Chapter 11: A Test on the Sea
The steady rhythm of the waves crashing against the hull of the ship became the only sound Reinhart could focus on as they sailed toward the first phase of the Hunter Exam. Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were nearby, each lost in their thoughts, but Reinhart's mind was on high alert. This wasn't just a simple journey; even now, he knew they were being tested. The Hunter Exam didn't start in some formal arena—it started here, on the ship.
Reinhart had been here before, in a sense. His memories of watching Hunter x Hunter before being reincarnated into this world gave him a unique advantage. He remembered this part vividly: the storm, the questions from the captain, and how this ship was more than just transportation—it was the first hurdle in the exam. He knew the challenges were about to begin, but his body was still tense with anticipation.
The captain, a grizzled man with sharp eyes and a no-nonsense attitude, stood at the helm, his experienced gaze sweeping over the passengers. His eyes lingered on Reinhart for a moment longer than the others, as if sensing something different about him.
"Reinhart," Gon called, pulling him from his thoughts, "do you think we'll have to pass a test on this ship?"
Reinhart smiled. "Probably. Hunters are known for being thorough. They want to test everything, even how we handle a rough journey."
Gon's eyes gleamed with excitement. "I can't wait!"
The wind had picked up, and Reinhart could see dark clouds gathering on the horizon. The ship rocked gently at first, but soon, the waves grew larger, the wind more fierce. It didn't take long before the storm was upon them. The sky darkened, and the rain came in sheets, pelting the deck with stinging force.
---
As the storm worsened, the captain's voice boomed over the chaos. "Anyone who can lend a hand, get to it! We're not losing this ship to the sea!"
Reinhart didn't hesitate. He rushed to help, grabbing ropes and securing sails as the crew fought to keep the ship steady. His body moved with practiced ease, the results of his two years of training on Whale Island showing in every quick, efficient motion. The storm was relentless, but Reinhart's endurance training made it easier to keep pace, even as the wind threatened to tear the sails apart.
"You've done this before?" one of the crewmen asked, shouting over the howling wind as he watched Reinhart work.
"Just a bit of practice," Reinhart replied, pulling a rope tight. He had helped out on boats back on Whale Island, and the basics weren't that different. Still, he had never been in a storm this fierce before. But his focus remained sharp, and his movements never faltered.
He noticed the captain watching him again, his sharp eyes flicking between Reinhart and the crew. After a moment, the captain gave a small nod of approval before returning to his task of steering the ship through the storm.
---
Hours later, when the storm finally began to subside, Reinhart found himself back on the deck with Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio. All of them looked exhausted but relieved. The storm had been a brutal test, and Reinhart knew it was likely part of the exam. Only those who kept their cool and helped out would be moving forward.
As the sun began to rise and the waters calmed, the captain gathered the remaining passengers on deck. His piercing gaze swept over them, and Reinhart felt a shift in the atmosphere. This was the next part of the test.
The captain's gravelly voice broke the silence. "So, you lot are trying to become Hunters, huh? Let's see what you're made of."
Reinhart already knew what was coming—"Tell me, why do you want to become Hunters?"
Reinhart tensed, knowing this was where the real test would begin. He had thought about his answer over and over in the years leading up to this moment. It was simple, really, but also deeply personal.
"I want to get stronger," Reinhart answered, his voice steady. "So I can protect the people I care about."
The captain's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed Reinhart's answer, but he didn't say anything. He simply turned to Gon, waiting for his response.
"I want to become a Hunter so I can find my dad!" Gon said without hesitation, his voice filled with determination. His honesty was as refreshing as always, and Reinhart couldn't help but admire how straightforward Gon was.
The captain nodded thoughtfully before turning to Kurapika and Leorio. Kurapika was next, his calm and composed demeanor giving nothing away.
"I want to become a Hunter to seek vengeance for my clan," Kurapika said quietly, though there was a sharpness in his tone. "I will not rest until I've eliminated the Phantom Troupe."
Reinhart already knew this was coming, but it was still chilling to hear it in person. The depth of Kurapika's resolve was clear in every word he spoke.
Leorio, however, rolled his eyes at Kurapika's response. "Vengeance? Really? You're becoming a Hunter for revenge?"
Kurapika's eyes narrowed dangerously, and Reinhart could sense the tension rising between them.
"And what about you?" Kurapika asked, his voice icy. "Why do you want to become a Hunter, Leorio?"
Leorio didn't hesitate, his voice loud and confident. "I want to become a Hunter for the money. I don't have some tragic backstory or a vendetta. I just want to make a lot of money."
Kurapika's expression darkened, and his voice dropped to a cold whisper. "You dare reduce the significance of the Hunter Exam to money?"
Leorio stood up abruptly, his hands balled into fists as he glared at Kurapika. "And what's wrong with wanting money?! Without it, you can't help anyone! What do you know about the real world?"
Reinhart stepped back slightly, already anticipating the next few moments. He had seen this conflict before, but the intensity of their emotions felt stronger than he had expected.
Kurapika stood as well, his calm demeanor cracking under the pressure of his rage. "People like you, who chase after wealth, have no right to be Hunters! You have no understanding of what it truly means!"
Leorio's face turned red with anger, and his fist shot up, ready to strike Kurapika. "You think you're better than me just because you have some tragic story?!"
Before the fight could break out, Gon suddenly leapt between them, his hands raised in an attempt to calm them down. "Stop it! This isn't the time to fight!"
Reinhart knew Gon's interference would de-escalate things, but before anyone could react further, a sharp cry rang out from one of the crew members.
"Katsuo's fallen overboard!"
The sound of chaos erupted as everyone rushed to the side of the ship, peering into the churning waters below. There, struggling against the waves, was a young crewman—Katsuo—flailing helplessly as the sea threatened to swallow him whole.
Without thinking, Gon rushed to the railing and jumped overboard, diving headfirst into the rough sea to save the crewman.
"Gon!" Kurapika and Leorio shouted in unison, their argument forgotten in the face of the emergency.
Reinhart's heart pounded as he watched Gon's small figure disappear into the water. Even though he knew this was going to happen, seeing it unfold in real life brought a sense of urgency he hadn't anticipated. Without wasting any time, Reinhart ran to the side of the ship, quickly grabbing hold of a rope as he prepared to lower himself down.
Gon resurfaced, clutching onto Katsuo, but the waves were relentless. Gon was strong, but the current was overpowering, and it was clear that he was struggling to keep both himself and Katsuo afloat.
"Hold on, Gon!" Reinhart shouted, swinging down from the rope toward the water.
With precise timing, Reinhart caught Gon's arm just as a wave surged toward them. Using all of his strength, Reinhart hoisted both Gon and Katsuo upward, pulling them toward the ship. The crew quickly helped secure the rope, and within moments, all three of them were back on deck, soaked and exhausted but safe.
Leorio rushed forward, his earlier anger forgotten. "You're insane, Gon!" he said, but his voice was filled with relief.
The captain, who had been watching the entire event unfold, stepped forward. There was a rare smile on his weathered face. "You've got guts, kid," he said to Gon before turning to Reinhart. "And you're quick to act. Both of you did well."
Reinhart, still catching his breath, managed a nod. He could feel the weight of the captain's gaze, knowing that they had passed another unseen test.
---
The rest of the journey passed in relative calm. The tension between Kurapika and Leorio eased somewhat, though Reinhart knew their differences would likely surface again later. The storm had subsided, and the ship sailed smoothly toward their destination: Dolle Harbor.
As the ship approached the harbor, the captain gathered them all one last time on deck. His sharp eyes swept over the four of them, his expression unreadable.
"You've passed the first test," the captain said, his voice gruff but approving. "The real exam starts now. Keep your wits about you."
Reinhart, Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio stepped off the ship and onto the docks of Dolle Harbor, their hearts racing with anticipation. The first hurdle was behind them, but Reinhart knew the challenges ahead would be even greater. As they walked into the town, Reinhart glanced at Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio. They were strong—each in their own way—and despite their differences, they would face the Hunter Exam together.