When the V5 forces arrived, after a brief handover with Anthony and Fante, they began processing the ants' corpses.
Several staff members in protective suits carefully took away the bodies of Youpi and Pouf. Although the two ants had been dead for some time, they had not yet decomposed and were still of research value.
However, when the person in charge searched for the Ant King's remains, they found nothing.
He immediately questioned Anthony and Fante and also inquired about Oboro's whereabouts.
Anthony had already filmed and confirmed the deaths of the Ant King and Komugi and sent it to the Association.
Furthermore, everyone was aware that the ants had been infected with potent poison and radiation and wouldn't survive.
Therefore, the V5 wasn't worried about the Ant King being alive; they needed his corpse.
However, the person in charge received the response that Oboro had ordered... the Ant King's body to be cremated.
The reason was laughable.
Because the Ant King was equivalent to an infectious source and should not be exposed for an extended period.
Upon hearing this explanation, the V5 representative was stunned.
This was clearly a trick... Prior to this, the V5 had notified the Hunter Association to properly protect the Ant King's body until their arrival. Oboro's actions not only bypassed the Association's approval but also failed to notify the V5.
The representative was furious and began berating the two hunters, even demanding that Oboro appear immediately.
"The Hunter Association is an independently operated civilian organization, not a subordinate organization of your V5. This means we have no obligation to follow your arrangements! The Chimera Ant incident should have been handled by international human organizations like yours, yet you dumped the mess onto the Association..."
Anthony looked at the man who was fuming and stomping his feet and said calmly, "Most of us Hunters engage in commissioned tasks or matters. All our actions are based on our own will... We do what we want. Since you V5 didn't handle it, and we did, how we dispose of it is naturally none of your business."
"You!"
The representative's mouth gaped open.
What Anthony said was reasonable and factual.
But privately, everyone knew the relationship between the Hunter Association and the V5.
The Hunter Association's current standing, without the V5's patronage, was merely a group of adventurers unrecognized internationally, not worth mentioning.
What did this mean?
Was the Hunter Association going to break ties with the V5?
The representative's face turned ashen, and he uttered several "good"s in succession.
Then, he turned and made a phone call to inform his superiors.
Anthony let out a cold laugh, knowing that the V5 would definitely make things difficult for the Association and even trouble them... but since the Captain had given instructions, he would naturally follow them.
Oboro had gone to absorb the Ant King's soul.
The more powerful the soul, the more intense the change in Nen strength with the increase in magic power... and with the support of Nen strength, Nen abilities would naturally improve and transform.
Therefore, Oboro needed some time.
...
"Damn it, that bastard Oboro!"
At the Hunter Association headquarters, the Zodiacs received the V5's disposition.
The V5 high officials attributed Oboro's unilateral decision to destroy the Ant King's body to the Association.
This was because they couldn't contact Oboro and couldn't find him.
The V5 high-ranking officials unleashed a torrent of abuse, threatening that the Association would have to provide them with a satisfactory response and resolution within twelve hours.
Yorchha personally took the call. After hanging up, even she, who was always calm, couldn't help but curse.
"We haven't even decided how to hold him accountable for his actions yet, and he's already caused such a huge problem for the Association!" Yorchha took a deep breath. Oboro and his teammates appeared in NGL and hunted ants. Then they transferred to East Gorteau with the extermination team; this was an undeniable fact.
Although, on the surface, Oboro provided Chimera Ant data and indeed helped the extermination team resolve the ant threat... upon closer examination, there were still many suspicious aspects.
In Yorchha's opinion, this was an opportunity to confront Oboro!
"He has already obtained what he wanted... Looking at it this way, he doesn't even care about the V5 anymore..."
Beside her, Pariston said with a smile, his words light and airy.
His expression seemed gentle, but his eyes were slightly cold.
He had been outmaneuvered by Oboro!
He had been schemed against.
He hadn't been allowed to interfere with the Chimera Ant matter, otherwise... Oboro wouldn't have completed his plan so easily.
Oboro's focus on the Chimera Ants must have been for a purpose, and a crucial one at that.
However, it was too late now.
With this thought, Pariston looked at Ging Freecss, who was folding his arms and remained silent, "Now... the Chairman is dead. So... next, according to the rules and procedures, we will definitely have to elect a successor."
His words made the other Zodiacs at the table glare at him.
"Pariston!"
Yorchha shouted.
The Chairman had just passed away... and this guy was already thinking about snatching his position?
It was a bit too heartless...
"That's right... Is there something wrong with what I said?"
Pariston spread his hands and smiled, "Isn't it inevitable?"
After speaking, he glanced at Ging Freecss again, "However, I think... before the Chairman went to deal with the Chimera Ants, he must have made arrangements regarding the new Chairman, right?"
His words had a hidden meaning, drawing everyone's sharp gaze towards Ging Freecss.
"Mhm..."
Ging scratched his head upon seeing this and said impatiently, "Although discussing this matter at this time is a bit inappropriate, since it's been brought up, I'll say it... The old man approached me before he died and directly decided on the next Chairman. He had also signed some documents in advance and had already spoken with the V5..."
A silence fell over the room upon hearing this.
Everyone's thought was a single word: Who?
Pariston smiled enigally, knowing that it wasn't the old man who found Ging, but rather Ging who had actively sought out the Chairman.
"At that time, Knuckle was also there."
Ging said, giving a meaningful look to Knuckle nearby.
The latter coughed and nodded in agreement with Ging's statement, confirming its authenticity.
He took out the pre-prepared videotape, walked forward, and inserted it into the device.
Then, the TV screen flickered, and Netero's face appeared... Some of the Zodiacs couldn't help but tear up.
No matter how much they quarreled or had disputes among themselves, most of them genuinely admired and respected the Chairman.
"Ho ho ho..."
The familiar laughter echoed again.
"Is everyone here? Since everyone is here, I'll keep it brief. When you see this videotape, it means I'm already dead... Hmm, don't be too sad. Compared to most people, I've lived long enough... Ho ho..."
Even though he was gone, he was still joking.
It was evident that when filming this scene, the Chairman had already had some premonition in his heart.
The old man was confident in himself, and everyone had faith in him... but he had never shown the slightest hesitation or unease in front of outsiders.
Some of the Zodiacs were sobbing, while others were weeping uncontrollably.
Among those who were more emotional was Murei, Leore.
"Regarding the successor... after careful consideration, I have decided to appoint Ging as the next Chairman of the Association, and he has already agreed! As for the official and international organizations, the Association will inform them sequentially... So, you don't need to worry."
"With all of you here, I am very relieved about the Association."
"Uh... well, that's all then."
With a snap, the TV screen went black.
Pariston turned his gaze, filled with meaning, and looked at Ging Freecss...
After watching the video, he understood one thing... The old man had used the Chimera Ant incident, with the 'personal intervention' as leverage, to get the V5 to agree in advance, thus pre-approving Ging Freecss as the next Chairman.
Throughout the entire process, Oboro was never mentioned, not even a related word.
This indicated that Netero also did not want the Association to fall into Oboro's hands... Most importantly, Ging Freecss had stepped forward. If he had to choose between Ging and Oboro, the Chairman would undoubtedly choose Ging without hesitation.
This was beyond doubt.
Inside the room, the Zodiacs were shocked.
They weren't shocked that the Chairman had chosen Ging as his successor, but rather that Ging Freecss, who had been elusive for years and notoriously disliked trouble, had rarely taken the initiative to become Chairman.
Based on their understanding of Ging, this was almost impossible in the past…
When Netero was alive, even if he had offered Ging the position of Chairman, the latter would have refused one hundred percent.
But this time, things had changed!
Ging Freecss raised his arm, "Let me explain."
"First, I am only temporarily assuming the position of Chairman, acting as a proxy. Once the Association's internal affairs stabilize, everyone can choose a satisfactory candidate through any means."
"Second, with the Chairman's appointment, as well as filings and documents from all parties, my succession is a foregone conclusion, an undisputed fact, with no possibility of doubt or overturning. I am now the Chairman... it's just that the Association's internal notification hasn't been made yet."
"Third, the internal management of the Association remains as it is, still in your hands, but I hold absolute veto power."
"Fourth is... the internal notification of the Association must be carried out immediately. It's best to inform all Hunters after the meeting."
"That's all I have to say..."
After finishing each word, Ging lowered his hand.
The reason for immediately notifying all Hunters was obvious: to do it before Oboro returned.
Moreover, the rules mentioned by Ging were flawless and airtight.
At least, that's how Pariston saw it.
Pariston curled his lips, "Interesting..."
Looking at it this way, Oboro's chances of becoming Chairman... were gone.
This was Ging Freecss's proactive 'attack.'
"Although there are documents and the Chairman's personal appointment... making such a hasty decision might not gain the support of all Association members, and... certain people will be unhappy." Pariston met Ging Freecss's gaze.
"To become Chairman, it's not enough to just have documents; at the very least... you need to win people over."
Hearing Pariston's words, Ging remained unmoved. He knew he wasn't popular.
But with Netero's endorsement and official documents, even if some disagreed, he would still be the Chairman.
This was unchangeable.
To prevent Oboro, some unconventional means were necessary.
"In that case, I will also announce one thing."
Pariston smiled, his eyes narrowed, "From now on, I resign from the position of Vice-Chairman."
"…"
Silence fell upon everyone.
Only Ging looked at him and asked, "Are you sure?"
"He wouldn't care about the Vice-Chairman position. Besides, he and I are already in opposition. It's useless for you to try to force a direct confrontation between him and me."
"You can't escape now. If you remain Vice-Chairman, perhaps there's still a slim chance of survival."
"Also, I advise you not to go looking for that person. He can't protect you... and he might even be in danger himself. If you stay honestly within the Association, you might have a chance to survive."
Ging Freecss said sternly.
"After this incident, his transformation will be unimaginable... His strength and danger level have exceeded your understanding. He no longer fears the V5, let alone you, or the people behind you..."
"Heh heh."
Pariston chuckled softly upon hearing this.
He actually turned and left in front of everyone.
He unilaterally announced his resignation from the Vice-Chairman position, without considering the opinions of the other Zodiacs or management.
He didn't even give others a chance to respond.
Ging frowned.
This was troublesome...
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