Chapter 440: The Structure of the Holy Hunting Organization
Shinko’s display of formidable power earned him the worship and admiration of the Mink Tribe.
However, for reasons unknown, after a private conversation with the Duke, a heated quarrel erupted.
Following this, Shinko departed once more, taking with him a group of Mink Tribe members willing to follow.
The Duke forbade any discussion of Shinko, leaving only the tribe’s upper echelons with mixed feelings, as they knew fragments of the truth.
Shinko had risen to a senior position within the Yamata Sect in the outside world.
Upon his return, he sought to lead some Mink Tribe members to the Yamata God Orochimaru to receive divine grace.
Though termed "divine grace," the process was perilous and could prove fatal.
This was unacceptable to Duke Hitsugisukan, who viewed all Mink Tribe members as his children, unwilling to let them risk their lives for power.
This was merely one point of contention.
A deeper conflict revolved around Sulong.
The Mink Tribe’s faith, shaped by the Yamata God Orochimaru, centered on the Mythical beast known as Sulong.
This was a direct result of the efforts led by Shinko and his followers, a contribution born from their research.
When news of this reached the Duke over a month ago, he nearly succumbed to rage.
For the moment, however, these issues were secondary.
With Zunesha facing such a crisis, even the strongest warriors like Inuarashi were powerless.
Their thoughts turned to Shinko, now with the Yamata Sect.
Even Duke Hitsugisukan, who harbored the greatest aversion to Shinko, silently approved their plea for his aid.
"I hope he can resolve this grave trouble," Inuarashi sighed.
If Shinko failed, they might need to commission the Hunter Association, though whether they could afford it was uncertain.
Moreover, whether Zunesha could endure until then was another unknown.
Despite appearing only twenty meters long, the monster drained an extraordinary volume of blood each time.
Zunesha now moved with exhaustion, its steps numb, as if afflicted with anemia.
It was staggering to think that, in mere days, a colossal behemoth like Zunesha could exhibit such symptoms from blood loss.
As the Mink Tribe waited anxiously, elsewhere, dozens of kilometers from Zunesha, two ships sailed toward it.
One ship bore a simple, natural design, adorned with a flag depicting an eight headed serpent, glowing with sacred, majestic golden light.
This was the exclusive flag of the Yamata Sect, marking the ship as theirs.
The other ship was more opulent, flying two flags.
One displayed a crown encircled by a golden pattern, the flag of the Kingdom of Corti, the Land of Miracles.
It drew from the two most striking sacred artifacts present when Artoria, the King of Miracles, was crowned, symbolizing the union of divine and royal power.
To the people of the Miracle Land, it signified peace, rebirth, and prosperity.
The second flag was the well-known emblem of the Hunter Association, composed of swords, flames, and blood beads.
Clearly, this ship belonged to a faction of the Hunter Association aligned with the Miracle Land.
At that moment, both ships enjoyed an unobstructed view, the massive form of Zunesha clearly visible.
Its 10,000-meter height above the sea was impossible to conceal, especially under the clear sky.
"What a massive creature! I wonder how long such a body can sustain itself. Hina is very curious." A pink-haired girl on the luxurious Corti Kingdom ship said.
With the rise of the Sea Kings hunting industry, her initial thought was that such a creature represented vast quantities of meat, and thus, wealth.
"Hina, do not say such things in front of the Mink Tribe, or you will stir trouble again," a black-haired girl with red silk threads at her side said helplessly, hearing Hina’s careless words.
"Hehe, Hina will say what she wants. If trouble arises, Nozomi will help Hina, and Hina will be very happy." Hina replied.
Hearing this, Nozomi’s fair forehead seemed to sprout imaginary black lines.
She felt like Hina’s caretaker, a mother tending to a mischievous child.
"You are a holy knight of the kingdom. You should be calmer and not act like a child all the time." Nozomi said.
"Hina is very young, so there is no need to be calm." Hina retorted.
"You..." Nozomi began, but fell silent, seeing Hina’s unrepentant expression.
She refrained from further scolding, acknowledging Hina’s youth and believing she would mature in time.
The pressing concern was the blood leech in the distance.
Nozomi gazed at the terrifying behemoth, Zunesha, a legendary giant whose size was truly staggering.
She reflected on its enormity.
Nozomi and Hina had come for Zunesha, or more precisely, for the Blood Leech, one of the five gluttonous plagues draining its blood.
At that time, the New World’s grand event, the Mythical Beast Conference, was nearing.
One of the Four Emperors’ Shiki the Golden Lion’s floating island cluster rested near Wilbur Island in the New World.
Wilbur Island, a familiar venue for several Kendo tournaments, was well-known globally.
Nozomi had initially arrived at Wilbur Island.
However, Shinko from the Yamata Sect hurriedly approached the Hunter Association’s residence, seeking the Holy Wings’ aid to resolve the crisis afflicting Zunesha. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by novelFɪre.net
Hina, intrigued, accepted the commission.
Nozomi accompanied her out of concern for Hina’s safety.
The Blood Leech was a vicious gluttonous pure demon, and while Hina was strong, her impulsive nature worried Nozomi.
’If only Hina were half as mature as Betty. They are obviously about the same age.’ Nozomi thought, glancing at Hina’s eccentric demeanor with mild frustration.
On the other ship, a Mink Tribe member dressed in loose white garments, resembling an upright tiger, gazed at the distant Zunesha.
A flicker of worry crossed his steady, tiger-like face.
This was Shinko, one of the most powerful senior officials in the Yamata Sect, second only to its leaders.
He had received a plea for help from the Mokomo Dukedom and tirelessly sought support.
The crisis stemmed from the Blood Leech, one of the five legendary gluttonous disasters.
Shinko lacked confidence in facing it alone.
Even within the Yamata Sect, few among the Eight Heads, who are stronger than him, could confidently defeat the Blood Leech.
With the Mythical Beast Conference approaching, securing aid from the Yamata Sect was challenging.
They did not refuse outright but suggested waiting until the conference concluded.
Thus, Shinko turned to the Hunter Association’s official body, the Holy Hunting Organization.
The Holy Hunting Organization was the Hunter Association’s most formidable enforcement arm, a vast composite hunter group.
It comprised large hunter groups led by the major factions that founded the association, including:
The Holy Wings of the Land of Miracles.
The Iron Sun of the World Government.
The Crown of the Realm of Chaos.
The Undercurrent of the Dark Curtain Organization.
The Big News of the underground organization led by Morgans.
And the Spear of Elbaf from Elbaf, the giant country in the New World.
Among these factions, Shinko chose the Holy Wings, known for their relatively amicable stance toward outsiders and their formidable strength.