Inside the Hide-and-Seek Dimension, Netero faced a choice.
To cling to wishful thinking, hoping that Beyond had also suffered losses…
Or to admit defeat and return to the Six Continents.
The scales in his heart actually tipped towards the latter.
But reason held them back from tipping completely.
If he went back with his tail between his legs like this, the sacrifices of Botobai and the others would become meaningless.
Netero's silence showed Law that he was still struggling.
But Law didn't continue to persuade him.
Because Netero was a man of strong opinions. Once he made a decision, it was hard for others to change his mind.
But if Netero knew the tiger was in the mountains and still chose to go there, then Law would have to find a way to keep Sanbica.
And if Netero humbled himself to request their assistance, Law would not agree either.
So far, Law's goals did not conflict with Beyond's in any way.
Moreover, Beyond's team was very strong. So, without sufficient reason or motivation, Law did not want to engage Beyond's team in battle.
At best, he could only provide Netero with some material assistance.
Netero's silence didn't last long. He looked up, then gazed at the planting area strictly guarded by Nique, and deftly changed the subject: "It seems your time in the Dark Continent has been very fruitful."
"Yes, we've found a lot of Nitro Rice and Herb for All-illnesses," Law nodded slightly. Besides those two, there were many other gains, but he wouldn't go into detail.
Netero's face stiffened for a moment, then took on an expression of disbelief.
Cheadle and the others reacted similarly.
Before coming to the Dark Continent, everyone had thoroughly researched the Calamities of the Dark Continent, and naturally, they also looked into the Hopes.
Now, hearing that Law had already obtained Nitro Rice and the Herb for All-illnesses, prefixed by the quantity 'a lot'.
'Could the plants in the planting area be...?'
Everyone subconsciously looked at the plants in the planting area.
There, a rich life force continuously emanated. The crucial point was that there were quite a few of them beside the planting area.
If those things really were Nitro Rice and the herb, their value would be incalculable.
"Those are all Nitro Rice and the Herb for All-illnesses?" Netero asked, wide-eyed.
"Yes."
Law followed their gaze, looking at the ripe Nitro Rice.
"Truly... unbelievable."
Netero took a deep breath. Throughout the history of human voyages, after countless disastrous failures, none had successfully found even one of the Hopes. Yet Law and his group had already obtained so much Hope.
"Next, we plan to go check out the World Tree," Law said, looking at the planting area.
"The World Tree, huh..."
Netero tilted his head to look at Law's profile.
He thought to himself that Law and his group were more like true Hunters.
A feeling of emotion arose in his heart. As his thoughts wandered, he suddenly wondered: 'Was my past opposition to exploring the Dark Continent right or wrong?'
This thought lasted less than half a moment before Netero dismissed it.
He wasn't wrong. The Dark Continent was a true taboo. If humanity became too arrogant, it might invite catastrophic destruction.
"So, what's your decision? Return to the Six Continents, or continue troubling Beyond?" Law suddenly brought the topic back to Beyond.
Netero was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly. "We've come this far. I don't want to give up just like that."
Law sighed softly. "I figured as much. But don't expect us to help you."
Hearing this, Biscuit's expression shifted slightly, but she didn't say anything.
Ging's face was calm, giving no indication of what he was thinking.
Netero didn't react much either, but Cheadle's eyes changed slightly, and she couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
She had originally thought that if Netero continued with the mission, they could seek assistance from Law's group. She had reason to believe that if Law and his team joined, they would surely defeat Beyond's team.
Unfortunately, Law's attitude seemed very firm.
Netero shook his head and smiled wryly. "You really don't mince words, do you?"
Law shrugged, then his expression turned serious. "So, you've decided?"
Netero didn't answer but instead looked at Cheadle and the others.
Given the state of things, the subsequent decision wasn't just his alone... he needed to heed his teammates' opinions.
Law looked at the silent Netero and already had his answer.
'This stubborn old man.'
Law shook his head slightly, then turned to Nique and called out, "Bring over a stalk of Nitro Rice."
Upon hearing this, Nique deftly jumped out of the planting area, took a stalk of Nitro Rice from the stock, and quickly came over.
Netero and his group's attention was involuntarily drawn to the Nitro Rice in Nique's hand.
Golden rice, overflowing with life force.
This was the Nitro Rice that could increase lifespan.
If even one stalk were dropped in the Six Continents, the world's wealthiest tycoons would fight tooth and nail over it.
Law took the Nitro Rice from Nique and handed it to Netero, saying calmly, "Eat it."
Netero was startled, looked at the Nitro Rice, then met Law's calm gaze. He did not take the offered Nitro Rice.
He believed his friendship with Law was deep, but Nitro Rice wasn't something one could easily accept, was it?
Seeing Netero unmoved, Law wasn't surprised and continued, "This was Linne's idea. When I came back from the Dark Continent last time, I gave her half a stalk of Nitro Rice, but she thought it would be more valuable to use that half on you."
Netero's eyes shifted, 'Linne, huh...'
Everyone around watched Law and Netero in silence.
The Hunter Association's members, naturally, were surprised.
Ging and the others felt nothing.
This might be a display of being filthy rich.
"Chairman, just accept it," Biscuit suddenly said.
Netero looked at Biscuit, then back at Law.
A moment later, Netero reached out and took the Nitro Rice. The life force emanating from between his fingers washed over him, refreshing his spirit.
Watching Netero take the Nitro Rice, Law said seriously, "The change we experienced from eating Nitro Rice was very slight. For you, the effect should be much more pronounced."
"..."
Netero was speechless, but suddenly felt very expectant of this Nitro Rice's effect.
As one ages, relying on years of persistent training might maintain a relatively high level of physical strength.
However, both Potential Aura and Manifested Aura decrease or weaken with age.
This change synchronizes with human aging and may also be related to cell division.
'What effect would it have?'
With this anticipation, Netero consumed the Nitro Rice.
Law watched Netero eat the Nitro Rice, while thinking about how he could persuade Sanbica to stay.