"Hisoka could easily kill someone like Togari, so it's no surprise he made it to the final test."
"But letting someone like that become a Hunter... that would be dangerous."
"Gittarackur and Kaizen, no need to even mention them—they're both at the same level of aura mastery as Hisoka. Taking the Hunter Exam with skills like theirs is completely overkill."
"Among the examiners here, aside from Chairman Netero, none of us could beat any of the three."
"Killua, heir to the Zoldyck family, has exceptional talent."
"And Gon... as expected from the son of Ging Freecss. Since entering the exam, his growth has been exponential. He's completely different from how he was at the beginning."
"Kurapika, the last surviving member of the Kurta Clan."
"Bodoro and Pokkle have taken the Hunter Exam multiple times and performed well in the past."
"Hanzo's got solid strength and impressive ability. He's definitely one of the better rookies."
"Alita might be taking the exam for the first time, but she's no rookie. She comes from a serious underworld background."
"Leorio... well, he might be the weakest overall among the final candidates."
"Still, he's a doctor. If his abilities develop along that path, he could become a valuable asset to the Hunter Association."
Menchi analyzed the candidates with a thoughtful expression.
"Chairman, what do you have in mind for the final test? This year's group is solid. I feel like most of them have already reached the standard to become Hunters."
"Eliminating anyone at random feels like a waste."
As a Hunter herself, Menchi understood the criteria well.
Back when she took the exam, her strength was on par with Pokkle, Bodoro, and Kurapika.
Maybe a bit better than Leorio.
But Kaizen, Illumi, Hisoka, Alita, Killua, Hanzo—they were clearly above her level at that time.
"If we pass most of this list, it might feel like the final test doesn't matter at all," she added.
Buhara nodded in agreement.
"Gon and Kurapika show a lot of promise."
"Bodoro and Pokkle too—they've definitely earned it. Though Bodoro's getting a bit old."
Satotz chimed in, "Gon reminds me of Ging. But he's even younger than Ging was when he took the exam."
"With that kind of performance? Very impressive."
"Not to mention, Gon has an incredibly strong will... and instincts sharper than a wild beast's."
Lippo hesitated before speaking up.
"If we have to eliminate someone, I'd say Hisoka should be considered. He's dangerous. And Bodoro—he's just too old, no potential left."
"As for Leorio, let him try again in a future exam."
"Gon and Killua too. They're still growing."
He paused for a moment.
"I didn't expect there to be three Zoldycks this time."
"Kaizen, Illumi, Killua..."
"As expected from that family. Their natural talent is terrifying."
"Illumi and Kaizen are already at an A-rank level of Nen."
"If Killua learns Nen, he'll catch up quickly."
"Kaizen's only sixteen," Netero added with a smile. "The young Zoldycks are something else. As for the final test, I've already got a plan. But before that... I need to speak with them."
...
The airship descended.
At the same time, the boat carrying Kaizen and the other candidates arrived at the dock.
"Captain, where am I heading next?"
"Find a larger city and send me your location. I'll meet you after the Hunter Exam is over."
"Got it."
Ponzu left on her own.
The rest of the candidates boarded a vehicle that took them to the landing site of the airship.
One by one, they climbed aboard.
A broadcast echoed throughout the ship.
"Attention candidates, attention candidates."
"Chairman Netero will now be conducting individual interviews. When your name is called, please report to the second-floor meeting room."
"First up: Hisoka."
"Hisoka, please proceed to the meeting room on the second floor."
Hisoka stepped out calmly and made his way to the meeting room. He paused at the door and knocked.
"Come in."
He pushed the door open.
It was a small room with a low coffee table at the center, carpeted walls on either side.
"Have a seat."
Hisoka narrowed his eyes slightly as he looked at Netero.
Before the second phase of the exam, Hisoka had already observed Netero secretly. The result of that observation? He gave up on trying to fight him.
It wasn't just that he would lose—there was no excitement in it. Only a high chance of death.
In Hisoka's mind, his potential targets of "surprise" were divided into three categories.
The first: those who still needed time to grow—like Netero.
The second: those ready to fight now—like Chrollo, Illumi, Kaizen.
The third: those to be kept an eye on for the future—like Gon, Killua, and even Wing's student, Zushi.
But now, sitting face to face with Netero at close range...
Hisoka couldn't help himself. His blood pumped faster. His eyes flicked across Netero's figure.
Searching for weakness. A flaw. A crack...
"...Is this the final test?" Hisoka asked.
"Unfortunately, no," Netero replied. "But it's related. I'm going to ask you a few questions. Answer honestly."
He took out a notebook and pen.
"First question—why do you want to be a Hunter?"
"I'm not all that interested in being a Hunter," Hisoka said lazily. "I'm here for the license. It makes certain things... easier."
"Such as?"
"Killing people."
Netero nodded, unfazed.
"Second question—among the other ten candidates, who are you most interested in?"
Hisoka paused for a moment.
He was curious about several of them—Kurapika, Leorio, Killua, Gon—they all piqued his interest.
Illumi was on his radar too. After fighting Chrollo, Hisoka had decided Illumi was a worthy opponent.
But the one who intrigued him most...
Hisoka looked up.
"Kaizen Zoldyck."
Even after fighting Kaizen, Hisoka felt like he understood him the least.
He knew Illumi, Killua, Gon—all of them had patterns, tells, weaknesses.
But Kaizen?
Kaizen was a mystery.
And the less he understood someone... the greater the thrill of the unknown.
Just thinking about it made Hisoka's blood stir.
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