[Scene: Inside the Airship – En Route from Zevil Island]
As we flew away, we gazed down at Zevil Island one last time. The island grew smaller beneath us, slowly fading into the distance. While we stared, Leorio broke the silence and turned to Gon and Kurapika.
Leorio: "Pathetic... I needed the two of you to do everything for me during the Fourth Phase. I promise I'll return the favor. So... thanks."
Gon and Kurapika smiled warmly at his honesty. I overheard and understood what he meant.
Max (thought):Looks like Leorio got carried through that phase.
Then, a voice echoed through the airship's speakers—it was Beans.
Beans (Speaker): "I have an announcement for all applicants."
Max (thought):Oh yeah, it's Mr. Beans' voice.
Beans (Speaker): "The Chairman wishes to interview the remaining candidates."
Leorio: "Interview?"
Beans (Speaker): "When your number is called, please report to the first reception room on the second floor. We'll begin with #44, Hisoka."
Gon's face instantly grew serious at the mention of Hisoka. Kurapika glanced at him with concern, while Leorio still looked confused. I just sat back, wondering what kind of interview it would be.
After Hisoka, the needleman went in. Once he came out, it was my turn.
Gon and his friends wished me luck.
Max: "Thanks."
I stepped into the room and saw Chairman Netero seated in front of me.
Netero: "Well, have a seat."
Max: "Don't tell me... this is the final phase of the exam?"
Netero (smiling): "It may be related."
Max: "Is it a written exam?"
Netero (chuckling): "Written exam? Where did you ever get an idea like that?"
Max: "Eh, it's a long story. Let's skip it."
Netero: "Hohoho, very well. I'll just ask a few questions to satisfy my curiosity."
Max: "Okay then."
Max (thought):Thank God it's not a written exam.
Netero: "First question—why do you want to become a Hunter?"
Max: "Do you want the short version or long version?"
Netero: "Short. There are still others waiting, you know."
Max: "Alright then. One—curiosity. Two—I heard Hunters get paid really well, and I want my parents to stop working. Three—power. Being a Hunter puts you above most people in status."
Netero: "Hmm. A noble and practical mix of reasons. Next question: which of the other nine applicants are you keeping an eye on?"
Max: "Number 44 and 301. They're the strongest—either one could take down an examiner. I'm stronger, of course, but they'd still give me a serious fight."
Netero: "Interesting... And the final question: which of the other nine applicants would you least want to fight?"
Max: "Same answer. 44 and 301. Not just because they're strong—because they're insane. I don't like fighting crazy people."
Netero (laughing): "Well, that's all. Good job answering. You're excused."
I stood up and walked out. As I stepped into the hall, Leorio, Pokkle, and Hanzo approached me, all of them looking curious.
Leorio: "So? Is it the final phase?"
Max: "Yeah… it's a written exam. Super difficult!"
Their faces instantly dropped into shock and despair.
Max (grinning): "I'm kidding. It's just a normal interview. Just a few questions about the final exam. Nothing to worry about—the questions are easy."
Hanzo: "Damn, you scared me for a second."
Pokkle: "Same here. If it was a written exam, I'd be screwed. I haven't studied in years."
Leorio: "Your jokes are never funny, Max."
I laughed as I turned to walk away, then glanced back at Hanzo one last time.
Max: "Oh, by the way—thanks for the scarf."
Hanzo: "Nah, it was just a trade. I got the better deal, honestly. I should be the one thanking you. If you want another one, I've got extras."
Max: "I'm good. One's enough."
I kept walking. Behind me, Leorio and Pokkle exchanged confused glances.
Pokkle: "Wait, what was that about?"
Leorio: "Yeah, what scarf?"
Hanzo smirked and began explaining. Pokkle looked shocked by the story, and Leorio, though he already knew about the trade, didn't expect Max to actually give up a badge just for a scarf.
Some time had passed, and everyone had finished their interviews. As I wandered through the hallway, I spotted Kurapika talking to Gon. Curious, I decided to head over.
Max: "What are you guys talking about?"
Kurapika: "I was asking Gon if something happened during the fourth phase."
Max: "Oh yeah, I meant to ask about that too—but I forgot. Now that I remember, I definitely want to hear it."
Kurapika turned to Gon again.
Kurapika: "When we met up, you were acting a little strange. And you've been kind of quiet ever since we left Zevil Island."
Gon: "My target was Hisoka."
I already knew that, so I wasn't surprised. Kurapika, on the other hand, looked a little surprised—but quickly remembered that Gon had Hisoka's number badge.
Gon: "I waited for the perfect moment and managed to steal his badge... but someone else had been tailing me. He shot me with a poisoned dart and took both my badge and Hisoka's."
Max: "Was it that dart guy—Geretta?"
Gon: "Yeah."
Max: "Damn. Sorry, Gon. I felt a little bad for the guy, so I didn't break his weapon or steal his badge earlier. But it's—"
Gon: "No, it's not your fault. I should've been more aware of my surroundings."
Max: "Yeah, I wasn't finished. I was about to say—it's mostly your fault for not keeping watch."
Gon sighed. Kurapika smacked my shoulder.
Max: "Hey, at least I'm right. Anyway, what happened next?"
Gon: "Not long after, Hisoka took his badge back from the guy who ambushed me… and he left it with me."
Max: "By killing him?"
Gon: "Yeah. Then he placed the guy's corpse right next to me."
Max (thought):Well, that sucks for Geretta... Still, thanks for the glasses and hat.
Gon: "He said I owed him now."
Kurapika: "Hisoka actually said that?"
Gon: "I told him I didn't need his help, and he sent me flying."
Max: "I thought you got sent flying because you called him an old man."
Gon giggled a little at that, and I continued.
Max: "So what sent you flying? A punch?"
Gon: "Yeah, he just punched me in the face."
Max: "Oh. I thought he grabbed you and threw you."
Gon sighed again, and Kurapika gave me another slap on the shoulder.
Max: "I'm just asking. So… did it hurt?"
Gon: "Of course it did. Why would you even ask that?"
Max: "I'm just messing with you."
Gon gave me a look, and Kurapika smacked my shoulder yet again.
Max: "Alright, alright, sorry."
Gon: "He told me that the only time he'll take the badge back is when I'm strong enough to punch him in the face—just like he did to me."
Max: "Yeah… you've got no chance."
Gon shot me a glare, eyes watery with frustration. Kurapika gave me another smack on the shoulder and told me to apologize.
Max: "Whoa, hey—don't cry over this. I'm sorry, okay? I'd feel bad if I made a little kid cry."
Gon: "No… I'm not mad because of what you said. You were right. I'm just mad at myself… I couldn't do anything against him."
Kurapika seemed to understand now. I kept quiet, not wanting to ruin the mood any further. After a moment, Gon wiped his eyes and smiled.
Gon: "After that, I felt miserable and alone. I wanted to help someone, to feel useful. That's why I was looking for you two."
Max: "Me? I don't even need help."
Kurapika: "He meant me and Leorio, Max."
Max: "Oh…"
Kurapika: "Gon, Leorio and I have only come this far because of your help. We're truly grateful."
Max: "What about me?"
Kurapika: "…Uh, yeah, you too. Even though you're kind of annoying."
Max: "I'll take that as a thank you."
Gon: "I'd also like to thank you."
Max: "I did say you've got no chance against Hisoka, but... maybe someday you will. There's no time limit on that promise, right?"
Gon: "He didn't say there was. But I want to punch him in the face—soon."
Max: "Well, there's only one way."
Gon: "What is it?"
Max: "What else? Get stronger."
Gon: "You're right. That's the only way. But how? Can I become like you?"
Max: "Figure it out yourself. I'm not a teacher. I'm off to train again—later."
I turned and walked off, leaving Gon to process my words. Kurapika just sighed. Time passed. The airship soared closer to our destination. The final phase of the Hunter Exam… was about to begin.
To Be Continued.