Zeno had been shocked. But after hearing the full story, he understood. Maha's decision made sense.
People like Larry didn't belong on any client's target list. That's why, when Chrollo Lucilfer approached them for a job, they refused without hesitation. Some names are simply untouchable.
Zeno continued to study Larry, who, for his part, didn't seem particularly interested in the old man.
Like Silva, Zeno had stark white hair, no black strands at all. It was said that pure white hair in the Zoldyck bloodline was a sign of remarkable talent.
Zeno's sharp-featured face was lean but lively. His eyes sparkled with intelligence. Twin vertical white beards hung from his chin, and he wore the same training outfit he was always seen in. Across his chest were four bold Chinese characters: 'One Kill a Day'.
That slogan was more than a motto, it was his entire work ethic. Sometimes it would be replaced with 'Career Active', depending on his mood.
Zeno might've looked like a harmless old man at first glance, but anyone familiar with him knew better. His calm expression always hid a lethal edge.
Larry noted that detail with interest.
It wasn't the only place Chinese script popped up in this world, either. For example, the title on Chrollo's conjured book, The Bandit's Secret, was written entirely in Chinese.
It was hard to say whether this was just one of Togashi's playful Easter eggs or if there actually some kind of clue.
After Netero's welcome, everyone took their seats at the front of the table. As Larry sat down, something made him glance across the room.
Sure enough, seated on the other side was Pyon, wearing her usual rabbit-eared hat. She gave him a friendly wave and a soft smile. Larry returned the nod without a word.
Menchi, sitting near him, noticed the brief exchange but said nothing. She simply smiled knowingly. Meanwhile, Gel, on the other side, glanced between the two and smirked quietly, as if amused by the interaction.
"Hoo ho ho…"
The laugh echoed through the room again, similar to Netero's but lighter and more feminine.
It was unmistakably Biscuit Krueger.
Bicuit, who was seated next to Pyon and wearing her signature white gloves, covered her mouth as she giggled uncontrollably. Her deep red eyes sparkled as her shoulders trembled with laughter. Even though she was clearly trying to hold it in, the joy still spilled out.
This was a moment she had been looking forward to ever since their days on Greed Island. And now, watching Larry earn his rightful place at the table of the strongest, she couldn't have been happier.
To her surprise, Biscuit realized something was off. She had expected a simple case of one heroine and one romantic rival, but now it seemed like the numbers didn't add up.
She couldn't help but glance at Gel across the table. Who would've thought that Gel, another member of the Zodiac like herself, might also have some kind of connection to Larry?
What was supposed to be a classic love triangle now looked more like a battlefield with three contenders.
Biscuit felt like fate was rewarding her for the good karma she'd unknowingly built up in life. How else could she have the fortune to witness such a juicy scene in person?
Her eyes wandered playfully, and that mischievous chuckle she tried to stifle just made Larry's eyebrow twitch. A thin vein pulsed at his temple.
Was now really the time to be enjoying the drama? No. Absolutely not.
What was even entertaining about this?
Larry looked at Menchi, who smiled at him gently, then at Pyon who greeted him with her usual sweet smile. Finally, his gaze landed on Gel, who was watching him with eyes full of interest. And that's when it hit him.
'Wait… is this what people call a Shura Field?'
He tried to shake off the thought. Maybe he was overthinking it.
Menchi… sure, there was something there, but nothing definite. Pyon just had a bit of a crush, maybe. As for Gel and Biscuit? They were clearly just here for the show. He hoped.
Meanwhile, the other older Hunters in the room didn't say a word. But their eyes sparkled with curiosity, gossip glinting just beneath the surface.
It was always the old ones who had the most fun watching these things unfold. Biscuit included, of course. (Thankfully Author is safe from Biscuit here)
"Ah, youth~" Netero chuckled as he stroked his beard, his eyes full of nostalgic amusement.
Time continued to pass. As more and more Hunters arrived, the meeting room gradually filled to capacity. Finally, the scheduled time arrived.
"Well then, it's time," Netero announced, his voice firm but relaxed as he glanced at the clock. "Let's begin."
With that, the room went completely silent. All eyes turned toward the President, who stood at the head of the table. Not even a whisper broke the stillness. Behind him stood Beans, his ever-dutiful secretary, ready to record everything.
"You all know the list of the world's top five Nen users," Netero began, his words slow and deliberate so no one would miss a single syllable. "It was first decided here, in this very conference room, many years ago."
He paused to let the weight of his words sink in.
"The names on that list were me, Linne, Zeno Zoldyck, Ging Freecss… and Botobai Gigante."
The moment those names were spoken aloud, the room felt charged. The Top Five weren't necessarily the absolute strongest people alive, but their strength was undeniably among the highest. Being on that list meant you had reached the pinnacle of Nen mastery.
"But now, that list is outdated," Netero continued. "Time has passed, and it no longer reflects the current reality."
He looked around the table, eyes resting momentarily on Linne, who sat calmly with no sign of discontent.
"So today, one of those five will step down, and someone new will take their place."
The room buzzed with curiosity, but no one spoke out. This wasn't some earth-shattering announcement; it was just a single change in a list that had stood for decades. Still, people were eager to know the replacement.
"As most of you know, Linne has aged, and while her wisdom remains, her strength is no longer what it used to be. She's chosen to step down of her own accord."
There were no objections to this. Linne was respected by everyone, and it was clear her decision came from self-awareness, not pressure. She was the oldest Hunter still active in the Association. Everyone accepted it without fuss.
Now, the real question lingered in the air.
Who would take her place?
The "Top Five Nen Users" wasn't like the position of Association Chairman, which required an election. It was a title spoken into existence by Netero himself, recognized by the world through sheer authority and credibility. There was no formal process, just a name announced for everyone to hear.
And once it was said, it carried weight. Massive weight.
If your name was on the list, you didn't just become a legend, you were a legend. You didn't need to campaign or explain yourself. The world would know.
Of course, not everyone would agree. There were always those with their own opinions, their own idols, their own ideas of who deserved the title. And if someone unexpected appeared on the list, it could lead to backlash or even challenges.
This wasn't a popularity contest, and it wasn't for the public. The list wasn't printed in newspapers or shown on TV.