Netero's face flickered with surprise. The old man had expected Oboro to accept this time, but instead he received only silence.
"I understand your attitude," the president said, measuring his words carefully, "but becoming one of the Twelve Zodiacs isn't something you can just refuse."
"If you insist on this path, then I must be equally stubborn," Oboro replied with a smile.
Stubborn? Netero's hand stopped where it held his teacup. Is he referring to the Dark Continent?
"I really have no interest in power," Oboro added. "It's too much trouble and a waste of time."
His meaning was clear, this was about replacement. Take back your thoughts. I'm not going to the Dark Continent to cause trouble.
To others, Oboro's repeated rejection of the Zodiac position made his words seem genuine. He truly seemed to want no part of the leadership of the Association.
Yorkshire wondered if they had all misunderstood Oboro's intentions. Ging's assessment of the man hadn't been wrong, but what was he really up to? If he wanted more power, the only position left above the Zodiacs was that of chairman. But replacing Netero was pure fantasy.
"Very well, I'll respect your decision," the old man said after a thoughtful pause.
"If you'll excuse me, I'll take my leave," Oboro said, getting up and walking out under the watchful eyes of the others.
"I'm leaving as well," Ging stood and followed him.
Pariston watched the expressions of the other Zodiacs and realized that Oboro had been right, that even killing saiyu would have had no real consequences.
What secret was Oboro hinting at?
Outside, Oboro stepped into the elevator, a slight smile on his face. Before the doors could close, a hand stopped them. Ging stepped inside and the elevator began its descent.
The small room fell into a heavy silence. After a moment, Ging spoke first, his eyes fixed forward. "Is the chairman in danger?"
"How should I know?" Oboro laughed.
"Next you'll be cultivating your image as honest, kind and just, won't you?" Ging continued, studying Oboro's blurred reflection in the metal surface of the elevator. "You have refused the position of Zodiac twice. You're strong, but you help newcomers to the Association. The Fells family has been strategically placing new members in recent years, not many, but enough."
"For the hunters below," Ging said evenly, "if they see someone who is powerful yet accessible, why shouldn't they support them? You can use that to win over the masses. After all, many resent those who look down on them from above."
"You say that, but I haven't admitted anything," Oboro replied playfully.
"What I can't understand is why you would give up the Zodiac position just to chase a bigger prize. Nothing matters to you but the chairman's seat, but replacing him is impossible. Yet you persist, which only proves that you're sure the chairman will step down under certain circumstances.
"And knowing the chairman, no matter how much he trusts you, he'll never hand over the association or make a deal. Under normal circumstances, your plan would fail. However," Ging's eyes narrowed. "All your actions have a purpose and won't fail. Therefore, the chairman must be in danger."
The elevator chimed when it reached the ground floor. Oboro stepped out and patted Ging on the shoulder. "Don't overthink it. Do you really think anyone in this world could kill the old man?"
"I'm really not interested in power," he added, one eye visible through his sunglasses as he winked at Ging.
'The present is far from settled,' Ging thought to himself. Yes, you're not interested in power, but you admire strength.
Sometimes, the further one stayed away from power, the easier it was to reach the top. Ging had no doubt that when the position of chairman became vacant, the grassroots hunters would choose Oboro as the first successor. To outsiders, Oboro seemed untainted by corruption.
"This is troubling," Ging sighed, running a hand through his hair.
In the days that followed, events unfolded exactly as he'd predicted. News leaked out that Oboro had twice refused the Zodiac position, and the story began to spread throughout the Association. In addition, word spread that Oboro had killed one of the original Zodiacs, the Monkey King.
Rumors circulated that the background of Journey to the West was complicated, that they had tried to frame Oboro, but failed. Being able to kill a Zodiac was proof enough of Oboro's strength, and people naturally admired the powerful. The key difference was that, unlike other Zodiacs or Three-Star Hunters, Oboro had a good reputation and had mentored many younger hunters.
With less than 700 members in the entire Hunter Association, including staff, word spread quickly through the ranks. Hunters who had received Oboro's guidance came forward to tell their stories.
The weak usually despised those above them; it was human nature, the very reason the assistants called the Star Hunters "Uncle". But when someone possessed both overwhelming strength and a common touch, everything changed.
All of Oboro's machinations were clear to Ging, yet he could do nothing to stop them. He lacked both the charisma and the reputation to intervene. Even when Oboro played his hand openly, Ging was powerless. No one would listen to his warnings.
As for joining forces with Pariston? Out of the question.
The crucial task now was to find out what threatened the old man's safety.
---
"Sir, our long term operatives have successfully infiltrated the political core of several nations," David reported to Oboro in a master bedroom.
He filled Oboro in on the Fells family's years of careful positioning.
"In the smaller nations, our people hold key positions. Following your instructions, we've established firm footholds in various royal families through marriage and offspring. Even larger nations like the Kakin Empire aren't beyond our reach. With the support of our placed officials, each 'honeypot' now carries significant influence within their royal families."
"Excellent," Oboro said, obviously pleased.
The Honeypot Project had been his initiative years ago. Through Mafia connections, they had trained exceptionally beautiful women who were presented to various royal families, securing their positions through childbirth. Mere political appointments weren't enough.
"Eliminate Honeypot Three in Kakin. She's been compromised."
"Yes, sir."
"And Honeypot One's status?"
"Achieving princess status remains difficult. King Nasubi is not as stupid as he seems, he's quite shrewd. Even though our agent bore him an illegitimate child, official recognition remains elusive. Several princes have gang connections, which limits our options."
"No need to rush," Oboro instructed.
"Sir," David continued, "the young lady asks if we should take control of the underground in one swift move. Eliminate the Ten Dons and let the Fells family rule alone. Our current strength far exceeds theirs, and it wouldn't be difficult to destroy their forces. This would facilitate our plans, as our activities in their territories will be restricted.
"Leave the Dons. They'll die soon enough without our intervention," Oboro said casually. "You should resign as well. Choose someone trustworthy to be your scapegoat."
David started at the mention of a scapegoat. "What's in store for the Mafia?
"How are things with V5?" Oboro changed the subject.
"Between the first and second waves, we only placed five people, but we have numerous agents in key positions in the agencies of the V5 countries. The numbers should increase over time."
"Well done," Oboro praised, ending the conversation when he sensed visitors approaching.
Biscuit burst into Oboro's bedroom without ceremony, Wing following after failing to stop her.
"Hey, where are your manners?" Oboro snarled from his position on the sofa. "What if I'd been rude? Or is that what you were hoping for?"
"Hmph, don't flatter yourself! You're not my type!" Biscuit's pretty face flushed as she spoke with disdain.
"Oh? I should have photographed you breaking into my room that night in Heaven's Arena," Oboro teased.
"Please! That night, you were the one overcome with lust at my beauty and dragged me in by force; if I hadn't been smart enough to escape early, who knows what might have happened!" Biscuit covered her face dramatically, turning his accusation back on him.
"Bravo," Oboro applauded amusedly.
Biscuit had brought Wing to say goodbye. He had originally come out of concern for Oboro, but now that everything had been resolved peacefully, he would return to the sky arena.
"Why are you still here?" Oboro asked Wing. "Someone with your skills should have started training with the Association long ago."
"I'm different from you, I know my limits," Wing smiled faintly and adjusted his glasses. "Besides, I've found that instead of taking risks and striving for greater heights, I prefer to watch newcomers and juniors grow stronger. Their progress fills me with vitality and hope. Through them, I can see a bright future."
"The old woman has rubbed off on you, hasn't she?" Oboro gestured at Biscuit.
"How dare you!" Biscuit launched a flurry of ineffectual blows.
Wing watched Oboro with mixed feelings. They had trained together in Heaven's Arena, but now Oboro's strength was beyond Wing's ability to measure. This was true genius, the kind that comes along only a few times in a generation.
Wing had asked Biscuit about Oboro's current level. She had simply answered that if she and Wing fought Oboro as mortal enemies, their chances of victory were less than ten percent, and that was optimistic. Even Chairman Netero had privately admitted that it would take a real effort to defeat Oboro now.
The revelation had shocked Wing deeply at first, but he had come to accept it. He had come to terms with his own mediocrity. The years had also changed his character. Everyone was born with different tasks and talents.
Maybe Oboro was destined for the pinnacle of strength. Wing was better suited to train newcomers, to pass on his knowledge and the spirit of the hunter. He might not create another Oboro, but he believed that other exceptional talents would emerge in time.
"I understand you well enough," Oboro smiled at Wing's introspection. "Not bad. I'll visit the Heaven's Arena when I can, I haven't been there for years. My status as Floor Master was revoked a long time ago."
"No need, do you still care about that kind of empty prestige?"
"I'll come back for the entertainment."