…Ah, a dream, huh.
What a nostalgic dream. Since then… yes, since that final decisive battle with Netero—how much time has passed? Wasn't it already over a hundred years ago? When you live so long, the small details fade, but that one still remains vivid inside me.
I must be about 120 years old now. About the same age Netero was then? Including my previous life, I've lived over 250 years. …I think I've lived a little too long. When you live this long you endure countless farewells. Being left behind by everyone really is lonely.
Netero died after that fight, despite all treatment. I suppose you could say I killed him, but it was the consequence of battle. I felt sorrow, but I had no regrets.
That man—he passed with such a peaceful look. As if satisfied, as if there was nothing left unsaid. At the time I was angry: how could he leave with such a face without knowing how I felt? But when I thought that maybe Netero had felt the same when I (Ryushou) died, my anger vanished.
Only loneliness remained.
Riina stayed with Biscuit for a while. She probably wanted to be a support for her since her master had died and she was depressed. After that she devoted herself to training disciples. She said she wanted to raise a successor quickly so she could train with me again. What a troublesome child. Still, she was my proud pupil. When she died, everyone mourned. Many disciples and acquaintances—and even world-famous people—came to her funeral.
Biscuit traveled with Riina for a while after Netero's death, and once she'd moved on she lived in her own way. She flew around the world collecting her beloved gems. I don't know how she met her end. One day I simply stopped seeing her face. Did she die somewhere? I searched, but she was never found.
After that I did many things. I went to Greed Island, fought those ant monsters, and even stepped into the outside world. Maybe because I was always doing rough work, by the time I turned fifty in this body my spirit was exhausted, so I left that life behind.
With nothing else to do, I used my personal wealth to run an orphanage. I only know martial arts, but I thought that even a little help would be worthwhile.
With help from many people, I somehow got the orphanage on its feet.
Leorio-san in particular helped so many children.
After passing the Hunter Exam, Leorio became a fine doctor. I admired how he never spared effort to help others.
Leorio-san came to the orphanage regularly for checkups. Even though he was busy traveling the world, he continued to help people without regard for his own health. He never took a single coin from patients who couldn't pay. Not only that—he donated large sums to charities including orphanages, and lived very modestly himself.
Maybe because of that, he often came to eat my cooking. I told him, "Isn't it backwards to eat at the orphanage you donate to?" but he only gave a wry smile.
Gon managed to find his father. It seemed he had a hard time, but Gon was so happy when he reported that he'd found him. He developed his overflowing talent and in the Hunter Association he shared the title of the strongest with Killua.
He and Killua remained like best friends, always traveling the world together. Since those two departed for the outside world I haven't heard from them. But even if they died out there, I think they'd be content.
Kurapika, after taking revenge on the Spiders, devoted himself to rebuilding his clan.
He had been the last of the Kurta, but near his homeland he found a woman who carried Kurta blood. Because she was mixed, her eyes wouldn't turn scarlet, but from her grandfather's will and DNA tests it was found she had Kurta ancestry.
Kurapika married that woman. I thought it would be a marriage without much love, but surprisingly they were affectionate, surrounded by fourteen children and fifty-one grandchildren. He even meddled, saying, "Why don't you get married already?"
…Maybe the reason I'm remembering the past like this is because I sense my death approaching. I don't have much time left. It can't be helped—I lived a good life.
The orphanage is entrusted to trustworthy people. My rivals, disciples, companions—all gone. I have no regrets. I feel sorry for the children I'm leaving behind, but this is nature's way. Everyone walks this path someday. I hope they grow into adults through this experience.
If there is an afterlife, will I meet everyone again? If so, I'd like to fight once more—Netero of course, and Gon and Killua too.
I wonder if Riina and Biscuit are getting along. There's a secret technique I failed to pass on to Riina; I'll teach her that.
I'll tell Leorio-san how fine the children he helped have become. He'll surely be pleased.
Is Kurapika with his wife? If so, I hope he doesn't flaunt it too much.
Ah—looks like my time is coming.
My consciousness… is fading…
Yes, I had a long life, many things happened, but… I suppose I was satisfied.
…Well then—good, ni—ght—
――――――――
――――
――…such a dream.
No, no—what do you mean satisfied? True, the duel with Netero was satisfying, but that doesn't mean I achieved my life's goal of becoming a man again and then losing my virginity. Don't go dying on me, self.
Also, dreaming inside a dream—how skillful. What kind of dream was that? A prophetic dream or something? It felt so real. Netero dying like that is such an ill omen.
…Netero!? Right, how much time has passed since that fight? Where am I? Why am I lying down!? What if that was a prophetic dream!? Thinking that, I couldn't stay still—I bolted upright—
"～～～～～～～!!"
Gyaaaaaaaaa!! It hurts! My whole body aches! I can't even make a sound!
"U-ugh…"
Ah—tears are coming. Damn you, Netero, you beat me up good. What are you doing to an innocent girl?
…If you only heard that line, he'd sound like some kind of sexual offender.
Phew. Calm down.
This looks like a hospital, I think—the room feels like one. Riina and Biscuit must've carried me to a hospital after that. Anyway, first I need to figure out my condition. How's my body…
…No missing limbs or fingers. The nerves seem fine. Bones—so many broken it's ridiculous to count. My whole body is wrapped in casts and bandages. A mummy woman. But some are starting to heal.
My internal organs are badly damaged. A few were near rupture. Internal bleeding and abrasions—I can't tell. They're under the casts, and I can't feel them. Maybe they've healed naturally?
Judging from the healing and how hungry I feel, I must have been asleep for quite a while.
If this is a hospital room, there should be a call button. I have to get someone. It seems the IV came out when I sat up earlier.
Just then, I sense someone outside the room. That aura—Riina? How convenient.
"Master, excuse me—!?"
"Riina. I'm glad you came."
Riina looks at me in astonishment, then her face breaks into joy. This girl is so easy to read.
"Master! You've woken up!!"
"Yes, just now. …By the way, where is this? How much time has passed since then?"
"Yes. This is a hospital near the exam grounds. Master, you've been asleep for a whole week since that duel."
A week? I overslept. But more important—Netero! What happened to him? Is he alive, or…!?
"What about Netero? How is he? Is he hospitalized here too?"
"Chairman Netero is already—"
――! …I can tell from Riina's expression what comes next.
I see… Don't just die on me, you idiot…
"He discharged himself against orders."
"…Huh?"
Wait, what is this girl saying? Huh? He's not dead?
"Yeah. Let's tell Bisky that Masters awake! She was very worried about you. …Well, shall I let the chairman know too? He was concerned as well, that one."
"No, no, no—wait."
"Yes? Oh—so you think it'd be better not to tell the chairman?"
"No! I mean—Netero's alive!?"
"Yes, of course. I can't say he's spry, but he woke up about two days ago."
What the—! Return my sorrow to me! That teasing tone and expression—this girl!
Ignoring my inner rant, Riina says she'll contact Biscuit and leaves.
Phew. So he's alive. That's a relief. I don't want that dream to come true.
Feeling relieved, I'm suddenly hit by a physiological urge… My right leg won't move, left leg won't move, right arm and left arm too.
Oh no.
No—don't give up! If you give up now it's over! I absolutely refuse to wet myself at this age!
…Even though someone changed my diaper when I was mentally a hundred-plus years old! But that was for babies so it doesn't count! I refuse to be the one who soils herself when I'm physically able!
I'll strengthen my whole body with aura and crawl to the toilet if I have to!
Conclusion: I preserved my dignity. But after I left the bathroom I was found writhing in pain by Riina and Biscuit and scolded.
I also learned that while I was asleep, not only the nurses but Riina and Biscuit had taken care of my every need.
…Please kill me.
"Anyway, what matters is that you're safe."
"..."
"Master, you're still not healed, so you mustn't do anything reckless."
"..."
"That geezer Netero's insides were in worse shape than Aisha's, and nearly all of his ribs were shattered, but since his limbs were intact, he slipped out on his own. Honestly, what a troublesome man."
"..."
"Indeed. I already reported that you've awakened, so he'll probably come to visit soon."
"..."
"Come on, it can't be helped. You've been asleep all this time. Enough sulking already."
"...You two can't possibly understand how it feels for me—being taken care of down there by a disciple and her best friend, both far younger than me."
If only this body were that of an old man, I could accept it. Ahh, I want to go back to being Ryushou. I desperately want to.
"A-Anyway, Master! Good work on the duel!"
"Y-Yes, really! You did so well. I'm grateful to have witnessed such a battle!"
It's obvious they're trying to change the subject… sigh, I suppose that's fine. Complaining when they've cared for me all this time would just be ungrateful.
"Yes. I too am glad I was able to fight Netero to the very end. Next time I must train harder so that I won't lose."
"What are you saying, Master? In that duel, the victor was you."
Haha, it's sweet of my disciple to think that, but to call that a victory—
"No, no, what are you saying, Riina? Obviously that geezer won. Aisha ended up more seriously injured."
…Huh? The atmosphere suddenly feels off.
"Bisky, what are you talking about? If it hadn't been for your [Magical Esthetician], that old bastard would have died from aura exhaustion. By comparison, Master recovered with only ordinary medical treatment. The difference is plain."
R-Riina-san? Why is your aura flaring up?
"It was just a precaution. I used it on Aisha too, but she nullified it. You can't just decide that means the geezer lost, right? It's obvious who dealt more damage overall."
Bisky-san? Is there really a need to start Ren here of all places?
"…Come to think of it, it's been a long time since we had a proper duel, hasn't it?"
"…True. We sparred, sure, but not a real duel."
"If I recall, I was leading—126 wins to 102 losses?"
"That includes the times I wasn't serious, doesn't it? In real duels, we're about even."
"About, yes."
"…Bring it on."
…Mm, it's fine. Their words sound harsh, but their auras don't carry hostility. This is just proof of how close they are. Still, I should rein them in before they really start fighting.
"You two, I get that you're close, but calm down. This is a hospital."
"S-Sorry, Master."
"Ah, my bad. Got a bit carried away."
Good, as long as they understand.
Anyway, there's something important I need to ask.
"By the way, what became of the Hunter Exam? Did I get a license?"
I wonder if Gon and the others passed. I hope they did.
If they say it was a draw for me and I don't get a license, that would be annoying. I don't want to take the exam again next year. But I do want the license—it's so useful. You can access underground information you'd never find on the normal internet. It might even help me get Greed Island.
"Don't worry, Master. Your Hunter License has been properly issued. You're a Pro Hunter now, just like me."
"Congratulations, Aisha. As your senior in this line, if you want to ask anything, I'll teach you."
"Thank you both. …Wait, Riina, you're a Pro Hunter?"
"Yes. I thought a license would be useful for finding the Black Book."
I see. But even with a license, she still hasn't found it. If no info has surfaced, then perhaps it isn't owned by a collector after all? Collectors usually like to boast and show off. Word would leak. You can't silence every tongue.
Ugh… whoever has my black history… once I find it, I'll burn it!
"I already contacted Beans. He'll bring your license when you're discharged."
So at discharge, huh. They must've decided not to hand a license to a bedridden patient. Fair enough. Still, I want to leave soon. I want to see Gon and the others. Should've asked for their phone numbers.
"Pardon the intrusion, Aisha."
Hm? Netero? So he really did survive. Good, good. His body looks like it's recovered too.
"You're looking well, Netero."
"You too. Honestly, I'm amazed you survived after taking Zero."
"Survived? Barely. I never want to go through that again."
Really though. If I ever fight Netero again, that move should be forbidden.
"Rest easy. I don't intend to use that lightly. If not for Biscuit, I'd be dead. …And if I die, I can't fight you again."
"No, you might still fight even if you died."
"Don't lump me in with you, fool!"
Fair point. Normally, reincarnation doesn't happen.
"Anyway, Netero, I heard you were discharged. Are your injuries really okay?"
On the surface he looks fine, but most of his wounds were internal. His ribs and organs were worse off than mine.
"Mm, well. Truth is, it took a lot out of me, but at least my limbs are intact. I can still handle my duties as chairman."
"I hope so, but don't push yourself. Internal injuries linger."
"No need to worry. You're worse off than me. Focus on healing yourself. The doctors say six months for a full recovery, but knowing you, a month will do."
Thanks to Netero's final strike, my bones are wrecked. Moving properly will take time. For now, I'll rest while maintaining Ten, Ren, and Zetsu.
"By the way, Master, you mentioned traveling the world. Have you decided where to go? If not, please visit the dojo first."
"I haven't decided yet, but visiting the dojo isn't possible for now."
"Wh-What…!?"
No need to look that crushed.
"I have my own plans. Once I get my license, I'll research my destination."
First stop: Greed Island. The public web is too restricted, but with the Hunter-exclusive sites I should find solid info.
"Plans? What kind of plans?"
"Yes. My plan is, of course—"
Someone audibly gulped.
After a brief pause, I revealed my goal.
"To return to being a man—"
"""—That would be a terrible waste! (waisa・desu・wasa)!!"""
Wow, that was a fast retort!
"W-Why!? I was a man to begin with! What's so wrong about turning back!?"
"What nonsense! Even if you were male before, you reincarnated female. That's destiny!"
"With such an adorable form, it would be a waste to become a man! This time I agree with the chairman!"
"Riina's right! You can live perfectly well as you are—no need to force yourself!"
"Besides, weren't you the one who said: 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do'—about being born and raised as a girl!?"
Ugh!? To have all of them gang up on me like this is cruel! Damn it! I won't lose! I'll absolutely turn back into a man!
First, I need to get discharged. Should've developed a healing ability as an Enhancer, sigh.
And so, I was discharged.
It took nearly three weeks for all those shattered bones to heal. The doctors muttered things like "Monster?"—how rude. Say that to Netero instead.
That old man's been buried in Hunter Association work. After taking a week off, his duties piled up, and thanks to the vice-chairman, they've increased even more. He hasn't shown his face since.
Riina returned to the dojo. She really resisted leaving me behind, but Biscuit dragged her back by force. Well, she couldn't stay away forever. Tonpa-san's probably waiting. …Though maybe he'd prefer Riina not to come back.
When we parted, all three of them sternly forbade me from undergoing gender reassignment. They even warned the doctors here not to allow it. At this rate, they might inform every surgeon worldwide. Terrifying.
But too bad for them! My method of turning male isn't surgery! Surgery might change appearances, but it can't make me fully male. Well, from what I researched, you can do the act, but…
Anyway, what I seek is a complete return to being a man. Time to pack my things and leave this hospital. And just then, Beans arrived with my license.
"Sorry to trouble you, coming all the way here."
"Not at all. The chairman was indebted to you… though, truly, I apologize for all the trouble. We'll cover all your treatment and hospitalization fees."
Eh? That feels wrong. We both ended up hospitalized.
"No need, it was mutual."
"It's fine. The money is from the chairman's personal funds."
…Beans, is that really okay? As his secretary, maybe it is—at least he's not dipping into Association funds.
"I-I see. Then I'll accept it."
"Please do. Now, let me explain about the Hunter License."
—Beans explains—
"…That's all. You are now officially recognized as a Pro Hunter. Since you've mastered Nen, you also automatically pass the Hidden Exam."
"Thank you."
So I'm a Pro Hunter now.
But more importantly—I need to ask about Gon and the others.
"Um, Gon… what happened to the other examinees? Who passed, who failed?"
"Ah, the pass list… rather, it's quicker to say who failed. Only one person failed. Apart from that, everyone else—except one who died—passed."
Eh? Only one failed? Then most likely the others passed. But someone died… could it have been one of Gon's group?
"The one who failed was examinee #100, Killua."
"! …Killua failed? Why? With his skill, I can't imagine him failing so easily."
Unless the final exam was a written test, but…
"…He was disqualified for breaking the rules."
"…Please explain in detail."
Rules violation? What did you do, Killua? I don't even know what the final exam was or its rules. Damn! If only I could use my [Original Knowledge]… no, by now this world has diverged too much. That knowledge may not help.
For now, I'll focus on Beans's explanation.
◆
"Now then, we'll begin the final exam. I am Knov, and I will serve as examiner for the final test. Pleased to be working with you."
What is the chairman doing, leaving the duty of examiner to Knov-san? Really, the chairman's whims are troubling. Still, for him to entrust the role of examiner to someone else despite having decided on the exam himself—rather unusual for a man who usually delights in handling things personally. Just what happened?
"The final exam will take the form of a one-on-one tournament. These are the matchups."
How devilishly arranged—typical of the chairman.
As expected, everyone looks surprised. Of course they would, with such lopsided pairings. But the chairman's mischief shows not only in the matchups, but also in the rules of the exam.
"The condition for passing the final is simple. Just one win is enough to pass. In other words, this tournament has a system where the winners keep leaving the bracket, and the losers climb upward. …Any questions?"
"So there will only be one failure?"
"Correct."
"Why are the pairings so unfair?"
"The matchups are based on results from the exams up to now. Those with better performance have been given more chances."
"Hold it. Why isn't Aisha—examinee #401—listed in these matchups?"
As expected, someone would ask that. …Ah, explaining this is such a hassle. I only hope everyone will accept it quietly.
"Allow me to explain. Examinee #401, Aisha, was granted a pass before the final exam. Therefore, she is exempt from participation."
At those words, the room erupted with murmurs and shouts of surprise. Well, of course.
"What do you mean? Give us an explanation that makes sense."
…Naturally. …To think I have to make them accept this. Chairman, I'll hold a grudge for this.
After all, everyone here is striving to become a Pro Hunter. The Hunter Exam is infamous for its absurdly low pass rate, with some years not producing even a single licensee. Every examinee longs for that license. For one person to obtain it without even taking the final exam—there's no way they'll accept it easily.
"Quiet, everyone. …Aisha won a game against the chairman, and was therefore deemed to have passed."
"A game? What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Don't ask me. I don't know either. The chairman just said, "Tell them this and it'll be fine." If they'll accept that, then it saves me the trouble—
"Ah! Killua, the game from that time!"
"…No way. You mean Aisha actually stole that ball from the old man?"
…Wait, they really understand it from that? As expected of the chairman. Still, it's his fault I'm struggling now.
"What are you talking about, Gon, Killua?"
"Well, actually—"
…I see. So that's what happened. To use such a game as grounds for passing…
Well, if someone can snatch a ball from the chairman, they're indeed quite skilled. But really, it's his fault for making such a reckless promise. Perhaps this will teach him a little humility. …Not that complaining will help.
"Everyone, I hope you understand now. You may not agree, but the chairman himself made the promise. Aisha's passing is a settled matter."
"Now, back to the tournament. Weapons may be used, there are no fouls, and victory is achieved if the opponent yields defeat. However, if a contestant kills their opponent, they are immediately disqualified. At that point, the remaining participants will automatically pass."
Thanks to Knov-san steering the discussion back, everyone seems to have dropped the matter of Aisha, even if they haven't accepted it.
"Then let the final exam begin. First match: Hanzo versus Kenmi!"
…What splendid ability Hanzo-san has. If he awakens to Nen, he could become a first-rate Pro Hunter. I hope he does his best.
Kenmi-san too is quite skilled—seems to be a practitioner of the Kazama style. But he fell short against Hanzo-san. Still, there will be another chance; perhaps he can still pass.
"Second match: Gon versus Hisoka!"
Ah, this is… the difference in ability is overwhelming. Even with my limited eyes, I can see Gon-san cannot defeat Hisoka-san at this point. He's putting up a brave fight, but it's more accurate to say he's being toyed with.
"Gon. As you are now, you can't beat me♣."
"I know that! But I'll never say 'I give up'!"
"Kukuku… ah, I know. Which is why… I give up♠."
…Eh? Hisoka-san surrendered? Why?
No… actually, in this exam's rules, it may be a clever move. Gon-san seems terribly stubborn. The chance he would honestly admit defeat is low. Rather than wasting time, Hisoka must have judged it better to force the next opponent to yield.
"Huh?"
"I give up. I surrender. You win, congratulations on passing♦."
"W-Why?"
"Because you wouldn't give up, right? Then you'll win your next match too."
As I thought. But that means Bodoro-san, the next opponent, has drawn the short straw.
"There's no way I can accept that!"
"Too bad. …As you are now, you're not even worth fighting. Once you ripen more deliciously, I'll harvest you then♥. Now, go train hard."
With that, he struck Gon-san with a devastating blow! …Looks like Gon-san has fainted. Well, if he's unconscious, he can't object.
"And with that, referee, declare my loss♣."
"Third match: Kenmi versus Kurapika!"
…A close win for Kurapika-san. Kenmi-san's broken arm from Hanzo earlier really hurt him. Without that, Kenmi might have won.
In this tournament, since even losers get another chance, ideally you should yield before taking heavy damage. But realistically, no one who made it this far would surrender easily.
The chairman really does come up with cruel exams.
"Fourth match: Hisoka versus Bodoro!"
Another one-sided match. Bodoro-san hasn't given up, but he has no chance against Hisoka-san. Even so, this shows just how much Hisoka held back against Gon-san. Bodoro-san is being mercilessly beaten.
Hm? Hisoka whispered something to Bodoro, and then Bodoro surrendered. What could he have said?
"Fifth match: Kenmi versus Killua!"
Killua-san immediately forfeited. Saying he didn't feel like fighting and declaring defeat. Did he plan to win in the next round instead?
"Sixth match!—"
"—Wait a moment."
"…Yes?"
"My opponent is in tatters. I'd like him to have some time to rest. Can't you run the next match first?"
"…Leorio-dono."
I see. Leorio-san is a kind-hearted man. If such a person becomes a Hunter, I'd be glad.
"Very well. A little change in order is no problem."
"Leorio-dono, much obliged."
"Don't mention it. But when we do fight, I won't hold back."
"That's exactly how I want it."
"Sixth match: Killua versus Gittarackur!"
"Long time no see, Kill."
"!?"
What!? When Gittarackur removed the needles from his face, his appearance transformed! So he was a Nen user after all—only Nen could explain this phenomenon.
…So Gittarackur is Killua-san's actual brother. Yet, a dark puppet without warmth, who feels joy only in killing. The chairman is said to know the Zoldyck family, and one of them, Zeno-san, apparently claimed that since inheriting the family business, he's never killed outside of work. He seemed fairly human by comparison.
"I want to… be friends with Gon. I'm sick of killing. I want to be friends with Gon, and with Leorio, Kurapika… and Aisha. I want to play together like normal."
"Impossible. For you to have friends—"
"—Don't screw with me!"
"Hm?"
"What are you saying, Killua! You want to be friends with Gon, with us!?"
"Ah…"
"Don't be stupid! We've already been friends for ages! Gon thinks so, and I'm sure Aisha does too!"
"That's right, Killua. We've shared joys and hardships together, haven't we?"
…How wonderful. That's friendship. To speak so boldly against such an overwhelmingly powerful foe—that's no small thing. Yet for the sake of a friend, to grow angry and shout it out—that's rare, Killua-san. Treasure it.
"…Oh dear. So you really do think of Kill as your friend. …Even #401 too?"
"Of course we do!"
"Hm. Then it can't be helped. I'll just kill you all—oh, but if I kill you, I'll be disqualified. That would be troublesome. I need this license for work, and if I fail, Kill passes automatically. That won't do. …Ah, I know! I'll pass first, and then kill you!"
To think he speaks of killing so casually… what a terrifying, tragic education the Zoldycks give their children.
"In that case, even if I kill everyone here, my license won't be revoked, correct?"
"Yes. By the rules, there's no problem."
"You hear that, Kill? Unless you fight and defeat me, you can't save your friends. Can you fight me, for your friends' sake?"
…In the end, Killua admitted defeat.
It can't be helped. Under that crushing pressure, facing such overwhelming power, it's impossible to even think of winning.
And in the next match—at the very start of Leorio versus Bodoro, Killua killed Bodoro. His disqualification was decided on the spot.
◆
"That's how it was."
"..."
I see. So that's what happened. If I had been there, I would've sent that needle-faced guy flying! And Killua wanted to be friends with me too? That makes me so happy! First Leorio-san, and now I've got a second friend! No, wait—judging from the way it was said, maybe Gon and Kurapika-san also think of me as a friend!?
I'm not afraid of anything anymore! Bring it on—Zoldyck or whoever!
"Aisha-san?"
"Ah, sorry. …Do you know what Gon and the others are up to right now?"
"From what I heard during the briefing, it seems they've gone to the Zoldyck estate to bring Killua back home."
What!? With their level of strength, going to the Zoldycks is suicide!
"When!? When did they go to the Zoldycks!?"
"Right after the briefing ended."
So that means they left three weeks ago. …Damn, if they were hostile to the Zoldycks, then it's hopeless. Their chances of surviving are slim to none…
But even so, I have to go! They're my friends! How could I not help my friends? If there's even the slightest chance, I'll bet everything on it!
If Gon and the others were killed… then at that time—!
"Thank you, Beans. I'll be on my way now."
"…You're not planning to go to the Zoldyck estate, are you?"
Without answering, I ran at full speed toward the airport.
…It goes without saying that midway, I had no idea where the airport was and had to grab a taxi…
◆◆◆
――Gon and the others' current locations――
Gon & Killua… To the Heavens Arena to become stronger than Hisoka. Currently traveling by airship.
Kurapika… Looking for an employer, starting with an information broker. Currently traveling by train.
Leorio… Back in his hometown to study for the national medical university exam. Currently traveling by ship.
――A certain old man's private line――
"――It's been a while――yes, it's me――no, not a job request. I just wanted to ask you something."
"――Yes, about two or three weeks ago, several men came by, one of them a boy. Their names――yes, the ones who went to bring Killua back. Are they still alive?"
"――No, no, I'm not worried about them. True, they're promising candidates, but once you bear the title of professional, your life is your own responsibility. I won't be cleaning up after greenhorn chicks."
"――I see, so they set off with Killua. That's good then. No blood needs to be spilled."
"――Yes, the ones I was worried about are you lot. If even one of them had died… I might have had to send condolences to the Zoldycks."
"――Hm? Oh, nothing important. By the way, soon a girl named Aisha will be heading your way. Please see to it that she's treated well without incident. Well, if you don't want to, that's fine too――ho ho, pardon me."
Bonus
――Interview with Netero――
Hisoka
Who are you most interested in?
"Aisha ♥ There's no one else. I want to fight her soon ♣"
Who do you least want to fight?
"That would be… number 100. Though 412 might grow into something tasty too… Hmm, hard to choose ♦"
Killua
"Gon. Oh, number 412. We're the same age."
"…Maybe number 401. Hitting a girl is just… what!? Got a problem with that!?"
Bodoro
"Number 44. No, but he stands out."
"Numbers 412, 100, and 401. I cannot imagine fighting women or children."
Gittarackur
"Number 100."
"Number 44… and 401."
Kenmi
"Number 401. For a woman to come this far is admirable."
"Also number 401. I hesitate to raise my hand against a woman."
Gon
"I think number 401, Aisha, interests me most."
"Hmm. I can't choose among numbers 100, 401, 410, and 411."
Hanzo
"Number 401. She might actually be more dangerous than 44."
"The one I don't want to fight is 44."
Kurapika
"In a good way, number 412. In a bad way, number 44."
"If I have a reason, I'll fight anyone. If not, I'd rather not fight at all."
Leorio
"Number 401. I owe her, and I'd like to see her pass."
"So yeah, I don't want to fight number 401."
Final Exam Candidates
No. 44 Hisoka — Original No. 44
No. 100 Killua — Original No. 99
No. 195 Bodoro — Original No. 191
No. 299 Hanzo — Original No. 294
No. 306 Gittarackur — Original No. 301
No. 368 Kenmi — Original No. 362
No. 401 Aisha — Original: What's that, is it tasty?
No. 410 Leorio — Original No. 403
No. 411 Kurapika — Original No. 404
No. 412 Gon — Original No. 405
_______
This is the end of the Hunter Exam Arc.
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