Pokkle had four chances to fight—actually quite a lot.
But Kurapika had six.
That left Pokkle a bit dissatisfied.
He didn't think he was any worse than Kurapika.
Killua, after giving it some thought, felt confident that he'd performed well in the previous exams. He passed each stage smoothly—aside from that one incident with Hanzo.
And Gon? He encountered Hisoka.
"Gon got five chances."
"But I only have three."
"Is there really such a big difference between me and Gon?"
Because they were the same age—and because Gon showed such talent, strength, and character—Killua found him very likable. He wanted to be friends with him.
But even among friends, comparisons are inevitable.
Killua was very aware that, right now, he was stronger than Gon.
And his performance in the exam had been more consistent.
So why the difference?
Was his talent... not enough?
Killua couldn't help slipping into self-doubt.
...
"Next, I'll announce the official rules of the match."
"Unlimited combat."
"You're allowed to use weapons, tools, any techniques, abilities, and target any part of your opponent's body."
"However—you cannot kill."
"If you attempt to kill your opponent, you will immediately be disqualified."
"Moreover, the match will end right then and there, and the remaining participants will pass the exam unconditionally."
"Is that clear to everyone?"
"Alright then. Let's begin the first match."
"Kaizen, Kurapika. Step forward."
One side had five candidates left, the other had six.
Naturally, the larger group would fight first—giving their members more rest time between matches.
When their names were called, Kaizen and Kurapika stepped out into the center of the room.
Several previous examiners moved to the sidelines to observe. Among them were a dozen men in suits and sunglasses—looking more like mafia henchmen than anything you'd expect from the Hunter Association.
The clash didn't seem suspenseful to most of the onlookers.
Kaizen's strength was clearly on another level compared to Kurapika's.
But not everyone among the candidates knew this.
Leorio, Pokkle, and Hanzo didn't have a clear grasp of Kaizen's power.
Especially Pokkle—he had taken a liking to Kurapika and was watching closely.
Kurapika stared at Kaizen with a solemn expression.
"Kaizen, I didn't expect the first match to be against you. I know I'm nowhere near your level, but... now that I've made it this far, I want to try."
"I want to see the gap between us."
"So go all out."
Kaizen gave a small nod. "Alright. Come at me."
Kurapika drew his weapons—two wooden clubs. Though made of wood, they were clearly reinforced and durable.
"Begin!"
A middle-aged examiner stepped forward and called the match. But really, referees were more of a formality. Under Chairman Netero's special rules, there were no knockouts or point tallies.
The only way to win... was to make your opponent surrender.
...
"I'm coming!"
Kurapika charged, gripping his clubs tightly.
But not head-on.
He came from the side—knowing full well he couldn't face Kaizen directly. Attacking from an angle might offer a chance.
Kaizen didn't move.
"Now!"
Kurapika saw an opening.
He slipped past Kaizen's defense and swung both clubs—one aimed high, the other low.
At least, that's what he thought.
But from Kaizen's perspective, Kurapika's speed and reactions were still too slow.
Kaizen shifted his foot slightly—and effortlessly dodged both strikes.
Then raised his hand.
A single hand chop.
Crack!
A clean, sharp sound rang out.
Kurapika collapsed, eyes wide in disbelief.
He'd known there was a gap between them.
He knew he couldn't beat Kaizen—not even in a real fight where lives were on the line. He couldn't even beat Killua, let alone Kaizen, who was even stronger.
But still... he hadn't expected this kind of gap.
Just one move.
...
Pokkle's eyes widened. "Kaizen is really this strong?"
Hanzo stared at Kaizen, eyebrows furrowing.
Killua's expression tightened. "That speed… that reaction time…"
"Did Kaizen even go all out when he fought me?"
Kurapika pushed himself up and bowed his head.
"I concede."
He returned to the line.
Kaizen had officially passed the Hunter Exam.
Kurapika would have to fight again.
...
The examiner turned to the next two.
"Second match—Gon, Hanzo."
The two stepped forward.
Killua was still wrestling with frustration over his own perceived shortcomings.
But when he saw Gon heading to the center, he couldn't help but call out.
"Gon, be careful. Hanzo's strong."
"I'll be careful," Gon replied, his face more serious than usual.
Leorio glanced at Killua. "Hey—do you think Gon has a chance?"
Killua didn't hesitate.
"No."
...
"Begin!"
As the examiner called it, Gon exploded into motion—circling quickly around Hanzo.
His plan was to use speed and stamina to wear him down.
Gon knew Hanzo was stronger.
But he had confidence in his physical ability. It was his best shot.
What Gon didn't expect, though...
...was that Hanzo was even faster than him.
Not just stronger—faster, tougher, more refined.
Though it looked like Hanzo was moving back defensively, in the blink of an eye he appeared right behind Gon.
Wham!
A sharp punch to the back of Gon's neck.
Gon hit the ground, hard.
Bounced once.
Then fell again.
Kurapika and Leorio's eyes widened.
"The difference… is that big?"
------------
+475 chapters on patreon.com/FanficsHub