Chapter 12
After running for some time, we arrived at a clearing dominated by a massive building. Other candidates were already there. Did we make it in time?
"Thank goodness. Looks like we made it," I sighed.
"So it seems," Kurapika agreed.
"Well then. This is Visca Forest Preserve, the site of the Second Phase. My part in this is over, but I think I'll stick around and watch for a bit," Tonpa said. "I'm curious to see how far the runts who actually broke through my test can go."
So Tonpa planned to linger even after the First Phase ended. Is he... actually the caring type? Surprisingly enough.
"Ugh... ow, ow... Wait, why am I...?"
Ah, Leorio's awake! Thank god. I was starting to worry about what I'd do if the Second Phase started while he was still out cold.
"Are you alright, Leorio?"
"Huh? Wait, you're... why is a girl carrying me on her back?! Ow, ow, ow! My—my face hurts!"
Ah, right. Best to put him down first before I start explaining.
"I see. So that's where these bruises came from."
"I'm so sorry..." I bowed my head.
"Hey, don't sweat it. You were just trying to help me, right?"
"I mean, yes, but..."
"In the end, you saved my skin. You even carried me all the way here. Between this and that favor at the start, I'm the one who should be thanking you. So... thanks."
...To think he'd be worried about me after I'm the one who roughed him up. Leorio really is a good soul. Sniff. I really hope a guy like this passes the Exam.
"M-my name is Aisha! Listen, Leorio—let's both pass this exam, no matter what!"
"Oh, uh, right. Aisha. Let's do our best."
"Yes!"
Man, I've met some great people here. Maybe I'll actually make my first friends since being reincarnated. Gon is a sweetheart. Killua is a bit of a brat, but Kurapika is a kind, loyal person. Maybe the Hunter Exam is just one big networking event. I'm glad I signed up.
Anyway, I've been hearing this sound coming from the building—like the low growl of a wild beast. What is that? The Second Phase is supposed to start at noon... which is right about now.
The doors groaned open. Standing there were a man as large as a mountain and a beautiful, scantily-clad woman with a... very unique hairstyle. Wait, was that growling sound coming from that man's stomach? No way.
So, the Second Phase is a cooking test. I lived alone for a long time, so I can handle the basics, but anything complex is out of my league. I wouldn't know the first thing about Kaiseki or high-end restaurant fare. Standard home cooking is my limit.
"My menu is Whole Roasted Pork! It's my favorite!" Buhara announced.
...Well, that's not exactly "complex." Then again, while roasting a pig is simple enough in theory, making it actually taste good is a whole different beast.
"You can use any breed of pig found here in the park. Now... begin!"
Whatever. I'll worry about the seasoning after I catch the thing.
Peeeeeiggy. Where are you?
Ah, there's one. ...That's a pig, right? It's easily over ten feet tall.
Oh well, a pig is a pig. It charged; I sidestepped at the last possible second. As it barreled past, I delivered a single, sharp blow to its flank. Down it went. Captured, just like that. You're just a pig, after all. If you're mad about it, come back when you've learned how to fly.
Now all that's left is to roast it. I don't really know the "gourmet" way to cook pork, but who cares? It's not like the other candidates are professional chefs. I'll just roast it normally.
"Ahhh, I'm stuffed! Can't eat another bite!"
...He ate seventy whole roasted pigs? Okay, good. I'm glad to know I haven't reached the level of "Gluttony" yet. That is a true bottomless pit. Gourmet Hunters are terrifying! Or maybe it's a Nen ability? An ability to expand the stomach's capacity just to eat more? Haha, honestly, that might not be far off. Nen isn't just for fighting, after all.
"The second half of the Phase. My menu is... Sushi!" Menchi declared.
Sushi. A dish from Jappon. As a former Japanese person, it's incredibly familiar to me, but in this world, Jappon is treated like some remote island nation. Sushi hasn't really spread globally yet. ...A shame, really, considering how delicious it is.
"Heh. You all look stumped. Well, I can't blame you. It's a traditional dish from a tiny island nation."
Are you low-key insulting Jappon? That's my second home—the place where my beloved Master Ryuzen rests. You looking for a fight? Because I'll give you one.
"And when I say sushi, I only accept Nigiri-zushi! Now, start! The exam ends once I'm full! You can bring me as many as you want until then!"
Wait, isn't this a massive advantage for anyone who actually knows what sushi is? What is this test even looking for? Should I just make it? Will I pass if I do? Or will she fail me if it doesn't taste like a master chef made it?
...Whatever. I'll make it. If I pass, great. If not, so be it. I'll go with the flow. Oh, wait. I might as well tell Leorio and the others. She didn't say we couldn't help each other.
"(Leorio, Kurapika, over here.)"
"Huh? Aisha? What's up?"
"(Keep it down. I actually know what sushi is.)"
"Wha—!? For real—mph!?"
"(Quiet, you idiot-orio! Do you want the whole clearing to hear you?)"
"(S-sorry... and who are you calling an idiot-orio!?)"
"(You two are impressively good at yelling in a whisper. Anyway, wait for me outside and I'll explain. I'm going to grab Gon and Killua.)"
"(Got it.)"
I need to get the kids and get out of here. If I stay any longer, Hisoka's bloodlust is going to give me a rash.
"No one's around here."
"You really know about this 'sushi' thing?" Killua asked.
"It's 'Aisha' to you, brat. Keep the attitude up and I won't tell you a thing."
Seriously, this kid. I wish I could give him a dose of Gon's manners.
"Listen closely. Sushi is..."
— Girl Explaining —
"...and that's how you do it. Got it?"
"I see," Kurapika mused. "I've seen it mentioned in texts, and it matches your description perfectly."
"Alright! The Second Phase is in the bag!" Leorio cheered.
I have a feeling it won't be that easy.
"I doubt any amateur can make truly good sushi. I've eaten it plenty of times, but this is my first time making it myself. Just knowing the shape doesn't guarantee a pass."
"Even so, knowing what it is makes a huge difference. Thanks, Aisha, for telling us!"
Ugh, that dazzling smile. You're welcome, kid. That smile is enough of a reward.
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks, I guess," Killua muttered.
I really need to do something about this kid's personality.
Alright, I've got the ingredients. Let's get to work. Wait, what's all that noise?
"It's just an easy dish where you press rice into a bite-sized rectangle and put wasabi and a slice of fish on top!! There shouldn't be much difference in taste no matter who makes it!!"
...Thank you so much, Mr. Ninja, for shouting the instructions for everyone to hear. All my effort to be discreet just went up in smoke. And there goes everyone, rushing off to catch fish.
"Don't give me that! They say it takes ten years of training to properly press sushi! The taste is worlds apart between a pro and a hack like you!" Menchi screamed.
If you know that, then don't judge us on taste! How many candidates do you think are at that level? Exactly zero!
"Next challenger, come on up!"
"I'm next!"
"Ugh, yours looks the part too. Great, thanks to that bald guy, the secret's out! Now I have no choice but to judge strictly on flavor."
I'm genuinely shocked that wasn't your plan from the beginning. Good luck, Leorio!
"Fail! Too much vinegar! I can't even eat this!"
"Hey!"
Expected... There's no way a beginner can satisfy someone who knows what the real deal tastes like.
"Fail! You were too slow! If the ingredients get warm, the sushi is ruined. Do it again!"
"What!? How was I supposed to know that!?"
I just learned that too, Killua. Don't glare at me. It's not my fault.
"The shape of the rice is all wrong! Use a jigami shape, or at least a funazoko style!"
And I'm down too. What even is a jigami shape? Does it taste better?
"The cut is off... the shape is bad... the fish is..."
"Whew! I'm stuffed!"
Second half of the Second Phase: Menchi's Menu. Total passes: Zero.
This is impossible. You can't ask this of amateurs.
Whoa! Hisoka's killing intent just spiked. It feels like he's about to lunge at Menchi any second... She seems to have noticed too; the air is electric. One spark and this place explodes.
Oh, a guy who wants to be a Blacklist Hunter just charged at her. Is he suicidal, provoking her now? I thought about stepping in, but Buhara beat me to it. The guy took a nasty hit, but honestly, he's lucky to be alive.
"A Blacklist Hunter? Don't make me laugh! Getting leveled by a mere Gourmet Hunter's slap."
Well, setting aside the gap between Nen users and non-users, he was just physically outclassed. If he really wants to be a Blacklist Hunter, he should take this as a lesson and get serious about his training.
"Martial arts are something you pick up whether you like it or not as a Hunter. What I'm looking for is the guts to challenge the unknown!"
You were literally just judging based on taste five minutes ago. Though, I guess we can blame the ninja for that.
"Still... isn't a zero percent pass rate a bit too harsh?"
Wait—that voice!!
Above us, an airship bearing the Hunter Association logo appeared. An old man came leaping down from the vessel! Everyone else was losing their minds over how he survived a drop from that height, but I was shocked for a completely different reason.
Holy... Netero! It's Netero! My old rival—my friend!
He looks well. Looking at his aura, it's even calmer and more elegant than the last time I saw him. It seems he really took my final words to heart: "Never neglect your training." I'm so happy.
I want to run up and tell him right now. But if I said, "Hey, it's me, Ryusho," there's no way he'd believe it.
While I was having my internal crisis, the Second Phase was officially changed.
We boarded the airship to a different mountain. The task: boiled eggs. Talk about a drop in difficulty. I guess I have Netero to thank for that. Good old Netero!
We arrived at Mt. Split-in-Two. Just as the name suggested, the mountain was cleaved down the middle. We had to dive into the ravine, grab the eggs of the Spider-Eagles, and boil them.
"Man, what a relief."
"This is more like it."
"Way better than running or making ethnic food."
"Agreed. We can actually pass this."
They should have just done this from the start... though, I guess I wouldn't have met Netero then. Good job, Menchi!
And with that, I passed the Second Phase! Also, those eggs were delicious.
Second Phase, Part Two (Menchi's revised menu): 43 survivors.
Once the Phase was over, we boarded the airship again. Apparently, we're heading to the next destination overnight. Beans informed us we'd arrive around 8:00 AM tomorrow. Until then, it's free time. What to do? Gon and Killua are going to explore the ship.
I'm not particularly tired, so maybe I'll look around too. This is technically my third time on an airship, but the second was just the quick trip to Mt. Split-in-Two, and the first time I was a baby being dropped into Meteor City. This is my first time actually riding one. Plus, it gets me away from Hisoka.
"Well, I'm bored too, so I think I'll go exploring."
"You too...?" Leorio sighed. "You, Gon, Killua... where do you get the energy?"
"Tell me about it," Kurapika added. "I just want to rest. It's been a hideously long day."
"I'm gonna hit the sack... though, aren't you a bit old for 'exploring'?" Leorio asked me.
"...I'm thirteen."
"WHAT?!"
"...I figured you'd react like that."
I hit my growth spurt early. Ever since I left Meteor City, no one has ever guessed my age correctly. Well, I guess it's better than looking like a toddler.
Wow, the night view is stunning. Truly a sight to behold. You don't get to see the world like this often. I used to have nothing but bad memories of airships, but this is turning into a good one. Maybe I should buy one someday and just travel the world?
...That sounds amazing. I wonder how much they cost? Would my savings cover it?
Wait. Is that... Gon, Killua, and Netero? Where are those three going? I have a feeling something interesting is about to happen. I'm following.
"Gon, Killua, Netero—I mean, Chairman."
Close call. I almost called him by his name without an honorific. To him, I'm a complete stranger. It's a bit lonely, honestly.
"Oh, Aisha! What's up?"
"You again? What do you want? We're busy," Killua snapped.
"Ho ho... (She's quite well-developed for her age, isn't she?)"
I feel like Netero's eyes are glued to my chest.
"Nothing, really. I just saw the three of you and wondered what was go—er, if something was wrong."
"Ho ho ho. Not at all. We're about to play a little game. Would you like to join us, young lady? If you can beat me, I'll grant you your Hunter License on the spot."
What!? If I beat Netero, I get my license right now!?
A fight would be out of the question, but in a game? Depending on the rules, I might have a real shot. If I win, I don't have to deal with this exam anymore. Which means I can get away from the clown-freak!
"I'm in!"
"Excellent. Then all three of you, this way."
We reached a medium-sized hall. Netero produced a ball from somewhere. Are we using that?
"If you can take this ball away from me before the ship reaches its destination, you win. You can use any kind of attack! I won't lift a finger to strike back."
Just take the ball? Easy. My skills from my previous life have mostly settled into this body, but against Netero, a real fight would have been brutal. But just snatching a ball? I can do that.
Actually, I'll start by using only my physical strength, no techniques. Netero isn't going all out either; this is the perfect chance to see where I stand.
"So we just have to take it? I'll go first!" Gon yelled.
"Be my guest."
Whoa. Killua looks pissed. Makes sense—those conditions are basically an insult.
Wait, that footwork! Is that... the Kazama-style Willow-Leaf Sway? No, it's slightly different. But to have mastered movement like that at his age!? Even if it's pure talent and hard work, it's terrifying. I didn't master the Willow-Leaf Sway until I was over sixty. Incredible.
Still, it's not working on Netero. He hasn't completely erased his intent at the moment he shifts from movement to attack. He has the talent, but he lacks the experience. If it were that easy to win, I wouldn't have struggled so much in my past life.
But Killua... he might actually surpass Netero one day. If he keeps polishing that talent...
Killua tagged out with Gon. Let's see how Gon handles this.
"Here I go!!"
He charged straight in... okay, that's a bit—wait, he jumped! And slammed his head into the ceiling.
"OWWWWW!!"
"I get that you can jump high, but watch the ceiling, Gon!"
"Seriously. The Chairman actually let his guard down for a second there, too."
Netero was totally open. He might have actually gotten the ball. Then again, Netero is totally underestimating us. To be momentarily fooled by a feint like that... plus, he's not using his right hand or his left leg.
"My turn. Chairman, I look forward to it."
"Ho ho ho. Anytime you're ready."
Alright. Let's see how much Netero I can handle.
"Hah!"
Full sprint! I moved purely for the ball. Even if he dodged, I just kept chasing. No feints, no tricks—just a straight-on assault.
But...
"Hmm. You've got some speed, young lady. But such linear movements won't get you far."
As expected, it's not enough. In terms of raw physical ability, I'm still no match for him. Dammit. Should I use my aura?
Eventually, we all teamed up, but we still couldn't get the ball. I'm going to have to use a technique...
Wait, Gon actually landed a hit on Netero's chin! He used his shoe to extend his reach? Nice! Killua followed up immediately. This is the chance!
"Now!"
"Not quite."
Killua reached for the ball, but Netero kicked it away. But we're not done yet!
"Take this!"
"Oof!"
I landed a kick on Netero while he was off-balance. He's separated from the ball!
"Now, Gon!"
"I've got it!"
Yes! He's got it—!
Whoosh.
Hey! Netero used his aura on his legs!
In a flash of speed, he zipped past Gon and Killua and reclaimed the ball... Don't use aura, you sore loser!
"A for effort, I'd say."
You've always been a sore loser, Netero. Using Nen in a game against kids? Really?
Killua gave up. It looks like he finally noticed Netero barely used his right hand or left leg.
"Let's go, Gon."
"I think I'll stay and try a bit longer."
"Me too."
...He didn't ask me to come with him. Not that I'm lonely or anything!
After Killua left, the game resumed. Though, Gon's goal seemed to shift from "taking the ball" to "making Netero use his right hand." Even so, he was still taking potshots at the ball when Netero least expected it.
"Not going for the ball, young lady?"
"I'm taking a breather. Besides, Gon's goal has changed, so I'll just watch and see if he makes it. Do your best, Gon!"
"Yeah!"
Such a cheerful kid. I'll just sit here and rest. I'm actually pretty tired. ...Ugh, I'm soaked in sweat. This is gross. Maybe I should grab a shower?
"Excuse me, Chairman."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I've worked up quite a sweat, so I'd like to go shower and change if that's alright."
"Hyuk!?"
"Gotcha!"
Ah, Netero left an opening. Gon lunged for the ball instantly, but... no good. He was a hair's breadth away. Why did Netero freeze up like that? Did I startle him?
"Close one, close one. My, was that a calculated distraction?"
"Pardon?"
"(Is she just naturally like that? That was quite the view of her cleavage...) It's fine, but don't be gone too long."
"Thank you!"
Phew, thank goodness. I'll probably just get sweaty again, but I couldn't stand it. I'm glad I brought a change of clothes. I'll endure it during the actual tests, but I'll take a luxury where I can get it.
Ah, much better. Now, how's Gon doing?
"I'm back. How's it going, Gon?"
"..."
No answer. Incredible focus. He didn't even notice me. He's purely focused on Netero. This boy's talent is staggering. Killua is ahead of him right now, but in terms of raw potential, Gon is right there with him. Once they grow, they'll both reach heights I never could.
...I'm a little jealous.
Three hours after I returned, Gon finally made Netero use his right hand. He didn't get the ball, but having achieved his goal, he fell fast asleep on the spot. Good job, Gon. Get some rest.
"Well then. Do you want to keep trying, young lady?"
"Of course. The real game starts now."
"Ho ho! I look forward to it."
Time to play for real.
I walked casually up to Netero. As I thought, he wouldn't move until I did.
Heh. Carelessness is your undoing. Here I come, Netero! Kazama-style Footwork Secret: Willow-Leaf Sway!
"!?"
Netero's eyes widened, his guard slipping for a fraction of a second. I instantly vanished into his blind spot, circling behind him. He reacted immediately, but it was too late! You might have kept up your training, Netero, but you got complacent!
As he started to turn, I caught his arm—Soft Style! Netero spun mid-air! With his side wide open, I prepared to drive a Penetrating Palm into his ribs! Don't worry, Netero, I'll hold back enough so you're only bedridden for three days! (I totally forgot the goal of the game).
TAKE THIS!!
...I wasn't thinking straight. Fighting Netero again after all this time made my old blood boil. I accidentally poured a massive amount of Fighting Spirit into the strike. And because of that...
◆
"Well then. Do you want to keep trying, young lady?"
"Of course. The real game starts now."
"Ho ho! I look forward to it."
Hmm. She's not giving up either. Her movements are good, but she lacks experience.
With the right training, she could be something special. This year's crop of rookies is truly bountiful.
Wait. She's just walking up to me? Does she have a plan? She hasn't used any feints yet. What is she—
"!?"
Th-this! Rhythm Echo!? No! This is the Kazama-style Willow-Leaf Sway!!
The secret footwork my old friend Ryusho loved so much! This girl is using it!? Ryusho said he didn't master that until he was sixty!
D-dammit! She's behind me! The ball... Gah! She's using Soft Style! Well, if she can use the Sway, it's only natural she knows the rest. But this means the ball is—wait!
Why is she attacking ME!? What about the ball!? And this strike—is this Penetrating Palm!? Another of Ryusho's favorites!
That's an internal destruction technique! Last time I took one of those, I couldn't eat for three days! Is she going for my 'balls' or my life!?
Ngh! She's not emitting aura, but I can feel it! The Fighting Spirit pouring out of her!! This is exactly like Ryusho's...!
[100-TYPE GUANYIN BODHISATTVA]!!!
...Oh, crap.
I did it. I used the Bodhisattva without thinking!!
I—I just felt that Fighting Spirit and remembered my old duels with Ryusho... it just happened... The girl just got slammed through the airship wall... she's not moving. Did I kill her?
Prrrrr... Prrrrr...
The—the phone...
"H-hello? Yes, it's me... No, that shock was—yes, just a minor mishap on my end. ...Yes, everything is fine. The flight isn't compromised? ...Good. Listen, could you fly a bit slower? ...Yes, very slowly. I don't mind if we arrive late. Thank you."
Phew. Okay.
...Now, what do I do?
"WERE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!?"
"Gah!?"
A shock hit me in the back! What the—!?
"What kind of person does that to a poor, innocent candidate!? I thought I was dead for a second!"
"Y-you're alive!?"
She survived!? Wait, her aura flow never stopped. I was so panicked I didn't even notice.
Well, that's a relief... but wait, HOW is she alive?
No normal person could take a hit like that and walk away. Even a decent Nen user should have been leveled.
"Young lady... how did you block that?"
"How? Well... that's a trade secret."
What trade!?
There's no doubt. This girl is a Nen user. Her aura is perfectly clear, without a single ripple. That's impossible for a non-user. Even if you can't use Nen, your aura flow changes slightly with your emotions. She has none of that. Which means she's actively controlling it!
Which means she must have used some kind of Nen to block that hit...
"Young lady... you can 'use' it, can't you?"
"I'm sure I don't know what you mean."
Oh, so we're playing dumb.
"Surely you don't expect me to believe-"
"Ow, ow, ow! Ugh, I'm bruised all over... I won't be able to handle the next test like this, so I'm going to go rest! Goodbye!"
She bolted!
I can't exactly chase her down to interrogate her after I just nearly pulverized her...
But that Kazama-style martial art... and the Nen strength to survive the Bodhisattva...
She's like Ryusho's reincarnation. And that Penetrating Palm... it's a dangerous technique. Ryusho only ever taught it to his top disciple, Lina...
Did Lina teach her? I'll have to check with her later.
...Wait, reincarnation? Where have I heard that before?
...Ah. I used my hands to stop her, so I technically lost the game by forfeit...
Well, I used Nen, not my hands, and she didn't seem to notice. I'll just keep quiet about it.
◆
I managed to escape Netero. I think I'm busted as a Nen user.
But man, I blacked out for a second there... if I hadn't managed to defend myself in time, I'd be a red smear on the wall. That old man! Who uses the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva in a ball game!?
...Okay, maybe I shouldn't have tried to use Penetrating Palm on him. It was a lapse in judgment. Youthful indiscretion, let's call it.
Ugh... everything hurts, but nothing seems broken. If I hadn't used Ken combined with an impact-absorbing limpness defense, I'd be dead.
Curse you, Netero! One day, I'm going to pay you back for this pain tenfold!