Oboro had full confidence in Hisoka's ability to handle the crisis. His real concern was for Kurapika, but even there, he felt limited in what he could do. Kurapika's nen skills were already well suited for the sniper brigade, the foundation was there. The most Oboro could offer was minor adjustments to reduce the side effects of the Restrictions and Oaths, but even that felt inadequate.
The price Kurapika was willing to pay was simply too high. No clever manipulation of the terms could get around it, mainly because of the compressed time frame. Had he had years to work with, like when Oboro had developed the 'Game Treasure House for Endless Dreamers', he could have slowly refined the technique to minimize the risks. But Kurapika, like Gon in the original timeline, had opted for explosive short-term power, a decision that often proved fatal.
Even with his knowledge as a time traveler, Oboro felt powerless to change this path. His presence had actually accelerated Kurapika's development, forcefully opening and awakening her potential. He had directly transmitted the original conception and logic of the nen abilities, allowing Kurapika to understand them through his unique bloodline, the power of the Scarlet Eyes. Combined with Kurapika's natural intelligence and quick comprehension, this had led to his current state of full development.
"Hisoka's silence means he's successfully reintegrated into the brigade," Oboro mused, checking his phone with a gentle smile. "He's quite good at it, even I would have found it annoying. Morel certainly showed good judgment in seeing his potential for undercover work."
Standing in a valley, Oboro glanced at Kurapika, who was sitting cross-legged in the distance, practicing Nen. "What will you do next?" he whispered, Chrollo's face appearing in his mind.
From this point on, direct contact between him and Hisoka would cease. Chrollo, as intelligent as he was, would never let his guard down completely around Hisoka. While things might seem fine on the surface, careful observation would continue behind the scenes. The slightest misstep by Hisoka would mean death, a fact Hisoka undoubtedly understood.
Oboro had no insight into the Phantom Troupe's upcoming plans, and even Hisoka's knowledge before the Hunter's Exam was limited - Chrollo had been careful to withhold information. One thing remained certain, however: whatever plan they were implementing would inevitably involve the Fells' headquarters.
"Let me think, Zoldyck should be the key," Oboro smiled slightly. Illumi's presence at Hisoka's side at the Hunter's Examination was something Chrollo could not have foreseen and something Hisoka did not want to reveal.
The month passed quickly. The Phantom Troop never hunted recklessly, especially when it came to targeting the Fells family again. After infiltrating the Republic of Bartokia, they began a thorough investigation of the family's power structure, determined to fully understand their prey before striking.
During this time, a major event shook the mafia world: David, the original head of the Fells family, stepped down in favor of Cheko. Many Mafia bosses had long anticipated this transition. David's advancing age and failing health, combined with his only remaining bloodline, the disabled Fells Lily, had made succession inevitable.
Oboro himself had deliberately kept a low profile, allowing his presence to fade from public memory. Cheko, despite his unsavory character, had proven his loyalty through years of service under David's leadership. His promotion seemed natural, though some veteran members understood that David still held the real power.
The transition alone would not have caused such a stir. What truly shocked the underworld was the presence of all ten Dons at the ceremony, a testament to the Fells family's current prestige. Even Oboro had never received such an honor during his visible leadership.
Several of the Ten Dons understood the truth: their presence did not honor Cheko, but Oboro himself. He had always been the true master of the Fells. No one had anticipated the explosive growth of the family under his hidden leadership. With operations spanning several nations, the Ten Dons had faced many challenges over the years. But the Fells family had always solved these problems, even in areas beyond their apparent influence.
The worldwide popularity of Hero Island, their new entertainment and gaming platform, had further demonstrated the family's reach. The Fells family operated on an entirely different level, though they maintained their underworld connections. When the invitation arrived, the Ten Dons had no choice but to attend in person.
Word spread quickly, triggering changes throughout Bartokia's cities. Mafia activity became visible day and night as underground figures from around the world converged. The Succession had become a worldwide underworld festival.
--- The Phantom Troop gathered in their hotel room, Hisoka sitting apart on the bed, idly playing with his cards while the others discussed their intelligence.
"This is the situation," Quick reported. "We are now dealing with not only the Fells family, but the entire leadership of the Ten Dons and other prominent families. I've compiled detailed information on all of them." "Installing their puppet so quickly suggests urgency," observed Quick, the troop's new Number 5, his face marked by a distinctive blue birthmark. "Either they're in a hurry to expand their political influence, or they've encountered obstacles in their consolidation of power."
Quick, who had replaced Phinks, emerged from Meteor City as one of the most talented modern Nen users. His recruitment had involved complex negotiations with the city's elders, who had initially controlled him. Meteor City's labyrinthine politics and conflicts with the Elders had honed Quick's cunning, making him a valuable addition to the troupe.
"That complicates things," Machi said flatly. Targeting the entire Mafia leadership was a far cry from their previous raid, which had taken place under the threat of the Shadow Beast.
"The complexity works in our favor," Quick grinned, glancing at Feitan. "We can take out all ten Dons at once. Even with all their resources, the Fells family is still essentially a mafia organization. Destroying the Dons will cripple them. Besides, this meeting proves that Oboro has no knowledge of our presence. Kill as many as you want, Feitan."
"I look forward to it," Feitan replied coldly.
Their target's actions betrayed their ignorance; Oboro would never have allowed such a gathering had he known of the troupe's presence. His absence from these arrangements suggested that he was not involved in the family's current operations.
The massive gathering of Mafia forces provided a false sense of security. Who would dare cause trouble in the midst of such a concentration of underworld power? The Phantom Troupe would.
"When?" Chrollo asked, raising his eyes.
"March 18th, an auspicious date," Quick replied. The Fells' celebration would become their funeral.
"From now on, no one is to leave the hotel," Chrollo ordered. "Quick and Pakunoda will do the reconnaissance alone."
"Understood."
Hisoka's map tower collapsed over the bed as he turned to stare out the window, his thoughts unreadable.
"I can't wait to turn their moment of greatest joy into their funeral," Quick laughed and snapped his fingers.
"David, Cheko, and Lily are mine," Feitan explained.
"Not the Shadow Beasts?" Quick asked in surprise. "I thought they were your priority."
"Those weaklings are yours," Feitan replied icily. "I only want the ones closest to Oboro." Having infiltrated the family alongside Franklin and Chrollo, Feitan understood that eliminating David and Lily would destroy the family's foundation, even if Oboro survived.
Unless Oboro relinquished his position within the Hunters' Association to regain control of the family, their days of hidden power would end.