Chapter 165: Press Conferences Across Nations A Gift for V5?
A gift… for V5?
What could that mean?
A sense of unease spread through Tamsin. He understood the Field Family's plans, but given V5's position, their survival within the Republic of Batokia was already hanging by a thread. Could they really pose a threat to V5?
The answer soon reached his ears through the television.
A press conference was being broadcast live.
Tamsin immediately recognized the man standing on the stage a national leader. Not a king or prime minister, but still someone powerful enough to influence the fate of his country.
As a V5 committee member, Tamsin was familiar with such figures knowing each nation's key players and political climate was part of his job.
And judging from the scale of the event, the press conference was massive, drawing media from around the world.
As the leader spoke passionately before the cameras, Tamsin's expression hardened.
The core message was clear:
This man was publicly voicing dissatisfaction toward the V5, and even hinting at withdrawing from the alliance.
Such words, of course, couldn't be taken at face value politicians often played games to gain leverage.
But still, this broadcast carried an unmistakable message… directed straight at V5.
"He did it?"
Tamsin slowly turned his head toward the smiling man beside him.
Could the Field Family really hold such power?
Weren't other nations simply ignoring the mafia issue because a few mid-level bureaucrats had been bribed?
How could someone this influential be involved?
"Change it," Haze ordered, ignoring Tamsin's shocked expression.
David clicked the remote, switching the channel.
Another press conference appeared same setting, same message.
"Continue," said Haze calmly.
David began flipping through the channels one after another.
Nearly every broadcast showed the same thing.
Tamsin's mind went blank.
How many countries were there?
Ten? More?
It was clear that multiple nations had secretly coordinated to hold these conferences simultaneously, all denouncing the "crimes" of V5.
Some were small nations, others like the Republic of Batokia were large enough to matter on a global scale.
One country's dissent could be dismissed.
But this… this was a coordinated global attack on V5's prestige!
This was nothing less than an open provocation.
The stability of the human world depended on the credibility and authority of the V5.
If that was shaken… the entire world would spiral into chaos.
Once the rules collapsed, war would be inevitable.
Conflicts would flare between nations, escalating rapidly and preventing such a war would demand unimaginable effort, manpower, and resources.
A chill ran down Tamsin's spine.
Sweat drenched his shirt, cold beads forming on his forehead.
They were wrong.
All of them even V5's top brass were wrong!
The Field Family hadn't bribed mere low-ranking officials.
A few payoffs couldn't possibly achieve this level of control!
And they hadn't yet absorbed every mafia group, so there was no way they could manipulate global economies directly.
So how… how had they done it?
"Do you recognize this man?"
Haze suddenly pointed to a bald man on the screen, face flushed red as he condemned V5 before the cameras.
"I do," Tamsin swallowed hard.
"A month ago, he killed his wife," Haze said evenly. "With his own hands."
Tamsin froze.
"A few days after the funeral, he married his young mistress a woman who already had a child. That child… happens to be related to the Field Family."
Haze's calm words made Tamsin understand instantly.
It was a woman.
An heiress.
"There are plenty like him," Haze continued. "Influential political figures across the world all tied to us. If V5 wanted to purge them all… tell me, do you think that would be possible?"
"Impossible!" Tamsin blurted instinctively.
To cleanse the political arena of an entire country that was no different from starting a war.
The V5 was nothing more than a coalition led by five superpowers.
It wasn't truly above nations it only appeared to serve all humanity.
In reality, it was bound by its founding nations' interests.
A shiver ran through Tamsin's body.
If this continued… V5 would become a global joke.
Those leaders manipulated by the Field Family weren't necessarily the highest-ranking figures,
but they were powerful enough that their words carried enormous weight.
Tomorrow's headlines across the world would all scream the same thing ...
and the public outrage would be unprecedented.
"And what if," Haze asked casually, "these very people on stage… became kings or prime ministers?"
Across the six continents, countries varied:
some were democratic republics, others hereditary monarchies like Kakin, and some autocracies like Eastern Godot.
So, the heads of these nations could be kings… or prime ministers.
Tamsin froze.
Could it be that… the Field Family had already ... ?
This was the real reason why so many nations refused to intervene in the Black Tide Incident.
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Suddenly, Tamsin's phone buzzed sharply in his pocket.
"Uh… Mr. Haze… I ... I need to answer this…"
He didn't even have to check the caller ID.
He already knew the V5 headquarters must be in complete chaos.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Grand Council all in turmoil.
His face was pale, his steps unsteady, his voice trembling.
Even the way he addressed Haze had changed.
"Heh, go ahead," Haze said, waving him off.
Tamsin hurriedly pulled out his phone and rushed from the room.
"Turn up the volume," Haze said with a grin. "Let's enjoy the show."
David complied, raising the sound.
"To think… the fate of humanity and nations lies in the hands of such greedy, selfish men. Tragic, isn't it?"
"That's one of the reasons we chose and supported them in the first place," David replied calmly.
"Without us, they'd never have risen so high. And for your plan, sir, this situation is perfect.
As for the people… I doubt these leaders care. They'll preach justice today, then indulge in pleasure tomorrow."
"Of course, there are a few responsible ones," he added with a faint smile. "But most… collapse once their weaknesses are exposed."
"Hehehe…" Haze chuckled softly.
Hunter Association Headquarters – President's Office
Netero sat cross-legged before a chessboard, Beanman beside him.
The game had long been forgotten.
Their eyes were fixed on the television screen ...
A national leader, condemning V5.
To ordinary citizens, it looked like righteous outrage.
To them, it was just a performance.
"Turn it off…"
Netero sighed, setting down his teacup.
"President, V5 is still awaiting your response… about Haze," Beanman reminded him.
"Ignore them."
The old man gazed out at the darkening sky.
He knew the Field Family and Haze.
Such a worldwide uproar could only mean one thing.
This was Haze's doing.
Had his protégé already reached such a terrifying level…?
Meanwhile, in a bar somewhere on the Yubian Continent…
The disheveled Ging Freecss sat at the counter.
A drink sat untouched before him.
He stared quietly at the television, just like everyone else.
"It's begun…"
After a moment, Ging muttered softly, left a few Jenny bills, shoved his hands in his pockets, and walked out.
Outside, the cold night wind brushed against his face.
He exhaled slowly, a tired smile flickering at his lips.
The wind tonight was… unusually cold.
A dark room.
The faint glow of a television flickered.
Pariston stood in silence, arms crossed, eyes locked on the screen lost in thought.
The Kakin Empire.
Inside a luxurious building.
Half-naked and surrounded by women, Beyond Netero lounged lazily on a massive bed.
Some massaged his shoulders. Others fed him fruit.
He watched the same broadcast a wide grin spreading across his scarred face.
Then, he laughed.
"Hahahahaha!"
His voice was deep and thunderous. His gaze sharpened, burning with excitement.
"Not bad… You dare to challenge V5? You're far better than these old fools. You're just like me… Yes, that's it those decrepit relics need to go!"
He leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
"I can't wait… to meet you."
(Third update – around 1 a.m.)
(End of Chapter)