Chapter 3 - Second Exam. Part 1.

It's now exactly 12' o clock, and the doors to the building opens. All you see is Menchi, sitting on the couch acting all cool and stuff, and this very big guy behind her. Probably Buhara. Everyone is in total silence until Menchi spoke up.

" Thanks for waiting, everyone ! Hey Buhara, are you getting hungry yet? " Well I was right that, that guy is indeed Buhara, and that the low rumbling noise is coming from him.

" The noise says it all Menchi. I'm really hungry ! "
" Well now. We are Epicure Hunter's and we will be in charger of the second exam. " Menchi seems like she's done this for years.

The suit guy and that little boy spoke up.

" Epicure Hunter's ? What's that? "

I was also curious what Epicure Hunter's were. Fighting Hunters? Survival Hunters?

Instead of Menchi or Buhara explaining , the tribal guy explained instead .

" Epicure Hunter's are Hunters that scours the world for all sorts of ingredients. They also try to create interesting new flavours. Of course, these Hunters are first class chefs too. "

( wow . )

" So the topic for the second exam is. . . " Said this bald guy.

' Yes " Menchi continued. " The second exam is going to be . . . . cooking.

" COOKING ? " Everyone exclaimed.

I'm in shock too. Practically all the hunters are guys, so Satotsu was right. Not much people will pass.

" Jeez, why do we have to do cooking? And we came all the way down here too. " Said an examinee.

" Hey you ! If you have a problem, then go home ! If anyone else who has a problem with this . . . you can go home now ! "

" ... "

" Hmmmm. Looks like no one has a problem. "

The bald guy spoke up.

" So . . What kind of dishes do we make? "

" First, you have to make the dishes that I specify" Said a happy Buhara. Menchi finishes off his sentence.

" Anyone who passes that test, you will make the dish that I specify. That means if both of us says it's good, you pass the second exam. "

Everyone is starting to complain now. Like they are saying how tastes vary from people to people, how's that's unfair and stuff.

" Hai, hai, hai, hai. calm down. Like I said, anyone who has a problem may leave anytime they want. Bye Bye. "

It was now the suit guy to speak up.

" Bullshit ! We can't go home after coming all the way here ! "

Some guy is now blaming that guy who shouted out all the unfairness and stuff. The bald guy suggested that all the people who are annoying should go home. Only that cute boy and that other boy are still, the other boy spoke up.

" Umm. . excuse me. But can you continue with your explanation? "

By the looks of her face, Menchi was surprised " Like I was saying, if you can make us both say it's good, then you pass. The exam ends when both of us are full. "

" Dammit, I never cooked in my life. " said an agitated suit guy.

The other boy kept on saying how the only dish he can make is egg over rice. The tribal guy and the suit guy said that they wanted to try it one day, Maan, who'd knew I can hear whispered conversations?

" Yuuki, the second part of the exam's are gonna start. This is going to be funny for some people. So sit back and watch. "

I did as Satotsu told me too. I sat back in the trees and relaxed.

" Okay now " Buhara boomed. " My menu is going to be . . . Barbequed Pig. . My most favourite. Cooked from the worlds most violent pig that lives in this forest. The GREAT STAMP ! "

" The Great Stamp ... ? " said by all the confused examinees.

" Satotsu . . What is the Great Stamp? "

" The Great Stamp is the worlds most violent pig. But, that pig has a weak spot. Since your Ayako's daughter, see if you can find that weak spot. "

" Hai Hai, Satotsu-san. "

And so I waited for the exam to start. You didn't even have to wait long when all of a sudden, the ground was shaking, and I could hear something charging to us. I looked ahead and saw huuge, black pigs charging right at the examinees. Some of the examinees got away, half of them were flown away by those huge pigs. I'm guessing that the second part of the exam is starting.

" With it's large, powerful nose it can easily crush the enemy. If you run too slowly, you will become the pigs feast."

I looked beside me and saw that Satotsu was giving me some pointers. I concentrated for awhile and then it hit me.

" Nee, Satotsu? "

" Haii? "

" If the pigs hit you with their nose, can't you try and hit them around the face to block the attack? "

" Well we will just have to wait and see. right? "

" Haaiiii ! "

I saw that the other boy in green tried to make an attempt. He jumped up really high and did a back flip, which made him land on the pigs back.

( pretty smart I have to say )

The pig is getting angry now so it's trying to fling the boy off of it's back.
To my surprise, that boy is actually holding on. He took out his fishing rod, jumped in the air, and whacked the pig on it's forehead. He came down gracefully and the pig behind him fell onto it's side. The pig isn t moving at all.

" Nee Satosu. Is the pig dead? "

" Iee, Yuuki. Like I told you before. That's the pigs weak spot. "

" Ohhhh ! So I was right ! Somewhere around it's face ! "

" I guess your right. Good for you, Yuuki. "

And with that he gave me a pat on the back. I feel proud of myself that I got it right. But then I remembered about the other examinees. I wanted to know if they figured it out too yet. The suit guy is running for his life, until that boy told him to hit the head of the pig.

( so much for the examinees figuring it out by themselves )

Well funny thing is that he tripped over some vines that were on the floor. Head first too, and the pig almost ran over him but he was safe. Unfortunately the pig made a U-turn and started heading toward the guy again. This time he didn t do anything, he was just staying there. I kept thinking to myself.

( what is he thinking? Does he want to die? )

Too my surprise, just when the pig was right in front of his face he turned around and pulled the vine that tripped him, so that he can trip the pig with it. The pig did, indeed, trip and he grabbed he's suitcase and whacked it at the pig's forehead. Which made the pig tumble over on its side. I looked over and saw that the bald guy tried to make the pig go his way. Then when it got close, he jumped high in the air, and the pig bonked it's head in the air. Turns out that it wasn't air, it was camouflaged. Behind that was a huge boulder.

( hmmm. . . I think he's a ninja of some sort .. )

So that pig also fainted. I spotted the cute boy ! The pig is coming straight at him ! But I want to see what his strategy is ... He's not even moving, and the pig is right in his face and he is still not moving. Everything went by so fast. The pig is behind him now and he is still acting all cool and stuff. All of a sudden the pig tumbled over to its side too. What did he do? Is he also a ninja? Hmm, he's getting even more interesting than I thought. Satotsu told me to go and check up on Menchi and Buhara. He said that Menchi gets an " attitude " if she has to wait. So i did as he said. As I'm leaping tree to tree, the smell came and hit me. Fresh barbequed pig. Ohmygodd. That smells soooo good ! With Menchi's training tips, I landed on my feet gracefully. All I saw was Menchi and Buhara sitting there and getting agitated.

( Must be because they're getting hungry by the second .. )

" Menchi ! Buhara ! "
They both looked up surprised. Menchi gave out a big smile.

" YUUUKIII ! YOUR HERE ? YOU COULD HAVE TOLD ME THAT BEFORE ! I WOULD HAVE GIVEN YOU A TOUR AROUND THE FOREST ! Oh. Before I forget. Yuuki, this is Buhara. My partner in crime, everytime. Buhara, this is Yuuki. She's Ayako's daughter. "

Buhara gave a widened look.

" AYAKO HAD A DAUGHTER ? SINCE WHEN ! "

" Buhara. . . FOR 13 YEARS ALREADY ! NETERO COULDN'T STOP BRAGGING HOW HE WAS SO HAPPY THAT HE HAS A GRANDDAUGHTER ! HOW COULD YOU FORGET ! "

" Ohhhh ! I remember now ! "

Buhara turned to me, and putted out a hand.

" It's such an honor to finally meet you, Yuuki. "

I shook his hand. Well, I shook his index finger. That guy's hands are HUGE. Menchi then got up and came towards me.

" So Yuuki. What brings you here? "

" Oh. umm. Satotsu told me to check up on you, 'cause he said that if you wait too long, you will have this "attitude problem. "

" ATTITUDE PROBLEM ? EXCUUSE MEE ? I SO DO NOT. . Ohh. . I guess I do have a problem don't I? Eheh . . "

She gave me an apologetic look.

" It's okay, Menchi. We all aren't perfect. "

Menchi then mumbled something like " yeaah, suure. Satotsu is so perfect. "

" Satostu is perfect? "

Menchi gave me a surprised look.

" You heard that? "

" Yeaah. I can hear low whispers or conversations now. Don't know how though, but yeah. "

" OHMYGODD ! YUUKI ! YOU DEVELOPED A NEW POWER ! "

" I did. . .? "

' YESS ! "

" Umm. . Okaay. It's a good thing riight ? "

" Of course it's a good thing , the more powers you have , the more stronger you are . "

Menchi looked up and so did I. We both heard the ground rumbling. Probably the examinees coming back with the piggy's.

" Yuuki. I'm sad to say this, but you have to go now. Those examinees are coming back. "

" Yea, I already know that. "

" But you'll still be around right? Like in the trees or something? "

" Yup. Satotsu is gonna be with me, don't worry "

" Okaay. Best be on your way. See ya later ! "
And with that she gave me a tight hug. Buhara gave me a pat on the head. I dashed for the trees and jumped up. I never realized that I could jump that high. I went back to the tree where I was before, but Satostu wasnt there.

" Psst. Yuuki. Over here. "

I turned to my left and saw that Satotsu was three trees away from me. As I reached him I asked him why he moved. He told me that I can get a better look of the examiner's from there. Does he know I like one of the examinees? I rather not ask that in general. So I told him my thanks and took my place on a branch. Now the aroma of barbequed pig was getting stronger and stronger. I literally was drooling. I think I was getting hungry also . All the examinees were running towards the building with the pigs above their heads. How was Buhara gonna eat all those pigs and decide which one was the best? Huuh. Epicure Hunters sure are something.

" Hmmm. That is a surprise. "

I turned to look at Satotsu.

" Now it all depends on the taste. How many will be able to satisfy the appitite of one of the best Epicure Hunters, Buhara. "

I saw Buhara taking one pig at a time and literally, shoving it down his mouth. Not even a MINUTE has passed and Buhara finished every single barbequed big in sight. I was shocked that my mouth hanged opened. I turned to look at Satotsu with my shocked face.

" Yes, Yuuki. Buhara can finish all that in one minute. My god. Is he really an Epicure Hunter? "

I turned to see what Menchi and Buhara were gonna do next. Buhara patted his stomach and said that he was full. Menchi banged a gong.

" Alright ! That's it ! Seventy pigs completed ! "

( NAANNII ! SEVENTY PIGS ? I CAN'T EVEN EAT ONE PIG OF THAT SIZE ! Woow. Buhara is something. EPICURE HUNTERS are really something. )

" Neee ! Buhara ! Are you gonna say that ALL the pigs were good ? We can't make that a test then ! "

" Well, Menchi. They were all very very good. And also we were able to decrease some of the numbers of the examinees. "

" Tch. Your waaay to easy on them. One who is an Epicure Hunter must be honest about taste. Oh well. I guess it can't be helped. "

She went over to the gong and banged it again.

" HAAAIIII ! BARBEQUED PIG TEST IS OVER ! SEVENTY PEOPLE PASS ! "

Everyone boomed in cheers.

" Nee. Satotsu-san. I thought you said that the Hunter's Exam was hard. Seventy people pass? That seems a bit much to me. "

" Hai. It is. But seventy people is a good amount of people. That type of pig can be defeated with a very hard blow to the head. But a decent amount of courage, judgement skills and action are needed to hit it accurately. However, the REAL challenge starts here. She's a very tough opponent. With the title of a Single Hunter at her age, she is considered the best Epicure Hunter. The dishes she prepares are exquisite pieces of work. With her incredible will to study, she's sampled many different ingredients. She never forgets the taste of something she eats. At the age of 21, she leads the Epicure Hunter's world. But as a genius, she's sometimes impulsive. If you make a mistake, you fall into a very big hole."

" Woow. She's REALLY something. But I have to say. The things she cooked for me were absolutely delicious. "

I turned to see Menchi.

( at the age of 21, she's already known as something. woow. She's just ... amazing. )

" Now, everyone. I'm not as easy as Buhara. My judgements are going to be strict ! Now for the second part of the exam, my menu is. . . SUSHI ! '

" Suushiii? " everyone exclaimed.

Ohmygodd. I LOVE SUSHI ! I wonder is Menchi will let me eat some. . .

" Hmmm, looks like you all are confused. Well I don't blame you. This is a cultural dish from a small island country. I'll give you a hint. Come look inside. "

They all went in and checked out the big building. From where I could see, inside their were tons of cutting boards, knives, and sinks. Sushi is so easy to make, and its delicious ! I wonder if I can sneak in there to eat some. . .

" All the minimum requirements and tools you need are all here. And we also provided the rice needed for sushi. Now the biggest hint ! I'll only accept pressed sushi. Now it's time to start ! The exam will end when I am full. During that time, you can make as much as you want. "

Everyone is concentrating hard now. They have no idea what " pressed sushi " is. I see people playing with the knives and people making balls of rice. As I look around at each of the examinees, I see that cute boy figuring that the knives are for something else. I see that the bald guy is laughing like crazy. Hmmm. I think he knows what pressed sushi is. . . I can hear the tribal guy and the suit guy very clearly cause they are shouting out. Apparently, the tribal guy knows the ingredients for the sushi. Everyone heard that the main ingredient is ' fish. ' So now everyone ran out of the building and heading to the river. I asked Satotsu if it was alright if I went to Menchi and Buhara. He said it was fine. So I dropped down and headed to them.

" YUUUKIII ! "

Menchi waved and lifted me off the ground for a big hug.

" Yuuki ! Do you want some sushi ? I'll make you a delicious one and you can have it ! "

" Really ? Okaaay , I looove sushii . "

Buhara came forward and turned to Menchi.

" Your mean, Menchi. The toppings for the sushi is fish from the ocean " Menchi turned to Buhara and give a sly smile.

" That's what makes it interesting. I've already eaten all of the regular sushi toppings. "

" Yuuukiiii ! "

I turned around and see Satotsu coming down the trees.

" Yuuki, let's go. I want to let you see how the examinees catch fish. "

" But Satotsu-san, I already know how to catch fish. "

" I knoow. But remember, these aren't regular people. I want you to see their techniques. "

" Haaaai. Let's go then. "

As we were making our way to the trees, Menchi called back to us.

" YUUUKII ! WHEN YOU COME BACK, I'LL HAVE SUSHI READY FOR YOU ! "

I turned around and gave a huge smile.

" ARIGATO GOZAIIMASUUU ! "

Satotsu and I , again, climbed the trees and headed our way to the river, where all the examinees are. As I got there, I see a lot of people using the old fashion way to catch fish. A fishing rod. I see that bald guy sitting on the rock to wait for the fishes to come. I see that green boy using his fishing rod. The suit guy jumped into the river and was swimming to catch the fish. I found the cute boy, and he's using his hands to grab the fishes. That magician/clown guy came above the water with the fish in his mouth. I have to say, people are creative when they want something.

" See, Yuuki? When you become a Hunter, you will have to be creative in order to get something you want. "

" When I become a Hunter? "

" Hai. Netero wants you to become a Hunter someday. So that you can be protective of yourself. "

I started to wonder if I wanted to become a hunter. Do I, or do I not? I guess when the time comes, I will know.