Outside the hospital.
Oboro stood beside a tree trunk, finally able to move again. Looking up, he spotted a black spider sitting on its freshly spun web beneath a branch, waiting for prey to fall into its trap.
A butterfly fluttered past, only to become entangled in the sticky silk threads, struggling helplessly. The web trembled slightly, signaling the spider, who quickly crawled over to sink her fangs into her prey, injecting venom and preparing her meal.
In moments, the once beautiful butterfly crumbled to dust, completely devoured. This spider was so vicious and hungry that it hadn't even bothered to wrap its prey in silk for preservation.
Oboro's gaze shifted to a bird perched on the tree. It was palm-sized, with bright plumage, and watched the spider's entire hunt with great interest. As the spider finished its meal, the bird launched itself like a sword, its momentum instantly destroying the web. With precise accuracy, its beak snatched the spider before it soared high into the sky.
"Sir, they've arrived," a senior member of the Fells family whispered from behind him.
"Mm." Oboro acknowledged, looking away from the bird, now a black speck in the distance, and turning slowly.
He wore a loose white hospital gown that resembled a robe, leaning on a cane for support. His complexion remained pale and weak; even minimal daily exercise exhausted him, making extended walks without rest impossible. The cane had become a necessary aid.
Soon after, a large contingent of Mafia members approached. The five leading figures wore casual clothes rather than traditional mafia attire, but Oboro recognized them immediately as several of the Shadow Beasts.
At the front walked Owl, wearing sunglasses, unkempt gray-brown hair, and slippers that deliberately disheveled his appearance. Behind him came Rabid Dog, Bat, Porcupine, and a white-haired man with two ponytails.
These shadow beasts had appeared in previous encounters, though they would eventually meet their end at the hands of Feitan and Machi. The remaining members of their group were all Nen Users, elite forces representing their respective Dons.
The influence of the Dons had wreaked havoc, though their reach remained limited. The Republic of Padokea, for example, remained untouched by the Phantom Troupe. The presence of five Shadow Beasts suggested that not all Dons were committed to eliminating them; some hadn't even noticed the thieves. The troupe's activities probably only affected three or four family territories.
Owl spotted the man standing in the shade of the tree and studied him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. He'd heard stories about 'Oboro', and even though the man had resigned from his position among the Dons for personal reasons, his influence remained. Even their own Dons had mentioned the Fells' unique position: one man, one family.
Following Mafia protocol, Owl approached and bowed his head. "Sir!"
The other four Shadow Beasts followed suit.
"Thank you for coming," Oboro smiled softly.
"It is our duty," Rabid Dog interjected, his tone dripping with contempt. "Since half our team is here, we should eliminate them all at once!"
Porcupine, looking deceptively harmless in his red tracksuit and shaved head, eagerly agreed. "Indeed, they're lucky to have survived this long! Their continued disruption is severely damaging to the prestige of our organization."
"Hmph. We haven't faced any worthy opponents lately. Considering their reputation, they seem capable. I hope they don't disappoint, or this trip will be wasted."
The Phantom Troop had been able to move freely before because the Shadow Beasts hadn't appeared yet.
"Don't worry," Oboro replied. "They won't disappoint." Leaning on his staff, he slowly walked past the group towards the entrance.
*Arrogant, conceited* This was Oboro's first impression of the Shadow Beasts, and it fit their reputation perfectly.
To ordinary Nen users, the abilities of the Shadow Beasts would indeed seem masterful. However, their power did not come from dedicated training, but from drug-enhanced genetics - a fundamental difference. David had mentioned that the Shadow Beasts had remained undefeated since their debut, making the Dons feel like they'd discovered a treasure. Their impressive achievements extended beyond the underworld to various industries and even national organizations.
But the heights Oboro had reached weren't accessible to these "transformed creatures". To use a simple analogy, the Shadow Beasts were like a computer program that had reached a certain level. The Phantom Troop, on the other hand, fought against real players, constantly gaining experience and honing their skills.
Even if their power levels were equal, the troupe would still prevail. However, five against one should be enough. Franklin's fighting rank within the troupe, combined with his emission abilities, meant that his threat wasn't insurmountable.
The Shadow Beasts appeared somewhat inhuman, most maintaining a human appearance despite obvious deformities, with Owl being the notable exception, appearing completely normal. If the Dons had accomplished anything worthwhile, it was to instill in the Shadow Beasts a strong sense of loyalty and identity that deserved recognition.
Oboro's words had further excited the beasts. It was a rare opportunity to demonstrate their skills in front of someone of his stature.
As Oboro began to move, the group surrounded him and entered the building. Only Owl remained, studying Oboro's retreating form.
During their journey here, the Shadow Beasts had discussed Oboro at length. Among the Dons, he was unique as a Nen user. Those who'd witnessed his abilities spoke of terrifying strength and ruthless brutality. After all, few could single-handedly overthrow an entire territory and rise to power through sheer force.
Oboro's exploits had become legendary within the Mafia. Yet now he seemed weaker than an ordinary man. But Owl, as the leader of the Shadow Beasts, had sharper insight. Although the man's body had changed, his tactical mind remained razor sharp.
*This Phantom Troop must be extraordinary.
The fact that a family of Dons would deploy such extensive defenses and show such caution spoke volumes. No ordinary organization could take such measures.
Owl sighed as he watched his comrades chatting away, then followed them inside.
The troupe remained unaware of the outside support and the Shadow Beasts' arrival. Oboro had his men sweep the area for surveillance beforehand, and he suspected that the troupe had evacuated when Netero appeared.
After the Shadow Beasts arrived, Owl took charge of defense and surveillance, positioning his companions at various entrances and exits. By the time they were finished, darkness had fallen.
In his station, Oboro continued to read ancient texts and gather knowledge. Days earlier, the Hunters' Association had sent word of his partial success, though he was far from qualifying as a One-Star Hunter. They urged him to work harder, though the incident had sparked considerable discussion within the Association.
*A Measure of Glory
To outsiders unaware of the full situation, it appeared that he'd completed the mission single-handedly, with Hisoka's involvement remaining invisible.
Achieving star ratings required a formal application and specific procedures. Beyond raw strength, professional expertise was essential. Achieving single-star status, decided by the Association's departments, wasn't particularly challenging.
Double-Star required more, requiring senior management votes and peer recognition. Triple-Star was even more complex, requiring V5 approval.
Take Ging Freecss, already a Double-Star hunter and one of the Twelve. Even though he had the qualifications and strength for Triple-Star status, he'd never applied. The V5 response time alone made it too much of a hassle.
"My Lord, all arrangements are complete," Owl entered the station alone.
"Mm." Oboro didn't look up from his book.
"You killed a Troop member?" Owl remained questioning.
Oboro raised his eyebrows, closed his book and met Owl's gaze. "I did."
"Were they strong?"
"'Strong' means different things to different people," Oboro smiled, noting that Owl's intelligence set him apart from other Shadow Beasts. "To some, they're overwhelmingly powerful. To others, merely clever."
"And to us?"
Owl leaned against the wall, probing further.
"To you, they stand at the top of the mountain, while you remain at its base."
"In terms of raw strength, four of you could handle one, but victory is not determined by strength alone. It comes down to intellect, experience, and resolution in areas where you are far behind. Close those gaps, and four-to-one odds could work in your favor."
"I'm referring to their main fighting force. The troop has different roles and divisions, some of which handle support or logistics, making them somewhat weaker."
"Four to one" Owl's lips curled, neither disbelieving nor discouraged by Oboro's blunt assessment.
"I killed that member by taking advantage of circumstances," Oboro continued, causing Owl's pupils to constrict. "In a straight fight, I could have killed him, but not without injury."
The implication of Oboro's full strength hung in the air.
"The fact that you ask these questions marks you as the only one among them with potential for growth. The mafia environment will give you experience, but eventually you'll hit a ceiling." Oboro lowered his head and returned to his book. "Don't lose yourself in a playground of weaklings, reveling in the pure pleasure of killing and false superiority. Stay 'awake. If you want to grow, look beyond the horizon."
"Yes." Owl's lazy demeanor vanished as Oboro's words sank in.
He straightened, looked at the man reading intently on the hospital bed, and responded with genuine respect.