With the examiner's final words, a mechanical sound echoed through the chamber.
Crack!
Gears shifted, and the stone wall before them seemed to come alive, sliding open to reveal a massive exit. Sunlight poured in as the examiner stepped forward, motioning for the remaining candidates to follow.
Outside, an airship awaited them on the ground.
"Everyone, please board the airship. It will take you to the next examination site," the examiner announced. "I wish you all success in passing the Hunter Exam."
One by one, the candidates ascended the ramp, stepping into the vessel's interior. The airship was far less crowded than before—many had already been eliminated. A stark contrast to the packed corridors of the first phase, the atmosphere now felt eerily quiet.
Kaizen stood near the entrance, observing the dwindling numbers with an odd expression.
"I remember in the old version of the story, the airship left earlier. That should've led to the Zevil Island arc."
He smirked to himself. "Well, this is better for me. It means I have a higher chance of getting everything I need from the Hunter Exam in one go."
Stepping onto the deck, he scanned the groups of examinees. Some stood alone, lost in thought. Others had formed small clusters, likely discussing strategies. Given that the Trick Tower phase involved team battles, it wasn't unreasonable to expect similar challenges ahead. Forming alliances now could make a difference later.
Among the groups, a familiar voice called out.
"Kaizen!"
Gon waved enthusiastically, beckoning him over.
Kaizen walked up to them just as Gon eagerly asked, "What kind of trials did you face after we split up in the Tower of Despair?"
"I ran into all sorts of challenges—riddles, tests of strength, tests of courage… even fought something that looked like a robot. It took up way too much of my time."
Gon nodded. "I had a lot of tests too."
Leorio groaned. "Mine were brutal. There were rats. An endless swarm of them."
Kurapika shuddered at the memory, his face darkening. "It wasn't pleasant."
Kaizen shrugged. "Mine was simple. Just one opponent. I won, and that was it."
"Just one?"
"Yup."
Instantly, the others looked at him with envy.
What they didn't know was that Kaizen's opponent had been an A-rank Nen user—a member of the notorious Kute Gang. Even Killua, the strongest among them, wouldn't have stood a chance.
For Kaizen, however, it had been a relatively easy fight.
...
"Kaizen."
Killua hesitated before speaking.
"You said before that you'd fight me, right?"
Kaizen nodded. "You want to cash in on that now?"
"That's right."
"I thought you'd wait until after the Hunter Exam."
"I was going to, but I can't wait anymore."
"Fine by me." Kaizen shrugged. "There should be a training room on this airship."
Killua's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"Kaizen, Killua, can we watch?" Gon asked.
Killua glanced at Kaizen, who simply replied, "I don't mind. What about you?"
Killua thought for a moment before nodding.
The group made their way to the training room. As they arrived, they noticed a familiar figure leaning against the doorframe.
Hisoka.
The magician's lips curled into a grin as he watched them approach. His interest in both Kaizen and Killua was evident. Though he couldn't make a move now, he wasn't about to miss the chance to observe.
Kaizen gave Killua a questioning look. "You good?"
Killua hesitated for a moment. He knew Hisoka had interacted with Gon and the others before, but the details were sparse. However, this was an opportunity to show Hisoka his strength—to make the magician wary of him.
Steeling himself, Killua nodded.
Boom!
The door shut behind them, sealing the training room in eerie silence.
Kaizen stood calmly as Killua rolled his shoulders, eyes gleaming with determination.
"I've been waiting for this."
"Let's begin."
Without hesitation, Killua launched himself forward, his movements a blur. His hand sliced through the air like a knife, his speed so great it created a sharp whoosh as he closed the distance.
Kurapika's expression turned serious.
Leorio whistled in amazement. "Damn, he's fast."
Gon clenched his fists in excitement.
Hisoka licked his lips. The expected effect hadn't occurred—he wasn't intimidated by Killua's speed. Instead, his excitement only grew.
"What a thrilling talent," Hisoka mused, his gaze shifting from Killua to Kaizen. "What will he grow into? Could he even surpass Illumi?"
...
Killua continued his relentless assault, but Kaizen's response remained the same—
Block. Dodge.
Not once did he counterattack. Yet, despite Killua's speed and precision, every move was effortlessly deflected.
What was more astonishing was that Kaizen hadn't moved his feet once.
Killua gritted his teeth. He had trained for years, sharpened his skills, honed his instincts—and yet, it still wasn't enough.
Kaizen smirked. "Is that all?"
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