The Zoldyck family still needed time to make preparations regarding Alluka, so Oboro could stay where he was for now.
Besides, the situation on his side remained unresolved.
...
At the Fells' family residence, all Nen users except those guarding Oboro in the hospital had been summoned.
In the hall, Chrollo, Feitan, and Franklin stood among the rows of gang members dressed in suits. They were now gang members and "cleanup specialists" for the Fells family. All of them had proven themselves to be exceptional Nen users, having passed numerous tests at great expense. The Fells family paid them handsomely, and with the Dons' support, their future seemed bright.
Or so others thought.
To Chrollo and his companions, every living soul in this house was nothing but garbage. The three of them alone could slaughter them all with ease.
Including Mondel, the captain of the guard.
"Master, everyone is here," Mondel reported respectfully.
David sat on a leather sofa in front of Chrollo, legs crossed, smoking a cigar. On the surface, he was both the head of the Fells family and one of the Dons.
David had been Oboro's designated successor, and after the incident, Oboro had informed the other Dons of the situation. David's promotion was inevitable.
Unlike during Oboro's reign, David kept company with a deformed man who stood beside him. The figure had an exposed chest, wore only shorts, and had a massive stomach. A tumor-like growth protruded from his forehead, and his skin was an inhuman dark purple. Even his pupils were green.
This creature was one of the finished products of the Dons' collaboration with V5, a second-generation Yin Beast named Earthworm.
Not only him, but the other nine Yin Beasts had been created as well.
The "biological project" the Dons had undertaken with V5 had made breakthroughs months ago, producing what they considered to be "perfect" test subjects. After receiving the treatment, the ten Yin Beasts showed minimal side effects, especially Owl.
Their physical abilities and vitality proved to be extraordinary. These traits, combined with genetic modifications, had allowed them to develop consciousness at an unprecedented rate and achieve tremendous fighting ability.
However, when the Dons eagerly reported to Rodman, V5's project director, they were met with disappointment and even resentment. The experiment was terminated and the facility closed.
The investment had been too massive, with success still distant. Rodman had to seek "advancement" elsewhere.
The Dons refused to let their investment go to waste.
Thus, their great early stage "cooperation" had come to an abrupt end.
Fortunately, the Yin Beasts had helped recoup some of the losses.
The Yin Beasts had begun to operate in the underground society under the orders of the Dons, thus strengthening their status as underground emperors. Major operations now required the combined efforts of the Yin Beasts.
This was Chrollo, Feitan, and Franklin's first encounter with the Yin Beasts. Clearly, the creatures had a status above mere guards.
Behind his back, Feitan cracked his knuckles with a faint sound. Of all the troupe members, he hated Oboro the most. The Phinks had been his partner since childhood, both in life and in Troupe operations.
Feitan sensed that only the deformed man beside David, watching them with terrifying eyes, posed a real threat.
"How are things going with the Yangni family?" David asked dispassionately.
"All settled. Their business has been transferred to Steven," Mondel reported.
"Very well." David nodded. "Next is Sandy."
"Understood."
Yangni and Sandy were middle class families under their jurisdiction. They had failed to make their "contributions" on time and had disrupted their respective market sectors. They needed to be taught a lesson.
As one of the Dons, the authority of the Fells family could not be questioned.
"These three are new recruits. I've seen them before," David remarked, tapping the ash from his cigar.
He meant Chrollo and the others.
"Correct," Mondel looked at the three. "They show great potential and ability. We should concentrate on developing them."
At the mention, Chrollo, Feitan, and Franklin stepped forward from the line.
Chrollo bowed deeply to David. "We are honored by the Patriarch's recognition!" His voice carried a steady strength, neither submissive nor proud, with a gentle humility. But as he kept his head bowed, his eyes remained emotionless and calm.
"Hmm." David seemed pleased with his attitude. "Mondel has informed you. An important client of our Fells family is currently recuperating in the hospital. Due to circumstances, they require special protection. We also need manpower for the Sandy family matter. I value talent. Show loyalty and you'll find both material rewards and future opportunities generous."
"Yes!" Chrollo straightened.
"So, of the three of you, who would..."
David was cut off in mid-sentence.
"Let's assign Kumble," Mondel interjected. "His emission ability provides strong suppression against enemies. It can buy critical time if needed."
Kumble was Franklin's alias.
Chrollo's brow furrowed slightly before smoothing out.
David studied Franklin, noting his long earrings and sturdy build.
"Since it's Mondel's recommendation, you'll take the assignment," David said to Franklin.
"Yes." Franklin glanced at Chrollo before accepting.
"Besides Sandy, there's another small family that's recently emerged, ignorant of our rules. Have their leadership replaced." Having given these orders, David rose and left, the Yin Beast Earthworm following close behind, its gaze lingering on Chrollo's group.
"Take care," the assembled Nen users bowed in unison as a farewell.
"You heard the patriarch. Sandy and the little family need immediate attention," Mondel addressed the group. "We will split up. Sean, you're with my team. The rest of you form another group for the little family."
His gesture separated Chrollo and Feitan into different teams. Sean was Chrollo's alias.
Chrollo maintained his neutral expression as he studied Mondel's face and eyes. In his mind, he replayed David's every gesture and inflection.
The "important client" was clearly the true controller of the Fells family.
If David had chosen Franklin directly, Chrollo would have found it suspicious. A leader of David's stature should neither know their abilities in detail nor show such disinterest in an important assignment that required careful consideration.
Selecting Franklin outright would have been illogical.
However, David had initially left room for self-recommendation before Mondel, who knew her abilities, made the suggestion. The reasoning behind choosing Franklin's skills was sound.
Indeed.
Normally, Mondel wouldn't have interrupted, but he had spoken up at this crucial moment, understanding the gravity of the situation. David showed no displeasure at the interruption and immediately agreed.
Nothing seemed suspicious.
The hospital guards hadn't returned. Pakunoda and the others couldn't risk exposing themselves, so the troupe was left in the dark about Oboro's condition, injuries, and recovery status.
Their only points of contact were David and Mondel, but the time wasn't right to move against them yet.
These thoughts raced through Chrollo's mind as he analyzed the situation.
Normally, as Spider-Head, he always had two members with him.
Now they were separated.
Was it intentional?
Or coincidence?
Franklin and Feitan looked to him for guidance.
Chrollo made a subtle hand gesture, signaling them to stay focused.
Based on previous interactions, the gang remained unaware of their true identities. After months of infiltrating the Fells family, Chrollo trusted his assessment that neither David nor Mondel had revealed their purpose.
The three were still safe.
Even if the prey wakes up, he's only seen the knight because of his arrangement. He doesn't know us, so the risk is minimal,' Chrollo reasoned.
Finally, he left with his assigned group while Feitan and Franklin watched. His meaning was clear, follow the Fells' orders for now and await his instructions.
"Connection," Chrollo whispered in a voice as thin as a mosquito's buzz as he passed Franklin.
Franklin understood. After entering the hospital and seeing their target, he shouldn't act rashly. First, he had to build up trust with Oboro.
"Kumbo, with me!" Mondel called.
Franklin followed him out alone.
"Tsk." Feitan stayed behind, his eyes cold with displeasure.
It had to be Franklin. Why not him?
Still, it didn't matter. They wouldn't let Oboro die so easily. The leader had promised him that the Dons would be handed over to him after they'd been captured. Then he could vent his anger as he wished.
...
Meanwhile, David returned to his private chambers and watched from the window as the guards left in their vehicles below.
His eyes grew cold as he followed Franklin in particular.
As a public puppet, the old man didn't care. He understood Oboro's arrangements and intentions for him. Though old, he could still use his remaining energy to help the young lady.
The only person he'd ever really cared about was Lily.
So he willingly played Oboro's pawn without regret.
Oboro was vital for the young lady.
Therefore, Oboro was also vital to him.
Anyone or anything that threatened that relationship had to die, no matter what the cost.
Everything in the hall, every word and expression, had been scripted by Oboro in advance. David merely played his part.
Even Mondel was given only limited information.
"These three aren't like the other trash, including Mondel. I can smell it on them," the Yin Beast Earthworm spoke from behind David.
"That smell. If luck favors you, you'll meet that person. Then you can experience her scent again," David replied indifferently.
"That person."
The Yin Beast's curiosity was obvious.
He had heard things.