In memory, they had never seen Netero so serious and solemn.
This might be... the first time!
Including Law, those familiar with Netero held the same view.
They silently watched Netero wearing the battle attire with the [Heart] character. In that instant, they deeply realized Netero's stance.
It was declaring some sort of sovereignty, even overriding various factors that should be considered during mission execution.
The atmosphere involuntarily quieted.
For some reason, even Morel and Knov could glimpse a trace of human selfishness.
'Knowing the King was powerful, with current manpower still sufficient, why choose solo combat?'
'Because the Chairman wanted a one-on-one with the King?'
'Was this selfishness?'
Morel and Knov almost simultaneously suppressed disrespectful thoughts in their hearts.
No room for doubt, because it was Netero, the Hunter Association's Chairman!
Regarding the suddenly changed atmosphere, Netero remained expressionless.
No matter what, he wanted that fight… not with the three Royal Guards, but with the King.
No one could stop him.
'This is indeed selfishness.'
Netero silently thought to himself.
However, he wasn't the type to ignore the bigger picture for personal satisfaction, which was why he installed a 'killer move'.
That wasn't just an assurance V5 needed… it was also his justification for satisfying his own selfishness.
With this 'killer move', he could exercise his selfishness without psychological burden. Thus, he willingly spent a huge sum to hire Zeno.
Upon realizing the King's strength, Netero had a clear plan in mind.
Like a chessboard battle, he needed his side's strength to restrain the three Royal Guards, isolating the King, then engage in one-on-one combat.
Out of respect, Morel and Knov didn't want any doubt. Tonpa was like an outsider. Kite knew Netero but rarely interacted closely.
Zeno might have guessed something, but it wasn't related to his commission, so naturally stayed uninvolved.
Only Ging and Law almost zeroed in on Netero's true intentions.
What Netero always wanted, Ging knew clearly… not something simple volleyball games could satisfy.
Regarding this, he made no comment, just as he initially told Law: The Chairman was resolved.
"I disagree."
Only Law opposed without hesitation.
Regarding this matter's future, Law knew perfectly well.
Precisely because he knew the outcome, he voiced opposition.
Originally focused on Netero, gazes instantly shifted to Law.
Ging quietly watched Law's equally resolute attitude, sighing inwardly.
Using one's own judgment to decide others' choices was a personality that, while not strongly controlling, could penetrate to the essence.
To some extent, that was more troublesome than obvious control.
After all, every matter's starting point was good… lacking only consideration for what others truly wanted.
Even Ging found it hard to argue whether this was a strength or flaw, though he didn't dislike it.
'You should see the old man's resolve. If discussing risk, he won't compromise. Since so, we shouldn't oppose,' Ging silently thought.
Netero swiftly glanced over everyone, finally resting his gaze on Law's face.
"Knov, send everyone else out first, including you."
Looking at Law, but his words were for Knov.
Law calmly met Netero's gaze, which held no emotion, only tranquility.
Right, like stones, still water, plants… the tranquility of motionless things.
As they locked eyes, everyone exited Hide-and-Seek one after another. Nique was again thrown by Knov into the narrowest room.
When everyone emerged outside, Ging stood with hands in pockets, looking at distant blue sky and white clouds, lost in thought.
Kite came beside Ging, not indulging his curiosity, remaining silent.
Inside Hide-and-Seek, only two remained.
Netero raised a finger, scratching his temple. "Some time ago, you asked me a strange question."
Law's brow twitched, recalling that time's question.
Back then, he wanted to know if Netero had installed Poor Man's Rose, hence the specific question, getting a negative answer.
'Now Netero suddenly brought it up… had it been installed?'
"Answering you now shouldn't be too late."
Netero's calm tone vaguely confirmed Law's speculation.
Actually, Law's question then corresponding to the current situation had a hint of foresight. But Netero wasn't interested in probing, as right now, his mind held only that battle.
Law remained silent.
Netero straightforwardly said, "I have Poor Man's Rose installed. If I die, it detonates immediately."
Poor Man's Rose, a bomb with immense power and lethal virus, named because post-explosion smoke resembles a blooming rose.
Law's eyes changed slightly. As he was about to speak, Netero interrupted bluntly.
"Law, declaring defeat before battle insults a martial artist."
"I left a backup, not because I believe I'll lose."
"Thus, I'll handle the King alone."
Aura clearly reflects a person's essence, energy, and spirit.
Netero's Aura was always like all things silent, hard to discern anything from its flow.
But now, Netero's Aura openly revealed everything to Law.
In that moment, Law swallowed the words he wanted to say.
'You will undoubtedly lose.'
That was a future-established fact, with no room for change.
But facing the vibrant Netero now, he couldn't say those words.
That was a brutal fact existing in the future.
'Victory and loss determined before even starting.'
'Declaring defeat before battle? No...'
'It's because I know the result, so I can't let you 'repeat the same mistake'.'
At this moment, Law hadn't realized the most crucial issue: Authority.
He had no right to decide anything for Netero.
Even with good intentions, that couldn't be a reason or excuse.
Everyone had their pursuits, especially Pro Hunters. Even if dying on that path, they'd have no regrets.
"Netero, you still owe me..."
Law, unaware of this, instead remembered a sharp sword once left with Netero… an undeniable demand. Bringing it up now would surely make Netero reconsider.
Anyone can make mistakes.
Law too. He didn't know his following words would crush something an elder hoped for.
But he ultimately stopped mid-sentence, not finishing.
Because he saw Netero's gaze.
'Was that... a request or a plea?'
This gaze made Law halt mid-sentence, then fall silent.
Then, he heard Netero's ambiguous words.
"Linne is human, I am human too."