Chapter 136: The Ruthless Examiner
The incident with Franklin had once led the Phantom Troupe to agree never to set foot in the Republic of Padokia territory controlled by the Field family.
Several years later, they broke that agreement.
Perhaps believing they had grown strong enough, they decided to challenge Haze once again.
Through Hisoka, Haze learned of the Troupe's experiences over the years the Kurta Clan massacre, the death of member #8 at Silva's hands, and other events.
Since Haze hadn't been involved, these incidents unfolded just as destiny had originally intended.
Hisoka eventually replaced Shadow as the Troupe's new Number 4.
His true target, of course, was Chrollo.
As for the others, they didn't even register in Hisoka's mind only Chrollo could bring him true excitement.
Hisoka's current strength far surpassed his level in the original timeline.
Haze could sense that if Chrollo and Hisoka fought now, the outcome might be very different.
Chrollo might actually lose.
In the original story, during their battle at Heaven's Arena, Chrollo had made extensive preparations in advance.
At least three members of the Troupe assisted him one of them was most likely Illumi.
That expressionless man must have already made a deal with Chrollo back then.
That was why Haze wanted to accelerate the inevitable confrontation between Hisoka and Chrollo.
A few days later, Illumi appeared before them but with a completely altered appearance.
Using Nen abilities, he had transformed into a grotesque man with Nen spikes driven all over his head.
Haze explained his plan, and Hisoka eagerly agreed to take part.
Haze even promised to hand Chrollo over to him as a "gift."
As for Illumi, he was simply hired help.
Haze wasn't in a rush for the "game."
He wanted to first complete the Hunter Exam.
Even if Chrollo and his group infiltrated Padokia, based on past experience, they wouldn't dare act openly.
Chrollo would definitely plan things carefully.
Soon, the Hunter Exam began.
Haze returned to his small cabin in Piska Forest Park.
He lay back on a lounge chair outside, basking in the sun while waiting for the examinees to arrive.
During the process, the first examiner, Satotzki, occasionally reported updates on the participants' progress.
Past Hunter Exams had lasted anywhere from one month to at least two weeks.
Haze clearly remembered that the 287th exam lasted only sixteen days relatively quick.
"Hmm…"
After a while, Haze dozed off, a book covering his face, light snores escaping as he napped peacefully.
Finally, the first examinee crossed the Shimele Wetlands.
He was exhausted.
It wasn't Hisoka, or Illumi in disguise.
Nor was it Tonpa or any major character just an unknown face.
The man caught his breath, then noticed someone sleeping outside a cabin a man in a suit with a book over his face.
Probably one of the second-phase examiners.
Many of the current examinees were veterans, having participated multiple times before.
The man sat under a nearby tree to rest.
The second to arrive was the bald ninja Hanzo.
Soon, more and more participants trickled in.
Haze recognized many from the original story:
the martial artist Bodoro (killed by Killua in the final round),
the Amori brothers,
the skilled black hunter Greta,
and Anida the girl with twin ponytails seeking revenge on Killua.
But he ignored them all, lazily shifting in his chair.
Satotzki hid in a nearby tree, watching the examinees and especially Haze with curiosity.
He wondered what kind of test Haze was planning.
The early arrivals weren't in a hurry; each found a place to sit and rest.
They all stared at the sleeping man in the chair.
"Eh?"
One examinee watched Haze for a long while, suspicious.
Finally, he crept forward, tiptoeing closer, drawing everyone's attention.
They had no idea what he was trying to do.
The examiner was asleep none dared to make a sound.
"Um… excuse me… are you… are you my benefactor?"
Tonpa's trembling voice broke the silence as he stopped two meters away.
The book slid off Haze's face, revealing a pair of sunglasses.
"Ah!" Tonpa gasped.
"It's you…"
Haze adjusted his shades and gave him a sideways glance.
"Do you remember me?"
"Of course I do!" Tonpa said joyfully.
Back during their own Hunter Exam, Haze had treated Tonpa kindly mostly because Tonpa had flattered him endlessly.
"Of course," Haze replied, stretching as he sat up and scanned the area.
Almost everyone had arrived.
Illumi stood under a tree, shaking his head.
Hisoka was nowhere in sight probably still playing around in the wetlands.
"You're… the examiner this time?" Tonpa asked, stepping forward eagerly.
"That's right," Haze said with a nod.
"I didn't want to disturb you while you rested. Since the day we parted, I've been grateful for your kindness. I've always remembered my benefactor!" Tonpa rubbed his hands together with excitement.
"I see," Haze smiled.
Just like before, Tonpa's words were sugary and charming.
He stepped closer, offering to massage Haze's shoulders.
"You're still not a Hunter yet, huh? Still taking the exams?"
"Yes…"
"How about this I'll use my power to let you pass directly."
Tonpa's eyes lit up.
"Really!?"
He immediately dropped to his knees, bowing deeply.
"Thank you, my benefactor!"
"Alright," Haze said casually.
"I declare you the first to pass the second phase of the exam."
Everyone stared, dumbfounded.
What just happened?
Wasn't this blatant favoritism?
"Hey! What's the meaning of this? Why did he pass?!"
protested one examinee.
"This isn't fair! You two clearly know each other that's cheating!"
"I'm the examiner," Haze yawned. "Whoever I say passes, passes. If you don't like it, you can leave."
Tonpa smirked smugly, continuing his massage.
The rest exchanged frustrated looks but dared not protest further.
Satotzki, watching from the tree, wondered what Haze was really planning.
Then Hanzo suddenly stepped forward.
"Hah! I get it now this must be the hidden rule for the second phase. If you make the examiner feel good, you pass!"
He cracked his knuckles and grinned proudly.
"I've been massaging my master's back since I was a kid I'm a pro!"
The other examinees' eyes lit up.
They finally understood.
"Let me go next! I'm great at massages!"
"Out of my way!"
Soon chaos erupted people pushing, shouting, even fighting for a turn.
Only the strongest managed to get close enough to Haze.
Tonpa was dragged away.
Hanzo knelt and started massaging Haze's legs.
Illumi covered in Nen needles massaged his arms.
Bodoro took his shoulders.
Someone else even removed Haze's leather shoes to massage his feet.
A girl named Peng Si softly sang a lullaby nearby.
Everyone desperately tried to please the examiner.
"You fail," Haze told Illumi coldly.
"Tap, tap, tap…"
Illumi's lips trembled, unable to speak, barely containing his anger.
Finally, he stood up and stormed off.
Haze understood the unspoken message: "You're just getting revenge."
"You fail too," Haze said to Bodoro. "Too much force. Find someone else."
The man clenched his fists, face dark, and walked away.
The rest glared in silent frustration.
What kind of ridiculous exam was this?!
"This is an abuse of power!" shouted a long-haired man candidate #89, Sisitu.
"I'll report you to the Association!"
"Shh…" Haze winked at Hanzo.
"Yes, sir!"
In an instant, Hanzo lunged forward.
Sisitu tried to react, but the difference in power was overwhelming.
A punch to the gut, a spinning kick and the man went flying, unconscious.
The entire move was flawless.
"Not bad. You're the second to pass," Haze said casually.
"Yes!" Hanzo cheered, raising his fist in triumph.
The others were speechless.
This examiner was insane.
Just then, Hisoka arrived drenched in blood, a wicked smile on his face.
He carried the unconscious Leorio on his shoulder, a huge bump swelling on his cheek.
He set Leorio down, turned toward Illumi, and smirked.
Haze just glanced at him.
Hisoka's pleasure didn't come from killing all the violence in the wetlands had just been warming up.
What truly thrilled him… was seeing Gon and the others.
One by one, the main characters arrived.
Killua came first, followed by Kurapika and Gon.
Killua spotted Haze immediately but didn't greet him he just stared silently, deep in thought.
Kurapika and Gon, unaware of who the examiner was, first checked on Leorio's condition before observing their surroundings.
"Hm?"
When Kurapika finally noticed the examiner surrounded by other candidates, his expression froze.
That man… he remembered him!
(End of Chapter)