The V5's leader received grim news: the investigation team he'd dispatched had been decimated, with only a single survivor returning alive.
This lone survivor appeared to have witnessed something truly horrific something that had shattered his mind. He mumbled incoherently, rocking back and forth in his damaged state. Those who attended him could only make out a single repeated word: "ghost."
His mental state proved resistant to conventional treatment, but fortunately, a Hunter with specialized Nen abilities managed to extract fragmentary images from his damaged psyche. These blurry memories pointed to a singular, terrifying figure.
Within these fractured memories, V5 officials witnessed both Oboro's warning and something deeply malevolent. The Hunter who performed the extraction nearly suffered brain damage himself, his consciousness almost collapsing under the strain of what he'd witnessed.
Even a momentary glimpse of this "thing" would terrify ordinary people, their equilibrium easily shattered by its mere presence. Though it maintained a human form, it resembled something otherworldly a "ghost" that didn't belong in the realm of the living. It was shrouded in mist, wearing not clothes but robes seemingly woven from concentrated smoke.
And its face it was more like a floating 'mask' than anything human. When one looked into those luminous eyes, the soul itself would tremble in response.
This entity was undoubtedly "Oboro," though it no longer appeared human. This was the vision seared into the survivor's mind when the incident occurred.
Inside V5 headquarters, several leaders gathered to discuss matters concerning Oboro and the Fells family.
"Since our last exchange of interests with the Fells family, we've made significant political inroads in multiple countries through their networks," one leader began. "But from our current perspective, Oboro is becoming increasingly uncontrollable. I suggest we close the net early and eliminate the Fells family before they become an even greater threat."
Another added, "Additionally considering the scope of the Fells family's plans and tactics, I recommend a thorough internal investigation before closing the net. I suspect our own organization may have been infiltrated."
"One telling indication is our original plan to take over NGL and East Gorteau. The Fells family appeared to have advance knowledge of our intentions. They preemptively contacted politicians from numerous countries and even approached national leaders to voice their position. They provided humanitarian aid to these nominally independent regions and began reconstruction efforts before we could act. Despite being a joint organization on paper, even when we attempted to establish bases in NGL or East Gorteau through diplomatic channels with several smaller Mitene Federation nations, we failed at every turn. This clearly demonstrates that the Fells family moved earlier than us and knew exactly where our weaknesses lay."
"Such highly confidential information must have been leaked by someone within our ranks."
The room felt oppressive as the discussion continued. Under normal circumstances, these leaders would have communicated remotely through secure channels. Their physical presence highlighted the gravity of the situation.
"Let's eliminate the traitor first," another voice echoed. "This will be exhausting and time-consuming. We'll need to proceed with absolute secrecy to prevent the outside world from learning of our internal discord."
This wasn't their first confrontation with the Fells family, or with Oboro.
"Let's set aside the Fells family matter for now," interrupted a bespectacled, brown-skinned woman among the leaders. "I assume you've all reviewed the information regarding Oboro's abilities. Compared to the Fells family as a whole, he represents the greater threat."
"His sudden hostility suggests increased confidence in his ability to challenge us. If he previously used international politics as leverage, now it's likely due to his personal capabilities."
Her words were met with silence.
"The report provided by the current Hunter Association Chairman, Ging Freecss, isn't entirely reliable, but when compared with our existing data on Oboro, we can reasonably conclude that he possesses the ability to control souls. Whether we consider the intelligence from Beyond's people or Ging's analysis, Oboro's danger level is now immeasurable. Ging theorizes that Oboro can strengthen himself by absorbing souls an ability witnessed and confirmed by Hunters who participated in the Chimera Ant incident. According to Ging's report, from an individual combat perspective, Oboro's current threat level exceeds that of the Ant King. Throughout the entire Hunter world, there may be no one capable of defeating him in single combat."
"When he threatened to kill us it wasn't an idle threat. He could actually do it."
The room fell silent again.
The Ant King's terrifying power had stemmed from its inherent strength and racial advantages. But the Ants hadn't understood the human world.
Oboro was different.
He was human with an intimate understanding of human society. If pushed to stand against all of humanity, this alone would make him ten perhaps a hundred times more dangerous than the Ant King had ever been.
Because the Fells family's capabilities were vast and far-reaching.
"What exactly did this Ging fellow say?" asked a serious-looking elderly man at the table.
They were well aware that Oboro had coveted the position of Hunter Association Chairman. Even if Netero hadn't chosen Oboro as his successor, V5 would never have permitted him to assume leadership.
The Fells family's current influence already made V5 extremely wary. If Oboro gained control of the Association, wouldn't they become even more dangerous?
"He advised against rash action and direct confrontation with the Fells family. His assessment is that we can't win. His suggestion is to encourage Oboro to journey to the Dark Continent to leave the human world entirely," the woman replied evenly.
"Ridiculous!" the old man sneered.
How could the five superpowers possibly lose to a mere family organization?
"However, it's been some time since Oboro disappeared. After leaving East Gorteau, he hasn't returned to the Hunter Association. I initially expected a power struggle with Ging over the chairmanship, but he's been unusually quiet."
"This Ging is quite capable. I don't know precisely what he did, but he managed to quell the internal unrest within the Association in just a few days."
"In summary," one leader continued, "my recommendation is to first eliminate internal spies, continue gathering intelligence on Oboro, and when the timing is right, execute our operation against the Fells family. Our primary objective should be to purge the Bartokia Republic's leadership and their factions, denying the Fells family time to react. For subsequent phases, only a select few of us should have full knowledge no documentation or procedural records. Everything should be deployed and executed on-site with real-time adjustments."
"I second that."
"Agreed!"
The leaders voiced their approval in turn.
The plan against the Fells family was finalized.
In human society, no organization could defy V5's will without threatening the delicate balance they had worked so hard to establish.
Sizzle
As the leaders prepared to depart, the microphone on the table activated.
"I apologize for the interruption, but something urgent has occurred!" a voice announced through the device.
The leaders' expressions shifted subtly.
Their meetings were never interrupted under normal circumstances. An interruption now indicated something truly extraordinary.
The television in the room automatically powered on, displaying a live broadcast.
When the leaders saw the massive crowds, the chaotic scene, and the figure magnified on the screen, their faces paled.
They saw the country of Kakin!
And Beyond!
At this moment, Beyond stood on a stage, delivering an impassioned speech to thousands of Kakin citizens.
The content of his address was so shocking it made the V5 leaders' heads spin.
The Dark Continent!
This was being broadcast worldwide!
Kakin was in an uproar.
Just as they'd devised their strategy against the Fells family, an even more problematic figure had emerged.
"This is troublesome Should we concede?" one muttered.
As the leaders sat in stunned silence, a discordant voice suddenly filled the room.
"What are you daydreaming about?"
Startled, they turned to find another person seated at the table.
Dressed in a black suit and sunglasses.
It was Oboro himself.
"Did you not expect me to appear before you? Or perhaps you don't recognize me?" Oboro smiled slightly. "That seems unlikely. You must see this face often in your nightmares It must be quite familiar to you."
As he spoke, Oboro reached for several sheets of white paper on the table, examining them briefly. "As expected of V5. Not only have you mapped the internal structure of the Fells family, but you've also investigated several of my associates in remarkable detail"
The room fell into complete silence.
The leaders were dumbfounded.
This was V5 headquarters their most secure facility.
How had Oboro gained entry?
"Please, sit down. Let's talk," Oboro said, removing his sunglasses to reveal cold, penetrating eyes.
Click, click, click
The elderly leader reacted immediately, slamming a red button on the table.
No alarm sounded.
The old man froze in shock.
"Has it really become this serious?" the blonde woman beside him inhaled sharply, her heart racing.
She was referring to the extent of the Fells family's infiltration into V5.
Oboro must have collaborated with someone inside someone who knew their meeting schedule and helped him gain access. This suggested the Fells family's agents weren't merely low-level operatives but senior officials with considerable authority.
"What do you intend to do?!" one demanded.
Some quickly regained their composure, showing no fear. "Killing us accomplishes nothing. We're merely representatives of five nations. In the V5 organization, our deaths would simply prompt each country to send replacements. At worst, you'd force a restructuring of V5 and the removal of your people. V5's power stems from five nations, not five individuals or a single group. Unless you destroy these countries you lack the resources to truly challenge us."
Clearly, they had no interest in negotiating with Oboro.
"Yes you're quite right," Oboro nodded.
Then, a strange light flickered in his eyes as he stared directly at the speaker.
Under Oboro's gaze, the man's face suddenly aged, his skin shriveling as if decades of life were draining away in seconds.
His hair turned gray and began falling out.
Even his teeth loosened in their sockets.
"Did you know? The soul symbolizes an individual's spirit, intricately connected to their physical form. Whether the spirit thrives or falters, it triggers corresponding reactions in the body just as you're experiencing now. Your physical deterioration is the direct result of your soul's disintegration."
Oboro explained this with eerie calmness.
The other leaders watched in horror.
"When your soul dies, your body withers alongside it."
As these words fell, the leader who had been confidently seated just moments ago collapsed to the floor, resembling an ancient terminal patient at life's end.
Oboro turned his attention to the remaining leaders.
"Your confidence stems from the belief that even if the Fells family could instigate global conflict, they couldn't threaten your nations' foundations, correct?" Oboro tapped his fingers on the table. "Indeed, there are many things the Fells family cannot yet accomplish."
"But the Fells family's limitations aren't necessarily mine."
"You control humanity while I control the soul!"
As he finished speaking, several tendrils of black smoke souls emerged from Oboro's body and surged into the leaders.
They convulsed briefly, their breathing patterns altered.
After several seconds, everything grew still.
Their faces became expressionless.
"Shall we sit down now and have a proper conversation?" Oboro smiled.
"Of course, my Lord."
The leaders stretched their stiffened limbs, exchanged glances, and bowed to Oboro.
Half an hour later, Oboro exited the meeting room with a relaxed stride.
As he moved through the space, lights flickered and billowing black fog rose, filling every corner of the building. None of V5's personnel could escape whether high-ranking officials or ordinary workers as the mist followed their breath, entering their bodies through mouths and noses. Foreign souls took possession of their physical forms.
From outside, V5 headquarters remained an imposing structure, its towering edifice still dominating the city's skyline. Inside, however, darkness had descended.
When the black fog dissipated, the aura of everyone within V5 had changed, taking on a chilling quality.
Their movements and expressions became unnatural pervaded by an eerie wrongness.
But nobody remained to care
They knelt, bidding farewell to the hazy figure as he departed.
When a foreign soul occupies a body, rejection inevitably occurs. There exists a time limit.
With Oboro's current abilities, the possession would last approximately one week before these souls perished along with their hosts.
But that would suffice.
"Head of the family."
When Oboro reached the ground floor lobby, a group of operatives who had been waiting surrounded him immediately.
These were agents trained by the Fells family.
From an initial few dozen, their numbers had grown to nearly two hundred. Though still a minority within V5's vast organization, they occupied key positions that would prove crucial now.
"You have one week. After that, the five major nations will respond with investigations, though they'll likely suppress the news to avoid public panic. Whether you can use this opportunity for advancement depends entirely on your abilities. Additionally, they'll need to appoint new personnel to fill vacancies within V5, allowing more of our people to infiltrate. Perform your duties well, but first, ensure you can evade V5's investigation and eliminate any suspicion The family will make arrangements to assist you."
Oboro instructed the senior operative leading the group.
"Understood."
The operative acknowledged his orders.
A sealed door opened.
Oboro walked out alone, vanishing via teleportation before he'd gone far.
The building had only been temporarily secured just one of V5's main facilities. Oboro didn't need to control everyone; a few leaders would suffice.
Within one week, much could be accomplished
As for Kakin an excellent performance was already underway.
After returning from East Gorteau, Oboro had visited in advance, marking strategic positions.
He had been waiting for this day.
Some old debts needed settling.