Chapter 279

September 8, 1999.

I have absolutely no motivation, lying around in the Hotel doing nothing all day—

My Mobile Phone receives a call.... Is it Netero?

"Mm. What?"

The gloomy first voice makes me laugh. It's not an attitude toward the Hunter Association Chairman.

"... Master, where are you right now?"

"I'm still in Suvardani. Just in case."

My memory is too blurry, but the Phantom Troupe must have ended up in the temporary detention center at the Association Headquarters.... I don't remember much about yesterday, and I don't want to remember it either.

"Yes, just right."

There is an emergency. Come to the headquarters right now.

"Oh? Are you in a hurry?"

"Correct. Be as fast as you can."

"Tch..."

"Wow, you should go."

Hanging up. If this matter cannot be discussed in detail over the phone, I have no choice but to go directly to the office.

"Ah. Kataly..."

I scratch my head. Well, I don't have the motivation to do anything, so it doesn't matter.

It would be bad if I didn't go, and there are many possibilities for important matters. Since it's Netero, he might be summoning me during his free time. If that's the case, I really want to blow it off.

Swaying in the taxi I hailed, I head from the Inn to the Association Headquarters.

"Ha..."

I can't shake off my fatigue. Yesterday, until the very end, I squeezed out my Ryu... perhaps, though.

I have some memories of working around Kamiji in the prison facility, so that might be it. I think I made a mess with the people from the Phantom Troupe. But I don't remember.

The Association Headquarters is crowded with the Vice Chairman's subordinates; it's troublesome to come up with Kamiji that they can't interfere with... luckily, I couldn't get up at all this morning.

My aura is recovering because I rested well from morning until night. But I can't get rid of my weariness. Don't just do it. It must hurt inside. Pain that cannot be perceived cannot be treated.

I wanted to return to the game as soon as possible, but as expected, it's impossible in this situation. Perhaps we should remain silent for a while.

Even so, depending on Netero's business at the destination, the situation might not be that way...

"... Huh?

What are you doing right now, old man?"

A room in the Association Headquarters.

After listening to the story, I returned in a bad mood.

"Yes?

Didn't you hear? My humble slowing down isn't big enough to do that."

"Didn't your mother tell you?

You should be sloppy."

"Hm?

It sounds like you're saying something, but can't you hear me?

My hearing has been bad lately. It's hard for an old man to talk."

"Is there an old man like you?"

After the usual useless exchange, I clear my throat.

"... I heard.

I hope I heard wrong.

Juro-gashira is fast. Giving me a name. Going to Yorkshin?"

"Well, it's not like that.

Zeno's people contacted me.

It seems Juro-gashira is looking for your help."

"No matter how you look at it, it's probably that kind of formal summons, but that's all.

Just ignore me."

Fold your arms and face the other side. Outside the window, the night view can be seen flickering.

"If you don't mind, I won't hold you back.

Even if it's official, I'm seeking help through the eagle. Even saying the name of Juro-gashira.

Is it really okay to do this?"

"... Even so, I really don't want to do anything for money.

Why must I be connected to the Mafia community? And, it's the highest rank!!"

Netero rubs his beard, looking troubled.... It's fine, but I like watching this guy think about things with a serious face. It gives a hint of age-appropriateness.

"I think you can do anything...

Whether you accept this request is of course up to you. I cannot accept it as a formal request.

Therefore, the Association will not pay any money. I cannot accept it.

So, there is a high possibility that you will get nothing after the danger."

Sigh. I know what it is...

Timing is timing. Without a doubt, you are trying to build a connection with me. The Phantom Troupe is capturing prey before their eyes... because considering Netero is the Chairman of the Hunter Association, I would be an easier opponent. A single Hunter title won't be of much use.

Even if this is a mistake, even if this is a serious request.

I absolutely do not want to receive money from them. It is too dark, what filthy money.

"Hey, why me?

Netero is also completely exposed, right? I am together with the Phantom Troupe.

I am the only one making the call, it is really annoying."

"Hmm, it might not be like that.

... Hmm, that is it. If it is for you, I do not mind if you use my name on my behalf.

Are you good at negotiating?"

"I am especially good at—

Teeth?

Are you serious? Representing you..."

"It does not matter.

You can say I went as a representative of the Hunter Association Chairman.

You are also carrying a single track. As a Professional Hunter, act with pride."

This time I am going to preach... this must be your involvement, but I am.

"..."

Is November still there?"

"Hmm, I am here."

"..."

I have one condition.

Novu takes me back and forth between Suvardani and Yorkshin.

If I do not leave the exit of Yorkshin, I will refuse, because moving will waste time."

The old man grinned. What is that smirk?

"It is fine, I will go first.

Of course you can go back and forth.

Even if you fall into a dangerous situation, I will ensure you can safely evacuate to Suvardani."

"..."

Hmm. Cannot refuse... is it not buried in the outer moat?

Ten-rou Leader. They are the people I least want to see right now... I wonder what exactly happened in Yorkshin. It is a pity, I had to put my hand in the fire.

"Then, when are we going?"

"It depends on you, but night might be the best time for them to hold a meeting.

Even if I contact you starting now, tomorrow night would not be the fastest."

"Yes, I understand.

Just call me and tell me I will see you as soon as possible.

I do not want to restrain Novu too much."

"Mm.

The brat will be more careful in advance."

"Let's go, let's make contact."

Netero operates the Mobile Phone. Why is this person so happy? Tsk tsk...

The Mafia community controls the Six Continents of the world and the other side of the ten districts. To put it bluntly, it is an alliance of Yakuza.

Its chief executive is the leader of a large organization called Juro-gashira.

Big bosses are all big bosses, it is just that they gathered together at this time of the Auction to hold an important meeting. Conversely, it is also the time when the most behind-the-scenes armed forces gather together. The psychics are no exception.

At the top of the list is a group of Nen-users called Shadow Beasts, who are the leaders of Ten-rou. I heard he is a combat faction because his name is well-known in the underworld.

However, they seem to have been annihilated in the battle with the Phantom Troupe. Even the Phantom Troupe was captured alive, so the world is vast. The Mafia would be in tears.

For the time being, the meeting time with Ten-rou is decided for tomorrow, September 9th, at 9 PM (because it is 1999, we are all 9), so I have countermeasures for various situations in order to come up and have dinner with November. I have not eaten yet.

For some reason, Netero is also there.... When I am with an old man, I think of unpleasant things.

It is possible to eat at the Association Headquarters, it is just that the Vice Chairman's Shadow flickers, which is annoying, so I try to eat in a private room of a high-end restaurant.

The indoor lighting is dim, with a sense of luxury. The usual black suits, the usual dresses, the monster old man is present.

"Sorry, such an old man interrupted a young person's date."

"..."

November returns to silence. If you are angry, you had better complain. I am annoyed.

"Don't be silly, you damn old man.

Use soup to wash that wrinkled face."

"You also say things like Biscuit...

No one has any intention of respecting me."

"... You, did Mr. Biscuit also say that to you?"

Double Hunter, Biscuit Krueger. As expected, I do not know. A master of Shingen-Style Kempo, possessing amazing energy, is a first-class user.... Even so, I would still lose to Netero.

The pinnacle of the martial arts world is criticized by his apprentice, but that is a joke, is it not?

"The Chairman seems to be the same as before."

Kukkuu, Novu laughs quietly. Well, the old man's behavior is the cause of everything. Self-employed.

"Oh, already. Old man, don't mock me when I'm being serious.

Even the delicious food you end your day with is ruined by your bruises."

"My Lord, are you that shy..."

Because. Despite having so many delicious dishes, just looking at them is dazzling.

Being together with such a bearded old man is a real pity. Cover yourself with a plastic bag.

Cutting the thick brown steak and sending it to my mouth,

"Muttering... Goku. Ha...

Most likely, I won't call you.

Don't let November accompany you. It makes me furious."

"If you're that angry, it's better not to call you."

"Huh?"

Even Novu is careless with him. Puppy, I feel great.

By the way, November made the reservation here. I returned to the Inn once.

Novu contacted me and asked me to meet him for a talk, so if dinner wasn't ready yet, let's have dinner together. So, I made a reservation, and I was told to come to this shop.

That's why I didn't know the three of us were going to eat together. I intended to invite only November. I should have left the shop reservation to you...

"Stay strong.

Don't know what Ten-rou is catching a Hunter for..."

The more I think about it, the more I come up with various methods, but I can't narrow down the countermeasures."

"They are also vigilant about wiretapping, so they might not be able to tell us the details in advance.

Because we are not Professional Hunters, we cannot use Q."

"You idiot, can you trust Q?

Isn't it the Vice Chairman who is eavesdropping? I think I might use something similar."

"... Hmm. I have that feeling too."

Q is using the encrypted communication network of the telephone bureau owned by the Hunter Association. Escaping normal wiretapping is certainly possible, but...

This kind of paperwork seems to be often influenced by Pariston. Because the information network is too vast, that guy. We must be highly vigilant.

As Novu looks at my complexion,

"However, you often want to accept such requests.

No promise of a reward?"

"I'd rather get it, what a good reward.

That batch of money from Ya-san is Iranian, even if it's just one Jenny."

"You say that, but money is money, right?

It is neither clean nor dirty."

"Idiot, don't go with you, who mixed everything together.

I think the Mafia is more worried about this kind of thing. Even if they spend time and energy to launder money, they want pure money."

"It's crowded."

"You have too much freedom.

Participating in such a business, there is a limit to what you can do, you plague of God."

"I don't mind saying that much...

I was just told by Zeno to tell the Lord, right?"

"That must be a piece of super garbage information, without any blanks, like the things the Elder, Zoldyck, and the Hunter Association Chairman gave me. Don't be silly."

"Even the eagle is called shit? Isn't that too much?"

Novu couldn't help but laugh either. This guy seems to enjoy the interaction between me and Netero.

"Ah... you didn't answer Novu's question.

If you don't show up now, it will rot later.

They seem surprisingly in a hurry.

Right? Netero."

"Hmm.

Of course, they are not free. Once the Yorkshin matter settles down, they will likely return to their respective territories. Conversely, Ten-Ryo no Kashira cannot be disbanded until a settlement is reached."

I guess that's it. I'm too nervous. The Mafia has suffered huge damage. At the very least, after the Shadow Beasts are annihilated, it will be a considerable human loss. The value of a skilled Nen User is immeasurable.

"What's wrong?

Are you going to take my head and say this guy is the mastermind behind the Phantom Troupe's escape?

I think it would be a bit strange to end this case."

"That's impossible.

No matter what you think, you should aim directly at the Spider."

"But.

You canceled the request to the Zoldyck for the Phantom Troupe, right?

By the way, didn't you discover that the members of the Brigade are from Meteor City?

If that's the case, I think this will be solved by 'not using hands'."

If you build a Meteor Town and the way things are is bad, you will lose a trading partner who can obtain valuable human resources behind the scenes. After all, this is a festival of revenge. Because the Mafia are basically businessmen. Even if you want to stick to menz, there will be limits.

"That might be the reason."

"If things aren't hung up, it doesn't necessarily mean the confusion can be resolved."

Novu said while gently lifting his glasses.... I mean.

"No matter what you don't like, I am the only one who will nominate you."

"Even if it is natural for Novu not to be known because he is sneaky, let Netero participate as well."

"You are also very persistent."

"Even if I call them, they will understand that I will not respond."

"Even if I have no reason to be polite."

"Damn it, I shouldn't have called myself Zeno's wise man."

"You are too careless."

"You are an idiot."

Goo, goo. I can't say it back...

"But let us consider it."

"If this is the surface request of the Juro-gashira, you can provide a loan to the Mafia community, right? The scope of the loan depends on the content of the request."

"If you only look at it, I don't think it's a bad story."

"You are thinking too casually."

"Although they prefer to hold and hold."

"I don't want to have any connection with the world behind. Daimyo surges."

"Yeah, you can't live a pure and innocent life, can you?"

"Finally became a Professional Hunter, especially"

"Don't call me like I'm a germaphobe."

"... I know, that kind of thing."

I frowned and sipped my Corn Soup. Yes... hmm. November, you told me about a good shop. You called me Netero, so the balance is zero.

"Anyway, unless I go there, I won't know."

"Hoo...

November, that's true, but my life is at stake.

Can you tell me not to say things like 'tokomatch' that appear?"

"Ah, no."

"I won't play with it. Misunderstanding."

"But as you said, there are too many unknowns, and we cannot narrow down the countermeasures."

"Ah... okay, okay. The excuse is good."

"Even if you might not get paid this time, are you willing to go out with me? I have no complaints."

November, shut up, I knew it. If I don't get paid, the Novu I'm carrying won't get a reward either.

"Depending on the situation, I might not even be able to take it out of my wallet."

"If you do that, only Novu."

"I'm fine."

"You did it again..."

"I have already received too much."

"It's as simple as aftercare."

Netero and Novu looked at each other and shrugged. What? I'm a little angry.