Because he needed to cook a few dishes, he hung up the phone when the conversation turned to important topics.
This man, who in the original work was so cunning that even Ging found him troublesome, neither angered nor annoyed, slowly placed the receiver down, his face wearing the same unchanging smile as always.
He thought for a moment, then took out his phone and dialed Beyond's number.
After a while, the person who answered the call wasn't Beyond, but a woman's voice.
Pariston wasn't surprised and asked, "Is he available?"
"He is." The gentle and calm female voice replied.
A few seconds later, Beyond's rough voice came through the phone: "What's the matter?"
Pariston paused briefly before explaining the situation with Saiyu and Law, including the potential repercussions of Law reporting to Netero.
Beyond listened silently, then responded in an indifferent tone: "Handle it as you see fit. Is there anything else?"
"No." Pariston replied calmly.
"Then I'm hanging up," Beyond said before ending the call.
Pariston stared at the phone, which is now emitting a dial tone, and let out a faint sigh.
He understood that Beyond's words meant he was to resolve the matter himself. That indifferent attitude was Beyond's unique style… or rather, it was Beyond's absolute confidence in a certain thing.
Netero had placed a restriction on Beyond. No, the true restriction was the mutual agreement between Beyond and Netero, which was the real reason preventing Beyond from going to the Dark Continent.
The content of that restriction was: Beyond can only go to the Dark Continent after Netero's death.
In other words, only when Netero died would the restriction on Beyond be lifted, allowing him to finally journey to the Dark Continent.
Considering this, if Netero were to learn about the relationship between Pariston and Beyond…
Normally, one might assume that Pariston infiltrated the Zodiacs to eliminate Netero, thereby lifting Beyond's restriction and paving the way for a grand expedition to the Dark Continent.
However, Netero wouldn't think that way.
Why?
Perhaps, in Netero's heart, he genuinely hoped that his son Beyond would challenge him in a fight to the death…
This speculation had no concrete basis, but Pariston deduced some clues based on Beyond's attitude.
Compared to these concerns, what Pariston found most displeasing wasn't the risk of exposure but the potential consequences that might cost him his position as Vice Chairman.
"I… haven't even started playing yet."
Pariston murmured to himself.
He had worked diligently to secure the Vice Chairman's position… partly due to Beyond's orders, and partly to engage in a unique kind of game, or perhaps play, with the Chairman.
If Law's interference caused him to lose this opportunity for amusement, it would be troublesome.
"Though, I don't think Chairman would actually remove me from my position…"
Pariston slowly stood up and walked toward the office door.
Before Law called back, he needed to investigate Saiyu's current status… even if it meant finding his corpse.
…
In the hotel suite, the dining table was covered with empty plates, their surfaces slick with oil residue.
Killua rubbed his full stomach, his eyes narrowed in satisfaction.
Only after eating his fill did he belatedly ask, "What happened to that monkey guy?"
"Dead." Law replied. After a pause, he added: "Sorry, he was targeting me and tried to use you as leverage."
"I thought he was an enemy of the family." Killua said, realization dawning on him. Then, with a mischievous grin, he added, "I won't accept your apology."
"And then?" Law glanced at Killua.
Killua smirked slyly, "You'll have to make it up to me. Stay with me for half a year… no, three months will do!"
"Give it up."
Law shook his head and began clearing the dishes from the table when his hand suddenly paused. He sensed two people outside the door.
'Silva?'
The Auras of the newcomers carried no hostility, nor were they deliberately concealed… yet they showed no intention of entering.
Law abruptly expanded his En, sweeping over the figures outside the door. Their outlines confirmed it was Silva and Tsubone.
'Not planning to come in?'
He thought silently but didn't call them out, simply continuing to gather the dishes before heading to the kitchen.
"Then how about just one month?"
Killua trailed after him, putting on a pitiful act.
"No. I still have a lot to deal with. I'll be leaving tonight or tomorrow at the latest." Law mercilessly rejected him again.
"You're so mean!"
Killua flopped onto the floor dramatically, but Law ignored him.
After washing the dishes, Law dried his hands and glanced toward the door. Silva had already left, but Tsubone remained.
'They came to confirm with their own eyes but didn't want to show themselves.'
Law exhaled slightly and turned back to Killua, "I'm going out to take care of something. Stay in the room and rest."
Without waiting for Killua's reaction, he left the suite.
The hallway was empty, but Law knew Tsubone was nearby. Since she didn't intend to reveal herself, he ignored her presence, taking the elevator straight to the hotel rooftop.
The rooftop was deserted, winds howling past his ears.
Law activated his Domain, silencing the noise, then took out his phone and dialed a number.
Instead of calling Pariston back, he called Netero directly.
As for Pariston's tempting proposal, Law wasn't the least bit interested. Unlike Ging, he hadn't been tricked by Netero before. If he wanted to go to the Dark Continent, there was no need to follow official channels.
In other words, if he wanted to go, the real obstacles weren't the four stringent conditions… but securing a ship capable of enduring the months-long voyage and finding reliable companions willing to make the journey.
For the ship, he could have Ellie's shipyard build one for him. She seemed to be having funding issues lately, so he'd have to check on that when he had time.
As for companions… that was the real challenge. After all, Dark Continent wasn't a place just anyone would want to go.
The phone rang over a dozen times before it was finally answered.
"How rare for you to call me first. Linne is here with me… do want to come over?" Netero's teasing voice came through the phone.
"You have a son?" Law didn't waste any time and cut straight to the point.
"No." Netero replied earnestly.
"Then I'll hang up and call Linne to ask instead. Or you can just hand the phone to her." Law said seriously.
Netero fell silent for a moment before asking curiously, "How did you find out?"
Law replied, "Not only do I know you have a son, I also know who he is, what he's currently planning, and the fact that Pariston is working for him."
"Oh?" Netero let out a sound of surprise… not necessarily at how much Law knew, but at the revelation that Pariston was Beyond's man.
"Listen, I'll tell you everything I know right now." Law said calmly.
"No need. What you've said is already enough."
Netero chuckled, his voice carrying amusement, 'That troublesome Pariston, who had always been so hard to pin down, turned out to be Beyond's subordinate. This made things even more interesting.'
"You're serious?" Law was taken aback.