This was the location Chairman Netero had mentioned—the venue for the Final Phase of this year's Hunter Exam. It appeared to be a hotel normally operated by the Review Committee, currently reserved exclusively for the exam.
"I apologize, but our hotel is currently fully booked for a private event and is not open for standard business. We kindly ask you to—"
"I am Linna Rockbelt. You should have received a notification regarding my arrival directly from Chairman Netero... Has it not been relayed?"
I handed over my official identification and Hunter License for verification. If that old geezer forgot to pass the message along, what should I treat him to? Penetration Palm? A Tornado Drop? Or perhaps—
"My deepest apologies, Madam! Chairman Netero did indeed leave instructions regarding your arrival. The Chairman has not yet arrived, so please, allow me to escort you—"
"Linna!"
Just as the hotel clerk was about to guide me, a familiar voice called out, interrupting my train of thought. I turned around.
"Bisky. What on earth brings you here?"
Indeed. Why was Bisky standing in a place like this?
"That's my line, darn it! Why are you here of all places?! Did you completely forget our promise?!"
Promise...? ...Ah!!
"Come to think of it, three days ago was our scheduled spa day, wasn't it?"
"...Unbelievable. You really forgot, didn't you? ...Listen here, it's not like I have endless free time either! Yet I still make sure to visit you at least once a month, and when I show up on our agreed day, you're not even home! On top of that, you left a notice for an extended absence!"
This was... she was genuinely upset. And understandably so. I was the one who broke our promise, after all... Regardless of how much was on my mind, breaking a commitment is unacceptable.
"I sincerely apologize, Bisky. This was entirely my fault... I will make it up to you without fail, so could you forgive me this once?"
"...Sigh. I guess it can't be helped. You're not someone who normally makes such careless mistakes. Well, you'll make it up to me next time. There was actually something I've been eyeing recently~"
"I am truly sorry, Bisky. ...By the way, please keep the budget under ten million Jenny."
"...Add a bit more! I had to hire an underground broker just to figure out where you ran off to, you know! I want that reimbursed too, darn it!"
"Sigh. Up to twenty million Jenny, then."
"Alright! Deal!"
Honestly, this girl... she easily has twenty million Jenny to spare anyway.
"So?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you blow off our appointment and rush here? This is a hotel run by the Review Committee, right? It looks like it's about to be used for the Hunter Exam."
...It seemed she was still holding a grudge about the forgotten appointment.
"..."
"...?"
...Well, that was true. When it came to Ryusho-sensei, Bisky was hardly an outsider. Through Chairman Netero, she had developed deep ties with Sensei over the decades.
Furthermore... back when Ryusho-sensei passed away and I was completely despondent, Bisky was the one who stayed by my side. If it was her... I could share the truth.
"It would be inappropriate to discuss such matters while standing in the lobby. Shall we continue once we reach the room?"
"That makes sense. Alright, you over there—hurry up and show us to the room."
"Ah, y-yes... but um, who is this guest?"
"She is my companion. There is no issue letting her through—she is a licensed Pro Hunter as well."
"B-but Chairman Netero's instructions specifically stated only Madam Rockbelt..."
"I will inform the Chairman personally, so you need not worry. Please lead the way."
"Y-Yes, Ma'am! Right away!"
The hotel clerk blushed furiously as he led the way. Goodness, what was his issue?
"...You know, your habit of teasing younger men is in really bad taste~"
"Teasing? What an awful accusation. I merely offered a gentle smile to make a polite request. If anything, there's something wrong with a young man blushing at a smile from a grandmother over seventy, wouldn't you say?"
"No one looking at you right now could ever call you a grandmother, Linna!"
"And what about you, Bisky? Dropping your polite innocent act in front of complete strangers already, are we?"
"Ugh, that's because I was annoyed you weren't there..."
"I see. So you missed me. If that was the case, you could have simply been honest from the start."
"Who said anything about missing you, darn it?!"
Fufu. Teasing this girl is always delightful. Though I must be careful not to push too far, or she might genuinely lose her temper.
"Hey! Are you even listening to me, Linna?!"
The Arrival
"HOOOOOONK!!"
The steamship's whistle blew, signaling the end of the Fourth Phase.
Finally over. That was so boring, and the time limit was way too long. Waiting around for days was sheer torture. Now then, I wonder how Gon did?
"Killua!"
"Gon! You passed?!"
"Yeah! Thanks to everyone's help, I somehow made it!"
"Oh, Aisha, Kurapika... and Rioleo! You guys passed too?!"
"It's Leorio!"
Huh, was that his name? Whatever. Looks like they all teamed up.
Hmph, figures. Leaving me out as the odd one out. Not that I care or anything.
"I'm glad to see you passed as well, Killua."
"Well, yeah. It was a breeze. Must've been a pain for you to hunt down three random examinees though, right Aisha? Talk about rotten luck. I just took out some random guy and he happened to be my target."
Drawing your own badge number on the very first draw—what were the odds? Like 4%?
"S-Silence! Statistically speaking, it wasn't impossible! These things happen!"
"Sounds like the classic excuse of an unlucky loser."
"U-Ugh...!"
Hahaha! Total, undisputed checkmate.
"Haha, actually Killua, there's an even better story."
Leorio walked over with a mischievous grin on his face. What now?
"D-Don't tell me... Leorio-san?!"
Aisha was visibly flustered. It seemed this was something she desperately wanted kept secret.
...This smells like fun!
"Oh? What happened?"
Sensing high-grade entertainment, I urged Leorio to spill the beans.
Ah, hanging out with Gon and these guys really is a hundred times more fun than doing assassination jobs...
Shared Stories
Killua was literally rolling on the ground laughing in front of me...
Gon and Kurapika-san were offering sympathetic, embarrassed smiles. Leorio-san wasn't laughing as hard as Killua, but he was thoroughly enjoying himself recounting the details of my contest with Gon.
...Leorio-san, you traitor~!
"Leorio-san! Why did you have to tell him...?"
"Sorry, sorry! It just slipped out!"
"Bwahaha! My stomach hurts! You challenged him with so much confidence, only to get instantly smoked?! And Gon, what kind of choice was a fishing contest?! Aisha didn't even have a fishing rod!"
Guhhh~! The more I heard, the hotter my face burned! I must have looked like a ripe tomato.
"Well, Aisha did say any contest was fine as long as I chose it..."
"T-True, 'anything' means anything. Can't argue with that logic."
"I told you, I'm not complaining about that..."
"And then you had four people gang up on a single poor examinee afterwards! I almost feel bad for that guy!"
Well, when everyone kindly offered to help, it would have been rude to turn them down... But why was it that even though we did something rather unfair (ganging up 4-to-1), it somehow felt like a heroic team effort?
"Ahhh, that was great. I don't think I've laughed that hard in my entire life!"
"I am so very delighted for you."
"Don't be mad. Look, the blimp is here to pick us up. Let's get on board."
Ugh. Killua's cheeky grin was infuriatingly punchable...
Revelations on the Blimp
The blimp carrying all the remaining applicants was en route to the Final Phase venue.
Would the final exam start immediately upon arrival? Honestly, I just wanted to sleep. I hadn't had a proper night of rest in over a week.
"Hey, Aisha."
"Yes? What is it, Gon?"
Did he want to ask something? If it was something I could answer, I didn't mind.
"Why did you take the Hunter Exam?"
"Yeah, I've been curious about that too."
Why I took the exam, huh? ...Well, with Gon and the others, there was no harm in being honest.
"My reason? Nothing particularly grand. I just wanted a legitimate form of identification."
"Identification?"
Gon tilted his head in confusion. The others had curious, puzzled looks—wondering why someone would need to become a Hunter just for ID.
"You see, I'm originally from Meteor City."
"!"
The three of them gasped in surprise. ...Though Gon still looked blank. Had he never heard of Meteor City?
"Meteor City is, well..."
—Explanation in progress—
"And that's how it is."
"I see! So that's why you need official identification."
...Hearing my background and responding like that—what a fascinating kid. Most people would either look pitying or uncomfortably apologetic.
...Yet with Gon, there was no awkwardness at all. You could feel a natural, boundless warmth—a boy who simply accepted people for who they were.
"...It feels unfair if only Aisha shares her story. Let's all share our reasons for applying."
"Sure~ Though mine isn't anything deep either. I was just bored and looking to kill time~"
"I want to become a Hunter like my dad! Even though I don't really know what kind of Hunter he is."
"For me, it's money! Becoming a Hunter gets you more cash than you could ever dream of."
"You don't need to put on a cynical front, Leorio. You could simply admit you need money to pay for medical school."
"Shut it!"
Killua's reason was pretty much what I expected.
Gon, wanting to become a Hunter like a father he'd never even met...
And Leorio-san was... far kinder than he let on. There was a genuine, comforting warmth to him.
As for Kurapika-san—
"I... am here to hunt down the Phantom Troupe. I became a Hunter to bring them to justice."
—! Revenge.
The moment he spoke the name "Phantom Troupe," his aura thickened into something heavy, dark, and suffocating...
The Phantom Troupe. Ranked among the most dangerous Class-A bounties in the world. Targets that even veteran Hunters hesitated to pursue.
I had heard rumors about them after leaving Meteor City. In the original story, they played a massive role. Every single member was guaranteed to be a high-tier Nen master. That was the only reason they had evaded capture for so long.
At Kurapika-san's current level, he wouldn't stand a ghost of a chance. Not without mastering Nen first. And even then, the odds would be heavily against him. Unless an absurd gap in talent existed, Nen battles were fundamentally determined by years of accumulated discipline. My own experience was proof enough of that.
"I have no right to lecture you on revenge, but the Phantom Troupe is..."
"I know. But I do not fear death. If I am currently powerless, I simply need to become strong enough to accomplish it."
...When someone spoke with that level of resolve, words of dissuasion were meaningless. Preaching about the futility of vengeance would never reach Kurapika-san's heart. After all, I had never harbored a desire for revenge myself...
Though I suppose I was technically on the receiving end of a grudge. If my biological father ever found out I was still alive, what would he do...?
The Confrontation
Hmm. It appeared the blimp had arrived at the Final Exam hotel. Linna-chan had likely arrived as well. Best not to keep her waiting and invite a lecture; I should head over immediately.
I arrived outside the conference room I had reserved through the hotel staff. Linna-chan should be inside. But there were... two presences?
Wait. Why two? One was definitely Linna-chan, but the other...?
A sudden wave of dread washed over me... I really didn't want to open that door. But delaying would only make Linna-chan's wrath worse.
Steeling my resolve, I pushed the door open.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Linna-cha—"
"You rotten old geezer!! Why on earth didn't you tell me about this, darn it?!"
"Whoa?! B-Bisky?! What are you yelling about?!"
The second presence was Bisky! My bad feeling was spot on... When Linna and Bisky team up, no man alive can win an argument against them...
"What am I yelling about?! Ryusho-sensei, of course! How could you keep something that monumental from me?!"
"T-That matter? But listen here, we have no concrete proof yet! Given how extraordinary the claim is, I couldn't just go spreading rumors—"
"I'm involved in this too, you know! How many decades do you think I've known both you and Ryusho-sensei?!"
"I have already explained everything I know to Bisky. While we must exercise discretion, sharing this with Bisky poses no issue whatsoever."
"U-Umm... My apologies, Bisky. I had a lot on my mind and failed to consider your feelings."
"...Sigh. Well, if the story is true, I suppose it's understandable that your head was completely consumed by this Aisha girl. If Ryusho-sensei truly reincarnated, that is."
"You know, I've been wondering for a while now... Why is it that I'm just 'old geezer' while Ryusho is always 'Sensei'? Linna-chan aside, Bisky—you're my disciple, aren't you?"
"Isn't it obvious? It's a matter of who commands actual respect."
"It's Chairman Netero, after all. It cannot be helped."
"...Can I cry now?"
Curse you, Ryusho.
"Stop whining, it's annoying. Well, making you cry for real would be a headache, so I'll leave it at that."
"My entire soul is moved by Bisky's benevolence."
...Tears were genuinely welling in my eyes...
Still, those two got along splendidly. Back when Ryusho was alive, they had maintained a fierce rivalry, often bickering endlessly. Seeing them now, they looked just like affectionate sisters.
Honestly, both of them were committing gross age fraud—
『Did you just say something?』
"Nope, not a word!"
Stop reading my mind!
"A-Anyway, regarding our upcoming schedule!"
"Are you attempting to change the subject?"
"Of course not! As I was saying, I plan to conduct individual interviews with the examinees shortly."
"Interviews?"
"Indeed. To finalize the brackets and pairings for the Final Phase. ...I have scheduled Aisha-chan as the very last interview."
"Naturally, we will be attending that interview as well—"
"I know, I know. You may participate. But only during Aisha-chan's turn, understood?"
"Of course. We have no interest in the others."
"I had originally intended to hold the interviews on the blimp, but... you two would have skinned me alive if I did that, wouldn't you?"
"A wise decision. You narrowly avoided an early grave."
...Thank goodness I reconsidered.
"Well then, let us begin. When Aisha-chan's turn arrives, I will give the signal, so please wait in the adjoining room until then."
All that remained was to wait for Aisha-chan. ...Fufu, despite my age, my blood was pumping with excitement. If Aisha-chan truly was Ryusho's reincarnated self... don't think you can sweet-talk your way out of this, Ryusho!!
The Last Interview
"Attention all examinees. We apologize for interrupting your rest. Chairman Netero will now be conducting individual interviews. When your number is called, please proceed to the conference room on the 15th floor."
A sudden announcement echoed through the hotel room where I was resting. An interview with Netero? What for? He said the final exam was three days away; I thought I was finally going to get some solid sleep...
Well, it probably wouldn't take long. I could sleep right after it finished.
"Applicant Number 44. Number 44, please come forward."
Number 44—Hisoka.
...He wouldn't try to attack Netero in an interview, would he?
Knowing him, he totally might. Though Netero could easily handle him. Worrying about Hisoka was a waste of brain cells. I just hoped my turn would come quickly~
"Applicant Number 401. Number 401, please come forward."
...Why was I dead last? Was this petty harassment? It felt suspiciously deliberate. A trap?!
...No, no, what trap? I'm just exhausted and paranoid. It was purely coincidence. Let's get this over with so I can collapse into bed.
I arrived outside the 15th-floor conference room... but there were distinctly three presences inside.
Wait. Why three? One was Netero, but who were the other two?
A dreadful premonition crawled up my spine... I really didn't want to go in. But failing the Hunter Exam for skipping an interview would be even worse.
Taking a deep breath, I turned the handle.
"Pardon the intrusion. Applicant Number 401 reporting."
Looking across the room, the people inside were... Biscuit-san?! What is she doing here?! And the other person was... no, impossible, but unmistakably... L-Linna?! W-Why?! Setting aside why she was here...
Why is she so young?! She's supposed to be seventy-one years old! She looks like she's in her early twenties!! She looks significantly younger than when I handed the dojo over to her... What kind of sorcery is this?!
My sleep-deprived, exhausted brain couldn't process the sheer absurdity of the situation. That was undoubtedly why I responded so casually to Netero's next words.
"Ah, you made it, Ryusho. Come in and take a seat."
"Ah, yes."
...Hm? Wait a second...
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
A suffocating silence enveloped the four of us in the room...
What did Netero just call me?
"R-Ryusho?"
"S-Sensei?"
"I-Is it really you?!"
...Haha. Busted.
"Could we... pretend that didn't just happen?"
Yeah, fat chance. How did they figure it out? Was it because I used Penetration Palm and Willow Leaf Sway? But would anyone jump from martial arts techniques to reincarnation? Nobody in their right mind assumes reincarnation!
Well, there was no point trying to wiggle out of it now.
"Is it really you, Ryusho?"
"S-Sensei? Is it truly you, Sensei?!"
"Yes... Long time no see, Netero. I am glad to see you haven't neglected your training. And Linna, you look radiant as well. ...By the way, why on earth do you look so young?!"
Seriously, that was bugging the hell out of me!
"Who cares about that right now, darn it! Are you really Ryusho-sensei?!"
I mean, I care a lot!
Though compared to reincarnation, I suppose age reversal was a secondary mystery.
"I won't tell pointless lies at this stage. Yes, in my previous life, I went by the name Ryusho Kazama."
"Then you truly used [Reincarnation] to be reborn?!"
Wait. How did Linna know about [Reincarnation]? Though she didn't seem to know the New Game Plus reading.
"That is correct... but how do you know about [Reincarnation]?"
When in doubt, ask. Even though I had a catastrophically bad feeling about the answer...
"I knew it... My intuition never fails me."
"Indeed. I must commend you on that, Chairman Netero. Sensei, did you forget? In the Black Book you left behind, [Reincarnation] was documented in detail. That was how we deduced your rebirth."
...The Black Book?
Wait, what? I've never heard of that in my life.
No, hold on. A book that contained [Reincarnation / New Game Plus]...
"D-Don't tell me... that book has a black cover and looks like an old manuscript...?"
"Yes! Exactly! The volume containing all the various Nen abilities and techniques you formulated!"
GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
F-O-R-G-O-T.
My ultimate compilation of chuunibyou cringe! The cursed relic of my past life!
〈BLACK HISTORY〉!!
After I stopped using it, I tucked it into the deepest corner of my room and completely forgot about its existence! Why in the world didn't my past self burn that thing to ashes?! If these two knew about it, that meant they had read it!
Ahhh, the sheer embarrassment! I wanted to dig a hole and bury myself six feet under!
"L-Linna! Where is the Bla—I mean, the Black Book right now?!"
"Y-Yes! ...A-About that..."
What? Why the hesitation?
"Ryusho-sensei, please don't blame Linna. ...The truth is, the Black Book was stolen, and its current whereabouts are unknown, darn it."
Bisky answered on Linna's behalf. Were these two always this close? No, that wasn't the point right now.
...Stolen? Missing?!
"You... what...?"
That cursed notebook was in the hands of a complete stranger...? Every single cringe-inducing line might have been read cover-to-cover...?
All strength left my limbs, and my knees gave out beneath me. A crushing void of despair washed over my soul...
........ I want to die.
The Reconciliation
Ah! Sensei is devastated! It is entirely my fault for allowing Sensei's most treasured scripture to be stolen! Urgh! How pathetic I am as his top disciple!
...But to think Sensei was truly reincarnated! What a glorious, blessed day!
Ah! Bad Linna! How dare you rejoice when Sensei is despondent over your failure?! Such insolence is unforgivable!
...Though seeing Ryusho-sensei reincarnated as an adorable girl sulking in despair was undeniably prec—No! No! What shameful thoughts toward my venerable master!
Calm down, Linna. Take a deep breath.
Hee-hee-hoo, hee-hee-hoo.
"Why are you practicing the Lamaze breathing method, Linna?!"
"Ah! My apologies. I was slightly flustered."
I-I appear to be more agitated than I realized... F-First, I must offer my profound apologies!
"Sensei, I have no excuses. Not only did I touch your private belongings without permission, but I allowed them to be stolen. No apology could ever suffice... Please, punish this foolish disciple as you see fit!"
"Linna... That notebook belonged to my previous self—the late Ryusho. When I entrusted the dojo to you, everything within it became yours. You don't need to torment yourself over this."
S-Sensei! What boundless magnanimity...!
"Ah, Sensei's benevolent heart moves me to tears! However, a theft remains a theft! I swear to track down the wretched thief, reclaim the Black Book, and clear our school's name!"
"I-Is that so...? Best of luck with that... seriously."
"Yes, Sensei!"
Sensei's words of encouragement! I will recover the Black Book at all costs!!
"By the way, Ryusho. There is something I wish to ask."
Hm? Netero. How dare you interrupt this sacred moment of bliss with Sensei?
...Well, I suppose it's fine. I have countless questions for Sensei as well. The Chairman's inquiries are likely similar to my own. I shall permit it with a generous heart.
Explanations and Duels
"Questions, you say? Well, I suppose I can guess what you want to know."
"Indeed. What on earth have you been doing all this time? Why did you choose to reincarnate? And why didn't you come find us after you were reborn?"
Naturally, those were the obvious questions. Netero, Linna, and Biscuit-san were all staring at me with burning curiosity. I had to provide some answers.
What had I been doing? That was fine to share broadly.
Why didn't I tell them sooner? Because nobody in their right mind would believe an infant claiming to be a martial arts grandmaster.
Why did I reincarnate? Because I didn't want to die a virgin!
...As if I could ever say that out loud!
"Well, to summarize: I didn't tell you about my reincarnation because I doubted anyone would believe such an absurd claim."
"How could you say that! Who would ever doubt Sensei's words?!"
"Calm down, Linna. Without prior evidence, if someone suddenly walked up and claimed to be Ryusho-sensei's reincarnation, nobody would believe them, darn it."
"That... I suppose that is true."
Hmm. Bisky handled Linna remarkably well when she started running wild. Despite looking like the younger sister, Bisky acted like the mature older sibling.
"As for where I've been... I grew up in Meteor City. I only managed to leave about three years ago."
"Meteor City?! Why were you in such a godforsaken place?!"
All three were visibly shocked. Hearing that the great Ryusho grew up in a junkyard city would shock anyone.
"I was abandoned there immediately after birth and lived there until I grew old enough to leave."
I didn't need to bring up Mother... That was a sacred memory I preferred to keep to myself...
"After leaving, I earned travel funds at Heavens Arena and wandered across various countries. I took the Hunter Exam purely to secure official identification."
"I see..."
Netero nodded thoughtfully, then leaned forward, silently demanding the main question: Why reincarnate?
I could hear the distinct sound of everyone swallowing their breath in anticipation.
"...O-Of course, it was all for the sake of pursuing the absolute pinnacle of martial arts!"
...Sometimes, a noble lie brings peace to everyone involved.
"I-I knew it!"
"Hmph, typical Ryusho."
"That sounds just like him~"
M-My conscience hurts! Linna's teary-eyed gaze of pure adoration was piercing straight through my soul! Please stop! My HP is already at zero!
"Ah, there's one more thing."
Wait, there's more?
"What is it now?"
"Your manner of speaking. It's completely different from before."
Oof. He noticed. Well, I could fudge this one too.
"I have been living as a female for over a decade now. The mother who raised me was very strict about acting like a proper young lady. 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do,' after all."
That wasn't even a lie. Mother's etiquette training was terrifyingly effective.
"Also, please call me Aisha from now on, not Ryusho. Ryusho Kazama no longer exists in this world..."
"Ryusho... No, very well, Aisha."
"Sensei! Regardless of your form or name, you will always be my master!"
"You're truly a hopeless Ryusho fanatic, Linna. Well, fine by me, Aisha."
Good, good. Everyone seemed to accept it. As for Linna... I've given up trying to change her mind.
"Now that we've confirmed Aisha is Ryusho's reincarnation, there's only one thing left to do."
Netero flashed a ferocious, predatory grin. Oh no, don't tell me...
"If you truly seek the pinnacle of martial arts, you must surpass me first! Just as your letter instructed, I haven't slacked on my training for a single second. Letting you win and run off to the afterlife without a rematch isn't something a true martial artist can tolerate!"
Whoa, whoa. Total battle junkie mode activated.
Look, I wasn't opposed to settling the score. But right now—!
"Calm down, Netero. While a duel with you sounds thrilling, it's impossible right now."
"And why is that?"
Don't look at me with that sulky pout. I want to fight you too, idiot.
"I am nowhere near peak condition. My aura reserves are below thirty percent, and I haven't slept in over a week."
"Huh? Was this year's exam really that brutal? For Aisha—I mean, Ryusho—to be drained to that extent?"
"What is the meaning of this, Chairman Netero?! Depending on your explanation, there will be consequences..."
"W-Wait, that makes no sense! While exam difficulty fluctuates, it shouldn't have pushed Aisha to exhaustion! In fact, during the Fourth Phase, she was hunting applicants with absolute ease—gah!"
Wait. What did he just say?
"Netero. How on earth do you know how I performed during the Fourth Phase?"
"W-Well, you see... I already suspected you were Ryusho, so I merely deduced it!"
"...I see. No wonder that stalker possessed god-tier Zetsu. ...That examiner trailing me was you, wasn't it, Netero?"
"An examiner? What is Sensei talking about?"
Netero flinched. His aura rippled with panic!
"W-Well, the truth is... I wanted to confirm whether Aisha was Ryusho, so I shadowed her during the Fourth Phase..."
"I knew it. Thanks to your little surveillance operation, I couldn't get a wink of sleep."
"I am truly sorry about that! But as expected of Ryusho! Detecting my presence is nothing short of incredible! Wouldn't you agree, Linna?!"
"Indeed. Sensei's perception is flawless, effortlessly seeing through the Chairman's shallow schemes."
"Right, right! Exactly!"
Wait... Is Netero trying to gloss over something?
"Actually, Netero was so skilled that if I hadn't felt a gaze while bathing in the spring, I never would have noticed—"
The Aftermath
SWOOSH!
Netero bolted toward the door at godspeed! What brought that on?!
However, Bisky anticipated his escape and blocked the doorway! In the same instant, Linna closed in from behind, locked his joints, and executed an inverted throw—Raijin! And as Netero was suspended upside down in mid-air—!
CRUNCH!
Good grief... Linna and Bisky delivered a synchronized, aura-infused double-kick directly sandwiching Netero's face and the back of his skull...! What kind of terrifying tag-team finisher was that?! It possessed far more destructive power than a standard Raijin. If I had to name it: Kazama-ryu Secret Art: Twin Dragon Lightning Strike?
Ugh. Is my chuunibyou still alive? Regardless, Netero might actually be dead.
"You filthy perverted old fossil! Calling myself your disciple is so humiliating I could die! Go take a trip across the Sanzu River!"
"What kind of 'surveillance' involves peeping on a young lady, you despicable geezer?! Sensei doesn't even need to soil her hands—I will send you to the afterlife myself!"
"G-Guh... I-It was an accident... P-Pure coincidence..."
"Still making excuses?! Take this! And that!"
Ah, Netero was reduced to a battered rag in seconds!
Please stop! Netero's HP is already at zero!
"T-That was needlessly brutal..."
"You got what you deserved. Be grateful for Sensei's mercy."
"Hear, hear!"
"Now, now, calm down, both of you. I don't really mind."
Getting seen naked wasn't lethal. While I certainly wouldn't show off intentionally, accidents happen.
"A-Anyway, I apologize. I had no idea you were so depleted."
"Well, the sleep deprivation was your fault, but the aura drain wasn't caused by you, Netero."
"Oh? What do you mean?"
...To explain this, I had to reveal my Nen ability, [Boss Trait].
Generally, disclosing one's Hatsu was foolish, but these three were trustworthy.
"The aura drain is actually caused by my own Nen ability."
"!"
All three leaned in with wide eyes.
Come to think of it, even in my past life, I had never explained my Hatsu to anyone. Obviously—who could explain [Original Knowledge], [Absolute Obedience / Geass], or [Reincarnation / New Game Plus] without sounding insane?
"This is strictly confidential, understood? ...One of my abilities has the effect of 'nullifying special Nen effects applied to my body.'"
"Say what?!"
"Nullifying Nen...?"
"Isn't that completely broken?!"
Broken? It was strong, but it had clear limitations. A flawless Nen ability simply couldn't exist.
"Not quite. As I said, it only negates 'special effects.' It cannot block physical Nen strikes. It only nullifies secondary properties targeting my body."
"Precisely."
As expected of Netero. His tactical comprehension was lightning-fast.
"Ugh, Manipulators, Conjurers, and Specialists would lose their minds if they heard about that..."
"A magnificent ability! Truly worthy of Sensei!"
"However, it has drawbacks. I cannot selectively toggle which effects to negate, and the aura consumption is substantial. Because it is constantly active, nullifying persistent effects will rapidly drain my reserves."
In fact, my aura was steadily ticking downward even as we spoke.
"Wait... You mean your aura is draining right now because..."
"Yes. The ability is currently active."
"Which means Sensei has been under the influence of an external Nen ability this entire time?!"
"Exactly. I don't know who the user is, but I have been subjected to an ambient ability ever since the Hunter Exam began. I suspect it's either an applicant or an examiner... Netero, do you have any suspects?"
If it was an examiner, Netero would know.
"...Now that you mention it, one person comes to mind."
Wait, really?!
"Who is it?! If necessary, I will personally 're-educate' them!"
Terrifying... Linna's smile was pure nightmare fuel...
"Well, there was a man who practically begged to be an examiner this year. Normally, the Committee requests licensed Hunters to volunteer, but this fellow actually developed a specialized Nen ability solely to serve as an examiner. I found his passion so entertaining that I granted his request."
"Is that person an idiot? Who crafts a Nen ability just to administer an exam?!"
"What a certified moron, darn it..."
"In other words, the blame once again lies squarely with you, Chairman."
"H-Hold on! Let me finish! That ability remains active throughout the entire exam across the entire testing grounds. Its effect was... surveillance and spectator viewing, if I recall."
I see. So that was it. An ambient monitoring ability akin to widespread security cameras. Since I was within its zone, my presence was recorded, but [Boss Trait] automatically neutralized the surveillance link.
Because the effect was non-offensive, the aura drain was minimal, but over a week of continuous activation, it took a heavy toll.
"I don't get it at all. What's so fun about spectating an exam?"
"You'll have to ask him yourself. I simply found his enthusiasm amusing."
Classic Netero. If it had been my student, I would have beaten some sense into them for wasting memory on such an ability.
"And what is this examiner's name?"
Hm? ...Linna's aura was turning pitch black?!
What on earth triggered her rage to this degree?!
"H-His name is Tonpa... Why do you ask?"
"Fufu. I thought as much..."
Whoa?! Her aura grew even darker!
Has she completely fallen to the dark side?!
"Chairman Netero. Would you be so kind as to summon this 'Tonpa' here immediately?"
"Y-Yes, Ma'am!"
Run, Tonpa-san! Run for your life!!
Tonpa's Fate
I was relaxing in my hotel room, thoroughly enjoying the live feed from [Ruler of the Miniature Garden], when Chairman Netero contacted me. He ordered me to report to the 15th-floor conference room immediately.
Tch. Why interrupt my moment of supreme bliss?
In three days, this year's exam would conclude, meaning I wouldn't be able to use [Ruler of the Miniature Garden] until next year. I wanted to spend every available minute savoring the expressions of despair on the applicants' faces!
Well, whatever. He's the head of the Association, and I'm just an ordinary Pro Hunter. The difference in standing was too massive to refuse.
Besides, getting on his bad side might cost me my examiner spot next year. If I played my cards right, I could secure the position for years to come.
Best head over quickly.
I arrived outside the conference room... but were there other people inside? I could hear multiple voices. Just who was in there?
A sudden, overwhelming sense of dread gripped my chest... I didn't want to enter. But skipping out on the Chairman was out of the question.
Steeling my resolve, I pushed the door open!
"Pardon the intrusi—"
"Long time no see, Tonpa-san. You look remarkably healthy."
—And in that instant, my examiner career met its end.—
After that day, no one ever saw Tonpa again.