HxH: I Will Be Supreme

Throughout their conversation, neither side had explicitly mentioned the Dark Continent.

However, both sides understood exactly what the other meant.

"As expected from you."

Oboro watched the old man's explosive aura with inner admiration.

Meanwhile, Biscuit's heart trembled. She, too, understood the Chairman's meaning and knew that he was referring to the Dark Continent.

But why treat Oboro like that?

She'd never seen the old man being so strict and careful with anyone.

After all, the hunters in the Clan often dreamed of the Dark Continent, it was normal. Some even joked about exploring it right in front of Netero. The old man would just warn them with a smile that people might die, and leave it at that.

But why? Why was it different with Oboro?

Was it because he looked like Beyond?

Only a handful of people in the Association knew that the Chairman had a son, and Biscuit happened to be one of them. It was a closely guarded secret that must never be revealed. But based on her understanding of the Chairman, even someone like Beyond wouldn't provoke that reaction.

Was there another reason?

Or maybe Oboro's potential danger exceeded even that person.

"If one day I become stronger than you, you won't be able to stop me," Oboro spoke suddenly and met Netero's eyes.

"Finish this first."

Netero spoke seriously, "From the day you join the Association, you will not set foot there until your strength exceeds mine or until I am dead!"

"Best not to even consider it."

"Is that the restriction you're placing on me?"

Oboro smiled weakly. "You've really set a trap for me, but it's well-intentioned. Don't worry, I'm not that stupid."

From Netero's point of view, if Oboro had not become a member of the Association, in the near future, perhaps a few years or a decade later, he might be able to use his personality and underworld powers and official connections to sneak into the Dark Continent.

He might even get permission.

But now, with an Association identity, things were different.

Of course, Oboro sensed that Netero was acting out of a protective instinct.

Protecting him?

No, it was more about protecting humanity.

Dying in the Dark Continent, that didn't matter.

What they feared was someone coming back alive.

Suddenly, the old man withdrew his aura, and the three others in the room felt the pressure release.

Hot water spilled from the cracked teacup, and Bean quickly grabbed a handkerchief to wipe his knees.

"I know you're very smart, but you're too bold. No one can predict what decisions you'll make at any time or place," the old man smiled warmly.

As if the previous scene had been a mere illusion.

"So that's why you tied me up under your watch?" Oboro said quietly.

"Bound? Who could bind someone like you? The most I can do is take care of you as an elder before you come of age," Netero said with a smile.

"Oh, then thank you very much."

Oboro's tone dripped with sarcasm.

"You're welcome."

"Now that we're done dancing around each other, are you satisfied? Can we get down to business? Hurry," Oboro pressed.

How to get stronger!

Biscuit narrowed her eyes. It was fortunate that she was the present, otherwise she would've been completely lost in the conversation between these two foxes, an old one and a young one.

Sometimes she could follow what they were saying, other times it seemed as if they were speaking in code.

But they understood each other perfectly.

Even she had to analyze carefully to understand their meaning.

"My, young people are so impatient these days."

Netero nodded and Bean handed Oboro a document he'd prepared that morning.

"You know about the East Gorteau Republic, right?"

As Oboro leafed through the file, Bean continued, "We've received reports of a special tribe in that nation. The Association needs someone to investigate."

"Since the country is completely isolated and not a member state, the outside world knows very little about it."

Oboro's interest was piqued.

He'd expected the Chairman's path to power to involve some training method or technique, but instead it was a mission!

And East Gorteau?

Isolated from the world, much like Meteor City.

It was also the small dictatorial monarchy that would eventually fall under Meruem's control.

"When you say 'needs investigation', you mean they pose a potential danger to society, right?"

Oboro grew suspicious. East Gorteau's isolation meant that its internal affairs were its own affair. Neither the Association nor the V5 had any right to interfere or intervene. This small country wasn't a member state, nor was Kakin. The rules of V5 had no power there.

If someone had to be sent there, this tribe must be a serious problem. Once it erupted, it wouldn't just affect East Gorteau, similar in nature to the Chimera Ants.

Based on his knowledge of the original timeline, the effects couldn't be too severe, there was no mention of it.

Or maybe the Association had solved it.

In other words, this mission was beyond his vague memories.

Full of uncertainty.

"This information is too basic, no significant clues, just a map," Oboro closed the file and spoke calmly.

"Given their national situation, we can't help it, otherwise we wouldn't need to send anyone," Bean explained.

"It's extremely dangerous, your life will be in danger. You can refuse!" Netero smiled and raised his finger in warning.

"Completing the mission will greatly increase my strength, are you sure?"

Oboro remained unmoved, waving the file in his hand.

"Mm."

The old man nodded.

He had a feeling that this mission would be very difficult.

A tribe.

Mysterious and special tribes were scattered across various continents: the Kurta Clan, the wrapped mummy in the Phantom Troupe, Bonolenov with his resonating holes, and the Qiutundu tribe where he was born. These are just a few examples.

After all, the current human realm was just a small island in the middle of Mobius Lake within the larger world. Humans had only migrated from the Dark Continent in ancient times.

Different tribes had different cultures and beliefs.

And different dangers.

"Fine."

After consideration, Oboro agreed.

"Come, I have high hopes for you!" Netero winked.

"..."

Oboro understood that the old man had calculated his desire for power.

"You're not going alone, are you?" Biscuit asked quickly.

"Of course not. I have to prepare."

Oboro rose slowly.

"Do you want help? We may not get along, but I'm kind-hearted. If you put that attitude aside and ask nicely, I might agree. I have nothing better to do lately, though my fee isn't cheap."

Biscuit wore a smug expression, ready to name her price.

But Oboro did not seem to hear her, just walked past and closed the door behind him.

"..."

Biscuit's words died on her lips, her smile frozen.

Silence fell over the room.

The atmosphere became awkward.

"Ahhhhhh! That little bastard, he has a beautiful woman right in front of him, but he ignores her to find someone else?! Don't regret it! Don't even think about begging me later!"

Biscuit's cheeks turned red as she shouted in anger.

Bean calmly wiped the spittle from his face with his handkerchief.

He looked at Netero and asked, "Chairman, isn't this too hasty? Even though Oboro has considerable strength, he's never done this kind of mission before, he's a complete novice. Besides, the danger level of this mission isn't low, and we have minimal information, which means that everything is unknown. Originally, the Association planned to send an investigation team. Now he's going alone."

"This young man has always progressed through controlled environments. He's analyzed and understood the information, the dangers, the security concerns, even the roles involved in his plans. All factors are under his control. Simply put, he grows within a framework he knows and can predict, adjusting his strategy as changes occur, but that's far from being enough to make him an outstanding hunter."

Netero spoke quietly, "The true measure of a hunter's power is his ability to face the unknown."

"Unknown environment, unknown enemies, unknown dangers, hehe."

"But he will die."

Bean understood the Chairman's meaning, but he couldn't help his concern.

He felt the progress was too fast, Oboro might not be ready for it.

"Death is what he needs to face the most right now."

Netero said and looked at the sky beyond his window.

His eyes grew distant, lost in thought.

Biscuit became silent as well.

This journey, whether Oboro could return, meant whether he would be transformed.