The arena was still buzzing after Netero announced Killua's disqualification.
Not loud.
Not chaotic.
Just… buzzing — like a hive that had suddenly realized one of its workers had been crushed underfoot.
Ethan stood among the newly licensed Hunters and the failed applicants, a quiet presence in the middle of a storm forming around Gon.
But this storm wasn't centered around Ethan.
It was centered around Killua.
It always had been.
And Ethan needed to make sure it stayed that way.
---
The Aftermath in the Hall
Gon's breathing was sharp — too sharp — and Ethan could practically feel the frustration radiating off him like heat from a forge.
"That wasn't Killua," Gon muttered, fists trembling. "He would never kill someone like that."
Leorio paced in a quick circle. "We all saw it, Gon! He— he just—"
He couldn't finish the sentence.
Kurapika exhaled calmly. "We know why he did it. And we also know who forced him into it."
All three sets of eyes drifted toward the disguised Illumi.
Ethan's gaze followed.
Illumi sat perfectly still, needle-mask hiding his expression, his focus entirely — obsessively — on Killua's empty spot.
Not on Ethan.
Not on Leorio.
Not on anyone else.
His world revolved around his little brother, and Ethan was nothing more than a background noise, a footstep in a hallway.
Ethan liked it that way.
The Panel didn't blink.
No alert.
No warning.
No red glow.
Illumi wasn't watching him.
Good.
---
Ethan's Quiet Observations
He took a step back, letting the main trio talk. This wasn't his moment to shine, and he knew it.
Kurapika's voice dropped to a thoughtful murmur. "Killua said it himself… 'My brother is here.' That tells us everything."
Gon growled under his breath.
"When I find Illumi…"
Leorio blanched. "Oi, Gon. We're not fighting that guy. Not ever. I like my limbs."
Kurapika nodded firmly. "Revenge won't help Killua. Understanding will."
Gon didn't respond.
Ethan watched the boy's jaw tighten with a kind of determination that no kid his age should ever carry.
He'll go after Killua no matter what.
Ethan knew this part of canon exactly:
Gon leaves the exam grounds.
Confronts Illumi in the hallway.
Finds Killua's trail.
And sets off to rescue his friend.
Nothing Ethan did here should derail that.
---
The Licensing Ceremony
Netero called the applicants forward in groups.
One by one, new Hunters received their licenses — shining, small, and worth more than any military-grade weapon Ethan had ever seen on Earth.
Gon received his.
Kurapika received his.
Leorio held his like a treasured relic.
When Ethan's name never appeared on the list, he simply exhaled.
Gon turned to him with wide, confused eyes.
"You should've passed."
Ethan shrugged. "Not this year. There's always next time."
Leorio clapped him on the back. "Ethan, buddy — I saw your match with Hanzo. You're already better than half the people here!"
Kurapika added, "You made smart decisions. Those matter."
Gon pointed firmly:
"When we find Killua, you're coming with us."
Ethan smiled at that, warmth flickering in his chest.
This wasn't his story — not in the big picture — but he'd become a quiet part of theirs.
The Panel chimed softly:
Bond Level — Gon (C → B)
Passive gained: +5% Will Resistance
He ignored the notification and followed them out of the hall.
---
Illumi and Gon — The Confrontation Begins
Just as they stepped into the corridor, Gon stopped abruptly.
Illumi stood near the exit — mask removed, face expressionless, eyes empty.
He didn't look at Ethan.
He only looked at Gon.
"You shouldn't follow Killua," Illumi said, flat and cold. "He isn't your friend."
The words were a knife.
Gon didn't flinch.
Ethan watched the tension coil in Gon's shoulders like a bowstring being pulled back.
Leorio whispered, "We're gonna die."
Kurapika held him back. "Let him speak."
Gon took one step forward.
Then another.
Ethan stayed behind him, far enough not to draw attention, close enough to intervene if the worst happened.
But Illumi never even glanced his way.
Good.
Perfect.
Let canon flow.
---
Gon's Anger Erupts
"You hurt Killua!" Gon shouted. "You made him think he's a murderer!"
Illumi blinked slowly. "He is."
"SHUT UP!"
The shout echoed down the corridor, sharp enough to make Leorio jump.
Gon continued:
"Killua's my friend! I decide that! Not you!"
Ethan felt something stir in his chest — awe, maybe. Gon's fury wasn't like other people's. It wasn't reckless.
It was protective.
Illumi tilted his head. "I see. You're the reason he failed."
Gon bared his teeth. "Good. I hope it annoys you."
Ethan's eyebrows rose.
Killua wasn't the only one who had guts.
Illumi remained unbothered, but he finally looked away from Gon —
Not toward Ethan.
Not toward anyone else.
Just straight ahead, calculating, cold.
"He's gone home," Illumi said. "To Kukuroo Mountain. You'll never reach him."
"We will," Gon said. "Watch us."
Illumi paused.
Then walked away.
Without a single glance at Ethan.
---
The Trio's Vow — and Ethan's Place Within It
The moment Illumi vanished around the corner, Gon turned on his heel.
"Let's go."
Leorio sputtered. "G–go where? NOW?!"
Kurapika smiled faintly. "You already know the answer."
Ethan sighed lightly, shaking his head.
"I hope you guys like mountains," he murmured.
Gon grabbed Ethan's hand without hesitation, pulling him into the group as though he belonged there all along.
"Ethan's coming too."
There was no room for argument.
No debate.
Kurapika nodded. "We'll need the help."
Leorio added, "And someone responsible."
Ethan snorted. "You picked the wrong guy."
But he followed anyway.
The exam was over.
The real journey was beginning.