In the city, I stocked up on a massive supply of preserved rations and water, along with a few spare sets of clothes. The backpack on my shoulders had become quite heavy, but it couldn't be helped. With this much, my food and water should hold out even if the exam drags on for a while.
Now that preparations were complete, time to head to the diner.
"Welcome! May I take your order—?"
"The Steak Combo."
"How would you like that cooked? Medium rare?"
"Slowly over low heat."
"Coming right up!"
"Customer, please head to the back room—"
...They actually remembered me. That's kind of embarrassing.
Stepping into the small back room, the Steak Combo was already laid out... Ah, the rice was served in an extra-large heap. ...I'm happy, but it's still embarrassing. Did I look like that much of a glutton?
As the room transformed into an elevator and began descending, I dug into the steak. Mmm, delicious. Cooking it slowly over low heat really hits the spot. Still, was this entire restaurant built solely for the Hunter Exam? If so, that's incredible. It looked completely like an ordinary neighborhood diner. Just how much money moves around for a single exam?
While pondering such thoughts, the elevator came to a halt. Have we arrived? B100... Basement Floor 100? Just how deep underground are we?
As the doors slid open... Whoa, an unexpected crowd was loitering around. Are all of these people applicants? The moment I walked in, their sharp gazes locked onto me. Stop staring at me. Well, they lost interest almost immediately and looked away.
"Here is your number badge."
"! ...Thank you."
Oh, Beans! Isn't that Chairman Netero's secretary, Beans?! Long time no see! Great to see you looking healthy. You haven't changed a bit, as usual. ...Seriously, you haven't changed at all. Even though over 13 years have passed since then. Did you fully grow up into this exact form?
"Um, do you have a question?"
"N-No. It's nothing at all."
Looks like I was staring too intensely. Sorry, Beans, it's just that it's been so long. But Beans doesn't know who I am now... A little bittersweet.
...Let's get back on track. My number is... Number 401, huh.
Oops, almost forgot. I have to fulfill my purpose for taking the Hunter Exam. If there are other reincarnators or drifters in this world, chances are high they'd learn Nen before challenging the exam. Which means I just need to look for anyone using Ten.
...Anyone around? Oh, found one. Someone's maintaining Ten. Who is it? A reincarnator, or...?
It was the perverted clown.
Why? Why is the perverted clown here?! Could that guy be... That's right, I remember now! That perverted clown definitely played a role in the story! And wasn't it a pretty major one at that?!
This is bad. I didn't expect him to be here... Setting his strength aside, the guy is just plain creepy. Gack! Eeeeeek! Our eyes met! Is he coming over here?! Help me, Netero! Now is the time to unleash your 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva! Your best friend's chastity is in grave danger!!
"Well hello, it's been a while ♣"
"I believe you have the wrong person. I don't know any perverted clowns like you."
"Hehehe. How cold. By the way, you can use it after all, can't you? ♦"
Why? How did he figure out I can use Nen? I haven't deactivated Angel's Veil. To any Nen user, it should only look like ordinary, leaking aura...
"You said something similar before. What are you talking about?"
"It's useless to play dumb. Your aura is far too unreactive to mine. No matter how ignorant someone is of Nen, their aura would at least react somewhat to a presence like mine ♠"
"..."
He deduced that from such a tiny detail...? He's far more skilled than I anticipated.
"Which means you have precise control over your aura. Also, you said 'before.' You do remember me after all ♥"
I let something slip. Well, since I was totally found out anyway, it doesn't really matter.
"Splendid. You're simply wonderful. I want to devour you right this instant ♠"
Uwaaaagh... I hate this pervert so much. I'd rather go home than be eaten by a freak like him... Wait, should I just take him out right here? That might prevent a lot of future headaches...
No, no, no. What dangerous thoughts am I having?
"I wouldn't taste good at all. Look around you. There are plenty of people who look much chewier and more appetizing than me."
...I can feel an overwhelming wave of silent pressure from the crowd screaming: 'Don't drag us into this!' Sorry, everyone, I just couldn't handle the pervert's stare...
"Out of everyone here, there's only one person who looks appetizing. The rest don't really matter to me right now ♥"
Who is that poor unfortunate soul? Anyway, if there's someone else, please go bother them instead.
"At any rate, I'd like to focus on the exam, so excuse me."
"How unfortunate. Did I get rejected? ♦"
I swiftly walked away from the perverted clown. He's the exact type of existence I want to avoid at all costs. In my long life, I've rarely seen a pervert of that caliber.
Oops. Because of him, I almost forgot my objective. Anyone else using Ten? Ah, found one... A man with a face full of needles. ...I really don't want to believe that's a reincarnator. Let alone acknowledge him as a fellow drifter. If that guy came from my homeland, I'd sink into mild despair.
After that, several more people stepped out of the elevator, but none were Nen users. Ah, the elevator opened again. This time it's a trio.
...A spiky-haired boy, a rugged older-looking young man, and a handsome youth. Could they be... Yeah, that's probably them. The so-called protagonists of the story. I dislike terms like 'story' or 'protagonist,' but there's really no better way to put it.
...Hmm, none of the protagonists (I forgot their names) can use Ten either. Does that mean no one else came from my world after all?
Was this a wasted trip?
Well, whatever. If I can get a Hunter License, I might as well. It's incredibly convenient—95% of public facilities are free. That's just amazing.
Just as I was thinking that, a loud gong or similar sound echoed across the hall. Is that the signal for the exam to start?
"The registration period is officially closed. The Hunter Exam will now begin!"
A stubbly, square-nosed middle-aged man declared the start of the exam. ...I wouldn't want to call him 'Uncle.' He can't hold a candle to the Captain's rugged charm.
"I am Tonpa, the examiner for the First Phase. Good to meet ya."
...Wait, was this guy the First Phase examiner? Something feels off. But I vaguely remember his name, so maybe it's just my faulty memory. Besides, there's no guarantee things will follow canon knowledge anyway.
"The First Phase that begins now is exceedingly simple. Just follow me to the Second Phase venue."
Ah, that was it. So he really was the examiner. Memory is a fickle thing. Can't be helped if I don't remember things from over a century ago.
"We'll be running quite a distance, so do your best. Oh, by the way, I've set up several hydration stations along the way. Feel free to drink whatever's there."
Hmm... Should I view that as kindness or a trap? Knowing the Hunter Exam, I doubt they'd offer such considerate, athletic-event-style perks.
"Alright, let's get started right away. Follow me!"
With those words, Tonpa-san dashed forward. The applicants surged after him, an immense roar echoing through the tunnel. ...Guess I'll go too.
◆
Oho, quite a crowd has gathered. 412 applicants... Wonder how many of these bastards will pass?
I am Tonpa. Once known as the 'Rookie Crusher Tonpa,' a veteran of the Hunter Exam... or at least, I used to be.
All I wanted from the Hunter Exam was a moderate thrill. I had zero intention of ever passing. Tracking the veterans, sensing danger to keep myself safe, and watching people die right beside me—that was my game. Seeing the exact moment a rookie's dreams and hopes were crushed, watching that look of pure despair, was the greatest show on earth. Eventually, I took it upon myself to harvest those rookie dreams.
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd actually become a real Hunter...
...It was during the exam seven years ago. As usual, I laid various traps and pranks for the rookies. That guy was one of my targets, just another rookie.
As always, I tried to lure that rookie into a trap. But no matter what trap I set, he dodged every single one. Well, that was fine. People had bypassed my traps before; he wasn't particularly unique in that regard.
The real problem came after he passed...
I had dropped out when the exam grew too dangerous, so I only learned he passed when he came looking for me directly...
Yes, he tracked me down specifically after passing. And his reason for finding me? To beat some decency into my rotten core... The second I heard that, I turned tail and ran. Naturally, I was caught in an instant...
And then, under the guise of 'spiritual rehabilitation,' I was dragged off to his martial arts school: the Kazama-ryu Aiki Dojo.
It was three years of hellish, agonizing training... I tried to escape countless times, but during training, that guy stuck to me almost 24/7, watching my every move. He claimed that once he decided to take responsibility for something, he saw it through to the bitter end. At night while everyone was asleep, he set up so many sensors that not even a stray kitten could sneak in or out... Did he really have to go that far?!
Thanks to three years of being locked away on an isolated mountain for training, my body leaned out considerably. He claimed I still had fat to shed, but give me a break...
Eventually, I received his approval and took the Hunter Exam again. He threatened that if I crushed any rookies, he would crush my [CENSORED] into dust... That look in his eyes was dead serious. I was too terrified to even think about rookie-crushing.
The result: I passed. Against all odds, I obtained a Hunter License... Afterwards, I was caught by that guy again. Well, he was an examiner that year, so he was lying in wait for me. The very day I passed, I was dragged straight back to the dojo.
There, I was forced through Nen training (which I learned about for the first time).
I had no idea such a power existed. After three years of mastering the basics of Nen, I passed the Hunter Secret Exam. That made me an official, certified Hunter.
However, once I became a Hunter, I realized I had nothing I actually wanted to do, and I wondered what to do with my life...
That was when it hit me! Like divine revelation, a brilliant idea flashed in my mind!
If I become an official Hunter Exam Examiner, I can watch rookies' faces twist in absolute despair all I want!
It felt like a blessing from heaven. I couldn't believe I hadn't thought of it sooner!
I immediately applied to be an examiner. They said it was unpaid, but that didn't matter at all. Honestly, I would have paid them for the privilege!
And so, my debut as an examiner begins. For the sake of the exam, I even developed my own Hatsu! With this, my personal safety during the exam is guaranteed, and I can observe the applicants' despair at my leisure. Even after the First Phase ends, I can follow along all the way to the Final Phase to enjoy the show.
...I just have to make sure that guy never finds out. If he catches wind of this, the punishment will be too terrifying to fathom... Now then, time to kick off the First Phase!
◆
Since everyone started running, I prepared to run as well.
Then a thought struck me: if I run at the very back of the pack, won't I avoid getting tangled up with the perverted clown? If he ever drops back to the rear, I can just sprint to the front.
I might as well stay in Zetsu too. Maintaining Angel's Veil drains aura even during Ten. In Zetsu, my aura won't deplete, and it'll make me much harder for pervert Hisoka to detect.
Besides, my aura feels like it's burning slightly faster than usual. Am I nervous about the Hunter Exam? Emotional state affects the rate of aura consumption. I didn't think my spirit was that fragile... Well, whatever. To conserve aura, Zetsu is definitely the way to go.
By my estimate, we've probably run around 50 to 60 kilometers. If this were my previous life, I'd be completely exhausted by now. Back in my youth, my personal best for endurance running was around 100 kilometers—though that was at a much slower, leisurely pace. At this speed, my old body would have given up ages ago. Passing the Hunter Exam in my past life really would have been impossible.
Still, the specs of this body are ridiculous... Even after running this much, I'm not tired at all. But none of the other applicants have dropped out yet either. Is this level of physical ability just the standard for this world?
While lost in thought, the rugged-looking young man running slightly ahead ended up alongside me. ...He looks completely wiped out. Breathing heavily, drenched in sweat. Ah, he reached for a drink at the hydration station. Hydration is important, but...
"Excuse me—"
"Whoa?! Pant, pant, what... is it, pant, pant, miss?!"
Ah, since I was in Zetsu, I startled him. My bad.
"Regarding that drink, it's very likely laced with poison or something similar, so you probably shouldn't drink it."
"Huh?! Pant, pant, s-seriously?!"
"Most likely. I just find it hard to believe the Hunter Exam would offer such thoughtful hospitality."
"Leorio~. I just took a taste test, and it tastes really weird. I think you should listen to the lady and not drink it."
Oho, spiky-haired boy, nice assist! But don't taste-test suspicious liquids! What if it was lethal poison?!
"Pant, pant, damn it! That rotten examiner!!"
I feel bad for him. After running such a long distance and sweating buckets, seeing water right there makes drinking an instinctive urge. Because it's an obvious trap, being unable to drink even when desperately thirsty is a nasty psychological torment. What a spiteful trap.
"If you'd like, would you want some of this juice? I bought it before the exam."
"Pant, pant, a-are you sure?!"
At this rate, his spirit might break before his stamina does. I bought plenty of drinks, so sparing one plastic bottle is no problem at all.
"Yes, go ahead. Ah, wait, I already drank from this one. Sorry, let me give you an unopened—"
"! N-No! That one is fine!"
"Eh, but since it's opened..."
"Just give me the one you drank from!"
Ah, he snatched the opened bottle right out of my hand and chugged it greedily. Was he really that thirsty? And drinking from an opened bottle... What if I had poisoned it? To trust a stranger he just met so easily...
He's simple-minded, but clearly a good person.
"Phaaa! T-Thank you, miss! I swear I'll repay this favor!"
"Don't worry about it. It wasn't a big deal."
"Alright! I'm pumped! I'm definitely gonna become a Hunterrrrrr!!"
Whoa, he dashed off at incredible speed. Running like that will just wear you out again!
"Miss, thank you for helping Leorio."
The spiky-haired boy spoke to me. So the rugged young man is named Leorio.
"You're very welcome. As I told him, it really wasn't a big deal."
"You're quite a softie, helping a total stranger during the Hunter Exam."
A silver-haired handsome boy chimed in... In my past life, my inner otaku would have probably thought: 'Drop dead, pretty boy.' Heh, I've matured.
"A softie, you say...? I just have stamina to spare. A true softie is someone who helps others even when they themselves are in dire straits."
"Huh? Helping others when you're in trouble isn't being a softie, that's just being an idiot, isn't it?"
"...Perhaps so."
"Either way, the fact remains that you helped Leorio. So I should thank you."
"Is that so? Then I'll accept your gratitude."
Mmm, what a good kid. If I recall, in the story he was the main... what was his name again?
"Miss, what's your—"
"—I'm Aisha."
"...Eh?"
"That's my name. Calling me 'Miss' all the time must get awkward."
"I see! I'm Gon! Nice to meet you, Aisha-san!"
"I'm Killua. Well, nice to meet you for now."
"Nice to meet you both, Gon-kun, Killua-kun."
"You can just call me Gon! You're older than us anyway."
"You can drop the honorific for me too."
"Then you can both just call me Aisha. We shouldn't be too far apart in age anyway."
『Eh?』
"...Why do you both look so shocked?"
Well, I can pretty much guess why...
"No, I mean, how old are you? I'm almost 12... but you definitely don't look our age."
"I'm almost 12 too. What about you, Aisha?"
Gon-kun... Gon gets familiar quickly. I gave permission, but he dropped honorifics instantly. It feels natural, though, so I don't mind.
"We're not the exact same age. I'm 13. I turn 14 this year. Just a little over a year older than you two."
"13?! You're only one year older than us?! I thought you were at least five years older..."
"...I was an early bloomer. I already looked like this around age 11..."
"Is that so?"
"Well, after passing 11, my growth slowed down considerably, and my height barely increased. At most, only my chest kept growing."
Probably because I stopped drinking Mother's milk. That definitely had a growth-promoting effect. My chest is the only thing that still grows... honestly, I don't even need it.
"Your chest, huh..."
Hm? It feels like Killua's gaze is intensely locked onto my chest.
"Heeh, must be nice. I wish I was taller too."
"Girls naturally hit their growth spurts earlier. For you and Killua, your growth spurts are just starting. You'll shoot up soon enough. In three or four years, you'll easily outgrow me."
"Really? Then that's fine!"
Mmm, Gon is such an honest, sweet boy.
"Heh, I'll overtake you in no time."
...Killua is a bit cheeky. Learn from Gon a little! Well, he's just a kid, so being a bit cheeky is endearing in its own way.
By the way, what was Gon originally trying to say? Did he forget during our conversation?
"Hey, if you run so slowly, you'll get left behind."
"I don't mind. I run at my own pace. You two go ahead without worrying about me."
If I run too far forward, I'll encounter the perverted clown, after all.
"Alright. Let's go ahead, Gon."
"Y-Yeah. See you later, Aisha! Good luck!"
"Yes, good luck to both of you as well."
And off they went. Gon and Killua... Those names were definitely buried in my memory. Those two were supposed to be the core around which the story revolved.
However, I don't know how things will play out in this world. A world with living, breathing human beings is different from a world on paper. Every single person living here has their own story. Changes can happen anytime. Even without an anomaly like me, there was never any guarantee things would follow the script.
Running at a relaxed pace after parting from Gon's group, I spotted someone ahead stumbling forward while clutching a laptop.
"Gasp... wheeze... gasp... wheeze..."
Whoa, is this guy okay? ...No, definitely not. He looks far worse off than Leorio did... Can he even make it?
Ah, he grabbed a drink from the hydration station. Let me try to stop him.
"Excuse me—"
"Gulp, gulp, cough, hack, wheeze, chug, chug!"
Ah... before I could stop him, he drained the entire thing... Is he going to be alright?
"I... won't... wheeze... accept... gasp... that I'm... a loser... pant!"
...Maybe there was normal water mixed in after all?
"I-I don't want to... gasp... ugh?!"
Ah, he clutched his stomach and collapsed to his knees... Yep, there was definitely something in it. I doubt it's lethal poison, though... They wouldn't go that far, right?
"Um, are you al—"
GURGLE-RUMBLE-SPLATTER-ROARRRR!
"I will leave this water right here for you to use freely, so goodbye!"
Full speed ahead!! If I heard anything behind me, it was just my imagination! Look only forward and run!!
...There are people I can save, and people I cannot... Ah, how powerless I am...
Oh, stairs! Ah, I guess we have to climb back up whatever distance we descended in the elevator. Several people are dropping out here. Stairs really are brutal. I'm doing fine so far, but I won't increase my pace. Perverts: absolutely forbidden.
I hear voices chatting up ahead. Talking during a marathon? Someone has energy to spare. Ah, wait, I was talking earlier too. I faintly hear mentions of the Kurta Clan. The Kurta Clan... that Kurta Clan?
...The number of dropouts is climbing fast. Nearly 100 people have dropped out already. So far, no pervert encounters. Excellent, my plan is a total success. ...Hm? I see light. The exit?
Finally, we can say goodbye to this dim tunnel—wait, hold on! Why is the shutter closing?! Nobody told me there was a time limit! Sprint, make it in time!
Phew. Slid under just in time! Ah, that gave me a cold sweat. If I hadn't made it, I would have had to smash the shutter to pieces.
"Now then, the real test begins here. This is the Numere Wetlands, commonly known as 'Swindlers' Swamp.' You cannot reach the Second Phase venue without passing through here."
Tonpa-san was explaining the terrain. Numere Wetlands, huh. ...Why is a swamp like this connected to the basement of that diner? They didn't build this just for this exam, did they?
"The flora and fauna here have evolved in peculiar ways. Most are cunning, voracious creatures that deceive humans to turn them into prey."
Why would creatures in an uninhabited wilderness evolve like that? They've clearly taken evolution in the wrong direction.
"If you don't stay alert and follow closely, you'll be tricked and killed."
Could you happen to be a native of this place, Examiner? ...Quite possible.
"Heeh. Then we'd better verify that we aren't being deceived ourselves ♦"
Gasp! The pervert hurled playing cards straight at Tonpa-san?! What is this creep doing?! And those cards are heavily reinforced with Shu!
...Huh? Every single card thrown at Tonpa-san curved away and missed his body entirely. ...What did Tonpa-san just do? I doubt the pervert missed on purpose. Is it some kind of Hatsu?
"...What did you just do?"
"That's a trade secret. And let me make this clear: no matter how much you wanted to verify if I'm the real examiner, attacking an examiner is forbidden. Attack me again, and you're disqualified."
"Hehehe. Very well. I'm curious about what that was, but you aren't really my type anyway ♥"
"Now then, let's head to the Second Phase venue. Keep up!"
Ugh, this mud is obnoxious. The fog is getting thick too—I can barely see what's in front of me. If I stay too far back, I might lose the group. I could track presence, but let me deploy En just in case. That should keep me safe even from behind.
...Yikes, people are already running off in random directions. Non-human creatures are lurking everywhere. Screams are echoing all around. Truly a 'Swindlers' Swamp'—why on earth did so many species evolve specifically to con humans?
Tch! ...Bloodlust. And an extraordinarily intense one at that. This isn't an animal; this is the distinct, chilling killing intent of a human.
Who's emitting bloodlust in a place like this?
"GAAAAAHHHHH!!!"
!? ...That voice, it's Leorio! Coming right from the source of the bloodlust! Did that bloodlust belong to someone attacking him? Damn it, having just talked to the guy, I can't just ignore him in danger! It's not far, let's go check!
From the distance, screams mixed with the perverted clown's laughter... Wait, this bloodlust belongs to the perverted clown?! No wonder it felt so slimy and disgusting! Leorio is being targeted by him...
Wait, if the pervert is targeting Leorio... is he ambidextrous?! H-How terrifying... Going for both sides, a genuine, certified pervert...
Ugh... The moment I realized he was there, all desire to help evaporated. But leaving such a good person to die leaves a bad taste in my mouth...
I'll observe from a distance where I can see what's happening. If I stay in Zetsu and erase my presence, even True Pervert shouldn't notice me. If Leorio is about to be killed, I'll step in. Otherwise, I'll watch quietly. If I solve everything, it won't be a proper exam. ...Well, this has nothing to do with the official test anyway, since Hisoka isn't an examiner.
Ah, found them. Hiding in the bushes, I took in the scene: the pervert facing off against Leorio, the handsome youth, and a heavily-built man. Good, Leorio is still alive.
Oh, the three of them split up and ran in different directions! Smart choice. The pervert isn't chasing; he's just waiting—a sign of absolute confidence.
Wait, why are you coming back, Leorio?! Whoa, he charged straight at him! There is zero chance an attack like that will hit! That's reckless, reckless, and reckless, Leorio!
Can't be helped, time for cover fire. I'll throw a stone to divert the pervert's attention. Use that opening to run!
Ah, something struck the pervert's face! That wasn't my stone. ...Because the pervert's head jerked back, my stone flew right past his cheek and smacked Leorio square in the side of the face! ...And Leorio was knocked out cold.
LEORIO-SAAAAAAN?!
H-How did this happen?! I was just trying to help him... That was Gon's fishing rod! Gon came to rescue him! Ugh, such a good kid, but your timing was atrocious...!
Gasp! I-I feel a gaze... Staring directly at this bush... That sticky, creeping gaze belongs to the pervert.
"Who might be hiding over there? You hid quite well ♠"
He hasn't identified me yet, but it's only a matter of time...
"That stone earlier was aimed at me, wasn't it? Between the fishing rod boy, that fellow, and you, there are surprisingly promising fruits here ♦"
Please don't expect anything from me. And stay away!
Ah, Gon attacked the pervert with his fishing rod! Go! Hit him! Blow him away! You have my full permission! Well, it's probably impossible. ...Yep, dodged easily. Will Gon be killed? I don't feel killing intent, so maybe not. But if push comes to shove, I'll have to intervene.
"Did you come to save your friend? What a good boy~~~~~ ♣"
Ugh, he's emitting that repulsive, sticky aura again... Did Gon just get targeted too? Poor kid.
"Yes! You pass too ♥ Grow into a wonderful Hunter ♣"
I knew it. That pervert fixates on the strong or those with the potential to become strong. Gon and Leorio must have caught his eye. Ah, he's walking this way! Damn it, guess I have no choice. Time to step out.
Beep-beep-beep—
Hm? A ringtone? It's the pervert's phone.
'Hisoka, get back here soon. Looks like we're almost at the Second Phase venue.'
"OK, on my way ♦"
The pervert's name is Hisoka, huh. A name I really didn't want to remember...
"Companions are wonderful things, aren't they? ♥"
His... Hisoka's companion must be a weirdo too, right?
"And as for you..."
Whoops! He threw playing cards right at me!
Swish!
"Oh? Well look who it is. Aisha ♠"
"...How do you know my name? I don't recall telling a pervert like you."
"Calling me a pervert is rather harsh. I learned your name back at Heavens Arena. Fighters are introduced normally, aren't they? ♦"
"...Right, they are. So, are you planning to fight me here?"
"I'd love to, but I'll restrain myself for now. There's no guarantee we'd finish before the Second Phase starts, and taking the exam a third time would be tedious. Let's save our dance for another time ♥"
I pray that 'another time' never comes.
"Can you make it back on your own?"
"I'll be fine, so please just leave."
"Hehehe, so cold ♣"
Laughing, Hisoka vanished into the fog. Sigh, what a troublesome lunatic to be marked by...
"Gon?!"
The handsome youth returned. He came back worried for Leorio too? What a loyal companion.
"Kurapika..."
"Why are you here...? Where is Hisoka?"
"He's gone. I think he headed to the Second Phase venue."
"I see... Leorio?! Was he taken down by Hisoka...?"
No, that was me...
"Um, excuse me. That was actually my fault..."
"...Who are you?"
"Well, Leorio's injury... I threw a stone that hit him by mistake, so... um... I'm so sorry..."
"She threw it to help Leorio! If my fishing rod hadn't hit Hisoka, Aisha's stone would have hit him instead."
"Gon, do you know her?"
"Yeah! We met in the tunnel. She helped Leorio back then too."
"I see. Allow me to thank you. I appreciate you looking out for Leorio. My name is Kurapika. Nice to meet you."
"No, this time I injured him rather than helped him... Also, my name is Aisha. Pleasure to meet you."
So the handsome youth's name is Kurapika.
"Aisha, are you alright after earlier?"
"Those cards? They didn't hit me, so I'm fine. What about you, Gon?"
"Yeah, I'm okay..."
His heart rate is elevated. Facing that monster upfront, no one could stay calm.
"At any rate, lingering here won't help. We must hurry to the Second Phase venue or we'll be disqualified."
"Leorio is... no good. He's completely out cold."
"Ah, I'll carry Leorio on my back. It was my fault he got knocked out anyway."
"However, asking a young lady to carry him is..."
"I'll be fine. I'm reasonably strong... Could you hold my backpack instead?"
"...That feels somewhat counterproductive, but alright..."
Ugh, weight-wise it's fine, but carrying both at once throws off my balance...
"Wh-What on earth did you pack in this bag?!"
"Um, preserved rations, water, and a few other essentials."
"I-I see... (She ran all that way carrying this...?)"
With Leorio on my back: yep, this is totally manageable. If we don't hurry, we'll be disqualified. Can I locate Hisoka with En? ...Nope, he's out of range. But there's a trail of animal carcasses in the direction he headed. Following that should work.
"Let's move quickly!"
"Right!" "Understood."
Well, I hope we make it in time.
◆
[AN]
The Butterfly Effect Appears.
Well, since the protagonist had quite a massive influence on the world in their previous life (?), the butterfly effect naturally manifests as well. Because Tonpa stopped his "rookie crushing" habits a long time ago, the total number of applicants has changed. In the original series, I believe there were plenty of rookies who gave up and never took the exam again because of Tonpa.
However, even with the butterfly effect at play, the fundamental storyline of the canon work won't change too drastically. That's just a lack of skill on the author's part for being unable to create a completely original plot...
Nen Ability Explanations[Absolute Ruler of the Miniature Garden]
Type: Specialization
Description: Tonpa's Nen ability, which can only be used during the Hunter Exam within the official Hunter Exam testing grounds. While active, he becomes truly Mighty! Invincible! The Strongest! (Nullifies all incoming physical attacks and Nen abilities). If it is an exam phase he is personally in charge of overseeing, he can freely arrange traps anywhere within the area and freely spectate/observe events occurring across the testing grounds.
＜Restrictions＞
Cannot directly attack other people while this ability is active (setting traps is permitted).
Cannot set traps that directly inflict lethal injury or death on others.
Can only be used during the Hunter Exam within the Hunter Exam testing grounds.
Can only spectate events taking place across the testing grounds up until the conclusion of the
Final Phase. Furthermore, information obtained through spectating must not be disclosed to others.
＜Vow＞
If he discloses information obtained through spectating to others, he will be unable to serve as an examiner for the next three years (the psychological desire/motivation to become an examiner will be completely suppressed for three years).