Watching the events unfold just like in the original work, Takeru sighed.
Was it the protagonist's halo, or simply charisma? Takeru couldn't say for sure. But if he really encountered such a situation, perhaps he would choose to inflict absolute heavy damage on the opponent first, then surrender...
To make them understand that life isn't a game. While the Hunter Exam is important, becoming a Hunter without legs or arms would pretty much ruin one's life.
Of course, while this world possessed special Nen Abilities that could restore missing limbs, it wasn't absolutely without aftereffects.
Facing Hanzo's surrender, Gon became willful again. He pointed out Hanzo's cunning, saying they could have changed the duel method.
But Hanzo, who understood Gon somewhat, pointed out that Gon simply wouldn't surrender no matter what.
Even if they agreed on another duel method, if Gon lost, he would absolutely refuse to surrender, reflecting a shameless mentality. And Hanzo would have to accompany him until he found a way for Gon to win to his satisfaction.
Hanzo, infuriated, punched him flying, knocking him out...
After knocking Gon out, Hanzo knew that with Gon's mindset, upon waking up, he would absolutely refuse to accept the Hunter License. But this duel was about eliminating one person. If Gon refused, wouldn't their subsequent fights be meaningless...
"Even if Gon, after waking up, kills me out of dissatisfaction with the result, we will not cancel his qualification after he passes the test," Netero said seriously.
"I see," Hanzo said, satisfied, and left.
"Why did you purposely lose to Gon?" Killua asked, somewhat unable to understand.
"On purpose?"
"Even without killing Gon, you should have plenty of methods to make him surrender, right?" Killua said seriously. Others also looked at Hanzo curiously.
"When I interrogate people, I'm already mentally prepared to be hated by others. It's more practical and easier for me that way. After being tortured, most people show a negative light when seeing their abuser. That light of hatred in their eyes cannot be erased by any amount of training."
"But there is no such light in Gon's eyes. Can you believe it? Even though I just broke his hand not long ago, his eyes seem to have already forgotten it. Most importantly, I quite like that kid," Hanzo said with emotion.
Facing these reasons, both Killua and Hisoka accepted them.
"Second match, Kurapika vs. Takeru, begin!"
"Kurapika, I suppose we are friends, right?" Looking at Kurapika across from him, Takeru said calmly.
"I suppose so," Kurapika replied hesitantly.
"In that case, let's choose a duel that both sides can accept. Once you lose, you move to the next match. That way, we don't have to hurt our friendship. What do you think?" Takeru showed a confident smile.
"I agree," Kurapika said after a moment's hesitation.
The duel would be decided by battle. If one lost, they would actively surrender. Takeru very much agreed to this arrangement...
Then, Takeru simply looked at Kurapika calmly, indicating he could attack first...
'The heir of the Kurta Clan, and the somewhat unfathomable Takeru. This match will definitely be interesting. Really something to look forward to,' Menchi thought to herself, watching Takeru and Kurapika face off.
"Next, I will go all out. Don't die, Takeru." Kurapika took out his weapons, holding the sheaths with his teeth, gently drawing out the twin blades inside.
"Feel free to come at me with all you've got!" In response, Takeru took out the moon-white Twilight Moon...
The reason for using Twilight Moon wasn't that Takeru feared Kurapika's blades could harm him, but to let Kurapika display his full strength.
If Takeru didn't use a weapon, Kurapika might hold back, worrying about causing Takeru too much harm, which would be uninteresting.
Seeing Takeru was ready, Kurapika crossed his twin blades, looking at Takeru. Takeru still patiently waited for him to attack first.
As Kurapika slowly approached Takeru, everyone present watched intently.
Hisoka, however, seemed bored. Having some idea of Takeru's strength, he already knew the result...
Kurapika quickly slashed at Takeru with one blade. But the movement was too slow. Though the angle seemed tricky, with his super high reflexes, Takeru easily used Twilight Moon to block it.
Clang! A clear sound rang out as the two blades collided. Kurapika's other blade immediately attacked again, but Takeru still easily blocked it.
'So fast!' Seeing Takeru easily block his second attack, Kurapika was surprised. However, with good combat awareness, he didn't get distracted and launched another attack at Takeru.
Clang! Clang!
The sounds rang out continuously. Blade light flashed constantly on the field. Kurapika fully utilized the advantage of twin blades, his unceasing attacks seeming overwhelming.
Yet Takeru, relying solely on Twilight Moon, easily deflected all of Kurapika's attacks, appearing completely at ease...
"Kurapika, go for it!" Outside the ring, Leorio still shouted encouragement for Kurapika. In his view, Kurapika was suppressing Takeru.
However, the more discerning Netero, examiners, and some examinees noticed that although Takeru's blade movements looked clumsy, he was easily blocking all of Kurapika's attacks.
No matter how Kurapika attacked, Takeru seemed to have foresight, always defending in advance, never making a mistake...
After the brief exchange, Kurapika also realized. Takeru's god-like prediction, agile movements, and terrifying strength made him understand he likely couldn't win this fight.
Even so, Kurapika wasn't someone who gave up easily. Whether for now or the future, he had reasons not to lose.
Thinking of his clansmen dying with eyes wide open, Kurapika's eyes turned red again. His attacks rose a level, becoming even more fierce, each strike aiming directly for Takeru's vital points...
Takeru sensed Kurapika's change but didn't pay too much attention, still simply using Twilight Moon to block attacks without any intention to counterattack.
In truth, through fighting Kurapika, Takeru discovered he could learn his combat techniques. It was undeniable that Takeru's strength was absolutely above Kurapika's, but in terms of combat techniques, Takeru was far inferior.
In past battles, Takeru had basically relied on absolute strength to crush opponents. If he encountered evenly matched opponents in the future, lacking practical combat experience would absolutely put him at a disadvantage...
As time passed, Kurapika's attacks still continued, and Takeru still simply defended. But Netero and the others noticed that Takeru's combat posture was becoming more fluid than at the start.
Then everyone realized: Takeru was just using Kurapika for rapid growth. This made everyone feel somewhat emotional...
Clang! Clang! Soon, two more clear sounds, even sharper than before, rang out. Everyone saw two blade fragments fly up. After Kurapika's frenzied attacks, his two blades finally couldn't withstand it, breaking upon colliding with Takeru's Twilight Moon.
The sudden change left everyone unable to react. Even Kurapika was stunned for a moment.
Takeru sighed inwardly, then swiftly turned Twilight Moon, pointing it directly at Kurapika's neck...
Feeling the blade less than a centimeter away, Kurapika showed a bitter smile, dropped the blade hilts, and softly said, "I lost."
"I declare, in the second match, contestant Kurapika surrenders. Contestant Takeru advances!" the referee loudly declared.
"Well fought." Hearing Kurapika, Takeru smiled lightly and sheathed Twilight Moon, returning to the spectator stands.
Takeru then closed his eyes to contemplate the recent battle. Undoubtedly, he had gained a lot. Once properly digested, it would significantly improve his own strength...