In the eyes of the real powers, the gangs were nothing but chickens and dogs, not a regular army. These criminal organizations might have their tentacles in various industries and social aspects, but they couldn't be compared to a nation. To V5, the Mafia was like a puppy wagging its tail and begging for mercy.
Remember when Oboro first became one of the Ten Dons, the V5 official Rodman, despite being a minor figure in his organization, treated the Ten Dons with blatant arrogance and dismissal. That was the power of capital, real capital, that the gangs simply didn't have.
The Mafia seemed to have monopolized most of the world's businesses and industries, but to operate normally, they depended on the whims of various countries and survived on handouts. In addition, Mafia factions constantly fought among themselves, undermining their collective strength. Despite their vast numbers, they were nothing more than a pile of loose sand in the eyes of the powers that be.
However, the situation changed dramatically. After unifying the entire underworld, and then opening up the political structures of various countries, the Fells family would usher in a qualitative change. This was Oboro's true plan, with every element intricately connected.
He would transform the Fells Family into an uncrowned country.
A nation without territory Only national entities could claim a place in the human world, but there was no unclaimed territory on the continents for them to explore and develop. Yes, there were small, isolated countries like East Gorteau or NGL, but their potential was limited.
Therefore, to gain the capital necessary to negotiate with other countries, to achieve a status that the V5 would take seriously, one had to adapt. Oboro's strategy was clear: unite the underground forces, replace Netero as president of the Hunters Association, and use the Fells family's infiltration of various royal families to manipulate international public opinion and reshape the global landscape. This would encourage some nations to follow the example of the Kakin Empire, tearing up treaties signed with the V5 and declaring independence.
The combination of all these forces would be the true form of the "country" Oboro was trying to create.
Currently, progress with other countries was going smoothly, except for the Kakin Empire, which presented unique challenges. As a first-class nation on the continent, Kakin hadn't yet reached the level of V5, but it was just below them. The reason for this, of course, was the War of Succession. In the past, the Kakin Empire was just a poor, small country, constantly defending itself against invasion and annexation by more powerful nations. To ensure its survival, Nasubi Hui Guo Rou's ancestors created the Succession War ritual to select the most suitable heir to maintain national prosperity.
This tradition has been passed down through generations with the express purpose of making the Kakin Empire stronger and stronger.
Today, the Kakin Empire enjoyed unprecedented prosperity. They had established a royal military academy to train military talent, and they devoted considerable resources to scientific research. They frequently held world-class competitions that attracted international attention. As a result, V5 had no incentive to target them.
This demonstrated King Nasubi's shrewd political acumen; there was a reason he had become the king of this generation.
Nasubi and Beyond Netero had formed an alliance. Beyond wanted to lift the blockade and travel to the Dark Continent, but what did Kakin, or more specifically, Nasubi, really want? Was he really looking for a future for humanity, willing to take risks as a pioneer?
Of course not.
He wanted to force V5 to compromise and allow the Kakin Empire to join smoothly, turning V5 into V6.
The fat king's ambitions matched Beyond's in scope.
Once the Mafia was unified, the power of the Fells family would be enough to attract the attention of the Kakin royal family. Ninth Prince Halkenburg would no longer dare to ignore the Mafia as he did now. And when external powers realized that the Fells family had the means to change the global political landscape, respect would inevitably follow.
Especially from V5. Oboro would let V5 see what he wanted them to see and hide what he didn't want them to see, such as the core personnel he had strategically placed within the V5 organization.
"After unification, the second step is to help our people succeed the kings of various countries and become the next rulers," Oboro explained coldly. "It may be through coup, regicide, assassination, or strategy, whatever proves effective. Our Fells family will spare no effort, using all resources and manpower."
"All I want is results," he added, using the remote to change the channel.
"I understand," David replied, his eyes reflecting a deep calculation.
The uncrowned land!
Who could have imagined that an insignificant little family would grow into a titan playing a pivotal role in the human world? All orchestrated by the man in front of him. Of course, both he and Filslily had made significant contributions as well.
The Phantom Troupe had been severely damaged, but that conflict was only an insignificant part of the grand plan. The Spider was never the protagonist, these bandits were merely leverage used by those in power to further their agenda. They were simply victims.
"By the way," David added, "you can contact me if necessary. I will personally take action. After our people take power, we will infiltrate every aspect of every country, technology, military industry, medicine, fashion, and every fundamental factor that affects a nation. Everything you can imagine, we must have our presence."
"Yes."
"Proceed."
With that, David turned and left.
The global political transformation and integration of the entire underground network, combined with control of the Hunters Association, would be enough to ensure that the Fells family would never have to kneel before V5.
The television broadcast the sound of heavy gunfire. Another reckless reporter was filming gang warfare in some city.
In broad daylight, two factions were exchanging gunfire in the streets. The conflict had escalated to an extraordinary level of violence, with many innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, their bodies lying in pools of blood. No police or official personnel were present to maintain order.
This was clearly due to the ripple effects of the Black Whale incident.
The once clear pond water had suddenly turned turbid, the ecological chain of big fish devouring small fish had been set in motion.
A few days later, Oboro entered a guest room.
Kurapika was sitting on the bed, looking weak and gazing absently out the window.
His aura and vitality were greatly diminished.
Oboro cleared his throat.
He had received word from his servants that the comatose boy had finally regained consciousness.
"Sir!" Kurapika called and stood up when he saw Oboro.
His current status was that of a member of the Fells family.
He had wanted to call Oboro "Master", but Oboro had forbidden it, not because Kurapika's status was insufficient, but because Oboro had told him something the boy didn't quite understand: "Do not associate with me, or it will bring you misfortune."
Since then, Kurapika had addressed Oboro as "Sir".
"Why don't you eat?" Oboro approached and looked at the untouched food on the table.
"No appetite." "Hmm." Oboro sat down in a chair and studied Kurapika's face before speaking directly. "Three spiders left, do you intend to continue?"
Kurapika remained silent, but his eyes gave everything away.
"I'm not sure about these two, but Machi's elimination might prove difficult in Hisoka's presence. Your chain prison only works against spiders, which means that you'd probably get killed in a direct confrontation with Hisoka. Unless you're absolutely sure, it's best to keep your distance for now. Perhaps after some time, circumstances will resolve the situation without your intervention. Oboro smiled enigmatically.
Kurapika clenched his fist, causing the chain on his hand to make a crisp sound.
"From this moment on, you are no longer part of the Fells family. Your subsequent actions are entirely of your own will. If you wish to travel to the Kakin Empire to retrieve your clan's Scarlet Eyes, you must devise your own strategy. The Kakin royal family is extremely complex, especially the fourth prince you seek. This man is formidable."
Oboro just glanced at Kurapika, said his goodbyes, then rose and left.
As for the Kakin royal family, Oboro still had business to attend to and couldn't take Kurapika with him, especially since Kurapika's goals conflicted with his plans.
Too many variables.
The young Kurta would have to fend for himself.
"Thank you for your care during this time," Kurapika said, bowing deeply as he watched Oboro's retreating figure.
Oboro raised his hand in recognition.
"Sir, someone has arrived," David informed Oboro with a serious expression as soon as he left Kurapika's room.
"Let's go," Oboro replied with an amused snort.
He had received advance notice of this visit.
Though their agents did not hold significant positions within V5, gathering certain information remained relatively easy.
Moments later, Oboro strolled leisurely into the main hall with his hands in his pockets, David following behind.
When the door opened, they encountered a woman with glasses and long hair, dressed like a secretary, arms crossed and a cold expression on her face.
When she heard their entrance, she turned and held out her hand to Oboro. "Hello, Oboro, true master of the Fells family and former sole ruler of the underground forces. I am one of the few Three-Star Hunters in the Association, and I have distinguished myself in the study of ancient literature. My name is Celine, I suppose no introduction is necessary?"
V5 could not hide anything from Oboro about his true identity, including everything he had accomplished.
From the moment he became one of the Ten Dons and later joined the Hunters' Association, someone had always been watching him.
"The Committee, of course," Oboro replied coolly, glancing at her outstretched hand without taking it.
Sent by V5.
The woman had not expected such arrogance. Her expression hardened as she withdrew her hand.
"What do you want?" Oboro asked.
"To be brief, I have no interest in the internal affairs of your gang, but your conflicts have severely disrupted international peace and stability. Cities around the world are now suffering from riots as Mafia factions fight for territory. In the past few days alone, civilian casualties have risen dramatically. This must end immediately!" Her tone changed to imperious command. "I've just given your butler information on ten individuals we've selected to replace the Ten Dons. Find a way to install them quickly and restore order to the underworld. Don't cause us any more problems!"
Having delivered her message, the woman immediately moved to walk past Oboro, as if unwilling to exchange another word.
As their paths crossed, Celine stopped. "You don't want me to visit again, do you? If we meet again, you understand the implications. In the past, we have overlooked your minor gang skirmishes, but the current situation exceeds acceptable parameters."
After delivering this warning, she tried to leave.
Unexpectedly, Oboro grabbed her wrist.
"What are you doing?" Celine's eyes darkened, though she kept her composure.
"As far as we're concerned, all lands will obey any ban we issue. We could eradicate your kind quickly and effortlessly, we wouldn't even have to act directly. Besides, even the Hunters Association has to abide by our rules. Your three-star rating was hard-earned; we granted it, and we can revoke it just as easily."
"You are intelligent, if you want to retain the ownership of such a huge company, follow our guidelines," she scolded coldly, clearly displeased with Oboro's behavior.
Despite being an ordinary person, despite knowing Oboro's accomplishments, she still considered him insignificant.
He had to learn subservience; he had no alternative.
Her behavior was completely domineering and unreasonable.
V5 intended to install ten of her puppets by force, not even reserving a position for the Fells family among the new Ten Dons.
Without prior notice.
"Let go!" Celine winced in pain, but remained defiant. "Very well! Clearly, the underworld needs someone more obedient to run the operations." "You are mistaken," Oboro finally spoke, smiling at the woman. "I am not some former master of an underground force. I am the ruler of this 'country', the first and only one."
"My country does not answer to dictates from the outside."
"Your country?" Celine's expression became mocking.
"A mere gangster who aspires to be a nation? What madness possesses you? Don't dream you're hurting me. Your attitude today displeases me greatly! Even though you are currently... " She spoke with contemptuous amusement, but never finished her sentence.
With a thunderous crack, her head exploded.
Oboro released his grip and let her body collapse face down on the ground.
David approached expressionless, produced a white handkerchief, and personally wiped the blood from Oboro's chest.
"This woman wasn't in her right mind. What nonsense did she say? Do you understand?" Oboro asked David.
"Maybe I'm the one who's crazy," David replied with a gentle smile.