HxH: Apex Predator

The scene shifts to the Kolobo family. Sosa has begun selecting his next puppet to replace the fallen Solomon family. His sights are set on one of the remaining two among the Four Great Families.

Yes—he aims to seize control of either the Lucchese or Bonanno family.

The method is simple. He will use his Nen ability—Call of Duty (also known as The Call of Responsibility)—to issue direct orders to the head of the targeted family.

This ability belongs to the Manipulation category. Sosa can use his phone to command those under his influence, issuing them one order per month.

The maximum number of targets he can control at any given time is nine—each corresponding to a number on his phone's keypad, from one to nine.

This is precisely why he has never worried about the Solomon family betraying him. After all, Hawk Solomon was already one of his puppets.

However, Sosa's ability comes with several limitations. First, unlike Illumi's needle or Shalnark's antenna, his control isn't absolute the moment he lands his ability on a target.

His phone doesn't grant direct manipulation—it only allows him to implant a single command in the target's subconscious each month, leaving them to carry it out in their own way.

Furthermore, the ability only works on those with weaker Nen than himself. The stronger the target, the lower the probability of successful control.

But compared to other manipulators, Sosa's ability has a major advantage—stealth.

Rather than directly overriding a person's will, his commands subtly alter their subconscious thoughts and decision-making process.

As a result, when a target receives an order, they genuinely believe it's their own idea.

The only way to detect the ability in action is by observing the Nen emanating from the phone during the moment of command. Once the order is given, there are no lingering traces—not even a specialist in Nen exorcism could identify if the target had been influenced.

This differs from Illumi's needles, which leave a detectable Nen signature in their hosts that can be revealed with Gyo.

However, this strength also comes with a significant drawback—Sosa cannot interfere with how the task is carried out. The controlled person will act based on their own knowledge and abilities, meaning their personal biases and limitations still apply.

For example, if Sosa orders Tony to kill Old John, Tony will devise a plan that aligns with his skills.

However, Tony's hostility toward Sosa wouldn't disappear. In fact, he might even incorporate a scheme to eliminate Sosa alongside John.

Additionally, Sosa's ability caps out at nine active targets. This is why, following the Solomon family's collapse, he must ensure Hawk Solomon is eliminated as soon as possible—to free up a slot for a new pawn.

At that moment, a knock at the door interrupted his thoughts.

Alex hurried into the office, presenting Sosa with the latest intelligence on the Gambino family.

"Even The Bat has been taken out? Now this is getting interesting."

There was no doubt that Tony had deliberately spread this information. His goal was to attract external forces to disrupt the Gambino family, buying himself more time.

The real question was—had the hidden force backing that kid stepped in? Or had someone else lent him a hand?

Regardless, with the situation unfolding as it was, Sosa needed to adjust his plans.

"Perhaps this is an opportunity to get rid of both Tony and John at the same time. The debt from my father's murder—I'll make sure John pays it back with interest."

.........

As the battle at the Solomon estate sent shockwaves through the underworld, another crime lord in Yorbian received the news.

On the western coast of Saherta, nestled against the Anthony Mountain Range, lay a city surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an open coastline on the fourth.

It was a metropolis that stood as a counterpart to the financial hub of Yorknew City, one of the two most prosperous cities on the continent.

Unlike Yorknew, which leaned heavily on finance, this city thrived on oil, maritime industries, electronics, and entertainment.

It was also the most famous city of entertainment in the world, attracting countless hopefuls seeking stardom each year. This reputation earned it the globally recognized moniker—City of Angels.

Yet beneath the dazzling lights and glamour lurked countless horrors and secrets.

At night, beyond the vibrant nightlife, the city became a battlefield of deception and treachery.

This was why it also ranked among the world's most crime-infested cities, earning it another name—Criminal's Paradise: Los City.

And it was here, in Los City, that one of the Ten Dons—John's counterpart—ruled from the shadows.

Andrea Agnelli.

His headquarters was located in the prestigious Holbein Hills, an exclusive residential area perched on the city's slopes.

At the heart of the district stood a massive, castle-like estate, its pristine white walls gleaming under the night sky.

Inside, in an opulent study, a tall, powerfully built figure stood before a floor-to-ceiling window, gazing down at the cityscape below.

His short, neatly trimmed blond hair exuded sharpness and efficiency, adding to his commanding presence.

With striking, chiseled features and a single diamond earring shimmering under the light, he possessed the kind of charisma that could make passersby mistake him for a celebrity.

Indeed, in a city teeming with stars, he could have easily walked into show business.

Yet, unlike the young actors and models who flocked here, his piercing blue eyes carried an unyielding chill, warning others to keep their distance.

His lean, well-toned physique was honed through years of discipline—his muscles not exaggerated like a bodybuilder's, but carrying an undeniable force that not even his impeccably tailored white suit could conceal.

In his left hand, he swirled a wine glass, the dark red liquid resembling blood as it sloshed gently with his movement.

His right hand held a flip phone, which he had just used to receive the latest report from his men. This man was none other than Andrea Agnelli—a titan of the Yorbian underworld.

Five years ago, he had seized power through bloodshed, cutting down his own brothers in a brutal succession war.

And now, as the new head of the Agnelli family, he ruled Los City with an iron fist.

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