The location where those 2,500 Chimera Ants were currently hidden was still unknown to the Association's moderate faction, but they were already investigating.
And Beyond's visit was equivalent to sounding the horn… the listener was, naturally, Pariston.
In truth, Beyond had little interest in most affairs within the Association, generally leaving them for Pariston to handle.
For instance, this time, when the restriction was lifted, Beyond didn't give Pariston any subsequent orders, but Pariston would take the initiative to do certain things.
That large batch of Chimera Ants would be the capital Pariston used to force Netero out of the Chairman's position.
Once Netero was driven down, during the subsequent journey to the Dark Continent, the constraints on Beyond would be much less severe.
Both sides had their own actions.
Then, Netero sought help from Law, and Law naturally didn't refuse.
Helping Netero retain the Chairman's position didn't conflict with Beyond's and the Kakin Empire's plans.
"The plan is roughly like this."
In the meeting room, Cheadle and the others were so shocked their jaws nearly hit the floor.
Their reaction was entirely due to the plan Law had just described.
The content was ridiculously simple, as follows:
"Find the precise location of the Chimera Ants as soon as possible. Netero and I will handle them."
Netero sat to the side, looking perfectly calm, clearly having already discussed this with Law.
Unlike during the Chimera Ant Extermination Campaign, there was no extra space or time to formulate strategies now. They had to eliminate the threat posed by the 2,500 Chimera Ants as quickly as possible.
In other words, the best outcome was to annihilate all the Chimera Ants with thunderous force.
Him and Law going alone was to fully leverage the advantage of individual strength, avoiding unnecessary sacrifices while taking out the Chimera Ants one by one.
In essence, it was also a friendly competition between him and Law.
'Two people... versus 2,500?'
Cheadle and the others couldn't quite process it. This was more than just reckless… it was practically suicidal.
"I don't agree. It's too reckless."
Botobai was the first to voice his opposition.
"Same here."
Mizaistom said.
If the plan prioritized avoiding unnecessary sacrifices, he would be happy to see it.
However, any arrangement or plan had to have a minimum standard.
Even for an elite operation, a ratio of 2:2500 was utterly absurd. He couldn't agree with it no matter what.
"Chairman, take me with you!"
Ginta didn't object, but he requested that Netero take him along.
Cheadle didn't voice her opinion immediately, unconsciously biting her thumb, staring at the calm expressions of Law and Netero.
She didn't just dwell on the downsides of this plan but tentatively considered what benefits it could bring.
Assuming the mission would be successful, there were certainly many benefits.
The biggest benefit was not having to lose too many people.
One must understand that every Pro Hunter in the Association was a valuable resource, let alone personnel resources within their own faction.
If, to retain the Chairman's position, they sent all the faction's combat forces to deal with 2,500 Chimera Ants, it was foreseeable that many would be sacrificed.
That was a result no one present wanted to see.
However, relying solely on Law and Netero, not even considering efficiency, could they really handle 2,500 Chimera Ants?
'They are serious.'
Cheadle said to herself.
Knock knock.
At that moment, Law tapped the table with his finger, his gaze sweeping over Cheadle and the other three. He said calmly, "I'm not here to discuss the plan's content with you, I'm informing you of the plan's content. So, opposition is invalid. I also hope you will cooperate well."
"I will not agree," Botobai said, hard as a rock.
Mizaistom stood up, placing his hands on the table, looking at Law. "The plan you described is too reckless. Putting aside efficiency issues, just two people facing 2,500 Nen Users… can you ensure the plan's success and your own safety?"
"No, because Netero and I don't know the individual combat strength levels of that batch of Chimera Ants," Law said calmly.
Actually, Law believed that if the Chimera Ants' individual strength was at the Squadron Leader level, it wouldn't be much of a problem.
However, he didn't even know the precise location of the Chimera Ants, so how could he know their individual strength?
"In that case, how can we possibly agree to this plan?" Mizaistom said.
"Um..."
Ginta timidly raised his hand. "I don't object, but take me with you."
Regarding Ginta's statement, the other three chose to ignore it.
"Didn't I say? Opposition is invalid. And I don't need your approval for anything. If you have any other problems, take them up with him directly. If possible, I hope you don't waste any more time."
Law raised his hand, pointing at Netero beside him, who seemed almost asleep.
'This bastard really had no sense of propriety or self-awareness. He proposed the initial idea for the plan and now hadn't said a word, as if watching a show.'
Poked by Law, Netero perked up slightly, but his eyelids still drooped.
"Cough." He looked at everyone and said seriously, "It's decided then."
"..." Mizaistom.
"..." Botobai.
Cheadle, who hadn't spoken all this time, sighed softly. She raised her gloved hand like a student in class wanting to answer a question.
Her gaze shifted between Law and Netero. "In simple terms, we have no right to oppose or make decisions."
Law and Netero's eyes turned, landing on Cheadle's face.
Among the Zodiac members, only Cheadle was quite suitable to be the next Chairman. Of course, if Pariston didn't have any devious schemes, he would be the more suitable candidate.
Under the gazes of both men and Mizaistom and the others, Cheadle said calmly, "But I hope you will take Knov with you on this trip."
With Knov's Hide-and-Seek, at the very least, Law and Netero's safety could be ensured.
"Alright."
Law had also thought of this and agreed without hesitation.
Cheadle's eyes immediately met Law's, causing her to flinch slightly, but she quickly adjusted. "Then we will find the location of the Chimera Ants at the fastest speed possible. Please, Law and Netero, be ready to depart at any time."
"Cheadle."
Mizaistom and Botobai both looked at Cheadle, their brows slightly furrowed.
"That's good," Netero said with a smile at that moment.
"And, uh, what about me?" Ginta said weakly.
Again, no one paid him any attention.
…
The next evening.
Kuro transformed into a panther-like form the size of a truck.
Law, Netero, and Knov jumped onto Kuro's back.
Then, under the watchful eyes of Cheadle and the others, Kuro's legs tensed and he strode into the sky.
Law expanded his Domain, creating Aura platforms in the air, giving Kuro's limbs footholds to tread upon in the sky.
In a short while, they disappeared into the horizon.
With just three people, or rather, with just two people, they aimed to eradicate 2,500 Nen-using Chimera Ants.
'I hope they bring back good news.'
Cheadle thought silently to herself.
She was certain Pariston definitely knew about this.
But if Law and Netero succeeded, then Pariston would have no chance to turn the tables.