Chapter 98: Whale Island x Kite's Gold Hunt
Whale Island wasn't large; it was even smaller than the Zoldyck family estate on Kukuroo Mountain. But compared to the cold austerity of Kukuroo Mountain, Whale Island had towns and markets. Relying on the annual Hunter Exam to attract a large number of candidates, its tourism and prosperity far surpassed that of the Zoldyck home.
Street vendors hawking their wares, inns and restaurants offering discounts to lure customers, street performers juggling and putting on shows... all contributed to a lively atmosphere that Kukuroo Mountain lacked.
Following Roy, Gotoh even spotted many oddly dressed individuals, carrying various weapons—slung over their backs, across their shoulders, or held in their hands—parading openly through the streets. They were likely candidates who had arrived early.
"Young Master, there's a nicely decorated restaurant up ahead. Shall we dine there?" After a short stroll, it was lunchtime. Gotoh noticed a restaurant ahead that seemed popular; the dining hall was bustling and more than half full. The food was probably decent.
Roy wandered through the market, feeling a sudden wave of nostalgia. His former home had streets like these. Lost in memory, he walked right past the restaurant and asked Gotoh instead, "Can your phone take pictures?"
Gotoh paused. If he had known the Young Master wanted photos, he would have brought a camera. He nodded. "It can."
"The quality isn't very good, though." Smartphones didn't exist yet; most phones were button-operated. A flip phone was considered high-end.
Roy knew this and didn't push it. He led Gotoh through streets and alleys, away from the bustling center, gradually heading towards a quieter area. They passed a field of lush green grass and saw a small tavern—a typical Japanese single-family building, business downstairs, residence upstairs. Above the door were the words "Mito Tavern."
The boy stopped and turned to Gotoh, flashing a peace sign.
Gotoh: "..." Speechless, he glanced at the somewhat dated tavern. He couldn't even hear any customers talking inside. He truly didn't understand why the Young Master, having passed so many scenic spots, chose this place for a commemorative photo. The young butler clearly didn't grasp the special significance "the place where the dream began" held for a reincarnator. Because this was where the story started, taking a picture here was proof that he, Roy, had been here, existed, and would continue to exist in the future.
Click.
Gotoh took out his phone and pressed the shutter button. Photo taken. Roy didn't even look at it, just told him to have it developed when they returned home. Leaning on his cane sword, he walked to the door and pushed it open.
Creeak.
"Welcome!"
A bright female voice called out. From behind the counter emerged a young woman carrying a tray, wearing a headscarf. She had shoulder-length orange hair and pretty amber eyes, looking about sixteen or seventeen. Her gaze resembled a certain someone who loved participating in reality shows, but lacked his cunning and ambition, instead radiating a gentle strength.
"Two," Roy said, holding up two fingers. He led Gotoh to the bar counter and sat down.
The tavern was very quiet, with only one other table occupied. Perhaps it was because Pariston had deterred most candidates, or maybe because this place was far from town, somewhat remote with only a few neighboring houses. It lacked the bustle but possessed a peaceful tranquility.
"Okay, please have a seat." Two glasses of ice water were placed before them. Mito smiled and handed over the menus. Roy casually ordered omurice with orange juice. Gotoh followed suit: "Same as him."
While waiting for the food, he took the opportunity to survey the tavern's layout, identifying exits and potential escape routes. His gaze swept past the other occupied table, lingered for a moment, then he leaned in and whispered to Roy, "Young Master, that person over there seems to be a Nen user."
"He's not just any Nen user." A white shirt, black pants, brown shoes, a blue cap, and long, straight white hair that nearly brushed the floor as the young man sat down. Roy had recognized him the moment he walked in: Ging's disciple-in-name, Kite!
Only a second had passed since Gotoh looked over, but the hawk-like eyes under the cap snapped towards them. They rested on Gotoh for an instant, then shifted to Roy. The boy's gaze sharpened. He pressed his cap down slightly and subtly lowered his head.
Danger! The moment Kite noticed the boy, alarms blared in his mind. It was like seeing a ferocious beast! As a child, he had a natural affinity for animals, making him exceptionally sensitive to 'auras'. This wasn't about Nen; it was pure instinct. Ging had discovered this talent, taken him in as a nominal disciple, taught him Nen, and upon parting, instructed him to pass the Hunter Exam, leaving him with one final test: "Find Ging."
So, Kite had obediently come here, choosing Whale Island—Master Ging's hometown—as his starting point for the Hunter Exam and his "Gold Hunt." He just hadn't expected to run into two experts right off the bat, especially the boy. Even without looking directly at him, he felt an intensely oppressive aura! It was like when he had wandered into the jungle as a child and encountered a foxbear.
"Sir, your food is here." Just then, Mito, not yet an "auntie," pushed through the kitchen curtain carrying the omurice and juice. Kite knew who the girl was. His eyes remained lowered, but a sliver of his attention remained locked on Roy and Gotoh.
The young butler pushed up the glasses on his nose. With his other hand, he subtly slid his fingers towards his pocket, silently gripping a coin.
"Eat."
Clink. A soft sound broke the tension. Roy picked up a fork and lightly tapped his plate. He pressed down on Gotoh's subtly tensing hand and, ignoring everyone else, cut into the omelet, scooping up a spoonful of fried rice mixed with ketchup and broken egg. He tasted it carefully, then smiled at Mito. "Your chef's skills are excellent. The rice is delicious."
"My mom made it." Mito beamed, oblivious to the undercurrents of the past moment, puffing out her small chest proudly. "My brother and I loved Mom's cooking the most growing up."
"You must be very happy then."
"Oh, it's nothing special, really," Mito replied humbly with a smile.
Roy nodded, then suddenly asked, "Where's your brother? Are you managing the front all by yourself?"
Kite's body instantly tensed again. Gotoh likewise put down his spoon.
Mito's expression clouded slightly. She snorted. "Don't mention him. Haven't seen him home in years. Who knows what he's busy doing out there."
Busy doing what? Starting companies, exploring ruins, restoring ancient buildings, or... having kids. Roy calculated the time. Around the same time Mother Kikyo conceived Killua, Ging had Gon. He looked up again at Mito's resentful expression. The poor girl had no idea what she would have to face in the future. He smiled faintly and said no more.
After finishing the meal, they paid and left the tavern with Gotoh.
Behind them, Creeak. The wooden door closed, then opened again. A thin figure in a blue cap silently followed them out.
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