(Ten days later. Fakuro arrives, looking confused.)
FakuroWhere could he be? His house is right in front of me, but there's no sign of anyone.
(Noru suddenly appears, wearing torn clothes, disheveled hair, holding a spear.)
Noru TakedaIdentify yourself… or prepare to die.
(He realizes it is Fakuro.)
Noru Takeda(His eyes turn sad)It's you, Fakuro… I thought you wouldn't come back. I thought you had forgotten about me. I can't believe three months have already passed since the last time I saw you.
FakuroHey, calm down. Relax.Technically, the three months are completed tomorrow. But I lost track of you during the last two days. I was sent to look for your body… to confirm your death.
Noru Takeda(His heart sinks)I… see.
FakuroSince you're still alive, come on. It's time to leave.
Noru TakedaLeave? Where are we going?
FakuroTo the central village. We're buying you new clothes.You need to look presentable for tomorrow.
(They begin running through the forest.)
Noru TakedaWhat's so special about tomorrow, Fakuro?
FakuroTomorrow, you'll be presented to the strongest hunters of Village One.If you remember your first day here, they told you which portal you would enter. That number determined the village you belonged to.There are three villages in the nation of Rottenrow.
Once you meet your superiors, you'll begin carrying out tasks and accompanying them on missions they assign to you.Your job will be simple—learn as much as you can.Oh, and don't die. At least not while I'm around.
(Scene change: a clothing shop made of wood, with a minimalist design.)
FakuroWe're here. Buy something quickly and let's go. I still have a lot of work to do.
Noru TakedaAlright… I think I'll take this one, that one over there, maybe one of those, and that one too—to change my style a bit.(He chooses the same clothes he wore on his first day.)
FakuroYou have terrible taste. But whatever—pay and let's go.Tell the shopkeeper what you brought to trade, and she'll know how much to charge.
(Scene transitions toward sunset at Noru's house.)
FakuroAlright, I think that's everything. Try to get some rest today, and I hope you remember the route we took.We'll meet at the old oak tree at the first intersection we crossed. Be there at 7:00 a.m.
Noru TakedaUnderstood.
FakuroUntil then. (He disappears.)
Noru TakedaSo I'll finally meet the hunters… how exciting. I can't wait.(He looks extremely enthusiastic.)
(The next day)
Noru Takeda(Yawning as he walks along the path)Seven in the morning… he scheduled this way too early.It wouldn't have killed him to say we should meet an hour later.
The old oak is close. I'd better hurry or I'll be late.
(Scene change. Noru is standing beneath the oak tree.)
7:00 AM(Noru is smiling, full of excitement.)
8:00 AM(His expression turns indifferent and uneasy.)
9:00 AM(He is clearly annoyed.)
(Noises can be heard coming from the bushes and trees.)
Noru TakedaIt's about time you showed up. I've been waiting for two hours for you to—
(A girl steps out from between the trees.)
Ah… hello. Sorry, I thought you were someone else.(He looks embarrassed by the confusion.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Calm gaze)It's fine.
(She walks over to the oak tree and sits beside Noru.)
Noru TakedaRight…(He looks uncomfortable and confused.)It's a nice day for a walk.
Tsubaki IkariI suppose it is.(She remains indifferent.)
Noru TakedaY-Yeah… sure.(Nervous laugh.)
(Thirty minutes pass.)
Noru Takeda(Irritated)Hey… what exactly are you trying to do by coming here?
Tsubaki IkariWhat do you mean? Why does it matter if I'm here?(Still indifferent.)
Noru TakedaIt's not that I mind, but I've gone almost three months without seeing another person, and then suddenly you show up and sit next to me like it's nothing.That's… strange.
Tsubaki IkariI don't understand. Then why doesn't he bother you?(She points upward into the tree.)
(A man can be seen lying among the branches, wearing a scarf covering his mouth — Hisoka, reference character.)
Noru Takeda(Shocked)W–What?! When did you get here?!
HisokaI've been here since before she arrived.
Noru TakedaThat's impossible. I would have noticed.
HisokaYour detection senses aren't very good.
Hello, Tsubaki. Long time no see.(He smiles.)
Tsubaki IkariHello. It's good to see you again, Hisoka.
Noru TakedaSo… you two already knew each other?
Hisoka(Flashback as he explains)Yeah. I met Tsubaki about a month ago.I was exploring the forest, trying to find the central village.At the time, I saw what looked like an animal tearing apart a wild boar—but when I got closer, it turned out to be Tsubaki.
(Tsubaki is shown holding a hunting knife, with a bag of arrows and a bow on her back.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Annoyed)Say that again and I'll kill you, Hisoka.
Noru TakedaI get it now—you planned to meet here today.Well, now that everything's clear, I think it's time for you to leave.I wouldn't want to interrupt you two. You can keep talking… just very, very far away from here.(He pushes Tsubaki slightly, looking impatient and nervous.)
Tsubaki IkariHey, wait. There's no reason for you to chase us away.We have just as much right to be here as you do.
Noru TakedaMaybe, but this isn't the time. My guide will arrive soon, and he promised that today I'd meet the hunters of Village One.I don't want him to get distracted and end up shortening the trip.
Tsubaki IkariYou're really excited about this, aren't you?What's your name?
Noru TakedaMy name is Noru Takeda, and yes, I'm very excited.My dream has always been to become a monster hunter. That's why today has to be perfect.I'll finally meet the most incredible heroes in the world.(He looks extremely excited.)
Tsubaki Ikari(A slight look of surprise appears on her face.)Noru… Takeda?
Noru TakedaYes. That's right.
Tsubaki Ikari(She regains her calm expression, though there is a hint of irritation.)That's a rather strange name. Anyway, that doesn't matter.I'll tell you one thing—if you truly think that way, you shouldn't even be here.
You care more about the impression you'll make than about the true purpose of being a hunter.You don't seem to understand everything this responsibility entails.
Noru Takeda(Clearly annoyed)You don't even know me. Why do you think you have the right to talk about me like that?
Tsubaki IkariI don't need to know you any better.Your admiration and ambitions are blinding you. That will cause you to make many mistakes and prevent you from improving.You've been here for three months and you couldn't even notice when Hisoka arrived.
As a future hunter, I'm simply trying to prevent a meaningless death.(She remains indifferent, though slightly irritated.)
I'm right, aren't I, Hisoka?
(Hisoka is shown sleeping in the tree. Tsubaki grows more annoyed.)
Noru TakedaSo you think I'm not ready…I appreciate your concern, but I assure you that even if I were to die tomorrow, it wouldn't be meaningless.
(He shows a defiant smile.)
I'll defend my principles until the very end.Now let me show you just how prepared I am for this.(His expression turns completely serious as he grips his sword.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Clearly irritated)What a childish attitude. Challenging me like this only proves my point.Give up already and spare yourself further humiliation.Besides, the code of honor forbids combat between hunters.
Noru TakedaWhat are you afraid of?If I lose, I'll admit you were right and submit my resignation.If you think you're so far above me, then face me—or is the "future hunter" all talk and no substance?(Close-up pan to his face.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Completely furious, though depicted in a chibi-like version of herself)I've had enough of you, you immature and irritating brat!I'll finish you right here and now!
Noru TakedaFinally. So this is your true personality.Go ahead—don't hold back.
Tsubaki IkariFine.(She draws her sword.)If you insist on learning the hard way, then I won't stop you.
(Hisoka opens one eye from the tree, watching the fight.)
Hisoka(Inner thoughts, slightly nervous)She's just as immature as he is.If they don't kill each other today, sooner or later they will.
(The battle begins. Tsubaki clearly displays superior technique in both attack and defense. The following descriptions serve as combat guidance.)
(Tsubaki gradually takes control, forcing Noru backward. Her strikes are heavier and her fighting style is mostly offensive. Noru prioritizes defense and rarely counterattacks. Ideally, this portion of the fight should take up about half a page across multiple panels.)
Noru Takeda(During the fight)This can't be happening… How does she have so much strength?If I'm not careful, my sword could break.
(Their swords clash. Noru is pushed back and forced to retreat.)
Tsubaki IkariYou're not doing too badly.You've lasted longer than I expected.(She looks confident and pleased.)
Noru Takeda(Smiling)You fight well too. It's obvious you've trained a lot these past months.
Tsubaki Ikari(She suddenly attacks, swinging her sword from bottom to top in a powerful slash.)
You lower your guard far too easily.
Noru TakedaDamn it—I got careless. She took advantage of the opening in my defense.I need to block the attack, but if I do it head-on, her sword will shatter mine.I have to think fast.
(He launches a vertical attack from above while pushing his body backward with his leg, using the first reference image for the jump and the second for the sword posture.)
(The swords collide. At the moment of impact, Noru releases his sword, which spins up into the air. The blade is chipped.)
Tsubaki IkariIt's over. I win. Now keep your promise.
(Noru has no intention of surrendering and charges at her unarmed. Tsubaki steps forward and spins to attack, rotating 360° and instinctively attempting to stab Noru in the side with her sword.)
(Suddenly, two hands stop both Noru's fist and Tsubaki's blade. She realizes that Noru was about to strike her head with his sword.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Inner thoughts, surprised)But… how did he do that? He lost his sword after my attack.
(Flashback to her previous strike. She continues thinking.)Wait… could it be that he deliberately let go of his sword to make me think he was defenseless and counterattack when it fell?
Fakuro(Smiling)Easy there. I'm a few minutes late and you almost kill each other. I can't believe this.
Noru Takeda(Surprised)Fakuro!
(His expression changes to anger.)It's about time you showed up. I've been waiting for hours.(He continues complaining.)
Tsubaki Ikari(Still thinking)Was he really willing to die just to prove he was right?You're strange, Noru…(She looks confused.)
FakuroAlright, enough complaints. Let's get going.(Walks past the oak tree.)Move it, Hisoka. The fight's over.
(Hisoka jumps down from the tree.)
Noru Takeda(Annoyed)So… they're coming with us?
FakuroOf course. All three of them are my pupils.Honestly, I didn't feel like doing the route three times.Now hurry up and walk.
(They move forward: Hisoka looks serious, Noru is enthusiastic, and Tsubaki wears an irritated expression.)
(Scene change to a small cabin. Massaru is inside, wearing his round glasses, analyzing blood samples on microscope slides. A centrifuge sits beside him as he writes notes in a notebook.)
Shigeru(Opens the door and enters the cabin.)So this is where you were, Massaru. I've been trying to find you for days.
Massaru(Slightly annoyed)I don't recall giving you permission to come in, Shigeru.What do you want now?
ShigeruRelax. That's no way to treat a friend.
MassaruI'm in the middle of a very important investigation. I don't have time.Say what you came for and leave.
ShigeruYou're as bitter as ever.But I'm sure what I'm about to tell you will cheer you up a little.Do you know what day it is today?
Massaru(Still focused)Monday? I hate Mondays.
ShigeruYes, but it's also been three months since the new recruits began their exam.We'll finally get to meet them.Wouldn't you like to give them a very special welcome?(Evil smile.)
MassaruWhat are you planning?
ShigeruThe council approved the application of the Log-Rank Test in Village 1 and 2.I requested permission for us to be the supervisors who administer it to the rookies.
MassaruDoes Raiden know about this?
ShigeruLet's just say he doesn't know all the details.But the council of elders approved it, so there won't be any issues with him.I just need your ingenuity to make it work.(He keeps smiling.)
MassaruForget it. I have better things to do.I'm studying the blood of a hunter who awakened their hunter trait.
ShigeruWell, I just thought you might like to be involved.But fine, I guess I should go. I have a lot to plan.
(Massaru continues writing.)
Shigeru(His expression turns serious.)One last thing. Raiden and Fakuro won't be in Village 1.
(Massaru is startled and stops writing.)
ShigeruThey'll be on a mission in the nation of Egoland.It'll last about a week, which means that—
MassaruThat Focus will be alone.(He looks nervous.)
ShigeruExactly.It's time to settle some unfinished business.
Massaru(Stands up.)Wait… I think I can take a few days off for a change.
(Shigeru shows a sinister smile.)
End