HxH: Apex Predator

"What? Father, did I hear you wrong?

Shouldn't we be issuing a declaration to mediate between the two families as soon as possible? Why are we directly sending people to join the fight?

And even if we plan to protect the Kolobo's subsidiary families, wouldn't it suffice to notify Sosa to heighten his defenses?"

"Why do we need to intervene personally? Won't that make it obvious we're taking sides? The Genovese family and even the other two families would definitely have their doubts."

"Doubts? Let them have doubts. And if they do, so what? This time, we're stepping in solely to help our own Gambino-affiliated families fend off an external threat.

This conflict, from start to finish—whether it's the Hall family or the Kolobo family—has been a battle against outside forces."

"So far, there's no evidence proving the Kolobo family orchestrated the Seven Gangs' attack on the Hall family. Likewise, there's no evidence indicating any internal forces are targeting the Philip and Medici families."

"Unless someone from the other families steps up to admit responsibility, helping our subordinates defend against an external threat is, by both family tradition and street honor, above reproach.

This justification is solid enough to silence any criticism."

"But why send reinforcements, Father? Couldn't we just relay the information to Sosa and let him warn his subsidiaries?"

"Gordon, you must understand—offering help in times of need is always more impactful than adding unnecessary assistance.

Imagine this: we inform Sosa, who then warns those two families. Who do you think they'll credit for the warning?"

"Then why don't we notify Philip and Medici directly? That way, the favor is directly ours."

"That's where you're mistaken. Acting like that might earn us a favor from those two families, but it'll also provoke Sosa's resentment and suspicion.

Think about it—bypassing the master to aid the subordinates directly? That would make him sleepless with worry. It'd imply we're conspiring with his affiliates behind his back."

"But isn't sending our people to fight even worse? Wouldn't that seem more blatant than just notifying them?"

"Who said I'd bypass Sosa when sending reinforcements?

I'll inform him about this intelligence and let 'him' relay the warning to those two families."

"What? I don't quite get your strategy, Father. If Sosa already knows and sends his own reinforcements, won't ours just be redundant?"

"Think, Gordon—how do you think Sosa will react once he learns about this information?"

Gordon pondered for a few seconds before replying, "He'd immediately deploy additional forces to defend those two families and try to capture some culprits alive as evidence."

"Normally, yes. But you're forgetting one crucial detail—I'm sending 'Bat', our family's trump card, into the fray.

The moment Sosa realizes I've deployed someone as significant as Bat, his thoughts will shift. He'll see it as an indication that the Gambino family has officially aligned with him in this conflict."

"With that in mind, his focus will shift from merely defending those families to eliminating the Hall family as quickly as possible.

And to ensure everything goes as planned, I won't inform him immediately. Instead, I'll create a time lag."

"If my estimation of Tony's cunning is correct, he'll aim to conclude this quickly, knowing we'll step in to mediate no later than the fourth day.

After obliterating the Seven Gangs yesterday, he's likely to strike tomorrow at the earliest. So tonight, I'll inform Sosa about the threat to his subsidiary families."

"By then, our forces, led by Bat, will already be in place. But they won't reveal themselves until the attack begins, possibly late tomorrow afternoon or evening.

This way, no matter which family is targeted, we'll earn their gratitude."

"But Father, even if we secure their gratitude, what can these two families really offer?

Despite being the Kolobo family's second and third-ranked subsidiaries, they're far weaker compared to the Solomon family. Together, they wouldn't even come close to matching Solomon's strength."

"Exactly. And this is why I believe Sosa can't match Tony's leadership. Of all four families, Sosa's management is undoubtedly the weakest.

He's allowed the Solomon family to grow disproportionately powerful under his rule. Even if they're loyal now, who's to say the next generation of Solomon's leadership will be the same?"

"Gordon, you must understand—our Gambino family has persisted for five generations under this model. Ever since the second leader took charge, we've consistently maintained four subsidiary families."

"But did you know? Not once have two successive leaders had the exact same set of four families under their command.

When your grandfather assumed leadership, he replaced two subsidiaries. When I took over, I promoted the Genovese family."

"Nothing is permanent, and you must always prepare for the unexpected. My arrangements with Philips and Medici are like planting seeds for you. If the Kolobo family ever falters, you'll have these alliances ready to leverage."

"So, Father, what's our next move?"

"All the pieces are in place. But whether the opponent plays along with our strategy remains to be seen.

For now, we wait for tomorrow's results. Once we see how things unfold, we'll make further moves."

"Also, inform Bat and his team that if either family is attacked, they're to hold off until about one-third of the damage has been done before intervening.

Additionally, uncover the identity of the attacking force. I need to know whether it's a single individual or a group."

"Finally, tell Bat and the others not to engage recklessly. Their priority is to disrupt the attackers' plans, not fight to the death. With mercenaries, they're unlikely to stick around for a futile battle."

"And if it's a lone assailant, they're to avoid combat altogether and relay a message: John Gambino would like a meeting."

"What if Tony doesn't act tomorrow as predicted? And can Sosa really eliminate the Hall family that quickly?"

"Don't worry. Tony knows his time is limited to three days before we step in. Tomorrow is his last chance.

And as for Sosa? That short-sighted fool won't miss such a golden opportunity."

*Riiiiing!*

The phone interrupted their conversation. Gordon quickly answered it.

A few moments later, he hung up with a satisfied smile.

"Father, I've just received word. Sosa has secretly hired two bounty hunters through the Solomon family—both are Nen users.

They've already arrived at the Solomon family's headquarters. It's likely they'll act tomorrow."

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