Chapter 35: Basic Operations
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Jan 15
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For sale
They really made way.
They actually made way.
There was genuinely a clear path opened right down the middle of the passage.
This wasn't just "important things must be said three times"—this was something miraculous being repeated three times.
Aside from Gon, everyone else—Kurapika, Leorio, Killua, Tonpa—was completely dumbfounded.
"What…? Am I seeing things?"
Leorio stared blankly ahead. "Kurapika, tell me—are my eyes broken?"
Even after witnessing Luo Ou perform rituals for sea gods and tame rhinoceroses, Leorio still felt that he must have overworked himself yesterday and was hallucinating.
The people ahead were all candidates who had already passed the preliminary screening—none of them were easy to deal with. And yet now they were collectively stepping aside?
Was everyone possessed?
Leorio needed a moment. He couldn't understand how this scene had come to be. To borrow Snail's words—everything had happened too fast, and he had no idea what was going on.
"Why… did this happen?"
Kurapika hadn't expected it to actually work either.
He knew Luo Ou had many strange abilities, but something this bizarre—this illogical—was truly one of a kind. This wasn't one or two people. This was a crowd. And it was happening during the fiercely competitive Hunter Exam, of all places.
Kurapika looked at Luo Ou again.
Still calm, just like always.
Yet now Kurapika felt an overwhelming urge to examine him inside and out. This method was simply incomprehensible.
"Luo Ou really did it!"
Gon was the first to snap out of it and dashed straight down the path.
"This kid might not be very bright, but—"
Tonpa's smile froze. "—he's seriously creepy. I'd better be careful."
Unfortunately, no matter how careful he was, some things were already set in stone.
For example: Tonpa would never manage to sabotage Leorio again.
For example: Tonpa's sense of accomplishment was about to be shattered.
And for example: Tonpa's sixth failure.
The only difference was when Luo Ou would completely expose him.
Killua, meanwhile, watched Luo Ou with keen interest.
As a Zoldyck—and a silver-haired heir destined to become head of the family—Killua had always been far ahead of his peers.
But today, he witnessed something genuinely surprising.
Making everyone step aside?
That was something even he couldn't do.
Seeing that the path ahead was wide enough, Luo Ou nodded in satisfaction. Especially when he saw the stunned expressions on Leorio and the others—his inner smugness shot through the roof.
Basic operations. Sit down, everyone. Sit down.
"Gon, Kurapika, Leorio—and Tonpa—let's go. This chance won't come again," Luo Ou called out, taking the lead and sprinting straight to the front, closely following Examiner Satotz.
"That ability is quite special. Worth observing further," Satotz noted silently.
"Interesting… a fresh apple?"
Hisoka murmured softly, lifting a foot as if to approach—only to find that he simply couldn't muster much interest.
"Forget it. Just a strange ability. Not worth special attention. I'll go look for a few fruits to cultivate instead."
He figured he'd probably picked too many spoiled apples recently and was feeling fatigued as a fruit farmer. Time to change tastes and nurture a few new ones.
Luo Ou's wish for Hisoka not to notice him had clearly taken effect.
Glancing at the unresponsive Hisoka, Luo Ou quietly let out a breath of relief.
"No joke—if I faced Hisoka right now, I'd lose for sure. The future might be different."
At that thought, determination flared in Luo Ou's eyes.
Getting stronger—would start with the Hunter Exam.
Luo Ou and the others reached the very front. Since this was only the beginning, they managed to maintain a leading position.
After running for over three hours through underground tunnels before, this level of exertion was still within Luo Ou's limits. Even though he had relied on abilities last time, the physical conditioning had left lasting benefits.
"Luo Ou… I seriously respect you now," Leorio said with emotion. Being able to lead so effortlessly felt incredible.
Ever since meeting Luo Ou, life had been filled with constant surprises. It was exhilarating—and incredibly helpful during the Hunter Exam.
"It truly is remarkable," Kurapika said sincerely, gratitude mixing with admiration. Whether he admitted it or not, this exam had already given him a great deal.
Luo Ou shrugged, saying nothing, but internally he relaxed.
This was his first time using the "Face Fruit" ability on such a large group of people. Thinking back to its effects, a relaxed smile crept onto his face.
"All that preparation wasn't wasted. And this proves something important—there's no limit on the number of people this Nen ability can affect."
Which meant—
If Luo Ou ever managed to get an entire continent to eat his food, then when he stomped his foot, the whole continent would tremble.
Come to think of it…
Should he start a charity?
Didn't ancient times have soup kitchens?
He could make food and give it away—no one in the Hunter world seemed to do that. He'd accumulate "face" and build fame.
Killing two birds with one stone.
Tap—tap—tap—tap.
The dark tunnel fell silent.
No one spoke anymore. Only the sound of footsteps echoed, growing heavier, joined gradually by louder breathing.
One hour later—
"How long have we been running, Luo Ou?" Gon asked.
"An hour," Luo Ou replied, glancing at his watch.
He'd specifically bought one just for this exam—not cheap, either. Thinking about his pitiful stash of Jenny, he figured he really ought to start worrying about making money… ending up like Leorio would be disastrous.
"This is a strange test," Gon said.
"No, it's perfect for testing endurance. And…" Kurapika added.
"You noticed too?" Luo Ou smiled.
"Huh?" Gon looked confused.
"We don't know where we're going, or how much longer we'll run. Yet we must keep moving forward. That's a heavy psychological burden. So this test examines not only endurance, but mental fortitude as well," Luo Ou explained.
"Exactly," Kurapika nodded.
"That's amazing!" Gon said excitedly.
"All the better. No matter where the destination is, I'll keep going," Leorio said, clenching his fist with fierce resolve.
For his dream—for curing a friend with that illness—Leorio was ready to give everything.
Time ticked by, second by second.
Some people began to feel the run had gone on long enough and assumed the endpoint must be near. One by one, they surged forward with renewed effort.
Seeing this, Gon was about to sprint too.
"Gon," Luo Ou said calmly, "this is only the beginning. Maintain your pace—just don't lose sight of the examiner."