The countless afterimages in the air, the howling wind, the trembling ground—all confirmed what Cheadle had tried to deny: Loki was a terrifying human monster.
'Could even the Chairman not defeat him?' Watching Netero's intense focus, Cheadle began to prepare for the worst.
Loki and Netero's battle was breathtaking, leaving the onlookers speechless and stunned.
But Netero was even more surprised.
Loki was attacking with everything he had—using Shigan, Geppo, and Rankyaku, performing extreme maneuvers at unrelenting speed.
Netero noticed something terrifying: before Netero even launched an attack, Loki was already prepared, as if anticipating his moves.
However, Loki's face was growing paler.
His enhanced Observation Haki and Byakugan's keen observation allowed him to sense Netero's attacks, even with Netero's calm mind. The mental strain was immense.
But the effort was worth it. Loki finally found an opening in Netero's defense.
Swish! Thud! A flash of white light, followed by crimson blood spraying into the air.
Silence fell.
The stunned faces of the onlookers were frozen in disbelief.
The white slash of the blade had vanished into the distance.
Loki reappeared, covered in wounds, but none were life-threatening. His aura weakened, his eyes heavy with fatigue, yet he smiled, his gaze fixed on Netero.
"That was tough. I finally landed a hit on the Chairman," Loki said, slightly breathless.
Netero frowned, looking down at a long, deep gash across his chest, blood flowing freely.
His face paled from blood loss.
Botobai, supporting Mizaistom, emerged from the Hunter Association building.
Before they could react to Loki's presence, they saw Netero's pale face and chest wound.
"The Chairman is injured!" Mizaistom exclaimed, seemingly invigorated.
Botobai, however, focused on the lingering 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva behind Netero.
"The Chairman used his ability."
Mizaistom looked at the giant Guanyin statue behind Netero. This was even more unbelievable.
The Zodiac members knew how terrifying Netero's 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva was.
Even without witnessing it firsthand, they'd heard countless accounts.
It was, as Botobai put it, an almost invincible ability.
Yet, Netero, using 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, had been injured, and seriously so.
Amidst the astonishment, Netero slowly raised his head, his gaze calm.
"Well done, little Loki," Netero chuckled dryly. "The last time I was injured... I can't even remember when."
"Chairman, are you alright?!" Cheadle called from behind Netero, rushing towards him.
Netero waved her off. "Stop! Don't come closer!"
His commanding voice boomed, halting Cheadle's approach.
She stopped, worriedly watching Netero.
"I'm fine," Netero said, turning to Loki. "This is nothing. It won't affect me."
"Disperse the crowd. Your presence hinders me."
Cheadle lowered her head, clenching her fists. She couldn't tell if Netero wanted them to escape or if they were truly hindering him.
But she wouldn't disobey. She glanced at the other Zodiac members, who nodded.
The Zodiacs began dispersing the crowd. Loki glanced at Netero.
He was also exhausted.
The all-out battle, though short, had pushed his Observation Haki and Byakugan to their limits, severely draining his mental energy.
Overdrive Death Mode was also nearing its limit.
Despite his condition, Loki wanted to give Netero one last surprise.
He glanced at a small dark spot on the ground, then at Netero.
"Even injured, the Chairman's aura remains unwavering.
Truly the Chairman of the Hunter Association."
"Hmph! If I couldn't maintain this level, I wouldn't be Chairman."
Raising Shinsō, Loki rallied his remaining strength.
"Then let's continue, Chairman."
"As you wish!" Netero raised his arms.
Loki exploded into motion, creating a whirlwind of Nen as he charged at Netero.
'Slower,' Netero noted the change. A smile played on his lips. 'A kid is still a kid. That last attack was his all, and he's overspent his Nen.'
"Fifty Hand!"
100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva's attack landed on Loki the instant Netero spoke.
Loki, charging at full speed, was struck by the giant hand. The impact felt like his body was shattering.
But even as he was struck, Loki's Shinsō was already aimed at Netero.
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