HxH: I Will Be Supreme

Two weeks later, Oboro departed to meet the other Dons on the Azian continent. His new status brought evident privileges, rather than sharing space with other passengers, he now commanded an entire private airship. Multiple layers of mafia guards protected the vessel inside and out, a show of force he didn't need but protocol demanded.

"Almost a year now," Oboro mused, lounging on a plush sofa before floor-to-ceiling windows that revealed the vast landscape below. His gains over the past year extended far beyond mere resources and gang connections. 

His combat experience had evolved significantly. Previously limited to one-on-one Nen battles, his time in the underworld had forced him to adapt to diverse combat scenarios. He'd witnessed a broader spectrum of Nen abilities, and the constant high-intensity conflicts had markedly enhanced both his aura control and physical capabilities.

More importantly, he'd begun to truly integrate into this world. No longer did he feel like merely a traveler from another time, he had become a genuine part of the Hunter world. His rise demonstrated the incredible potential ceiling for Nen users. While ordinary people might view a mafia boss as an unreachable existence, let alone one of the Ten Dons, Oboro knew there were others capable of claiming such positions. For most high-level Nen users, the mafia represented just one possible path to power. Oboro had chosen this route mainly due to his initial connection with the Fells family.

A subordinate handed him his juice, a quirk that distinguished him from other bosses who preferred cigars and spirits. His entourage had grown accustomed to their leader's unusual preferences.

Host: Oboro

Age: 20

Combat Class: Senior Nen Master (Eligible for promotion to: Grand Nen Master)

Comprehensive Evaluation: Human Evolver

Compared to his departure from Heaven's Arena, his classification had risen from Nen Master to Senior Nen Master. His martial capabilities remained similar, but his growth manifested in other ways - combat experience, tactical thinking, information processing speed, and what Biscuit called "heart." His telekinetic control had noticeably refined over the past year.

He understood that progress would naturally slow at higher levels. "The fighter rating seems based primarily on martial skill and technique diversity. I'll need to expand my repertoire," Oboro considered. "Physical attributes will require dedicated training as well."

Rising, he made his way to the airship's upper level. Only a few suited guards remained, two of them Nen users. The Fells family needed to rebuild their combat strength after Brown's purge had decimated their ranks. David had been recruiting from Meteor City, though the current crop of Nen users showed only average potential.

Oboro removed his coat, leaving just his white shirt, and began practicing his forms. Movement was essential for maintaining peak condition.

The next morning, his airship landed at a private dock filled with waiting vehicles. They transported him directly to a hidden research facility - completely isolated from the outside world. Beyond meeting the other Dons, Oboro had come to investigate the "major project" that had occupied Brown's attention, a partnership with V5.

The mafia's involvement with V5 didn't surprise Oboro. He'd anticipated this connection early on. The underworld controlled significant interests in scientific research, weapons development, and pharmaceuticals, resources even V5 couldn't ignore. When official channels proved insufficient, V5 turned to the mafia for their dirty work.

The facility rose from the desert, surrounded by electric fences, guard towers, bunkers, and surveillance stations. Security was so dense it seemed even insects couldn't penetrate the perimeter. Oboro was escorted to an outdoor venue where the other nine Dons waited. Some chatted, others were on their phones, all exuding casual power.

"Hello," Oboro smiled brightly, one hand in his pocket.

Seven of the Dons saw him for the first time, clearly surprised by his youthful demeanor. He projected none of the expected gravitas of their station.

"So young," one growled. "Rising from a minor family to kill Brown, impressive work."

"The underworld has no room for weakness," the female Don who knew Oboro declared coldly. "Brown's death proved his unworthiness."

Before further discussion could unfold, a Don ended his phone call. "They're here."

Three men in business suits approached, led by a pale, somewhat corpulent middle-aged man. His assistants carried briefcases while subordinates distributed protective gear to the group.

"A high-ranking V5 official," Oboro noted, studying the man's bearing. The official's subtle disdain for the Dons was evident, reminiscent of V5's attitude toward even someone like Chairman Netero.

Oboro learned the man's name was Rodman. The official showed no interest in Brown's death or the power transition. From V5's perspective, the Dons were interchangeable tools, valuable only for advancing their agenda.

V5 represented the five most powerful nations: The Begerosse Union, the United States of Saherta, the Ochima Federation, the United States of Balsa, and the Kukan'yu Kingdom. They had ventured into the Dark Continent and returned with the "Five Calamities." Though rarely highlighted, V5 clearly controlled humanity's true power in this world, the real "monsters" whose capabilities remained hidden from public view.

The group descended into the facility's core, passing countless tanks containing various creatures suspended in strange fluids. Lions, bears, wolves, and rarer specimens floated in the preservation chambers. Researchers presented constant updates to Rodman as they moved between sophisticated instruments.

The project's structure became clear, V5 provided oversight while the Dons supplied funding and personnel. The goal appeared to be genetic enhancement, seeking human evolution without devastating side effects. Given the horrors lurking in the Dark Continent, such preparation seemed prudent.

"They've been planning for contingencies," Oboro realized. Whether truly for humanity's benefit or merely their own nations remained unclear.

The final demonstration occurred in a sealed observation room. Through reinforced glass, they watched test subjects of varying ages receive injections of purple fluid. The results proved disturbing, flesh writhed and bones distorted. Some subjects grew bestial features before dying in agony.

Yet the survivors showed remarkable enhancement to their physical capabilities. "The compound remains experimental," a researcher explained to Rodman. "Success rates have improved since six months ago. Terminal patients have achieved recovery, though physical changes are unavoidable. Stronger subjects show better adaptation and minimal deformity. Middle-aged males currently demonstrate the lowest mortality rate."

"Insufficient," Rodman frowned. "The side effects remain too severe."

Oboro observed his fellow Dons' reactions. A successful enhancement drug would dramatically strengthen their organizations' combat potential. No wonder they'd allied with V5.

They proceeded to cells containing the "successful" subjects, all bearing visible mutations. The facility director began explaining, but Rodman cut him short with evident disgust. "Deal with this."

One of the Dons caught his meaning immediately, signaling his men to eliminate the test subjects. V5 wanted no loose ends.

The inspection concluded, the group returned to the surface. Oboro had glimpsed the true face of power in this world and the price of progress.