HxH: I Will Be Supreme

V5 maintained strict control over information about the Dark Continent, forbidding any public knowledge of this forbidden realm.

The Kurta clan's book could prove problematic. The safest approach would be to use Mafia connections to hire skilled linguists to analyze it. Failing that, capturing another Kurta member remained an option...or eventually making contact with Kurapika.

Rash involvement with V5 could endanger both Oboro and the Kurta clan if the book's contents were leaked.

"Perhaps... infiltrating V5 directly..." 

The next day, in a town outside Lukso Province, Oboro sat in a cafe, watching passersby as he considered his next move.

Part of his goal in becoming one of the Ten Dons was to make connections within V5. Having allies within V5 would make his path to becoming a Slayer and his future endeavors easier. Most importantly, it would give him freedom of movement... But ordinary V5 officials lacked real influence.

If V5 could be easily infiltrated, figures like Beyond Netero, Pariston, and even the Chairman wouldn't face such restrictions.

One possibility remained...

Follow the example of the Kakin Empire - force V5 to accept a new power and transform itself into V6.

This would require first establishing a nation, one with significant power and influence. 

"Building a country..." He smiled ruefully, feeling a headache coming on.

This wasn't just talk. Actually building a nation would prove to be ten or a hundred times more difficult than becoming one of the Ten Dons. The time and resources required were staggering.

Better to put that on hold for now.

"Start with quantity... build a network of connections..."

With this in mind, Oboro called David.

He instructed the butler to compile a list of V5 officials, targeting them through the Fells family's influence... regardless of their rank.

David understood Oboro's intent, but warned that placing agents within V5 would take considerable time... As gangsters, they started at a disadvantage. Detection by higher-ups could prove disastrous.

Initially, they could only focus on V5's lower-level employees...

Oboro trusted David and Phyllis Lily's abilities. The reputation of the Fells family provided a basis for this communication... As for time, Oboro could wait.

At certain levels of power, money lost its primacy... but the Mafia's resources could help V5's minor players in many ways, especially in personal matters. This gave them leverage.

Everyone had selfish desires to exploit...

After establishing a network, they could gradually elevate selected pawns...

David also mentioned Hisoka...

The clown had only stayed a week before leaving the mansion.

After hearing everything, Oboro ended the conversation... This showed the advantage of controlling an organization. He could delegate worries and concentrate on training. From that perspective, his year with the Mafia had been worthwhile.

"Time for the hunter exam. Let's join the Association..."

Oboro finished his coffee and stood up with a slight smile.

The past two months had been relatively peaceful. Apart from Hisoka's interruption, he'd felt more relaxed than during his Mafia days. He had also mastered the basic breathing techniques... Though not perfected, his skills had grown considerably, improving both his temperament and his physical condition. This was his most peaceful period since arriving in the Hunter world.

Becoming a hunter would end this peace.

So exhausting...

Growth was never easy.

...

The 287th Hunter Examination was held on the Yorbian Continent. Candidates had to pass several preliminary tests before reaching the venue. Oboro, however, already knew the final location.

Bangi City - a small settlement near the Gordeau Desert, not far from Yorkshin.

How did he know that? He had called Wing, who had asked Bisky. They hadn't spoken directly. Bisky had told Wing that Oboro could easily become a hunter with his abilities, but rules were rules... Finally, she had given him the address.

When Oboro left Heaven's Arena, Bisky had expected him to take the Hunter's Exam and had even discussed it with Chairman Netero. Instead, the promising fighter disappeared... Later, the Chairman informed her that Oboro had joined the Mafia and become one of the Ten Dons.

This was no secret... The Hunters' website offered such information for a price, though details became scarce after his elevation to Don. The Mafia actively hid information about the Dons, and access to high-level information required astronomical amounts of money.

Of course, this only affected ordinary people. For those like Netero or the Zoldycks, the Mafia had few secrets.

The Fells family's meteoric rise, combined with Oboro's reclusiveness - leaving David as the public face - had created significant gaps in his background. The family's efforts to erase his traces meant that within a few years he'd become virtually invisible.

Some would remember him, but their numbers would dwindle.

From Wing's account, Bisky seemed unhappy with Oboro's involvement with the Mafia, seeing it as a waste of potential... She obviously hoped that he would soon join the Hunters' Association.

Otherwise, the old master felt uncomfortable.

Wing had told him that directly.

But Oboro concentrated more on... Netero.

The old man's attention was fascinating.

Wing, caught in the middle, suggested that Oboro contact Bisky directly.

Instead, Oboro simply thanked him and ended the conversation.

"..."

Wing sighed.

Oboro took an airship directly to Bangi City.

Once launched, the location of the Hunter Exam remained accessible.

"I must be the first to arrive..."

Stepping out of the terminal into the scorching sunlight, Oboro loosened his collar with a grin.

His approach was blatant cheating.

Despite Bisky's emphasis on rules, Oboro didn't care...

Playing games with "schoolchildren" had no appeal.

Bangi City was tiny, barely bigger than a few towns. Even its terminal seemed inconspicuous. Its proximity to the desert made it oppressively hot... Tourism was minimal. At noon, the streets were almost empty.

After only a few minutes of walking, even he felt the intensity of the sun...

Within half an hour he found his destination - a working amusement park.

The owner, a balding middle-aged man, was lazily fanning himself at the ticket window.

Business seemed slow, with no customers in sight.

Oboro tapped the glass...

"Prices and attractions are upstairs. Make your choice." The man spoke lazily, barely lifting his eyelids.

"Need a password? I'm here for the Hunter Exam..."

The man's expression changed instantly. He sat up and stared intently.

Hunter Exam... The preliminaries had just begun... This guy...

"Yes, I passed the preliminary test... Even though no qualified navigator led me here, I suppose that's acceptable..." Oboro adjusted his sunglasses, revealing his eyes with a wink. "How else would I know the location?"

"..."

Somewhere in the distance, Bisky sneezed unexpectedly.

After a brief stare, the man spoke dryly: "Inside. Exhibition hall three!"

"Much appreciated."

Oboro raised his hand.

Suddenly, the man threw something. Oboro caught it - an exam badge.

Number 001.

"Good luck."

The attendant watched Oboro enter, stroking his chin thoughtfully. His instincts screamed that there was something wrong with this candidate! But nothing prevented it... The test had no explicit Navigator requirement. Anyone who could find this place had technically passed the preliminaries.

He'd never seen anyone arrive so quickly!

Even without completing any missions, the journey alone...

In Hall Three, Oboro found an empty, well-lit, air-conditioned room.

He had only come to scout. The actual examination had a deadline; he could return then. No point in waiting.

Turning to leave -

"Ahem..."

A voice suddenly echoed through the hall.

Someone was here!

Oboro's pupils contracted. He hadn't sensed anyone.