The Ancient Forest encampment was calmer after the recent Rathalos encounter. Hunters scurried about, repairing gear and preparing for new expeditions. Hunter walked among them, Pyro perched lightly on his shoulder, tail flicking with quiet energy.
To the other hunters, he was simply a skilled solo hunter — quiet, observant, and efficient. No one suspected the true breadth of his abilities, the secret techniques he carried from the Old World.
---
Hunter paused near a workbench, surveying the equipment being repaired and the materials gathered. Armor plates, swords, and bows were laid out meticulously. But Hunter had his own plan — something lighter, more agile, perfect for his fist-fighting style.
He whispered to Pyro, "We need something that moves with us, not against us. Comfortable, flexible, but strong enough to take a hit."
Pyro chirped softly, tail flicking in agreement. The Palico understood Hunter's needs instinctively — their bond was honed through countless hunts.
---
Hunter began collecting monster materials from previous hunts — Rathalos scales, bone fragments, and hardened hides. He moved stealthily through the encampment, selecting resources without drawing attention.
Even the fleet's blacksmiths were unaware that Hunter intended to forge his own unique equipment. To them, he was simply another hunter preparing gear. But Hunter had a vision: lightweight gauntlets reinforced for fist combat, paired with under-armor that allowed for maximum mobility.
He experimented with layering hides, reinforcing joints, and balancing weight distribution. Each strike against the forge, each hammering of metal, refined his creation. Pyro assisted by fetching small tools and monitoring the forge, a silent partner in innovation.
---
Despite being among other hunters, Hunter remained secretive. He tested techniques quietly, only in private corners of the forge or high in the trees. His use of Haki remained hidden; Conqueror Haki and advanced combat techniques were never revealed. Only Pyro witnessed the subtle pulses of his Observation and Armament Haki as he tested his equipment.
Hunter's mind was always alert, calculating every potential threat and opportunity. Even the fleet's veterans could not guess the true capabilities hidden within the boy who moved so quietly among them.
---
Days passed, and Hunter's gauntlets neared completion. Each piece was crafted with precision — hardened yet flexible, weighted perfectly for devastating punches. The under-armor allowed for fluid movement through dense forests or open plains.
Hunter tested the gauntlets in simulated fights, striking trees, boulders, and practice dummies. Each impact reinforced his Armament Haki, allowing him to feel the material respond under pressure. Pyro leapt between strikes, dodging and weaving, mimicking real combat scenarios.
By nightfall, Hunter stood atop a ridge overlooking the camp, gauntlets gleaming faintly in the torchlight. Pyro perched nearby, tail flicking in satisfaction.
"These will do," Hunter murmured. "They're strong, agile, and perfectly suited to our style. No one will suspect their true potential."
---
The following morning, Hunter moved through the encampment with the other hunters. They greeted him politely, asking about his recent hunts, yet no one questioned his quiet demeanor.
The MC from MH1 spotted him from across the tents and waved. Hunter returned the gesture with a subtle nod, careful not to draw too much attention. Their bond remained unspoken — a silent acknowledgment of shared history and mutual respect.
Hunter's equipment and Haki remained hidden. Only he and Pyro knew the true advantage they now possessed. He felt ready — for the next hunt, the next challenge, and the countless monsters that awaited in the New World.
---
Hunter crouched atop a high ridge later that evening, watching the moonlight filter through the trees. Pyro brushed against him, sensing his focus.
"The New World won't wait," Hunter whispered. "We've got the tools, the skills, and the strategy. Soon, we'll test everything we've prepared. And no one — not even the fleet — will see what we're truly capable of."
Below, the encampment slept, unaware of the silent hunter who had already mastered secrets they couldn't yet comprehend. Hunter's journey was only beginning, and the gauntlets he had forged were just the first step toward becoming a force unseen by the world, yet feared by the monsters within it.