The blood on Oboro's hands was barely dry. Five bodies lay in his wake, their lives taken in less than fifteen minutes. Among them was a three-man team of Nen users who had hunted him all over the island. That didn't even count the ones who had attacked Menchi and the others.
Pushing aside the leaves of a man-high bush, Oboro surveyed the aftermath of another battle. Menchi stood among several corpses, casually flicking blood from his kitchen knife. Anthony and Gabvich flanked him, their faces grim.
"Team leader!" The three snapped to attention at his appearance.
Their lack of concern for his well-being spoke volumes about their confidence in his abilities.
"Captain, someone knocked me out," Gabvich stammered, shame coloring his features. "I didn't see who it was."
"As long as everyone's okay," Oboro replied with practiced nonchalance. He knew that Xiyou would not have killed any team members before confirming their loyalty to Bi Yangde.
Menchi's voice broke the tension. "We encountered several Nen users who suddenly landed on the island, apparently targeting us. They're skilled, but nothing out of the ordinary." He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "Those who attacked Gabvich must have been others, probably two of the Twelve Zodiacs themselves."
The logic was sound. These attackers lacked both the power to render Gabvich instantly unconscious and the mercy to leave survivors. The truly formidable Nen users had prioritized finding Oboro and Saiyou, while the rest were merely average fighters. Still, their numbers were considerable, perhaps twenty in all.
"It was Xiyou," Oboro said quietly.
"What?"
The three exchanged confused looks.
"He's dead now." Oboro's words fell like stones in still water, their ripples visible in the faces of his companions. "Killed by these people, I suppose. Old grudges, perhaps." A gentle smile played on his lips.
Understanding dawned in their eyes.
"Whatever happened here is none of our business," Menchi declared, stowing his weapon. "We came to investigate. Mission accomplished, time to leave."
"Let's find the others," Oboro said, taking the lead.
They soon located Gailu, Fant, and Rita, who had just fought off their own attackers and were trying to regroup.
"Xiyou is dead?!" Gailu's snake-like eyes fixed on Oboro.
"Why? Do you suspect me?"
Oboro exchanged glances with Menchi and the others. Without a word, the five team members dispersed, leaving their leader and Gailu alone.
"These men were probably sent by the Kajin Empire," Gailu produced a torn piece of cloth. "This cloth is unique to one of their ethnic groups. Even with their numbers, someone of Xiyou's caliber should have been able to escape. Nothing on this island could have killed him," her eyes narrowed. "Except you."
"Such a clear explanation. Aren't you afraid I'll kill you too?" Oboro stepped forward, his gaze unnervingly intense.
Gailu's arm instantly turned into a poisonous snake, its forked tongue flicking inches from Oboro's face. He took another step forward. She retreated.
"Heh." His smile widened at her instinctive fear.
"Don't worry, you're safe from me." Oboro leaned forward, casually avoiding the snake as he brought his face close to hers. "Yes, I killed him. I covered it up to protect his reputation. Go ahead, report it to the Association. It won't matter, I won't be punished."
"Why?"
"Because certain secrets, once revealed, will prove that I was justified in killing Xiyou."
"You want me to cover for you?" Indignation colored her voice.
"No. I'm simply telling you the truth you wanted to know." His eyes crinkled in amusement.
Gailu fell silent, her mind racing. Had Xiyou joined this mission with hidden motives related to Pariston? Regardless, her nature demanded that she report this to the Chairman.
Oboro patted her shoulder meaningfully before walking away. His Hell Curse ability remained active with so many fresh deaths, some souls would still linger, ripe for collection.
Half an hour later, the team met again.
"Captain, Xiyou's body is missing," Menchi reported quietly.
"Ah yes, a gift I left for someone special." Oboro's lack of surprise was telling.
"Captain!" Rita called. "Some survivors escaped. Shall we pursue?"
"No need. Let's go."
The team walked past Gailu, deliberately ignoring her presence. After boarding their ship, Oboro retreated to his cabin. He retrieved a small black package containing an array of acupuncture needles, arranged by size. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, he began his daily ritual of inserting the silver needles precisely into specific points before entering a meditative state.
This practice of stimulating his blood and flesh had become a daily constant during his sea voyages. Although the mission was an obvious setup, they had officially completed it. One more three-star mission and they could submit their request to the higher-ups.
Even if some Zodiac members were against it, Netero as chairman would have to recognize Oboro's qualifications for three-star status. His strength, resume, mission volume, and professionalism spoke for themselves.
The only real concern was V5. Their approval could override any objections from the Association, one of the privileges of the Supreme Power.
The next day, Oboro was studying an ancient text when a knock interrupted his reading.
"Come in."
Gailu entered, phone outstretched. "For you."
Oboro smiled, closed his book and took the device.
"Oboro? This is Yorkshire." A stern female voice crackled through the speaker. "By order of the Association, you are now under surveillance. Gailu will be monitoring you around the clock during your return trip. Any attempt to evade supervision will result in prosecution under the Association's bylaws. Should Gailu be harmed before reaching land, you will be held responsible as the prime suspect."
"Twenty-four hours?" Oboro raised an eyebrow at the stoic woman in front of him.
She had done exactly what he'd expected. Even without his provocative revelation, Gailu would have reported to the Association.
"Don't worry, I understand," he said softly. "See you at headquarters." He handed the phone back, then glanced around his cramped quarters. "Only one bed here. Want to move in?"
Gailu kept two meters away and settled on a bench. "This space is adequate for two people moving about freely."
Oboro smiled and went back to his reading. They fell into an uneasy coexistence, each busy with their own activities. Though tense at first, Gailu gradually relaxed as Oboro showed no sign of malice. She found herself studying his daily acupuncture routine with professional interest, noting how the techniques seemed to strengthen his nen and blood flow.
The days passed quietly. Menchi and the others understood their captain's situation as another complication in the Association's power struggles, but not their concern. They visited occasionally, maintaining a semblance of normalcy until the ship finally docked.
Their welcoming committee consisted of three Zodiacs: Mizaiston the Ox, Kanzai the Tiger, and Biscuit. With Gailu, that made four.
"You're coming with us." Mizaiston, his left eye socket painted black under his cow costume, crossed his arms.
"Afraid I'll run away?" Oboro's smile never wavered.
Menchi and the others moved protectively in front of their captain, but he waved them away. "It's all right. Wait for me at the hotel, I won't be long."
His word was law for the team. They left reluctantly.
"You're such a troublemaker," Biscuit complained, hands on hips. "Did you really kill him?"
"Yes." Oboro's casual confession left them speechless.
"Well, everyone who needs to be here has arrived," he said, his tone light. "My first formal meeting with all of you Zodiacs, shame on the circumstances."