'Had I known it would come to this, I would have made fighting a match a condition earlier.'
'No, that's too disadvantageous!'
'Even if I can't go back on my word, is it too much to add an extra condition?'
Thinking this, Netero coughed a few times and said, "Am I the kind of person who goes back on his word? I won't make things difficult for you. Fight me. Win or lose, I'll withdraw the restriction."
Law rolled his eyes. "I beg you to make things difficult for me."
"..."
A vein bulged on Netero's forehead.
"Fine, I won't make things difficult for you either. I'll reluctantly accompany you in a fight," Law said nonchalantly.
"..."
A second vein bulged on Netero's forehead.
The wind blowing today is a bit noisy.
Everyone descended from the Martial Arts Hall's roof.
An Aura of defeat surrounded Nobunaga.
Uvogin had recovered some stamina and didn't look as exhausted.
Law originally considered giving Uvogin a small piece of [Lichen] to test its effects, but this was a resource prepared for the Dark Continent journey. It was unique and very precious, and using it here seemed wasteful.
So, Law abandoned the idea.
He agreed to fight Netero to make Netero willingly withdraw the restriction placed on Beyond.
When he brought up the 'request', Netero had no room to refuse.
However, the fight wasn't scheduled for today because Netero valued this opportunity greatly and would definitely want to face Law in his best condition.
He needed a day to adjust, especially after spending most of the day playing at the Martial Arts Hall.
Later, Uvogin accompanied Nobunaga to unwind. It was unclear what the issue was, but even though this was an area with many Blacklist Hunters, during this period, no one had come to trouble Uvogin and Nobunaga.
Law found it strange but didn't bother investigating.
If something really happened, he would step in to resolve it. It was best if no one troubled Uvogin and Nobunaga… at least it would mean fewer casualties.
Law and Netero walked side by side on the road, constantly hearing the sounds of passing cars.
"I'm curious about the 'momentum' you mentioned earlier. Is it related to Beyond?" Netero believed Beyond alone couldn't generate a momentum, but this momentum regarding the Dark Continent must be related to Beyond.
Law nodded. "I can only tell you clearly that no one can stop the upcoming exploration activities targeting the Dark Continent. As for other information, I won't reveal it to you."
Netero shook his head slightly. "Before executing the Chimera Ant Extermination Mission, I left two DVDs, prepared in advance as a sort of last testament."
"Have you thrown them away now?" Law asked casually.
"I won't throw them away," Netero said seriously.
"Oh."
Law had no interest in the so-called last testament and didn't bother asking.
"So, interested in exchanging information?" Netero suddenly leaned closer, like a vendor selling pirated adult films.
"Exchange?"
"Your momentum for the content of my last testament."
"Not interested," Law flatly refused, there's no way he would accept such useless exchange.
"Really not considering it?"
"No, it would only waste my time."
They bargained along the way… to be precise, Netero bargained alone.
After walking for ten minutes, they entered the Association building one after the other.
Law returned to the Lawlin Museum, while Netero didn't go to his office but returned to his room to prepare for tomorrow's fight with Law.
This was the most sensitive and critical period. If not for Beans and the moderate faction holding the fort, Netero wouldn't be so relaxed.
The person who should be most concerned was so indifferent. Thinking about it, Beans and the moderate faction really had it rough.
If they knew Netero, now free, was preparing for a fight tomorrow, who knows what they'd think.
Returning to the Lawlin Museum, Law's first action was to call Ging.
"It's done."
This was Law's first sentence upon answering the phone.
"What's done?" Ging was confused.
"Beyond's restriction," Law said matter-of-factly.
"Huh?!"
On the other end, Ging couldn't help but be stunned.
'How was it done? Was it that simple?'
"I just have to fight Netero tomorrow," Law thought about it and decided not to mention the request matter.
But this cost left Ging speechless. Thinking about it, it was indeed Netero's style.
Because that restriction was largely Netero forcing Beyond to kill him.
"I never thought it would be so simple," Ging sighed.
"What about your side?" Law asked.
Ging knew Law meant persuading Shiro. He shook his head. "No. Shiro isn't interested in the Dark Continent. Anyway, there's plenty of time. We'll wear him down slowly."
"That works too."
Law replied.
Then, they chatted briefly before hanging up.
The next day, an airship landed at a nuclear weapons testing site… a desolate rocky area.
As far as the eye could see was barren land and scattered rocky hills.
The airship landed casually. The hatch opened, Netero stepped out first, followed by Law, Uvogin, Nobunaga, Ging, and even Morel and Knov along with their disciples. Even the laborer Nique came.
They were all here to watch the spectacle.
"This place can handle any commotion."
Netero wore the [Heart] character combat suit again. Stepping onto the ground, he began warming up.
Law removed his loose robe, storing it in Kuro's space.
The robe could have been used as a deceptive prop during battle, but this was a fight with Netero. He didn't need to resort to such tricks.
Ging and the others disembarked, consciously standing outside the field.
A moment later, a sand dragon rose on the distant horizon. A black dot approached them at considerable speed.
Before they could see the figure clearly, they heard the engine roar like a wild beast.
As the distance closed, it was Salin driving a wild black motorcycle, with Biscuit and Machi on the back. Bruna was hidden inside Biscuit's clothes.
Their arrival didn't elicit any reaction from Netero.
As Netero finished his last warm-up stretch, the motorcycle arrived at the field's edge.
Machi got off the motorcycle first, nodding at Law. Then Biscuit and Bruna got off, joining the others, forming a sizable spectator group.
Law didn't much care about having an audience. It was just a fight, not a life-or-death struggle.
Just as he thought this, Netero, now positioned in the field, suddenly said, "You must fight with the resolve to kill me. Otherwise, my 100-Type Guanyin might just smash your head."
"Hmm?"
Law was taken aback.
The onlookers also looked surprised.
"This is not a joke."
Netero gave Law an ordinary smile.
But at this moment, the smile looked quite eerie.
Neither his tone nor his current smile left room for others to doubt its sincerity.
Before Law could speak, Ging jumped out, addressing Netero solemnly, "Are you serious?"
"Huh? Can't you tell?"
Netero casually scratched his cheek.