Hunter x Hunter : Germain Joins The Hunt

"Boom——"

It sounded like smashing iron with a hammer. Netero's fists pounded the ground relentlessly, as if treating the rock layers beneath him as unyielding metal. The training outfit embroidered with the word "Heart" swayed with each strike.

"Boom——"

He focused solely on his "forging iron," not sparing a single glance toward Germain. But Germain knew—Netero must have noticed his approach long before.

"Boom——"

After watching for a while, Germain turned away and gazed into the depths of the dense forest. His expression remained calm, and he stayed silent.

You've been watching me for a while. It's time to come out, isn't it?

"Such a perceptive brat."

A deep, weathered voice came from the forest. However, the figures that emerged were two—one tall and one short.

Zeno Zoldyck walked with his hands clasped behind his back, his hunched frame bearing a robe marked with the bold words "Active in Career." A wolf-like grin spread across his face.

"You've noticed us for some time, haven't you? The flow of Nen doesn't lie. For us assassins, the most troublesome targets are those who stay vigilant all the time. It makes our work... less efficient."

Germain responded to Zeno's question with his usual silence.

Zeno didn't seem offended. He chuckled twice, then shook his head slightly.

Silva Zoldyck, his long silver hair flowing loosely, stood tall and imposing. His powerful arms hung naturally at his sides, his piercing gaze coldly appraising Germain.

Compared to when I met him a few months ago, his physique and Nen had grown significantly—no, terrifyingly stronger. It's almost like a leap in evolution.

What exactly happened to him in these past months?

What an unbelievable man.

Silva chose not to voice his observations to his father. He knew Zeno's seasoned experience allowed him to see far more than he ever could.

Though Zeno had aged and stepped down as head of the family, Silva still saw much to learn from him.

Germain wasn't surprised to see the Zoldyck father and son here. Even though Netero hadn't mentioned it, Germain had already expected their arrival.

Just like in the original timeline.

Chairman Netero had paid a hefty sum and relied on his deep connections with Maha and Zigg to bring Zeno and Silva here.

But their mission wasn't to eradicate or eliminate the Chimera Ants. Even with Netero's long-standing relationship with the Zoldycks, they wouldn't accept such a task.

It wasn't about money; it was about value. Like any ancient and prestigious family, they always prioritized the interests of the family. Reckless risks were not part of their code.

Of course, there were exceptions—like Killua after removing Illumi's needle.

For Gon, Killua was willing to do almost anything.

Back to Zeno and Silva.

Zeno's mission was to hold off the Royal Guards and transport Netero and Meruem to the designated battlefield.

Once that was done, Zeno would retreat without further involvement.

Silva's role was to provide backup for Zeno and take care of any Chimera Ants that got in their way.

They wouldn't take on unnecessary tasks, like challenging the Royal Guards or the even stronger Meruem.

Germain pointed toward the basin below, where Netero was.

"What is the Chairman doing?"

Zeno twirled the ends of his long, shrimp-like white mustache and smiled.

"Of course, he's reclaiming the strength of his youth… The battles with those Chimera Ant squad leaders, commanders, and soldiers were nothing more than warm-ups."

Zeno's expression suddenly turned serious, his lips tightening.

"I didn't expect Netero to call on you. I thought he'd stubbornly refuse to let any of the younger Hunters take part in this extermination mission."

Germain adjusted the brim of his triangular hat with one hand.

"Aren't there many young Hunters in the extermination team? Morel, Knov, and their students, for example."

"Hmm… Of course, I meant aside from them. Even before the Ant King was born, Netero underestimated the so-called 'King' to some extent. Is that why he supplemented the team?"

Maybe that was the reason.

Or maybe not.

Even Germain himself couldn't fully grasp Netero's intentions.

What exactly had Granny Linne said to persuade him?

Why did Netero change his mind and specifically ask for Germain to join the mission?

In the coming days, Germain would likely figure it out.

As for the punishment from the Review Department and the Specialized Hunters for skipping their negotiation meeting and joining on his own terms, Germain didn't care in the slightest.

They could go to hell for all he cared.

Hunter Association procedures had never been something he paid attention to.

If he were the type to follow rules, he would never have ventured to the Dark Continent in the first place.

Rules only restrained those who followed them.

For those who didn't, there were always ways to benefit.

At the same time, Germain's thoughts drifted to the Dark Continent, to the situations of Ging, Bisky, and Menchi.

Before he and Shizuku returned to Greed Island, they had already informed Ging, Bisky, and Menchi that they would only come back after fully researching and developing the alchemy plant.

At the latest, they planned to return by the end of this year.

This was also why Granny Linne told him to "do his best." Over by Mobius Lake, a group of people was still waiting for Germain and the others to provide support.

At this moment, the sound of explosions in the distance suddenly stopped.

Everyone turned their heads and saw Netero climbing up the dirt wall steadily, step by step, until he stood before them.

Although he had appeared with a powerful and imposing aura, as soon as he stopped and stroked his fluffy white beard, he instantly reverted to his cheerful and kind elderly demeanor.

The transformation was so quick, it was as if two entirely different people had switched places in the blink of an eye.

"Now that Germain is here, we can talk business," Netero said.

There wasn't a hint of small talk in his tone. He got straight to the point.

"V5 and the Hunter Association are working on an emergency strategy to deal with the new situation. But I can't just sit idly by, so I've brought in some help—you."

Zeno gestured toward Germain.

"Is he also one of the 'helpers' you invited? Or was it more like an order? He's a member of the Hunter Association, isn't he under your management?"

Netero nodded first, then shook his head.

"I didn't ask him to help as the Chairman of the Hunter Association. I asked as an old man requesting a favor. There's a difference."

Zeno understood and couldn't help but smirk slyly.

"So, in other words, the Hunter Association doesn't even know Germain has joined us, right?"

"Exactly. He's not even an official member of the Chimera Ant Extermination Team. In a way, his current position is quite similar to yours."

"Heh, as expected of the Hunter Association Chairman. You've mastered the art of playing with words," Zeno remarked with a chuckle.

Netero laughed for a moment, then walked over to a nearby bush. From there, as if by magic, he took out a briefcase, opened it, and revealed the documents inside.

********

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