The train pulled into Midway Junction just as the first gray light of dawn crept over the hills.
The platform was longer than Dolle Harbor's—crowded with early-morning travelers, porters pushing carts, and a handful of figures who moved with the quiet alertness Akira recognized as belonging to other Hunter applicants.
He stepped off behind Gon, keeping his aura on a thin veil of Ten — just enough to stay aware of his surroundings without drawing attention. In the brief moment it took to scan the platform, his mind had already cataloged:
Every visible exit and potential bottleneck.
The approximate number of heartbeats in range.
The subtle tension in the postures of eight people who carried themselves like applicants.
The faint, lingering trace of Hisoka's bloodlust on a nearby lamppost — already decaying, but unmistakable.
Gon stretched beside him, grinning wide.
"New place!" he said, taking a deep breath. "Smells different. Like… metal and bread."
Akira gave a small nod, eyes still moving across the crowd. "It's bigger than the island. Be careful where you step."
They followed the flow of passengers toward the station exit. A large signboard dominated the wall:
MIDWAY JUNCTION
Transfers to Central Crossroads, Port City, Inland Routes
Notice: Unauthorized persons not permitted beyond Gate 4
Gon pointed at it. "Gate 4. That's probably for us, right?
"
"Likely," Akira replied. "Let's check."
At the Hunter Association booth, a woman in a gray jacket glanced at their tickets without much interest.
"Central Crossroads line. Platform 7. Train leaves in forty minutes."
Gon beamed. "Thanks!"
Akira stepped forward slightly. "Any recent changes to the route?"
She looked at him — really looked — then shrugged. "Same as always. Follow the signs. Don't wander off."
Akira nodded once and stepped back. He had already noted her slight hesitation and the way her hand twitched toward a concealed radio. The Association was watching for unusual applicants. Nothing surprising.
They moved away from the booth. Gon spotted a food cart and tugged Akira's sleeve.
"Meat buns! Let's eat!"
Akira agreed. They bought two steaming buns and found a bench near Platform 7.
While Gon ate enthusiastically, Akira observed the crowd.
Three figures stood out immediately:
A tall man in a suit, briefcase in hand, arguing loudly with a vendor about prices. Leorio Paladiknight — his voice carried frustration and determination.
A slender, hooded figure standing near a pillar, arms crossed, eyes calmly scanning the platform. Kurapika — guarded, alert, radiating quiet intensity.
A boy with spiky red hair practicing archery motions with an invisible bow. Pokkle — confident, focused.
None of them had noticed Gon or Akira yet.
Gon swallowed a bite and followed Akira's gaze. "Those people feel… different. Like us."
"They probably are," Akira said quietly. "Other applicants."
Gon nodded thoughtfully. "Should we say hi?"
Akira considered it for a moment. "Not yet. Let's just watch for now. We'll meet them soon enough."
Gon accepted that easily and went back to his bun.
Akira took a slow bite of his own, letting his aura pulse in small, controlled bursts — testing his control in a crowded place.
[Ren Mastery: 42% → 43%]
[Side Mission Progress: Conceal Aura in Public – 55%]
A shadow fell over them.
"Hey, kids. You lost?"
Akira looked up.
Leorio stood a few paces away, briefcase under one arm, an unlit cigarette dangling from his lips.
Gon swallowed quickly. "Nope! We're going to the Hunter Exam."
Leorio raised an eyebrow. "You too? Damn. Thought I was young for this."
He studied them both for a second, then gave a lopsided grin.
"Leorio Paladiknight. Future doctor and Hunter. You two?"
"Gon Freecss!"
"Akira Kurogane."
Leorio nodded. "Nice to meet you. You guys look like you can handle yourselves, but still — watch your backs. There are some real weirdos around here."
He jerked his thumb toward the far end of the platform.
Akira followed the gesture.
Hisoka leaned against a pillar, cards fanned between pale fingers, eyes locked on their little group. When he saw Akira looking, he tilted his head and smiled — slow, sharp, predatory.
Leorio grimaced. "That guy gives me the creeps."
"Same," Gon muttered.
Akira kept his expression calm. "He's dangerous. We should avoid him if we can."
Leorio snorted. "Big understatement. Stick close if you want. Safety in numbers, right?"
Gon looked at Akira.
Akira gave a small nod. "Sounds good."
The train whistle blew — sharp and impatient.
"Platform 7!" the announcer called. "Central Crossroads express. All aboard!"
They boarded together — Leorio leading the way, Gon bouncing with excitement, Akira bringing up the rear.
As the doors closed behind them, Akira glanced back once.
Hisoka was no longer on the platform.
But the faint echo of his aura lingered — amused, patient, waiting.
Akira settled into the seat beside Gon and stared out the window as the train began to move.
The real test was still ahead.
But he was ready.