HxH: Apex Predator

Back in the Kamui Space, Ryker began using Bat's corpse for his experiments and training in the art of Twin Complete Hands.

Now that he possessed a fully developed pair of Kamui, Ryker felt that as long as he didn't act recklessly, there was hardly anyone who could pose a threat to his life—aside from anomalies like Nanjika.

In his elation, he even felt that his training speed had increased significantly. As for the results of his experiments... one glance at the mutilated corpse beneath his feet would be enough to guess.

Meanwhile, the two ability users dispatched by the Gambino Family had only just arrived at the scene. Their reactions were even more dramatic than Bat's had been.

One of them immediately reported back to the family, and Gordon ordered them to find Bat as soon as possible—dead or alive.

At the same time, in the Gambino Family headquarters, Old John personally placed a call to Henry, the head of the Shelby Family.

"This price should be fair. You only need to lend me your Rabid Dog for two days, and in return, you get ten billion Jenny and a favor from the Gambino Family. It's a deal that works out well for you."

"Hahaha Well, well, well, I never thought I'd see the day when the great Don of one of Yorbian's two biggest powers would come to me for help.

Looks like your family's situation isn't looking too good, huh" Henry sneered. "Since that's the case, this price is way too low. I want double."

"You bastard, Henry. Are you insane? You want two favors just for lending me one of your Beasts.

That's absolutely impossible! If you won't agree, I'll find someone else. There are still seven other Elders in the Ten Dons besides you and Andrea"

Hearing Henry's demand, Old John was already on the verge of snapping.

"Come on, John, we both know each other too well for these games. You wouldn't be calling me unless you were backed into a corner.

That means the Gambino Family is in a serious crisis—one big enough that you'd come begging for help."

"Since that's the case, of course, I'm going to take advantage of it. Think carefully—if you don't make it through this crisis, your so-called favor will be worth nothing."

"If you refuse my offer, your only option is to throw money at some mercenaries.

But you and I both know that hiring a bunch of bounty hunters on short notice is a gamble. There's no guarantee they'll be strong enough, and if they fail, your whole family goes under."

"So tell me, John—what's more valuable A guaranteed favor and ten billion Jenny, or walking away with nothing"

There was a brief silence on the other end of the call before Henry finally spoke again.

"Thirty billion Jenny. And a favor."

"That's out of the question, Henry. You know damn well that I need money right now to hire more men. Fifteen billion. Not a Jenny more."

"Fine. Since we're such good friends, I'll give you a friendship discount. I'll send Rabid Dog immediately. He'll reach you in three days."

With the deal secured, Old John finally relaxed. His next move was now seventy percent guaranteed to succeed.

Just as he hung up, Gordon barged into the room, his face filled with urgency.

"Father Bad news—rumors about Bat's death and the Solomon Family's massacre are spreading everywhere Someone is deliberately leaking the information"

"It's probably that old fox, Tony," Old John said dismissively. "No matter. As long as we hold out for three days, I'll make sure the Genovese Family disappears from the map."

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Kolobo Family, Alex burst into Sosa's office with the latest intelligence report.

"Father, we've just received new intel—The Solomon Family headquarters was attacked. Estimated casualties are at least two thousand, and all of them were elite members.

On top of that, Bat—the Gambino Family's top enforcer and one of their Shadow Beasts—is currently missing."

Sosa, however, simply smirked.

"Oh You just said the Gambino Family's enforcer—Bat—is missing"

"Father, this is serious We've suffered huge losses If things keep going this way, we might even lose our place among the Four Families" Alex said, his voice filled with anxiety.

Sosa waved a hand dismissively. "Relax, Alex. After this bloody conflict, Tony is actually the one in real trouble."

"No matter how much we've lost, someone will step in to fill the gaps. There are too many people who don't want to see us fall.

I'd bet that Old John is already rallying forces and securing outside help. The Gambino Family is about to make a move."

A deep, amused chuckle escaped his lips.

"Hahaha Tony… you really had faith in that little brat, didn't you. And he did live up to your expectations. But what a shame—your luck ran out.

Now, I wonder—how are you going to get yourself out of this mess"

At the Genovese Family headquarters, Tony was desperately trying to reach Ryker. But no matter how many times he dialed, there was no response.

Kamui Space was beyond his reach.

Frustrated, Tony sat down and forced himself to analyze the situation. The worst mistake he had made was underestimating Ryker's strength.

Originally, his plan had been simple: have Ryker wipe out the Solomon Family, causing a ripple effect that would force the Gambino and Kolobo Families into a deadlock.

In that scenario, neither would be able to act freely, and they would have no choice but to accept the outcome.

But what he hadn't anticipated was that Ryker would casually kill Bat as well.

Tony could already picture Old John's reaction.

Regardless of who was truly behind the events, the Gambino Family needed a scapegoat to restore order. And that scapegoat… was going to be him.

Even if he had nothing to do with it, they would make an example out of him to intimidate both their allies and enemies.

The conclusion was clear:

If he didn't take the initiative to destroy the Gambino Family, then the Gambino Family would destroy him.

And so, Tony made his decision.

He would move to pull the other two families—excluding the Kolobo Family—into his camp.

If he could get their support, combined with the pressure from outside forces, he just might have a chance to counter Gambino's overwhelming power.

With that goal in mind, he immediately began reaching out, setting the stage for the biggest power struggle the Yorbian underworld had seen in years.

_____________________

Upto 20 chapters ahead on patreon :-

patreon.com/ShadySmuggler