...Ah, a dream, was it?
What a nostalgic dream it was. How much time had passed since then... since that final, titanic clash with Netero? Over a century, perhaps. When you live as long as I have, minute details naturally slip through the cracks of memory, but that battle alone remains etched into my soul with vibrant, unfading clarity.
I must be around one hundred and twenty years old now. Roughly the same age Netero was during that duel? Factoring in my previous life, I've lived for over two hundred and fifty years. ...I feel like I've lived a bit too long. When you survive for centuries, you are forced to accompany countless farewells. Being left behind by everyone is undeniably lonely.
Following that duel, Netero passed away despite all medical efforts. One could say I killed him, but it was the mutual outcome of our battle. I grieved, but I felt no regret.
He passed on with a profoundly peaceful look on his face. Content, as though he had left behind not a single regret in this world. At the time, I felt a flash of anger—how could he leave with such a satisfied look without caring about how I felt? But thinking back, Netero must have felt the exact same way when I (Ryusho) passed away in my previous life, and that realization washed away my anger.
Only solitude remained.
Linna stayed by Bisky's side for a time. Bisky likely wanted to be the emotional pillar for the disciple who was devastated by her master's death. Afterward, Linna devoted herself entirely to raising the next generation of disciples. She used to say she wanted to train a worthy successor quickly so she could return to sparring with me. Honestly, what a troublesome girl. And what a daughter to be proud of.
When she finally passed away, everyone mourned deeply. A vast sea of disciples, acquaintances, and even world-renowned dignitaries gathered at her funeral.
Bisky traveled with Linna for a while after Netero's death, and once she moved past her grief, she lived true to herself. She crisscrossed the globe to collect her beloved gemstones. I never knew how her final moments unfolded; one day, she simply stopped appearing. Did she pass away in some distant corner of the world? I searched for her, but I never found her.
As for myself, I did all sorts of things after that. I ventured to Greed Island, fought against terrifying insect-like abominations, and even set foot into the world outside. Perhaps because I spent my days steeped in violence, by the time my body reached the age of fifty, my spirit grew weary, and I washed my hands of that world entirely.
With nothing left to pursue, I used my personal wealth to establish and manage an orphanage. A person with no talents outside of martial arts trying to make herself useful to humanity, even in the smallest way.
Thanks to the support of countless people, the orphanage's operations found steady footing.
In particular, Leorio-san saved so many of our children.
After passing the Hunter Exam, Leorio-san went on to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. I held immense admiration for his relentless dedication to helping others.
Leorio-san regularly visited the orphanage to provide medical checkups. Despite being endlessly busy flying across the globe, he continued treating people without regard for his own health. From those who lacked money and couldn't afford medical bills, he refused to take even a single penny. Not only that—he donated massive sums to charities, including my orphanage, leaving himself to live a remarkably humble lifestyle.
Perhaps because of that, he often dropped by to eat my home cooking. When I teased him, "Isn't it completely backwards to eat meals at the orphanage you donate to?", he would only offer a bashful, sheepish smile.
Gon managed to find his father. It apparently took monumental effort, but the joy on Gon's face when he reported his success was radiant. Nurturing his boundless talent, he grew to share the title of the strongest in the Hunter Association alongside Killua.
He remained lifelong best friends with Killua, and the two constantly traveled the world side by side. After those two took off into the Unknown Outside World, letters ceased arriving. Yet I believe that even if they met their ends in some nameless wilderness, they would have passed on completely fulfilled.
Kurapika-san, having exacted his vengeance against the Spiders, dedicated himself to restoring his clan.
He was the last surviving Kurta, but in a town near his ancestral homeland, he discovered a woman who carried Kurta bloodline heritage. Because of her mixed blood, her eyes never turned scarlet, but the testimony in her grandfather's will and DNA test results confirmed her Kurta lineage.
Kurapika-san married her. I initially worried it might be a loveless marriage of duty, but their bond turned out to be remarkably affectionate, blessing them with fourteen children and fifty-one grandchildren. He even used to meddle in my business, asking when I was finally going to settle down and get married.
...Reminiscing like this about the distant past must mean I've sensed my own time coming to an end. It seems I don't have much longer. Well, it couldn't be helped. I've lived a full, rich life.
The management of the orphanage has been entrusted to trustworthy successors. My ultimate rival, my disciple, my comrades—all have gone on ahead. I have no regrets left behind. I feel bad for the children I'm leaving, but this is the natural order of the world. A path everyone must walk eventually. I hope this experience helps them grow into strong adults.
If the afterlife exists, will I get to see everyone again? If so, I'd love to spar with them after so long. Netero, of course, but Gon and Killua as well.
I wonder if Linna and Bisky are getting along well up there? I should teach Linna the secret techniques I never got to pass on.
I'll tell Leorio-san about how magnificent the children he saved have grown up to be. He'll surely be thrilled.
Will Kurapika-san be with his wife? If so, I hope they don't show off their affection too brazenly in front of me.
Ah... it seems my escort has arrived.
My consciousness is fading away...
Yeah. A long life with countless turns, but in the end... I'm content.
...Well then, good... ni... ght—
◇
—...Is the dream I just had.
Wait, wait, wait! What do you mean 'content'?!
Sure, the duel with Netero was deeply satisfying, but that doesn't mean I've achieved my life's core goal of losing my virginity! Don't go passing away peacefully on your own, me!
Still, dreaming inside a dream is quite the trick. And what was with that dream anyway? Was that some kind of prophetic vision? It felt absurdly realistic! Netero dying from that battle is way too ominous!
...Wait, Netero?! That's right—how much time has passed since our battle?! Where am I?! Why am I lying down?!
Thinking that the dream might have been a grim reality, I couldn't stay still. In a burst of panic, I tried to sit up with all my might—
"~~~~~~~?!"
GYAAAAAAAHHHH!!
P-Pain! Pure, unadulterated agony tore through every cell of my body! The pain was so intense I couldn't even form a scream!
"Ugh... guh..."
Tears welled up in my eyes. Dammit, Netero, you really did a number on me! To brutalize an innocent young girl to this extent...
...Described like that, he sounds like a complete criminal.
Phew. I slowly regained my composure.
Judging by the room, this seems to be a hospital. Linna and Bisky must have transported me here after the duel. Setting that aside, I need to evaluate my physical condition.
...All four limbs and fingers are intact. Nerve responses seem fine. But my bones are broken in too many places to count. My entire body is wrapped in thick plaster casts and bandages—I look like a literal mummy. Though some fractures feel like they've begun knitting back together.
Internal organs suffered heavy trauma, with several having been on the verge of rupture. Internal bleeding and abrasions are hard to gauge beneath all these casts. Did they heal naturally?
Judging by the state of my wounds and the gnawing hunger in my stomach, I must have been unconscious for a considerable amount of time.
If this is a hospital room, there should be a call button. I need to call someone. My sudden movement earlier seems to have ripped out the IV line too.
Just then, I sensed a presence outside the door. This aura signature is Linna—perfect timing.
"Master, excuse m—?!"
"Linna. Good to see you."
Linna stared at me in shock before her face lit up with radiant joy. This girl has always been an open book.
"Master! You've awakened!!"
"Yes, just now. ...By the way, where are we? How much time has passed since the duel?"
"Yes! This is a hospital near the exam venue. You have been asleep for an entire week following the duel."
A whole week? I overslept. But more importantly—Netero! What happened to him?! Is he alive, or...?!
"What about Netero? How is Netero doing? Is he hospitalized here too?"
"Chairman Netero has already..."
—!
Seeing Linna's somber, trailing expression, I didn't need to hear the rest.
I see... Don't go dying on your own, you idiot...
"...checked himself out on his own two days ago."
"...Huh?"
Wait, what is this girl saying? Eh? He didn't die?!
"Oh! I must inform Bisky that you've opened your eyes! She was terribly worried about you. ...Well, I suppose I should let Chairman Netero know as well, since that geezer was concerned too."
"Wait, wait, wait, wait! Hold on a second!"
"Yes? Ah, would you prefer I not inform the Chairman?"
"No! Netero is ALIVE?!"
"Why, yes, of course. I wouldn't call him spry, but he woke up two days ago."
What the hell?! Give me back my grief!
Putting on such a dramatic, mournful face over nothing! Ignoring my internal screaming, Linna stepped out to contact Bisky.
Phew. So he's alive. That's a relief. Having a dream like that turn into reality would be dreadful.
Now that the relief set in... a sudden call of nature hit me with brutal urgency.
Right leg: won't move. Left leg: won't move. Right arm, left arm: same deal.
Uh-oh. This is bad.
No, don't give up! Giving up here means the end of my dignity! Waking up at this age only to wet the bed is completely unacceptable!
...Sure, with a mental age of over a hundred, I had my diapers changed as a baby! But that was as an infant, so it doesn't count! At an age where I can walk, wetting myself is out of the question!
I'll reinforce my body with aura and crawl to the bathroom if I have to!
◇
Conclusion: Dignity was preserved.
However, after exiting the restroom, Linna and Bisky found me writhing on the floor in agony and scolded me severely.
Furthermore, I learned that while I was unconscious, the task of cleaning my waste was handled not only by the nurses, but also by Linna and Bisky.
...Please kill me.
◇
"Well, all that matters is you're safe," Bisky said.
"..."
"Master, you haven't healed yet, so please refrain from reckless actions," Linna added.
"..."
"The old geezer's internal organs were in worse shape than yours and his ribs were basically pulverized, but his limbs were fine, so he snuck out on his own. What a nuisance," Bisky sighed.
"..."
"Indeed. I have notified the Chairman that you've awakened, so he should drop by eventually," Linna said.
"..."
"Oh, come on! You were in a coma for a whole week! Stop pouting already!" Bisky threw her hands up.
"...You two could never understand. The sheer humiliation of having your bodily waste cleaned by your far-younger disciple and her best friend..."
If I were an old man, I could at least rationalize it. Ah, I want to go back to being Ryusho. I desperately want to be a man again.
"A-Anyway, Master! Exceptional work on the duel!"
"Y-Yeah! Seriously, amazing job! I'm honored to have witnessed a clash of that caliber!"
It was obvious they were trying to change the subject, but... sigh, complaining after they nursed me would be ungrateful.
"Yes. I'm truly glad I was able to fight Netero to the very end. I must redouble my training so I won't lose next time."
"What are you saying, Master? The victor of that duel was undeniably you!"
Haha, a disciple's loyalty is heartwarming, but calling that a victory is a bit of a stretch—
"Hold on, what are you talking about, Linna?" Bisky interjected. "No matter how you look at it, the old man won! Aisha took far more severe injuries!"
...Wait. Why is the mood getting tense?
"What are you saying, Bisky? If not for your [Magical Esthetician / Piano Massage], Netero would have died from aura exhaustion! Meanwhile, Master is recovering purely through standard medical care. The difference is night and day!"
L-Linna-san? Why is your aura flaring up?
"Hey, I only did that as a precaution! I gave Aisha a massage too, but her passive ability nullified it! Deciding the old man lost based on that is absurd! It's obvious who dealt more damage!"
Bisky-san? I don't think full Ren is necessary here...
"...Come to think of it, we haven't had a serious duel in quite some time, have we?" Linna narrowed her eyes.
"...You're right. We've sparred, but we haven't had an all-out match in years," Bisky cracked her knuckles.
"If memory serves, my record stands at 126 wins to your 102?"
"That includes matches where I didn't get serious, doesn't it? In true all-out matches, we're basically fifty-fifty!"
"Basically, perhaps."
"...Bring it on!"
...Well, at least their auras show no real malice. It's just their bizarre way of being close friends.
Still, I couldn't let them wreck the hospital room.
"You two, I know you get along great, but please calm down. This is a hospital."
"M-My apologies, Master!"
"Ah... sorry, sorry. Got a bit carried away."
Good, as long as they understand.
There's something important I need to ask.
"By the way, what happened with the Hunter Exam? Is my license issued?"
Did Gon and the others pass? I hope they did. If I was marked as a forfeit or draw and didn't get a license, retaking it next year would be a pain. And I really need that Hunter License.
With it, accessing the Hunter-exclusive dark web to research Greed Island will be vastly easier.
"Rest assured, Master. Your Hunter License has been properly issued. You are now an official Pro Hunter, just like me."
"Congratulations, Aisha! As your senior in this field, feel free to ask if you have any questions!"
"Thank you, both of you. ...Linna, you're a Pro Hunter?"
"Yes. I thought holding a license would be convenient for locating the Black Book."
I see. Yet even with a license, it hasn't been found... If it hasn't surfaced on the black market, it must mean a private collector is hoarding it without bragging.
Ugh, who the hell is holding my 'Black History' notebook... The moment I find it, I'm burning it to ashes!
"I already contacted Beans earlier. He said he'll bring your license when you're discharged," Bisky added.
Waiting until discharge makes sense—handing a license to a patient in full-body casts is a bit awkward. I can't wait to get out of here. I want to see Gon and the others too. I really should have asked for their phone numbers.
"Pardon the intrusion, Aisha."
A voice called from the doorway. Netero! He really is alive. His withered, dry-wood physique has completely returned to normal.
"Good to see you looking healthy, Netero."
"Same to you! Taking the Zero Hand head-on and coming out intact honestly stunned me."
"Intact? Far from it. I never want to experience that again."
Seriously. If we ever fight again, that move has to be banned.
"Don't worry. I don't feel like using it anytime soon either. If Bisky hadn't been there, I would've croaked. ...And if I die, I can't fight you again."
"Well, you could always fight me after death."
"Don't lump me in with you, you idiot!"
Fair enough. Normal people don't reincarnate on a whim.
"More importantly, Netero. You checked yourself out, but are your injuries really fine?"
His surface looks normal, but his internal trauma was far worse than mine.
"Well, it's rough, but having all four limbs intact is a blessing. Doing chairman paperwork is no problem."
"Don't overdo it. Internal injuries take time."
"Worry about yourself! You're in worse shape than me! The doctors estimated six months for full recovery, though with your monster body, a month should be plenty."
My bones are shattered from that final impact. For now, I'll focus on resting while maintaining Ten, Zetsu, and Ren.
"By the way, Master, you mentioned traveling the world. Have you decided on a destination? If not, please visit the dojo!"
"I haven't decided yet, but visiting the dojo right away is impossible."
"H-How could you...?!" Linna slumped in despair.
"I have plans of my own. I'll research destinations once I get my license."
First, I'll look up Greed Island on the Hunter portal.
"Plans? What kind of plans?"
"Yes. My plan is, of course—"
Everyone leaned in, holding their breath.
"To turn back into a m—"
"THAT WOULD BE A COMPLETE WASTE (WA-SA / DE-SU / JA-I)!!"
The triple counter-interruption was instantaneous!!
"W-Why?! I was originally a guy! What's wrong with wanting to be a man again?!"
"Preposterous! Born male or not, your current reincarnated gender is female! That is heavenly destiny!" Netero scolded.
"To possess such a lovely, adorable appearance and throw it away to become a man—for once, I completely agree with the Chairman!" Linna cried.
"Linna's totally right! You can live just fine without turning into a guy!" Bisky yelled.
"Besides, wasn't it you who said 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' regarding being raised as a girl?!" Netero pointed an accusing finger.
Guh?! Ganging up on me like this is totally unfair! I'm definitely turning back into a guy, just you watch!
First step: get discharged! I should have developed a healing ability under Enhancement!
◇
And thus, three weeks later, I was discharged.
It took nearly three weeks for my shattered bones to fully knit together. The doctor muttered something about me being a monster. How rude—go say that to Netero.
Netero was swamped with Association work. Taking a week off, combined with the shenanigans of that troll Vice Chairman, piled an avalanche of work on his desk. He hadn't visited since that first day.
Linna returned to the dojo. She resisted leaving me behind, but Bisky dragged her back to the headquarters. Tonpa-san was waiting, after all (though he probably prayed she'd never return).
Before leaving, all three made me swear never to undergo gender-reassignment surgery. They even threatened the hospital staff to ensure no surgeon would operate on me.
Too bad for them! My method isn't surgery! Surgery can't grant a complete male body anyway!
My goal is total, magical gender restoration.
As I packed my bags, Beans walked in, carrying my official Hunter License.
"Thank you for coming all the way to the hospital, Beans."
"Not at all. You took great care of the Chairman. ...Regarding that, all medical and hospitalization expenses will be covered in full by us."
"Wait, we both agreed to the duel. You don't have to pay for me."
"It's quite alright. The payment comes from the Chairman's personal funds, not the Association's."
...Is that really okay for a secretary to say? Well, I suppose keeping Association funds clean is proper.
"I see. In that case, I gratefully accept."
"Please do! Now, allow me to explain the privileges and rules of your Hunter License."
—Bean-man explaining—
"And that concludes the briefing. You are officially certified as a Pro Hunter. Furthermore, because you have already mastered Nen, you have passed the Secret Hunter Exam as well."
"Thank you, Beans."
Awesome. I'm officially a Pro Hunter now.
"By the way, Beans... what happened to the other applicants? Who passed, and who failed?"
"Ah. Telling you who failed is much faster. Only one applicant failed. Everyone else... aside from one deceased applicant, passed."
"Only one failed?! Who was it?"
"Applicant Number 100, Killua-san."
"! Killua failed? Why? Someone of his caliber shouldn't fail so easily."
"He was disqualified for a rule violation."
"...Could you tell me the details?"
A violation? What on earth happened?
◇
Novu served as the examiner for the Final Phase: a one-on-one tournament where winning a single match granted immediate certification, while losers advanced upward until only one applicant remained uncertified.
Because Aisha had already passed by taking Chairman Netero's ball during the airship flight, she was exempted from the tournament.
Match 1: Hanzo defeated Kenmi (a Kazama-ryu practitioner).
Match 2: Gon faced Hisoka. Gon refused to give up, prompting Hisoka to concede with a smile ("I yield♣"), advancing Gon as a certified Hunter before knocking him out cold.
Match 3: Kurapika defeated Kenmi.
Match 4: Hisoka easily dominated Bodoro until whispering something that caused Bodoro to surrender.
Match 5: Killua refused to fight Kenmi and forfeited.Match 6: Leorio offered to postpone his match with Bodoro to allow Bodoro to rest. Thus, Killua faced Gittarackur.
Gittarackur pulled the needles from his face, revealing himself as Illumi Zoldyck, Killua's elder brother. Illumi psychologically pressured Killua, claiming an assassin had no need for friends.
When Killua whispered that he wanted to stop killing and become friends with Gon, Leorio, Kurapika, and Aisha, Leorio and Kurapika erupted in fury from the sidelines, declaring: "We're already friends! Gon and Aisha think so too!"
Illumi threatened to kill all of Killua's friends after obtaining his license. Terrified and overpowered, Killua conceded the match.
In the subsequent match between Leorio and Bodoro, Killua suddenly snapped, assassinating Bodoro from behind. He was disqualified on the spot and fled the venue.
◇
"And that is what happened," Beans concluded.
"..."
So that's what happened... If only I had been there, I would have sent that needle-faced freak flying!
And Killua wanted to be friends with me too? What wonderful news! Between Leorio and Killua, that makes two real friends! No, Gon and Kurapika consider me a friend as well!
I'm not afraid of anything anymore! Bring on the Zoldycks!
"Aisha-san?"
"Ah, sorry! ...Do you know where Gon and the others are now?"
"Judging from their conversations, they headed to the Zoldyck estate on Kukuroo Mountain to bring Killua back."
What?! Going to the Zoldyck estate with their current strength is suicide!
"When did they leave?!"
"Immediately after the orientation ended... three weeks ago."
Three weeks ago?! If they clashed with the Zoldycks, they might already be dead!
I have to go! They are my friends! If there's even a sliver of hope, I have to save them!
"Thank you, Beans! I have to hurry!"
"Wait... are you going to the Zoldyck estate?!"
Without answering, I sprinted out of the hospital toward the airport at full speed!
(...Though I didn't know the way and ended up hailing a cab).
◇
Meanwhile: Current Locations of the Group
Gon & Killua: Heading to Heavens Arena on an airship to train and surpass Hisoka.
Kurapika: Riding a train toward an information broker to find an employer.
Leorio: Traveling on a ship back to his homeland to study for medical school entrance exams.
◇
Meanwhile: A Secure Phone Call
"—Long time no see, Zeno. Yeah, it's me. No, not a job request. Just checking in."
"—About two or three weeks ago, a group of boys visited your mountain to retrieve Killua. Are they still in one piece?"
"—Haha, I wasn't worried about them. They're promising rookies, but once they hold a license, they're responsible for their own lives."
"—Oh? They already left safely with Killua? That's great news. Glad we avoided bloodshed."
"—Who was I worried about? You guys, of course. If any of them had died... I might have had to send funeral incense to the Zoldyck estate."
"—Hoho, what do I mean? Well, a young girl named Aisha is headed your way shortly. Make sure you treat her with absolute hospitality, alright? Well, if you'd rather not, that's fine too—hohoho, take care!"
◆
Bonus: Interviews with Netero
Hisoka
[Who are you paying the closest attention to?] "Aisha ♥ I can't imagine anyone else. I want to fight her as soon as possible ♣"
[Who do you least want to fight right now?] "That would be... #100. #412 might also ripen into a delicious fruit, but... hmm, it's so hard to choose ♦"
Killua
"Gon, definitely. Ah, #412. We're the same age, after all."
"...Probably #401. Hitting a girl feels kinda off... What?! Got a problem with that?!"
Bodoro
"#44. You can't help but notice him."
"#412, #100, and #401. I cannot fathom fighting women or children."
Gittarackur
"#100."
"#44... #401."
Kenmi
"#401. I think it is magnificent that she made it this far despite being a woman."
"That would also be #401. I hesitate to wield martial force against a lady."
Gon
"The one I'm most curious about is #401, Aisha!"
"Hmm... I can't choose between the four of them: #100, #401, #410, and #411."
Hanzo
"#401. If things go south, she might be even more dangerous than #44."
"The one I least want to fight is #44."
Kurapika
"In a positive sense, #412; in a negative sense, #44."
"If there is a just cause, I will fight anyone; without one, I desire conflict with no one."
Leorio
"#401. I owe her a debt of gratitude, and I really want her to pass."
"For that reason, I definitely don't want to fight #401."
Final Phase Examinees:
#044 Hisoka (Canon #044)
#100 Killua (Canon #099)
#195 Bodoro (Canon #191)
#299 Hanzo (Canon #294)
#306 Gittarackur (Canon #301)
#368 Kenmi (Canon #362)
#401 Aisha (Canon: What's that? Does it taste good?)
#410 Leorio (Canon #403)
#411 Kurapika (Canon #404)
#412 Gon (Canon #405)