So this is the place Chairman Netero mentioned. The final venue for this season's Hunter Exam, huh. Normally, it looks like a hotel run by the Examining Committee, but right now it seems to be reserved entirely for the final test.
"At present, our hotel is fully reserved and regular operations are suspended. We're terribly sorry, but we must ask you to—"
"I am Riina Rockbelt. Chairman Netero should have left instructions regarding my visit… has that message not reached you?"
I handed over my identification—my Hunter License—and urged him to check. If that old bastard really forgot to pass along the notice, what should I do to him? A Penetrating Palm strike? A Tornado Drop? Or maybe—
"Ah, my deepest apologies. Yes, I've received word from Chairman Netero. He hasn't yet arrived, but until then, please wait here—"
"Riina!"
Just as the hotel staff was about to guide me, I heard a familiar voice and turned, halting my thoughts.
"Bisky. What on earth are you doing here?"
Yes… why is Bisky here?
"That's my line! What are you doing here? Don't tell me you forgot our appointment!?"
An appointment…? …Ah!!
"That's right, three days ago was supposed to be my spa day."
"…Unbelievable. You really did forget. You know, I'm not exactly free all the time. Yet I still make sure to visit you at least once a month. And when I actually showed up on the promised day, you were gone—with plans to be away for a long while at that."
Oh dear… she's rather angry. And understandably so. I was the one who broke our promise. Regardless of my reasons, failing to keep an appointment is inexcusable…
"My apologies, Bisky. This was my fault. I'll make it up to you, I swear… but could you forgive me for now?"
"…Hmph. I guess I'll let it slide. You don't usually make mistakes like this. Still, you'll owe me. And it just so happens there's something I want."
"Sorry about this, Bisky. …By the way, keep the budget around ten million, alright?"
"…Make it a bit more. I even had to hire an informant to track down where you'd gone. You can cover that too."
"Sigh… fine, twenty million. That's the limit."
"Deal!"
Honestly… this girl easily has way more than twenty million on hand.
"So then?"
"Hm?"
"Why'd you ditch our appointment and come here? This hotel's run by the Examining Committee, right? I hear it's about to be used for the Hunter Exam finals."
…Looks like she's still holding onto that grudge about me forgetting.
(…)
Yes… given this situation, Bisky isn't a stranger to the matter involving Master Ryushou either. She was deeply connected through Chairman Netero as well. And besides… when I was shattered after Master Ryushou's death, Bisky stayed by my side the whole time. If it's her… perhaps I can tell her.
"It's not the sort of story that should be told standing around in the hall. Let's talk once we're in the room."
"Fair enough. Hey, you—get us to a room, quick."
"U-uh, but… who is this guest?"
"She's with me. There's no problem letting her through. She's a pro Hunter as well."
"B-but Chairman Netero's orders specified only Lady Rockbelt—"
"I'll inform the Chairman myself. Just guide us, please."
"Y-yes, of course! At once!"
The hotel man blushed as he led us onward. Hm? What was that about?
"…You really have a bad hobby, teasing youngsters like that."
"Teasing? Don't make it sound so indecent. I only smiled politely to ask sincerely. Honestly, isn't it stranger for a young man to blush at the smile of a seventy-year-old grandma?"
"Please. No one would look at you right now and call you a grandma."
"And you, Bisky—aren't you the one who can't even bother putting on an act with strangers?"
"Ugh, that's only 'cause you weren't there and it ticked me off—"
"Ah, so you were lonely then. If that's all it was, you could have just said so."
"Who's lonely, huh!? Don't put words in my mouth!!"
Heh. She really is adorable when teased… though I mustn't overdo it, or she'll truly get angry.
"Hey! Are you even listening, Riina!?"
◆
Poooooo!!
The ship's whistle. The signal that the test was over. Finally—it's about time. Boring as hell, and it dragged on way too long. Waiting around was torture. Now then… how'd Gon do?
"Killua!"
"Gon! Did you pass?"
"Yeah! Thanks to everyone's help, somehow I managed."
"Oh, Aisha, Kurapika, and… Riorio! So you guys passed too?"
"It's Leorio!"
Oh, was it? Whatever. Looks like they all teamed up.
Tch. So I was the only one left out, huh. Not like I care.
"I'm glad you passed too, Killua."
"Yeah, it was a piece of cake. Bet it was a pain for you though, Aisha—having to take down three people. Tough luck. Me, I just randomly caught someone and they happened to be my target."
Seriously, who draws their own number first? That's like four percent odds.
"S-shut up! It's not like it's impossible. Sometimes it just happens that way!"
"That's exactly what unlucky people always say."
"Ughhh!"
Hahaha, speechless, huh?
"Haha, actually Killua—I've got an even funnier story."
Leorio came over with a mischievous grin. What's this about?
"N-no… Leorio-san!?"
From Aisha's reaction, she really doesn't want him to talk.
All the more reason this is gonna be fun!
"Heh. Let's hear it then."
I urged Leorio on, already anticipating the entertainment.
Yeah… this is way better than killing people. Being with Gon and the others like this—it's way more fun.
◆
In front of me, Killua was rolling on the ground laughing. Gon and Kurapika looked apologetic but still chuckled. Leorio wasn't laughing as hard as Killua, but he was clearly enjoying retelling my match with Gon.
…Leorio, you traitor.
"Why'd you have to tell him, Leorio-san…"
"My bad, my bad. It just slipped out."
"M-my stomach hurts! To challenge him so confidently and then lose so easily!? And Gon, what kind of 'fishing contest' is that!? Aisha doesn't even have a fishing rod!"
Ughhh! The more I hear it, the more embarrassing it gets! My face must be completely red by now.
"Well, it's because Aisha said the match could be decided any way."
"T-true, I did say 'any way.' I can't complain…"
"That's why I'm not complaining…"
"And then four of you ganging up on a single examinee afterward… poor guy."
I mean… they all offered to help me, and it felt wrong to refuse… But why do I feel like, even though we ganged up on him, I somehow did a good thing?
"Ahh, I haven't laughed that hard in ages."
"I'm glad to hear it."
"Don't be mad. Look, the airship's here to pick us up. Let's go."
Grr… Killua's laughing face is kind of infuriating…
The airship carrying us headed toward the final exam venue.
Will the test begin immediately after we arrive? Honestly, I just want to sleep. I've barely rested this entire week.
"Hey, Aisha."
"Yes? What is it, Gon?"
Does he want to ask me something? If it's something I can answer, I will.
"Why did you take the Hunter Exam?"
"Yeah, I'm curious too."
Why I took the exam, huh. Well, with Gon and the others, there's no harm in being honest.
"The reason? Nothing grand. I just wanted some form of identification."
"Identification?"
Gon looked puzzled. The others looked suspicious. They must want to know why I'd need that.
"I'm from Meteor City."
"!"
All three were shocked. …Except Gon, of course. Guess he doesn't know what Meteor City is.
"Meteor City is…"
—
Girl explaining
—
"And that's the story."
"I see. So that's why you need identification."
…That's his response after hearing all that? What a strange boy. Normally people would either pity me or look apologetic.
But with him… it doesn't feel bad. He has this warmth, this acceptance that embraces you as you are.
"…Well, it's not fair if only Aisha tells her reason. Let's share ours too."
"Yeah. Though honestly, I don't have a big reason. Just for fun, really."
"I want to be a Hunter like my dad. I don't even know exactly what kind of Hunter he is though."
"For me, it's money. As a Hunter, I can earn more than I could ever imagine."
"You don't need to act tough. Just admit it—you want money to become a doctor."
"Shut it!"
Heh. That does suit Killua.
Gon… aiming to be like a father he doesn't even know.
Leorio-san… much kinder than I expected. Being around him feels calming somehow.
And Kurapika—
"I… want the Phantom Troupe. I became a Hunter to capture them."
—! Revenge. The instant he spoke the name, his aura turned heavy and dark…
The Phantom Troupe. Among wanted criminals, they're top-tier—A-class bounties. Even seasoned Hunters hesitate to go after them.
I'd heard of them a few times after leaving Meteor City. They played a major role in the story too. No doubt every one of them can use Nen—and at a high level. The fact that Hunters haven't caught them yet proves as much.
As Kurapika is now, he doesn't stand a chance. Without learning Nen, he couldn't even begin. Even then, the odds of victory are slim. With Nen, time invested in training matters above all—unless you have overwhelming talent. I'm living proof of that.
"I won't lecture you about revenge, but… the Phantom Troupe—"
"I know. But I don't fear death. If I can't do it now, then I'll just become strong enough to make it possible."
…If he says that much, I can't stop him. No matter how many people say revenge is empty, I doubt it would reach him. I've never wanted revenge on anyone, after all…
…Though, I suppose I am the type others might want revenge on. If my father learned I was still alive… what would he do?
◆
Hmm. Looks like we've arrived at the hotel where the final exam will be held. Most likely Riina-chan has arrived as well. I'd rather not keep her waiting and have her complain, so I'd better head there quickly.
I reached the room I'd arranged through the hotel staff. She should be inside… though I sense two presences?
Huh? Why two? One must be Riina-chan, but the other…?
…Why do I have such a bad feeling about this? Honestly, I don't even want to go in. But if I delay any further, Riina-chan will have plenty to say about it.
No choice. I'll just have to steel myself and go in.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Riina—"
"You damn old bastard!! Why didn't you tell me about this too!?"
"Nuo!? B-Bisky!? What's this all about!?"
So the other presence was Bisky after all! My bad feeling was right… If Riina-chan and Bisky are both here, there's no way I can win in a war of words…
"There's nothing 'what's this about'! It's about Master Ryusho! Something that important—how could you not tell me!?"
"T-that? But, you see, there's still no proof. I couldn't just go around blabbing about something so delicate—"
"I'm involved too, you know! How many years do you think I've been connected to you and Master Ryusho!?"
"I've already told her everything I know. Certainly, it wouldn't be wise to spread this widely, but with Bisky there's no issue."
"Y-yeah. …Sorry, Bisky. I was distracted with other thoughts and overlooked you."
"…Well, if what you're saying is true, then it's understandable that you'd be preoccupied with that Aisha girl. If Master Ryusho really has been reincarnated, that is."
"…I've been meaning to ask. Why am I the 'old bastard' while Ryusho gets called 'Master'? Riina-chan I can understand, but Bisky, aren't you my disciple?"
"It's just a matter of whether you're worth respecting."
"He is Chairman Netero, after all. It can't be helped."
"…Can I cry now?"
Damn you, Ryusho.
"Don't cry, you're annoying. Well, since it'd be a hassle if you really started bawling, I'll stop teasing you here."
"I'm so moved by Bisky's kindness right now."
…Tch, I might really cry.
Still, these two are close. Back when Ryusho was alive they had more of a rival relationship and bickered a lot, but now they just look like sisters who get along.
Honestly. Both of them lying about their age is just—
""Did you say something just now?""
"NO, NOTHING."
Stop reading my mind!
"Anyway, about the plans from here on out!"
"…Are you trying to change the subject?"
"What do you mean? Anyway, about the plans—we'll start interviewing the examinees now."
"Interviews?"
"Yes. To finalize the pairings for the last exam. …I plan to make Miss Aisha the last to be interviewed."
"And of course, for her interview, we'll—"
"Yes, yes, you may participate. But only for Miss Aisha's turn."
"Of course. That's the only one we care about."
"The interviews were originally planned to be held on the airship… but if I'd done that, you two would've been angry, right?"
"Wise decision. You saved your own life there."
…Thank goodness I reconsidered.
"Then let's begin. When it's Miss Aisha's turn, I'll signal you. Until then, wait in the back room."
Now all that remains is to wait for Miss Aisha. …Heh, I'm getting excited like a child. If she really is Ryusho reborn… don't think you can escape this, Ryusho!!
◆
[Attention examinees. Sorry to disturb your rest, but the Chairman will now conduct interviews. Those whose numbers are called, please come to the conference room on the 15th floor.]
Suddenly, a broadcast while I was resting in my room. Interviews with Netero? For what? He said the final exam was in three days, so I thought I'd have time to relax…
Well, it probably won't take long. I can just sleep after.
"Examinee number 44. Number 44, please come to the conference room."
Forty-four… that's Hisoka.
…He's not going to attack Netero, right?
…He might. Though Netero could handle it even if he did. No point worrying about him. Hurry up and let it be my turn already.
.
.
.
"Examinee number 401. Number 401, please come to the conference room."
…Last? What's with that? Are they messing with me? I can't help but feel like they put me last on purpose. A trap!?
…No, no, what trap? I'm just tired. It's just coincidence I was called last, nothing more. Let's get this over with so I can rest.
I arrive in front of the conference room… but I sense three people inside.
Huh? Why three? One is Netero for sure, but the other two?
…This doesn't feel good. I really don't want to go in. But if I skip this and fail the exam because of it, that'd be worse.
No choice. I'll just have to go in.
"Excuse me. Examinee number 401."
I glance around inside, and—Bisky-san!? Why is she here? And the other one… no way, but yes, unmistakably… R-Riina-chan!? Why!? I mean, fine, but more importantly…
Why do you look young!? You're seventy-one, aren't you!? You look like you're in your twenties! You're clearly younger than when I asked you to inherit the dojo… What the heck!?
The sudden turn of events overwhelms my brain. With the fatigue of the exam and lack of sleep, I'm sluggish. That must be why—I answered Netero's next words without thinking.
"Well done, Ryusho. For now, have a seat."
"Oh, okay."
…Huh? Something felt off just now…?
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Silence from all four.
Wait. Did… Netero just call me…?
"R-Ryusho?"
"M-Master?"
"R-really?"
…Haha, guess I've been found out.
"Can we just pretend you didn't hear that?"
…Yeah, that won't work. How did they figure it out? Was it because I used Penetrating Palm or Willow Leaf Shaking? But would that alone make them think I'm Ryusho? Reincarnation isn't exactly the first conclusion you'd jump to.
…Well, I guess there's no point hiding it anymore.
"You really are Ryusho?"
"M-Master? Is it truly you?"
"Yes. …It's been a while, Netero. I see you haven't neglected your training. And Riina-chan, you look well too. …By the way, why are you younger now?"
Seriously, that's what I want to know.
"That doesn't matter! Are you really Master Ryusho!?"
Well, it matters a lot to me… but compared to reincarnation, I guess it's trivial.
"At this point, I've no reason to lie. Yes, in my previous life, I was known as Ryusho Kazama."
"So, you really did reincarnate using Reincarnation?"
Huh? Wait, why does Riina-chan know about Reincarnation? She doesn't seem to know the other reading, Strong New Game, though.
"Yes, but… how do you know about Reincarnation?"
It's best to ask, even if I've got a really bad feeling…
"So it's true, then… My intuition was right after all."
"Yes. On that, you deserve praise, Chairman Netero. Master, have you forgotten? In the Black Book you left behind, Reincarnation was written about. From that, I deduced you must have been reborn."
…The Black… Book?
What? That's the first I've heard of this.
Wait. A book containing Reincarnation/Strong New Game…
"D-don't tell me it's that old tome with the black cover…?"
"Yes, exactly. The book in which you recorded various types of Nen."
GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!
I-for-got!!
My collection of chuunibyou delusions!! The cursed legacy of my past life!!
My Black History!!
I had shoved it deep in my room once I stopped using it and completely forgot! Why didn't my past self just get rid of it!? If these two know about it, that means they've read it!
Ahhh, this is mortifying! "I want to crawl into a hole" doesn't even begin to cover it!
"Riina-chan! Wh-where is the Bla—uh, Black Book now!?"
"Y-yes! Um… well…"
Huh? Why is she hesitating?
"Master Ryusho, don't blame Riina-chan. …The truth is, the Black Book was stolen. Its whereabouts are unknown."
Bisky answered for her. Are these two more in sync than before? Anyway—
…Stolen? Missing?
"W-what…?"
That book… in someone else's hands? Someone might be poring over every single word!?
My strength leaves me, and I collapse to my knees. A crushing emptiness swallows me whole.
… … … … … … … … … … … … … … I want to die.
◆
Ahh! Sensei looks so dejected! Because of my own uselessness, his precious book was stolen!! Ugh! How pathetic of me, his foremost disciple!
But to think that Sensei really reincarnated! What a blessed day this is!
Wait—no, get a hold of yourself, Riina! Even though Sensei is downhearted because of my blunder, here I am rejoicing… that would be the height of disrespect!
…And yet, Sensei, reincarnated as a girl, looking all downcast—it's just so adorabl— No, no, absolutely not! How could I have such thoughts about my great master!?
Calm down, calm down, Riina. Breathe slowly.
Hoo, hoo, hee… hoo, hoo, hee…
"Uh, why are you doing Lamaze breathing right now?"
"Ah! Forgive me, I seem to have gotten flustered."
…I'm way more shaken up than I thought. A-anyway, I have to apologize first!
"Sensei, I beg your forgiveness! Not only did I take your treasured belongings without permission, but I even let them be stolen! I have no words to atone! Please, punish this foolish disciple!"
"Riina… Those were the possessions of my past life, in other words, the belongings of the deceased Ryushou. And I entrusted you with being my successor. Everything in that dojo was already yours. There's no need to torment yourself over this."
S-Sensei! How magnanimous you are…!
"Ahh, I am moved by your boundless kindness! Still, it doesn't change the fact that the book was stolen! I will absolutely deliver divine punishment to that fool of a thief, reclaim the Black Book, and restore your honor!"
"…R-right. Well… do your best… seriously."
"Yes, sir!"
Sensei has given me his words of encouragement! I must reclaim the Black Book at all costs!!
"By the way, Ryushou, there's something I want to ask."
Hmm? Netero, how dare he intrude upon this blissful moment with Sensei.
…But, well, it's fine. I also have countless questions for Sensei. And whatever Netero wants to ask, it's probably not so different from what I want to know. Let's be generous and forgive the interruption.
◆
"You want to ask me something? I can guess what it is."
"Yes. What exactly have you been doing until now? Why did you reincarnate? And why did you never tell anyone?"
Of course those questions would come. Not just Netero—Riina and Bisky are also looking at me with eager curiosity. There's no way out of this.
What have I been doing? Well, that part's fine to tell.
Why didn't I say anything about reincarnation? Because, honestly, I didn't think anyone would believe me.
And the reason I reincarnated? …Because I didn't want to die a virgin!
…Like hell I can say that!
"Well, to put it simply… I didn't say anything because I didn't think anyone would believe me."
"Impossible! How could anyone doubt Sensei's words!?"
"Calm down, Riina. Be real—if someone suddenly claimed 'I'm Ryushou reincarnated,' without any proof, who would believe them?"
"That's… well, I suppose you're right…"
Hmm. Bisky's pretty good at reining Riina in. Even though she looks younger, she's like the big sister here.
"As for what I've been doing… I lived in Meteor City. To be precise, I left there about three years ago."
"Meteor City!? Why such a place?"
They're shocked. Well, of course. For Ryushou to have lived in Meteor City—it's no small thing.
"I was abandoned there as an infant. I lived there until I grew up a little."
No need to talk about my mother… Not something I want to get into.
"After that, I went to Heaven's Arena to gather funds, then traveled around the world. I took the Hunter Exam this time because I wanted official identification."
"I see…"
Netero nods, satisfied, and urges me to go on. He wants me to get to the real question—why I reincarnated.
"As for the reason I reincarnated…"
I hear someone gulp loudly.
"...Of course it was to master martial arts!"
…Sometimes lies make everyone happier.
"As I thought!"
"Ha! I figured as much."
"Well, that sounds like you."
Ugh, my heart hurts! Especially Riina's gaze, overflowing with admiration—it pierces me! Stop it! My life points are already at zero!
"And, I've got one more question."
Eh? There's more?
"What is it now?"
"It's your way of speaking. It's completely different from before, isn't it?"
Ah, they noticed that, huh. I'll have to fudge this one too.
"It's been over ten years since I was reborn as a girl. My mother raised me to act like a proper girl." When in Rome, do as the Romans do, you know?
Not a lie. She really did raise me that way.
"And please, don't call me Ryushou anymore. Call me Aisha. Ryushou is gone now…"
"Ryushou… I see. Very well then, Aisha."
"Sensei! Even if your form changes, you are still Sensei!"
"You really are a hopeless Ryushou fanatic, huh? Well, fine. Got it, Aisha."
Good. Everyone seems satisfied. Riina… has given up.
"Then, now that we've confirmed Aisha is Ryushou's reincarnation, there's only one thing left to do."
Netero flashes a grin, eyes full of fighting spirit. Oh no…
"If you truly seek to master martial arts, then you'll have to defeat me first! Just like your letter said, I've never slacked in my training. No warrior could accept being left behind in defeat!"
Uwaaah. He's gone into battle mode.
Hold on a second. Sure, I don't mind settling this once and for all—but still—!
"Calm down, Netero. I admit, the thought of fighting you makes my heart race, but I can't right now."
"Why not?"
Don't make that disappointed face. I want to fight you too, dammit.
"I'm nowhere near full strength. My aura reserves are below 30%, and I haven't slept in a week."
"What? The Hunter Exam was that tough? For Ryu—er, I mean, for Aisha—to be worn down that much?"
"What's going on, damn it… Chairman Netero, depending on your answer—"
"N-no, that can't be! Sure, the Hunter Exam's difficulty rises and falls, but it shouldn't have been enough to trouble Aisha! In fact, during the fourth phase, she was hunting down candidates with ease—oh!"
…Wait. What did he just say?
"Netero. How do you know about my fourth exam?"
"N-no! I just suspected you might be Ryushou back then, so I guessed, that's all!"
"I see… No wonder you're a master of Zetsu. …You were the observer, weren't you, Netero?"
"Observer? What are you talking about, Sensei?"
He flinched at my words. His aura just wavered slightly.
"Well, uh… the truth is, I was secretly watching you during the fourth exam, to confirm if you really were Ryushou reborn."
"So it was you after all, Netero. Thanks to you, I barely slept at all."
"S-sorry about that! But really, you're amazing, Ryushou! To sense my presence—what do you think, Riina?"
"Indeed, as expected of Sensei. To so easily see through Chairman Netero's rash behavior."
"Haha, right, right!"
Hmm? Isn't he trying to gloss over this?
"Honestly, if I hadn't felt eyes on me while bathing, I might not have noticed—"
Netero dashes for the door at lightning speed! What the hell!?
But of course, Bisky, who was closer to the door, intercepts him before he can get there. And Riina immediately grabs his arm from behind and throws him with a joint lock! That's Thunderclap, isn't it!? And then—bam! They both kick him in the head from opposite sides—
…Wait, what!? They literally crushed his face between their kicks! That's way stronger than Thunderclap! They even infused aura into the strikes! If I had to name it, it'd be something like Kazama-ryu Aiki Jujutsu Secret Technique: Twin Dragon Thunderclap!
Yikes. Guess my chuunibyou isn't dead after all. But Netero might be.
"You bastard old man! I can't even admit to being your disciple now, it's too embarrassing! Go die once already!"
"Talking about 'observation,' you disgusting geezer! Sensei doesn't even need to dirty her hands—you just go straight to the River Styx!"
"G-ghhh, it… it wasn't on purpose… just coincidence…"
"Still making excuses, are you!?"
Ahh… In an instant, Netero's reduced to a ragdoll!
Stop it already! His life points are zero!
"…Ugh, what a terrible experience."
"That's your own fault. Be grateful for Sensei's mercy."
"Exactly."
"Come now, you two, calm down. I don't mind, really."
It's not like seeing me naked is going to kill me. Not that I want people to see, but if it was an accident, so be it.
"…Anyway, sorry about that. I never thought you'd be worn out this badly."
"Well, the lack of sleep is part of it. But as for the aura drain—that's not your fault."
"Huh? Then what's going on?"
…To explain this, I'll have to reveal my Nen ability, Boss Attribute.
Normally you shouldn't talk about your ability. But with these three, it's fine.
"The truth is, my Nen ability is the cause."
"!"
Oh? All three of them look shocked.
Right, I never revealed my ability in my past life either. No way could I have admitted to things like Original Story Knowledge / Plot Armor, Absolute Obedience / Geass, or worse—Reincarnation / Stronger New Game.
"Of course, this stays between us. …My ability is to 'block special Nen effects applied to me.'"
"What the heck!?"
"Block Nen?"
"That sounds like cheating!"
Cheating, huh. Sure, it's strong, but it has flaws. No ability is truly perfect.
"It's not that bad. As I said, it only works against special effects. Physical Nen attacks still hit normally. All it does is nullify abnormal effects that target my body."
"I see. So, for example, a materialized weapon would hurt you as usual, but if it carried an added effect like paralysis, that part would be negated?"
"Exactly."
As expected of Netero. Quick on the uptake.
"Damn, Manipulators, Conjurers, and Specialists would lose their minds if they heard about this…"
"A marvelous ability! As expected of Sensei!"
"Well, it has drawbacks. I can't choose which effects to negate, and it drains aura heavily. Since it's always active, if a strong ability keeps targeting me, my aura could dry up completely."
In fact, my aura is draining right now.
"So your exhaustion is because…"
"Yes. Because this ability has been running nonstop."
"Then that means someone's Nen ability has been targeting you this whole time?"
"That's right. Ever since the Hunter Exam began, I've been under some ability's effect. It's either a candidate or an examiner… Netero, do you know who?"
If it's an examiner, Netero might know.
"…Actually, there is one person who comes to mind."
Eh!? For real!?
"Who is it? Depending on the answer, I'll make sure they're corrected."
Scary… Riina's smiling, but it's terrifying…
"Well, he directly asked to be an examiner. Normally, the Association requests pros to volunteer. But this guy even created a Nen ability just for the exam! It was so amusing, I couldn't resist appointing him."
"What kind of idiot does that!? Who makes a Nen just for the exam!?"
"Unbelievable…"
"So the blame lies partly with you after all, Chairman."
"C-calm down! I'm not finished! His ability constantly activates during the exam, covering the entire venue. Its effect is surveillance and observation."
Ah, so that's it. Like a surveillance camera. Since I was inside the area, I was being monitored too—but thanks to Boss Attribute, I nullified it. That's why it only consumed a small amount of aura.
"What's the point of watching the whole exam? What's fun about that?"
"You'd have to ask him. I just thought his passion for the role was funny."
Typical Netero.
If it were me, I'd beat someone up for wasting their Nen on that.
"So, what's his name?"
…Huh? Riina's aura just turned pitch black!?
What the hell? Why's she so angry!?
"H-his name is Tonpa. Why?"
"Heh… just as I thought…"
Whoa!? Her aura just got even darker!? She's going full Dark Side!!
"Chairman, please summon this Tonpa here."
"V-very well."
Run!! Tonpa, run for your life!!
◆
While relaxing in his hotel room, watching Absolute Ruler of the Miniature Garden, Tonpa gets a call from Chairman Netero. Report immediately to the 15th-floor conference room.
Damn it. Don't interrupt my bliss.
In just three days, this year's exam will end. After that, Absolute Ruler of the Miniature Garden won't be usable again until next year's exam. I wanted to savor more of those despairing faces.
But I can't refuse. He's the chairman, and I'm just a normal pro hunter. The gap's too wide.
And if I sour his opinion of me, I might not get picked as examiner next year. On the other hand, if I make a good impression now, maybe I can keep getting the gig.
Guess I'd better hurry.
…But when I reach the conference room, I hear voices. More than one. Crap, there's other people in there? I've got a really bad feeling about this. I don't want to go in. But if I keep Netero waiting, that's even worse.
Fine. No choice. Just go in.
"Excuse me—"
"It's been a while, Tonpa-san. You look well."
—It's over. My examiner life—
…After that, no one ever saw Tonpa again.