"Chairman, could I trouble you to take us to that mountain by airship?"
Menchi pointed toward a mountain path in the distance.
"I see. Very well—no problem at all."
Chairman Netero glanced at the mountain and immediately understood Menchi's intention, agreeing without hesitation.
"At last, a chance for the retest. No matter what the trial is, I have to pass."
Tonpa supported his injured arm, his tone resolute. Regardless of the process, he had finally waited for the retest. Of course he hoped to pass—after all, having dreams was always a good thing.
"Oh? Where did you just go?"
Gon noticed Luou approaching from behind a large tree and asked curiously.
"Nothing much. I just did a bit of preparation. You'll find out soon enough."
Lu ou smiled mysteriously.
"Okay, I get it."
Gon's eyes sparkled. Whatever Lu ou did was always right—he would just watch and see when the time came.
"Oh, Lu ou's definitely about to stir something up."
Leorio chuckled strangely. He was looking forward to it—whenever Lu ou acted like this, something interesting was bound to happen.
"Seems like it'll be fun."
Killua had also noticed Lu ou slipping away earlier, and with his sharp eyes he had even spotted a monkey. That alone made things feel entertaining.
Kurapika nodded as well, expressing his anticipation for whatever Lu ou had planned.
Lu ou gave a profound nod, ignoring his companions' probing looks. Some things were far more interesting when revealed at the right moment—knowing them too early would ruin the fun.
"Huh? Oh right—Lu ou, you don't need to take the retest, do you? Weren't you the only one who passed the sushi test? I'll go ask the examiners."
Leorio suddenly remembered that Lu ou had already passed.
He figured this kind of thing was better left to him—he was tall and sturdy, after all.
More importantly, Menchi's earlier outburst when she attacked Tonpa had left a deep impression. Leorio felt that if Lu ou went instead and things turned ugly, he might not even be enough to fill the examiner's teeth.
Even though Leorio knew Lu ou was strong, he still instinctively stepped forward whenever something came up. That was just who Leorio was.
"It's fine. The examiners and the Chairman already have a plan."
Lu ou pressed a hand down on Leorio, who had already taken a step forward, stopping him from sticking his neck out. Lu ou understood very well—many things didn't need to be questioned aloud.
"If Lu ou says he doesn't need to, then there's definitely no problem."
Gon accepted it without hesitation.
"Let's go with Lu ou's judgment."
Kurapika agreed simply.
Killua, on the other hand, knew Lu ou wasn't the type to take a loss quietly, so he had no intention of interfering. He was more interested in seeing what Lu ou would do.
"This year's candidates are quite promising."
Chairman Netero surveyed the chaotic group of examinees, deliberately letting his gaze linger on Lu ou's group before turning to the nearby examiners.
"Indeed. There are some with strong explosive power, others with unique abilities—and even a once-in-a-millennium talent suited for becoming a Gourmet Hunter. Exceptional aptitude."
As Menchi spoke, she recalled that Lu ou had already passed and decided to inform the Chairman.
"Chairman, Candidate No. 406 already passed earlier. He shouldn't need to take the retest."
"So this is the one you said had extraordinary culinary talent?"
Netero answered with a question of his own, his gaze locking onto Lu ou. His tone carried deeper meaning.
After all, someone so young who had already awakened Nen—and could still act freely under his subtle pressure—was rare indeed.
"Yes. Under these circumstances, he really shouldn't need to retake the exam. His talent and palate are unmatched."
Menchi spoke earnestly.
Netero knew how strict Menchi was when it came to cuisine. For her to praise someone so highly meant Lu ou truly had exceptional ability.
However, since this was a retest, allowing someone to skip it would be inappropriate.
"Since it's a retest, everyone participates. No exceptions."
Netero said firmly, his eyes deliberately sweeping over Lu ou.
He wanted to see exactly what this Nen-awakened youngster was capable of… and if possible—
Netero seemed to think of something. His eyes sharpened, and his aura surged instantly, making any argument impossible.
"Yes, Chairman. I understand."
Menchi instinctively straightened under his pressure and responded without resistance.
Only afterward did she realize she felt somewhat apologetic toward Luou. She was extremely optimistic about his potential as a Gourmet Hunter, but since the Chairman had already decided, she couldn't argue further and could only compensate in other ways.
"Still, this retest was the committee's mistake. In order to satisfy everyone, all candidates must retake it—but it's also true that Candidate 406 passed once and had his results nullified. He deserves compensation."
Seeing the change in Menchi's expression, Netero spoke directly:
"In that case, I'll personally guide him once, in private."
"Thank you, Chairman."
Menchi was delighted. The better the Gourmet Hunter candidate, the happier she was.
Netero waved his hand dismissively and gestured for the airship to begin its descent.
"Lu ou, although you must participate in the retest, you did pass earlier. Consider this a reward."
With the decision finalized, Menchi walked over and handed Lu ou a bottle of Horned Scale.
She knew he would like it. This was a high-grade ingredient that money couldn't buy—irresistible to any chef.
"Thank you, Examiner Menchi."
Lu ou's eyes lit up. The reward was even better than he had expected.
He accepted the bottle politely and thanked her. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't have been able to obtain such an ingredient at all.
Menchi waved her hand and began organizing the noisy examinees to board the airship.
"Wait until I use this to make something else for you—it'll taste even better."
After carefully putting the bottle away, Lu ou said to Gon and the others gathered around him.
When he had tasted the Horned Scale earlier, Lu ou had already formed some initial ideas. Now that he finally had the material, he naturally intended to put them into practice—after all, practice was the true test of knowledge.
"Then let's go."
Seeing no objections from his companions, Lu ou gestured for them to board the airship as well.
After all, it was almost time.