Chapter 51: Synergy
"Is this the other world?"
An ancient, yet impossibly vigorous voice broke the silence of the coast.
Chairman Isaac Netero stood on the soft white sand, his experienced eyes squinting with keen interest at the completely alien landscape. The hot sun beat down, reflecting brightly off his bald head. He was a far cry from the lazy old man in the Hunter Association office; here, his back was ramrod straight, like an unsheathed blade.
He looked out at the endless, pristine blue. It was a blue deeper and purer than any sea in their world, the sun shattering into a million golden scales on its surface.
Netero took a deep breath, savoring the difference, then turned to the boy beside him.
Kyle Link was just sitting on the sand, looking at him like he was an idiot.
"Well, you pervy old geezer," Kyle said. "Feel anything... special?"
"A new energy. New rules," Netero said instantly. He could sense it. Even without knowing the theory, he felt as if he could already use it.
Kyle wasn't surprised. A grandmaster of Nen would, of course, be able to sense this world's simpler, cruder form of Aura.
"Heh heh. That's Haki. It's a power you can only train here, in the Pirate World," Kyle said, his voice buzzing. "And I'm now officially informing you, you are a member of the 'Hunter Pirates.' I'm your captain, Kyle Link."
"Hoh hoh hoh!" Netero let out his signature, playful laugh, stroking his beard until his eyes vanished into slits. "I'd wager this is the only crew in this entire world where the captain is so much weaker than his crewman."
The jab hit Kyle's pride like a needle. He shot to his feet. "That's only temporary!" he snapped, but a confident grin immediately replaced his scowl. "The tables always turn. Never underestimate the kid who's still growing. You've heard that one, right?"
Netero was slightly surprised, a flicker of genuine, unhidden admiration in his old eyes. He wouldn't admit it, but he knew this kid was right. It was only a matter of time.
Netero was old, his body past its peak, but his talent was undeniable. Kyle's ability, however... it was a cheat code. The moment Netero started training Haki, Kyle would not only get his own growth, but he would also share in Netero's. The kid's own efforts, plus my lifetime of experience... Netero thought. His growth rate would be absolutely terrifying. Even he felt a twinge of envy.
"Alright, 'Captain'," Netero said, his smile fading slightly. He naturally slipped into the role of 'crewman'. "So, what's the plan? You didn't drag my old bones to this new world just to look at the ocean."
Kyle, sensing the shift, sat down against a palm tree, his body still recovering from the strain of the Banishment.
"Right now, my contract limit is ten people, including you. To contract an eleventh, I'll need an Aura capacity of 200,000. A twelfth, 300,000."
"By the time I get to twenty members, it will cost an extra one million in Aura for every single new slot."
He paused, his expression turning serious. "And a contract, once signed, cannot be unilaterally broken by me. That means every single person I sign has to be a trusted partner with serious potential. Chairman... you know everyone. Any recommendations?" He skillfully tossed the question back.
Netero's all-knowing, foxy grin returned.
"Hoh ho. You're a crafty one. You already have a list, don't you? You just came to me because you figured this old face could help you summon those hard-to-find Hunters."
Kyle, caught, rubbed his nose. "Alright, fine. My Aura capacity is at 100,000 right now. That leaves seven slots."
"I'm reserving two of those for Gon—for Biscuit and Kite. That leaves five members for me to recruit."
He began to count on his fingers. "First, Menchi. She's a Gourmet Hunter. Strength isn't her specialty, but on the open sea, a top-tier chef is vital for survival and morale."
"Second, Morel. A Sea Hunter I found on the Hunter website. His lung capacity is superhuman. He'd be a key player for sea-based rescue and control."
"Those are the two I'm sure of. As for the other three, old-timer... I was hoping you could help me fill the roster."
Kyle had intended to mention Knov, but he held back, figuring it would be more natural for Netero to suggest his own disciple.
Netero tapped his knee. His first thought was Ging, but he dismissed it. A team needs balance, not just a collection of top-tier power.
"I recommend three people," Netero said slowly. "Knov. And then Knuckle and Shoot. They are Morel's pupils. They're already familiar with each other... they'll have good synergy."