Chapter 8: Draw × Rematch × Gon
"It's mine!" Alistair shouted excitedly.
Just as he was about to grab the trout, Gon threw the broken half of his fishing rod.
It shot through the air like lightning, smacking the back of Alistair's outstretched hand.
The sudden pain slowed Alistair just enough for Gon to close the gap. Gon stuck out his tongue at Alistair with a playful grin.
As Gon reached for the fish, Alistair spun around and kicked his hand away.
Then, with a deft flick of his right foot, he sent the trout flying toward the shore.
He adjusted his posture midair and dove straight for the landing spot.
Suddenly, he felt a tug on his leg—Gon had grabbed his ankle with a mischievous, innocent smile.
"Let go, brat! That's cheating!" Alistair protested, trying to shake Gon off with his other foot.
But Gon dodged nimbly and laughed, "Cheating? There are no rules! You're the one trying to steal my fish."
Alistair felt himself dragged down, losing his balance and hitting the ground.
Gon swung him like a sandbag and hurled him away, then rushed for the trout.
Alistair twisted in the air, braced his feet against a tree trunk, and shot forward again.
But he was too late.
He whipped out his long whip, striking with a powerful snap—the whip shot past Gon's ear and knocked the trout back into the lake.
Gon turned and pointed at Alistair. "You used a weapon! That's cheating!"
Alistair stowed his whip, mimicking Gon's tone, "Rules? Never heard of them! And if I can't get the fish, neither can you."
They both fell silent for a moment—then burst out laughing, pointing at each other.
Ten seconds later, their laughter stopped abruptly. In sync, they both threw punches.
Their fists met midair with a loud crack.
Alistair staggered back two steps; Gon stood firm.
He's strong! Alistair thought in surprise. This green-clad boy was about his age but already stronger, which only made Alistair more eager for a real fight.
"Round two?" Alistair flexed his hand, eyes shining with excitement.
Gon, feeling the thrill as well, didn't let his guard down—he knew Alistair's speed and technique were superior to his own.
Gon's eyes sparkled, like a wild animal ready to pounce. "Of course! I'd love to fight you again—but no weapons!"
Under a lush tree, Kite sat watching the two boys face off, taking a swig from his flask.
He marveled at how fast Gon had grown in under a month of training with him—and he'd improved even more during the three months Kite was away. Truly, Ging's son.
Still, Kite judged that Alistair's overall ability was a bit higher—after all, he'd spent three years teaching him martial arts. The brat was lazy, but his talent was unmatched.
And that terrifying potential...
Kite's eyes shone with anticipation.
Alistair put away his weapon and pointed behind Gon. "Look! A monster!"
With perfect acting, he widened his eyes in mock fear.
Gon instinctively turned to look.
Alistair snickered—just like Bakul, too easy! He dashed forward and punched at Gon's face.
But Gon sensed the rush of wind and dodged easily, retreating out of range.
His beast-like reflexes surprised Alistair. Even at full speed, his sneak attack was easily avoided.
But the thrill of battle only grew for both boys.
Similar in age, strength, and will—they were both desperate to win. The contest fired their spirits.
"You're a real trickster," Gon said.
Alistair shrugged. "As long as I didn't use a weapon, it's fair. And you threw your fishing rod at me, remember? Double standards much?"
Gon wiped sweat from his brow. "Fine, whatever. Ready?"
Alistair crouched, ready to go. "Bring it."
Gon flashed a bright smile, then charged like a tiger down the mountain.
Judging by the wind and Gon's speed, Alistair knew blocking head-on would hurt. So instead, he dropped low, using his hand to pivot, and swept Gon's attack aside with his left foot. Simultaneously, he lashed out with his right foot toward Gon's neck.
He figured that, even if he missed, it would force Gon to retreat.
But Gon did something unexpected—he took the blow head-on, grabbing Alistair's ankle with both hands.
In an instant, Alistair was off-balance, standing on his hands, legs in the air.
Stunned, Alistair looked up—between his legs, Gon grinned and kicked at his chest.
Alistair barely managed to block, but the force sent him flying and crashing hard into the dirt.
He hadn't expected this wild move—a risky exchange that broke his tactic. No wonder he's the protagonist; I underestimated him.
"You okay? Want to rest?" Gon called, which only annoyed Alistair more.
"Keep dreaming, you'll regret that kick!"
Alistair's arms were numb, but he stood up, brushing off the dirt, refusing to admit weakness.
Gon's chest still ached from Alistair's earlier kick, but he smiled. "Keep going?" he asked, raising his chin.
"Obviously!" Alistair glared, refusing to back down.
They faced off again. Gon attacked first, swinging a fist at Alistair's stomach.
But Alistair was ready—he dodged aside, tripped Gon with his foot, and Gon stumbled forward.
Alistair darted behind and landed a sharp chop to Gon's back.
Gon fell, rolled, and got back up for more.
The two figures darted through the forest like two agile cats, chasing, dodging, striking. Their blows echoed, and the fight became a test of endurance.
Neither could gain the upper hand, yet neither wanted to lose.
Exhaustion set in. Alistair, ever lazy and cunning, decided to stop exchanging blows and started dodging, conserving his own stamina while forcing Gon to waste his.
When there was an opening, Alistair ripped a vine from a tree, wrapped it around his hand, and waited.
At the right moment, he flung it at Gon's waist and yanked, hurling Gon into a mud pit at the lakeside.
Gon hadn't expected such a cheap trick and landed face-first in the mud.
Oh no—Aunt Mito is going to kill me for this mess, Gon thought in dismay.
Alistair laughed. "Nice move, huh? What do you think of that?"
Gon grinned, grabbed the vine, and yanked Alistair in after him.
Alistair landed with a splat right beside Gon, both of them now covered in mud.
They looked at each other, faces filthy, and burst into peals of laughter.
Alistair pointed at Gon's nose, giggling so hard he snorted. "You really look like a dog!"
Gon, his face caked with mud, flashed his bright teeth. "Really? I'd love to be a dog!"
Alistair didn't know what to say. He hadn't read the manga, but since this was clearly the protagonist, he decided to introduce himself. "Uh… I'm Alistair."
"I'm Gon."
They grinned at each other, knowing neither could continue the fight.
Relaxing at last, they collapsed side by side in the mud, gazing up at the blue sky and gulping for breath.
Alistair turned his head. "You're strong—not many can last this long with me."
Gon rolled over, equally satisfied. "You too. Especially your weapon—it's really interesting. Can I try it?"
"Nope." Alistair shot him down without hesitation, then stared up at the sky.
Gon sat up and patted Alistair's shoulder. "First time here? I haven't seen you before."
Alistair sat up, blinking. "Guess."
Then he tackled Gon, pinning him back into the mud.
They wrestled, rolling around, tossing mud at each other, and soon they were locked in a full-scale mud fight, laughing and shouting all the way until dusk.
Kite sat quietly nearby, watching the two boys, a deep sigh in his heart.
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