Chapter 36: The Intelligent Woman
A few minutes later, Haze wiped his hands with a handkerchief and stepped out of the hallway.
On his shoulder was a forgotten figure Charles.
His wounds were serious, but fortunately not life-threatening... a few months of recovery would probably be enough.
The man was lucky not to have been killed outright.
Haze didn't fear trouble… but he hated being bothered.
Just as he tried to stay as far away as possible from people like Hisoka and Illumi…
He wanted to understand and explore this world purely, striving to reach the peak he envisioned. In his previous life, he'd been filled with curiosity about the world of Hunters so many secrets he Hazeed to uncover and experience.
However, moving forward alone, without distractions, was difficult.
Even someone like Netero wasn't immune to that truth.
That included Jin Shield , who had become entangled with Pariston after the Chairman's death.
"Let's consider this… the beginning of my integration into this world,"
thought Haze as he left the mansion, carrying the unconscious Charles.
Power didn't interest him much. Dealing with one of the Ten Dons would be easy, but after hearing Bot's explanation, Haze understood something crucial
the underworld's power structure was complex.
The disappearance of the Ten Dons didn't mean they were gone forever; new leaders would always rise to take their place.
To refuse to become one of them was to invite danger
and the web of the mafia was already tightly woven.
Even being noticed by the mafia came with consequences.
A swarm of flies buzzing around every day… who wouldn't be irritated?
In the original story, Illumi had singlehandedly slain the Ten Dons, making the mafia seem utterly incompetent.
But in truth, that feat was far from easy.
The underworld's power network spanned continents and permeated every business sector.
Moreover, when Illumi killed the Dons, his actions had been limited by the Phantom Troupe, and the Yin Beasts were absent.
Those personal bodyguards of the Dons though wiped out by the Spiders had once wielded considerable strength.
If Haze were to face them all alone now, his odds of success would be almost zero.
Still, taking down one Don would not be a problem.
The underworld followed its own rules: as Haze as one rose to power and held authority equal to the Dons, that was all that mattered.
Though troublesome, the Fiers family incident had opened Haze's eyes to the fascinating criminal world.
These Nen users for hire were far more versatile than those in Heaven's Arena like upgraded "rats." There was much he could learn.
If he rose high enough to become one of the Ten Dons, he'd control enormous resources
a perfect foundation for his future as a Hunter.
The gang's information network and connections would also help him understand the world more efficiently.
Certain knowledge and data were simply out of reach for ordinary people.
Another factor intrigued him: the V5.
Haze was curious about that organization something akin to the United Nations but as a simple Hunter, reaching that level was difficult.
The mafia could serve as a stepping stone.
He remembered clearly: even someone as revered as Netero had to answer when a high-ranking V5 official called.
It was partly due to the old man's sense of responsibility, of course but also proof that even in the human world, setting aside the Dark Continent, symbols of power still ruled.
The more cards one held, the fewer obstacles they faced later on.
To avoid all interference and claim to "wander the world freely" was just arrogance.
True freedom required absolute power.
Haze understood perfectly what kind of world Hunter was.
And so, he boarded a spacecraft bound for Cork, a bustling city in the Republic of Bartokia.
The Firth family headquarters wasn't far from Heaven's Arena.
He left Charles in a hospital; once he awoke, he'd soon realize what had happened.
"Should I look for him…?"
Haze murmured to himself by the spaceship window, sipping his juice.
He was referring to Illumi.
Letting a Zoldyck kill one of the Dons would save him the effort.
But after a moment's thought, Haze dismissed the idea.
First, Illumi was likely already acquainted with Hisoka; after all, he acted as Hisoka's middleman.
Second, the Dons' bounty would surely be high.
And lastly… why pay someone else to do something he could do himself?
If Illumi found out about his plans, it would only cause trouble.
Besides, even if Illumi killed all the Dons, it wouldn't mean true dominance.
It might even benefit someone else.
The mafia valued legitimacy and seniority they trusted "their own."
The Firth family was only a mid-level organization; it would take time.
Haze thought about using force to take control, but that wasn't realistic.
The yakuza had countless members.
Even if the Zoldycks tried to control them unless Illumi used his ability it would take years to win full loyalty.
Killing the rebellious ones wouldn't be enough.
A year? Two years? Too Haze.
And managing such an operation would involve tedious administration.
Even hidden, the yakuza possessed a strong sense of identity.
Sure, Illumi could brainwash them but that wasn't Haze's way.
Besides, to people like Shieldgaru, Hunters and Nen users weren't prestigious.
At best, they were intimidating like the Zoldycks.
Mostly, they were just killers or hired help.
Haze had no time or patience for that.
Considering everything, leveraging the Fiers family's position was the most efficient route to power.
And it would save him time.
"Hah…"
With that thought, Haze rubbed his temples.
He tended to oversimplify things just like the mafia.
"Preconceptions about time travelers have their pros and cons… not all of them good."
Taking one last sip, he bit the straw and sighed.
A few days later.
In Cork City stood a nearly 100-meter-tall skyscraper with strict security armed guards even at the entrance.
Those coming and going wore suits and ties, their faces grim.
The air screamed "No Trespassing."
This was the Shield family's headquarters and residence.
From the 50th floor upward, the building was sealed off; access required a special pass.
At the top floor a vast hall shrouded in darkness
a woman in a white dress sat in a wheelchair, her hand resting on the glass, eyes fixed toward the city's lights.
She bore a striking resemblance to Shieldgaru and seemed around twenty.
She was his only biological sister, Shield Lily.
Haze stood a few meters behind her, silently observing.
She didn't notice.
"Paralyzed from the waist down… and blind," Haze realized.
Bot had mentioned Shieldgaru's sister before.
He took a few steps closer.
"Is someone there?"
Lily tilted her head slightly, unbothered by the sudden movement.
Her brown eyes lacked light and life.
"Shieldgaru is dead," said Haze.
"…"
A moment of silence passed.
"I know," the woman whispered calmly, without grief.
Haze raised a brow. She didn't even know him, yet remained composed.
Fifty floors of this building beHazeed solely to the Shield family
so clearly, he was an intruder.
"Are you here to kill me?" she asked.
Her words caught Haze off guard.
"No."
He smiled faintly.
"Did you kill him?"
"Yes," Haze answered evenly.
The woman didn't ask why.
She didn't scream.
After a pause, she simply said:
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to become the new head of the Firth family."
"And if I refuse?"
Lily turned her face back toward the window.
"Then I'll find another way," Haze said slowly, "but the consequences could be severe."
"Your father, the former head of the Shield family… died just a few years ago, didn't he?
Your family built its fortune on gambling an industry crawling with predators.
Your father's death, and your injury, were both results of someone trying to take your family's slice of the pie."
"Your brother did well he lost some assets but stabilized things over the years. Still… it's not what it used to be.
Whether you agree or not, I'll be cleansing some of your upper ranks.
Once word spreads about your brother's death… do you and your butler really think you can handle the wolves waiting outside?"
Haze approached the window beside her.
"You're not a gangster, are you?"
Her voice carried quiet confidence.
"No," he admitted, narrowing his eyes.
This woman was far sharper than her brother.
"Haze," she said suddenly, calling him by name.
"You're the one who won our casino's money."
Haze wasn't surprised. Shieldgaru had gone to Tandon specifically to meet him.
But looking back now… he realized the truth.
Though Shieldgaru had been the family head, the real driving force behind the Shield family was this calm, disabled woman before him.
Shieldgaru had been ordinary.
Lily, however within a few words had already earned Haze's label of "intelligent."
"Are they all dead?"
"Yes."
"No survivors?"
"Unfortunately, none."
"Then I suppose… I can't refuse."
Lily smiled faintly.
"May I ask why do you want to become a mafia boss? Someone like you shouldn't need to do this…"
"Hmm… reason…"
They chatted like old friends.
Haze touched his chin and said,
"I'm not interested in your family. I just want to use your influence to make money."
"Use… huh."
Lily seemed to understand.
"You don't mind?"
"No."
She shook her head.
Haze looked at her for a moment, then asked quietly,
"Don't you hate me?"
"I'm only a little sad," Lily said softly.
"Everything is already predestined."
Then she added,
"Could you describe the view outside the window for me?
The way you see it… I can only hear the sounds."
"Of course."
Haze nodded.
"Thank you."
(End of Chapter)