Whale Island.
Named for its massive, whale-like shape, the island bustled with life and business. Tourists crowded the streets, drawn not only by the scenic beauty but by its greater significance—
It was the gateway to the Hunter Exam, located on the nearby Dolly Island.
As Roy walked through the lively streets, a memory stirred. That smelly white-haired bastard's sudden disappearance reminded him of something…
The Hunter Exam.
Roy had no interest in becoming a "Hunter." Nor did he care about the so-called "Hunter's Test."
But what he did care about was the irresistible allure of—
The Hunter License.
"Mr. Shuren once said: The end of the universe… is the exam."
In Roy's eyes, this "Hunter License" was the Hunter World's version of a government ironclad job—
No, it was even better.
Show a Hunter License, and you gain access to 95% of the world's public facilities for free.
Start a company, and the banks trip over themselves to offer financing.
And even if you throw it away someday? Sell it. A single license could fetch a sky-high price, enough to live eight lifetimes in luxury.
Compared to the civil servant system in his past life, this wasn't an iron rice bowl—
It was a golden one.
"If not for the fact that you can only take the test once in your life…" Roy sighed, "I'd make this an annual tradition."
He strolled leisurely through Whale Island's sun-drenched streets, cane tapping the ground as he walked.
Though he'd never visited before, it felt familiar.
The fishmongers calling out their prices… the porters hauling crates… the fruit seller laughing with children…
It was the smell of firewood and earth. The warmth of everyday life.
Roy paused and tapped a passerby's arm.
"Excuse me, brother. Do you know how to get to Mito's house?"
The man chuckled. "You're a tourist, huh? Came at the right time. Mito's wine is top-notch."
"Oh? Then I must try it. Can I trouble you to guide me there?"
"No trouble at all."
Seeing that Roy was blind, the man kindly took him by the arm and led him through the winding streets.
Eventually, they stopped before a small two-story wooden house—a classic Japanese-style building. The first floor was a tavern, the second floor the living quarters.
Roy looked up. Hanging above the door were simple but nostalgic letters:
MitoのTavern
Exactly as he remembered from the anime. He couldn't help but feel a touch of surreal warmth—
Like sipping aged wine, letting a single taste carry you decades back in time.
"Kuuuuuuuuuuu—"
The wooden door creaked open, and a woman's voice rang out from within.
"Irashaimase~"
Mito appeared in the doorway, short brownish-red hair swaying gently. Upon seeing the tall, blind youth at her door, she froze momentarily.
Roy smiled softly. Despite his gentle expression, his towering figure cast her entirely in shadow.
With the gradual unlocking of his Fujitora Template, Roy's body was evolving at an alarming pace.
At just seventeen, he was already over two meters tall—just half a head shorter than the hulking Morel (Zi Po Nian).
"Miss Boss, is there any food left?"
"A-Ah, yes! Please, come in!"
Mito snapped out of her daze and ushered Roy into the tavern.
He sat down casually at the bar. Using Kenbunshoku Haki, he swept his surroundings.
No Gon. He was probably off fighting the "Lord of the Swamp."
In the kitchen, Mito's mother was busy behind the scenes.
A warm household of three… but soon, it would be separated by fate.
"What would you like to eat?" Mito asked, offering a gentle smile.
"We've got ramen, dumplings, omurice—"
"Omurice," Roy said. "More ketchup, please. And a bottle of your homemade fruit wine."
He clasped his hands in gratitude, and Mito bowed with a light laugh, brushing back her hair before heading into the kitchen.
Puff~
The sound of the stove firing up tickled Roy's ears.
Before long, a steaming plate of omurice was placed in front of him, followed by a chilled bottle of fruit wine. Roy began eating slowly, savoring the flavors. Mito's cooking was indeed exceptional—and the wine? Silky and mellow.
Perfect.
That is, until fate intruded.
"Oh… I just want to eat a simple meal…"
Roy shook his head and sighed.
Mito, startled by his sudden remark, asked cautiously, "Guest… is the food not to your liking?"
"No," Roy said with a small, knowing smile. "The food is excellent."
Just then—
Creak—
The door behind him opened again.
A tall, slender man entered, wearing a blue peaked cap, waist-length white hair, a crisp white T-shirt, and black trousers. Brown leather shoes tapped lightly against the floor.
In his right hand, he held a clownish stick—decorative, almost childish.
His sharp eyes scanned the room.
And then they locked onto Roy.
The man strode forward, his presence silent but immense.
He stopped behind Roy and placed a hand firmly on his shoulder.
"Brother. Go out and talk?"
Roy didn't even glance up. He stabbed another bite of egg and rice.
"I have five brothers," he said coolly, voice tinged with amusement. "Which one are you?"
The man's reply came in a flat tone, without hesitation—
"Kate."