"Besides, I can tell this isn't your full strength, is it?"
Ronnel listened, smiled, and said nothing, silently confirming the assumption.
"A cloning ability, explosive attacks, and a poison technique strong enough to push Gel to the brink of death… You're becoming more and more unpredictable, Ronnel~"
"Still, I understand. Who doesn't have secrets these days? As long as you're still Bisky's apprentice or a disciple of Shingen-ryu, what does it matter if you have a few hidden cards?"
It seemed that tonight's events had really shaken Netero, making him a bit more talkative than usual.
"???~"
As soon as Netero finished speaking, the other end of the phone went silent, replaced by a busy signal.
"Looks like Beans is caught up with the V5 officials. Otherwise, he wouldn't be ignoring my call."
Netero put down the phone, picked at his ear, and flicked away a small puff of black smoke before turning back to Ronnel with a serious expression.
"This time, I really owe you one, Ronnel~"
"Don't mention it. I was just looking for a good fight. After all, going up against you, Chairman, isn't all that fun, is it?"
"Not enjoying yourself?"
Netero thought back to the past five days following this year's Hunter Exam, remembering his clashes with Ronnel, and let out a small sigh.
He was about to say something else when his gaze suddenly shifted. Ronnel, sensing it too, turned his head in the same direction.
Several helicopters bearing the logo of a major news network were cautiously approaching the top of the tower. With their sharp eyesight, both men could easily see the people inside—pilots, reporters, and cameramen—preparing for a broadcast.
"Looks like the destruction of the Rakshasa and the earlier explosion finally caught the public's attention~"
Netero tilted his head back to look at the night sky, exhaling deeply.
"It's finally over~"
At that moment, inside one of the helicopters, a reporter was speaking fervently into the camera.
"Dear viewers, we are currently approaching the top of Heavens Arena, and we should soon have a clearer view of the scene."
"According to our sources, something significant has occurred inside the arena, allowing all trapped spectators and hostages to escape unharmed."
"Furthermore, the massive creature that appeared on the rooftop vanished in a shocking explosion, strongly indicating that the battle has already concluded."
"Our team is moving in for an exclusive investigation. If anything happens to us, please remember our names, XXX..."
After Hisoka had slaughtered the repair crew and sabotaged the control room, the audience—no longer under threat from the security droids—had fled Heavens Arena in droves. Naturally, this mass evacuation had been noticed by the media waiting outside.
Upon catching a few Nen users among the fleeing crowd and gathering information, the reporters had seen another dramatic disturbance at the top of the tower. Sensing a major scoop, several daring news teams had immediately dispatched their crews to the rooftop.
"The situation at the top of the tower… That's Chairman Netero of the Hunter Association!"
One sharp-eyed journalist spotted him first, shouting with excitement.
"Chairman Netero is safe! And Ronnel is there too! But the mastermind behind this whole incident… has disappeared?! Did Ronnel and Chairman Netero join forces to take him down?"
The reporter's voice was hoarse from excitement, eyes gleaming with the thrill of breaking news.
"Judging by the scene, Chairman Netero is clearly unharmed, which means there's a high chance the criminal leader has been eliminated."
"In other words, the area below is now completely secure! This could be my big break—my chance for a promotion!"
Filled with ambition, the reporter quickly relayed the situation while urging the pilot to descend toward the rooftop.
Soon, these fearless reporters—who willingly risked their lives for a headline—were staring at Ronnel and Netero with predatory eagerness.
"I'll leave this to you, old man~"
Ronnel turned, waving lazily at Netero.
"I can't handle this kind of situation."
Without waiting for a response, he kicked off the ground and disappeared at high speed, heading for the corridors below.
"That kid~"
Watching Ronnel's retreating figure, Netero chuckled and shook his head.
Then, glancing at the approaching helicopters, he scratched his head again.
"For Ronnel and the others, this might be the end, but for me, it's only the beginning. V5… Ah, forget it. That headache is Beans' problem now~"
Bzzzzt!Bzzzzt!
"Oh? Beans is finally calling back? What do you need, Beans? ...Hey, no need to cry, I'm completely fine!"
Netero's upcoming battle with the political storm of V5 didn't concern Ronnel. Nor did Beans, who—once he took over the situation—would likely pass out from sheer stress.
...
Meanwhile, Inside Heavens Arena
Boom!
A massive figure collapsed to the ground, prompting two fighters in front of it to exhale in relief.
"Phew~ Finally taken care of!"
At that moment, Kurapika had completely abandoned his usual composed demeanor. His black suit was in tatters, ripped in multiple places.
"Yeah, that blue-haired guy was a real pain."
Beside him, Leorio sat down heavily, exhaustion and satisfaction mixing on his face.
"By the way, now that we're done, how about cleaning up the apple cores and other trash you've been hoarding?"
Kurapika shot a look of pure disgust at Leorio before scooting away from him.
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