After running for a while, I finally reached a place with a large building. Other applicants were already there. Looks like I made it in time.
"Thank goodness. Seems like we're on time."
"Indeed."
"Alright, this Visca Forest Park will be the venue for the Second Exam. My test ends here, but I'll stick around for a while. I'm curious to see how far those who passed my stage can go."
So Mr. Tonpa intends to observe even after the First Exam. Could it be that he's actually a caring person?
"Ugh… ow… huh? What happened to me…?"
Ah, Leorio just woke up! What a relief—if the Second Exam had started while he was still out, I wouldn't have known what to do.
"Are you okay, Leorio-san?"
"Huh? Oh—wait, why the hell am I being carried on your back, lady?! Ow, my face hurts?"
…Right. First I'll set him down and explain the situation.
"I see. So that's how I got this injury."
"I'm really sorry…"
"Don't worry about it. You were trying to help me, weren't you?"
"Well, yes, but…"
"In the end, you did save me. You brought me all the way here. With the debt I already owe you, I should be the one thanking you. So—thanks."
…He's concerned about me, even though I'm the one who injured him. Leorio really is a good person… damn. He absolutely deserves to become a Hunter.
"My name is Aisha. Leorio-san—let's both make sure we pass this exam!"
"Y-Yeah. Aisha, right? Let's do our best together."
"Yes!"
I'm so glad I met such a good person. He might even become my first real friend since being reborn. Gon's a good kid too, of course. Killua's cheeky, but not bad. Kurapika's also a caring ally. Maybe the Hunter Exam is really a place for encounters like this. I'm glad I took it.
…But what's that noise? For a while now, I've been hearing a rumbling sound—like a wild beast growling—from inside that building. The Second Exam is supposed to start at noon… which means any moment now.
Ah, the doors are opening… Out steps a mountain of a man, and next to him a scantily clad woman with a bizarre hairstyle. Wait—was that rumbling sound his stomach growling? No way.
So the Second Exam is a cooking test. I've lived alone for a long time, so I can cook a bit. But I can't do anything fancy—kaiseki cuisine or dishes you'd find at a high-end restaurant are out of the question. At best, I can make basic home-style food.
"My menu is—roast whole pig!! My favorite dish!"
…Not exactly complex, huh? Still, roasting a pig well is probably harder than it looks.
"You can use any type of pig found in this forest park. Alright then, begin the Second Exam!"
Fine. First, let's catch a pig.
Here, piggy piggy… Oh, there's one! …Wait. That's a pig, right? It's over three meters tall!
Whatever. A pig's a pig. It charges at me, but I dodge at the last second and strike its side as it passes. Down it goes. Capture complete. After all, it's just a pig. Come back when you've learned how to fly.
Now all that's left is roasting. I don't know the proper way to make roast pig delicious… oh well. I doubt the other applicants do either. I'll just cook it normally.
"Ahhh, I'm stuffed. Ate so much!"
Wait, did he just finish seventy whole roast pigs?! Thank goodness—I'm not in the "glutton" category after all. That's what real "glutton" look like… Gourmet Hunters are terrifying. Or maybe that's his nen ability—something like expanding his stomach just to eat more. Hah, honestly, I wouldn't be surprised. Nen isn't just for fighting, after all.
"The second half of the exam. My menu is… sushi!!"
Sushi, huh. A dish from Jappon. As someone who used to be Japanese, I know it well—but in this world, Jappon is treated like a remote island nation, so sushi hasn't spread at all. …Even though it's delicious.
"Heh. You all look so lost. Not surprising—it's a little island's ethnic food, after all."
…Did you just indirectly insult Jappon? That's my second homeland, where my beloved master Ryūzen rests! You picking a fight? I'll buy it!
"And I'll only accept nigiri sushi!! Begin! The exam ends once I'm full! You can make as many as you like until then!!"
This gives a huge advantage to anyone who already knows sushi. What exactly are they testing here? Do I just have to make it, or does it have to taste good?
…Whatever. I'll make it. If I pass, great. If I fail, so be it. I'll go with the flow. Oh—since I know sushi, I should teach Leorio and the others. They never said we couldn't share knowledge.
"(Leorio-san, Kurapika-san—come here.)"
"Huh? Aisha? What is it?"
"(Keep quiet. I know what sushi is.)"
"Wha?! For real—mmphh!"
"(Shut it, idiot! What if the others hear you?!)"
"(S-Sorry… and who're you calling an idiot?!)"
"(You two sure are talented—yelling in whispers like that. Anyway, I'll explain sushi, so wait outside. I'll fetch Gon and Killua too.)"
"(Got it.)"
Let's gather everyone outside quickly. Staying in here, I'll just get hit by Hisoka's killing intent.
"Okay, nobody's around here. So, about sushi—"
"Hey you. Is it true you actually know it?"
"My name is Aisha, not 'hey you.' Keep sassing me and I won't tell you."
Killua really is cheeky. Maybe I should make him drink Gon's bathwater for discipline.
"Alright, here's what sushi is…"
—(Explanation in progress)—
"…That's sushi. Got it?"
"I see. I've read about it in texts, and your description matches."
"Alright! With this, we'll definitely pass!"
…Not so sure about that.
"Making sushi tasty is tough for amateurs. I've eaten it many times, but this will be my first time making it. Knowing about it doesn't guarantee we'll pass."
"Still, knowing is way better than not knowing. Thanks, Aisha, for sharing it with us!"
Ah, that dazzling smile… makes it all worthwhile.
"…Well, thanks, I guess."
And that brat seriously needs an attitude adjustment.
Okay, I've got the ingredients. Time to try making sushi. …Hm? What's that ruckus?
"It's just a bite-sized block of rice with wasabi and fish on top! Easy dish! Anyone can do it, and it'll taste the same!!"
…Oh thank you, ninja. Really. Broadcasting the recipe so loudly ruined all my careful secrecy. Now everyone's running off to catch fish.
"Don't be stupid! It takes ten years of training to master sushi properly!! No matter how much you copy the shape, an amateur's will taste nothing like the real thing!!"
If you know that, then why are you judging us on taste?! How many candidates do you think can actually reach that level? None, obviously!
"Next challenger, step right up!!"
"I'm next!!"
"You made it look decent enough… damn it, thanks to baldy everyone knows the method now! Fine, I'll judge based on taste!"
So that wasn't the plan from the start? Poor Leorio, good luck…
"Nope. Vinegar's way too strong. Inedible!"
"Wha—?!"
…Figures. No beginner can satisfy a gourmet examiner.
"This one's no good either! Too slow—by the time the fish warms up, sushi's ruined. Try again!"
"How the hell should I know that?!"
I just learned that too, Killua. Stop glaring. Not my fault.
"The rice shape is wrong! At least make it fan-shaped or boat-shaped!!"
…And I'm sunk. What the heck is 'fan-shaped' rice? Does it taste good?
"Cut's wrong… shape's wrong… topping's wrong…"
"Urgh! I'm full!"
Second half of the exam: zero people pass!!
Seriously, that was impossible. Way beyond what amateurs can do.
Whoa! Hisoka's bloodlust just spiked—it looks like he might attack Menchi-san any second. And she's noticed, bristling with tension. One spark and this place will explode.
Ah, and now a wannabe Bounty Hunter just swung at Menchi. Is he suicidal?! I thought about stopping him, but Buhara-san intervened. He still got pretty banged up, but honestly, he should be grateful it wasn't worse.
"Bounty Hunter? Don't make me laugh! And you think you're tough? You went down with a single hit from a mere Gourmet Hunter!"
Well, to be fair, even without nen, the guy's physical ability was no match. If he really wants to be a Blacklist Hunter, he'd better take this as a wake-up call and train seriously.
"Martial skill is something every Hunter learns whether they want to or not. What I'm testing is your spirit—the will to challenge the unknown!!"
…Which was totally lost once you switched to taste-testing. Though maybe that ninja's outburst pushed things that way.
"Still, isn't zero passers a bit too harsh?"
…That voice—no way!!
Up above—a massive blimp with the Hunter Association's emblem. And from it, an old man leaps down! Everyone's stunned he survived such a fall, but my shock is for another reason.
Oh! It's Netero—yes, Netero himself!! My one-time rival in life!!
He looks well. And I can tell from his aura—it's even more serene and refined than the last time I saw him. He's clearly taken my final words, "never neglect your training," deeply to heart… I'm so glad.
I want to tell him how happy I am, to shout it from the heart. But… how could I possibly say "I am Ryūshō"? He'd never believe me…
While I was still wrestling with my own thoughts, it seems the second exam had shifted into something else entirely.
We boarded an airship bound for the mountains. Apparently the task this time was… to make a boiled egg. Talk about a sudden drop in difficulty. Must be thanks to Netero. As expected of him!
When we arrived, a deep ravine stretched before us—Mount Mafutatsu, a mountain split right down the middle just as its name suggests. The trial was to fetch an egg from the giant spider-eagles that nested here, then boil it to make a proper dish.
"Ahh, that's better."
"This is what I was waiting for."
"Way easier than running around or cooking weird ethnic food."
"Agreed. This one's actually doable."
Really, they should've just started with this. …Although if they had, I never would've met Netero. Guess I should thank Menchi-san for all the fuss!
And so, the second exam was cleared without issue. Spider-eagle eggs, by the way, are delicious.
Phase Two, Menchi's culinary trial — 43 examinees cleared.
Once the exam was over, we were herded back onto the airship. This time, we'd be traveling directly to the next destination.
Beans informed us we'd arrive around eight o'clock the following morning. Until then, it was free time. Gon and Killua were already planning to explore the ship.
I wasn't really tired either, so maybe I'd tag along and look around too. This was technically my third time on an airship—the second was just that short hop to Mafutatsu Mountain, and the first was when I was still an infant, dumped off in Meteor City.
So in a sense, this was the first time I'd ever properly ridden one. Might as well see what there is to see. …Besides, it'll keep me away from Hisoka for a while.
"I'll go exploring too. Nothing better to do."
"You too…? First Gon, then Killua. You kids are tireless."
"Yeah, well, I just want to rest. This has been an absurdly long day."
"Same here. Honestly, I just want to crash… And you—aren't you a little old for 'exploring'?"
"…I'm thirteen."
"Eh?"
"…Knew you'd react like that."
I've grown too fast. Ever since I left Meteor City, nobody's ever guessed my real age. …I suppose it's better than being underdeveloped, at least.
Wow… the night view from here is incredible. Absolutely breathtaking. I've never seen anything like it. Up until now, airships only carried bad memories for me, but this—this is something worth treasuring. Maybe one day I'll get my own airship and travel the world…
…That actually sounds amazing. How much would one cost? Do I have enough saved up already?
Hm? Over there—that's Gon, Killua, and… Netero? Where are they going together? I smell something interesting. Better follow.
"Gon, Killua, Net— Chairman."
I nearly slipped and just called him "Netero" outright. But in this timeline, I don't know him at all. Sad, but true.
"Oh, Aisha. What's up?"
"You again? What do you want? We're busy."
"Hmm… (Those are some impressive boobs)."
…Why do I get the feeling Netero's eyes are glued to my chest?
"No reason, really. Just thought it looked like you were up to something fun."
"Ho ho ho. Indeed we are. A little game. Care to join us, young lady? If you can beat me, I'll give you a Hunter License."
What!? Defeat Netero and win a license!?
In a fight that'd be impossible—but if it's a game, depending on the rules, I might actually have a shot. If I win, I can skip the exam entirely. Which means… freedom from that perverted clown!
"I'm in!"
"Excellent. Then come along, all three of you."
We arrived at a wide hall. Netero produced a ball from… somewhere.
"The game is simple. Before this ship reaches our destination, all you need to do is take this ball from me. You may use any attacks you like. I won't lay a hand on you."
Just… take the ball? Perfect, that's way simpler than I expected. Even though I've adjusted to this body and my old techniques fit better now, beating Netero outright would still be tough. But stealing a ball? That, I can do.
In fact, I'll start by testing my raw physical ability—no techniques, no tricks. Let's see how far that takes me against him.
"Alright then, I'll go first."
"By all means."
…Yikes. Killua's pissed. Makes sense—those conditions are practically mocking us.
Wait—that footwork! That's… Kazama Style Secret Technique: Willow Leaf Shaking!? No, not quite. Similar, but slightly different. Still—how can he move like that at his age!?
Talent and effort aside, to reach that level so young… terrifying. It took me until I was past sixty in my previous life to master that!
Even so, Netero isn't fazed. The boy's step loses its edge at the moment of attack. Incredible talent, yes, but not enough experience yet. If something so raw could topple Netero, the world would be far too easy.
Still… Killua might surpass him one day. If he keeps sharpening that skill…
Now it's Gon's turn. Let's see…
"Here I go!!"
He charges straight in—way too obvious—ah, he jumped… and smacked his head on the ceiling.
"Yeowww!!"
"Yeah, we get it, you can jump. Learn to control it, idiot!"
"Seriously. Chairman was wide open for once…"
He really was. That could've been it. Though honestly, Netero's totally underestimating us. To think he'd actually get caught for even an instant by such a weak feint. And he's not even using his right hand or left leg.
"My turn now. Chairman, shall we?"
"Ho ho ho. Whenever you like."
Alright. Time to see how my physical ability stacks up.
"Hah!!"
I dash in at full speed, focused entirely on the ball. Even if he dodges, I'll just keep chasing it. No feints, no tricks—just raw offense.
But…
"Hm. Not bad, young lady. But so predictable."
As expected, it wasn't enough. My body still can't match his. Tch. Maybe I should use aura after all…
In the end, even with all three of us working together, we couldn't take it. Just when I was about to use my technique, Gon managed to land a hit on his chin—clever, using his shoe to extend his reach! Killua followed up with an attack, opening a chance.
"Now!!"
"Not so fast."
Killua dove for the ball, but Netero simply kicked it away. But we weren't done yet.
"Take this!"
"Oho!"
I smashed in another kick while he was off balance. The ball rolled free—this was it!
"Now!"
"It's mine!!"
We had it!
"…Hmph."
What!? He cloaked his legs in aura—then, in an instant, accelerated past Gon and Killua, snatching the ball back. Totally unfair.
"Consider this a prize for effort."
Some things never change. He's still the same old sore loser, pulling aura out against normal opponents in a game.
Killua gave up then and there, having noticed Netero wasn't even using his right hand or left foot.
"Let's go, Gon."
"Nah, I wanna keep at it."
"I'll keep going too."
…So it's just me he won't invite along, huh? Fine. I don't care. Not at all.
After Killua left, the game resumed, Gon stubbornly trying to force Netero to use his right hand—though he still went for the ball when he thought he had a chance.
"You're not trying to take the ball, young lady?"
"I'm on break. Besides, Gon's changed his goal. I'll just watch and see if he can pull it off. Good luck, Gon!"
"Yeah!"
Such energy. Makes me feel old. And sweaty. Ugh, I need a shower.
"Excuse me, Chairman?"
"Mm? What is it?"
"I've worked up a sweat. Would it be alright if I showered and changed clothes?"
"Hyoh!?"
"Now's my chance!"
Oh! For a split second, Netero left an opening—Gon nearly grabbed the ball! Almost, but not quite. Still, why did he slip like that? Was it just because I suddenly spoke up?
"Dangerous, dangerous. Tell me—was that deliberate?"
"Hm?"
"(She's a natural… and what a cleavage.) Ahem. No, I don't mind. Just be quick about it."
"Thank you very much!"
Perfect. Even if I'll just get sweaty again, I can't stand being sticky like this. Good thing I brought a change of clothes. During the exam I can endure it, but if there's a chance, why not?
Phew… much better. Nice and refreshed. Now then—how's Gon doing?
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Gon, how's it going?"
"..."
…No response. That focus is unbelievable. He didn't even notice me speaking, his eyes locked solely on Netero. He really does have amazing talent. Right now, Killua stands ahead of him, but when it comes to potential, he's not inferior in the slightest. With time, he'll reach heights far beyond anything I ever managed in my past life. Both of them will.
…Honestly, I'm a little jealous.
Three hours after I returned, Gon finally managed to force Netero to use his right hand. His original goal had shifted along the way, but he'd achieved what he set out to do. Content, Gon fell asleep right there. Congratulations, Gon. Rest well.
"Well then, young lady. Still planning to challenge me?"
"Of course. This is where the real match begins."
"Oho? I look forward to it, then."
Alright, time to go for the win.
I strolled casually right up to Netero. As expected, he made no move—he never does until the opponent takes action.
Heh. That's your blind spot. Here I come, Netero—Kazama Style Secret Technique: Willow Leaf Shaking!
"!?"
Caught off guard by the sudden footwork, Netero left an opening. I immediately slipped into his blind spot, circling behind. He reacted instantly, but it was too late! He'd kept up his training, sure, but his arrogance betrayed him this time.
I seized his arm mid-turn—Jū (Softness)! Netero spun half a turn in the air! Before he could recover, I drove a penetrating palm strike into his exposed ribs. Don't worry, Netero. I'll hold back so you only spend three days in bed! (…completely forgetting the actual ball game objective.)
Take this!!
…What was I even thinking in that moment? It must've been the thrill of facing Netero again after so long, the old blood boiling. I lost myself and blasted far too much aura at him. And because of that—
◆
"Well then, young lady. Still planning to challenge me?"
"Of course. This is where the real match begins."
"Oho? I look forward to it, then."
Hmph. She's not giving up, eh? Her movements so far have been promising, but her lack of experience still shows. With the right training, though, she could grow into something extraordinary. Truly, this year's rookies are a bumper crop.
Now she's just… walking straight up to me? No feints? No tricks? What's she plotting?
"!?"
Th–this technique!? Curved Step? No… no, that's not it! That's Kazama Style Secret Technique: Willow Leaf Shaking!
The secret footwork my old friend Ryūshō favored! He once told me he didn't master it until after he turned sixty—and yet this girl is using it!?
No! She's behind me! The ball—wait, that's Jū (Softness)! Of course, if she can use Willow Leaf Shaking, Kazama Style grappling should come naturally to her. But at this rate, she really might steal the ball!
Wh—hold on! Why is she attacking me!? The ball, girl, the ball! And this technique—penetrating palm!? One of Ryūshō's signature arts! A strike that damages from the inside rather than the outside! The last time I took that, I couldn't eat solid food for three days!
Ball? Did she mistake "ball" for life!?
Urgh! She's not radiating aura outward, but I can feel it—the battle aura pouring off her! This is exactly like Ryūshō himself!!
—100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva!!!
…Oh no. I actually used it. Instinctively unleashed 100-Type Guanyin!
That aura—it brought back memories of fighting Ryūshō and I… I just reacted! And now the poor girl's been slammed into the airship wall, lying motionless. D–did I… overdo it?
Brrring… Brrring…
A call? Now!?
"Yes, it's me… ah, that shock just now? Yes, a little mishap on my end. …What's that? No, the ship isn't in danger? I see. Then… could you fly a lot more slowly? …Yes, even if it means arriving late. Thank you."
Phew. That should buy some time.
But… what do I do about her?
"ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL ME!?"
"Gwahhh!?"
Wha—!? A blow to my back out of nowhere!?
"What on earth do you think you're doing to an innocent examinee!? For a moment I seriously thought I was dead!!"
"Y–you're alive!?"
Alive!? She survived that? Wait… now that I think about it, her aura flow never actually vanished. I was so rattled I missed it. Thank goodness—but how!?
"How did you defend against that?"
"How? Obviously… that's a company secret."
What "company" are you working for, girl!?
No doubt now. She's a Nen user. That perfectly clean aura flow—that's impossible for someone untrained. Even if they can't consciously use Nen, there are always distortions. She has none. Which means—she's controlling it deliberately.
So she blocked my strike with some Nen ability…
"Young lady. You can use it, can't you?"
"…I have no idea what you're talking about."
Trying to play dumb, is she?
"Now really, that excuse won't—"
"Owwww, ugh, my body's a wreck…! I'll never make it through the next trial like this, so if you'll excuse me, I'll be resting!! Bye!!"
Wh—she ran away!
I could chase her, but after injuring her like that, I can't exactly pressure her further…
Still, those Kazama Style techniques… and the Nen control enough to withstand Hundred-Type Guanyin… She's like Ryūshō reborn. And that strike, Penetrating Palm—Ryūshō only ever entrusted that to his top disciple, Riina. Did Riina teach her? I'll have to ask later.
…Reborn, huh? Funny, where have I heard that before?
…Ah, blast. Since I used my hand—technically I lose the game, don't I?
…Well, it wasn't a hand, it was Nen. And she didn't seem to notice. Better to keep quiet.
◆
I bolted from Netero in a panic. Did I just blow my cover as a Nen user?
Still… my vision actually went white for a second there. If my defenses hadn't kicked in at the last instant, I'd be dead right now. Damn that old man! Who uses Hundred-Type Guanyin in a game!?
…Then again, I did almost smack him with Penetrating Palm, so maybe we're both at fault. Call it… youthful recklessness.
Hmm. Painful, but nothing broken. If I hadn't managed to combine Ken with total body relaxation to absorb the shock, I'd be in far worse shape.
Netero, you old bastard… one day I'll pay you back double for this pain!
---
Note: This Netero is slightly stronger than in the original story.
Tonpa's Nen Ability : [Absolute Ruler of the Miniature Garden]
Category: Specialist
This is Tonpa's Nen ability, usable only inside the Hunter Exam venue during the exam itself. While active, he becomes truly tough, invincible, the strongest! (all attacks and Nen abilities are nullified). If he is serving as an examiner, he can also freely place traps within his assigned test, and he has the ability to observe and monitor everything that happens inside the exam site.
Restrictions
While this ability is active, he cannot directly attack others (traps are allowed).
He cannot set traps that directly cause another person's death.
It can only be used during the Hunter Exam and within the exam venue.
The ability to observe what happens in the exam site lasts only until the end of the Final Phase. Furthermore, any information gained through observation may not be shared with others.
Vow
If he conveys to others any information gained from observation, he will lose the ability to become an Examiner for the next three years (in other words, for three years he will not even desire to become one).