In HxH with Doraemon Pocket

Chapter 388 - 388

Netero, standing there, spoke with a tone that seemed severe, yet his words carried a hint of interest and eagerness. Clearly, after sensing Neferpitou's aura, Netero's long-dormant fighting spirit began to stir. The battle desire that had been silent for so many years was finally awakening.

Compared to fighting other humans, facing a Chimera Ant like Neferpitou, Netero had no reservations. He could unleash his full power without holding back!

"No matter how troublesome, someone needs to resolve these matters," Netero said as he stepped forward.

"Chairman!!" Knov urgently called out, "Given the opponent's strength, shouldn't we call in more members to join our team?"

"Exactly!!" Morel added with a serious expression, "Though half-baked strength might be absorbed, if we summon other Zodiac members, their abilities should suffice."

Even though Morin, Ging, and Netero were already present, Morel thought it would be safer and more reassuring to call in fighters like Botobai, Ginta, and Kanzai. Ideally, they would gather the world's top five Nen users...

Netero, however, shook his head. "Before coming here, this old man already sought help. If even with our current lineup we can't handle them, then we might as well wash our hands of the matter."

With that, Netero headed towards a large tree ahead. Morel and Knov exchanged a glance, then followed with a sense of resignation.

Morin gave Killua a slight smile, "Keep it up, okay?"

Ging patted Killua's head but said nothing more, only tapping a specific spot on his forehead, the very place where Illumi had inserted a silver needle.

As they left, Killua watched the five figures gradually disappear into the distance.

After walking a while, Netero suddenly spoke, "I've arranged for two assassins in the nearest town. Whether to fight them is up to you, but defeat them before catching up." As he spoke, two broken wooden plaques flew from Netero's hand, landing in front of Killua.

"If you still want to live as a Hunter."

Killua stared blankly at the plaques engraved with "Fly" and "General," his eyes widening, a glint of determination reigniting within them.

"I don't need useless helpers. I only need strong ones by my side."

With Netero's final words, the five figures vanished from Killua's sight.

After passing through the entrance of the massive tree, Netero leisurely spoke, "When I called Knov and Morel, their disciples insisted on coming along, but I'm not familiar with their abilities, so..."

"So you left them another set of plaques to see who would fare better against Gon and Killua?" Morin chimed in with a smile, understanding that Netero was explaining to him.

"Well, my two disciples, Knuckle and Shoot, may not be top-tier, but they have some skills," Morel said, scratching his head. "And Knuckle, being a Beast Hunter, won't miss the chance to study a new species like the Chimera Ants."

He spoke with confidence in his disciples, but soon his tone shifted to one of worry, "But I'd rather those two not win."

After learning of Neferpitou's strength, Morel felt that if Knuckle and Shoot came here, it would be akin to serving themselves on a platter.

Ging, on the other hand, seemed completely unconcerned, showing no worry for Kite, as if his disciple wasn't the one in a dire situation.

"Disciples, huh..." Knov's expression was somewhat complicated.

Talking about this reminded him of his disciple Palm, who wore a onesie, her hair disheveled, half her face obscured by dark lines, immersed in a gloomy demeanor. When he first met Palm, she wasn't like this. Back then, she was a well-dressed, pretty, and delicate young girl. Seeing her potential, talent, and willingness to work hard, he happily took her as his disciple.

Who would have thought she'd become like this...

"By the way, old man," Morin spoke up as Knov was lost in thought, "What do you plan to do next?"

"What do I plan to do?" Netero replied without turning his head, "I intend to spend the next month investigating the number and details of those ants, and reducing them to minimize danger."

"Experts gave varying opinions on the King's birth time, but they estimate around two months. If nothing goes awry..."

"I see~" Morin responded noncommittally.

---

"Besides the five of us and those backup members, you must have other tricks up your sleeve, right?" he asked, referring to Netero's earlier mention of seeking help.

"Ah," Netero chuckled, "just to be safe, I did ask an old friend for assistance."

"But his price was too high, so I'm still considering it."

An old friend? A high price? Morin smiled knowingly, clearly aware of who it was. Without saying more, he followed Netero and the others deeper into the jungle.

Republic of Rokario, one of the three major countries in the Island Federation. This nation borders NGL, and the city closest to NGL is a small town called Doli City.

Killua and Gon hitched a ride with Kite's companions, Yubis and others, taking a jeep back to the town. In the town center, on the announcement board of a building, Killua saw a battle declaration written by the person holding the other half of the wooden plaque.

"To Killua and Gon: What's your response?"

As Killua silently read the chalkboard message while carrying the unconscious Gon, a peculiar woman in a pink nightgown, lurking in a corner, was also observing them. Everything seemed to be operating on a predetermined track, functioning normally.

Within the NGL autonomous region, on a hillside some unknown kilometers away from the ant nest.

"Things aren't looking good, huh?" Netero formed a circle with his thumb and forefinger, similar to an "OK" gesture. His eyes were covered with Nen, peering through the Nen-infused circle towards the ant nest.

In his vision, a cute cat girl with kawaii cat ears and a tail sat cross-legged at the edge of a high slope.

"That one might be stronger than me, huh?"

"Stronger than you, old man?" Morin stood beside him, chuckling at Netero's half-serious joke. "Then why are we even fighting? We should just retreat. You're supposed to be the strongest in the world. It seems the opponent Killua mentioned must be that ant, right? Based on my senses, there's another aura just as strong hidden within the nest, probably guarding the Queen and the unborn King, right?"

"Another one?"

Morel and Knov, standing behind, couldn't help but tense up. They could barely sense the existence of the cat-like ant, and even from this distance, its aura was enough to make them uneasy.

"An ant that's not even the King yet has such strength?" Morel thought with a serious expression.

As for Netero's comment about the ant being stronger than him, Morel interpreted it as "it'll take some effort to deal with."

The Poor Man's Rose! There are various ways to deal with ants, some of which are easy solutions! No matter how strong the opponent, they're just newly born ants. Compared to Netero, who has lived for decades, they're just infants.

Still, even though they're newly born, they possess such power? These strange Chimera Ants are indeed formidable foes. Describing them as exceptionally gifted is not an exaggeration. Nature endowed them with robust, wild bodies and exceptional talents...

It's just a pity their nature is as savage as any wild beast. Morel had some understanding of Chimera Ants. They're mainly bred through the Queen consuming nutrients to lay eggs. The eggs are categorized into three types.

The first is Soldier Ants, the most common, hunting food for the Queen. This category is diverse, with roles ranging from ordinary soldiers to squad leaders and sub-leaders.

The second is the King's Royal Guard, who, before the King's birth, ensure the King's safe arrival and are utterly obedient to the Queen, even more protective of her.

Upon the King's birth, they automatically become the King's subordinates, loyal to the King and indifferent to the Queen who birthed them.

This cat-like ant is merely one of the King's Royal Guard. If the Guard is this powerful, what kind of might will the soon-to-be-born King possess?! Or perhaps it's fortunate the King hasn't been born yet. Otherwise, they might not have been able to leave once they arrived.

"My title as the strongest Nen user was from half a century ago. Soon, someone will replace me, maybe even sooner than I think." Netero glanced at the smiling Morin beside him, his youthful face prompting a sigh. "My current strength is less than half of my prime. I really don't want to grow old."

As he spoke, two large teardrops welled up in his eyes, hanging on his lashes without falling. His lament of an aging man was almost poignant.

"Alright, let's discuss what to do next?" Morin, unfazed by Netero's act, looked towards the distant Neferpitou sitting there.