If the group's decision was to launch a forceful assault, then the plan devised by Shalnark would only serve as minimal support. If they opted for a strategic approach, however, a thorough and tightly woven plan would be necessary.
"Uvogin, Feitan, Phinks… you three will stay outside, await orders, and then storm in through the front gate. Your task is to cause massive destruction, stir up chaos, and divert the enemy's forces."
Shalnark flipped over the itinerary and, using a pen, sketched a rough layout of the private park where the Ohara Museum was located: the main gate, the walls, the wooded areas, the two palace-style buildings, and the Ohara Museum itself...
After roughly outlining the key terrain, he drew crude portraits of Uvogin, Feitan, and Phinks near the front gate.
The three of them, who had already voted in favor of a frontal assault, naturally had no objections and accepted the most dangerous part of the mission.
Phinks was a later addition to the Phantom Troupe, also hailing from Meteor City. With his blond hair, missing eyebrows, and a face that naturally looked fierce, he was an Enhancer, just like Uvogin.
"Boss, Franklin, Nobunaga, Pakunoda, and I, five of us, will infiltrate the appraisal event directly." Shalnark said, drawing their portraits inside the mansion on the rough map.
"How do we get in?" Nobunaga asked.
Shalnark lowered his head to examine the map and explained, "I'll use my Nen Ability to control one of the guests, eliminate all their bodyguards, and then we'll disguise ourselves as their security detail."
"Oh, I see," Nobunaga said, suddenly understanding. He raised a thumb at Shalnark in approval, "Smart."
Nearby, Machi and Pakunoda turned their heads away in silent exasperation.
"There will definitely be Nen Users inside the venue. The risk of being discovered is high. How do you plan to mitigate that?" Chrollo pointed out the potential risk.
Shalnark pulled out his red, devil-shaped phone and said, "I can't guarantee complete avoidance, but I can reduce the chances of detection. When I take control of the target, I'll activate the low-power automatic control mode… essentially equivalent to using In."
He shook the phone slightly and continued, "In this mode, all functions operate at reduced efficiency, but since we don't need the target's combat ability, that's negligible."
"Unless someone specifically uses Gyo to observe the controlled target, the chances of exposure are low. To further minimize risk, the target we select must be the most inconspicuous among the hundred guests."
"We'll need to investigate, screen, and finalize the target within a day."
"Of course, this part of the plan isn't strictly necessary. If you think it's too risky, we can scrap it."
After finishing, Shalnark glanced around, waiting for responses.
[Black Voice]… That was Shalnark's Nen Ability. It's an antenna he could insert into a target's body to turn them into a puppet, which he then controlled through his conjured phone.
There were two control modes: manual and automatic. Since the medium was a phone, it came with various phone-like functions, such as the 'low-power mode' Shalnark had just mentioned.
After hearing his explanation, Chrollo immediately said, "I have no objections."
Seeing the Boss agree, the others naturally followed suit.
The plan was approved. Shalnark nodded and turned to Pakunoda, "If you don't mind, you could switch from a bodyguard disguise to acting as the controlled target's female companion. Depending on the situation, getting close to Clover and extracting useful memories would be the best outcome."
Female bodyguards weren't uncommon in the security industry, but Shalnark believed bodyguards would have zero chance of getting close to Clover. As a guest's companion, however, it was different… something as simple as a handshake during introductions could be enough.
Plus, Pakunoda's striking looks, tall stature, and curvaceous figure would likely make Clover more receptive.
"No objections." Pakunoda agreed smoothly.
Upon hearing this, Shalnark continued laying out the plan: "The park has multiple wooded areas, many close to the walls. While they might seem ideal for infiltration, they're actually covered by omnidirectional surveillance cameras."
"On top of that, there are rotating guards and highly trained hounds. But the biggest problem is that we don't know how many Nen Users they have."
Shalnark pinched his chin, eyes fixed on the rough map as he drew a circle near the right-side wall… a section with dense trees, perfect for setting traps.
"Our targets are the most valuable treasures and the ancient books Boss wants. The operation will have two phases: robbery and theft."
"What we'll rob are the three treasures displayed during the outdoor banquet, as well as any brought by the guests. What we'll steal are the books and artifacts inside the Ohara Museum."
At this point, Shalnark looked at the five members who hadn't been assigned tasks yet: Machi, Kortopi, Bonolenov, Shidore, and Kirlo.
Aside from Machi, the other four, like Phinks, were later additions to the Troupe.
Kortopi had long hair covering most of his face, a small stature, and wore a robe. He was a Conjurer.
Bonolenov was tall and thin, his entire body, including his head, wrapped in layers of bandages. He was an Emitter.
Shidore had wild, snake-like black hair framing his pale face, with severe dark circles under his eyes. He was also an Emitter.
Kirlo was bald, his scalp covered in burn scars, his eyebrows patchy, and his features sharp and sinister. He was a Transmuter.
"Your five will handle the theft. Infiltrate from the right side and head straight for the museum."
Shalnark tapped his pen on the large wooded area inside the right-side wall and said, "This is where you'll infiltrate from… and also our retreat route. If the situation allows, Machi, you can use your Nen Ability to set up traps here."
With that, he put away his pen and paper, then looked around at the group and said, "This is the tentative plan. We have two days… I'll do my best to gather enough intel. Depending on what we find, the plan might need slight adjustments. If anyone has anything to add, say it now."
Crack. Crack.
Phinks grinned fiercely, twisting his knuckle-heavy hands until his bones let out crisp popping sounds, "Nope."
"Same."
"Nothing."
One by one, the members responded. And just like that, in this completely casual setting, the Phantom Troupe's plan of action was finalized.
Most of the group's strategies were devised by Shalnark, and aside from Chrollo and a few others, the rest couldn't be bothered to think too hard about it.
Uvogin, Feitan, and Phinks would launch a frontal assault to create chaos.
Chrollo, Pakunoda, Nobunaga, Franklin, and Shalnark would infiltrate in disguise, and then, once the commotion began, they will forcibly seize the treasures displayed at the outdoor banquet.
Machi, Kortopi, Bonolenov, Shidore, and Kirlo would take advantage of the distraction to infiltrate, eliminate any obstacles in their path, and steal everything of value from the museum.
With the plan tentatively set, the Troupe sprang into action. Preparations included finding a suitable target for Shalnark's control and gathering more intel.
…
Clover's residence.
After undergoing rigorous scanning to ensure she wasn't carrying any dangerous devices, recording equipment, or cameras, Salin was finally allowed inside the mansion.
As soon as she stepped through the gates, a corridor designed like a palace hallway unfolded before her.
The first thing that caught her eye was a massive oil painting hanging on the main wall-
A twilight sky, flames, and a headless knight.