Hello everyone, this is Gon Freecss, and I can barely contain my excitement for the fourth exam that's about to begin.
The fourth exam is a battle royale between examinees on a deserted island to collect license plates. The moment the exam details were announced, every elite examinee who had made it this far instinctively distanced themselves from a certain person.
At the center of the empty zone stands Hisoka, clutching his body tightly. His expression is a complex mix of joy and sorrow, and the aura radiating from him is filled with malevolent energy that instills fear and despair in anyone nearby.
As everyone watches Hisoka warily, the rules are explained: each participant must collect six license plates, three points for their own plate and one point for each of the other five plates, and defend them for a full week to pass the exam.
"Now, in the order you cleared the third exam, draw a lottery ticket from this box with your target number written on it. The order for entering the island will be the same. Move quickly without wasting time."
As the examinees drew their lottery tickets, Gon and the others, who had cleared the exam simultaneously due to the majority rule, decided to draw in the order of their five consecutive battles with the prisoners. Even during the discussion, Gon and Hisoka avoid making eye contact, but to the examiners and Gitakuru, their auras seem to be crushing each other in an invisible battle.
Finally, it's Gon's turn. After taking a deep breath, he pulls a slip of paper from the nearly empty box. Confirming the number 44 written on it, Gon holds it up so everyone can see and declares to Hisoka.
"Once we get to the island, I'll come get your plate, so find a good spot and wait for me."
"~♥ Ah, I'll be waiting, Gon~♥ Come see me as soon as you can~♥"
With their auras no longer concealed, the surrounding area was overwhelmed by their presence. Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Netero hinted at disqualification, and the drawing of tickets resumed.
"Sorry everyone! I got a little too excited."
During the short journey to the island, Gon, who had been overflowing with aura, apologized profusely to Killua and the others. Since he had been facing Hisoka with his aura, it was better than being faced directly, but it was by no means a pleasant experience for them.
"Well, at least we knew what was happening, so we were better off than the others. It's fine now. Are you really okay? The enemy is Hisoka, you know?"
Killua spoke up on behalf of the group, expressing his concerns about the previous declaration of war. Since it was a survival game, there was no reason to fight honorably, and if necessary, they could clear the stage by collecting three plates from other participants.
Kurapika and Leorio also suggested taking precautions after witnessing Hisoka's true strength in the Trick Tower.
"If we could be certain of victory, that might be different, but judging from Gon and Hisoka's reactions, their abilities are evenly matched. It might be too late now, but there's no reason to deliberately put ourselves in danger."
"You're right, Gon. We owe him a favor from the Trick Tower, but Hisoka doesn't seem like a trustworthy guy. No one will blame you if you avoid him to pass the exam."
Despite feeling guilty for the concern shown by the three, Gon has no intention of backing down from this battle. The dimension he aims for doesn't exist in a place where he's just standing still.
"It's okay! If it comes down to it, Gin will help us, so we won't die at worst. Besides, I'm looking forward to this battle with Hisoka! I'll definitely win so we can train without any reservations. Everyone, gather the plates as quickly as possible!"
Though their time together had been brief, the three knew that Gon wouldn't listen anymore, so they forced wry smiles, thinking it was pointless to meddle further. They decided to make the most of the time they had left and began discussing how to gather the plates as quickly as possible.
"I'll go alone; it's easier that way. If you want, I'll gather extra in case Gon loses."
"Then Leorio and I will work together; it'll be more efficient that way."
"Alright! Count on me, Kurapika!"
As Killua and the others brimmed with determination, Gon narrowed his eyes and silently thanked them once more. As long as Gon aimed to be the strongest, no matter how much he tried to sugarcoat it, he would have to walk the path of a warrior. Even if he stumbled and fell, they would surely reach out a hand and pull him back up.
"Once we're done here, we'll ask Gin to guide us to the next location. If you're still collecting plates, give us a hand."
Shortly thereafter, they arrived at the fourth exam venue, Zebir Island, and the plate-grabbing battle among the 32 examinees began.
***
Hisoka chose a spacious plaza near the center of the island as the meeting place with Gon. With its decent size, it was easy to handle third-party interference and an ideal location for a fair fight without any tricks.
Hisoka, sitting cross-legged at the center of the square, waited for Gon without setting any traps, simply letting his aura surge.
Hisoka had rated Gon at 100 points when they first met, but that was a score that took into account his potential. In terms of combat power alone, he estimated Gon to be around 80 points. Additionally, Hisoka had absolute confidence in his own strength and a tendency to enjoy the process.
In short, Hisoka doesn't even consider the possibility of losing to Gon. All he thinks about is how much he can enjoy himself while bringing out Gon's full potential, and this time, he's just treating it as a taste test. Even arrogance and complacency, which are normally unforgivable, are merely spices for enjoyment in Hisoka's eyes, and since he has never lost, there is no reason for him to change.
On this day, Hisoka comes to deeply understand the unintended defeat brought about by arrogance and carelessness.
***
Gon arrives at the square where Hisoka is waiting, accompanied by Gin. Gin has released the compression he had been maintaining since leaving Whale Island, and his massive frame, twice as large as Gon's, exudes an overwhelming presence.
"Gin, please keep an eye on the surroundings. If anyone tries to interfere, take care of them."
Hisoka is stunned by Gin's completely different appearance, but when he sees Gon walking toward him alone, he pushes the thought to the back of his mind.
Gon stops just two meters away, his usual cheerfulness subdued, his face contorted into a fierce smile filled with fighting spirit.
"It's only been a few days since we met, but it feels like we've been waiting for this moment for years. Please don't break down yet, Gon. Let's spend the best time together."
Hisoka's aura grew even more ominous at the sight of Gon's expression, while Gon's aura emitted a heavy, oppressive pressure, as if gravity had increased.
Even the two professional hunters watching from a distance couldn't hide their trembling as they felt the aftereffects of the aura. Worse still, Gin's warning not to interfere made them realize, whether they wanted to or not, that they were the weak ones here.
"I thought you might be preparing something, but it doesn't look like you're doing anything."
"Of course not. It's their first time, after all. It'd be a waste not to go head-to-head first."
From Hisoka's attitude, Gon realized once again that he was being underestimated. He had felt it in his words and actions before, but seeing it so clearly now made him feel a bit uncomfortable. Though the worry about traps had disappeared, making things easier, he decided to accept this anger as retribution.
"I'll let you take the first move. Show me your strength, Gon."
Those words cut away all of Gon's hesitation.
"...Here we go."
As his aura surged, Gon's form changed. His height stretched to nearly match Hisoka's, and his muscle mass was clearly superior.
His enhanced physical abilities were matched by an elevated aura, making the Gon from moments ago look like a child.
"The punch is aimed at the abdomen, so defend yourself with all your strength."
The aura, further swollen by training, gathered at Gon's feet.
From the planted foot to the twisted waist, through the pumped-up latissimus dorsi muscles, and into the right fist clenched at the shoulder. The transmission of force was reinforced through a fluid motion, and at the moment of impact, the concentration of power achieved even greater force.
In the moment stretched to its limit, Hisoka fought with all his might to survive.
Believing Gon's words, he transformed the hardness in his abdomen into rubber-like elasticity, focusing solely on enhancing its elasticity.
It was too late to slip an arm between them; Hisoka's arrogance and complacency finally caught up with him.
The impact was so intense that even the professional hunters watching couldn't help but look away. However, despite the loud sound, Hisoka only managed to retreat a few meters, leaving behind the imprint of his shoes.
There were two reasons why it ended so lightly. First, Gon's "Ken" technique was superior to Hisoka's "Ken" technique in terms of offensive and defensive power. Second, Hisoka's "Bungee Gum" was exceptionally strong against physical attacks.
"To be honest, I thought I was going to die. If I had known you had such a hidden trick, I wouldn't have let you take the first move."
Despite trying to maintain a composed demeanor while bleeding from his mouth, Hisoka couldn't help but kneel down due to the unexpected damage remaining inside his body.
(This is odd. While that was indeed a remarkable strike, sustaining this much damage is unusual.)
In close combat between Nen users, the defensive power of aura plays a crucial role. Gon's strike was not particularly high in terms of aura defensive power, so sustaining this much damage while being hardened suggests the presence of another factor.
"I was surprised by how smooth your flow was, but you must be hiding something else as well. You're ignoring defensive power way too much."
Using the time to recover from the damage, he asked Gon, who wasn't following up. The blow to his body was slowly draining Hisoka's stamina and willpower with each passing moment.
"Buying time? Fine, but you've got some nice abilities too, Hisoka. Does it feel like rubber or something when you hit it?"
"Hehe, both are correct ♥ My ability combines the properties of gum and rubber. If you could also tell me about your ability while buying time, that would be nice.♠"
Despite being looked down upon by the massive Gon, who bears no resemblance to his usual face, Hisoka maintains his arrogance, is it his pride or his innate temperament?
"My ability is physical enhancement, as you can see. I also have a supporting ability for the flow aspect."
Even though it's obvious, there's still something off about Gon casually revealing his ability.
"That's not all, is it? Those two abilities alone don't explain the difference in offensive and defensive power."
Finally able to stand up, he managed to shake off the humiliation of being looked down upon, but he didn't stop asking questions. It would take some time before he could recover enough to resume the fight.
"Hisoka, have you ever thought it was a waste?"
"…?"
"Hisoka's Bungee Gum is centered around Transmutation abilities, right? Do you incorporate all six systems, including support?"
"…Now that you mention it, I only use Enhancement and Emission. But I don't think using all six systems would make it a stronger ability."
Hisoka responds to Gon's question by explaining his own thoughts. While it is generally considered best to train one's strongest type to the peak and then evenly develop all others, that doesn't mean you should become a jack-of-all-trades. Even if you could create an ability that incorporates all six types, Hisoka believes that your weaker types would hold you back, resulting in a mediocre ability.
"So, Hisoka is wasting the proficiency rates of two systems, Manipulation and Conjuration, except for his special trait, right?"
"What are you trying to say, Gon?"
"Don't you think it's a waste to allocate proficiency rates to systems you don't use?"
"…Gon, are you serious?"
At first, he didn't understand, but as the conversation continued, an answer began to form.
"They're merely auxiliary abilities, meant to enhance my true ability."
The heavy aura emanating from Gon, even assuming he's an Enhancement-type, clearly indicates a high enhancement rate. The words "wouldn't it be a waste to allocate unused mastery rates?"
"The name of the ability is 'Vow'! In exchange for never being able to master the three systems of Emission, Transmutation, and Conjuration again, all unused mastery rates are added to the Enhancement system."
This ability defies the established principles of Nen. It's a reckless pursuit of the ultimate, sacrificing adaptability for a single goal.
"I'm originally a Manipulation-type, so theoretically I can master Enhancement-type at 240%. But right now, 140% is my limit."
Hisoka couldn't believe it, but he also realized that this ability was incredibly troublesome if it was real.
Even now, with the multiplier still low, there's still room to exploit, but once it exceeds 200%, it'll be impossible to handle.
"Enough stalling. I want to pass the exam too. If you're going to blame anyone, blame yourself for letting me take the first move."
Gon closes the distance, his muscles and aura surging. Hisoka has recovered quite a bit, but not enough to ignore it during combat.
"I'll keep hitting you until you make a sound. Is there anything you want to say?"
Regretting having underestimated Gon all this time, he vowed revenge while at least being grateful for not being killed.
"Next time, I'll pay you back. Wait with your neck washed clean, okay?"
Despite his desperate resistance, Hisoka was crushed by the gap in offensive and defensive power and sank into Zebir Island with an ecstatic expression.
***
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