Half an hour later.
The door to Room 707 was pushed open, and Machi Komacine walked back in.
His steps were a bit heavier than when he left, and his expression carried a hint of helplessness.
He walked to his seat, sat down slowly, and raised a hand to rub his temples.
Leo was still in the same position as when he left—lying on the sofa with his hands behind his head and his legs crossed over the armrest, looking completely at ease.
Seeing Machi Komacine like this, the corners of Leo's mouth curled up slightly.
"You're back?"
He didn't get up, just turned his head to look at the other man.
"What did the old man say?"
Machi Komacine was silent for a few seconds before speaking.
"The Chairman said to let me take full responsibility. All the Association's resources can be mobilized."
Hearing this, the smile on Leo's face deepened.
He had long expected this outcome.
Given that old man Netero's personality, he couldn't be bothered to get involved in matters involving politics, conspiracies, and moles.
He was only interested in martial arts, the strong, and challenges.
These rats hiding in the shadows and messy affairs involving human ethics were too boring for him.
"Tell me about it."
Leo sat up and crossed his legs.
"What were the old man's exact words?"
Machi Komacine sighed and began to recount his experience in the Chairman's Office just now.
Twenty minutes ago, the Chairman's Office.
When Machi Komacine pushed open the door, he saw this scene—Chairman Netero was sitting cross-legged on the floor with a small low table in front of him, which held several cups of brightly colored drinks.
He was holding a cup of something pink, drinking it happily, his white beard twitching with every sip.
He looked just like a retired old man enjoying afternoon tea.
"Chairman."
Machi Komacine walked up to him with a solemn expression.
Netero looked up, saw his expression, and asked with a smile.
"Oh? Machi Komacine, what's so serious?"
Machi Komacine didn't waste words and directly told him everything Leo had said—there was a mole within the Association, the Doctor had a larger power behind him, those people might be researching biological weapons, and they had already made Breakthrough progress...
He explained in great detail, laying out all the suspicious points and speculations.
After listening, Netero put down his drink and stroked his beard.
"Hmm—"
He drew out the sound and then chuckled.
"I see."
Machi Komacine waited for him to continue.
But Netero just picked up another drink and took a sip.
"So... what do you mean, Chairman?"
"Well, then you'll be in charge."
Netero spoke nonchalantly.
"An old man like me can't handle this kind of trouble anymore."
Machi Komacine frowned.
"But Chairman, this is a major matter that might involve high-level officials of the V5, or even..."
"Machi Komacine."
Netero interrupted him, a glint flashing in his seemingly cloudy old eyes.
"I'll let Satotz know. Whatever you find, you and Leo will be responsible for it."
He put down the cup, the smile on his face still warm, yet carrying an unquestionable authority.
"It's the era of you young people now. Go ahead and do it boldly."
He waved his hand toward the door.
"Go on, go on."
Machi Komacine opened his mouth, wanting to say more, but seeing Netero's "I've already decided" expression, he finally swallowed his words.
He sighed, turned, and left.
Behind him, Netero picked up another drink and started drinking happily again.
After finishing his story, Machi Komacine leaned back in his chair and shook his head helplessly.
After listening, Leo stood up and straightened his clothes.
"That's it then."
He said.
"I'll leave the Association side to you."
Machi Komacine raised an eyebrow.
"Hmm? Where are you going?"
Leo had already reached the door and waved his hand without looking back.
"I'm going to find someone. He should be able to help us."
He pushed open the door and left a final word.
"Good luck. I hope to hear good news from you by the time I get back."
The door closed, and the sound of footsteps gradually faded away.
Machi Komacine sat there, looking at the closed door, silent for a few seconds.
Then, he let out a long sigh.
"None of them ever let me worry less..."
He rubbed his temples, stood up, and straightened his suit.
"What a headache."
He pushed open the door and walked toward the Archives.
Since the Chairman had handed this to him, he had to do it seriously, starting with checking the files of internal personnel.
Leo walked out of the Association Headquarters Building, the sunlight falling on him, feeling warm.
He stood on the steps, squinted at the sky, and then took out his phone.
He didn't have high hopes for Machi Komacine's side.
It wasn't that Machi Komacine lacked ability, but since that mole could stay hidden for so long, their methods must be very clever.
Investigating from within the Association would easily alert the enemy, and the efficiency would be too slow.
He needed a two-pronged approach, another path—the Zoldyck Family.
Kalluto Zoldyck has the ability to track and find people.
Letting them find someone was much faster than checking slowly himself.
Leo flipped through his contacts and found Hisoka's name.
He hesitated for half a second, then pressed the call button.
It rang for three seconds before the call was picked up.
"Hmm~♦"
That signature, flamboyant voice that gave people goosebumps came through the receiver.
"Isn't this the busy man Leo Why the sudden call to me♦"
Leo could even imagine Hisoka's expression at this moment—he must be squinting those golden eyes, his mouth grinning from ear to ear, his face practically screaming "something interesting is coming."
"I'm sure you have a special need for my help~♦"
Leo took a deep breath, suppressed the urge to beat Hisoka up, and spoke in a calm tone.
"Hisoka, you have Illumi's number, right? Give it to me."
The other end of the phone went silent for a second.
Then Hisoka's voice became even more excited.
"Hmm—can I know what it's about?"
Leo's brow furrowed slightly.
"You have no right to know."
His tone was cold and direct.
"I'll give you three seconds. If you don't say it, I'm hanging up; I can contact them through other channels as well."
"Three."
"Two."
"Alright, alright~"
Hisoka quickly interrupted him, his voice tinged with resentment.
"I'll send you Illumi's number. How heartless~"
Leo no longer responded and hung up the phone directly.
Three seconds later, a message came in.
It was a string of numbers. Leo glanced at it and was about to dial when he suddenly thought of something and stopped.
Hisoka's reaction just now... was a bit too excited.
Given that pervert's personality, he must have smelled something interesting; perhaps he was already rushing over here.
Leo shook his head and didn't think much more about it.
He dialed the string of numbers.
It rang once, and the call was picked up.
"Hello."
The voice was cold and devoid of emotion, like reading an instruction manual.
"This is the Zoldyck Family. Do you require assassination services?"
Leo smiled.
"It's me, Leo."
The other end went silent for two seconds.
"...Oh."
Illumi's voice still had no ups or downs, but his speaking speed clearly slowed down.
"What can I do for you?"
Leo didn't beat around the bush and said directly.
"I want to place a request with Kalluto from your Family. I'd like you to help me get in touch."
Illumi went silent again.
This time the silence lasted longer. After several seconds, his voice came through again.
"What is the specific request?"
Leo said.
"Find two people. The payment won't be an issue; I'll make sure you're satisfied."
He didn't say who he was looking for, why he was looking, or what it was related to, but Illumi didn't press further.
"I understand. I'll notify Kalluto."
Then—the call was hung up.
Leo looked at the words "Call Ended" on his phone screen, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
The Zoldyck Family truly only talks business and doesn't ask for reasons.
He put away his phone and looked into the distance.
The sun was still bright, Machi Komacine was checking the Archives.
Illumi was going to contact Kalluto.
And Hisoka... Leo thought for a moment and turned to walk in another direction.
Regardless of what that pervert wants to do, he'd deal with it when the time comes.
For now, he just needed to wait—wait for news from both sides.