great confidence in Ging."
Though Ging appeared unconvinced, he recognized he couldn't stop Oboro.
The Fells family had secretly taken control of everything, and with Ging on the hunter side, Oboro harbored no concerns about potential problems.
Because there was no certainty that Oboro would return alive from the Dark Continent, the Twelve Zodiacs had drafted a resolution stating that if Oboro were confirmed dead or failed to return within a specified period, Ging would assume the chairmanship.
Oboro had agreed to this arrangement.
In the current situation, the identity of the appointed chairman hardly mattered the Fells family had already secured its position at the world's center.
Moreover, Oboro didn't believe he would die.
Netero had ventured deep into the Dark Continent twice. Surely Oboro could manage a single journey and return.
Furthermore, his first expedition wouldn't take him directly into the Dark Continent's heart. He would need to adapt first wandering the periphery, observing, and gathering information. This constituted merely the first step.
The plan was to penetrate the Dark Continent gradually and locate the door.
Completing everything in a single attempt would be unrealistic.
The following day, at Hunter Headquarters, in the Chairman's Office.
Oboro reclined in what had once been Netero's chair, eyes closed in rest.
Before him stood an irate Ging, clutching a stack of documents, teeth gritted in frustration.
Indeed, Ging's animosity toward Oboro stemmed from the fact that, like Ging, after becoming chairman, Oboro had adopted a hands-off approach, delegating tasks while doing virtually nothing himself.
Bean, the secretary, had become even busier under Oboro's direction, shuttling between various departments daily.
Bean adjusted his glasses and stalked out, arms laden with documents.
There was nothing to be done. Oboro's reputation among hunters had reached unprecedented heights.
Improved benefits, elevated social status, and worldwide respect from officials upon presenting a hunter's license these represented tangible advantages. Who wouldn't support him?
Since certain star hunters possessed some knowledge of Oboro's background, they dared not cause trouble.
In terms of solidarity alone, the current Association far surpassed what it had been during Netero's tenure.
Everyone fully supported Oboro.
Of course, while outsiders viewed Chairman Oboro as dazzling, the Twelve Zodiacs saw him merely as an idle "devil" who ordered them around.
As Ging exited, he passed someone without acknowledgment.
Before the door closed, a figure slipped inside.
He gazed at the napping Oboro with a smile.
"You really have a lot of free time"
The visitor spoke familiarly and sat directly across from Oboro.
Hisoka.
"You're still alive?" Oboro yawned and stretched.
Due to recent events, Oboro had lacked time to contact Hisoka after leaving Heavens Arena. Besides, there hadn't been any reason to make contact.
However, Hisoka had called several times, but Oboro hadn't answered.
"When will your death match begin?" Oboro inquired.
He referred to the agreement between Hisoka and Illumi.
In the original storyline, when Killua rescued Gon, Hisoka and Illumi had come to the Hunter Association and killed several star hunters. According to the rules, Hisoka would have been classified as a criminal hunter. However, the acting chairman at that time had been Ging, who had made arrangements to prevent this outcome. Consequently, Hisoka could now enter and exit the Association openly.
Otherwise, he might have become a wanted man.
"He'll have to wait a while, though perhaps not long" Hisoka smiled.
"Alluka?" Oboro straightened in his chair.
While restoring Gon to life, Illumi had thoroughly witnessed Alluka's power. Now Alluka and Killua traveled together, so presumably this brother-complex demon had conceived new plans.
"Let's set a time for our matter as well how about that?" Hisoka said softly.
For once, his expression was completely serious.
"Sigh you really are persistent." Oboro smiled lazily, suddenly extending a finger toward Hisoka, supporting his chin with his other hand, tilting his head slightly. "It wouldn't take me even a second to kill you. You wouldn't feel the slightest satisfaction before death."
Hisoka's eyes narrowed.
"I know you too well Simply put, I've transcended the scope of providing you spiritual pleasure. From me, you would experience only emptiness and powerlessness. Your refusal to give up stems from nothing but obsession. Like a child denied a lollipop, crying and throwing tantrums"
Oboro understood Hisoka's feelings.
He was about to leave the human world; naturally Hisoka felt anxious.
Upon hearing the news, Hisoka had immediately called, saying he wanted to accompany Oboro to the Dark Continent, but Oboro had rejected him.
This explained his presence in the office today.
"I can't help it You're just too tempting." Hisoka suddenly smiled, red light flashing in his eyes. "If you won't agree, let's do it today, right now Even if I can't taste the 'delicacy' I anticipated, I can die here, and I'll be satisfied"
As he spoke, Hisoka's fingertips flicked cards.
He released his murderous aura without restraint.
But this display, in Oboro's estimation, lacked any provocative effect.
The opponent was too weak.
It didn't arouse the slightest interest in Oboro.
Hisoka's obsession had reached the point of possession.
"How about this let's make a pact." Oboro's lips curled upward.
"Oh?" Hearing this, Hisoka's intensity receded as he awaited what would follow.
"My exploration of the Dark Continent is divided into several phases. Initially, I'll merely familiarize myself with that land and adapt to it. I'll return afterward. After accumulating sufficient experience, I'll explore the Dark Continent's depths. When I enter its heart, once you're prepared, you may follow. Try to find me. If you succeed, when we meet again, it will be time for our performance."
Oboro continued deliberately: "Otherwise I truly cannot summon any interest."
"Moritonio once said that performers should help each other achieve success. The same applies to you and Illumi. When performers cannot elevate the show, it loses meaning. Like the vast disparity in strength between us There's nothing worth watching."
"If you can establish yourself in the Dark Continent and locate me, it means you've qualified to face me. Then, your happiness will be mine as well."
"You've been cultivating the 'fruit' all along. Now it's my turn to wait for you depending on whether you can succeed. Of course, if you die, it means you're unworthy of sharing a stage with me. I can only express regret."
Hisoka narrowed his eyes and remained silent.
"Are you pitying me because you don't want to kill me?"
He finally spoke.
"How could I pity you? You must be joking"
"I simply don't like you."
"Prove it to me."
Oboro and Hisoka locked gazes. "Allow me to wait for you awhile."
"I believe that encountering you in the Dark Continent would genuinely please me, delight me from my core rather than dismissing you as a madman, as I have before and do now. I sincerely wish to await a 'friend' in that land, even if we must battle relying on your personal strength."
"Because, by then, I will likely be very lonely."
Though Oboro didn't directly call Hisoka a friend, this statement implicitly acknowledged their relationship.
This marked the first such acknowledgment in over ten years.
Hisoka had faced rejection every time he'd approached Oboro, treated with cold indifference.
Pop.
Hisoka smiled.
A sharp card embedded itself in the table. Hisoka rose slowly. "It seems we'll be separated again for some time."
The last extended separation from Oboro had been after leaving the Phantom Troupe, when he'd left a card with his phone number at the hotel. Now, he left another card as a memento, just as before.
This card carried Hisoka's resolve.
The two shared such understanding that no further words were necessary.
Oboro knew the card on the table was the one Hisoka would reclaim when he found Oboro in the Dark Continent.
The principle matched the number badge Hisoka had left for Gon.
Hisoka appeared somewhat lonely as he turned away.
But the sharpness in his eyes blazed brilliantly.
He would absolutely fulfill his promise and step onto "that stage" with Oboro.
"Be careful and don't die prematurely. Though I haven't encountered Illumi recently, he's not easily dealt with," Oboro remarked with a smile, watching Hisoka's retreating form.
Hisoka responded only with a raised arm.
Clenched into a fist.
Signifying that he would be the ultimate survivor!
"Really so easily deceived. Just like back then, nothing has changed."
After Hisoka's departure, Oboro curled his lips and flicked away the card from the table.
Though Hisoka's strength had increased compared to the original timeline, he wasn't qualified to venture into the Dark Continent's depths.
Based on Oboro's understanding, Hisoka would definitely attempt the journey.
But he would most likely perish.
Throughout human history, except for Don Freecss who might have actually crossed that threshold, no one had ever penetrated the Dark Continent's heart not Netero, Beyond, nor the V5 Joint Army.
Moreover, according to the New World Travel Guide left by Don Freecss, though he had located the "door" and met the "guide" and "gatekeeper," no evidence indicated he'd actually stepped through the door. In other words, even after hundreds of years, Don Freecss might still be wandering the Dark Continent's periphery. After all, even its edges were so vast that a human would require an unimaginable span to fully explore them.
Of course, the greater likelihood was that he had crossed through the door.
"I hope I can find you."
With this thought, Oboro murmured softly to himself.