After that—yes, after Riina's "questions" (better described as torture) aimed at Tonpa, he ended up spilling everything about his Nen ability Absolute Ruler of the Miniature Garden, and was ultimately forced to release it.
…I almost feel sorry for him. But since the root cause of my aura drain was taken care of, honestly, it's a huge relief for me. One good night's rest and I should be back in shape.
By the way, Tonpa lost his wits entirely before passing out cold. At the moment, he's lying on the floor, bound with steel-threaded wire courtesy of Riina… I really hope it's just my imagination that she seemed disturbingly practiced at it.
After this he'll probably be dragged back to the dojo headquarters and thoroughly worked over. …Live through it, old man.
"My apologies for showing you such an unsightly scene, Sensei."
"N-no, well, uh… I don't really mind?"
"…I almost feel sorry for that guy."
"In a way, I feel like I've witnessed a man's way of life."
They had a point. He'd already been straightened out once by Riina, and yet he still managed to find fun in this so-called "rookie crushing." That kind of stubbornness could only be called hardcore. Like Netero said, in a sense, it's almost worthy of respect.
"Sensei. What will you do once this Hunter Exam is over?"
Hm? That's sudden. Still, it's a natural thing to wonder.
"Sensei, I'd very much like you to return to the dojo—!"
"Ah, no, that's not happening."
"W-why not!? That place is—your…"
Riina clearly wants me to take up the position of head of the Kazama-ryū Aikido Dojo again, but…
"Kazama-ryū is in your hands now. If you want the dojo to carry on, you need to find and train someone worthy to inherit it."
"B-but…"
"That's also the duty of one who leads a dojo. I entrusted it to you because I believe you can do it."
"! Understood. I, Riina, will meet your expectations without fail!"
…She still accepts every word of mine as absolute. Sometimes I worry she'd happily die if I told her to.
"For now, I'd like to travel the world a bit. Do the things I couldn't when I was Ryushou."
Mainly, lose my virginity! Which means I need to get my hands on Greed Island fast.
"Oi, oi. There's something you've gotta do before that, isn't there?"
Netero smirked. Yeah, I know.
"Of course I haven't forgotten. You claimed you'd won and walked away, but if you look at the overall record, I'm the one who's behind. Don't think you're the only one who cares about settling this."
"That's the spirit! …Three days from now. We'll finish it then."
Three days? But that's the day of the final exam.
"What about the final exam?"
"I'll leave it to some trustworthy Hunters and Beans. The outline's already done. They'll just have to handle the pairings and the fine details."
"Wait, and my exam? You're not saying we'll duel after the exam, are you?"
"Relax. I'll pass you. Your strength is more than enough. …Of course, if you can't stand the thought of winning your license after losing, we can do it after the exam instead."
"…Fine. I'll take that provocation. I'll win and claim my Hunter License fair and square."
It might be foolish to rise to his bait—but this is Netero. Letting him think I ran away would be unbearable.
"Heh, don't regret it. You'd better be back in top form in three days."
"You too, Netero. Come at me at your best. A true martial artist is never in perfect condition when it comes to a fight… but—"
A martial artist lives in constant battle. To lose to a sneak attack or while sick is no excuse. This isn't a mere match; if you lose, it just means you weren't strong enough. But—
"—it won't mean a thing if I can't beat you at your absolute best!"
Their battle auras made the very room groan.
Ahh, this is fun. This is what it means for your heart to dance! Not the carefree conversations with Gon and the others, but this razor-edged exchange brimming with tension. A supreme delight only he can give me.
You really are the best, Netero!
◆
Honestly, look at that face. How many years has it been since I saw the old man that happy?
Right. Not since Master Ryushou died. Oh sure, I've seen the geezer laugh plenty of times while pulling pranks or teasing people, but not like this—never with such pure joy from the bottom of his heart. After reading Ryushou's letter, he trained without fail, but he had no one to unleash it against.
So of course he's thrilled. After over a decade, he finally gets to wield his martial strength to the fullest again.
…Maybe Master Ryushou foresaw this reincarnation, and that's why he wrote to Netero—to ensure he could fight his greatest rival again. If so, I owe him thanks.
And Riina… goodness. Look at that jealous face, like she thinks her precious Master Ryushou's being stolen away. She really can't help it when it comes to Master Ryushou. Normally she's so composed, so cool.
When Master Ryushou died, she was crushed. She looked so broken I couldn't help scolding her. After that, we spent quite a while together.
Funny, I used to find her infuriating. And then, before I knew it, we were shopping together, eating out—not just fighting each other, but sharpening one another like the geezer and Master Ryushou used to.
Well, it's not a bad thing. Ah, there she goes again, puffing her cheeks. Don't forget you're over seventy, old lady! Honestly, such trouble.
Anyway, three days from now it's the geezer versus Aisha. Heh, I can't wait. Watching Netero and Master Ryushou fight was always instructive. And this time, Master Ryushou has been reborn as Aisha. From what I hear, her physical ability now far surpasses what it was back then.
That means she's covering the very weaknesses Master Ryushou once had. This duel might eclipse everything that came before!
I look at Aisha with growing anticipation. …Yep, she's a girl, all right. Who'd have thought Master Ryushou would turn into such a beauty? Life really is full of surprises.
But still… what is with that outfit? Not a shred of femininity. For someone who preaches "When in Rome, do as the Romans do," she sure isn't dressing the part. Well, it's true I can't picture Master Ryushou ever voluntarily wearing girly clothes.
Still… Aisha will probably spend today resting, not training. She needs her aura to recover, after all. In that case, maybe I'll invite her out for some shopping. Playing dress-up with her could be very entertaining. Heh heh heh.
◆
I was supposed to be resting, regaining my strength in preparation for my fight with Netero… or so I thought.
Right now, I'm facing the greatest crisis in all of my 145 years, counting my past life…!
At this rate, my dignity will be trampled, my spirit torn to shreds, my body and soul dragged straight down into the dirt.
Somebody…! Somebody save me! Anyone will do! At this point, I don't care if it's even Hisoka! If someone can rescue me from this, I'll sell my soul to the devil himself!!
"Don't you think this one looks better?"
"That one's a bit too flashy. This one would suit Sensei much more."
"Too plain, if you ask me. This one's way cuter."
"Sensei is still only thirteen, a child. Obviously, this is the better choice."
"What are you talking about? Just look at Aisha's appearance! And if you count her time as Master Ryushou, you can hardly call her a child, right?"
"…That's true. Then how about this one?"
"Mm, nice. And I think white would match her hair better than red, don't you?"
"Indeed… You know what, let's just buy both. And of course, the one you picked too, Biscuit. That would suit Sensei as well."
"See? I told you so!"
Help me!!
Right now I'm at a giant department store several kilometers from the final exam site. It's been a full day since I agreed to my duel with Netero.
After eating a ton and getting plenty of sleep, I'm back in perfect condition. Honestly, it was nothing more than sleep deprivation and aura drain, so a day of rest was all I needed.
Since the decisive battle is the day after tomorrow, I planned to take today easy and make final adjustments tomorrow. That was the plan—until Riina and Biscuit barged into my room.
They wanted me to come shopping with them. I figured I had time to spare, and shopping wouldn't be exhausting. If anything, it might be a nice change of pace, a way to relax my mind.
And after troubling Riina so much with the dojo issue, I thought I owed her at least that much… That was my mistake.
This is hell.
"N-no, um, the clothes I already have are perfectly—"
"What are you saying, Aisha! A girl can't just get by with nothing but those plain, shapeless outfits!"
"Exactly. We understand you dislike anything too flashy, but wearing nothing but tracksuits is a bit much…"
B-but I'm choosing practicality! Not wearing girly clothes is the last shred of resistance I have left…
"I've told you again and again—I used to be a man. I don't want to wear things like this…"
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do, wasn't it?"
Ugh! She went right for the weak spot!?
"A-at least something more active-looking, please…"
Ahh, no use. Against these two working together, I can't win with words.
And Riina! You're supposed to be my disciple, aren't you!? Since when does a student force her master into things she hates!?
"How about this one?"
"Th-that's ridiculous! That kind of thing might suit you, Biscuit-san, but me!? Never!"
Who the hell would wear gothic lolita!? Never mind age—my looks don't match that at all! No, it's beyond that—if it's between wearing that and walking outside naked, I'd rather be naked!!
"You don't have to be so formal calling me 'Biscuit-san.' Just 'Bisky' is fine."
"…Bisky. Either way, I'm not wearing it."
"Alright, alright. If you're going to insist that much, fine. But what about this one instead? Forget the frills, at least wear this much."
…Compared to goth-loli, this is much better.
"Sigh… Fine. Just this once, alright?"
"Then this way, Sensei. The fitting room is over here."
…Wait. Did they just move the goalposts on me?
How did I end up agreeing to wear something I don't want!?
"Ohh, that looks wonderful on you!"
"Yeah, seriously. With your figure, it's easy to find clothes that look great."
"That's enough already… Can we please go home—"
"Then next, the lingerie shop—"
HELP!!
◆
The day after tomorrow is the final exam, huh. Hard to believe I've made it this far. Honestly thought I'd wash out right at the start…
I owe it all to Gon and the others. Can't thank them enough. …But it's pointless to get sentimental before I even pass the exam. Sitting around just makes me think too much.
I should stretch my legs.
As I'm relaxing in the hotel lobby, Aisha comes walking in from the front entrance. Out on a trip, huh? Real relaxed, aren't we?
Wait, hold up. That outfit… That's… c-cute! Super cute! Up till now it's all been plain, practical clothes, not a hint of femininity!
"Yo, Aisha!"
"Ah, Leorio-san. Good work…"
…No, you look more worn out than me.
"What's with the outfit? Don't tell me you had that stashed away in your huge bag all this time?"
"No, this is, uh… a gift from an acquaintance…"
"A gift, huh? …Wait, hang on! That's a whole Chanel set you're wearing! Just this alone is six figures easy!"
"Huh, is that so?"
"'Is that so'!? Are you kidding me—"
Ah, right. She spent most of her life in Meteor City. She wouldn't know.
"I'd have been fine with my usual clothes, but they said it would be a waste, so they picked this out… along with a few others. Well, dozens of others."
Dozens!? Just how loaded is this acquaintance!? Hook me up too!!
Well, I do agree it'd be a waste. Honestly, she's a sight for sore eyes.
…Wait, what the hell am I thinking!? She's thirteen! (Well, "supposedly"…)
"I really don't think clothes like this suit me…"
"No way. They look amazing on you!"
"Eh?"
"I guarantee it! You should have more confidence in your looks, Aisha!"
…Ah, crap. I can feel my face burning up.
"Uh, th-thank you…?"
"Why the question mark!?"
"Well, it's the first time a man's ever said that to me…"
What, every guy in Meteor City blind!? Not one with normal taste!?
"A-anyway, I should thank you too, Aisha."
I can feel the awkwardness creeping in, so I force a topic change. I cannot handle this atmosphere!!
"Eh? Thank me?"
"Yeah. …I made it this far thanks to everyone—thanks to you."
"I didn't do much. You made it this far because of your own effort, Leorio-san."
"Still. Let me thank you. …I'm glad I got to meet you and the others."
Meeting her will be a treasure for life. …Not that I'd ever say it out loud.
"Me too… I'm really glad I got to meet you and everyone, Leorio-san."
"Y-yeah…"
Crap, my heart's pounding like crazy! That smile should be illegal!
"Um, Leorio-san, I… about you…"
H-hold on. This… this development!? No way! But she's still a kid—no, what am I saying? That's just a matter of time! She looks good, has a great personality—what's the problem!?
Springtime of my life has finally arrived!!!
"C-can I… call you a friend!?"
Ah, yeah... Knew it. Should've expected that kind of punchline!!
"O-of course! What are you talking about, we've been pals from the start! At least, that's how I've always thought of us."
"Leorio-san! Thank you! I've never had a friend I could talk to like this before!"
Aisha says something so sad with such a happy smile…
Man. She's really that happy to be friends with someone like me?
…Well, I don't mind. Not one bit.
Friends, huh.
Yeah. I'll definitely become a Hunter, and a doctor too. To make sure there are fewer people out there suffering like her.
◆
Yesss, yesss, yesss~!
At last! In this whole reincarnated life, I've finally made my very first friend! I was so happy I literally skipped all the way back to my room.
Man, it really does pay to muster up some courage and just say it. Who would've thought Leorio actually thought of me as a friend all along!? I can't even remember the last time I had a real friend (Netero definitely doesn't count).
Ahh… it's been decades since I've felt this happy! This thrill, this rush—it feels like nothing in the world can scare m—!!
Wait. Stop!
…What was that just now? That chill running down my spine…?
For a second there, I had this vision—like if I kept talking, my head would've been ripped right off during my fight with Netero.
Am I… just tired?
No, no. I need to get my mind straight. I have to focus on the duel the day after tomorrow. Netero will come at me with everything he's got. And if I'm to meet him head-on, I need to devote every last moment until then to preparing for it.
Today was mentally exhausting, but not without its gains. This duel will likely be the fiercest battle of my long, long life. Which is why, during today's shopping trip, I didn't just buy women's clothes—I also bought this.
The design is exactly the same as when I trained under Master Ryūzen. Just putting it on brings back the memories, sharpens my concentration.
Tomorrow I'll spar with Riina as planned, but I might as well put it on now, even if it's a little early. The sooner I say goodbye to these frilly outfits, the better!
…Yes. As expected, wearing this clears and hones my mind. Until Riina arrives, I'll sit in Zen meditation, sharpening my nerves even further. My opponent is Netero. I can't hope to win unless I'm in perfect condition. I have to recall the sensation… the state I had back then, as Ryushou.
◆
Tomorrow is the day of Sensei's showdown with Chairman Netero. Sensei will undoubtedly crush that old geezer and ascend to the absolute peak of martial arts, both in name and in fact!
Today, Sensei asked me to accompany her for the final adjustments before the duel. That fool Tonpa has already been dragged off to the main dojo under surveillance by three Pro Hunters. With nothing left to worry about, I can spend the entire day with Sensei!
We've reserved the grand hall of the hotel for this last session. There's still about an hour until the appointed time, but no disciple could ever arrive later than her master. I must hurry!
When I open the doors to the hall, Sensei is already there. Oh no! To have kept Sensei waiting—what an unworthy disciple I am!
"Sensei! Forgive my laten—!"
What…!?
There she sits in the very center of the room, cross-legged in Zen. The overwhelming aura radiating from her! No, it's not just spilling out wildly—her aura is being stored, compressed, drawn inward!
"You've come. Early, I see, Riina."
Sensei rises slowly to her feet as she speaks.
Ahh… clothed in the Kazama-style martial garb she bought yesterday… that posture, that aura, even the faint trace of Ryushou-sensei's manner of speech lingering in her words…
Truly. Truly—she is Sensei reborn!
"It's a little early, but let us begin. Netero, too, must be gathering his aura by now."
S-Sensei! Sensei has returned to us!
More than ever, I can feel it! Once again, I can train with her! Once again, I can bask in her teachings! At this moment, I am wrapped in the greatest joy of my life!!!
"What's wrong, Riina? Did I ever teach you to daze off in the middle of training?"
"Yes, Sensei! My apologies!"
Yes. This is no time for daydreaming! Not a single instant spent with Sensei must be wasted!
◆
Good grief. The Chairman really does give me trouble. Just because I happened to be near the final exam site this year, he went and forced me into being an examiner.
And he claims the exam content is already prepared?
Who on earth uses someone like me just to sit and supervise? I'm hardly a man of leisure.
…Well. I suppose I've grown used to the Chairman's reckless whims.
According to Beans, the Chairman should be in this room.
"Excuse me, Chairman. About the details of the final exa—!?"
What in the world…! The Heart T-shirt! The battle attire he only dons when he fights at full power…!!
I've seen it once before. The time he went to fight Ryushou Kazama. And now—why is he wearing it again!?
"Ohh, sorry to drag you here when you're busy, Knov. But you're the only one I can really count on."
"I'm already used to your sudden requests, Chairman. …But that shirt—what does it mean?"
Who could it be for? To make Netero fight seriously? Honestly, is there even anyone alive who could push him that far?
The head of the Hunter Association. Even in old age, the world's strongest Nen user.
If Netero is going all out… then who could his opponent possibly be?
"Wondering, are you? About who I'll be facing. About who could draw out my full strength."
"…! You're a terrifying man, Chairman. Please don't read my mind."
"Hyohyohyo! It was written all over your face. You've still got a lot to learn."
"If I'm still lacking, then by your standards, most Pro Hunters are hopelessly green."
"From where I stand, you're all just chicks. Now then, I'm busy myself, so let's get to the point."
"…So you made me an examiner for the final exam because—"
"Speculate all you want, boy. It won't change a thing."
"Yes, I know. Trying to stop you would be pointless. Just hurry and give me the details of the exam."
If Netero were the sort of man who could be talked out of something, life would be a lot easier.
"Hoho, sorry about that."
Sigh… I don't mind serving as an examiner. But what a pity—that I won't get to witness Chairman Netero fighting at his full strength.
…If Morel were nearby, I would've gladly shoved this examiner duty onto him.