It was a clash of similar Nen Abilities: a sword-wielding general against a multi-armed Guanyin.
Though the 100-Type Guanyin possessed a lot of palms, the General's precise and swift blade managed to force the contest into a visible stalemate.
Even when Netero used the diverse nature of the palms to send the volleyball on tricky, unpredictable paths, he couldn't evade the long sword Law's White General brought down each time.
The volleyball, swept along in the flow, flew back and forth. Neither could gain an advantage over the other.
However, as the ball's speed increased, both began to feel the strain.
The key to this contest was the volleyball itself, not a simple test of brute force.
The moment the volleyball broke on either side, that side would lose.
Through their continuous calculations, the ball flew from point A to B, then back from B to A. The process from start to finish was identical: each time, it was coated in Aura at the beginning, only for all the Aura to dissipate just before reaching its destination, reverting to a fragile volleyball.
For an ordinary Nen User, trying to return the ball with full force without destroying it would be a precarious task.
If they focused only on returning the ball, it would likely explode.
If they focused only on preserving the ball, the power and speed of the return would weaken. The opponent would then return it even more fiercely, leading to a gradual defeat.
This contest tested a Nen User's all-around qualities.
Perception, reaction, calculation, control...
Yet, both humans and volleyballs have their limits.
As the ball's speed increased, the difficulty of apportioning Aura to it rose accordingly, eventually reaching a point where control would be lost.
Who would be the first to reach that point?
Neither could tell. They could only pour their entire effort into ensuring zero mistakes.
The Pro Hunters drawn by the contest had gathered on the opposite rooftop, stunned by the sight before them.
The solemn, golden Guanyin and the majestic White General were both visually overwhelming phenomena.
"That's the Chairman's..." A middle-aged man in a suit said, his eyes wide with shock, "But who is on the other side?"
"You've got to be kidding. Taking a direct hit from that ball would mean serious injury or death. What is this speed?"
"Never mind the ball, just stepping into that area would be dangerous, right?"
"This is terrifying. So this is Chairman's power. But who is that?"
"There are too many afterimages, I can't see his face clearly."
"I can barely make it out, but he looks unfamiliar. Probably not from the Association."
About ten Pro Hunters stood on the opposite rooftop, watching the exchange between Law and Netero. A chill ran through them, raising goosebumps all over.
Even while completely absorbed in their clash, both Law and Netero noticed the people on the other rooftop, but paid them no mind.
As the number of volleys increased, the regret in Netero's heart grew deeper.
Before starting, Netero had hoped this would be a thrilling game. It was indeed thrilling… a feeling no one else had ever given him in this volleyball game.
But this was, after all, just a game, more for entertainment.
It lacked the sense of crisis of standing on the edge of a cliff, or the tension of a life-or-death moment.
Therefore, he was deeply unsatisfied. More than a game, he wished this were a true duel where he had to expend everything, even his life.
But was that possible?
Precisely because it was impossible, he felt regret.
The night wind was shattered by their clash. After over ten minutes of exchange, as the volleyball approached its limit, the control of force and Aura from both sides was stretched to the extreme, like a rubber band about to snap.
Pop!
The volleyball exploded at the center point between them, without any warning.
There was no deafening noise, no dramatic shockwave. It ended its tormented journey much like a balloon popping.
According to the rules, this should be a draw. From an observer's standpoint, it was also hard to say who had the upper hand.
The contest was over, but the residual Aura of their power still lingered.
The two looked at each other across the space, faint trails of white steam rising above their heads.
Law twisted his neck, took out his robe, and put it on, covering his missing left arm.
The result was undecided, but he felt much better after the release.
'The 100-Type Guanyin lives up to its name. The numerous palms moving in unison, defense without a single leak, not a single gap to be found. But this wasn't a real fight… there were many constraints.'
'If we replaced the volleyball with an iron ball, under the rules, I would win 100%. In a real fight, to the death, it's hard to say.'
'But I can win!'
It was precisely this game that gave Law this unshakeable confidence.
Although Netero was past his prime, he himself still had nearly 15% room for improvement.
Law thought to himself, then looked at Netero, who seemed deep in thought, "Shall we stop?"
Netero looked up at him. "Yes, moderate exercise after a meal is enough. But it's still early. Keep an old man company for a chat."
"Chatting is fine, but give me the license first." Law said with a slight smile.
"If you want a license, go take the exam properly," Netero said, digging his ear with his pinky. He knew he couldn't keep Law for a chat.
"Right, then. I'm off."
Law simply turned and walked towards the stairwell. After a few steps, he paused, looked back at Netero, and asked suspiciously, "You're not going to make things difficult for me, are you?"
Netero narrowed his eyes, chuckled twice, and said seriously, "Who knows?"
Law's expression darkened slightly.
Regardless of whether Netero would cause trouble, he would handle whatever came. It was just a Hunter Exam.
Having made up his mind, Law glanced subtly at the spectators on the opposite rooftop, slipped into the stairwell, and disappeared from the rooftop.
Netero watched the stairwell entrance, thinking, 'I was slightly suppressed... and he was holding back, wasn't he?'
During the contest, he hadn't seen any trace of Linne's style. Clearly, Law had kept something in reserve. Moreover, he had used the hundred hands of the Guanyin against the single blade of Law's General.
"In just a few years, that brat has become truly formidable."
Netero scratched the back of his head, ignored the people on the other rooftop, and walked leisurely towards the stairwell.
'I wonder if there's a way to make Law want to kill me?'
In a place no one could see, Netero showed a dangerous smile.
This kind of thinking was rather extreme and dangerous.
But Netero could only think about it.
His deep, unknown regret could find no place to rest within this night.
On the opposite rooftop, the dozen or so Hunters remained standing there even after Netero entered the stairwell, not planning to leave.
They were all pondering the earlier clash, a single question occupying their minds: 'Who was that person? He could actually fight Chairman to a standstill.'
Law didn't take the elevator but walked down the stairs.
He descended step by step, unhurried.
"I need to contact Machi and apologize to her first."
"If I can't reach her soon, I'll go to Linne's place first."
"Before leaving the Association, I should visit Sanbica."