After that... yes, following Linna's intense interrogation (more accurately described as torture), Tonpa-san spilled every detail regarding his Nen ability, [Ruler of the Miniature Garden], and was forced to deactivate it.
...I felt a pang of sympathy for him, but having the source of my aura drain eliminated was a massive relief. A full night of sleep would restore me to full health.
...By the way, after suffering a complete mental breakdown, Tonpa-san lost consciousness and fainted. He was currently tied up on the floor in steel-reinforced wire by Linna... The terrifying practiced ease with which she tied him was something I chose not to think about too deeply.
He was slated to be escorted to the Kazama-ryu Headquarters for a grueling round of "re-education." ...Stay strong, Tonpa.
"I apologize for displaying such an unsightly scene before you, Sensei."
"No, well... I don't really mind, you know?"
"...I actually feel bad for the guy."
"In a twisted way, we just witnessed a man's unyielding dedication to his craft."
True enough. To undergo Linna's brutal discipline once before and still cling to the joy of crushing rookies was proof of absolute dedication. As Netero said, it was almost worthy of respect.
"Sensei. What are your plans once the Hunter Exam concludes?"
Hm? A sudden question, but a natural one.
"I would be honored beyond words if Sensei returned to lead the dojo—!"
"Ah, that's out of the question."
"W-Why?! That dojo was Sensei's life's work..."
Linna clearly wanted me to resume my position as the Grandmaster of Kazama-ryu Aikijujutsu, but...
"I entrusted Kazama-ryu to you, Linna. If you wish for the dojo to endure, it is your responsibility to find and raise a worthy successor."
"B-But Sensei..."
"That is the duty of a school's leader. ...I asked you to succeed me precisely because I believed in your strength and character."
"! I understand! This Linna will never betray your expectations, Sensei!"
...Her absolute obedience to my every word hadn't changed at all. I worry she'd happily jump off a cliff if I told her to...
"I plan to travel the world for a while. There are things I want to experience that I couldn't during my time as Ryusho."
Mainly losing my virginity! And for that, I needed to acquire Greed Island as soon as possible.
"Hold on a second. Aren't you forgetting something far more important?"
Netero grinned with savage anticipation. Ah, right. That.
"Of course I haven't forgotten. You claim I ran away with a victory, but... looking at our overall record, I'm the one trailing behind. Don't assume you're the only one obsessed with settling this."
"That's what I like to hear! ...Three days from now. Let's settle it once and for all."
Three days? But isn't that the scheduled date for the Final Phase?
"What will you do about the Final Phase?"
"I'll leave it in the hands of trusted Hunters and Beans. The exam format is already set; they just need to announce the bracket and enforce the rules."
"And what about my test? You don't expect me to take the exam and duel you right after, do you?"
"Don't worry. I'll pass you in advance. Your capabilities are beyond question. ...Unless you're too proud to accept a license before fighting me?"
"...Very well. I accept your provocation. I'll gladly claim my Hunter License after beating you into the dirt."
Rising to such obvious bait might have been foolish, but with Netero, backing down was unacceptable. Letting him think I chickened out would be pure humiliation.
"Heh, don't regret it later! Make sure you recover your peak condition over these three days!"
"You had better bring your absolute best as well, Netero. A true martial artist shouldn't make excuses about preparation in a real fight... but—"
Indeed, a martial artist is always on the battlefield. Defeat due to fatigue or ambush is still defeat. But—
『Beating you at anything less than your absolute best is meaningless!』
Their clashing fighting spirits made the air in the room creak with tension.
Ah, what a rush! My heart was pounding. This was completely different from warm, friendly chats with Gon and the others. This razor-sharp, electrifying tension was a supreme thrill that only Netero could provide.
You truly are the best, Netero!
◆
Goodness, look at that ridiculous grin on his face. How many years has it been since I last saw the old man look like that?
Right. Ever since Ryusho-sensei passed away, he hadn't laughed like that once. Sure, I'd seen the rotten old geezer cackle while playing pranks or teasing people countless times, but never with such genuine, deep-seated joy from the bottom of his heart. Ever since reading Ryusho-sensei's farewell letter, he hadn't skipped a single day of training, yet he never had an opponent worthy of receiving his full power.
Naturally, having the chance to unleash his martial arts without restraint for the first time in over a decade made him ecstatic.
...Perhaps Ryusho-sensei wrote that letter to Netero anticipating his own reincarnation, ensuring his greatest rival would still be at his peak when they met again. If so, we owe Sensei our deepest gratitude.
And then there's Linna...
Looking at her face, dripping with jealousy as if her beloved master was being stolen away right in front of her eyes... Good grief, she turns into a complete mess whenever Ryusho-sensei is involved, despite normally acting so cool and composed.
When Sensei died, she sank into such deep despair that I had to yell at her just to snap her out of it. We ended up spending quite a lot of time together after that.
To think I used to find her so infuriating. Before I knew it, we were going shopping, sharing meals, and sparring to polish our skills together, just like the old man and Ryusho-sensei.
Well, it wasn't a bad arrangement. Look at her now, puffing out her cheeks like a petulant child. Did she forget she's a grandmother over seventy?
Honestly, she's a handful.
In three days, the duel between the old man and Aisha will take place. Fufu, I can't wait! Watching Netero and Ryusho-sensei clash was always a masterclass. On top of that, Ryusho-sensei was reincarnated as Aisha, possessing physical parameters far exceeding his previous body.
Which meant Ryusho-sensei's past physical shortcomings were completely resolved. This upcoming battle might surpass anything they've ever done before!
I looked over at Aisha with high expectations. ...Yep, definitely a girl. To think the legendary Ryusho-sensei turned into such a stunning beauty... Life really is unpredictable!
Still... look at those clothes. Absolutely zero charm or femininity. For someone preaching 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do,' she isn't acting like a girl at all. Though I suppose expecting Ryusho-sensei to voluntarily dress up was wishful thinking.
Well, Aisha will definitely spend today resting to recover her aura rather than training. In that case, why not drag her out for some shopping? Playing dress-up with her sounds like loads of fun, kufufu.
◆
I was supposed to be resting and conserving my energy for my upcoming duel with Netero...
Yet right now, I was facing the greatest crisis of my combined 145 years of life...!
At this rate, my pride would be trampled, my spirit shattered, and my dignity dragged through the mud.
Someone...! Anyone, save me! I don't care who—even Hisoka would do! If someone saves me from this nightmare, I will gladly sell my soul to the devil!!
"Wouldn't this one look great on her?"
"That is a bit too flashy. This one suits Sensei far better."
"That's way too plain, darn it! Cute outfits are much better!"
"Sensei is only thirteen years old—still a child! This design is far more appropriate."
"What are you talking about? Look at Aisha's figure! Besides, counting her time as Ryusho-sensei, you can hardly call her a child, can you?"
"...That is true. What about this one, then?"
"Ooh, that's nice! A white tone matches her hair color much better than red, don't you think?"
"Indeed. ...Let us buy both. And the one Bisky picked as well. They will all look wonderful on Sensei."
"Right?!"
HELP ME!
I was currently trapped inside a multi-story department store several kilometers from the Final Exam hotel. A full day had passed since agreeing to the duel with Netero. After consuming a massive meal and sleeping like a log, I had returned to peak condition.
Recovering from mere aura exhaustion and lack of sleep took no time at all.
I had planned to spend today resting and tomorrow making final adjustments to my body and techniques. But just as I was relaxing, Linna and Bisky barged into my room, inviting me out for shopping. Thinking a brief outing would offer a pleasant mental break, and feeling guilty about the trouble Linna had endured, I casually agreed...
Biggest mistake of my life.
This place is hell.
"U-Um, listen... I'm really fine with the clothes I already have—"
"What are you talking about, Aisha?! How can a girl own nothing but drab, uninspired athletic gear?!"
"Bisky is right. While we understand you dislike overly extravagant clothing, wearing nothing but tracksuits and workout clothes is simply unacceptable..."
Ugh... I prioritized mobility! Avoiding female clothing was my final stand of masculine resistance...!
"As I've said countless times, I was originally a man. I really don't want to wear clothes like this..."
"'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'—wasn't that your motto?"
Guh! S-She used my own words against me?!
"C-Could you at least pick something more practical and active...?"
Ugh, it was hopeless. When these two joined forces, no one could beat them in an argument.
And Linna! You're my disciple, aren't you?! What kind of disciple forces her master into agony?!
"How about this one?"
"T-That is way too extreme! That might look fine on Biscuit-san, but it's impossible for me!"
Who in their right mind would wear gothic lolita dresses?! Setting aside my age, it completely clashed with my appearance! I'd rather walk outside naked than wear that!
"No need to be so formal with 'Biscuit-san.' Just call me Bisky."
"...Bisky, I am not wearing that."
"Fine, fine. If you insist. Then what about this outfit instead? If you compromise on this one, I'll let the gothic lolita dress go."
...Compared to gothic lolita, it was infinitely more bearable.
"Sigh. Fine. Just this one, alright?"
"Right this way, Sensei! The fitting room is over here."
...Wait. Did they just play me?
How did I end up trying on clothes when I didn't even want to wear them?
"Ah, it looks breathtaking on you, Sensei!"
"Yeah, you really do look great. With a face like yours, it's easy to pick out clothes for you."
"Alright, that's enough... Can we go back no—"
"Next, let us proceed to the lingerie boutique—"
SAVE MEEEEEE!
◆
The Final Phase is the day after tomorrow. I can't believe I made it this far. I honestly thought I'd get eliminated right at the start...
Making it this far was entirely thanks to Gon and the others. I can't thank them enough. But getting overly sentimental before passing the exam won't do. Staying cooped up in the room is making me overthink.
A walk should clear my head.
While lounging in the hotel lobby, I spotted Aisha walking through the front entrance. Did she go out? Talk about relaxed.
Wait... What on earth was she wearing?!
She looked... ridiculously cute! Up until now, she had only worn plain, practical athletic gear with zero fashion sense.
"Yo, Aisha!"
"Ah, Leorio-san... Good day..."
...Wait, why do you look so dead tired?
"What's with the outfit? Was that stashed inside that massive backpack of yours too?"
"No, this was... a gift from an acquaintance..."
"A gift~? ...Wait a minute, isn't that an entire designer ensemble from Chaneyr?! That outfit alone easily costs six digits!"
"Ah, really?"
"What do you mean 'really'?! Are you clueless?!"
Right, Aisha grew up in Meteor City; she probably has zero concept of luxury brands.
"I was perfectly content with my usual clothes, but my acquaintance insisted it would be a waste and picked out this outfit, along with several others... or rather, several dozen outfits."
Several dozen?! Just how filthy rich is this acquaintance of hers?! Introduce me to them, please!
Though I had to agree with the acquaintance—it really would be a waste to hide her looks. This was absolute eye candy.
...Wait, pull yourself together, Leorio! She's a thirteen-year-old kid! What are you thinking?!
"I really don't think clothes like this suit me..."
"No way! It looks incredible on you!"
"Eh?"
"I guarantee it! Aisha, you should have way more confidence in your appearance!"
Argh, what am I blurting out?! My face is burning up!
"U-Um, thank you... I suppose?"
"Why are you phrasing that as a question?!"
"Well, that's the first time a man has ever told me that."
...Are all the men in this world blind?! Does Meteor City lack anyone with basic aesthetic appreciation?!
"A-Anyway! I wanted to thank you properly, Aisha!"
The atmosphere was turning dangerously awkward, so I forcefully changed the subject. I couldn't survive in this mood any longer!!
"Thank me?"
"Yeah. ...The only reason I made it this far is because of everyone, especially you."
"I didn't do anything extraordinary. You made it here through your own perseverance, Leorio-san."
"Even so, let me say it. ...Thank you. I'm truly glad I met you and Gon."
Meeting these guys was going to be the greatest treasure of my life. Too embarrassing to say out loud, though.
"I... I am also truly happy that I met everyone, and that I met you, Leorio-san."
"O-Oh."
Crap. My heart is beating like a drum! That smile is totally illegal!
"Um, Leorio-san... about you..."
Wait, what is this development?! Is this really happening?! But she's still young! No, age is just a matter of time, right?! Her looks and personality are top-tier! What's the problem?!
Springtime of my youth has arrived at last!!
"W-Would it be alright if I considered you my friend?!"
...Of course that was the punchline! Couldn't you let a guy dream for five seconds, dammit?!
"O-Of course! What are you even asking? We've been buddies for ages! At least, that's how I've seen it!"
"L-Leorio-san! Thank you so much! I've never had a friend I could talk to like this before!"
Saying something so heartbreaking with such a radiant, joyful smile...
Look at how happy she is. To think becoming friends with a guy like me could bring someone so much joy. Well, it doesn't feel bad at all. Buddies, huh? ...I'm definitely going to become a Hunter and a doctor. If only to save patients like my old friend.
◆
Yes! Yes! YES!!
Celebration! I made my very first real friend in this reincarnated life! I practically skipped all the way back to my room in sheer ecstasy!
Taking the courage to speak up really paid off. To think Leorio-san already considered me a friend! How many decades had it been since I had a normal friend (Netero definitely didn't count as normal)?!
I couldn't remember the last time I felt this happy! With this high, nothing could possibly sca—GASP!
Stop right there!
...Did I just feel an ominous chill run down my spine?
I felt like if I finished that thought, my head would be ripped off in my duel against Netero... A literal death flag vision flashed before my eyes. Must be fatigue. Get a grip. I need to switch gears and focus entirely on the duel the day after tomorrow. Netero will fight with everything he has; I must dedicate every remaining second to preparing myself.
Today was mentally draining, but it wasn't without harvest. This duel will likely be the fiercest battle of my long existence. That was why, during today's shopping spree, I also purchased this. The design had remained unchanged since the days I studied under Master Ryuzen. Simply wearing it sharpened my senses and evoked memories of my training.
Tomorrow, I have a sparring session scheduled with Linna. Let's change into it now and get rid of these fancy clothes!
Ah, yes. Wearing this martial arts gi instantly hones my focus. I'll sit in zazen meditation until Linna arrives tomorrow. My opponent is Netero; victory is impossible unless I attain peak condition and fully recapture the essence of Ryusho.
◆
Tomorrow is the fateful duel between Sensei and Chairman Netero. Sensei will undoubtedly defeat that wretched old geezer and claim the pinnacle of martial arts in name and reality!
Sensei asked me to assist with her final conditioning today. That idiot Tonpa was already escorted to the Headquarters under the supervision of three Pro Hunters, leaving me free to spend the entire day with Sensei without distractions!
The final session was to take place in a reserved grand hall within the hotel. There was still an hour before our scheduled time, but a disciple must never arrive after her master.
I pushed open the hall doors, and Sensei was already there. Ah! To keep Sensei waiting! How unworthy I am!
"Sensei! Forgive my tardi—!"
What an aura!
Sitting in zazen at the center of the hall, Sensei radiated a colossal fighting spirit. Not a chaotic burst of energy, but a deep, compressed reservoir of battle aura gathering within her!
"You've arrived early, Linna."
Sensei rose to her feet with fluid grace. Wearing the traditional Kazama-ryu gi purchased yesterday... her posture, her focused aura, the slight cadence of her old voice returning... She truly is the reincarnation of Ryusho-sensei!
"It's a bit early, but let us begin. Netero is likely gathering his fighting spirit at this very moment."
Sensei has truly returned! I could feel it more vividly than ever before! To train alongside Sensei once more! To receive her teachings! I am overwhelmed by the greatest happiness of my life!
"What is the matter, Linna? I don't recall teaching you to daydream during training."
"Yes, Sensei! Forgive me!"
Right! There is no time to be dazed! I will not waste a single second of this precious time with Sensei!
◆
Sigh. Good grief, the Chairman is truly a handful. Just because I happened to be near the Final Exam venue, he forcibly conscripted me as the Chief Examiner. And on top of that, he already prepared the entire exam structure? Using someone of my caliber merely to oversee an exam? It's not like I have infinite spare time. Well, whatever. Getting dragged into the Chairman's whims is nothing new.
Beans confirmed the Chairman was in this room. "Excuse me, Chairman. Regarding the Final Phase—what in the world?!" The "Heart" (心) T-shirt! The Chairman's legendary battle uniform, worn only when he fights completely all-out...! I had only seen him wear it once before, decades ago, when heading into battle against Ryusho Kazama...! Why on earth is he wearing it now?!
"Oh, thank you for coming on short notice, Knov. You're about the only reliable fellow I could call on."
"I am used to your sudden requests by now, Chairman. ...More importantly, what is the meaning of that attire?"
Who on earth is he preparing to fight? The head of the Hunter Association—even in his old age, the strongest Nen user in the world. For Chairman Netero to fight at full power... just who is his opponent?!
"Are you curious, Knov? Wondering who my opponent is? Wondering why I am going all out?"
"! You are a terrifying man. Please refrain from reading my thoughts."
"Hyoh-hyoh! It was written all over your face! You still have much training to do."
"Calling me insufficiently trained? Just how many Pro Hunters does that make amateur chicks in your eyes?"
"From where I stand, you're all fledglings. Now then, I am quite busy, so let us wrap up our business."
"...Appointing me as the Chief Examiner... was that to free yourself up for this duel?"
"Speculate all you want, but trying to stop me is pointless."
"I am well aware that stopping you is impossible. Please brief me on the exam details quickly."
If words could stop this man, nobody in the Association would ever suffer headaches.
"Hoh-hoh. My apologies, Knov."
Sigh. Serving as an examiner is fine, but it is truly regrettable that I will not be able to witness Chairman Netero fighting at the absolute peak of his power. ...If Morel had been nearby, I would have dumped this examiner duty onto him.