The Twelve Zodiacs had always gathered around Netero, drawn by his overwhelming charisma and strength. Even Pariston, but why did Oboro harbor such hatred for that man? Perhaps because Pariston's personality was even more twisted and incomprehensible than Hisoka's. His worship of Netero produced a paradoxical desire for destruction.
Whether the 'restrictions' Netero had placed on the afterlife, himself, and Ging Felix disappeared meant nothing to Pariston. His true desire was much simpler: he wanted to witness something beautiful: the moment of Chairman Netero's demise. This dovetailed perfectly with Beyond's goals.
Beyond wanted to "kill his father. Only through Netero's death could he venture to the Dark Continent and pursue his ambitions. In many ways, Beyond and Oboro shared similarities; both would stop at nothing to achieve their goals. Yet Oboro believed he still possessed a moral foundation, a greater purity than Beyond.
The Kakin Empire's actions had Beyond's fingerprints all over them. Take their exploration of new species, for example. When the Queen Ant arrived in the Mitene Federation, the Kakin began their investigation in a completely unrelated area. The reason? To give the chimera ants time to develop.
Something else bothered Oboro about the Chimera Ants. In recent history, this was the first instance of Dark Continent species infiltrating human society, an unprecedented event. Kakin's reaction suggested prior knowledge of the Chimera Ants. The question remained: how did they really arrive? Did they naturally cross the ocean to human lands, or did someone deliberately introduce them?
The answer seemed obvious. Beyond was the first to make its move in this deadly game.
Oboro's admiration for Netero ran deep. Even with his time travel advantages and his Nen ability to infinitely stack passive abilities, he knew he could never reach Netero's level. The man's strength defied belief, transcending the limitations of the human body.
Though the Hunters' Association had existed before, Netero was considered its founder because he revolutionized it, raising its influence and status to unprecedented heights. He breathed new life into the Association, something no one had done before him.
Oboro understood Netero's tolerant attitude towards him. The Chairman saw him differently from Beyond, recognizing that despite similar temperaments, there were subtle but crucial differences between them. Unable to change his son, Netero hoped that Oboro would be different.
But Oboro knew that he couldn't change. This understanding led him to agree to Ging's request after he entered Greed Island, ultimately bringing the Chairman there.
Like Beyond, Oboro sought power, absolute strength, and personal will. But their principles were fundamentally different. Oboro would never strike against his own father, as Beyond had done. Perhaps Netero's "shackles" on Beyond had been too restrictive, the oppression too severe.
In Oboro's view, many paths led to the Dark Continent. One could venture there alone if necessary, there was no need to force open the gates for all of humanity. Beyond's previous failure had taught him the limits of individual power, leading him to seek the collective strength of humanity.
This was what Oboro despised most, and it was the main difference between them. Beyond's quest wasn't just about power; it revealed a fundamental weakness of will. Those who denied their nature were unworthy of true strength. Beyond's apparent power masked inner weakness, while figures like Don Freecss represented true strength, the height of individual will. This embodied Oboro's ultimate goal.
Gyro, the creator of the NGL, particularly fascinated Oboro. Though eventually consumed by the ants, Gyro retained his human memories after his rebirth, breaking free from the Queen's control and defying the ants' rigid hierarchy. Such an act was unprecedented; ant soldiers were bound by absolute loyalty to their queen.
Given Gyro's original intentions in creating the NGL and his past experiences, Oboro believed he posed a threat capable of reshaping the human world in ways the original manga never explored. Though the anime omitted it, Togashi's manga had hinted at Gyro's terrifying abilities, particularly in scenes where Gon and Killua narrowly missed encountering him while traveling with Knuckle.
The manga's themes of misfortune, both for Gon and Killua and for the world at large, took on new meaning with Gyro's momentous appearance walking down a long street. His desire for revenge against humanity remained unshaken, and he continued his pre-death mission even in ant form.
After leaving NGL, Gyro reportedly made his way to Meteor City. Shoot and his companions could have stopped him early, but the opportunity passed them by. Though Meruem's death seemed to end the Chimera Ant arc, humanity had changed irrevocably. The life of the Dark Continent had been integrated into human society.
Welfin, the wolf-like ant who retained his human memories, proved his loyalty by confronting Meruem directly about Gyro. He followed Gyro to Meteor City and spoke of rebuilding their nation. These events foreshadowed future developments.
In Oboro's estimation, Gyro's threat level exceeded even Meruem's. This explains V5's strict prohibition on exploration of the Dark Continent. Even the Chimera ants, considered insignificant in their native habitat, had set off an almost unstoppable chain reaction in the human world.
The ants were only the beginning.
The current state of the world and humanity's predicament suggest that evolution by survival of the fittest will begin sooner rather than later," Oboro mused. Netero must have known that. His death meant little in the grand scheme of things, but he hoped to delay the inevitable, even though he knew it couldn't be stopped completely.
"As one would expect from someone with criminal connections, you're remarkably well informed," Xiyu remarked, leaning back on the sofa with his hands behind his head and sneering. "You even know the inner workings of the Kakin Empire."
"I know much more than that," Oboro replied with an enigmatic smile, meeting Xiyu's gaze. "Would you like to hear it?"
Xiyu's eyes turned cold. "Go on."
"All defensive, trying to look tough?" Oboro's lips curled upward. "Your motives for joining the Zodiacs, for example, aren't as simple as they seem. While Netero's influence brought you in, your reasons are different from the others."
The atmosphere in the hut changed as all eyes turned to Xiyu. They could feel the growing tension between him and Oboro.
Xiyu's expression darkened, his grip on his weapon tightened, ready to strike if Oboro continued.
"Relax," Oboro said, maintaining his smile. "I will not reveal your secret. Your tricks may fool others, but don't embarrass yourself with me. Besides, the Chairman knows he simply doesn't care. Did you really think you and that person could cover your tracks so perfectly?"
Xiyu remained silent.
Gailu looked between them in confusion. "What are you talking about?"
Even though she didn't understand the subtext, she sensed that Oboro had Xiyu cornered.
"Never mind," Oboro smiled at Gailu, his gaze returning to the man in the monkey suit. "You're here on Yorkshire's behalf, Gailu, but you interfered. Was that Pariston's order?"
Gailu's expression changed. "You're living up to your reputation, Yorkshire said you were the first person to really threaten both Ging and Pariston."
"She asked me to inform you that all important missions will now be monitored to prevent any actions that might harm the association. Even if you become a three-star hunter, don't expect to join the Zodiacs or the management."
Her words made Menchi and the other observers uneasy.
"Understood," Oboro nodded. "For the time being, until the chairman speaks, she can indeed implement such measures."
He accepted this calmly, it was expected. Turning to Xiyu, he asked, "Your thoughts?"
"The Vice President's intentions are clear," Xiyu replied coolly, appearing calm despite his inner turmoil. He considered informing Pariston and Beyond, but decided that their true mission took priority. There was no need to rush.
"Very well, I've heard you. Now hear me out," Oboro said, his hands in his pockets, his expression serious. "Take aim at me all you want, I welcome it. But understand this: I am the captain of this team, and my word is law. Those who cannot follow orders will be removed. And if the politics of the Association interfere with our mission," his voice remained soft, but with unmistakable authority. "I apologize in advance for my temper. Once provoked, I cannot guarantee my actions."
Menchi's team fixed unfriendly glances on the two Zodiacs.
They are united," Gailu observed. Within this team, Oboro's will rules.
"Is that a threat?" she asked.
"A notification," Oboro corrected.
Xiyu replied with a cold snort.
The atmosphere aboard the ship changed significantly after this exchange. Menchi's team cut off all communication with Gailu and Xiyu, leaving them isolated. Everyone understood that with the pretense shattered, there was no need to maintain false civility.
After a long journey, they finally reached Unnamed Island No. 10. Their investigation was about to begin.