Right after the start, I dashed into the forest at full speed. I made sure to move as fast as possible while leaving the least trace behind. Of course, it was to get away from Hisoka as quickly as I could. That guy starts just two minutes after me. The last thing I want is to run into him again.
…Or should I just take his plate here and make him fail the exam…? No, even if I take his plate, he'll just get another from other examinees. Hisoka would easily gather six points' worth of plates. Then should I injure him badly enough that he can't fight? …But if he gets killed by another examinee after that, I'd feel guilty. Well, maybe the world would be better off with Hisoka dead.
I don't know exactly where I am now, but at least I should be far enough from Hisoka. The next step is to find other examinees. En… I shouldn't use it too much. It consumes aura continuously, after all. I'll stay in Zetsu whenever possible unless there's an emergency. That way, I can conserve aura and also make it harder to be noticed—whether I'm attacking or escaping.
I continued searching for about two hours while suppressing my presence with Zetsu. Still, no examinees in sight. Well, that's to be expected. I moved quite far in one go, so the chances of anyone being around here are slim.
Should I use En to search? …No, that would be bad. My aura consumption is already heavy; using En would drain it even faster. That's the inconvenient part of Angel's Veil and Boss Attribute. Besides, this forest is unfavorable for En. There are too many places to hide. En can't pass through objects—cover yourself with something and you're outside its detection range.
Of course, if something is blatantly out of place, I'd notice, but in this forest, anyone who hides in bushes or covers themselves with leaves and branches would be hard to find.
With my En reaching up to one kilometer, I could easily find anyone moving around normally. But the drawback—constant aura drain—is just too costly. I should stick to Zetsu. En is my last resort.
Still… I can't shake the feeling that someone's been watching me for a while…
…Just my imagination? I don't sense anything. Even without En, I can pick up presences within a certain range. Only small animals are around.
That gaze I felt earlier… seems gone. Probably just my imagination. I don't mean to brag, but I'm confident in my detection skills. Within a few hundred meters at least, there's definitely no one. Did I mistake a small animal's aura for a human's? Could I be getting rusty…?
Well, whatever. Let's focus back on finding other examinees.
Three examinees down, plates acquired!
Now I just need to make sure no one steals them before the exam ends. Whew. Two full days of moving nonstop has made me a bit sweaty.
I recall spotting a spring earlier. I'll go wash up there and rinse off the sweat.
…No human presence nearby. Looks safe. It wouldn't be a huge problem if someone saw, but it's still embarrassing to be naked, regardless of male or female. Mom would probably scold me, saying a woman shouldn't bare her skin carelessly.
Mom… I still haven't even visited your real grave. Someday, I'll find it for sure. And I'll report to you: "I'm doing well."
Haa… the cold water feels so good on my heated body.
Might as well wash my clothes too while I'm at it. Otherwise they'll start to smell— …a gaze!?
Who's there!? About fifty meters away. I didn't notice until now? They must be highly skilled!
Tch! They noticed that I noticed them… their presence completely vanished. They've probably already withdrawn.
Was that an examinee…? No, that felt way too strong for an ordinary one.
Either way, I should get out of here.
◆
"Is it really true that the Chairman himself will be taking part?"
"Indeed. I'll be the one monitoring examinee number 401."
"B-but—"
"This is a final decision. No objections allowed."
"U-understood."
In the fourth exam, each examinee is shadowed by a monitor. The purpose is to observe how they act and check for various qualities and abilities.
I'll make use of this. By following examinee 401—young Aisha—I may confirm whether she is Ryushou's reincarnation.
If she really is Ryushou reborn, then I have a mountain of things I want to say to her. I'll see for myself, without doubt!
…Dying and running away with victory? I won't allow it.
Ah, but first I need to inform the others.
"To all Hunters tailing examinees: if you detect signal 401 within 500 meters of your charge, you are to immediately retreat. This is a strict order."
I must proceed under the assumption that Aisha is indeed Ryushou. Even if my own tailing goes unnoticed, if she notices another examiner shadowing someone else, it'll ruin everything.
The possibility she might catch on to my presence is high.
Well, the examinees have all departed. Time for me to go too.
I'll camouflage myself with cloth and branches. A countermeasure against En. Ryushou's En once spanned 500 meters in radius.
The transmitter hidden in Aisha's plate makes it easy to track her location. …She's already gone quite far. I'll speed up.
And so, I slipped into the forest after Aisha.
I followed the transmitter in her plate, but… impossible. I can't get any closer.
If I close the distance any further, Aisha will definitely notice. Her detection range is absurdly wide! Just moving slightly closer earlier almost gave me away!
This only makes me believe even more—she must be Ryushou. Who else could sense me at this range, even when I'm in Zetsu? Not just average fighters—even top-tier experts wouldn't detect me like this. And I've been careful not to let my gaze fall directly on her.
And that Zetsu of hers! Without the transmitter, finding her would be nearly impossible. Does she not even consider how hard this makes it for those tailing her!?
Good thing I released a few small animals toward her earlier. That seems to have convinced her it was just them.
She's moving again. I'll keep this distance and follow, but damn, this is nerve-racking…
Looks like she's found another examinee.
The opponent… no good. Too weak. It's no surprise they didn't notice her, but even so, far too weak. Aisha will defeat them without even showing a fraction of her real power.
See? In an instant, she dashed in and chopped their neck, knocking them out cold. Didn't even need to use Kazama-ryu. Pathetic. At least struggle a little.
Well, it's fine. I've already confirmed her strength. After all, she even showed Tornado Drop. It was captured perfectly on camera.
I never thought I'd sympathize with Hisoka. Amazing he survived after taking that head-on. Come to think of it… Ryushou once used that killing move against me too, didn't he?
…That bastard.
Not that I'm any better, using 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva.
Oh, I shouldn't get lost in memories. Aisha is moving again. When will she slip up, I wonder?
In just two days she gathered all the plates she needed with ease. The examinees who fell to her… pitiful. The gap in ability is just too wide.
She's been moving nonstop with no signs of fatigue. Her stamina and physical ability far surpass Ryushou's. At her age, there's still plenty of room to grow… Technical mastery like Ryushou's, combined with extraordinary natural ability? What kind of joke is this?
The biggest reason I beat Ryushou was his physical limits. His toughness, reflexes, visual acuity—better than average, sure, but still below true masters.
He compensated with his deep foresight, overwhelming aura reserves, and world-class aura techniques. Nobody could read his moves from his aura flow. His speed with Flow was unbelievable—even fast enough to react to my 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva.
And yet, once I used 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, victory was mine. No matter his foresight, his aura, his skill—take unavoidable blows long enough, and he'd fall. Especially with his endurance.
…Even so, he lasted through twelve strikes. That was incredible. If I had let my guard down for even a moment, I'd have been the one defeated.
If Aisha really is Ryushou… then Ryushou's greatest weakness is gone?
No, no—what kind of joke is that? She took 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva and came away with only scratches? Are you kidding me?
…Kuhuhu. How interesting. Lately, life's been dull, with no real challenge.
And now, someone who can withstand my full strength has returned, even stronger. What could be better? Even if Aisha isn't Ryushou, she's still a formidable fighter.
This throbbing excitement inside me… I can only hope she'll satisfy it.
Hm? Not good! She's sharpening her senses, alert to her surroundings. Did she discover me? I need to pull back immediately!
…No, seems not. Whew, that startled me—wha!? C-could it be!?
K-Kannon-sama…!!
Oho! At age thirteen, such a full, ample chest! Truly the symbol of motherly embrace! At this age, there's still room for growth!
A waistline neither too thin nor too thick, accentuating her bust and hips—the true marks of womanly allure!
That peach-like firmness and softness of her round hips, practically begging to be bitten into!
What a figure! A perfectly sculpted balance of trained physique and feminine beauty—art in its purest form!
And that flowing black hair, wet and shining like a crow's feather against her pale skin—truly the crystallization of beauty itself!
Hoh, hoh. Below, still bare—age appropriate, I suppose. The tip, a delicate cherry pink—hm!? Damn it! She's gone to fetch her clothes! The trees are in the way, I can't see well!
Get back here already!
—! Oh no, she noticed! I got too excited and leaked my presence!?
Damn it! My identity isn't blown yet. Regretful, but I must retreat!
There are still five days left! Another chance for a water bath will come!
I swear, I'll witness Aisha's full splendor!!
◆
It's been four days since I first felt that gaze. Less than twenty-four hours remain now. I've been even more cautious since then, keeping my guard up, but I haven't sensed that gaze or that presence again. Well, I did feel the presence of a few other people who were probably examinees, but it wasn't the same as the one who was watching me.
That one was on a different level. That stealth… if I'm not mistaken, it was on par with Netero or myself. It sounds conceited, but I honestly didn't think there would be someone of that caliber in the Hunter Exam.
Was it Needle-Face guy? No… if it were Hisoka, he wouldn't have just run off once spotted.
Then maybe an examiner? Either way, I don't know why I was being watched.
I can make some guesses though.
In any case, it's very possible that they're still watching or tailing me without me noticing. Thanks to that, I haven't been able to properly relax at all. I haven't even bathed once in these four days…
More than that though… I'm sleepy! Honestly, I've barely slept at all.
If I fall into deep sleep, there's no guarantee that observer won't suddenly turn into an attacker. Even though I can usually sense presences while sleeping, that one was different. I can't be confident against someone like that.
…Well, never mind. I'll pull myself together and make it through the remaining time. I can sleep soundly once the exam is over. Failing here would make all this time go to waste.
Don't drop my guard until the end—hm? A presence. Multiple people… three of them.
They seem to be searching around. Probably looking for examinees. But the fact there are three together… are they cooperating? If so, that's impressive. Being able to form an alliance in this survival test shows strong judgment and rationality.
Let's see… oh, it's Gon and the others!
It's Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika. Yeah, those three could definitely work together.
Nice… that's what you call friends. Comrades.
I envy that…
…Maybe I should call out to them. Seeing them made me feel lonely all of a sudden.
Yeah. And while I'm at it, I'll give them a little scare. Just a harmless prank, right?
I suppress my presence and move onto a branch right above them. Looks like they haven't noticed. From here, I'll jump down in one go…
"Boo!!"
"Uwaaahhh!?"
"Kh!?"
"Shit—!?"
Oh wow, bigger reaction than I expected. But they were properly cautious; they immediately shifted into fighting stances.
…Maybe I overdid it a little?
"Ahh, I'm so sorry! It's me, Aisha!"
"…Geez, Aisha!? Don't scare us like that, I thought you were an enemy!"
"Whew… seriously. You got that close and I didn't notice at all."
"…You two are too carefree. We don't even know if Aisha is an ally. She could have come to steal our plates."
Oof. Leorio and Gon seem willing to just laugh it off, but Kurapika is suspicious.
Well, in this exam, that's the natural response.
"I really am sorry. I just happened to see you all while passing by and couldn't resist… I already have six points' worth of plates, so I don't need any more."
"Come on, Kurapika, don't be so suspicious. Aisha wouldn't do something dirty like a sneak attack, right?"
…Ugh, these plates I collected were from sneak attacks..., but… sneak attack and trickery are different things, right?
"It's fine, Kurapika. If Aisha wanted to attack, she could have done it back at the start."
"…You're right. Sorry, Aisha. I guess I was a bit too on edge."
"No, don't apologize. This is an exam after all. And if you want to be a professional Hunter, caution is necessary. Your reaction just now was perfectly appropriate."
"…I see. Hearing you say that helps."
"Hey now, you make it sound like we're the ones being reckless~"
"Leorio. Adding 'we' to that includes Gon, you know?"
"The hell did you say!?"
Gon and I laugh at Leorio and Kurapika's banter. Then even they crack smiles.
Ahh, it's nice. I really do admire this kind of bond.
"By the way, have you three gathered your plates? …I thought you were out searching for examinees just now."
"…That's the thing."
"Leorio and I already have enough to pass. The problem is…"
"Yeah… my plate…"
"Right. Gon's three-point plate. We can't find the examinee holding his target number."
"We managed to meet up and form a cooperation pact. Then we got lucky and were able to take plates from our targets. But…"
I see, that explains it.
Still… Kurapika really is kind.
The other two probably haven't even thought about it, but Kurapika must have at least considered, even if briefly, the idea of taking my plate. When I said I didn't need any more, that made me not an enemy—but the truth is, they do still need plates.
By logic, that would make me their enemy. Kurapika surely arrived at that conclusion.
But he didn't act on it. That alone shows how kind he is.
"I see… so, which number is Gon looking for?"
"Number 90."
Huh? …Number 90? Could it be…
I search the hidden pocket of my backpack. I pull out four plates. One of them has "90" written on it. …Oh wow.
"Um… I actually have that plate."
"What!?"
"See?"
I hold out the plate. The three of them stare intently at it.
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
Silence fills the air. Sure, I grabbed this from some random examinee I found, but it's definitely someone's three-point plate. And it just happens to be Gon's…
What should I do? Giving it to him would be simple, but I know for sure Gon won't accept it. That's just the kind of kid he is.
But at this point, it's nearly impossible for them to collect three plates in less than twenty-four hours.
And handing it over normally… yeah, he'd never take it.
That's it! Maybe this could work. Sorry Gon, but…
I'll challenge him to a match. If Gon wins, I'll give him the plate. If I win, he has to do whatever I say once.
Then, after winning, I can order him to accept the plate. Losing on purpose would just insult his pride.
Even if he feels indebted to me, at least this way I can get the plate into his hands. I won't be able to pass if I give it up, but unlike Gon, I only need to get one plate. I'll manage.
That's the only way.
"Gon. How about a match?"
"Eh? A match?"
"Yes. If you win, this plate is yours."
"Ehh!? No way, that's not right!"
…Wait, don't act like you've already won!
"And if you win, Aisha? You don't need plates anymore, right?"
"If I win, then… you'll have to obey one command from me. I think that's a fair trade."
"I see… and what would the contest be?"
"Kurapika! I'm not agreeing to—"
"Calm down, Gon. What other way is there? If you want to pass, you'll have to accept."
"But…"
"(Listen. If we take this plate, then Aisha only needs one more. If we help, she'll easily get it.)"
"(But what if she can't—?)"
"(It's still the most efficient way for all of us to pass. Four of us together can get one plate easily.)"
"(Four of us… yeah, you're right.)"
Hm? Looks like their discussion's over.
"Alright, Aisha. I'll accept the match."
"You serious!? Then Aisha'll—!"
"(Shut up, you Baka-rio! Listen…)"
"(Who're you calling Baka-rio, damn it!? Fine, what?)"
…Those two really are close.
"So you'll accept? Then since I chose the stakes, you can decide the contest."
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Anything at all?"
"Yes. I don't mind."
I really don't! Whether I win or lose doesn't matter. Though since it's a contest, I don't plan to throw it.
"Then… there's a spring nearby with fish in it. Let's settle it with fishing."
"Fishing? Got it—… wait, what did you say?"
"Fishing. Oh, and let's set a time limit. Ten minutes from now. Whoever catches the most fish wins. Leorio, time it."
"Fishing?"
"Yeah."
"Fish?"
"Yeah."
"With rods?"
"Yeah."
"Not hands?"
"Rods."
"Not feet?"
"Rods."
"Our own rods?"
"Yeah."
"Time?"
"Ten minutes."
…There's a demon among us.
"It's already started, you better hurry or you'll run out of time. Leorio, how much left?"
"Uh, nine minutes fifteen seconds (damn, that's ruthless)."
"Haha… (this is terrible)."
"Waaahhh! Gon, you idiot!!"
"Yes! First catch!"
Behind me as I'm making my rod from scratch, I hear Gon's excited shout…
Ten minutes later, the plate rightfully belonged to Gon.
Hmph, everything went according to plan!
So I'm not frustrated… not at all…!
◆
"Sorry, Aisha. For really taking the plate from you."
"N-no, it's fine. That was the result of the match. And I was the one who suggested it in the first place. I have no intention of complaining."
"…Honestly, I feel like I should complain."
"Me too…"
Maybe I was a little unfair? But still, I couldn't imagine myself winning in a fight against Aisha.
How should I put it… She doesn't give off the fear or thrill that Hisoka does, but somehow she feels untouchable. Like, even before the fight starts, she makes you imagine yourself losing… Aisha really is amazing.
I need to get stronger too. Otherwise, there's no way I'll ever be able to meet Ging.
"Well, what's done is done. More importantly, Aisha. It might be late to bring this up, but… why don't you cooperate with us? You only need one more point's worth of plates, right? If the four of us work together, the chances of getting it will be much higher."
"Yeah, Aisha! Let us help you!"
"Of course. There's no way we can just part ways now."
"…Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Then… I look forward to working with you."
Wow… what a bright smile. Leorio's practically drooling just from seeing it. Maybe Aisha hasn't really talked with people much before. Every time she talks with us, she looks so happy.
For me too, talking with friends like this is really fun. On Whale Island, I didn't have anyone my age. …Well, Leorio's a bit older. But if Killua were here, it'd be even more fun. I wonder what he's doing right now? Knowing Killua, he's probably fine.
…No, focus. For Aisha's sake too, we need to hurry and find another examinee.
◆
Less than twenty hours remain.
This is the real test. Even if you've gathered six points' worth of plates, it means nothing if you can't hold onto them until the exam ends. At this point, any examinee who still hasn't reached the passing mark will be desperate to steal them.
I can't allow that. I'll pass the Hunter Exam and become a Magical Beast Hunter. There's no way I'd come this far only to quit now.
I erase my presence, but stay on full alert. …No telling where someone aiming for me might—Enemy!
I sense them and spin around: a tall man wearing sunglasses.
Too careless! You couldn't fully hide your presence!
I draw an arrow on my ready bow in an instant—!
Presence behind me too!
Damn, two of them!? At this rate—someone from the right as well!?
Three!?
Wait—! In my panic, someone taps me on the shoulder. I turn around in a hurry and there—!
A fourth attacker, looking apologetic. Four against one… ha, you've gotta be kidding me.
Then a heavy blow strikes the back of my head, and my consciousness fades instantly…
—
Examinee No. 54, Pokkle. Plate lost. As a result, he failed this year's exam. Unlike the original history, he would not pass until two years later, when he finally became a professional Hunter
—