Luke assumed they were even secretly pushing their own applicants.
But clearly, under Chairman Netero, the Hunter Association still retained autonomy in selecting these twelve.
From the call Luke received from Ginta, the chosen members were not far from his expectations.
Naturally, Ginta, with his strong ability, caught Netero's attention and became one of the twelve.
After becoming one of the twelve, Ginta was very enthusiastic and frequently sent updates to Luke.
And through that, Luke learned the names of the twelve.
"So it's still the Zodiac Twelve signs?"
The Zodiac-based titles were no different from before, so Luke was not surprised.
Without Ginta saying much, Luke easily figured out who the twelve were.
"How did you know?!"
After Luke listed the other members, Ginta was shocked.
"Don't tell me..."
He began to suspect carefully: "Does the Hunter Association also have your people?"
"But that shouldn't be possible. I just learned the final list myself. No one else should know..."
Ginta was puzzled.
Luke did not explain. He hung up and entered the elevator.
No one tried to stop him.
Just his Double-Star Hunter license was enough for him to walk freely in the building.
Luke pressed the button for the top floor and waited as the elevator ascended.
Meanwhile, in the conference room on the top floor…
"Hohoho, this time everyone is finally present."
At the long conference table, Chairman Netero smiled as he looked around at the various figures around.
He couldn't help wanting to stroke his beard and nod in satisfaction.
But just as his hand reached into the air, he remembered something.
He silently lowered his hand again.
Chairman Netero had always been the center of attention, so every move of his was noticed.
Everyone clearly saw that gesture.
They all knew he wanted to stroke his beard.
However… all twelve attendees glanced at Netero's newly shortened, noticeably uneven beard.
For some unknown reason, his long beard had been cut.
And judging by the cut marks, it was not by Netero's own will.
It had been influenced by an external force.
An external force… one capable of affecting Chairman Netero…
This made the people around think of a very ridiculous rumor.
The rumor that Chairman Netero was being targeted and chased.
When they first heard it, they found it absolutely absurd.
Everyone present knew Netero's overwhelming strength.
Someone dared to target and chase him?
In this world, such a person should not exist.
Even the world's number one assassin family, the Zoldyck Family, could not.
But as time went by, that rumor not only did not disappear… it grew even stronger...
And that made it very interesting.
Those present, soon to become the Zodiac Twelve, did not believe that there was anyone in this world capable of assassinating Chairman Netero.
But if it was the effect of a Nen ability, or some related artifact, that was another matter.
As is well known, Nen is the most peculiar power in this world.
It is entirely possible for strange, inconceivable, and incomprehensible Nen abilities to appear.
The group silently pondered what kind of Nen ability could have forced Chairman Netero to this point.
In contrast, Ging Freecss, deliberately sitting at the very end and too lazy to bother with any of it, leaned back in his chair with a calm demeanor.
To outsiders, Ging Freecss appeared indifferent, detached, and aloof.
That kind of not my business, don't care about anyone else attitude discouraged anyone from wanting to interact with him.
Moreover, all eyes were focused on Chairman Netero.
Among the twelve, there were also a few naive, slow-thinking individuals…
Kanzai, with yellow hair and a tuft of hair sticking up, curiously examined Chairman Netero.
He leaned back in his chair, looking every bit the delinquent teenager.
And his question was just as thoughtless as he was: "Was your beard cut by someone, Chairman?"
So direct, with no subtlety or pretense, he simply asked it outright.
What a good fellow!
The other professional hunters present secretly cheered in their hearts, fully supporting Kanzai's behavior.
It seemed that those who were naive and foolish were actually indispensable in their group.
At certain moments, they could play this role, asking questions that others wanted to ask but could not voice.
For a time, everyone's attention and gaze converged entirely on Chairman Netero.
"Hohoho..."
After meeting everyone's gaze, Chairman Netero chuckled slightly: "I know what you are thinking..."
"That's right, it's exactly what you think."
Chairman Netero admitted openly: "It was done by the people who were targeting me."
The others present: "...?!"
Are there really people targeting Chairman Netero?!
Even though they sensed that this rumor might be true, everyone could not help but still feel shocked.
"There really are such fearless people?!"
Kanzai, who felt extremely astonished, exclaimed loudly: "Who has such audacity to dare target you, chairman?!"
"Could it be the Zoldyck Family?!"
Kanzai's simple mind could not imagine anyone else daring to engage in such a suicidal act against Chairman Netero aside from the world's top assassin family.
The other, smarter individuals began speculating on what kind of Nen ability could actually cause Chairman Netero so much trouble.
What conditions would need to be met to create such a Nen ability capable of this effect?
And moreover, this targeting seemed rather competent.
"I did issue an order for them to pursue me before, but unfortunately, they refused."
Chairman Netero spoke with some regret about this matter.
The others present: "..."
Indeed, only Chairman Netero could place an order to have the assassin family pursue him.
But precisely because it was Chairman Netero, even the Zoldyck Family dared not accept his order.
So then, who had the courage to actually make a move against Chairman Netero?
"Who was the one targeting you, chairman?!"
Kanzai asked aloud what others were thinking in their hearts.
He even planted a foot on his chair and rolled up his sleeve: "I'll go deal with them for you!"
"I appreciate your kindness, but it's not necessary at the moment."
Chairman Netero lightly declined.
He then smiled and looked toward the entrance: "As for the person you are curious about..."
"He has already arrived, Hohoho."
Screech.
As his words fell, the door to the conference room opened.
"Please come in, Mr. Luke. This is the hunters' association senior meeting room designated by Chairman Netero for discussions with the Zodiac Twelve."
Beans walked ahead, guiding Luke inside: "Just in time, Chairman Netero and the Zodiac Twelve are all present. They haven't officially started... Uh."