"Find the 'Flame Kid' at all costs. Such talent is a thousand times more valuable than the Yin Beasts," the Ten Dons' leader commanded.
Following the Ten Dons' leader's order, all of Yorknew City's mafia mobilized, beginning their search for Loki.
The black market was in an uproar; many curious individuals also started gathering information on Loki. Within hours, information about Loki began surfacing.
"What? He's just a twelve-year-old kid?" some investigators exclaimed, completely stunned upon seeing this information.
In the video, Loki didn't look tall, but no one thought he was just a child. Once this information was released, everyone realized the person with terrifying power was a twelve-year-old.
This left countless Nen users speechless. Kids these days were terrifying! A twelve-year-old with this power made those who'd trained for over a decade feel like they'd wasted their time.
Then, news broke that Loki had been chosen by Netero, the Hunter Association Chairman, becoming a professional Hunter without taking the exam.
Loki's fight with the Troupe had already shaken the underworld like a bomb; this news was like a nuclear bomb. Rumors circulated that Loki was Netero's student, adding fuel to the fire.
The black market website exploded with this news. People discussed: "The world's strongest Nen user, chosen by Chairman Netero!"
"Will he be the next world's strongest?"
"Idiot, the next world's strongest? Impossible. But this kid's talent is monstrous."
"Of course. Otherwise, the Chairman wouldn't have chosen him."
Meanwhile, at the Hunter Association, Pariston, the Vice Chairman, was looking at the news.
"Impressive! To grow this much in such a short time. Astonishing growth!" Pariston stared at Loki's photo.
"Is the Phantom Troupe his target? Did Chairman Netero pave the way for young Loki?"
If Loki successfully eliminated the Phantom Troupe, he would be the Hunter Association's first two-star Hunter. With his terrifying talent and power, and as the youngest two-star Hunter, Loki's reputation would skyrocket. It looked like they were grooming him to be the next Chairman! Pariston tapped his fingers on the table.
"If I disrupt the Chairman's plans, it'll be interesting! What should I do?" Pariston smiled, like he'd seen a delicious meal.
"Success!" Machi said, smiling, looking at the exploding website in Yorknew City.
Franklin, sprawled on the sofa, shook his head. "What's so funny? Many are waiting to see the Troupe's downfall."
"Franklin, the Leader had reasons for letting the Troupe attract attention."
"What reasons?"
"The Leader likely wants to use this opportunity to find the 'Flame Kid' using the mafia and the black market, and to make the Phantom Troupe disappear."
"Disappear?"
Machi smiled. "Yes. Eliminate the 'Flame Kid,' steal everything from the underground auction, then use the 'Flame Kid' to make the Phantom Troupe disappear."
"The Troupe has attracted too much attention. This is dangerous."
Open enemies are easy to deal with, but hidden enemies are troublesome. The Troupe would attract truly powerful enemies. This was a chance for the Troupe to disappear again.
Franklin pondered this.
Meanwhile, at the hotel, Loki and the others discovered Loki was famous on the black market website.
Kurapika's face was grim. "No good!"
"The mafia will frantically search for you. Finding us in Yorknew City won't be hard, since our boss is in the mafia."
Loki understood. The video and news were released by the Troupe. He hadn't expected them to return to the battle site and find the video.
"The Troupe wants the mafia to find me to pinpoint our location."
Kurapika nodded. "Yes. They probably don't know our location, so they used this method. Even if the Troupe is strong, they're only a dozen people; finding us is difficult."
"We must leave immediately. The mafia will find us soon. Dalzollene is dead; you're the new captain. Contact the real Nostrade and tell him to stop searching for me; it'll attract the Phantom Troupe."
"Okay. I'll explain and contact him." Kurapika rushed to Neon's room.
Loki looked at the website. He hadn't expected the Troupe to release this information, attracting so much attention. What were they planning? Loki sensed they wanted more than just to find him.
Kurapika told Neon about the captain change, but she didn't care. After giving Kurapika her father's number, she stopped caring. She only cared about shopping and the auction.
After Kurapika's explanation, the real Light Nostrade understood.
"Okay. I'll contact the Ten Dons. Protect Neon. You're Kurapika, right? You're the new captain."
Hanging up, Light Nostrade, still on the spaceship, smiled. He hadn't expected that the person the Ten Dons wanted was his subordinate. It was like heaven was helping him.
Light Nostrade immediately reported to the Ten Dons, taking most of the credit for Loki's actions and offering Loki in exchange for power. This was faster than using Neon's divination. He didn't consider the consequences; he thought Loki would be grateful and happy to be favored by the Ten Dons. He gained more power and status. Besides, Loki was dangerous near Neon; giving him to the Ten Dons would be safer for Neon. It was a win-win-win.
After Light Nostrade reported Loki's situation, many mafia members appeared on Yorknew City's streets. They didn't care about the Phantom Troupe; they were confident. With Loki, what did the Phantom Troupe matter? He was a monster chosen by the Hunter Association Chairman. He'd killed a Troupe member and faced more than half the Troupe alone. The Phantom Troupe was no match.
Within minutes, countless mafia members surrounded the hotel, wanting the world to know they were acting.
Loki, standing by the window, looked grimly at the crowd below.
"Idiot! Is the boss crazy? Doesn't he care about Miss Neon's safety?!" Kurapika was furious.
In the hotel's alleyways, Shalnark and Franklin, disguised, watched the hotel. Shalnark called Chrollo.
"Leader, we found them."
"Good. Monitor them, but don't be discovered. They're not ordinary Nen users. Keep your distance."
"Understood, Leader."
Loki left the hotel with the mafia. Shalnark blended into the crowd; even Loki didn't notice him. Franklin stayed to watch the hotel.
They arrived at a building. As the mafia started working, Shalnark's face darkened.
Leaving the mafia, Shalnark went into a nearby forest, removing his wig and suit. He called Chrollo.
"Leader!"
Chrollo knew it wouldn't be good news.
"Leader, the underground auction is resuming tonight."
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