Franklin stepped out of the car and surveyed the hospital where their target was recovering. His eyes narrowed as he took in the security presence of gang members positioned every few steps and, more importantly, the unmistakable aura of Nen users scattered throughout.
At least a dozen Nen users," Franklin estimated silently. 'And hundreds of common Mafia soldiers surrounding the building.
The common thugs posed no threat to the Phantom Troop, but breaking through a defensive line of multiple Nen users would take time. Looking skyward, Franklin spotted a massive creature circling overhead, too large to be an ordinary bird.
'A Nen ability,' he concluded. 'They even monitor the airspace. He noted the hospital's proximity to the Hunters' Association headquarters with growing alarm.
"You must be the Kumbo Mondel mentioned?" A gang leader approached, a cigarette dangling from his lips.
"That's right," Franklin nodded, concentrating on his cover identity.
"Follow me." The man flicked away the cigarette and led Franklin into the building.
Inside, Franklin's suspicions grew. The hospital was eerily empty, no medical staff in sight. Gang members patrolled each floor, their leaders all exuding Nen energy.
The Fells family shouldn't have this many Nen users,' Franklin thought. Where did they find them all?
Even the elevators required ID checks and armed escorts. According to Chrollo's instructions, Franklin had to accomplish two goals: gain Oboro's trust while mapping the building's internal layout. This would allow the troupe to strike quickly when the time came and work with Franklin to capture Oboro.
In the elevator, the gang leader gave Franklin a sideways glance. "Your job is personal protection. Twenty-four hour guard duty, no suspicious persons allowed near. Stay alert for any threats." His voice hardened. "Remember, your life is worthless. Protecting the boss is the only priority. This is a rare opportunity for advancement. Many would kill to be in your position. Screw up or displease the boss."
"Understood," Franklin replied simply.
The pretense of being an 'honored guest' was gone. Now he was just another expendable underling.
"Wouldn't it be more appropriate to guard from outside the station?" Franklin asked cautiously. "To respect the boss's privacy?"
"Don't ask questions. Follow orders."
The elevator opened at the twenty-first floor. Franklin noted the floor number as they walked down the hall. The entire level had been converted into a single large apartment with gated sections. Few people were moving about, but every one of them was a Nen user.
The leader knocked on Oboro's station before entering. "Sir, your new bodyguard has arrived."
Franklin stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Sir!"
'So weak,' he thought, judging Oboro's weakened state. "This is the one who killed Phinks? He's more vulnerable than a normal human now.
Franklin maintained his calm demeanor, but he was aware of three other powerful auras in the room. Their presence complicated matters. While he could possibly bypass them to eliminate Oboro directly, escape would be nearly impossible. Better to wait and follow the leader's plan.
Oboro studied Franklin carefully, noting his impeccable control. Within the Phantom Troupe, Franklin was known as a stabilizing presence, methodical and level-headed compared to more volatile members like Feitan, Phinks, Nobunaga, and Uvogin. He was also one of Chrollo's most loyal followers.
The other three in the room, Owl, Mad Dog, and Porcupine, watched the newcomer intently. After the leader left, leaving only the five of them, Oboro finally spoke.
"Kumbo, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"From Meteor City?"
"Yes, sir."
Meteor City was the perfect cover, impossible for outsiders to verify any background information.
"Get acquainted," Oboro instructed.
Franklin straightened to his full, imposing height as Owl approached.
"Shadow Beast, Owl," the man introduced himself, shaking Franklin's hand before gesturing to his companions. "Mad Dog and Porcupine."
Mad Dog sneered while Porcupine remained indifferent.
"Don't mind them, it's just their way," Owl chuckled.
Only he and Oboro knew about Franklin's true identity. The other Dons had only been informed that the Fells had discovered the Phantom Troupe's activities and were preparing countermeasures. The details would come from Oboro.
Franklin took his position on a bench, still as stone. His diligence seemed genuine as Oboro returned to his book.
'Shadow beasts,' Franklin mused. The Dons' private assassins, as mysterious as the Troupe, who left no witnesses alive.
These were the only opponents Chrollo had flagged as potentially troublesome. Franklin remembered mentioning that one of the Fells' Shadow Beasts would be present.
But if their beast isn't here, that means,' Franklin's eyes tracked the room's occupants. 'Chrollo and I were expecting one or two Shadow Beasts. Instead, there are five, one in the sky, these three, and another elsewhere. Half their entire force just to guard him? What exactly are they guarding him from? Us? Or something we don't know about?'
Franklin's heart tightened. Have they discovered us? I have to warn the boss, quickly.'
As if reading his thoughts, Oboro spoke. "Kumbo, get me some food from the restaurant."
"Yes, sir." Franklin got up and left the station.
Once alone in the hall, sure he wasn't being watched, Franklin tried to call Chrollo. The line was busy. He tried Feitan next, but couldn't get through. As he prepared to try Nobunaga, footsteps approached.
Franklin put his phone in his pocket.
"What are you doing?" Owl's voice carried a hint of amusement.
"Looking for the restaurant."
"It's on the twentieth floor." Owl patted Franklin on the shoulder. "Relax, rookie. Take your time learning the layout. Ask if you need anything."
"Thank you."
"I'll show you the way."
Ten minutes later, Franklin returned with fresh food and served it to Oboro.
"Got a little lost," Owl explained with a grin.
"My apologies," Franklin bowed.
"No matter." Oboro examined the food. "We're missing juice, though."
Owl pulled out a wireless pager. "I'll have someone bring some up."
Franklin's unease grew. Why a pager when phones were easier? And why couldn't he reach Chrollo or Feitan?
According to Chrollo's analysis, their cover should be secure.
"Everything okay?" Oboro asked suddenly.
Franklin shook his head calmly. "Yes, sir."
"No need to be punished for something so minor. You're new, you'll adjust."
"Thank you, sir." Franklin's voice remained calm as he returned to his post.
He decided to trust Chrollo's judgment, which had never failed him before.
Oboro put down his book and tasted the food. "Any leads on these individuals?" he asked Owl.
"Nothing yet. Looks like they were watching this place before we got here."
Franklin's composure broke for the first time, his expression tightening.
"Could be someone with a grudge," Owl suggested.
"I've killed so many it's hard to keep track," Oboro mused. "One stands out, though, had a spider tattoo, number five. Quite strong."
"Oh? How did you kill him?"
"Want to hear the story?"
"If you want to tell it."
"Telling it only whets my appetite." Oboro's eyes gleamed. "It happened during the hunter's test."