"How do we cooperate?"
Hisoka hesitated for a moment before replying with a text message.
"All members of the Shadow Beast have appeared. Their strength is not particularly high, and they'll likely be defeated soon by the Phantom Troupe. However, they are not the strongest force within the Underworld Mafia. There is a biological laboratory within the organization. This lab contains experimental subjects with very powerful capabilities. Moreover, the master of the lab is even stronger. He is my target. If you, Hisoka, can help me lure him out, I can agree to an equivalent condition from you."
Hisoka raised an eyebrow slightly.
"A biological lab? Ron's target? Just how strong could the subjects in this lab be? And if the owner has caught Ron's attention, he definitely won't be weak."
Instantly, Hisoka's interest began overflowing.
"All right, but I haven't thought of my condition yet. We'll discuss that later."
Hisoka looked down. The atmosphere had grown a bit tense. The plan had failed, and news had just come from Shalnark: Uvogin had been captured by the Chain User after killing four Shadow Beast members. His condition was currently unknown.
Since the founding of the Phantom Troupe, incidents involving members being harmed had been rare. The Troupe was formed because of Sarasa's misfortune. The group valued their comrades deeply. Up until now, only two members had died.
One was the original number 8, who died at the hands of Silva Zoldyck. Chrollo had attempted revenge but failed. Silva's strength surpassed Chrollo's, and he could not kill him.
The second was member #4, Omokage. He had been killed by Hisoka—an event that led to Hisoka joining the Troupe. However, in truth, Omokage had not died but used that moment to leave the group. But this fact was unknown to the other members.
Pakunoda looked at Chrollo.
Everyone turned to him.
Chrollo said, "From what we've gathered, the Chain User is not one of the Shadow Beast members. All ten of them have already shown up. Four were killed by Uvogin alone, and the remaining six are being handled by Feitan and the others. The Chain User is someone else. But considering he chose to capture Uvogin instead of killing him, he likely doesn't intend to take Uvogin's life immediately. As long as we find him in time, Uvogin should not be in danger. I trust Shalnark's ability."
At that moment, Hisoka casually revealed his phone screen, showing his ongoing conversation. Chrollo immediately noticed.
"Hisoka, what are you doing?"
"Communicating with someone."
Chrollo narrowed his eyes, and Pakunoda and the others immediately showed displeasure.
"Hisoka, what do you mean by this?" Pakunoda demanded.
Hisoka gave her a glance but didn't reply.
Chrollo was silent for a while.
"Can you at least tell us what the conversation is about?"
"This person revealed some information to me about the Underworld Mafia."
"What kind of information?"
"There's a biological laboratory within the Mafia. Inside it are experimental subjects stronger than the Shadow Beast."
Chrollo furrowed his brow.
"I recall that Hooker escaped from a biological lab operated by the Underworld Mafia. But according to our investigation, that lab was already destroyed. There shouldn't be any others."
"Hisoka, are you sure the person who gave you the intel is reliable?"
"Who is it?" Chrollo asked again.
Hisoka gave the same answer:
Pakunoda glared at him.
"Hisoka, don't forget—you're part of the Troupe."
But Hisoka still glanced at her indifferently before looking away. The only reason he had joined the Phantom Troupe was because of Chrollo. To be honest, he didn't care about any of the others. If it weren't for his goal remaining unfulfilled, he would have already killed Pakunoda for her attitude.
"So, you and this person have a contract?" Chrollo guessed.
Hisoka didn't answer—but also didn't deny it.
"You can't even confirm whether a contract exists?"
Hisoka's attitude made Chrollo more convinced.
"Pakunoda, call Hooker back."
Pakunoda immediately pulled out her phone.
Meanwhile, the battle between the Troupe and the Shadow Beast was reaching its conclusion.
Feitan, moving at incredible speed, landed a critical blow on one of the Shadow Beast members the moment combat began—eliminating him immediately.
Phinks faced off against an Enhancer-type Nen user. The opponent was burly and likely followed a path similar to Uvogin, but clearly a size smaller. Phinks began rotating his arm. One rotation, two, three... As it spun, the aura gathered around his fist intensified.
By the time the Shadow Beast member realized something was wrong, it was already too late. Phink's fist lashed out.
The tremendous force shattered the Shadow Beast's arm, and the punch drove straight into his chest.
His entire chest cavity collapsed. The body was flung backward, unmoving upon hitting the ground.
Hooker looked toward his own opponent, ready to strike—but suddenly, his phone rang. He pulled it out and checked the screen. Phinks and Feitan looked over.
"How's it going on your side?"
"Come back. Boss wants to speak with you."
He hung up, then turned to Phinks and Feitan.
"Pakunoda says the boss wants something. I'll head back first."
Without waiting for a reply, Hooker turned and left. The Shadow Beast member who had been facing him was completely stunned.
"What just happened…?"
Feitan looked at the remaining Shadow Beast members.
"There are three left. Phinks, you okay handling this?"
"Sure I don't care either way."