Hisoka, Illumi, and Hanzo were silenced.
This "secret 2-Star Hunter"... was terrifyingly strong.
Is this the hidden depth of the Hunter Association?
"Uh, Examiner Kenpachi, please don't kill too many of them. I'm going back to work. Good luck everyone!"
Netero's mouth twitched. He decided to leave before he burst out laughing or Ryker did something even crazier.
It didn't matter. Recruiting Ryker was the biggest win. Whether Gon or Killua passed was secondary now.
As long as Ryker has fun.
Netero's departure made the candidates' faces even uglier.
It meant Ryker had absolute authority. Whatever he did was "the rules."
Ponzu stood there, dumbfounded.
I passed? Just like that?
"Examiner Kenpachi!! Why are you biased? Why did Ponzu pass without doing anything?!"
Gon shouted, his voice echoing in the hall.
Silence.
Everyone stared at Gon like he was suicidal.
"Shut up, Gon!" Leorio covered Gon's mouth, sweating profusely. "Ah, haha! Examiner Kenpachi, he's just a kid! He didn't mean it! You misheard! He said... uh... nice haircut!"
Killua and Kurapika stepped in front of Gon, assuming combat stances. Their eyes were sharp.
[DING! Combat Mode Engaged: Killua.]
[DING! Combat Mode Engaged: Kurapika.]
Oh! Here we go!
[Super Copy] is so useful.
"Do you want a reason?" Ryker asked, his scarred face twisting into a grin.
"Yes! Even as an Examiner, you should be fair!" Gon broke free from Leorio's grip and yelled righteously.
"Oh, hehe. The reason is... because I like it. Because I want to. Satisfied, brat?"
Kenpachi Ryker mocked him openly.
"You!!" Gon gritted his teeth.
[DING! Combat Mode Engaged: Gon.]
Perfect.
Sorry, little Gon.
Name: Gon Freecss
Traits: [Super Endurance] (Gold), [Monster Strength] (Gold), [Bravery] (Gold), [Fast Learning] (Purple), [Fishing] (Purple), [Justice] (Purple)...
Hidden Trait: [Blackening] (Black)
Effect: Extremely low drop rate. When activated, burns life force to enter a state of absolute power and loss of sanity.
Black Trait!
Ryker had been eyeing this for a long time. Even if it was a suicidal trait ("Gon-san"), a Black Trait was the peak.
I want it.
"Damn it!" Gon fumed.
"He's right, Gon," Kurapika said coldly. "In this world, those with power have personality. Those without power can only be willful. The fist is the only truth here."
"Then tell us the passing criteria, Examiner Kenpachi!"
Bodoro spoke up. Being the oldest, he was calmest.
He forced the issue. Even a tyrant had to set rules, or the Association would lose face.
"Oh? Passing criteria? Let me think..."
Kenpachi Ryker scratched his chin with his sword.
"He's making it up on the spot!" Gon whispered angrily. "He doesn't take this seriously at all!"
Killua remained silent, watching Ryker's every move.
"Got it. How about this? If any one of you can last three minutes against me... you all pass. You can attack together."
Ryker pointed at Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, and Bodoro.
"What about us?!" Hanzo asked.
"You three are stronger. I haven't decided yet. Wait your turn."
Ryker dismissed Hanzo, Hisoka, and Illumi.
Hisoka frowned, flipping a card in his hand.
Should I kill him now?
No. Netero is nearby.
"Wait... that sounds advantageous for us!" Leorio brightened.
Five against one? Just survive three minutes?
Maybe this Examiner isn't so bad?
"The exam starts now. Everyone else, get out."
Ryker waved his hand.
"I forfeit."
Suddenly, Illumi raised his hand.
Fuck!
Ryker screamed internally.
Illumi is quitting? He has Gold traits!
You cowardly bastard!
"Approved."
Ryker had to maintain his persona. He couldn't force someone to take the exam.
Illumi walked to the sidelines.
"I only wanted the license for work. This guy is strong. Fighting him would cost me too much. It's not worth it. I'll come back next year," Illumi explained to Hisoka.
An assassin never fought a losing battle for free. Ryker was too dangerous.
Hisoka watched him go, disappointed.
"Alright then... start! Three minutes!"
Kenpachi Ryker grinned, placing a timer on the floor.
"Bodoro, Leorio, you take the front and draw fire! Killua, Gon, we flank! Without teamwork, we won't last ten seconds!"
Kurapika took command instantly. "Do NOT try to tank his attacks!"
"Got it!" Leorio gritted his teeth.
"Don't worry, this old man will hold him off!" Bodoro took a martial arts stance.
The atmosphere was electric.
Ponzu watched from the corner, clutching her new license.
Hisoka watched with narrowed eyes, trying to gauge Ryker's true strength through these weaklings.
Ryker bent down to place the timer.
"Just as he puts it down... NOW!" Killua shouted.
They moved!
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