Those standing in the corridor were almost all Hunter Association's personnel.
Among them, the Zodiacs were all present except for Pariston, Ging, and Law.
Additionally, Morel and Knov were there, including their disciples: Palm, Shoot, and Knuckle.
Also present were Biscuit and Tonpa, as well as the Chimera Ant, Nique, whom the bandaged Knov had released from his Hide-and-Seek space.
Probably, Nique was the sole survivor of the Chimera Ant species.
As a Chimera Ant, Nique should have stood out like a crane among chickens within the crowd, but that wasn't the case.
The Zodiac members all had distinct animal characteristics. To put it bluntly, aside from the hands typical of normal humans, to some extent, the Zodiacs rather resembled Chimera Ants.
This was also why Nique wasn't conspicuous.
At this moment, as a Chimera Ant, Nique was naturally surrounded by Zodiac members who had finished their visit.
Like a rare animal, he endured various rather hostile gazes from the Zodiac members.
Among the Zodiacs, only the Goat, Ginta, still leaned against the glass, teary-eyed as he looked at old Netero on the bed.
Even now, he still couldn't accept Netero's wretched state.
Standing beside him was Biscuit.
That day, at Law's request, she went to rendezvous with Gon and Killua, then left. Since Machi's group didn't need support, she came directly to the hospital.
Now, through the glass, she looked at Netero with worry.
As a master of physical enhancement, she could see Netero's condition just with her eyes. Even if the number on the instrument representing life signs suddenly dropped to zero at this moment, she wouldn't be surprised.
That was no longer a condition that could be classified as an injury… it was a more severe situation than teetering on the edge of life and death.
'Could it really be cured?'
Biscuit couldn't help but doubt it.
Not far from the glass, Morel and Knov stood side by side, their three disciples behind them.
The Zodiacs surrounding Nique was like a bunch of middle schoolers surrounding a grade schooler… simply outrageous.
But Morel and Knov chose to spectate, watching Nique continuously endure the 'persecution'.
The reason for their detached stance: firstly, they couldn't intervene, and secondly, they were certain Nique wouldn't be harmed.
According to the prior agreement, Nique sold out the other Chimera Ants' information in exchange for freedom.
After verification, the information's accuracy was confirmed, so Nique should rightfully be set free.
But the problem was, the one who made the promise was Netero, and Netero was now lying in the ward, still unconscious.
Therefore, until Netero woke up and gave his consent, Morel and Knov wouldn't let Nique leave. This was why Nique was here.
If temporary physical confinement counted as a limitation for Nique, then the vow effect Nique could obtain was personal safety.
Regarding Nique and the reason for his presence, the Zodiacs had learned from Knov. So even if they wanted to eliminate Nique, at most they could only surround him and apply psychological pressure.
Nique wasn't stupid, and he could see he was temporarily safe. But being pressured by so many ferocious individuals still felt terrible.
'The debt has a head, the creditor has a master. If you have guts, go find the King. What's so great about bullying an honest person here?'
Meruem had already been killed by Law, so this was just Nique's venting thought. On the surface, he was like a docile, harmless little rabbit, honestly shrinking into the corner, putting on the most vulnerable act of his life.
"Is this red-furred fox really Squadron Leader level?"
As the Zodiac with the most volatile temper, the Tiger, Kanzai, was probably the member most eager to fight a Chimera Ant.
Right now, a Squadron Leader-level Chimera Ant stood before him, yet he couldn't make a move. Moreover, this Chimera Ant seemed very weak.
'You're the red-furred fox. Your whole family are red-furred foxes.' The most sincere greeting appeared in Nique's heart.
"Who knows? Maybe he's an exception. If all Chimera Ants were this weak, how could the Chairman end up like that? And only five people survived the mission in the end," The Rabbit, Pyon, observed Nique closely, as if examining a very interesting object.
If using Nique as a reference, Chimera Ants seemed really weak. But Netero's condition and the pitifully low mission survival rate indicated Chimera Ants were still tough to deal with.
'I'm an exception. My apologies.' The most insincere self-deprecation from Nique's heart.
"I agree with that," The Ox, Mizaistom, said calmly.
The Snake, Gel, coldly assessed Nique and suggested, "Even if we can't deal with him, it's best to inject paralyzing toxins to restrict his movements."
"Ha, that should have been done already," The Chicken, Cluck, expressed agreement.
'...' The most trembling, speechless response from Nique's heart.
Facing the Zodiac members' brazen conversation, Nique could only resign himself to it, hanging his head in silence.
'Damn bespectacled man, why did you let me out!'
Nique complained inwardly, completely forgetting that just days ago he had been desperate to get out of the Hide-and-Seek space.
In the entire group, Tonpa was farthest from the ward, sitting on an empty bench.
He held no particular feelings for Netero. He was here simply waiting for Law.
Sitting silently in a daze, he suddenly looked up towards the entrance at the other end of the long corridor.
Though he wasn't using his ability, relying on the keen senses honed in the Dark Continent environment, he detected someone arriving beyond the door.
The door opened, and a blond man wearing a striped suit and a red tie walked in.
A faint smile graced his face, as if little stars hovered around him.
Tonpa just glanced and looked away, continuing to space out.
'It's been over a week. Ging not returning is understandable, but why hasn't Law come yet?'
He thought this.
The one who entered was Pariston.
He strode over, looking at the Zodiac members gathered in a group, and smiled. "My, you're all here already. The recent East Gorteau-related matters have really stretched me thin. But after all, I am the Vice-Chairman, so I should devote myself entirely."
His tone and the content of his words successfully drew the attention of the Zodiac members.
Seeing this, Nique inwardly breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"You've worked hard, Vice-Chairman," The Dog, Cheadle, looked at Pariston, slightly emphasizing the 'Vice-Chairman' title.
"Not hard at all, not hard at all. Consider it getting used to things early," Pariston smiled.
Upon hearing this, the Zodiac members' gazes instantly turned cold.
Pariston's words not only hinted at Netero's possible death but also clearly indicated he would assume the Chairman position.
Facing the Zodiac members' hostile, cold stares, Pariston acted as if nothing was wrong, striding to the large glass window to look at Netero lying on the bed.
For a moment, he showed a deeply pained expression, as if Netero were his own father.
'Too fake!'
The Zodiac members thought in unison upon seeing Pariston's expression.
"Chairman, rest assured and recover here. I will handle all Association matters properly," Pariston placed a hand on the glass window, speaking with emotion.
Beside him, several black lines appeared on Biscuit's forehead.
The Zodiac members' inner thoughts: 'This guy!!!'
"Quite lively, isn't it?"
At that moment, a voice came over.
At the other end of the corridor, Law and Tonpa stood together.