Still... I really went and did it. I didn't actually need to use Penetrating Palm back there. Honestly, against Netero, who had let his guard down thinking I was just an amateur with decent physical specs-I probably didn't even need Willow Leaf Sway to steal that ball. Why did I let myself get carried away?
...It's because it's been so long since I saw him, isn't it? Back in Ryushou's era, the moments I spent competing with Netero were some of my happiest. My spirit might have changed, but memories and feelings don't just vanish.
But now what? Netero is definitely going to be suspicious. After all, in the Kazama Style, almost no one uses Penetrating Palm or Willow Leaf Sway (though maybe the numbers have grown by now). As for Penetrating Palm, it was a forbidden technique I only ever passed down to Li-na. It looks like a standard palm strike, so it's hard to distinguish, but...
This is Netero we're talking about. He must have realized what it was. If he hadn't, he wouldn't have used 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva to counter me... right? Right now, he's probably wondering exactly who I am. There's a chance he might even conclude I'm Ryushou's reincarnation. That would be bad.
...? Would it? I mean, reincarnation is impossible by common sense; even if I told him, he'd probably just think I was a lunatic. That's why I couldn't say anything. But if he figures it out on his own, is there really a problem?
No, wait. He might reject me. Being rejected by Netero would really hurt... Maybe it's better if I keep hiding it? Though I've already slipped up so much...
...Ugh, whatever! What happens, happens! If he finds out, I'll deal with it then. If he doesn't, all the better!
Phew. While I was lost in thought, it looks like we've arrived at the Third Phase site. I didn't get a wink of sleep in the end.
A tower towering high into the clouds: Trick Tower. So this is the venue. Apparently, it serves as a prison for vicious criminals.
The objective is to make it to the bottom alive within 72 hours. There aren't any stairs leading down, so I wonder if there are hidden doors? ...Surely there isn't some secret passage that would let the prisoners escape, right?
Now then, how should I get down?
Ah, someone's actually climbing down the outer wall. Impressive. But if they slip, they're dead.
"Whoa, look at him go!"
"He's already made it that far down."
"...Is he going to be okay, though? Something strange is headed his way."
"Ah, you're right."
"Aaaaaaggghhh!!!"
Oh, he's been surrounded by giant carnivorous birds. At this rate, he's done for. I guess I have to help.
"Hup!"
I hurl a few stones at the birds. Those things are grotesque... and, bullseye. Every shot hit.
"Go back up while you still can!"
"Th-thank you!"
He managed to scramble back up somehow. I was worried he might fall in his panic. I'm just glad he's safe.
"Y-you saved me. I owe you one..."
"Don't worry about it. Good luck with the exam."
"Yeah, you too. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just say the word. I'll definitely pay this debt back."
With a word of thanks, the rock climber went off to find another way. He might still die on a different path, but I can't look after him forever. What I just did was nothing more than hypocrisy-a bit of self-satisfaction.
"...Hey, you."
"It's not 'you,' it's Aisha. This is the second time we've had this exchange."
"Whatever. More importantly, I've been wanting to ask. Why do you go so far to help people?"
"...Is it wrong to help?"
"I'm not saying that. But you did it during the First Phase, and in the Second Phase, you were about to jump in to help that pro-wrestler guy, right?"
This kid is observant. To think he noticed that slight movement when I was about to step in for the wrestler who was nearly killed by the examiner... He has quite the eye.
"I was just wondering why you'd help total strangers. It's not like you're looking for a reward."
"..."
"You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I was just curious."
"...It's my mother's teaching. She told me to help people if it's within my power... She said to put myself first, but if I have the breathing room to spare, I should reach out to others. That's why I helped. Right now, I have room to spare. If I were the one in danger, I'd prioritize myself over anyone else. Probably."
"She sounds like a great mom. She must love you very much."
"Yes. She's my pride and joy."
"...I see. I'm jealous. I wish I had a mother who said things like that. Want to trade for mine?"
"I'll pass."
"Hey, don't be so blunt about it!"
I'm being serious. I wouldn't trade the best mother in the world for some stranger, even as a joke.
"Also, why are you lugging around that massive backpack?"
"Eh? Well, the Hunter Exam is long, right? By the time I packed spare clothes, food, and water, it just ended up this way."
"...How many kilos is that thing?"
"Who knows? I haven't weighed it, but I'd guess around 50kg."
"You're something else, Aisha..."
"Seriously, you don't need that many clothes. And we got to eat on the airship."
"Y-you couldn't have known that! What would you have done if they didn't serve anything during the exam?"
"I'd just find something to eat. Right, Gon?"
"Yeah! I'd just gather berries or catch fish-whatever looks edible nearby."
You little wildlings! Dammit... I can't eat scraps or bugs. I can handle wild game if it's safe, but...
"Ugh, I need to eat clean food whenever possible..."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
I can't help it! My mother... my mother said...!
Now, what to do? There seem to be quite a few hidden doors on the roof. Several candidates have already found them and entered the tower. But that seems like a lot of work just to get down. Maybe I should just jump.
If I emit my aura, I can technically maneuver in mid-air using the momentum. It consumes a fair amount of aura, and since I'm using Angel Veil, the drain is even higher... but this much shouldn't be a problem.
Once I've decided, I just need to wait for a moment when no one is looking and take the plunge. It'll be a pain if someone sees me.
First, Zetsu. This makes it difficult for anyone to spot me. Then, while pretending to look for a hidden door, I'll sharpen my senses to make sure no one is watching. I'll casually drift toward the edge of the tower, and the moment the eyes on me shift elsewhere-I can fly.
Checking with En and my honed senses, no one is watching me currently. Plenty of candidates have already headed down through the traps, and the rest are obsessed with finding their own doors. Now's my chance.
Stay focused until the very end... and, hup!
I jumped with a lot of momentum, but surprisingly, I'm not that scared. It's actually kind of fun. I didn't feel much fear when I jumped off Mount Mafutatsu either. Well, if I got worked up over something like this, I'd never be able to stand against Netero.
Oh, right. Since no one is looking, I should deactivate Angel Veil. If I don't turn it off occasionally, I'll get exhausted. Plus, for some reason, my aura consumption has gone up since the exam started. Maybe I'm nervous? I've been trying to minimize the drain with Zetsu, but my reserves are lower than I expected.
The ground is getting close; time to prep for landing. I emit aura toward the ground. Once my momentum slows, I focus aura into my legs and touch down.
Phew. Success. Since Netero landed normally from the airship, I thought I might be fine without emitting aura, but better safe than sorry. Based on that feeling, I might have been okay with just Ken. If I ever have to jump from a high place again, I'll try it. Though I doubt that opportunity comes up often.
Well, I've made it down, but where's the entrance? ...There isn't "no entrance," is there? I-I'll just walk around the tower for now. There's bound to be one somewhere! Oh, better put Angel Veil back on. No telling who might be around.
...Even if Netero finds out about the reincarnation, I really want to hide the quality of this aura. Seriously, why is it so sinister? Is it because I died once? I can't think of any other reason.
Ah, thank goodness...! I found it! I mean, it makes sense. This is a prison; they'd be in trouble if there wasn't an entrance. They can't exactly make the prisoners enter through trapdoors on the roof.
Now, finding the door is fine, but how do I get in? Being a prison, this door looks incredibly sturdy... Naturally, it's locked, and I probably shouldn't break it.
"Helloooo! Excuse me! Is anyone there?"
I call out toward the door. If it's a prison, there should be security cameras.
『...Who are you? Why are you here?』
Oh, good, a response! Looks like I won't have to force my way in.
"I'm a Hunter Exam candidate. See? I have my number tag."
『...Why is a candidate at the tower entrance? You were supposed to start from the roof.』
"I wasn't told I couldn't enter through the front door."
『No, that's not what I mean...』
"...Is it not allowed?"
If it's not, I'll have to climb back up to the roof. Honestly, I'd really rather not...
『...The number tag has been verified as authentic. Opening the entrance. Enter quickly...』
"Thank you very much!"
Whew, what a relief. This means I've passed the Third Phase. Now I just have to wait for three days... Three days?
"Um, excuse me. I have a quick question."
『What is it? Speak quickly.』
"What's the situation with food while we wait for the exam to end?"
『...Provision of meals is prepared for those who complete the phase. Rest assured.』
"That's good to hear. I have some emergency rations, but they're a bit bland."
『It's prison food, so don't get your hopes up.』
"Eh?"
『The door is open. Get inside.』
"...Huh?"
『Candidate Number 401, Aisha. First to pass the Third Phase!! Time elapsed: 1 hour and 2 minutes.』
Since I had nothing to do until the Third Phase ended, I was relaxing in the Trick Tower breakroom, enjoying the show. Specifically, I was watching footage from the previous phases.
My Nen ability, Absolute Master of the Miniature, allows me to freely view any footage from a current exam-from the past up to the present in real-time. It's perfect for savoring the candidates' expressions as they twist in despair. Becoming an examiner was definitely the right call, heh heh heh.
While I was indulging in footage from the First Phase, I saw something bizarre.
It was Candidate Number 190, Nicholas. That guy was the best. After all, he was the only one who fell for the laxative-laced juice I prepared. My face must have been a picture of pure delight when he drank it.
But then, an inexplicable phenomenon occurred. A plastic bottle suddenly appeared right in front of him. It wasn't hypnosis or super-speed. It was a glimpse of something far more terrifying... No, it was Nen.
In other words, Nicholas must have conjured that bottle! His desperate desire not to wet himself caused him to awaken to Nen and materialize that bottle!!
...As if. Don't underestimate Nen. If you could awaken just for something that stupid, what were my three years of training for? All that talk about "clearing worldly desires" while they worked me to the bone! I can't tell you how many times I prayed for death...
Phew, stay calm. Anyway, that bottle wasn't Nicholas's doing. He can't even use Ten yet. Besides, there's no way a Nen user would fail the First Phase.
So, who produced that bottle? It definitely involved Nen. A bottle appearing out of thin air is unthinkable otherwise. But through the eyes of Absolute Master of the Miniature, there was no one there but Nicholas... Whose ability was it?
Thinking that, I replayed the scene of the bottle's appearance several times and found something strange. It had so little presence that I hadn't noticed, but there was a set of clothes carrying a massive backpack running right there...
It wasn't that I'd gone stupid or my eyes were failing. Literally, just a set of clothes was running. What the hell was that? It was as if an invisible person was running while dressed.
...I recognize that backpack. It was Candidate Number 401, Aisha, I think. She was a plain, unremarkable... actually, a quite beautiful girl.
So Aisha is a Nen user. Does she have the ability to make her body invisible? But she can't make her clothes invisible? If so, what a half-baked ability. No matter how invisible you are, if your clothes can be seen, the effect is cut in half.
Still... even knowing she was there, her presence was incredibly faint. To be that hard to notice despite the abnormal sight of running clothes, her Zetsu must be superb.
Number 401, Aisha... she's a candidate I need to keep a very close eye on.
The next time I saw Aisha was in the footage toward the end of the First Phase.
I was watching the scene where Hisoka was playing examiner.
Hisoka... he's a monster. Since I awakened to Nen, he's only the third person I've met who stands out that much. There are probably plenty of Nen users stronger than me, but he's in a league of his own. If I met him anywhere but the Hunter Exam, I'd run instantly.
Fortunately, he doesn't seem very interested in me. As long as I don't provoke him, I'm probably safe. My heart nearly stopped when he attacked me, though.
Even knowing the attack wouldn't hit me, that bloodlust and sinister aura... I honestly thought I was going to die. Absolute Master of the Miniature really is the best.
I watched as that monster Hisoka amused himself with his little "test."
Man, having it happen to you is the worst, but watching other people's misfortune is sweet as honey. I could go for a drink while watching this.
I spotted Aisha after Hisoka threw a card into the tall grass. Even though no one was visible, Hisoka was definitely talking to the bushes. No, it was more than that. The moment his card was about to hit, a set of clothes jumped out...
She was hiding there? What an incredible Zetsu. And that stone that flew at Hisoka-that must have been Aisha's doing. Why would she go out of her way to draw his interest? Does she have a death wish?
But contrary to my expectations, Hisoka just left for the Second Phase site. If he didn't kill her, does that mean she passed? Should I put her on my danger list?
...Nah, looking at it again, she threw that stone to help that other candidate... Leorio, was it? She might be strong, but she's just a do-gooder. Not worth listing as a threat.
And now, I was watching Trick Tower, the site of the Third Phase.
The groups who noticed the hidden doors were gradually making their way down. I wondered how many of them would manage to entertain me. While I was thinking that, I suddenly felt curious about Aisha.
How would she handle this phase? Let's check.
Found her. It was surprisingly easy. She isn't using Zetsu. Well, a set of clothes moving on its own is pretty easy to spot. ...Huh? That's weird. If she's this conspicuous, the people around her should be staring. But the other candidates aren't paying her any mind...
Maybe it's not an invisibility power? Then why are only her clothes showing up on camera?
...Dammit, I don't get it. I'm not exactly an expert on the nuances of Nen abilities. Maybe if I asked Ms. Li-na...
No, forget that. If she finds out what I'm doing, she'll send me back to that living hell. I'll pass on that.
Oops, I lost her. Where is she?
-There. She's using Zetsu again. Honestly, if it weren't for the clothes, I probably wouldn't be able to find her. Impressive work. She seems to be looking for a trapdoor. But she's gradually moving toward the edge of the tower. Why?
-!? You've gotta be kidding me! She jumped! Was she actually suicidal?!
Well, she's dead. No way you can survive a fall from that height, even for a Nen user. The only exception would be someone like Chairman Netero. Unless she can fly... Wait, can she? Let me check.
Aisha plummeted toward the ground. No sign of flight. Is she really going to die? Just as I thought that-aura erupted from her body!!
What the hell is that?! Why does a girl like that have such a malevolent aura?! What happened next was even more terrifying. The moment she was about to slam into the ground, an impossible amount of aura exploded from her! An unbelievably dense concentration!
Using the momentum of the aura blast to slow her descent, Aisha landed gracefully on the ground... The sheer volume of aura, and... that quality! It was as sinister as Hisoka's!
A do-gooder? Not a chance! She's on the same level as Hisoka-maybe even more dangerous!
I immediately moved Aisha to the top of my danger list. I have to make sure I never, ever get involved with her...
...Something is definitely wrong. Even though I'm resting in Zetsu, my internal aura is hardly recovering. It's impossible for it to be constantly decreasing like this.
At first, I thought the consumption was just higher due to the stress, but that's hard to believe.
...Am I under the influence of some special Nen ability? That would make sense. If my "Boss Attribute" is neutralizing it, that would explain why my aura is being drained.
The question is, what kind of ability is it? Who's the user? Is it only targeted at me? What for? Surveillance? It's probably been active since the First Phase, given that's when the drain started.
Fortunately, the consumption isn't high enough to be a problem as long as I don't use Angel Veil. I should have enough to last until the end of the exam.
Still, it's a problem that I didn't notice my "Boss Attribute" was active just because the drain was so small. I might be getting soft lately. I need to sharpen up.
...Who is the user? Most likely an examiner or a candidate. If it's an examiner, Tonpa-san is my prime suspect. He's been following us since the first phase. As a pro Hunter, he'd definitely know Nen.
The second candidate is that guy with the needles in his face. I doubt it's Hisoka; he wouldn't bother with such a roundabout ability. There might be other candidates who know Nen, too. They could be hiding it just like I am.
Who is it? In the end, it's all speculation. It could even be someone I don't know. For now, all I can do is calm my spirit and rest to recover as much aura as possible.
Maybe I'll meditate for a bit... It's been since the days of Ryushou that I've sat in Zen.