章 84: The Talk With Chairman
The atmosphere in Chairman Netero's private chamber was different from the buzz of the examination hall. The room was enveloped in an aura of subtle grandeur and wisdom, a reflection of the man who occupied it. Haruto stood silently by the door, his posture impeccable yet relaxed, a sign of innate confidence. Netero's eyes twinkled, a subtle acknowledgment of the audacity the young King had displayed.
Haruto broke the silence, his tone as measured as his steps. "Chairman Netero, I trust you found the outcome of the exam... satisfying?"
Netero chuckled, clearly enjoying the nuance in Haruto's words. "I must admit, your strategy was a masterstroke. A thousand Nen Masters, all Hunters now. You've circumvented the system quite elegantly."
"Systems are meant to serve people, not constrain them," Haruto replied, unfazed. "Your association would benefit from an alliance with the Meteor Kingdom."
"I presume the traditional fees are now a moot point?"
"Indeed," Haruto said. "Not only is the fee waived, but the Hunter Association now owes benefits to my kingdom. I trust you'll ensure they're worth our while."
Netero leaned back, clearly impressed. "Your ambition is quite... unique. You already think like a ruler, unyielding and far-sighted."
Haruto nodded with a subtle smile, not offering further elaboration. Netero recognized the calculated reserve and found it intriguing. This wasn't an attack on the Hunter Association's authority; it was a move in a larger game, one that Haruto was clearly well-equipped to play.
"Ambition recognizes ambition," Netero finally said, breaking the silence. "You're not just playing the game; you're changing the rules."
"Why stick to an old playbook when the game is clearly evolving?" Haruto responded, unfazed.
Netero chuckled. "True. The world will be watching, Haruto. You have the resources, and now you have the leverage. I'm intrigued to see how you'll use them."
"As am I, Chairman," Haruto said, his eyes narrowing just a bit, not in challenge but in acknowledgment of an understanding.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Netero rose from his chair. Haruto followed suit, and they shared a firm handshake—two powerful entities recognizing the potential of an alliance, or perhaps a future competition.
"Until we meet again, Chairman," Haruto said, turning to leave the chamber.
"The pleasure will be mine, Haruto," Netero replied, watching as the door closed behind him.
Outside the chamber, Canary, Feitan, and Phinx were waiting. The trio looked up as Haruto emerged, their faces reflecting varying degrees of curiosity and anticipation.
"Well?" Feitan inquired, his eyes sharp but devoid of any doubt. He knew whatever happened in that room was likely another piece falling into place in Haruto's grand design.
"We have what we came for, and more," Haruto said. "Prepare the men and send them to Kingdom. We will return to Kukan'yu Palace and will return tomorrow."
Phinx nodded, absorbing Haruto's command with a simple, "Understood, Haruto." He left to relay the orders, his steps purposeful and quick.
As Feitan and Canary waited next to Haruto, a small group approached them. Killua took the lead, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio following behind. Feitan stepped closer to Killua, ruffling his silver-white hair. "What's up, shorty?"
"I'm not short; I'm young," Killua shot back, a smirk forming on his lips. "You on the other hand..."
Feitan's eyes sparkled with mock menace. "Now you've done it, shorty!"
Killua chuckled, clearly unafraid of Feitan's theatricality. Gon and Leorio exchanged amused glances, while Kurapika simply observed, assessing the dynamics.
Killua looked at Haruto, then turned to Feitan. "Hey, can Gon and Leorio come with us to the Kingdom?" There was a hopeful note in his voice. During the short but intense Hunter Exam, Killua had formed a close friendship with both Gon and Leorio.
Feitan glanced at Gon and Leorio, then at Haruto. After a moment, he nodded. "Sure. We could use some new blood in Meteor Kingdom. Talent is always welcomed."
Killua grinned, exchanging high-fives with Gon and Leorio. Leorio especially seemed relieved; he needed significant financial support for his medical education and the Meteor Kingdom, with its reputed benefits, offered an attractive alternative.
"So, it's settled," Feitan declared, turning to face Haruto, who gave an approving nod.
Feitan's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Alright, then. You're in."
Gon simply nodded, his eyes meeting Haruto's for a moment. "It's a place to start looking for my father."
Killua grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Sweet! Wait 'til you see Meteor Kingdom, guys. It's like nothing else."
Feitan looked at Haruto, who gave a small nod in acknowledgment. "You've passed the Hunter Exam, but there's something else you should know," Feitan began. "Before you learn Nen, you won't be considered a true Hunter."
Killua, who was already aware of this, grinned. "Oh, you guys are in for a treat! Nen is like this amazing force—kinda like energy. We channel it in different ways. It's got techniques and stuff, and it's super useful!"
Leorio looked puzzled, scratching his head. "Nen? Is that like some kind of mystical mumbo-jumbo?"
Killua chuckled. "Nah, it's more complicated than that. It's like a life energy you can use for different things. Once you master it, you can create your own unique ability called Hatsu."
Haruto listened to the conversation, leaning against a wall. His eyes were steady, watching the dynamic but not intervening. His demeanor alone suggested his disinterest in these youthful expositions, as if already knowing about Nen was a matter of course. It wasn't disdain—more like a King surveying his subjects learning the alphabet while he pondered the complexities of philosophy and strategy.
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