If such a large number of elite Hunters were to be mobilized, it would be impossible to avoid the involvement of the Twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association.
So what does that mean?
It means the Hunter Association is not involved in this matter.
In that case, it can only be...
"Actually, if you look at the media and various official entities currently criticizing us worldwide, you might notice some clues," Chrollo continued to laugh over the phone.
"In the past, even when the Kude Bandit Group committed numerous crimes, these media outlets were never this enthusiastic."
"But when it comes to us, they seem particularly fervent, as if each one has transformed into a crusader of justice, condemning us with righteous indignation."
"Even some state-run media outlets have jumped in one after another, as if determined to make this an ironclad case and pin the blame on us."
"Heh?"
Chrollo chuckled softly, "If you observe closely, you'll notice that most of these vocal countries have some sort of connection with the V5."
Morin agreed with Chrollo's assessment, "It's most likely the V5."
He had previously discussed this matter with Kastro.
Once the suspect was identified, looking back, one could notice subtle inconsistencies.
The Hunter Association hadn't even begun a detailed investigation before the V5 intervened, claiming they had already reached a conclusion.
Moreover, they immediately elevated the Phantom Troupe to the level of "S-class criminals."
"The Kurta Clan is not weak, and the Phantom Troupe is quite powerful, especially in recent times. Is that why they were chosen as scapegoats?"
"After all, the actions of Feitan, Phinks, and Chrollo have already led the public to view the Troupe as a heinous, bloodthirsty organization."
"Well, although that might not be far from the truth..."
"So now, by pinning a genocide charge on the Phantom Troupe, people are likely to believe the official reports due to their preconceived notions."
"Not that we care to clarify or argue with the outside world, but even if we did, it wouldn't make much difference."
"In the eyes of the world, the Phantom Troupe is just an infamous evil criminal organization. No one would believe what we say, or even listen."
"In this way, is there any organization more suitable than the Phantom Troupe to be the scapegoat for this incident?"
"None at all~"
Morin shook his head with a self-deprecating smile.
"Who would've thought that in such matters, the Phantom Troupe would be so popular as a scapegoat, used so conveniently."
After listening quietly to Morin's musings, Chrollo said,
"While we don't mind or reject anything, including the charges they impose on us..."
"But they shouldn't think they can take anything from us."
"Since they've elevated us to S-class criminals, perhaps it's time for us to take some action."
Chrollo chuckled softly, "The date and plan for our next collective action seem to be taking shape."
In the original story, when a homeless man was wrongfully sentenced to death, people from Meteor City sent the judge, lawyers, jury members, and witnesses all to the afterlife.
Now, with the Phantom Troupe being wronged even more severely, how could Chrollo remain indifferent?
Even knowing they are no match for the colossal V5, they must at least show their stance.
They will not let V5 have their way so easily!!
The Phantom Troupe will let these arrogant elites know that the people of Meteor City are not to be insulted.
After hanging up the phone, Morin dialed again to contact Kastro.
"How are things on your end?"
"Not very good..."
Kastro's tone was somewhat somber, "When we tried to conduct a deeper investigation, we clearly encountered resistance."
"Now, there's subtle pressure from all sides, urging us not to get involved in this matter."
Kastro's tone was not very pleasant.
"Chairman Netero went to the V5 once, and after returning, he didn't say anything but chose to go into seclusion."
"Pariston wanted to challenge me on this matter at the Twelve Zodiacs meeting, but he was stopped by Beans and Botobai... uh, and Ging was absent from this meeting again???"
The last sentence seemed a bit redundant.
Absent?
Heh, once you understand Ging's nature, you'll find him even more troublesome.
For now, he's just absent.
In the future, he'll go even further, placing a panda plush toy with the name "Ging Freecss" on it in his seat, claiming he's already attended.
Such perfunctory behavior, he even used it during the Chairman election in front of so many people.
His nonchalance and willfulness left the Zodiacs and many Hunters speechless.
But?
"Pariston really doesn't miss any opportunity, does he?"
Morin commented, "I think he shouldn't be called the Rat; the Dog's position suits him better. He's like a persistent dog skin plaster, biting anyone he can."
"Hahaha."
Kastro chuckled dryly at Morin's comment.
Pariston's personality was well-known, and Morin knew it too, so he didn't bother to pursue it further. Otherwise, pondering these trivial matters all day would exhaust him.
Of course, if Pariston really pushed Morin and Kastro too far, Morin wouldn't let him off easily.
Though if a dog bites you, you can't bite back.
First, it's undignified, and second, it's unhygienic.
So?
You could make a dog meat hotpot or the famous Tongzhi dog meat favored by Liu Bang of Peixian. (Chinese reference ig)
"Botobai stopping Pariston is understandable; he's known as the conscience of the Zodiacs, least willing to see internal strife."
"But what's Beans' involvement? How did he get into the Twelve Zodiacs?"
Morin continued to ask.
"Because it's Chairman Netero's directive."
Kastro's tone turned somber again:
"Chairman Netero explicitly instructed that the Kurta Clan and Phantom Troupe matters should not lead to internal conflicts."
"Is that so? Then we should thank the old man."
Morin's expression didn't improve; instead, it grew slightly more serious.
For Chairman Netero to set the tone on this matter at the Twelve Zodiacs meeting and then go into seclusion without pursuing the Phantom Troupe issue...
It indicates that the old man might have learned something after visiting the V5.
So he doesn't want to get involved in this matter, nor does he want the Hunter Association to intervene.
As for whatever chaos the V5 stirs up, let them do as they please.
From these clues, Morin has basically concluded that the Kurta Clan massacre was orchestrated by the V5.
What Morin couldn't understand was the V5's motive for doing this?!
The Kurta Clan, known for their Scarlet Eyes, one of the world's seven most beautiful sights, are indeed worth billions of Jenny.
But compared to such wealth, sending numerous strong individuals to annihilate them seems unworthy.
The Kurta Clan is not weak, and the Scarlet Eyes require them to remain in a state of rage.
Only when they die in anger can the red color in their eyes be perfectly preserved.
The conditions for acquiring Scarlet Eyes are quite troublesome, and the V5 wouldn't go to such lengths for a bit of money.
Morin didn't believe it was just for the Scarlet Eyes.
Unless the Kurta Clan had something else that attracted the V5.
Something that made them willing to go to such lengths to annihilate them.
There must be a return that matches the cost, or even more.
Besides the Scarlet Eyes, what else sets the Kurta Clan apart from ordinary people... from other Nen users... wait?!
A sudden thought and hypothesis flashed through Morin's mind.
The cause of everything, the full picture of the event!! The V5 is the primary target!!
The Kurta Clan originally lived in seclusion in the deep mountains of the Kurta region.
When they become emotionally agitated, their pupils turn crimson.
Now, they have suffered a catastrophic genocide, facing unimaginable persecution.
In the original story, during the Phantom Troupe's attack, some clan members escaped, and there was one survivor (possibly more than one).
After all, there were Kurta Clan casualties on the ship island in the original story.
But the only survivor was definitely Kurapika.
Including the possibility of undiscovered bodies, a total of 36 pairs of Scarlet Eyes were left.
This time, the genocide was executed so thoroughly that, except for Kurapika, who was outside, no one escaped.
After all, the massive machinery of the V5 is far more meticulous than the small team mode of the Phantom Troupe.
Comparing his knowledge of the Kurta Clan, Morin came up with a plausible, perhaps very close to reality, hypothesis:
"Could the V5 have been interested in the Kurta Clan's unique physique?"
The Scarlet Eyes are one of the Kurta Clan's unique traits. When they become emotionally agitated, their eyes turn fiery red.
Correspondingly, it also changes the bodies of these holders.
It generally alters their personalities and moods, possibly causing sudden neural mutations, while enhancing physical strength and psychological endurance.
But to Morin, these aren't the main points; merely enhancing physical attributes isn't enough reason for the V5 to act.
Besides altering these physical attributes, the Scarlet Eyes have another significant function:
If the holder of the Scarlet Eyes is a Nen user, once they activate the Scarlet Eyes, the intensity and attributes of their Nen change!!
Yes, this is the most important and crucial factor in Morin's view!!
The Kurta Clan's physique is peculiar, possessing the Scarlet Eyes, one of the world's seven most beautiful sights, which not only grant them beauty but also extra power.
In their normal state, they exhibit Nen abilities of other categories.
But once they transform into the Scarlet Eyes, they switch to the Specialist category or possibly other categories.
This unique physique grants them two different categories of Nen abilities, offering the Kurta Clan a second possibility.
In normal circumstances, Kurapika is a Conjurer, with the Nen ability "Chain Jail."
But once he transforms into the Scarlet Eyes state, he gains the ability "Emperor Time."
Moreover, during his battle with Uvogin, the Scarlet Eyes state allowed him to use both Nen abilities simultaneously.
Being able to develop two types of Nen abilities and use them without restriction in battle...
It's practically a cheat!!
But when you consider that even Ging possesses such extraordinary talent, the possibility of the Kurta Clan having two types of Nen abilities isn't so shocking.
Read Advanced at:
P@treon.com/NenMaster