Chapter 201: Side Story Chapter 1

September 1, 1999. Yorkshin City.

Almost every year, an Underground Auction sponsored by the Mafia community is held in this region. Amidst this event where a large number of Mafia from all over the world gather, a major incident occurred that shocked the world of Pitch Darkness.

The Phantom Troupe's raid on the Underground Auction, an A-rank Bounty.

On this day, Yorkshin encountered a shocking act of barbarism, turning the Mafia community, which possesses a powerful network across the globe, into enemies.

However, the antics of the Spider, which even those of the Pitch Darkness fear, will end on that day.

At the hands of certain young girls—...

September 2, 1999. Swodan.

"────Well then, once everything is prepared, let's Departure.

Please wait a moment, I will contact you next time."

"Yes. I will be careful not to make any mistakes before handing over the custody, but please get it done as soon as possible, okay?"

"Mm. I'm counting on you."

After finishing the call with his opponent, Netero was in a good mood, a smile hanging on his face.

A sudden phone call. ──I received a call from Aisha, and I wanted to know what it was for, only to be told that all members of the Phantom Troupe had been captured.

The captives were being discussed, so I triumphantly replied to the report.

I thought this was a natural result, but when I heard that a worthy opponent had so brilliantly destroyed a gang with an A-rank Bounty, my heart stirred.

But one must think calmly.

It is fine for me as Chairman to go on a business trip. Rather, if it is the escort of the entire Phantom Troupe, it cannot be said to be excessive force. However, when asked if it is enough, there is also a bit of anxiety.

No matter what happens, I certainly didn't intend to take the back, but whether I can escort them is another matter. Of course, even against the Mafia, a Phantom Troupe bound by the Constraint rules is very likely to be killed.

An A-rank Bounty escort. Without a doubt, this is a mission where failure is unforgivable.

However, just before saying he would go, showing the appearance of taking a group of people to find a worthy opponent was too embarrassing. It is best to buy some insurance seasoning, dark and white, correctly.

Anyway, I cannot move immediately. Out of necessity, I decided to contact a few people with technical skills that I could think of.

September 3, 1999. Greed Island.

A certain man contacted me via 【Communication】, and I arrived at the forest near Bensei.

The person I met asked me directly if I could accept a request.

"──After careful consideration, I think you are the most suitable for this position.

Sorry, can you accept it?... Uranus."

"Hmm... another troublesome story."

I did not hide my troubled face and scratched the back of my neck.

If only it could be done in the game...

But for this guy's request, I must leave the island. As expected, I cannot take it lightly.

"If you really don't like it, I won't force you, but..."

"... First of all, is this something to be confirmed?"

"I am curious.

We haven't given up on clearing the game either. Even more so."

"N-n-n-n-..."

Well, if I were in his position, I would be curious too. But are you going to ask others to check for you?

"Well, since it's so annoying to you, go yourself."

"... We swore not to leave the island until we or someone else completes the game.

Most importantly, wouldn't it be embarrassing for me to show my face on the spot?"

I just want to say sorry. Sorry...

"When I went out, they kept my card, so it's hard to refuse..."

"I don't think you'll do me a favor."

"It is like that after all."

Goodness. I just came back from the outside about two weeks ago... which means I've been feeling a bit stuck lately.

"Of course, I'm not saying it's for free. To..."

After saying that, I looked at the reward from that man, sighed, and decided to accept the request.

September 4, 1999. Amrita Port.

After returning to reality from the game, I reluctantly checked the family code.

3 contacts. Two of them had expired, so I sent an apology back. The remaining one was from Netero two days ago.

No detailed discussion, just simply telling him there was an important matter, so come to Suvardani City.

Twisting my neck, I decided to head to the Hunter Association Headquarters without leaving a moment to breathe. An airship can get there in a day. I have some business in Yorkshin, but I still have a day of free time.

September 5, 1999. Swodan.

"... Huh? What's wrong?"

After listening to Zhi-sang's story, I replied in a bad mood.

"Why, will you accept me?

You really are a heartless guy."

──At the Association Headquarters, in the room occupied by Netero. I was told an outrageous story, and honestly, I was filled with a feeling of stupidity.

I sat on the sofa and asked while smoothing the hem of my skirt.

"This isn't a sudden story, but something like helping with the Phantom Troupe escort.

Ji-sang, are you okay?"

"Your mouth isn't good either..."

"Why are there so many people like this around me?"

"I think this was decided because my daily behavior is terrible.

Doing things roughly."

Like a child accused of a prank, Zhisan made a look of disgust,

"Why would I be angry at you? Are you my mother?"

"... Because I often do as I please.

Every time Beans makes a request to me for a Divine role, he grumbles to me about his dissatisfaction with Zhisan. You, come on."

"... Lingjin is also relaxed. Should we disband the secretary?"

"It's fine.

No one will take over as a successor, but, hey!"

When I said some bad and harsh words, Jii-san looked unexpectedly depressed.

"... Maybe."

I suddenly became weak.... It seems I was teasing you.

"Damn it, if you knew, you should be more considerate.

Bean, who goes out with you, must be in pain, letting him complain as he pleases."

"... The dismissal was a joke. Don't worry."

"Hmph... So, specifically?"

"Hm?

Master, will you eventually accept?"

"That depends on the story.

But, if you want to go into detail.

After listening, you say there's no choice but to refuse, I'm busy, I want to refuse."

Netero rubbed his beard, his expression difficult.

"Even so, this is content that cannot be told to outsiders.

After all, that thing is an A-rank Bounty.

The situation of their arrest cannot be called normal."

This time, I returned with a sad face.

"... Except for escorting, if you are alone, you can do something.

The name of the world's strongest will cry."

When I said that, he gave me a somewhat strange look.... What?

"I also intend to do it alone.

... But this is a mission that can never go wrong. I want to buy insurance."

"I understand that, but...

Yes? What do you mean?

If there are no special problems, besides following you, is there anything else I need to do?"

"No, it's not like that.

I want you to add a guardian deity role in the transport vehicle. You are the only one who can complete the emergency project. Besides that, provide support when I cannot deal with the enemy."

... Hahaha. I let out a long sigh.

"Old man... You, what do you think I am?"

"Hmm. A convenient high-speed Matou Shinji production machine, one per household.

Uwa, a cross-dresser, it's Uranus Number One!"

"I'm going to fuck you."

"You're joking."

"... Not joking, I'm going to freak out."

"No, yes. Sorry. Don't be so angry."

Scratching your forehead with a crisp sound. You're crazy, this old man is really...

"If you say something like the next man's daughter, I will beat you up hard.

... In general, I'm not that strong right now."

Netero showed a worried expression.

"Is your sore still okay?"

"..."

"When I tried to fix it, you intervened.

... No, it was one hit.

Now, I can't even get 20% of my power."

"... However, I'm still better than a first-class Hunter.

You don't understand."

"I wonder...

If it's just the amount of Aura, that might be the case, but the decline in physical fitness is indescribable. It's a double blow, and it's become very bad."

I let out a faint breath.

"Then, do you want to stop?"

"No, you can pay separately.

If you can give me a danger allowance."

"You can expect it. This is a large-scale convoy with a 2 billion bounty per person.

The Mafia will definitely come looking for us, and the rest depends on how many Nen users come."

"……Ji-san.

I am a Painting mosquito, which is to say, you will exhaust your Aura in advance, and after it recovers, you will immediately rush out to support it, right? Don't just use people coldly."

"Single people don't grumble."

"Sorry, sorry for the trouble……

Fine. I will accept it, I won't refuse, hurry up and explain in detail."

After listening to Zhisan's detailed account, I told him in a very displeased voice.

"……If it's such a sloppy plan, I refuse."

Netero made a deeply troubled face,

"Lord, you said no. What are you doing now?"

"Fossa, Kenna.

Why must I risk my life to please Zhishan?

This is a mission that cannot be messed up, even by your own admission.

I won't refuse, but I will have to reformulate the transport plan."

"Hmm…… redo it.

That said, I've already caught him for three days. I can't spend too much time on it.

If you have a good idea, I'm willing to give it to you."

……Damn it. It is Ji's pace after all.

Although I was annoyed at being added to the board, I was surprised that I enjoyed the conversation with Netero for whatever reason.

"Didn't you call others too? Who is coming to cooperate?"

"……I called a few people, but only regarding you and Eleven."

"You are really unpopular."

"That's a misunderstanding.

This is a dangerous project for ordinary users, so please choose carefully. ……It just so happens there is no echo."

"……What you lack isn't popularity, but self-awareness."

"It's terrible.

Tell me, aren't you coming out with me?"

Scratching your cheek, there's no help for it, I can't refuse because I need to make money in a short time……

"Hmm, that's fine. If Novu is there, it's very simple."

"Then what about the most important November?"

"I'm already waiting in this town, do you want me to call you?"

"No……

If I discuss it with him, things will get complicated again.

You and I should reformulate the plan, and you should tell Novu.

……If he knows I intervened in your plan, he will definitely say the wrong thing."

After rubbing his beard for a while,

"Oh, alright then.

……So, what is your plan?"

"Hmm……

First, don't use a regular convoy. It's not you that needs to be disguised, but the convoy. ……If you have a medium or large van that can drive well around Yorknew City, please find out if it's available in town at any time. After that, if I rush to blend into a guardian role, I apologize.

Otherwise, I can only choose a regular vehicle model. It's really just an escort vehicle, nothing more."

"Hmm……

But then the Mafia might not notice."

"Why would you assume you'd be attacked? Disguise yourself seriously, you idiot.

Even if they can't find out, let's make them hesitate a little. There is something I can do. Are you licking the Mafia community?"

"That's fine, but is it okay for you to disguise yourself?

If the Mafia people notice me, it will be troublesome."

"Ha!"

Laugh. If I weren't indoors, I would spit.

"Excellent.

I have a legitimate reason to escort these thugs. I will take revenge.

If your target is my relative, I am willing to pay you. Please, by all means, kill me."

Netero frowned,

"……Isn't this also about you?"

"Urus.

Regardless, I won't support you until the very last moment."

"Gisang, if it's possible, you also want to play alone, right?"

Netero raised the corners of his mouth. After all, this guy is just like that.

"Of course.

... Let us start the work of transporting the vehicles immediately. Besides that?"

"Hmm.

The plan, in short, if I have a car ready and Novu..."

Finally, if the other party is a Nen-user, I can only act according to the situation. Even if a detailed escort plan is formulated, it would be too much of a pity if it were leaked. I will prepare it myself and notify you in advance.... That way Novu won't discover it."

"... Alright. Let's hurry up and act, shall we?

Thank you for your active cooperation."

"......

If it is thanks, please do it after things go smoothly."

September 6, 1999. Swodan.

While busy with the Phantom Troupe escort plan, I also put forward another request. Fortunately, both transactions in Yorkshin went well. Otherwise, I would have had to refuse Netero's request.

I also made an appointment to meet with the company lawyer, and soon I will also leave this small town by airship. Even if something happens, as long as Novu is there, escaping is an easy matter. He is truly convenient. Inside, it is easy to conduct secret conversations. ○laemon is the best.

September 7, 1999. Yorkshin.

I boarded a large airship specifically serving the Hunter Association with Netero and Novu. We will soon arrive at the Yorkshin airship landing site. It is just a large airship of the Association, the cruising speed is not crazy. At seven in the morning, we approached the sky above the city.

The camouflaged escort team loaded Together has a built-in solid protection deity character. It is not easy to be broken from the inside or outside, and if you make a "circle," the defense will jump up. With Netero's "zhou," even if you are hit by a rocket launcher, the car should be able to remain unscathed.

Well, it looks like an ordinary sightseeing bus. The scheduled departure point for the escort seems to be the Hotel, so it will be perfect as a disguise. I am a little worried about the Suvardani travel letter. Gisang is also disguised as a driver, so he is a bit stupid.

──When I told Netero to tell him the arrival time as soon as possible, he started making a call happily. I was worried about this situation, so I pretended to leave the room and hid in the shadows.

"Yes, hello."

"Oh, Aisha?

Sorry for the late contact."

... Your tone is a bit soft.

This is the Spider escort call, right? Who is it? I can't hear the name clearly... I should strengthen my hearing. As long as Netero doesn't discover it...

"Hmm, your position is your position.

I am going to Yorkshin, yes, go. I know it won't go."

"Hmm.

Although I am the head of an organization, I don't have much free time, and I am busy every day."

"Well said.

How much trouble your shameless behavior has caused Beans.

I haven't forgotten when I was complained about at the dinner table a long time ago."

... Gisang was silent for a while. I could hear the name Beans on the other end of the phone, although what I heard was intermittent. After all, Netero has an idea in his heart.

"That's right, I am also working for the Association, and I am freely using a little bit of my time.

That is why it is okay to take off the saddle a little, right?"

"If this is a way to remove it without causing trouble to others, then no one will complain."

"That is difficult. Should I retire too?

I am old, and I am able to focus on what I want to do."

It is a strong tone. Listen and tilt your head.

Peeking from the shadows.... Gisang, why don't you laugh so funnily.

"Age, huh?

Even if you lose to me, don't blame your old age, Grandpa?"

"Take it down.

Don't blame your loss on your age, little girl."

Mr. Gisang and the low laughter on the other end of the phone overlapped. Not fearing the sound, I don't know. What is this pressure?

"I am looking forward to the rematch."

"This line is not enough, wash your neck and wait.

Alright."

…………

"Hey old man."

"Hmm? What did you hear?"

"Call now.

Don't tell them when you arrive. Chai Gisang."

"Ah!?"

"... Right, hung up again."

Netero panicked and redialed. It seems my hands have gone crazy, hurriedly operating again. How panicked are you?

"Hmm... hello."

"Ah, today...

We will arrive at the Hotel around noon."

"Oh yes.

Hmm, I am waiting."

"... See you later."

"... Mm, see you in a bit."

After the call ended, Netero shifted his gaze away.

"Mm, it is time to go there.

Shall we start preparing?"

"Hey, old man. Don't cheat.

Who is your opponent right now?"

"... None of your business."

"Hmm.

From what I've heard, it feels like it's slipping away."

"Who's sneaking photos!

Just kidding."

"... You don't know how much you were smiling while you were on the phone."