The team was still in the prototype phase and lacked certain roles, especially someone with healing abilities. But Oboro was in no hurry. Things would fall into place in time.
He'd actually considered inviting Biscuit when they'd met before, but he doubted she'd agree. Though her ability wasn't direct healing, it had restorative properties.
Oboro brought his team of five to the Hunters' Association headquarters to search for missions. He specifically sought out the most challenging ones, though that posed a problem because such high-level missions usually required approval from the Review Department. Gabwich and Anthony, being new to the Association, might not get approval. Oboro planned to get around this by going directly to the chairman; after his last mission and the fight with Netero, the old man seemed to have lost interest in giving him any more assignments. In Oboro's view, Netero had simply helped him open "that door"; the rest of the way was up to him. Perhaps the Chairman was wary of further entanglements.
"Pariston became Vice Chairman?" Oboro asked Menchi as he scanned the mission listings on the Association's computer terminal in the main hall. He'd overheard some chatter about it when he'd entered the headquarters.
"Yes, the Chairman personally appointed him not long ago," Menchi replied.
"Three stars?"
His eyes returned to the screen.
"Mm."
Two years to go from two to three stars, considering Pariston's age, that was pretty impressive.
"Let's take this one." After a while, Oboro pointed to a listing on the screen.
"T-two stars difficult?" Gabwich stammered, looking at the mission's rank insignia.
"I originally wanted to choose three stars, but our team still needs time to develop proper coordination. Let's start with two," Oboro explained casually.
A two-star difficulty indicated missions that could challenge even a team led by a two-star hunter. The star rating directly corresponded to the danger level.
"The Ochima Federation has requested investigation and cooperation in the excavation of a newly discovered archaeological site," Anthony read aloud, leaning toward the screen. "The threat assessment indicates potential foreign agents attempting to steal and destroy the site's resources and artifacts."
The Ochima Federation was one of the V5 nations.
"It's not an official government commission, but from a major corporation within Ochima," Oboro added.
"Even if it's not officially backed by the government, a corporation of that size would have government support. They must have quite a few Nen users at their disposal. For another force to challenge them," Menchi frowned. "We're probably dealing with foreign state actors."
"Most likely."
Oboro nodded, noticing that Menchi's experience was showing through.
If even a small, isolated nation like East Gorteau harbored numerous powerful Nen users, larger nations would naturally have more. For ordinary companies or institutions, such missions wouldn't reach Star level difficulty. Star-level missions usually involved national interests, even if they were not directly sponsored by the government.
Any organization capable of causing trouble for the Ochima Federation probably represented hostile elements from other V5 nations. While the V5 existed as a united front to deal with international affairs, internal conflicts over resources and influence remained common. Such disputes were usually settled through proxies rather than direct confrontation.
"However, none of us are Relic Hunters or Double-Stars," Menchi pointed out.
The vetting department would surely deny their request.
"Star-ranked missions are rare, and we can't always wait for ones that match our specialties. When opportunities arise, we should take them before others do. As an Ancient Text Hunter, I can help with the excavation," Oboro said, pulling out his phone.
Menchi realized that he was pursuing this for the rewards it could bring.
The call was quickly connected.
"Hoho, ready to get to work?" Netero's voice came through, anticipating Oboro's request before he could explain.
"I'm preparing for a mission. Standard procedures might be problematic, so I need your intervention," Oboro explained calmly.
Biscuit had probably already contacted Netero about it. "No problem, go ahead," the chairman chuckled.
"Thank you."
After their brief exchange, Oboro hung up and immediately submitted the team's request.
"Let's go directly to the Ochima Federation," he said and stood up to lead the group out.
"Incredible," Anthony marveled.
Regular hunters had to follow strict protocols without bias. Only the Chairman had the authority to bypass such procedures. Yet Oboro, not even a Star Hunter, had secured approval with only a brief conversation.
Clear favoritism Menchi wasn't particularly surprised. Oboro wasn't unique in receiving such privileges; it was common among the Zodiac Twelve.
During their flight, Oboro received official mission approval from the Association, along with relevant intelligence briefings.
He gathered his five team members to explain the situation.
"Although our client is a major corporation of the Ochima Federation, our relationship must remain covert. Officially, we're independent operators working with them in secret," Oboro explained, setting a laptop on the table. "Here is information about the company and their current operations in the ruins. Check it out thoroughly."
"Seriously? That complicated?" Anthony sighed.
"The ruins are a designated restricted zone with round-the-clock security, yet enemy forces have managed to infiltrate and engage in combat. The site covers a large area, and we have profiles on confirmed enemy Nen users, all of them highly capable."
Oboro turned to Fant, who was quietly smoking, "This is our first mission, and I want zero casualties. Your role is simple: protect the others. Leave the enemies to me."
"I don't need any protection," Menchi said firmly, twirling a shiny kitchen knife.
"Fair enough."
Oboro smiled.
"Rita, Gabwich, and Anthony, you three handle reconnaissance and intelligence. Keep me informed of your findings," Oboro continued assigning roles.
"What?" Anthony balked. "You mean you're going to do all the fighting yourself? You'll make us look useless" Despite his protest, Anthony couldn't really argue with the Captain's strength.
"Your skills are all valuable. I couldn't do this alone without your support," Oboro explained. "Beyond the success of the mission, I must ensure everyone's safety. This first mission is primarily about building team coordination and understanding each other's abilities. Once you've developed proper teamwork and become stronger, you won't need me to take the lead." He smiled. "If you study the mission details carefully, you'll see that it has national implications. It's probably an open contract, not just with the Association. We could be up against gang members, private military forces, mercenaries, assassin families, and state-trained hunters, all elite fighters."
Oboro analyzed further, "According to the fourth commandment of the Hunters, 'Hunters shall not consider other Hunters as targets for hunting,' but Hunters who have committed heinous crimes are not protected by this commandment. Only an Association team can officially accept this mission, but privately this rule doesn't apply to criminal hunters. In other words, we might run into other Association members."
"Don't let your guard down."
The expressions of the three newer members grew serious at his explanation.
"Leave it to him," Menchi said clearly.
She knew Oboro best among the team members, and she knew how he'd gained recognition within the Association. He'd completed a two-and-a-half star difficulty mission assigned by the Chairman practically single-handedly.
Of course, like most outsiders, she didn't know about Hisoka's involvement.
A few days later, their plane landed in a city near their destination. The team of six hiked through the wilderness, crossing mountains and rivers to reach the ruins. There they met their client's contact.
"Beyond this point is our security perimeter. Here's our current survey map, still incomplete. Remember, while we're partners, your actions are your own responsibility. All consequences are yours. Once you help eliminate the poachers, your identities will be made public as our hired experts for continued cooperation." The man handed Oboro several maps.
Oboro distributed copies to his team members.
"It's huge!" Anthony exclaimed.
The computer display hadn't done it justice; the actual area covered dozens of kilometers. Beyond the restricted zones, numerous red dots marked the map.
"Are those red dots enemy positions?" Oboro asked her contact.
"Unconfirmed, but likely areas of enemy activity." "Understood."
"From here on, nowhere is safe. Both inside and outside the restricted area, you may encounter individuals with unclear affiliations and allegiances. Use extreme caution," the man warned.
"I need to confirm one thing," Oboro said calmly, pocketing the map.
"Go ahead."
"Are we the only team you've hired? I mean, no other friendly forces in the area?"
"Correct."
The man confirmed.
"That makes things easier, I was worried about accidentally eliminating allies."
Oboro smiled, causing the contact's eye to twitch.
"Time is of the essence. You have one month. Exceed that deadline and regardless of progress, the mission will be considered a failure."
"Understood."
The man left quickly without further comment.
"How do we proceed?"
Fant looked at her captain, Oboro.
"First, we clear all red dots outside the restricted area. All teams on alert, the hunt begins!"
"You want to kill them all?"
Menchi's expression changed slightly.
There were many ways to complete the mission - warnings, forced retreat, incapacitation - but Oboro had chosen the bloodiest approach.
"As I said, this mission is the beginning of us understanding each other, you need to get used to my methods. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable or have other ideas, you're free to leave at any time," he looked at her with a measured look.
"..." A moment of silence fell over the group.
"Since there are no objections, let's begin."