"Is it really such an easy task?" Morin nodded slightly. "But why should I do something like that?"
"I'm not interested in any preparations V5 is making."
"Seems like you've got the wrong person, old man. V5 wants to venture into the Dark Continent and use the Sixth Continent for experiments? What's that got to do with me?"
(TN: I think the sixth continent is more accurate than the six continents, the chimera ants were only in one continent after all)
They can experiment however they like, Morin doesn't care. After all, he's planning to form his own Dark Continent team and head there himself. It has nothing to do with V5 and isn't related in any way.
As for whether V5's actions will bring disaster to the Sixth Continent and destroy it entirely... Morin says: "Do you believe I can extinguish the disaster or withdraw in time, taking my friends and family with me before it spreads?"
No matter the outcome of V5's preparations, it has no impact on Morin. So why should he agree to Netero's request to do something so thankless?
"You could consider it a commission from me~," Netero said calmly. "Once you complete it, I'll give you a reward."
"What kind of reward? Tell me first."
"For example, your Hunter star ranking—I can promote you to a Two-Star Hunter, granting you more benefits."
Netero stroked his beard. "And my experiences and findings from my previous journey to the Dark Continent, I can share that information with you."
"Benefits of a Two-Star Hunter, and your information from the Dark Continent?"
Morin rubbed his chin. "Sounds quite tempting."
A smile suddenly appeared on his face. "But, I refuse."
"Old man, do you think with my resources, the benefits of a Two-Star Hunter are attractive to me?"
"So the conditions you're offering, I don't find them enticing enough to accept your commission."
After saying this, Morin continued sipping his tea.
Netero continued, "Are you not even interested in the information about the Dark Continent?"
He hit the nail on the head.
"Previously, in Yorknew City, I met another old man. He said he was from the Zoldyck family, named Maha," Morin said leisurely. "You must be familiar with that name, right, old man Netero?"
"Oh? You met him?"
Netero's mustache twitched slightly. "Seems like he got to you first."
"So it seems you and he are old acquaintances."
Morin smiled. "Regarding the many secrets of the Dark Continent, Maha Zoldyck has already told me everything he knows."
"I think the information I've acquired is already sufficient for me to digest!"
Is the information about the Dark Continent really enough? Of course, the more, the better! It's never enough.
Joking aside, Netero was someone Morin had long planned to recruit into his team for a future expedition to the Dark Continent. The valuable experiences Netero held were already considered by Morin as his own.
How could he let Netero use something that he could obtain in the future without any cost as a reward for this commission?!
"Is that so? Is it really enough?" Netero looked at Morin with a couple of glances, speaking casually. It was unclear if he truly didn't care or was pondering something else.
"How about this, I don't know what would attract you, so why don't you name your price?"
Netero handed the decision over to Morin.
"Is that so? You're so polite, old man. How could I possibly refuse?"
Morin rubbed his hands together, his face beaming with a bright smile.
Netero:...
Beans:...
You've been waiting for this moment, haven't you? You're making it too obvious!!!
"Old man, you're still a senior, so how could I, as a junior, have the audacity to make exorbitant demands?"
Morin looked as if he was genuinely considering Netero's position, speaking sincerely.
"How about this then?"
He casually waved his hand. "Simply, I just want one promise from you, old man Netero."
Morin raised one finger towards him. "When the time comes, as long as it doesn't violate your martial arts beliefs and life principles, I want you to unconditionally agree to one thing for me."
"Unconditionally... agree to one thing..."
Beans chewed over this condition, then looked at Morin.
Not making an exorbitant demand... this condition is already quite demanding, isn't it?!
For others, this condition might not mean much. But if the target is the Chairman of the Hunter Association, the world's strongest, Netero?
That weight is not ordinary at all.
---
Netero's promise is far more precious than many other conditions! Even someone as straightforward as Mr. Beans understands the value of this condition!
"Ho ho, an unconditional promise for one thing?" Netero chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the condition. It was as if he found it amusing that even at his age, someone would still consider him valuable.
"Didn't expect there'd still be a day when I'm needed..."
Netero's eyes were deep, making it hard to discern his true thoughts. "Alright, I agree to your request. This is a promise from the world's strongest martial artist, Netero!"
"Great!" Morin clapped his hands in delight upon hearing Netero's straightforward agreement. "So, old man, what do you want me to do?"
"I want to know the specifics of V5's plans," Netero said, seemingly unaffected by the binding nature of the condition. He took a sip of tea and continued, "I just need their thoughts and actions, and how they plan to implement them."
"As for other aspects, like if they've already started implementing them, you don't need to worry about it. Just inform me of the situation, and I'll handle it," Netero said.
"So, old man, where do you think I should start?" Although Morin already knew most of the Chimera Ant incident, he still sought Netero's opinion.
"Hmm, I don't know much about this..." Netero pondered. "You could ask Pariston. He seems to play an unusual role in this preparation event."
Morin: "...???"
Old man, are you sure you're not joking?!
Old man, you're the Chairman of the Hunter Association, and Pariston is the Vice Chairman. Yet, you're clueless about this matter, while Pariston plays a unique role in it... Who's the Chairman, and who's the Vice Chairman?!
In the original, Pariston indeed seemed to have his shadow in this event. He first tripped up Netero within the Hunter Association, causing the Chimera Ant extermination squad to lack follow-up support. He even forced Netero to personally lead the team with planted the Rose Bomb in his heart.
Later, after the Ant King Meruem's death, he had the thousands of Chimera Ant eggs left in the royal palace airlifted away. These represent thousands of Nen users, with physical prowess surpassing that of human beasts! Such a massive force is enough to influence the world's situation.
Though the manga hasn't revealed where these eggs were transported or what role they'll play in the future, based on various analyses, it's likely these eggs ended up in V5's hands.
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