The two let go.
"This fish is good. Want some?"
"Sure... thanks, captain."
Kaizen handed over a grilled fish.
Ponzu accepted it and took a small bite.
His eyes lit up the next moment.
"Delicious."
Given Kaizen's actual cooking skills, this reaction was a bit surprising.
Back in his previous life, he dabbled in some cooking, but nothing beyond basic home-style meals.
Since arriving in this world, he hadn't invested much time into it.
At Zoldyck Manor, there were full-time chefs. And outside, it was easy enough to find good restaurants—if you had money. Kaizen preferred to spend his free time training rather than learning to cook.
So why did Ponzu find it tasty?
Part of it was the fresh ingredients. But more than that, Ponzu—who had been lurking in the shadows observing Kaizen for some time now—was already starving.
...
"Ponzu, do you want to become a Hunter... or do you want power?"
"Power."
"Then in this Hunter Exam, just follow me and watch closely."
Kaizen stood up.
"Let's go."
Ponzu followed. Despite the small frame and childlike appearance, Ponzu was actually an adult—a little older than Kaizen, in fact.
A figure came into view ahead.
Geretta.
One of the examinees who ranked high in the third phase. His strength was solid.
At the moment, Geretta was tailing another target—Gon.
In front of Gon stood a small tree, a fruit skewered on one of its branches with a goofy smile drawn on it.
It was obvious: this was his stand-in for Hisoka.
Gon, being realistic, knew he wasn't strong enough to face Hisoka head-on.
So he came up with a plan—use a fishing rod.
He'd lost it back in the swamp of the Merle Wetlands, but now he had a new one.
With a bit of distance, he could strike and retreat quickly.
Gon flicked his wrist.
Thunk!
The hook landed precisely, snagging the fruit.It flew back into his hand.
Kaizen glanced toward Geretta.
By all accounts, now was the perfect time to attack Gon. So why wasn't Geretta moving?
Waiting for a better chance?
Or something else?
...
Kaizen and Ponzu watched a few other skirmishes but didn't get involved.
Ponzu eventually asked, puzzled, "Captain, what exactly are we doing?"
"You said you wanted power. I'm showing you different kinds of it."
Kaizen gave him a side glance.
"But Captain, aren't you trying to pass the exam too? We had chances just now to grab number plates. Even if they were only worth one point, they'd still add up."
Ponzu couldn't help but feel eager during those moments—his instincts screamed to act—but Kaizen had stopped him each time.
"There's no need to rush points," Kaizen said calmly. "We'll collect them on the final day."
He turned to Ponzu.
"After seeing those fights, what do you think? Do you believe they could help with your village's trouble?"
Ponzu considered it.
"They're strong. Some of them, at least. But... it's not enough. Not for what's waiting back home."
Kaizen's expression sharpened.
"The queen bee warned you too, didn't she?"
"Yeah," Ponzu nodded.
That caught Kaizen's attention.
Among the examinees—Killua, Hanzo, Pokkle—they were impressive. Strong by normal standards.
Near the top.
But the queen bee never reacted to them.
She only moved when it involved Kaizen, Hisoka... or the Zoldyck family.
Which meant, the threat in Ponzu's village had to be a skilled Nen user.
...
The crystal ball in front of Kaizen flickered.
46% complete.
Time passed.
...
A lone figure arrived on Zevil Island.
As soon as Illumi stepped onto the island, he pulled out a dozen of his signature needle pins and stabbed them into his own body.
His appearance shifted rapidly, morphing from Gittarackur into Illumi Zoldyck.
He didn't try to hide.
Instead, he walked openly.
That surprised Siper, who had been lying in wait for days.
"There he is..."
Through the scope of her sniper rifle, Siper zeroed in on Illumi. Her eyes lit up with excitement.
For the past several days, she'd been on the verge of despair.
She had combed every inch of Zevil Island trying to find Gittarackur.
Nothing.
She was just about to give up and settle for three generic number plates when—finally—he appeared.
"Where the hell has this guy been hiding?"
"Doesn't matter."
"All I care about is the number plate on his body. Aim, shoot, drop him, take it."
Siper kept her sights locked on Illumi.
...
Illumi leaned casually against a tree.
He'd just completed a mission and made it to Zevil Island in time. The exam still had two or three days left.
Plenty of time.
He planned to rest before collecting information and seeking his target.
But then...
A prickling sensation ran down his spine. Someone was watching him—intensely.
He frowned.
"Already being tracked?"
Illumi shifted slightly, changing positions.But the oppressive gaze never left him.
It stuck to him like a second skin.
"...So I'm the target now?"
He toyed with one of his needles.
...
Siper held her breath, watching through the scope."This guy isn't easy. I need the perfect shot."
"Three."
"Two."
"One—"
"Now!"
She was just about to pull the trigger when—
Whip!
A needle flew directly at her.
Thunk!
A perfect hit.
Her body seized up, paralyzed. She dropped the sniper rifle, her limbs going limp.
Siper's eyes widened.
She hadn't even fired yet.
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