Means, Contract, Permit, Qualification.
The four conditions for going to the Dark Continent.
In reality, both Law and Ging were well aware: They could obtain three of them, but definitely not the last one.
V5 would absolutely not allow people outside the national system to go to the Dark Continent.
Not only did it carry considerable risks, but it was also a treasure trove circled by V5 itself, awaiting excavation.
Simply put, it was a treasure mountain teeming with poisonous snakes.
Even if they couldn't excavate that treasure mountain themselves for the time being, they wouldn't let outsiders get involved.
So, even if Netero weren't dead, the agreement between Ging and him was, in a sense, already a 'dead promise'.
If not for this agreement, Ging would have long ago stowed away to the Dark Continent with Law.
And for his second trip to the Dark Continent, Law needed more thorough preparation. The most important thing was finding some companions he could entrust his back to, so he definitely wanted to bring Ging along.
Thus, the problem he faced was how Ging could obtain the four conditions.
After resolving the Netero incident, compared to finding capable companions, the priority was solving the problem of how Ging could go to the Dark Continent.
As for having Netero retract the agreement… that was impossible.
An established [Agreement] differed from a [Condition]… it couldn't be taken back or revoked. Once concluded, it remained permanently.
"Anyway, I'll work with you to find a way," Law looked at Ging.
"Yeah."
Ging responded, then shifted the topic to Knov.
"That ability called Hide-and-Seek is really suitable to bring to the Dark Continent."
"Of course. For an environment like the Dark Continent, the advantages of the Hide-and-Seek are endless."
Law's evaluation was really exaggerated. But as someone who had been to the Dark Continent, his perspective and evaluation were the most persuasive.
Regarding this point, even though Ging hadn't been to the Dark Continent, he would agree with Law's view based on fragmentary information.
Not to mention the reserves of food and water, just the aspect of a safe habitat was incredibly precious.
"Then you should be mindful. No matter what, you must get Knov on board," Ging said seriously.
"Naturally. But before that, I need to restore Netero to his original state."
"You have a way?"
"You could say so."
Law said thoughtfully.
Hearing this, Ging was quite surprised. Even an imagined-type ability like Shiro's couldn't heal him. It was hard to imagine what other method could restore Netero to his original state.
If Netero's current condition was related to Nen, then maybe there was a way to approach it from that angle...
In fact, that situation originally fell within the realm of modern medicine. But no matter how advanced modern medicine was, it was basically impossible to restore Netero to his original state.
It was akin to... the equally difficult problem of extending lifespan.
"I'll leave Shiro to you."
Law pointed at Shiro on the bench.
Ging nodded.
Seeing this, Law beckoned to Kuro not far away, then walked towards the hospital.
After walking a few meters, Law suddenly remembered something, turned to look at Ging, and asked very nosily, "How did your chat with Gon go yesterday?"
"Uh..."
A drop of sweat slid down Ging's forehead.
'Yesterday, it seemed... Gon was doing all the talking, and I was just listening.'
'So, did that count as chatting?'
Besides, he really didn't want to talk about such family matters.
"Ha."
Law chuckled, then continued walking.
"I told Gon about the world out there," Ging looked at Law's back and suddenly said.
"Oh?"
Law couldn't help but stop, but didn't turn around.
"Maybe it's a bit presumptuous, but he wants to go too," Ging said.
"Not maybe, it's definitely presumptuous," Law said.
"Is that so? But if he wants to go, I won't interfere," Ging scratched his head.
Law couldn't help but turn around, looking at Ging seriously, "You're sending Gon to his death."
"Am I?" Ging looked puzzled.
The puzzlement didn't seem feigned.
Seeing this, Law was utterly speechless. After a moment, he sighed, "I'll talk Gon out of it."
"That would be greatly appreciated."
"..."
This time, Law decisively walked away.
Noon time. Looking around the park, it seemed only Ging and Shiro remained.
Ging helped up the deeply sleeping Shiro and muttered to himself, "The Fool's Method and the Hide-and-Seek? A perfect match, but unfortunately..."
Before finishing, Ging supported Shiro and walked away.
Evening.
Netero woke up.
Upon receiving this news, Law immediately rushed to the hospital.
Arriving at the elevator, he coincidentally encountered Pariston, who was also hurrying over.
"What a coincidence."
Pariston always wore that spring-like smile.
Law glanced at him, didn't respond, and directly entered the empty elevator.
Seeing Law ignoring him, Pariston didn't mind and followed into the elevator.
"It's wonderful that the Chairman woke up. I rushed over immediately after getting the news. After all, I need to report recent work to him as soon as possible. Many matters also require the Chairman's decision."
Pariston looked at the slowly closing elevator door, his words carrying implied meaning.
"Then I should congratulate you," Law said, watching the increasing red numbers.
"How so?" Pariston smiled.
Law glanced at him and said calmly, "You can remove the 'acting' title and won't be so busy anymore."
"Hmm."
Pariston hummed softly, then smiled, "You only got one point right."
Law's peripheral gaze observed Pariston, who said seriously, "The Chairman is awake, so the first thing he'll do is announce his resignation. Afterwards, I'll become Chairman through an election."
"At that time, I will indeed remove the 'acting' from 'Acting Chairman'. But correspondingly, after becoming Chairman, I'll be very busy."
What Law meant by removing the 'acting' title wasn't this meaning.
However, Pariston took on this interpretation, displaying absolute confidence.
Law fell silent. He had no interest in assessing the source of Pariston's confidence, but he had to admit Pariston was probably right about one thing: the first thing Netero would do upon waking was resign.
The reason was simple: the current Netero was an immobile ordinary person.
As such, how could he shoulder the role of Hunter Association's Chairman?
"Can I ask you a question?" Law suddenly said.
Pariston was surprised, seemingly not expecting Law to speak to him this way. His thoughts didn't keep up, and he didn't respond immediately.
"May I?" Law repeated.
Pariston reacted and replied with great interest, "Of course!"
"Why do you want to go to the Dark Continent? So much so that you'd work so hard for Beyond Netero." Law posed the question.
Hearing this, Pariston fell silent. After the floor number increased by ten levels, he answered sincerely, "I cannot answer that question."
"That's fine. I didn't particularly want to know anyway."
As Law spoke, he suddenly raised his right hand.
Pariston noticed Law's sudden movement but didn't make any defensive moves.
"First come, first served, right? You can understand that?"
As Law said this, Kuro darted out from the back of his hand.
The moment it appeared, the elevator's camera was destroyed, and Kuro's form abruptly swelled to the size of a leopard, baring sharp teeth, forcing Pariston into a corner.
"Even if you speak to Netero first, it won't change anything," Pariston ignored Kuro's claws extended near his throat, looking at Law with a smile.
"Perhaps."
Law had his back to Pariston and sighed, "If you were a bit more normal, I'd truly hope there'd be a place for you on the list."
Pariston's deep-set eyes held no ripples, showing no emotion.
Ding.
The elevator door opened.
Law strode out, heading towards Netero's ward.
If Pariston met Netero first, Netero would likely announce his resignation.
But if Law met Netero first and assured him he could be restored to his original state, naturally there would be no resignation.
That's why he had Kuro restrain Pariston here.