Chapter 116: I Refuse! (Part 2)
One day, in the Hunter Association's conference hall
The Twelve Zodiac Signs were gathered...
But only ten were present. One, Ging Freecss, was missing as usual, and another Inugami had recently sacrificed himself.
It was still called a "meeting," even though Ging's absence had long become routine.
"I've called you all here because there's now an empty seat among you the Yin Tiger. What do you think? Or rather... do you have any suitable candidates?"
Inside the room, the old man sat cross-legged, calmly sipping his tea.
"Aren't you the one who always assigns the positions, Chairman? Since when do our opinions matter?"
Crook, the Rooster, rested his chin on his hand, an ornamental feather sprouting from his back as he raised an eyebrow.
"Oh my..."
The old man took another sip of tea and chuckled.
"After all, you'll be working together from now on. So, compatibility among new members matters your opinions are, of course, important."
The Twelve Zodiac's held great status and influence within the Association, with significant administrative authority. At times, when the old man wished to rest, he would simply entrust the daily management of the Association to them.
"Chairman, don't ask us. Your decision is our decision,"
said Piyon, the Rabbit, absentmindedly while playing on her handheld console.
Everyone understood the Chairman already had someone in mind. This meeting was merely a formality.
"Let's begin,"
Netero said.
The round-faced man standing obediently beside him turned on the TV screen, revealing two photos.
On the left was a man in a suit and sunglasses cold-eyed and composed: Haze.
On the right, a blond young man with a fierce expression and short temper.
Both photos had been taken in secret.
The blond youth on the right was none other than Kanzai, future member of the Twelve Zodiac's the Yin Tiger, the Treasure Hunter.
Them!
Everyone around the table was surprised to see their faces appear onscreen.
Kanzai was immensely capable and talented, achieving remarkable success in his field at a young age. His personality matched perfectly with that of the Yin Tiger no wonder the old man had taken notice.
As for Haze... needless to say, despite his relative inexperience, he had already achieved what most of the current Zodiac members never could.
Two and a half stars. Two stars.
Almost all earned through personal effort.
Only the Golden Fleet of the past could boast such feats.
If the decision were based solely on strength, Haze would win by a landslide.
Besides, everyone knew how much the Chairman valued Haze.
"I don't need to say much about these two... Though I'll make the final decision, I'd like to hear your opinions," the old man said with a faint smile.
"Then let's vote,"
Pariston interjected, crossing his fingers before raising his hand.
"I vote for Haze!"
The old man glanced sideways at his Vice President, smiling faintly unsurprised by his choice.
"My vote is for Kanzai,"
said Yorkshire.
"I acknowledge Haze's ability, but I've heard... certain things about his working style. For this position, beyond ability, experience is essential. Otherwise, it will be hard for him to gain his peers' recognition. Based on compatibility alone, Kanzai fits best."
"I know you'll do whatever you want in the end, but I must warn you if Haze joins us, he'll destabilize the team, just like Ging Fulix once did. Even if he quickly meets all qualifications and performs well, it'll still hurt your personal reputation,"
Yorkshire added, adjusting her glasses with a polite but firm tone.
"After reconsidering, I agree with Yorkshire,"
Crook said, raising his hand.
Chen Haze Port the most senior of the Zodiac, and closest to the Chairman in both reputation and strength spoke in a deep voice:
"Haze."
Just one word.
"Since neither choice seems perfect, why not go with the flow and do the Chairman a favor? Sir, your pick is Haze, right?"
Shenhou Xiyou yawned.
"Then I'll choose him too. Makes no difference to me."
As soon as he finished speaking, Yorkshire slammed her hands on the table.
"I hope everyone takes this seriously! The new member will be our future comrade this is important!"
"Eh... I think Yorkshire's right. I vote for Kanzai,"
said Yinda innocently, her afro bobbing.
"Kanzai!"
"Haze!"
The others quickly followed suit.
The final vote was 4 to 6 Kanzai with 4, Haze with 6.
Yorkshire's face darkened. With her sharp mind, she had already suspected why the Chairman called this meeting and had even prepared accordingly.
Originally, she predicted a 7 to 3 result... Haze would only get three votes: Pariston, Xiyou, and Porter White.
But reality far exceeded her expectations.
With that thought, she immediately turned and glared at the smiling man Pariston!
That bastard must have been behind this!
"Are you close to Haze?"
Yorkshire asked coldly.
She suspected that Pariston had made some shady deal with him.
If the two formed an alliance and influenced future administrative decisions, Pariston could seize the "power" he'd always wanted something that would seriously endanger the Association's future.
"No, actually... since Haze joined the Association, he hasn't spoken to me once. I really wanted to be friends, but... I guess he doesn't like me,"
Pariston replied with a careless smile.
Yorkshire, clearly unconvinced, remained seated, turning her gaze toward the Chairman.
Everything now depended on him.
Surely, the old man had seen through Pariston's intentions.
"Well then…"
Netero said, calmly sipping his tea under everyone's watchful eyes.
The old man stroked his beard, studying the younger faces around the table. Without naming anyone, he gestured to Doumian Ren to make a call.
Soon, the line connected.
"Hello…"
A calm voice answered from the other end it was Haze.
"Here's the situation," Netero said with a smile. "After the meeting's deliberation, I've decided to appoint you as the Yin Tiger of the Twelve Branches. What do you think?"
"I refuse."
Haze's rejection came instantly.
Pariston narrowed his eyes slightly.
Yorkshire sighed in relief.
"Why?"
Netero asked not surprised, but amused.
"A waste of time. If you insist on appointing me, I won't refuse... but I can't promise what will happen afterward," Haze replied flatly.
"Heh, heh…"
The old man chuckled softly then hung up the call.
"Hmm... My decision is… Kanzai."
"Inohori Kanzai."
Upon hearing that, Pariston immediately stood up, waved a hand, and said with his usual smile:
"Since there's a conclusion, this discussion is over. I'll take my leave."
With that, he walked out of the conference room before the old man.
However, just before opening the door, Pariston glanced back at the Chairman's figure a faint smirk on his lips.
Then, he turned and left with long strides.
(End of Chapter)