If Netero wanted to, he could have destroyed that massive flesh ball within ten seconds. However, the spreading toxic green smoke clearly didn't give him that opportunity.
As the green smoke surged toward them, Law and Netero decisively chose to retreat.
This wasn't a problem that could be solved by brute force alone, and it also does not qualify as an 'enemy'.
Both of them moved swiftly, quickly leaving the green smoke behind. But from a distance, it was clear that the smoke was spreading across the entire island.
Netero simply said, "Let's go back." and then fell silent as they hurried away.
A few hours later, the two returned to the temporary camp and regrouped with the others.
Looking towards the horizon, a green line can be vaguely seen. Although it is not very clear, Law knew that the green smoke was slowly eroding every inch of the island. If the green smoke covers the entire island, the outcome would be self-evident.
"Did you resolve it?"
Linne stepped forward and asked.
Netero scratched his cheek and replied, "For now, yes. The situation is a bit complicated."
At this point, he glanced back at the green line on the horizon, his expression turning serious as he continued, "In any case, let's leave this island first."
At this point, all he could do was report the island's condition and the limited information he had gathered. Although there was no concrete evidence to confirm that the bandaged humanoid was a product of the Dark Continent, Netero had no choice but to assume so for now.
He estimated that it will not be long this place became a full-blown disaster, so the best option is to hand it over to the International Permit Agencies to deal with it.
Netero didn't think for too long before making a decision. Regardless of how far the toxic green smoke could spread, their priority was to leave the island immediately, report the situation, and then wash their hands of the matter.
He had come to Demon Island to deal with the Seirin Group, and since that was resolved, everything else was irrelevant.
Law had come to Demon Island to rescue Sanbica, and his goal was also achieved. Although he hadn't been able to explore the underground ruins, given the circumstances, he had no choice but to abandon that for now.
The group quickly prepared to depart.
Law recalled Kuro into the tattoo on the back of his hand, then stuffed Shin in it, then he carried the Surprise Box as they made their way back.
There was no conversation along the way, and by the evening of the next day, they arrived at the port.
The corpses from before had already decayed significantly, emitting a pungent stench.
The group moved past the bodies and boarded the ship docked at the port. It was the same one Netero had arrived in alone. Now, it was their key means of transportation for the return trip.
Once everyone was aboard, Netero drove the ship, slowly steering it away from the port.
Their decision to leave the island quickly was the right one, because the green smoke released by 'Void' was spreading to cover the entire island, turning it into a land of death.
As for the giant flesh ball monster, had it not been for the enhancement of Dove's Post-Mortem Nen altering its properties, it would have likely succumbed to the green smoke immediately.
The number of creatures on this island cannot be calculated, and it can only be said to be a terrifying number. However, within just a few days, this rich ecosystem would be completely wiped out.
The ship cut through the waves, moving farther and farther from Demon Island.
Law had no way of knowing what was currently happening on Demon Island. He Sitting on the bed in one of the ship's cabins, he absentmindedly tossed Surprise Box up and down.
'Those 'Void' had emerged from the underground ruins filled with corpses. Without thoroughly exploring those ruins, the truth would remain forever unknown. However, attempting to return there in the future would likely prove extremely difficult.'
Before heading to the control room, Netero hadn't mentioned Surprise Box, but he had told him that the island's situation would be handed over to the state for handling.
In other words, if he wanted to go to Demon Island again, the biggest obstacle wouldn't be Void, but the government.
At that point, not only would approval be nearly impossible, the difficulty of sneaking onto the island would also increase significantly.
"As long as Sanbica is safe, that's what matters." Law murmured to himself.
At this time, there was a knock on the door.
Law looked up and said, "Come in."
The door opened, and Linne walked in slowly, then closed the door behind her.
"Linne."
Luo looked at her and put the Surprise Box aside.
In terms of seniority, Law was generations younger than Linne, and he should have addressed her with respect. However, at Linne's request, he referred to her by her name directly.
Linne pulled up a chair, placed it beside the bed, and slowly sat down.
She looked at Law and got straight to the point, "You have to stay by my side for at least five years. That's the condition."
The condition she hadn't brought up on Demon Island was now laid out.
"Stay by your side?" Law asked in doubts.
Linne nodded slightly and said, "I know you've already become Biscuit's disciple in all but name, so I won't overstep. The reason I want you by my side is simply because I don't want certain things to vanish without a trace."
"Do you understand what I mean? I won't take you as my disciple, but you'll gain much from me. I won't claim it's invaluable, but it's the sum of my life's experience and achievements."
Her words emphasized gaining rather than learning, which indeed distinguishes this from a master-disciple relationship.
If Linne hadn't secretly placed some expectations on Law, she wouldn't have offered such favorable terms.
Normally, she would have insisted on formalizing their relationship as master and disciple. But now, by avoiding titles, she made it easier for Law to accept without pressure.
Hearing Linne's words, Law fell silent.
'No formal master-disciple bond, yet the benefits would be no less. The key is that the old woman in front of me is no small figure. She is the most senior Gourmet Hunter in the Hunter Association and can be said to be one of the best Gourmet Hunters in the world.'
'Rather than a condition, this was more like an incredible opportunity handed to me on a silver platter.'
'Apart from anything else, just Linne's collection of recipes alone would be a treasure trove for any Gourmet Hunter.'
'Just think about it… Over a lifetime, how many delicacies had she encountered? And among that vast number, which ones stood at the very top?
Law had no reason to refuse, but he didn't immediately agree either.
"Can I bring someone along?"
After a moment, he asked.
He'd accept the condition, but only if it was a two-for-one deal.
"Who?"
"Buhara."
…
The ship sailed for two days.
On this particular day, the sky was clear and cloudless. Law and the others gathered on the deck, ready to fish for their next meal.
With a sunshade, recliners, and a table stocked with chilled drinks and beer, they had all the essentials.
Law was holding a simple-looking fishing rod. But instead of bait, he had Kuro hooked to the line.
"Don't go for anything too small."
Law held up the fishing rod and gave a reminder.
"Got it, just throw me in already!" Kuro stared at the sea with great interest.
Upon hearing this, Law cast the line, sending Kuro flying toward the water. Kuro dived into the sea and vanished in an instant.
Machi and the others watched from the side, their heads full of black lines.
'Using a cat as bait?'
"Law, the rice is ready!"
Buhala walked out of the cabin, carrying an electric rice cooker in one hand.
Law hadn't yet told Buhara about Linne's offer, so he had no idea that an incredible opportunity was waiting for him.
After all, learning under Linne was a dream for any Gourmet Hunter.
"Put it on the table."
Without even looking back, Law let out the line fully extended as he watched the water. He just hoped Kuro wouldn't latch onto something bizarre
Buhara set the rice cooker down, then ran to Law's side and watched him fishing with Machi and the others, hoping that Law would catch the fish quickly so they could taste the 'sushi' Law had mentioned earlier.
In the captain's cabin, Netero looked at the young people on the deck through the glass and sighed.
"Feeling old?" Linne glanced at him and said.
"Hohoho, how could that be? I'm still young."
Netero replied with absolute seriousness.