HxH : Pokemon Master

"Hohoho, Rasetsu huh?" At some point, 'Netero' had stopped stroking his beard, his expression turning serious.

"HA!"

With Jed shout, a monstrous figure as large as a Gundam extended its sharp claws, swiftly reaching for 'Netero'.

Watching the ghastly pale claws enlarge in his pupils, the Aura around 'Netero' body began to surge violently.

The Aura boiled like scalding water, releasing a terrifying pressure outward.

Along with the pressure came a dazzling golden light!

The blinding radiance erupted abruptly, instantly filling the entire sky!

It tore a golden fissure through the pitch-black night!

"How is this possible?!"

Witnessing this, Netero was once again stunned, his mouth slightly agape like a dumbfounded old man.

He had initially thought someone was using a Nen ability to mimic his appearance.

Though rare, transformation abilities that copied others weren't unheard of.

But he never expected... they could even replicate his own Nen ability!

The technique 'Netero' was now using was unmistakably his Hyakushiki Kannon!

***

In a conference room at the Hunter Association

Due to the sudden incident at Heavens Arena involving Chairman Netero and the Dark Report Book, Beans had urgently convened a meeting of The Twelve Zodiac to discuss solutions.

Given the abruptness, not all members could arrive in time, with only about half present in the room.

The remaining Zodiacs joined via video call to communicate effectively.

As for Ging, another Zodiac member, no one bothered trying to contact him since he was unreachable anyway.

He likely wouldn't attend the meeting regardless.

"The situation is quite clear now"

"Chairman Netero has been controlled by unknown means and cannot resist."

"Judging by their methods, it's highly likely the descendants of that shadow from years ago have come for revenge." Cheadle, the "Dog" of the Zodiac and its brain, was responsible for analyzing and explaining most matters.

"Now we must determine how to deal with the shadow faction and rescue Chairman Netero."

"We must minimize the damage."

Midway through, Ginta the "Sheep" present in the room, raised his hand, prompting Cheadle to pause.

"What is this Dark Report Book the culprit mentioned?"

"Can we exchange it for the Chairman safety?" Ginta spoke with visible confusion, believing Chairman Netero life far outweighed any record book.

The Chairman life was what truly mattered!

"No, based on current information, we cannot disclose that Dark Report Book." Cheadle shook her head, rejecting Ginta suggestion.

"WHY?!"

The hot-tempered "Tiger" Kanzai roared through the video call, having joined remotely due to time constraints.

Even absent, his furious tone painted a vivid image of his enraged expression.

As Zodiac members, they all took their positions out of respect and love for Chairman Netero.

Pariston was an exception—his relationship with Netero differed, more akin to rivals than comrades.

Why reject such a simple solution and leave the Chairman in danger?

Thus, the already short-tempered Kanzai found it impossible to suppress his inner fury.

"Let me explain" The ever-reliable Beans explain.

"After the culprit live broadcast, the Hunter Association received meeting invitations from all V5 nations."

"One point was made absolutely clear during these discussions—the Dark Report must never be made public."

"This is a consequence neither the Hunter Association nor the V5 nations can afford to bear."

Beans usual calm demeanor gave way to uncharacteristic solemnity, a shift palpable to everyone present.

"What exactly is written in it? How could its disclosure have such massive repercussions?" asked Gel, the Snake of the Twelve Zodiac, her brow furrowing as she voiced the question burning in everyone's mind.

Even among the Zodiac Twelve, not all were privy to this buried secret.

Those who knew of the Dark Report were either veterans who had lived through those times—like Biscuit Krueger—or high-ranking officials who had deliberately sought the information, such as Ging.

Within the entire Zodiac Twelve, only Ging, Cheadle... and a handful of others had even heard rumors about the Dark Report.

Among them, Vice Chairman Pariston possessed the most comprehensive knowledge.

"It documents the Hunter Association dark history—we've committed our share of misdeeds, you see~"

"Naturally, it also contains records of V5 dark history..."

"..."

Pariston spoke deliberately, outlining not just the Dark Report but also touching upon the Shadow Troops' affairs.

A heavy silence descended upon the assembly.

Except for the few Zodiac members who had prior knowledge, everyone else was still processing the staggering implications of Pariston revelations.

So this is what they used to do?

The Hunter Association had its own covert Shadow Troops for dirty work?

Their ignorance was understandable—the Shadows had been purged decades earlier. Back then, Chairman Netero hadn't been nearly so aged and some Zodiac members might not even have been born yet.

Cheadle adjusted her glasses, her green dog-themed outfit lending her a deceptively cheerful appearance.

"The facts are exactly as Secretary Bean and Pariston have described—the Dark Record involves far too many sensitive matters."

"Its disclosure would erode public trust in both V5 and the Hunter Association."

"It could easily trigger unrest, potentially escalating into something far worse."

"So this isn't merely V5 demand—it's in the Hunter Association's best interest too."

No further objections arose, not when social stability hung in the balance.

Yet judging by Kanzai expression and others like him, acceptance still didn't come easily.

"Why is everyone so worried? Akira's there, isn't he?" Pyon clear voice rang out from the side—she too was present in the conference room.

To Pyon, their concerns seemed entirely unnecessary.

With Akira on the scene, Chairman Netero would surely be safe.

"Exactly. I agree with Pyon. With Akira there, Chairman Netero will definitely be rescued" Gel nodded, finding no fault in Pyon assessment.

Pyon words seemed to reignite the other Zodiac members' confidence.

That's right! Akira is there too.

After all, every member of the Zodiac Twelve had attended the 'New Five Strongest Nen Users' conference—they'd all personally experienced the terrifying aura emanating from Akira.

It was truly convincing that Akira surpassed the Chairman to become the "Strongest in the World."

The mention of Akira immediately eased the tense atmosphere in the room, dissolving the previous sense of Focus.

After all, he was the strongest man in the world!

If even he couldn't handle it, then they might as well obediently hand over the Dark Report.

"You all make valid points, but it seems the situation has already exceeded our expectations~"

"It's not Mr. Akira who's making an appearance~" Pariston sunny smile froze as he watched Chairman 'Netero' appear on the large screen.

Then a glint flashed in his eyes, replaced by an even more unsettling grin that made people skin crawl.

Another Netero, huh...

Hearing this, The Twelve Zodiac members all turned their attention to Jed live broadcast.

They wished they hadn't looked—what they saw shocked them to the core.

The screen showed two Chairman Neteros simultaneously!

"Who the hell is that?"

"Why does this person look exactly like Chairman Netero?!"

The slow-witted Ginta was completely bewildered by this sudden development.

How could there be two Chairman Neteros?

As the Zodiacs debated who is the real Netero, Jed had already launched his attack!

When that blinding golden light flashed, no one doubted anymore that the 'Netero' who recently appeared was fake.

Appearances could be copied, but no one had ever heard of imitating Nen abilities along with them.

Even Pariston began questioning his own judgment.

Could the restrained Netero be the impostor?

***

Heavens Arena, 245th floor.

In a dimly lit room sat a bizarrely made-up "clown."

Originally, Hisoka had fled outside the arena walls to escape the noise caused by Shura robot manipulations. But with both Shura and Gaki killed by Akira beforehand, he now comfortably watched the drama unfold from his room.

Seated before his screen, Hisoka narrow eyes fixated on the two Neteros in the footage.

The sight instantly reminded him of a certain past incident!

The impact of that event still lingered vividly in his memory.

"Transformation, is it..." His concerns weren't unfounded—the shapeshifting target clearly wasn't fixed.

Meaning that given specific conditions, that "person" could assume anyone appearance.

Hisoka eyelids lowered slightly as his hands rapidly shuffled playing cards. His movements became so fast they created afterimages.

After countless shuffles, he suddenly drew three cards.

All three were Kings.

Three cards—perfectly matching the number of people on screen. After staring at the three Kings for a while, Hisoka lips curled into a smirk.

With a flip of his palm, another card appeared.

The Joker.

To others, there were only three people present.

But in his eyes, there were clearly four!

This real-and-fake Netero scenario bore uncanny resemblance to what happened that night in Yorknew City.

He still remembered the words spoken by the fake Feitan—

'I follow my master orders to monitor you here.'

'My master name is—Akira!'

Others thought Akira hadn't made a move, wondering where this second Netero had come from.

Only he knew—this was Akira technique!

Though Akira himself hadn't appeared, he had already struck!

***

"So it's like this after all?"

"Netero, you've hidden yourself well!" Jed glared at the scene before him, his face icy as he spat the words.

His 'Rasetsu' attack had been blocked, unable to advance even an inch further.

As the golden light that had torn through the sky dissipated, the spectacular sight beneath was fully revealed.

'Netero' stood firm behind the massive clawed hand, yet the enormous appendage couldn't budge him in the slightest. His right palm pressed against the claw—it was this single palm that had neutralized the attack.

Now, 'Netero' was bathed entirely in a golden radiance, with the faint silhouette of a colossal Kannon statue looming behind him.

With a forceful push of his right palm, 'Netero' sent the claw reeling backward.

In the next moment, an even more intense surge of golden Aura erupted into the sky!

Its sheer presence was no less overwhelming than Jed 'Rasetsu' from moments ago!

'Netero' gently swung his arms, bringing his hands together in front of him, left and right.

To onlookers, it seemed like an impossibly slow, drawn-out motion—inexplicably sluggish for Chairman Netero.

But by the time anyone realized it, 'Netero' had already completed the gesture.

What appeared slow was merely an illusion created by the afterimages trailing his movements. In truth, 'Netero' actions were blindingly fast.

By the time the previous motion registered in people eyes, he had already finished.

Thud!

The moment 'Netero' fully clasped his hands together, a deep, resonant impact echoed.

Instantly, golden light exploded outward!

Enveloped in the radiance, 'Netero' stood with the towering golden Kannon statue—adorned with a thousand massive arms—clearly visible behind him!

This was Chairman Netero signature Nen ability—[Hyakushiki Kannon]!

If Jed had still been uncertain about which Netero was real before, the appearance of [Hyakushiki Kannon] erased all doubt.

Having worked alongside Netero for so long, he recognized [Hyakushiki Kannon] instantly.

So then...

"YOU DAMN IMPOSTOR! And here I was, wasting my breath on you!" Jed shot a glare at the bound Netero beside him and cursed outright.

To think this was just a fake—what a pointless waste of his emotions.

A bitter smile tugged at Netero lips.

How had he suddenly become the fake Netero?

Honestly, even he had doubted himself the moment he saw [Hyakushiki Kannon].

Was he the real one, am i really the fake one here?

How could he use [Hyakushiki Kannon]?

For a fleeting moment, even Netero himself questioned his identity—let alone anyone else.

Aside from a select few, everyone now believed the one who had appeared later was the real Netero.

On the battlefield, 'Netero' [Hyakushiki Kannon] and Jed [Rasetsu] stood in stark contrast.

One exuded a dense, black miasma of 'On' the other blazed with a piercing golden Aura.

Light and darkness, locked in confrontation.

"How many years has it been since we last saw a sight like this, Netero?" Jed couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia at the familiar scene.

"Decades, I'd say. The last time we fought like this was when I was cleaning you up!" 'Netero' replied solemnly.

"Jed, I know the hatred in your heart! Unleash it and attack me with all you've got!"

"Indeed, I wronged you back then!" 'Netero' spoke with solemn dignity, his tone carrying genuine sincerity.

Anyone hearing this would believe it came from the depths of his heart.

Anyone seeing this would swear it was the authentic Chairman Netero.

The words flowed naturally, perfectly reasonable—especially to those in the know, like The Twelve Zodiac members.

Except... for the real Netero.

With every sentence 'Netero' uttered, another dark line appeared on the real Netero forehead, his composure barely holding.

Everything said was correct—it reflected his true feelings.

But those were supposed to be his lines.

Those were my words! You've said everything I wanted to say!!!

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