Gradually, consciousness begins to surface. When I immerse myself in Zen meditation, my awareness completely drifts away.
Or rather, instead of "drifting away," it's more accurate to say that I sink entirely into the depths of my own self. Depending on the method of mental concentration, one can enter a state where consciousness expands until it feels as though you are becoming one with the universe itself. This was a practice I took up after my revered master, Ryuzen, urged me to cultivate it for mental unification, and I grew rather fond of it. The sensation of consciousness slowly returning, in particular, carries a distinctive, soothing comfort.
As my awareness returned, a sudden memory from my time as Ryusho surfaced. Naturally, the memory that came to mind was the scene of my battles with Netero.
Those moments exchanging blows with him were pure bliss. After all, he was the sole opponent against whom I could unleash my full power without holding anything back. Back during my days as Ryusho, no matter how rigorously I trained and how deeply I polished my techniques, there was simply no one else in the world upon whom I could unleash everything at full throttle.
Simple throws were fine—I could just pull my punches. But jujutsu, by its very nature, is a martial art. Consequently, it contains numerous techniques specifically designed to break an opponent. If unleashed with full force, they could shatter the target's body, permanently crippling them from ever practicing martial arts again—or worse, taking their life on the spot.
That was why our dojo training primarily focused on harm-free Aiki techniques.
Meeting Netero was truly a stroke of fortune. No matter how lethal or dangerous the technique I hurled at him, he was capable of seeing through it, dodging it, deflecting it, redirecting it, parrying it, and withstanding it. Because there was zero fear of breaking him, I could unleash my utmost power with complete abandon...
The memory currently playing through my mind was the scene where I executed the Tornado Drop on Netero...
Twisting the opponent's wrist while fracturing the elbow joint to fling them through the air in a spinning spiral; closing the distance as they hang inverted in mid-air to drive a body check (Kogeki—a strike utilizing the shoulder and upper back) with full body weight behind it, shattering their balance and preemptively neutralizing any counterattack. (I never expected raw damage from the shoulder check itself). Then, securing the unbroken arm so they couldn't break their fall, driving an aura-infused palm strike directly into the upside-down opponent's jaw, and slamming them violently into the earth with my full body weight added on top.
Splendidly, Netero was driven headfirst into the ground like a nail. The feedback was flawless. He wouldn't be standing back up anytime soon!
...Wait? Now that I think about it, wasn't that technique deflected by Netero...? In fact, before that could even happen, shouldn't I have eaten a retaliatory strike from his 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva...? So why am I remembering a scene where the technique succeeded? In fact, it had never worked on Netero even once in my life. So what on earth is this vivid, incredible physical feedback I'm feeling right now...?
Ah, my consciousness has fully returned... I slowly opened my eyes.
And the sight that greeted my gaze along with the light was—!
...For some bizarre reason, an abnormal spectacle of a human lower body sprouting upside-down out of the floor was presented right before my eyes.
W-What in the world is going on here? Who is this person? Is this some kind of performance art? Could it be some advanced yogic discipline?
Hahaha. If it's ascetic training, I shouldn't disturb them. Right, I should quietly walk away from here, yep.
...Yeah. Obviously, I'm the one responsible for this. Let's stop escaping reality...
I-I went and did it again!! W-What on earth have I done...?! If this were the outcome of a match or an actual deathmatch, it might be forgivable, but to do this while half-asleep and absent-minded!
Ah, I have no face to show my master or my mother...!
...Hm? Oh, ooh! Aura is leaking from the body! That means this person isn't dead!
If I administer emergency first aid right now, they might still be saved. Having realized that, I need to pull this person out of the floor immediately! With that in mind, feeling panicked yet remaining careful, I hauled the individual who had been planted into the stone floor right back out.
...Looking back later, I firmly believe I was not in the wrong for regretting that I had ever pulled him out.
◆
"How anticlimactic. Far too easy♠ If only that examiner had offered a bit more chewiness, I might have enjoyed myself♣"
«Number 44, Hisoka! The second applicant to pass the Third Phase!! Elapsed time: 6 hours and 17 minutes!»
With this, the Third Phase is over. I wonder if I should pass the remaining time playing cards? ...The second applicant? That means someone cleared the phase before me♥
How lovely. Who could it be? Illumi, perhaps? Though if possible, I'd prefer someone else♦ That would make things far more delightful, after all♥
...Where are they? Where on earth could they be? Even after probing with my senses and scanning the surroundings, they are nowhere to be—found♣
Over there... that's Aisha♥ You're the first one through? How marvelous. It seems I won't be bored after all♠
Still, what an astonishing Zetsu♦ To blend so seamlessly into this completely open space with zero cover... If not for that ridiculously massive backpack resting beside her, I might not have noticed her at all♥
You truly are magnificent...♥ It sends shivers down my spine♣
"Hello there, Ai—"
—The moment I moved to call out to her, I hesitated. This is... remarkable♥
The Aisha before me is completely in a state of absolute nothingness. I don't fully comprehend it, but could this be what they call the realm of selfless trance?♠ If I called out to her right now, she likely wouldn't even respond♦
In fact, I could vividly hallucinate a vision of myself being hurled through the air the instant I dared touch her♣
What a waste it would be to break something so exquisite♠ I think I'll simply admire her for a while♥ There is plenty of time, after all♦
How long did I spend gazing at her?♣ This might be the very first time I've ever focused so intensely on a single entity♥
Her dignified, serene posture is breathtakingly beautiful. Breaking this truly would be such a waste♠
—And precisely because of that... it makes me want to destroy it all the more!
Ah, why is it that the more precious and unbroken something is, the more irresistible the urge to shatter it becomes? She is already so deliciously ripe. Yet, if given more time, she might ripen into something even more exquisite♦
And yet, I don't think I can hold back any longer. Not after staring at such a mouthwatering sight for so long♥
Should I send a gentle ripple of bloodlust her way? Or perhaps reach out and touch her directly? Either way, this beautiful creation will be ruined. It is a pity, but a part of me relishes the anticipation♣
With that thought in mind, the moment I directed killing intent toward her—my wrist was seized—
"Eh?"
Fast? No, that's not quite it. While the motion was undeniably fluid and swift, it wasn't at a speed my eyes couldn't track. And yet, I was entirely unable to react. She slipped into my guard with such utter naturalness—!
My wrist was instantly dislocated. To dislocate it in a fraction of a second... remarkable. This is bad. My elbow is locked too♠ At this rate, my elbow joint will be shattered. I have no choice. I must jump with the spin♦
Kh—! Even though I leapt and spun in harmony with the twisting of my elbow, she accelerated the rotational speed even further to match my motion♥ In the end, my elbow was wrecked anyway. Fortunately, it hasn't reached an irreparable state♣
In any case, I need to reset my posture. Hehehe, I never imagined she would retaliate with such ferocity. You certainly have a wild side—wait, she's following up from this position?!
Three of my ribs were snapped instantly♠ My balance has been completely broken; this could genuinely be dangerous♥
And yet, my thoughts are accelerating like never before. This sensation of time being intensely compressed... it has been so long since I tasted this♦
A palm strike to the jaw? She doesn't seem to have infused it with aura, but just in case, I should guard with Gyo. Taking any further damage would be somewhat unseemly. I wouldn't be able to enjoy my fight with Aisha later♣
Wh—?! My jaw fractured. Even though no aura seemed present, how is this possible?!
She's using this momentum to slam me directly into the ground. I cannot break my fall, and my brain is rattling violently inside my skull. Taking this cleanly might actually kill me♥
Will Bungee Gum make it in time? Even if I attach it to Aisha's body, it will only shave off a fraction of the momentum. The surrounding walls are too far away♠
After reinforcing my head with Gyo, I spread Bungee Gum across the floor to absorb the impact. With this—!
...M-My consciousness is fading. Even after doing all that, the damage couldn't be completely mitigated. What a truly magnificent attack♦
I don't want it to end like this... Aisha, you will definitely, be, m-mi...ne...♥
◆
...I want to bury him back in.
The person I pulled out of the floor turned out to be none other than the pervert named Hisoka, unconscious with an expression of sheer ecstasy plastered across his face...
Should I just leave him here as is...? No, bad, bad idea. Regardless of what a battle-crazed, murderous pervert Hisoka may be, letting him die from an attack I launched while unconscious would weigh heavily on my conscience.
For now, let's examine his condition.
Lacerations from bladed weapons on his right shoulder and left flank. These weren't from me; they were likely sustained inside Trick Tower. The wounds haven't fully sealed, but bleeding is minimal.
As expected of a Nen user—he must have enhanced his natural healing factor. This can be left alone for now.
His elbow is thoroughly shattered. Well, because he jumped with the twist, it didn't suffer fatal, irreversible destruction. The wrist was merely dislocated, so I can pop the joint right back into place.
The 8th, 9th, and 10th ribs on his right side are fractured. Fortunately, they haven't punctured any internal organs. The impact from the body check bruised his organs slightly, but for a Nen practitioner, recovery should be swift.
His jaw... is cracked. For a while, even speaking will send sharp pains through it. But he seems to have guarded it solidly with Gyo, so it isn't life-threatening either.
The primary concern is his head... hm. Considering the violent velocity with which he was slammed down, the trauma is surprisingly light. Just minor lacerations. Did he find a way to cushion the blow? Even if he couldn't nullify it entirely.
His unconscious state isn't from raw trauma, but rather a concussion resulting from the strikes to his jaw and head. I can't diagnose whether there's internal brain damage here... though his brain was already abnormal to begin with.
First, stop the bleeding. Scalp wounds bleed profusely; if you lose enough blood, even the mightiest warrior will perish. I reach for the first-aid kit in my backpack to dress the wound. But the moment I stretched my hand toward Hisoka's head, my hand was gripped—
—And on pure instinct, I threw him again...
"Ah."
"Guh-ack! ...How cruel, Aisha♥ Were you trying to deliver the finishing blow?"
"U-Um, I am so sorry... Out of sheer disgust at being touched by you, I acted without thinking."
"...You truly are merciless♠"
"Ah, um, err... a-are you alright?"
"Hehehe. Are you worrying about me? Even though you're the one who did this♦"
"No, well, I did it completely unconsciously, or rather, by the time I came to my senses it was already an accomplished fact... My sincerest apologies..."
"Kukuku. Well, for the time being, I'll live♣"
"...It appears so. In any case, I will treat you as best as I can. First, let's stop the bleeding on your head."
"Ah, there's no need for that... Look, it's already stopped♥"
Hm? Indeed, the bleeding has ceased. Did he shroud the wound with aura? But simple aura coverage shouldn't halt hemorrhaging this quickly, unless an extraordinary volume of aura was applied.
It seems to be a Nen ability. Not Enhancer-type healing, since the laceration itself hasn't closed. Has he transmuted his aura into a property that promotes coagulation and seals wounds?
Well, that remains mere speculation.
"It seems your head is stable. However, your wrist and elbow joints still need attention. I am going to reset them."
"Oh? I thought so when you dislocated it, but your precision is blindingly fast. Truly splendid♠"
"...Thank you. Next is your elbow. If left as is, it will heal in an unnatural alignment, so I will realign the bone and tendons. Be warned, this will hurt."
"Mmm♥ If it's pain bestowed by you, it melts into exquisite pleasure♦"
"Shall I crush it one more time?"
Ah, why on earth did I bother helping this guy? I should have pretended I saw nothing and buried him right back into the stone...
"As for your ribs and jawbone—"
"A fracture of this degree is nothing. It's a clean break, so I can mend it myself♣ Though, since Aisha is offering such devoted nursing, perhaps I should indulge♠"
"...This was entirely my blunder. I will administer basic first aid. ...Sigh."
...How did it come to this?
◆
Several dozen hours have elapsed since then. After receiving basic first-aid, Hisoka, contrary to my expectations, did not actively bother me. He likely realized that conserving energy and resting was the fastest way to accelerate his recovery.
...Or perhaps his interest waned as other examinees began passing and gathering in the hall.
Gon and the others still haven't arrived. There are only about 10 hours remaining. If they don't appear soon, they'll be in serious jeopardy.
Perhaps they failed along the way. That would be regrettable, but as long as they are alive, it's fine. As long as you survive, you can challenge the exam as many times as you like.
In canon they were supposed to pass, but this world has already diverged significantly from canon. Anything could happen.
Well, not that I remember much of canon anyway.
While chewing on rather unappetizing prison rations and pondering these thoughts, I felt multiple presences beyond the heavy doors. New passers have arrived!
When the doors slid open, emerging from within was... Gon and the crew! What a relief! They made it through!
Hm? Five people walked out: Gon, Killua, Leorio-san, Kurapika-san, and... the big-mouthed man who blabbed the sushi recipe during the cooking phase. Why is he with them?
"Everyone, great work! Congratulations on passing the Third Phase!"
"Aah! Aisha! Where on earth were you?! We spent ages searching for you on the roof!"
"Eh? Leorio-san, why were you looking for me?"
"Because Gon found five whole hidden trapdoors, so we were going to invite you along! But you were nowhere to be found!"
"K-Killua!!"
I couldn't help raising my voice in response to Killua's words. But it couldn't be helped. Because...
"W-What's your problem?"
"Finally... you finally called me by my name...!"
Sniff! That cheeky, bratty Killua actually... I'm so moved!
"Haa?! Don't yell at the top of your lungs over something stupid like that!"
"Calling it 'something stupid' is terribly rude. To me, this is an immense milestone! More importantly, Gon—I'm so sorry. It seems you went out of your way to invite me."
If I had known you were looking for me, I wouldn't have jumped off the roof...
"No, don't worry about it at all, Aisha! I just did it on my own."
"Well, either way, one of us wouldn't have fit into the secret doors. I was already inside first, after all."
The talkative man spoke up. So he cleared the tower together with Gon's group? How envious...
"Umm, nice to meet you? Though saying that feels a bit odd since we've seen each other. My name is Aisha. What is yours?"
"Well, since we're fellow examinees, we've certainly seen each other's faces! My name is Hanzo. Through a twist of fate, I ended up clearing the Third Phase with these guys. The truth is, though I might not look it, I'm actually a ninja! I want to become a Hunter to find the phantom scroll, the Secret Scroll of the Hermit. Ah, but being a ninja is a top secret, got it? A shinobi's true essence is stealth! Well, meeting here is a special bond. I hope we both pass. Though, if we end up matched against each other in the exam, I won't go easy on you!"
"H-Haha, I see..."
...Do ninjas change with the flow of time? I doubt there are many ninjas in history with a mouth quite this loose.
"Still, Aisha, you cleared the phase exceptionally early. We rushed as fast as we could, yet you look completely refreshed and relaxed."
"Yeah, your clothes aren't dirty at all!"
"I changed clothes on the airship, and nothing particularly messy happened during my Third Phase."
...I should definitely keep the fact that I jumped off the roof to myself. Nobody would believe me anyway.
"Nothing messy...? Just how ridiculously easy was your test?"
"What kind of test was yours, Leorio-san? I'm curious what kind of exam requires five people."
"Oh? Ours was called the Path of Majority Rule! Man, it was nasty. When I pressed left, the others all went... and then... Gon did this crazy thing..."
Phew. Did I successfully steer the conversation away? I'm sorry, Leorio-san. Technically I didn't tell a lie, so please forgive me.
Talking with Gon and the others made the hours fly by. It had been such a long time since I had a lengthy, lively conversation with anyone. It was wonderfully fun... I had forgotten how delightful it is to simply chat with people.
Ever since Mother faded away, I had been all alone. And during my time as Ryusho, I rarely indulged in casual talk either—it was all endless training. Absolute Obedience / Geass was truly insane.
...Wait? Could this be the first time I've engaged in carefree, laughing banter in over a hundred years?
Oh no, I'm starting to feel a sudden wave of melancholy... What a lonely life I've been living!
Alright! In this lifetime, I am absolutely going to make genuine friends!
Ah, is Netero considered a friend? No, that's more like the classic trope where "mortal rival" is written with the kanji for "best friend." It's not quite the same. What I yearn for is this kind of warm, harmonious banter where you laugh over silly everyday things.
Just as I was thinking that, the announcement signaling the end of the Third Phase rang out.
Next is the Fourth Phase. What kind of trial was it again?
«Number of applicants passing the Third Phase: 25.»
"Hunters and hunted"—that seems to be the theme of the Fourth Phase. From the phrasing, it's clear this will be a manhunt survival test.
"Now then, applicants will draw lots in the order they escaped the tower."
I'm up first. As I stepped forward to draw, a quiet stir rippled behind me.
...It's Gon's group. They must not have expected me to be the first finisher. Several other examinees looked startled as well. Did they underestimate me because I'm a girl?
Well, being underestimated is far more advantageous than being overestimated, so that suits me fine.
The card I drew from the box read... #401.
The exact same number as my own applicant badge.
...Why do I suddenly have a terribly bad feeling about this?
"The number on each card represents the applicant who is your assigned target."
Right... wait, what?
"Your objective is to steal your target's number badge."
...I'm already holding it, though?
"Your assigned target's badge is worth 3 points. Your own badge is worth 3 points. Any other examinee's badge is worth 1 point."
So does that mean I already possess 6 points worth of badges...? ...Yeah right, as if it would be that easy.
"To advance to the Final Phase, you require a total of 6 points. You must collect 6 points worth of badges during your one-week stay on Zevil Island."
"I have a question."
"What is it?"
I have to clarify this. It's crucially important.
"Is it possible for a single badge to count for 4 or more points?"
"What on earth are you... ah, I see. Unfortunately, a single badge only counts as one item. You understand what that means, yes? You must simply accept it as misfortune."
Ah, just as I thought... That means I have no assigned target in this exam.
How cruel... I have no choice but to hunt down three separate examinees for 1 point each. Sigh.
Several examinees seemed to grasp the meaning of my question. While most looked bewildered, a few nodded in realization. Kurapika-san caught on as well, casting a sympathetic look in my direction... Gon and Leorio-san, predictably, looked utterly clueless.
Those who understood my situation will likely avoid targeting me. After all, I cannot be anyone's 3-point target.
...Unless someone is desperately hunting for 1-point badges, of course.
We boarded the ship bound for Zevil Island. The tension among the applicants was palpable. Almost everyone had already concealed their badges. Natural, considering no one knows who is hunting whom.
In that regard, I'm completely fine. No one is hunting me for 3 points, and I can freely pick anyone to hunt for my 1-pointers. Just to be safe, I tucked my badge deep into my backpack.
I'll pick three random examinees and take their badges. Emotionally, I'd rather not hunt Gon and his friends—call it softhearted, but that's how I feel.
To scout potential targets, I scanned the ship...
Hisoka and the needle-faced man are on an entirely different tier.
Next is Hanzo-san. If he learns Nen and trains diligently, he will become a formidable fighter.
Behind him is Killua. At his age, boasting this level of combat prowess, the word "genius" fits him perfectly. No, his true terrifying aspect is his boundless potential. The same goes for Gon. They are like unpolished gemstones. If shown to Krueger-san, she would probably dance with joy and train them relentlessly.
However, Gon, Kurapika-san, and Leorio-san, despite their talent, are far too unpolished at this stage. Compared to standard examinees, the gap isn't overwhelming. Depending on circumstances, they could easily be defeated—especially in a wilderness survival setting like this.
My ideal targets are anyone other than Gon, Killua, Leorio-san, Kurapika-san, Hisoka, and the needle man. The other applicants pose zero threat. Taking their badges won't be difficult. Apparently, failing applicants receive an unconditional invitation ticket for next year's exam, so they can try again next year—apologies in advance.
Hisoka and the needle man are troublesome. It's not that I think I'd lose, but I don't want to exhaust myself needlessly during a one-week stay.
Applicants will disembark in the order they cleared the Third Phase, with 2-minute intervals between departures. The earlier you finish, the greater your head start.
Still, one full week in the wild... I'm really glad I bought so many preserved rations in town.
Well then, time to do my best in the Fourth Phase.
◆
[AN]
Tornado Drop... I despair over my own complete lack of naming sense...
Thanks to Hanzo joining their group, Gon and the others cleared the Third Phase smoothly. Hanzo instantly took out the first ex-military guy. Gon handled the next one, the serial bomber, just like in canon. Majitani was supposed to step up next, but Johness—infuriated by the consecutive losses—entered the ring instead, only to have his heart ripped out by Killua and kick the bucket. Afterward, since they had over 50 hours to spare, the five of them took the long and difficult path and cleared it. That part was completely cut from the text, though.
Also, because there are all sorts of irregulars mixed into the Fourth Phase badge lottery, the match-ups and results have changed significantly.