HxH: Apex Predator

Inside the Genovese family's reception room, the family head, Tony Genovese, was hosting an esteemed guest.

If any other family members were present, they would undoubtedly find the scene surprising.

Their family leader, Tony, was conversing cheerfully with a mysterious figure—a short individual clad entirely in black, even their eyes hidden beneath the layers of disguise.

Seated across from Tony Genovese was none other than Ryker, the one who had accepted the mafia's commission. Ryker had chosen to meet the employer directly for two reasons.

The first was due to a last-minute change in the job. Initially, the Genovese family had tasked him with targeting a subsidiary family under the Kolobo family's direct control.

However, the target had been switched from the Ranieri family to the Solomon family, necessitating a renegotiation of fees.

The second reason was Ryker's growing interest in the underworld, prompting him to seize the opportunity for direct contact.

The catalyst for the first reason was Ryker's swift and decisive methods, which had exceeded Tony Genovese's expectations of his abilities and temperament.

Even as the meeting commenced, Tony could hardly believe that this young man—barely older than his grandson—was the same individual who had wiped out seven entire gangs in a single day.

Tony's perception of the Zoldyck family, the world's foremost assassin lineage, had been entirely reshaped.

Previously, he had assumed that even in the dark world, the so-called superhuman abilities were likely on par with the Shadow Beasts, the elite fighters under the Ten Dons.

At best, he thought the head of the Zoldyck family might surpass an individual Shadow Beast but struggle against the entire group.

Now, however, a mere youth from the family had eradicated seven entire organizations in a single day.

While these families were third-rate, with the largest boasting just over a thousand members and the smallest a few hundred, achieving complete annihilation within 24 hours was something no one under Tony's command could accomplish.

Even among the Kolobo family's ranks, Tony doubted any single Shadow Beast could achieve such a feat.

This development brought Tony unexpected benefits. Ryker's massacre had sent a clear, brutal message, instilling fear across the underworld.

Small, foolish families would think twice before challenging him, while disloyal elements within his own ranks were likewise cowed.

Having witnessed Ryker's overwhelming strength, Tony's mind began to churn with new plans. Initially, his retaliation against Sosa Kolobo had been a simple act of revenge for striking first.

Now, however, he saw an opportunity to decisively weaken the Kolobo family.

Tony understood that it wouldn't be long before the Gambino family—the true power in the underworld—intervened to mediate. Once that happened, the conflict would inevitably be quelled.

Before the Gambino family stepped in, Tony intended to bite off a significant chunk of the Kolobo family's strength, ensuring that when the dust settled, they would be forced to swallow their losses.

Because Ryker handled all mission details and planning directly, the last-minute changes to the task and Ryker's interest in the underworld led him to accept Tony's invitation to meet, culminating in the current scene.

Tony smiled as he began, "I must admit, I didn't expect someone so young to have wiped out seven entire gangs in a single day. Truly, heroes rise early—no wonder the Zoldyck family is hailed as the best assassin lineage in the world."

"This meeting isn't just about the change in targets," Tony continued. "I'd also like to get to know you better. If possible, I'd love to establish a long-term partnership."

"Just explain the target change," Ryker replied, his tone utterly devoid of emotion. "Between us, this is a business relationship, nothing more. Now or in the future, assassins don't have friends."

Though his hidden eyes were assessing Tony closely, Ryker kept his demeanor cold and professional.

He was aware that his family might be monitoring his actions, so even if he was curious about the underworld, he couldn't be too obvious.

As such, he stuck to an official response, refraining from any extraneous actions or statements. He didn't even consider using "Blue Hand" to tamper with Tony's memories, as it was too early for such risks.

Tony's lips curled into a slight smile at the reply. "Very well, let's talk about the changes. The original target, the Ranieri family, has been replaced by the Solomon family. Naturally, we'll adjust your fee accordingly."

He leaned forward slightly, adding, "I should also inform you that the Solomon family has its own heavy hitters—individuals akin to the Shadow Beasts, or what you might call 'Nen users.'

"One of them, named Zack, is particularly powerful, though we don't have detailed information on his abilities."

Tony paused before continuing, "Recent intelligence suggests that Sosa Kolobo has hired assassins and bounty hunters through the Solomon family. It's unclear how many or how strong they are, but it's something you should be prepared for.

"After all, I wouldn't want a talented individual like you to meet an untimely end."

Tony's tone brimmed with warmth, as if genuinely concerned for Ryker's safety. His performance, however, was wasted on Ryker, who dismissed it entirely.

Having gleaned the necessary information, Ryker simply stated, "You'll hear from me in three days," before turning to leave.

Tony remained unfazed, his smile lingering as he watched the young assassin depart.

'Heh, young man… if you truly had no other motives, why meet me in person? You must be probing for information or weighing the potential for a side deal.'

'But since this is our first encounter, you're still gauging me—or perhaps there's something else holding you back.'

'With talent like that, you're undoubtedly one of the Zoldyck family's carefully cultivated assets. It's worth maintaining a good relationship with you.'

'After all, whether it's a doctor who saves lives or an assassin who takes them, both are people you don't want to offend.'

Meanwhile, as the Genovese and Kolobo families quietly clashed, the latest intelligence on this underworld conflict—sparked by the fall of the Hall family—had already reached the desk of the Gambino family's leader.

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