(Fakuro can be seen walking while talking with Noru; behind them, Tsubaki and Hisoka follow.)
HisokaI know I probably shouldn't get involved in this, Tsubaki, but what I saw back there wasn't normal for you. It's unusual for you to lose your composure so easily.
Tsubaki IkariYou're right. It's improper for a hunter to act on impulse and be driven by emotions. I shouldn't have accepted his challenge.
HisokaI see… it must be difficult. I mean, pretending to be serious all the time and strictly adhering to the hunter's code.
Tsubaki Ikari(She looks slightly irritated, but remains calm.)I'm not pretending. A hunter must always—
Hisoka"A hunter must be this," "a hunter must not behave that way."You reflect what you're supposed to be, not who you truly are.
Tsubaki IkariAnd is that wrong? I'm simply trying to improve in my own way. I don't see what the problem is.
HisokaThere's nothing wrong with that. But questioning other people's way of life and their reasons for becoming hunters—that is wrong.It's almost as if everything he represents irritates you.
Tsubaki IkariWhy would you think that? We've barely spent any time together. Don't talk as if you've known me my whole life.(She looks down, frowns, and grips her right arm, puffing her cheeks slightly.)
HisokaTsubaki.(He says it rhetorically, trying to persuade her, arms crossed.)
Tsubaki Ikari(She exhales deeply.)Fine… it was what he said. That's what really bothered me.
HisokaWhat he said?(He tries to recall.)You mean the way he chased us off? Yeah, that was a bit rude, but it's probably because he was excited.Most likely, this will be the first time he meets an official hunter from the organization besides Fakuro. Of course he's happy.
Tsubaki IkariThat's true… he was excited.Like this was some kind of dream for him. He doesn't seem to understand how serious it is to be here.(Her expression softens—less irritated, more indifferent.)
Tsubaki IkariTo him, this feels like a game. He even risked his life without hesitation just to prove he deserved to be here.It's as if he's seeking validation—wanting something or someone to confirm that everything he's done so far is the right path to achieve his dream.No… I shouldn't think like that.(She tightly clenches her clothes at the center of her chest.)
Hisoka(Inner thoughts)I never thought Tsubaki could feel this way.
Tsubaki IkariI don't want Noru to die for nothing, or to aspire to become someone who doesn't deserve his admiration.Being a hunter isn't a symbol of idol worship or hatred—it's just a set of codes that must be followed.
Hisoka(Smiling)You really care a lot, considering this is only the first time you've met him.
Tsubaki IkariIt's just that… he reminds me a lot of myself when I was a child.
Noru TakedaWe're here! We'll finally meet the organization's official hunters.You must be excited too!(He jumps with excitement while grabbing Fakuro's hands.)
Tsubaki Ikari(A faint smile appears.)Yes… quite a lot.
FakuroThen let's not waste any more time and get going!
FakuroBefore anything else, you should know this: you're about to meet all the Sapphire- and Ruby-rank hunters of Village 1.They are the highest-ranking members of the organization, second only to the Diamond rank.There are thirty-two hunters in total, and each house is separated by roughly nine to ten kilometers.
Noru TakedaWhaaat?! That's way too far! We'll never finish visiting all of them!(He panics, clearly overwhelmed.)
FakuroCalm down. In the central village there's a small train that can take us closer to certain locations.In the past, some hunters built it to improve mobility. Besides, many of them may be out on missions, so we won't waste much time in those cases.If there are no questions, let's go meet the first house.
Tsubaki Ikari, Noru Takeda, Hisoka(In unison)The first…?
Noru TakedaHouse?
(They look surprised.)
(In front of them stands a wall approximately one hundred meters long, with a finely crafted double wooden gate.)
HisokaWhoever lives in this house must be incredibly wealthy.
FakuroWell, let me tell you something—this person happens to be my closest friend.(He boasts. Hisoka and Noru look very surprised; Tsubaki shows a hint of doubt.)
Fakuro(Knocks on the door.)Heeey, Focus, open up. We want to talk to you.(They wait a couple of minutes.)
Fakuro(Smiling happily.)Hmm… most likely he's not home. He's probably on an important mission.
Focus(From inside.)I am home. I just don't want to see you.
(Fakuro's heart breaks slightly, but he keeps smiling. The sound of the door opening is heard.)
FocusCome in, but be brief. I'm rather busy.(He maintains an indifferent expression.)
FakuroAlright, everyone go ahead—don't keep him waiting.(Still excited.)
(The three novice hunters enter, but Focus closes the door right in Fakuro's face.)
FakuroHuh? Hey, Focus!
Focus(Reopens the door.)Sorry. Habit.
(They walk deeper into the property. Potato, rice, and wheat fields can be seen. In the distance, there is a wooden cabin with a straw roof—see reference image.)
FocusLet's make this quick.My name is Focus. I'm a Sapphire-rank hunter. I'm approximately twenty-five human years old.I don't like talking to people very much. If you go to the central village, you'll probably see me often. In those cases, there's no need to speak to me.And if you need advice or help regarding being a hunter, I recommend asking anyone else—but not me, please.(He remains indifferent, though he doesn't sound ill-intentioned.)
Now, your names, ages, and what you're good at.
Tsubaki IkariGood morning. My name is Tsubaki Ikari. I'm eighteen years old, and I specialize in close combat.My weapon-handling skill is intermediate, close to advanced.(She looks nervous, but stands firm before Focus.)
FocusVery interesting. Most hunters arrive at the trials with basic or beginner-level classifications.(Still indifferent.)
Focus(Inner thoughts)I hope she doesn't expect me to train her. It would be a hassle to teach someone something different from what I'm used to.(He gestures for Noru to speak.)
Noru TakedaHello, good morning. I'm Noru Takeda. I'll be turning eighteen in a month.I'm good at climbing trees and rocks, and I graduated from the training academy with a beginner-level weapon-handling skill.(He smiles and gives a thumbs-up.)
FocusWithin the average. Next.
(Noru looks disappointed.)
HisokaMy name is Hisoka Ahane. I'm nineteen years old.I'm good at surveillance and stealth-related activities, and my weapon-handling category… honestly, I don't know.(He laughs awkwardly.)
FocusThat's fine. I've observed you over the past few months—only a few minutes in combat, but enough to get a sense of your category.
FakuroWeapon handling is divided into eight categories.Several traits are evaluated, not just how skillfully you swing a sword. Each category is assigned a score, and these categories are a key factor when assigning a hunter's rank.
(Behind Fakuro, the categories appear as if in an imaginary classroom.)
Weapon Handling Categories
Basic: 400–800 points
Beginner: 801–1000 points
Intermediate: 1001–1200 points
Advanced: 1201–1400 points
Special: 1401–1600 points
Expert: 1601–1800 points
Grand Master: 1801–2000 points
Hunter Leader: ≥ 2000 points
FocusExactly. As for Hisoka, his abilities fall between beginner and intermediate.Depending on the situation, his performance varies—but when it comes to stealth, he's very good.
FocusAs for Noru—although his category is technically beginner, he doesn't actually show much skill.When he's under heavy pressure, he tends to act without thinking. I'd even go as far as to say he falls into the basic category.
(Noru looks visibly depressed.)
FakuroIf it makes you feel any better, categories don't always define a hunter's rank.
FocusWell, next I should ask whether you have any questions.
(Hisoka and Noru raise their hands.)
FocusBut honestly, I've already explained too much, so let's skip that.(Both of them get annoyed.)
FakuroAlright, time to go, guys. Thank Focus for everything.
Noru TakedaBut we just got here. He barely talked about himself.
Fakuro(Whispers to him.)Trust me, he already talked more than usual.The first time I was introduced to him, he only said his name and that he likes potatoes.
Well then, see you later, Focus. I'll come back in the afternoon.
FocusYaaay, how exciting.(He says it sarcastically and unmotivated as they leave, then closes the door on them.)
Fakuro(Waves his hand in front of the closed door.)Bye, Focus.
Alright, we need to hurry. We still have many houses left to visit.Our next stop will be the place where Kyong Rang lives. He's not a hunter per se, but he plays a very important role in all three villages of the Rottenrow Hunters Organization.
HisokaFakuro, could you answer something for me?
FakuroWhat is it?
HisokaWhy is Focus a Crow?
FakuroAh… well, Focus isn't really like us…He doesn't like talking about that, and I don't think it would be right for me to explain it either.(He looks a bit serious.)
(They continue walking. Transitions show several houses: one is a massive temple beside a cliff with a waterfall cascading down—see reference image; another is a small traditional Japanese house; another is a modern-style house, among others.)
(They arrive at the last house. It is already late, and dusk is setting in. Graphic reference: final house—remove the car from the illustration and replace it with a dirt road.)
HisokaWow… it's smaller than I expected.
FakuroSize doesn't always matter. Come on, let's knock. I'm sure he'll be home.
Tsubaki IkariYou said the same thing at the last three houses we visited, and no one opened the door.
FakuroYeah, but this one will be different.(He knocks, and Raiden opens the door.)
Raiden (Bearded)(He looks imposing and serious.)Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Raiden Shibata. I am one of the hunters of the Rottenrow Organization. It is a pleasure to meet this year's new recruits.
Raiden (Bearded)So, how was it, Fakuro?
FakuroWonderful, Superior Raiden!(He smiles broadly with excitement and gives a thumbs-up.)
Raiden (Bearded)(Sighs.)Phew! That's good. I practiced all morning.(He looks a little nervous, though it's barely noticeable.)
FakuroIt really showed. When you opened the door with that imposing stare… I got goosebumps.
(He remembers the recruits; Hisoka, Noru, and Tsubaki look confused.)
Alright, guys, go ahead and greet Superior Raiden.
The three applicantsNice to meet you, Superior.(They bow.)
My name is Noru Takeda.I'm Tsubaki Ikari.And my name is Hisoka Ahane.
Tsubaki IkariExcuse the intrusion, but may I ask you something?Fakuro introduced us to several hunters, but you're the only one he called "Superior." Why is that?
Raiden (Bearded)Well, in truth, it's because of the affection and respect he has for me.I'm the hunter who supported him the most during his time here.
FakuroThat's true. Superior Raiden is very strong, kind, and compassionate. He's always there to help if someone asks.
HisokaThat's amazing. It's good to meet hunters like you—unlike the first one we met. He was quite blunt when talking to us.
Raiden (Bearded)(Looks a bit embarrassed.)I think I know who you're talking about. He's not very sociable, is he?But please don't judge him too harshly. He doesn't get along well with others, but deep down, I know he's always trying to improve.
Noru TakedaIt sounds like you've known him for a long time.How long have you been in the organization, Superior Raiden?
(Raiden stares at Noru with intrigue, seeming to drift into thought for a few seconds.)
Noru TakedaSuperior Raiden?
Raiden (Bearded)Huh? Ah, yes… a long time.Almost fifteen years since I joined, and… thirteen since—(His expression gradually turns serious; he fails to finish his sentence.)
Fakuro(Suddenly interrupts.)Damn it! It's already very late, and I still need to get them back to their houses.Please excuse our sudden departure, Superior Raiden, but I need to hurry. Tomorrow I have a mission outside the village, and I need as much rest as possible.
(He pulls a rope from his inventory and ties Noru and Tsubaki from behind—reference silhouette. They struggle a bit as Fakuro hoists them over his shoulder. He then looks at Hisoka, who immediately starts running. Fakuro manages to tie him as well and carries them all away at high speed.)
FakuroSee you later, Superior Raiden.
The three of themNoru: Goodbye.Tsubaki: It was a pleasure to meet you.Hisoka: We hope to see you again soon.
Raiden (Bearded)Yes… I hope so too.(He waves them off; his expression relaxes once again.)
(Time skip. It is now completely night. Fakuro can be seen alone with Tsubaki and Noru.)
Noru TakedaHey, Fakuro.
FakuroWhat is it?
Noru TakedaIf all three houses are the same distance from the central village, why did you drop Hisoka off first instead of one of us?
Tsubaki IkariYes, traveling like this is uncomfortable.
Noru TakedaTsubaki's right. Your bony back is starting to hurt me.
(Tsubaki headbutts him. Both scream in pain.)
FakuroDon't move so much, or we'll lose speed.I dropped Hisoka off first because he was tied individually. If I had dropped one of you, I would've had to loosen the rope, and the other could've escaped.
My orders are to return you to your homes once the tour is over, and I'm not spending the entire night chasing one of you through the forest.
Tsubaki IkariWe would never do that. You have a very poor opinion of us.
FakuroI've been observing you for the last three months. Do you really think I don't know you well enough?Tsubaki would flee toward lower ground—probably a nearby lake—or hide in a narrow cave only she could fit into.Noru would jump from tree to tree like a monkey, hiding among the treetops.
(They both look embarrassed.)
Noru TakedaI could be different.(He pouts.)
FakuroWe'll be at your houses soon. Try to survive the next week until I return.After that, I'll give you the instructions for Phase Three of the trial.
Both of themUnderstood.
(Scene change. The next day, Massaru and Shigeru are standing in the middle of the forest, surveying the terrain.)
Shigeru (Viking)So? What do you think?
MassaruThis place will do. There's enough space and a large lake nearby.Let's start leveling the ground—we don't have much time, so let's do it quickly.(He is holding several blueprints he pulled from his hunter bracelet.)