"I want to learn from you."
Kurapika's voice was low, almost hesitant.
Roy's smile faded. He shook his head and said regretfully, "Then I can't teach you."
He paused, then added calmly, "I'm just a trainee who's only been practicing Nen for less than a year."
After unlocking the Fujitora template, Roy's training had focused almost entirely on Haki and his Devil Fruit abilities. Recently, he'd been experimenting—trying to merge Nen and Haki.
Some results showed promise.
"Armed Nen Bomb."
"Armed Nen Threads."
If he combined those with techniques from the Six Styles in the future, he might develop completely new moves. But that was his path. Those techniques belonged to his system—they weren't suitable for Kurapika.
Before Kurapika could respond, someone else interrupted.
The red-nosed captain, Hayden Maxey, stepped forward with a deep bow.
"Thank you for saving the Poseidon," he said sincerely. "I officially declare that you're qualified to land on Dolly Island."
Roy raised an eyebrow, amused. "No questions? Not even, 'Why do you want to be a Hunter?'"
Hayden blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Then he gave a bitter laugh. "Does it matter? With your strength, I couldn't stop you anyway."
Roy tilted his head, smile vanishing. "Wrong answer."
His tone turned flat, ominous.
"I think you'd better ask. Otherwise, I'll report you to the Hunter Association for cheating."
"Favoring a candidate is a violation of the fair, just, and open competition principle of the exam."
"…?"
"…?!"
Report me?? Hayden's mind short-circuited. Was this guy serious?
He looked like a farmer who'd just saved a snake only to be bitten in return.
With a sour face, he finally asked, "…Why do you want to be a Hunter?"
Roy grinned. "Money."
Without hesitation, he placed a hand on Hayden's shoulder and leaned in close.
"I'm warning you," he said in a low voice, "no one gets to owe Roy money. Not even a captain."
"Don't think that letting me pass the test earns you any favor."
"My fish money—must be paid in full."
Hayden was stunned.
Good grief…
So in the end, passing the Hunter Exam was just a side quest.
The real mission? Collecting money for fish.
From the side, Kurapika watched the scene unfold. His eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Can't teach me," huh? Bullshit. He just doesn't want to do it without getting paid first…
Hayden gritted his teeth. "Gus! Bring out the fish! Pay him now!"
"Yes sir!" Gus stumbled through the crowd, bumping into Leorio along the way.
Leorio didn't even notice. His eyes were locked on Roy with awe and reverence.
This… this is a man of God.
Money clears the way. I've seen the light.
"I've learned something today," Leorio muttered. "If he ever asks me the same question, I'll copy him exactly."
He gave Gon a firm slap on the head.
"Remember this moment, Gon! Learn from it!"
"Ow!" Gon rubbed his head, frowning. "Why'd you hit me again?! I'm just trying to find my dad…"
"Dad? Your dad??" Leorio shot him a glare. "Money is the real father. You'll understand one day…"
Back near the fishing post, Roy watched Gus pay up.
He nodded in satisfaction and gave Captain Hayden a hearty slap on the back.
"The people I respect most," he said, "are straightforward folks like you."
Then, without another word, he picked up his stick sword and resumed fishing.
Hayden's red nose twitched in frustration, turning darker by the second. With a furious snort, he turned on his heel and stomped off.
Bang!
The captain's cabin door slammed shut.
Roy didn't even look back.
Perfect, he thought. Now I can enjoy fishing in peace.
Unless…
"Set a price," Kurapika said bluntly, walking up beside him. "How much would it take for you to teach me?"
Roy didn't turn around. Staring out at the sea, he replied softly:
"Priceless."
"You're too weak right now."
"If you want revenge on the Spider, wait until you can pass the Hunter Exam. Get your license first."
Kurapika's heart skipped a beat. His eyes flared crimson, two flames igniting in the depths of his pupils.
"You… you do know the Phantom Troupe!"
From the moment he boarded this ship, he'd suspected Roy. But now, hearing it directly—there was no doubt.
Roy, still facing away, said coolly:
"Know them? No."
"I'm not interested in rats crawling through the gutter."
"I just happened to break three of their legs."
"…"
"?!!"