"Kaizen, besides me, do you know anyone else in our Zoldyck family?"
"I do."
Kaizen had met nearly all the main members of the Zoldyck family—except for Alluka.
Maha Zoldyck had trained him from a young age.
Zeno and Silva had guided his growth.
He had worked with Milluki.
Kikyo and Kalluto—he had met them both and even shared meals with them.
He had seen Killua during his time at Heavens Arena.
As for Illumi, they had met for the first time during this Hunter Exam.
The only one he hadn't encountered was Alluka.
"Please don't mention our conversation to anyone else in the family."
"Understood."
"Thank you, and sorry for the trouble."
Killua stood up, stretching. "If you ever need help, just ask. But let's be honest—your strength far surpasses mine. I doubt you'll ever need my assistance."
Kaizen watched Killua leave, his gaze contemplative. He was growing more eager to uncover the truth about his own identity.
...
Not long after Killua left, a figure approached Kaizen.
"Cousin Illumi."
Illumi was still maintaining his Gittarackur disguise.
"I have something to take care of. I'll leave behind a double. Keep an eye on it for me. And also, make sure Hisoka doesn't get a chance to make a move on Killua."
"How long?"
"A few days. It won't take long."
"Got it. No problem."
"Then I'll leave it to you."
Illumi reached up and pulled a needle from his body.
His figure deflated slightly—like air leaving a balloon.
The Gittarackur disguise crumbled away, revealing his true face.
With a flicker of movement, he vanished.
From the shadows, another figure emerged—a perfect replica of Gittarackur.
His aura was eerily similar to Illumi's.
To an ordinary person, the difference would be imperceptible. But to someone trained in Nen, the illusion wouldn't hold up.
"So, Illumi and the Hunter Association must have an understanding. Otherwise, the examiners would see through this."
Kaizen mused over the situation.
A figure materialized beside him—Natsu.
Kaizen infused Natsu with just enough aura to sustain him, but not enough for full combat potential.
"Guard Gittarackur," he instructed.
Natsu nodded, taking up his position.
Kaizen, meanwhile, focused on keeping an eye on Killua.
...
(T/N: I honestly don't remember this island, and there's no information about it on the wiki.)
The next day, their airship descended, and the candidates were transferred onto a large ship.
After half a day's journey, they arrived near a small island.
An elderly couple stood at the dock, waiting to greet them.
"Welcome, everyone."
"We are the owners of the only hotel on this island."
"This hotel has hosted many famous guests. I believe you'll be quite comfortable here."
"Additionally, we are examiners appointed by the Hunter Association."
The moment they mentioned this, the expressions of the candidates shifted.
All eyes turned toward the old couple.
The old woman smiled. "Congratulations on passing the third exam. The next test will take place in three days."
"Until then, you may rest here."
"Please follow us to the hotel."
The candidates hesitated for a moment, then relaxed.
"Rest? Finally!"
"Man, that last test was exhausting. At least the Hunter Association knows we need a break."
But not everyone was convinced.
"Too easy. Something's off."
"Yeah, this could be a setup."
"What if those two aren't real examiners?"
"Better stay cautious. We've made it this far—falling for a trap now would be a disaster."
Kaizen glanced around.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio remained together.
Gittarackur stood alone.
Hisoka lingered at the edge of the group, a sly smile on his face.
As the candidates reached the hotel's entrance, the elderly couple suddenly halted them.
"One moment, everyone."
"Our hotel isn't free."
"The Hunter Association has not covered the cost of your stay."
"Each person must pay 10 million Jenny to check in."
For an experienced Nen user like Kaizen, 10 million Jenny was nothing—he had amassed tens of billions.
But for most candidates, even those skilled enough to take the Hunter Exam, that was a hefty price.
Gon, Kurapika, Leorio—none of them had that kind of money.
And neither did most of the other examinees.
"Ten million Jenny?!"
"That's robbery!"
"No way. I'd rather camp outside!"
But three days in the wilderness wasn't an easy task for everyone.
Kaizen felt his phone vibrate.
He pulled it out and checked the message.
It was from Netero.
Kaizen frowned at the content.
"I see."
He deleted the message and stood quietly among the other candidates, blending in with the crowd.
The message contained only one sentence:
"Kaizen, this test does not belong to you."
Kaizen recalled the details of the Warship Island test. It wasn't a competition between individuals, nor a direct confrontation. Instead, it required cooperation—everyone working together to overcome the challenge.
But Kaizen was too strong.
If he participated, he would single-handedly solve the test, rendering it meaningless.
This wasn't what the Hunter Association wanted.
"So that's it. Netero doesn't want me to interfere."
He glanced at Hisoka, who stood idly by.
"Illumi left just now… but where's Hisoka?"
Hisoka pulled out his phone, waved it slightly, and smirked.
Kaizen understood instantly.
Hisoka had received the same message.
"Surprising that he'd actually follow the Hunter Association's orders."
As complaints grew among the candidates, the elderly couple offered an alternative solution.
"You don't have to pay the 10 million Jenny," the old man said.
"Instead, you can go to the shipwreck site and salvage treasure."
"Whatever you recover must be sold to us."
"We will assess the value."
"And based on your salvage results, we will assign you different rooms."
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