A/N Ok! here we are folks almost done with the first arc. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far and i encourage reveiws so please don't hesitate. Thanks again and enjoy!
Gon and the others were still standing by the window from when they had taken off as they stood in silence for a couple minutes. Leorio had his back to the window with his hands in his pockets and had his eyes closed as he said "Damn it, I'm so pathetic." All three of them looked at Leorio as he spoke "The whole Fourth Phase... I relied on you three to do everything for me." Leorio then opened his eyes and looked at them as he said "I promise I'll return the favor. So... uh, well, thanks, you guys." He finished while looking away in embarrassment. The others just smiled at Leorio when Suddenly Beans voice echoed throughout the air ship saying "Attention, all applicants. The chairman wishes to Interview you. When you hear your number, Come to the reception room on the second floor. We'll start with number 44, Mr. Hisoka. Thank you for your cooperation."
After about an hour or two Ferev was called to be Interviewed and made his way to the reception room. When he arrived Netero was sitting on a cushion behind a small wooden table a note pad and pen brush in his hands. Netero Noticed Ferev and said "Please, come in and make yourself comfortable." he then motioned towards the cushion in front of Ferev which he promptly sat down on in the seiza position. Netero then readied his note pad and brush as he said "To start with, why do you want to become a Hunter?" Ferev looked at Netero with a serious look as he answered "I want to be a Hunter so I can get access to Information only Hunters can have and becoming a Hunter is one step closer to reaching my ultimate goal." Netero made a note while asking "And what is that goal if I may ask?" Ferev kept his serious face as he said "To wipe out the Zoldyck family from existence." Netero raised both his eyebrows at that and said "That's going to be a very hard and dangerous goal to accomplish. I'm sure you are aware of that family's reputation?" Ferev kept a straight face as he said "I know that they are one of the strongest family's in the world. However, that's not going to stop me from me finding them and proving their strength can be easily broken." Netero looked into the young man's eyes then thought to himself "This young man. his eyes, they burn with the very fires of hell itself. I pray for anyone who gets in this man's way. He also doesn't want the glory or recognition of taking on the Zoldyck family. He wants revenge plain and simple. He wants them to die for something they did. Interesting..." Netero then said "I see, then you will probably be a Blacklist Hunter if that's the case. Now, moving on to the next question... out of the other nine applicants, which one are you keeping a close eye on?" Ferev answered with "Number 301 for personal reasons he's the one I'd like to fight the most. Then numbers 99 and 405 for positive reasons." Netero made another note before saying "Well, one last question and we're done. Which of the other remaining nine applicants would you least want to fight?" Ferev answered smoothly with "Numbers 99, 404, 403, and 405. I have come to respect and admire them and I don't think I could bring myself to harm any of them." Netero nodded his head and said "Hm, Understood. Well, thank you very much that will be all." Ferev then stood up and bowed slightly before he headed out the door to join the others.
xxLine Breakxx
Kurapika was walking down the hallways of the air ship when he found Gon and Ferev standing by a window and staring out at the landscape. He approached them saying "Gon. Ferev." Both looked at him and said "Hey." Kurapika then stood next to them and watched the landscape as well before saying "Gon. Ferev. Did something happen during the Fourth Phase?" Gon just kept staring out the window while Ferev looked at Kurapika then down at Gon before turning back to the window and saying "It's not my place to tell you what happened." Kurapika just resolved himself and continued "Since we met up... you've both been acting strangely and I'm getting concerned. Ever since we left Zevil Island, you've seemed rather quiet." Gon spoke up and while staring out the window he said "My target... was Hisoka. I waited for the perfect chance and stole his badge. But someone else was following me and he got me with a poison dart. He was about to walk away with Hisoka's badge when Ferev stepped in and stopped him. But almost right away Hisoka showed up and killed the guy who took his badge from me. I threw Hisoka's badge back at him when he showed himself. I didn't want it if I couldn't get it on my own. But then Hisoka attacked Ferev and sent him flying, I tried to attack too but he punched me and knocked me out while leaving his badge with me. I was just so mad at myself. I couldn't do anything. I was so helpless against him." Gon then started to cry tears of frustration and Ferev put his hand on Gon's shoulder to help comfort him somewhat. Gon continued to cry for couple minutes before he wiped his eyes and said with a forced smile "And when he left, I got so miserable and upset that if it wasn't for Ferev I don't what I'd do it was just awful." Ferev then looked away in slight embarrassment as Kurapika looked at him with a small smile before Gon continued speaking "I guess it hurt to realize that I wasn't strong enough to challenge him. That's why I wanted to find you and Leorio. I wanted to find somebody I could help." Kurapika had his hair shadowing his eyes as he said "Gon... Ferev... Without your assistance, Leorio and I never would have made it this far." he then looked at them both with a smile and said "Thank you. For everything." Ferev then said "I think I can speak for Gon when I say we feel the same way. So, thank you as well Kurapika." They then all looked out the window at the landscape the sun making everything gleam as they waited for the Final Phase to begin.
xxLine Breakxx
The airship landed outside what appeared to be a hotel modeled after the Taj Mahal. The applicants were gathered in large dining hall inside that had all the furniture removed, turning the room into a make-shift arena. The applicants were all lined up in a half circle as Netero stood in front of them and said "Well, gentlemen. Everyone rested up? Good, now then, The Hunter Exam Committee runs this hotel, so I want all of you to make yourselves at home until the battles have concluded." A guard dressed in a black suit and tie with sunglasses came in the room wheeling in what looked like a blackboard with a sheet covering it. Netero then continued speaking "For the Final Phase of the Hunter Exam, you'll be competing in a one-on-one tournament." The guard then removed the sheet revealing the blackboard to actually be a tournament bracket with the fighters hidden by a long piece of tape. Leorio noticed something odd about the bracket and said "Hold on a second. So only the last person standing passes?" Netero then replied "No. You only need one win to pass this phase." Leorio realizing what Netero was saying said "Wait. So, in this tournament..." Netero finished Leorio's comment saying "See, it's the winners who will drop away and the losers who will advance to the next round. Which means the person who finishes at the top will not pass." Netero explained while pointing at the top spot on the bracket. Hanzo chose to speak up saying "You're saying that only one person will fail the Exam." Netero replied with "Exactly." there was a brief pause as the applicants absorbed the information. Netero then removed the tape from the bracket while saying "Here is the bracket we've put together." According to the bracket Hanzo would be fighting Gon first then Pokkle would fight whoever lost that match, next Ferev would be fighting Gittarackur, after that Kurapika would be fighting Hisoka while Killua would fight the loser of Pokkle's match, then Bodoro the Kung-fu master would fight the loser of the match between Kurapika and Hisoka, Then whoever lost in Pokkle's rematch would fight Gittarackur, and lastly Leorio will fight the loser of Hisoka and Bodoro's match.
Everyone was silent as they each gauged their opponents. Ferev narrowed his eyes at Gittarackur while thinking "Finally. After seventeen years I'm going to put you in your place Illumi and that's six feet under the ground." Netero then spoke up again saying "Impressive, yes? You see under this format every competitor has at least two chances to win a round." Pokkle then complained saying "Yeah but some people get five chances to win, like numbers 294 and 405." Bodoro then spoke saying "Couldn't you have used a more balanced bracket?" Bodoro was a traditional martial artist wearing pointed slipper shoes, white Karate Gi pants and a white Chinese tai chi shirt with long and open sleeves, he also wore a grey Chinese martial arts tabard above his shirt and pants, his hair was grey and tied into a high ponytail, and lastly, he had a prominent chin and mustache with black eyes. Netero made a thoughtful grunt at Bodoro's question before saying "Now, that's a fair question. This bracket was carefully assembled based on each of your individual performances throughout the Hunter Exam. To put it simply, those whose performances were rated highly, will have the most chances to win." Killua then spoke up saying "I'm not convinced. Can you explain exactly how you scored our performances?" Netero paused briefly before making a huge funny face and shaking his head back and forth screaming "Noooo!" Killua so shocked at the man's actions his hair stood straight up while he yelled "Why not?"
Netero laughed before saying "I can't say because your scores are classified. I can't reveal your actual scores. However, I can explain the criteria we used. We start with the basics. There are three categories." Netero then held up three fingers before continuing "There's physical strength, mental acuity and lastly, overall impression. When judging physical strength, we rely on aggregate of agility, flexibility, endurance, and perception. For mental acuity the aggregate consists of resilience, adaptability, judgement, and of course, creativity. But these are only reference points. After all, every last one of you was strong in mind and body to reach the Final Phase. We're most concerned with your overall impression. This refers to any tangible factors that defy basic categorization." Netero let out a hearty chuckle before saying "Think of it as our way of assessing your potential as a Hunter. We round out our assessment by incorporating the opinions of your peers. There you have it." After Netero finished his explanation Killua was having an inner debate with himself as he thought "Based on my performance, I should be ranked higher. Do I have less Potential than Gon and Ferev?"
Netero then spoke up again saying "The rules of the battle are quite simple. Weapons are allowed, cheating is forbidden, and if your opponent admits defeat, you win. However! If you kill your opponent, you will be disqualified without hesitation. And if that happens, the Exam ends and the remaining applicants pass. Got it?" no one in the room made any objections so one of the guards stepped forward saying "Let the Final phase of The Exam begin!" All the applicants save for Gon and Hanzo were lined up on the far wall where they had a good view of the match. Ferev was standing next to Leorio and Kurapika who were on his left while Killua was on his right followed by the Examiners from the previous Phases. Gon was lacing up his boots while Hanzo cracked his joints and fingers to loosen them up.
The guard from before then approached the middle of the room and shouted "The first match: Hanzo vs Gon. will now begin!" Gon and Hanzo walked towards the middle of the room both them standing a few feet from one another. Still staying a few feet from each other they stopped when they reached the middle and they stared at one another for a few seconds. The guard walked in-between them and spoke saying "I'm Masta. I'll be serving as referee for the tournament. Good luck. both of you." Hanzo looked at Masta before saying "Hey. Good to see you again." Masta gasped lightly as Hanzo recognized him. Hanzo then continued saying "You were the one who was tailing me around during the Fourth Phase." Masta just said disappointedly "You noticed that, did you?" Hanzo just smirked and said "Naturally. I assume that each of the Examiners was assigned an Examinee to follow. Well, I'm sure I wasn't the only one who noticed." Over with Ferev and the other's he took his sword off his back and held it in front of himself and looked towards a guard standing next to Netero remembering him from the Fourth Phase. The guard noticed Ferev and nervously flinched seeing Ferev's sword while remembering what he saw on Zevil Island.
Ferev turned his attention back to Gon as Kurapika looked at Leorio who was on his left and said "I noticed, but I didn't think it was worth mentioning." Leorio nervously replied "Uh. Yeah..." to embarrassed to admit he didn't know. Hanzo then started kissing up to Masta saying "I'm very grateful. You recognized my talent and my rank improved as a result." he then turned slightly and crossed his arms while he closed his eyes and arrogantly said "But no surprise there, really." Masta just awkwardly replied with "Uh. Sure, but..." Hanzo cut him off saying "Now, moving on." he then pointed at Masta with a serious look as he said "I have a question for you." Masta replied "What is it?" Hanzo then said "We can only win if our opponent surrenders. Correct? Knocking them unconscious doesn't count. No TKOs either?" Masta then replied "Right. Those are the rules." Hanzo looked at Gon who had a determined look on his face and thought "I see. Well. This one might prove difficult." Masta then stood back saying "Now. Time to start." Gon got into a ready stance while Hanzo just stood in the same place with his hands clenched and arms at his sides.
Everyone watched in rapt attention as Masta raised his arms and then threw them down yelling "Begin!" Gon then dashed to the side trying to get some distance leaving a small dust cloud. However as soon as Gon moved Hanzo was right next him and everyone heard him say "You must think you're pretty quick on your feet, don't you? I'll give you that." Hanzo then did a hard chop to the back of Gon's neck making him fall forward and land on his face. As Gon fell his vision started swimming; everything was beginning to look like it was in waves. Once Gon reached the ground Hanzo who still had his hand poised for another chop said "Not half bad for a little kid." Gon was reeling on the ground choking on air trying to get over the hit he just took. Hanzo stood over Gon his arms straight and fist clenched as he said "Now if this were a regular match, I'd already be declared the winner." Hanzo then bent down and sat Gon up forcing his knee into Gon's back. Gon just grunted and gritted his teeth in pain as Hanzo kept pushing his knee further into his back. Hanzo then said tauntingly while still applying pressure to Gon "C'mon, pull yourself together. You must feel awful. I hit you hard enough to bounce your brain around your skull. You get it? You don't stand a chance. Just give up and spare yourself the trouble." Gon while still in tremendous pain grit his teeth and glared while saying "No way!"
Hanzo rewarded his answer with another chop to Gon's head making it shake and his vision swim again. Gon felt vomit fill his mouth but he swallowed it back down before taking a deep breath and trying to get his head clear. Hanzo just held a firm grip on Gon's shoulders as he said "Think hard about it. Surrender now and you'll have another chance. But being stubborn isn't gonna get you anywhere. So just give up." Gon just glared at the floor while gritting his teeth as he shouted "That's never gonna happen!" Hanzo then slapped Gon so hard across his left cheek that it left a large welt. Gon was on his hands and knees as he cradled his face while Hanzo stood over Gon with his fists clenched. Hanzo then said aggravatedly "Say it." Gon ignored him instead he slowly got to his feet. However, once Gon stood up Hanzo hit him with a hard uppercut right in the stomach making him grab his sides as he vomited onto the arena floor. As Gon fell to the floor once again, Leorio after seeing how much damage Gon was taking yelled "Gon! Don't push it! You still have other fights! So just-" Leorio was cut off by Kurapika yelling "Leorio!" Leorio looked at Kurapika as he continued "If you were in Gon's position, would you give up?" Leorio held up a clenched fist as he replied "Hell no, I wouldn't!" Ferev then spoke up saying "Kurapika has a point." Kurapika and Leorio looked at Ferev as he continued speaking "The lot of us have bled, sweat, and have looked death straight in the eye. So, not a single one of us would ever consider giving up after coming this far." Leorio just glared at Hanzo and said "He thinks he's so tough..." Kurapika then said "Ferev's right. I know Gon feels the same way." Leorio just kept glaring as he shouted "Come on! I know that! But it doesn't look like he has much of a choice!" Kurapika then said frustratingly "Ferev's and my point exactly. But we understand." Hanzo chose then to kick Gon in the stomach making him roll across the floor and then vomit again.
xxLine Breakxx
Three hours had passed since Gon started his match and the young man was covered in bruises while the arena floor was covered in dry vomit. Gon was on his hands and knees as Hanzo punched him in the stomach again. Gon collapsed to the ground unmoving for a couple minutes as the other applicants watched with trepidation and remorse at the beating Gon was receiving. Hanzo walked up to Gon's body and said "Now get up." as Gon tried to move. Leorio having enough of seeing his friend getting beaten into the ground yelled with clenched fists "Enough already! I'm gonna kill you, hear me?" Leorio then pointed at himself with his thumb while continuing "Pick on someone your own size!" Hanzo just turned towards Leorio with a slight glare as he said "If you can't handle it, you'd better leave. It's only going to get worse." Leorio pissed at Hanzo's not so veiled threat started walking towards him while saying "What the hell did you say?" However, before he could take two steps two guards wearing black suits and sunglasses stood in front of Leorio stopping him from moving. Masta then yelled from the center of the make-shift arena "There'll be no interference in a one-on-one match. Stay back. If you try to help him in any way, Gon will be instantly disqualified!"
Leorio just leaned back slightly while growling and gritting his teeth trying to decide what to do. Suddenly Gon's voice spoke up from the arena showing Gon was now on his feet while leaning on his knees "It's okay." He paused briefly in-between words to take a breath "Leorio...This is... This is nothing. Really." Gon the started to growl and raise his head showing everyone his determined gaze as he continued "I can still fight him." Hanzo let out a frustrated growl before kicking Gon's legs out from under him making fall face first onto the floor. Hanzo kneeled down next to Gon and folded his left arm behind his back while saying calmly "I'll break your arm." Gon gasped at the threat. The other applicants had various levels of shock or surprise at that statement while Ferev gripped his swords hilt so tight Kurapika and Killua could hear it. Hanzo continued speaking saying "I'm not kidding. Now say it. Say you surrender." Gon without hesitation shouted "Never!" Without missing a beat, Hanzo broke Gons arm a sickening crack echoing throughout the room.
Gon was now kneeling on the floor holding his now broken arm while Hanzo stood to the side. All the applicants stared at the fight with looks of dejection as Hanzo spoke up saying "There. Now you won't be able to use your left arm anymore." Over with the other applicants Leorio was gritting his teeth so hard people could hear his teeth grinding. With clenched fists Leorio spoke up saying "Don't try to stop me, Kurapika. If that bastard does anything else, Gon will fail the exam. Cuz I won't be able to stop myself." Kurapika calmy replied to Leorio but he could hear the anger in his voice as he said "Me? You think I'll stop you? Don't worry. There's no chance of that." Kurapika finished with his eyes glowing scarlet. However, they both found Ferev's sword blocking them from moving forward. Leorio and Kurapika looked at Ferev with shock. Ferev himself was holding his sword at the bottom of the sheath while the hilt and the rest of the weapon was in front of them. Leorio grew a tick mark as he yelled "What the hell are you doing Ferev!" Ferev just kept his sword in place as he replied in a deathly calm voice while keeping his gaze on Gon "If you two think I'm going to let you interfere and get Gon disqualified then you've got another thing coming." Leorio pissed at Ferev's words said "So your just gonna let him get beaten to a bloody pulp?" Ferev replied with "Gon knew the risks when he applied for the Hunters Exam same as you. He has survived through every challenge thrown at him where others have failed and if you still can't believe in him then what kind of friend does that make you?" Ferev then lowered his sword and placed it in front of himself again. Kurapika's eyes returned to normal as he realized Ferev was right while Leorio still not liking the situation just glared. However, suddenly a large pressure began to press down on Kurapika and Leorio causing them to be in slight pain and slightly out of breath. Kurapika looked around and saw everyone was being affected except certain people like Netero, the Examiners, Hisoka, and Gittarackur. Ferev then spoke up saying "Do not misunderstand me however. If he injures Gon one more time as soon as the fight is over, I'm going to make that so-called ninja wish for death."
Kurapika looked at Ferev and noticed the extreme pressure was coming from him, his right eye was shadowed by his hair while his left eye was glaring holes into Hanzo as his teeth were clenched with his canines showing making him look feral. Back with Gon, Hanzo was sweating heavily while looking over at Ferev. He was slightly scared at what he had heard him say and after feeling that extreme pressure coming from him, wasn't too keen on finding out what he would actually do. He cleared his head before putting his focus back on Gon. Hanzo was standing over Gon as he then said "I'm sure you're in too much pain to listen, but hear this." Hanzo then placed his right hand flat on ground and lifted his entire body into a one-handed hand stand before he continued speaking "I'm a descendant of a clandestine group called the shinobi. From the day I was born, I've been subjected to intensive training in order to master the special art of Ninpo. For the past eighteen years I've tirelessly trained my body and honed my technique. By the time I was your age, I had already killed." Ferev and Killua both thought to themselves thinking the same thing "Hmph. Not like that's a big deal." Hanzo continued to show off by steadily moving from a hand stand to using one finger as he continued speaking "At this point in time you have no hope of defeating me in combat. I'm being nice. So just admit defeat-" He was cut off however because Gon suddenly round housed kicked him in the face making him do a forced back flip and sliding across the floor face first. Gon fell to the floor grabbing his broken arm due to it moving because of the kick. As Gon sat up he grunted in pain while saying "Dammit!" He then stared heatedly at the so-called ninja and yelled "Between the pain and you blabbing I don't know what cleared my head up more!"
Over with the applicant's Ferev just smiled knowingly at Gon while Leorio pumped his left fist while yelling "Hell yeah! Atta boy!" He then pointed at the ninja and continued yelling "Now kick him while he's down and he's finished!" Kurapika just continued to watch Gon and his friends with an amused smile. Back with Gon he was finally able to stand up while holding his broken arm and saying "If your eighteen, then your just six years older than me. Besides this isn't a battle to see who's stronger. It's to see who's willing to throw in the towel first." Hanzo finally began to move as he grunted then push-flipped himself back onto his feet. Hanzo now stood at full attention his face having a large bruise and his nose was bleeding as he said "I let you kick me because I wanted to." Leorio and Ferev both yelled from the sideline with Leorio saying "You're a liar!" while Ferev said "Bullshit! You just don't want to admit he caught you off guard!" Hanzo ignored them and spoke to Gon who had his teeth grit in pain from his broken arm. "You must be confused." he paused briefly to wipe his nose with the bandages on his wrist. he then closed eyes before he continued speaking, "That was not a warning. It was a direct order. Was it too hard for you to understand? I'm quite happy to break it down for you." Hanzo then raised his right fist horizontally then with his left hands index finger he pulled a four-foot-long arm-blade from his wrist bandages. He then continued speaking saying "I'll cut off your legs, so that they can't be reattached."
Ferev after hearing that threat held his sword horizontally and grasped both hilts of the sword. Ready to draw his swords should Hanzo go through with his threat, Ferev also moved his body so he could move at the maximum speed when needed. two of the guards seeing this ran in front of Ferev spreading their arms to block his path. Ferev looked at the guards and said coldly "If you think only two of you can stop me from getting to him if he hurts Gon then you really have no idea who you're dealing with." the guards remained in place but sweat was rolling down their cheeks from the pressure Ferev was exuding. Back with Gon, Hanzo was still speaking with his eyes closed saying "A permanent injury should open up your eyes to the current situation. But before we resort to such things, I want to hear you surrender." Hanzo then raised his arm blade menacingly while opening his eyes and looking at Gon with contempt. Gon just stared at Hanzo with a determined frown before saying "Well, that's a problem." Everyone watching the fight turned white and had blank or shocked looked on their face after hearing Gon who continued to speak "I don't want to have my legs cut off but I don't want to surrender, either. How 'bout we find a different way to fight?" Hanzo had a blank look on his face with a sweat drop as he listened to Gon. When he finished talking Hanzo exploded in anger growing tick marks and his eyes turned white with rage while swinging his arm blade franticly he yelled "What the hell? Have you not been paying attention?" Over with the applicant's everyone began laughing the previous and tense mood in the room was gone replaced with a much lighter mood because of Gon and his actions. Back over with the fight Hanzo continued to yell while raising his arm blade and pointing the tip at Gon saying "Are you really making demands? You messin' with me? I'm seriously about to cut your legs off!"
Gon just stared at Hanzo defiantly and with a determined gaze he said "You do what you want but I won't give up! Besides if you cut my legs off, I'll probably just bleed to death." Gon then leaned over to the side to look past the Hanzo to talk to Masta saying "Mister Masta? He'd be disqualified for that, right?" Masta thrown off by this turn of events awkwardly answered with "Uh... Yes." Gon then looked back at Hanzo saying "see? And that'd be bad for the both of us. So, let's think of a better way." Hanzo's mouth was trembling in anger as he growled and grunted at Gon's stubbornness. Over with the applicant's Ferev went back to standing normally, his swords now on his back and his arms were crossed realizing Gon was no longer in danger. The guards seeing this returned to their original places while Ferev continued to watch the fight while saying "Gon has got this. If there is one thing I know about Gon it's that he's more stubborn then two turtle-mules and nothing stops him from achieving his goal." Kurapika then spoke up saying "I think Ferev's right. Gon is going to be okay. He's in control now." Leorio with a blank look on his face said "Ferev's right about one thing. He's just so damn stubborn!" Kurapika who now had a smirk on his face added "But he's also convincing to Hanzo and the rest of us. Impressive."
Back over with Hanzo he was still growling in anger at Gon. However, he suddenly moved forward and placed the tip of his arm blade against the center of Gon's forehead. Gon just continued to stare at Hanzo with defiance as blood ran down his forehead and cheek. Hanzo frustrated at Gon's stubbornness said with narrowed eyes "I see you're not getting it, so I'll try again. Die and you'll never get another chance. If I kill you right here and now, I only need to come back and take the Exam again next year. We are not on equal footing!" Gon just continued to remain silent and stare defiantly while Hanzo started to grunt in frustration before yelling "What's wrong? It's just a stupid sentence! Think! Give up and you can still try again next year! Is your pride truly all that you care about? Even more than your life! Is it worth dying for?" Gon remained silent for a minute before saying with a look of pure determination "I'm gonna go see my dad." Hanzo surprised at the answer said "Your dad?" Gon then started to explain his reasons for becoming a Hunter "See, my dad is a Hunter. So, I'm gonna become a Hunter exactly like he is and then I'll be able to meet him!" Gon paused for minute before saying "I know I'll find him someday. But... I feel like if I surrender now, I'm never gonna find him! So, I won't give up!"
Hanzo was staring at Gon awkwardly before saying "Surrender... or you will die." he then added a little more pressure to his arm blade making Gon take a small step back. The two combatants stared at one another for a few more minutes before Hanzo sighed and removed his arm blade from Gon's forehead before quickly retracting it. He then turned his back to Gon and walked to the side while saying "Fine. You win. I give up, okay?" Gon let out a small gasp at Hanzo's statement before he continued speaking "I'm not allowed to kill you. And I just can't think of another way to force you to surrender. So, I'll take my chances in the next round." Gon closed his eyes briefly while saying "Well, I can't accept that." He then opened his eyes and pointed at Hanzo yelling "No fair! We both have to come up with some way that we can have a proper match!" Hanzo who had his back turned to Gon still and after hearing what Gon said now had a huge tick mark on his head showing his annoyance. Hanzo sighed again before turning his head slightly to look at Gon from behind while saying "Why am i not surprised?" He then turned around and got close to Gon and pointed his right index finger in Gon's face while yelling "You just said you would never surrender, so what the hell is the point of that, you idiot?" Gon just got close to Hanzo as well yelling back "The point is that I don't want to win like this, okay?" The ninja yelled back "Then what do you suggest?" Gon just yelled back again saying "let's work together and figure it out!" Hanzo stood up and with a twitching eye he said "So, in other words... I've already given up the match but you want me to continue fighting and try to beat you again right? But first we have to work together to find a way you can win, so you can feel good about your victory. Is that right?" Gon just had a bright smile as he replied with "Yeah!" Hanzo just upper cutted Gon in the chin launching him in the air and onto the floor screaming "Moron!" As Gon laid unconscious on the floor Hanzo turned to the referee and said "Hey, referee. I lose, so move on to the next match." He then walked away to stand in line with the other applicants.
xxLine Breakxx
After some guards carried Gon to a separate room to rest and recuperate. The match between Pokkle and Hanzo had started and finished in the time it took for the guards to come back. The winner of the match being Hanzo due to him making Pokkle surrender easily. As Pokkle and Hanzo returned to the line Ferev began walking towards the center of the arena Illumi following suit. While Ferev walked he kept his gaze on Illumi the whole-time flashes of the past going through his mind as he walked. Once they reached the center Masta said "The match between Gittarakur and Ferev will now commence. Fighters ready?" Ferev then got into a fighting stance, he crouched slightly his fingers curled inwards except for his index and middle fingers which were extended. Illumi just stood there his hands at his sides twitching every so often. Masta then held his arms up before throwing them down and yelling "Begin!" Ferev then moved so fast a small dust cloud could be seen where he once stood and just when was about to strike, Illumi held his hands up in the surrender position while casually saying loud enough for everyone to hear "I surrender." Ferev stopped mid-strike his fingers centimeters from Illumi's face with a shocked expression. Masta quickly got in-between the two fighters saying "Gittarackur has surrendered. The winner is Ferev. Both combatants please return to the line." As they walked Illumi was next to Ferev and he said two words to him so low only he could hear them "Eight scars." Illumi then went to stand next to Hisoka.
Ferev was seething in anger and his fists were clenched when he made it back to the line. He then thought to himself "So, he recognizes me but he doesn't want to fight? Does he really think I'm not worth his time? Damn you Illumi! If my Hunters license wasn't on the line, I'd end you right now!" Ferev continued to seethe in anger as Masta announced the next match "The next match between Kurapika and Hisoka will now begin! Would both combatants now enter the arena!" Kurapika and Hisoka then made their way to the center of the arena where Masta was standing. Once they made it to the center Kurapika got into a fighting stance his fists clenched but held up protectively, He stood in a straightforward stance leaving no openings for Hisoka to exploit. Hisoka himself was just standing normally with his hands at his sides while waiting for the match to begin. Masta then raised his arms before throwing them down and shouting "Begin!" Hisoka wasted no time and rushed at Kurapika his hand posed as a claw while smiling at him. Kurapika himself had to do a backflip just to avoid Hisoka's strike. His head was parallel to the ground while he looked at Hisoka and his feet were pointed at the ceiling. Kurapika then placed his hand on the ground then moved his body to do a low sweep kick forcing Hisoka to jump up a couple feet. When he landed, he rushed Kurapika again Kurapika doing the same. Both combatants began exchanging quick blows both of them blocking and countering in equal measure. After the two had been fighting for about an hour they both rushed each other again. However, this time Hisoka stopped a few inches short of Kurapika so only his head was right by Kurapika's ear. Hisoka then whispered something to Kurapika before walking away and saying to Masta "I lose this round." Ferev narrowed his eyes at Hisoka due to him hearing what he said as he thought "I'll tell you a few things about spiders? Who the hell are you Hisoka?" Hisoka had his eyes closed as he walked back towards the line while Kurapika was frozen in place for a few seconds his eyes wide in shock. He then schooled his features and went back towards the line.
After a few minutes Masta announced the next match "The match between Bodoro and Hisoka will now begin! Would both combatants enter the arena!" Bodoro and Hisoka made their way to the arena floor and when they reached the center, they both got into their stances. Bodoro was slightly crouched and had his right leg forward while his left was behind him slightly, he had his fists clenched with one fist parallel with his right cheek while the other one was held in front of himself protectively. Hisoka like before was just standing normally this time though he had his hands on his hips. Masta then raised his arms before throwing them down and yelling "Begin!" Bodoro quicky rushed forward and threw a straight punch but Hisoka just moved to the side with a bored look on his face. Bodoro then threw a left jab then a cross chop which Hisoka both dodged his bored look still present on his face. Bodoro then twisted his body and placed a hand on the ground while kicking up his right leg going for a high sweep kick. Hisoka just nimbly jumped over Bodoro's leg and placed his hand on the floor before push-flipping himself back into a normal stance. Bodoro then raised his right leg again before stomping it down and charging Hisoka going for another straight punch. Hisoka tired of being bored simply grabbed Bodoro's right fist before dislocating his wrist and punching him in the face. The bones and cartilage in Bodoro's face broke and snapped as easily as crackers from the force of Hisoka's punch. Hisoka the finished him off by doing a high mule kick with his right leg hitting Bodoro in the face again. As Bodoro laid on the ground in pain Hisoka whispered something to him which Ferev heard "If you continue fighting... you will die." Bodoro who had blood gushing from every pore of his face teared up slightly before stuttering out in pain "I... concede... defeat."
As some medics tended to Bodoro Masta announced the next match which was Killua against Pokkle. However, just when the match started Killua gave up saying "Yeah, sorry. But I'm just not interested in fighting you." Killua then took his place back in line leaving Masta and Pokkle bewildered. After a few minutes Masta announced the next match which was Killua versus Gitarackur or Illumi Zoldyck in disguise as Ferev figured out. Both opponents approached the center of the arena and then took the respective positions. Masta stood between them before raising his arms like before and shouting "Begin!" while throwing his arms down and stepping back. Killua removed his hands from his pockets before crouching slightly and getting ready to morph his hands into claws. Killua then began to move forward taking slow cautious steps while slowly morphing his hands. However, before he could move a fourth step Gittarackur or Illumi spoke up saying "It's been a while, Kil." Killua just looked puzzled at Illumi's words while Ferev glared and clenched his fists. Illumi then began to remove his needles, his face once again contorting in unnatural ways shedding his disguise and showing his true form to the room. Killua's eyes suddenly widened and his pupils dilated while he gasped in fear because standing in front of him was his older brother and oldest Zoldyck child Illumi Zoldyck. Killlua continued to gasp and stare until finally he was able to whisper two words "Big Brother!"
Illumi just stared at Killua with a bored look as if it was a pain just to be there. Illumi's expression suddenly changed his eyes wide open and his lips pressed in a thin line across his face. He then spoke casually saying "Hey." Leorio from the sidelines spoke up saying with a questioning look "He's Killua's brother?" Kurapika added his two cents saying "Those needles were used to change his appearance?" Ferev then spoke saying "Your right on both accounts and that son of a bitch is the one who helped murder my master." Leorio had a small muscle spam before pointing at Illumi while saying with a panicked look "Wait! Your saying that he's one of the guys who took out your master! who was even stronger than you?" Ferev answered with "If I'm honest Illumi beat me while his father did the deed." Ferev then rubbed his chest feeling phantom pains throb. Leorio looked back at Killua and said "You're kidding? Then how strong does that make this guy?" Ferev just answered with "I honestly can't tell you. The last time I fought him I was 9 years old, so he could be as strong as Hisoka for all I know." Leorio just grit his teeth while looking at Killua with concern with Ferev doing the same. Kurapika just stood there staring at Illumi through narrowed eyes his eyes flashing back and forth from brown to red realizing the significance of Illumi's presence.
Back over with Illumi, Killua was breathing in ragged breaths as he stared at his older brother who started to speak "So Kil, I heard you stabbed Mom and Milluki." Killua answered with an uneasy smile saying "Guess so." Illumi tilted his head to the right his eyes still holding a blank expression as he said "Mom couldn't stop crying." Over with Killua's group Leorio spoke up again saying "Well, who would blame her? Anybody'd cry if their kid did that." Ferev Knowing Killua's background spoke up saying "Wait for it Leorio." Leorio confused at Ferev's statement said "What are-" but he was cut off when Illumi spoke up saying "She was just so happy. She was delighted to see that her son had finally grown up." Leorio was so shocked by Illumi's statement that he actually fell backwards out of surprise while Kurapika stared on in disbelief. Back with Illumi he continued his rant towards Killua "However, Mom is concerned about you being on your own. And she asked me to check up on you when I got the chance. Lucky me, huh?" Illumi then let a small almost unnoticeable smirk before continuing. "I Had absolutely no idea that you wanted to be Hunter. As for me, I'm here to get a license for a job that's coming up." Killua then looked at the ground and said in an unsure voice "I don't actually want to become a Hunter. I just felt like taking the Exam." Killua finished while staring back up at his brother with a somewhat confident look.
Illumi continued to stare at Killua before saying "I see... Well, that's a relief." Illumi then started to realease his Ren Causing everyone save for the Nen users to feel pain and discomfort. Illumi continued to speak as Killua's eyes widened and took a step back in fear. "In that case, I have some advice for you. You're not cut out to be a Hunter. You were born for one purpose: To be the best Assassin." Illumi paused briefly to let his words sink in and glanced at Ferev who wasn't affected by his Ren and he clenched his fists noticing Illumi's gaze. Illumi then glanced back at Killua before he spoke up again "You're a puppet of darkness, devoid of passion. There is nothing you desire, nor is there anything you wish for. As one who lives in the shadows, the only pleasure you're capable of is derived from causing death. Because that's how Dad and I raised you. What do you imagine that you would accomplish by becoming a Hunter?" Killua's hair shadowed his eyes as he answered with "It's true. I don't really want to be Hunter. But... everyone wants something. Even me." Illumi was about to cut Killua off saying "You don't" But Killua cut him off saying "Wrong! I want to have friends! I want to explore the world and see new things! But most of all I want to stay with Gon and Ferev!" by the end of Killua's speech he was breathing heavy and his eyes were brimming with tears. Illumi just stared at Killua and Bluntly said "Impossible you are incapable of friendship, you will never see the world because you will never leave our family, and as for Gon and the failed Apprentice well, I can fix that problem quite easily."
Killua just stared at his older brother with sad but resigned eyes as his words struck cord after cord within him. Right when Killua was about to resign to his fate Ferev's voice was heard from the sidelines "Killua! I couldn't care less if this guy's your brother, your mother, or your fuckin uncle all right! He's a worthless piece of shit! So don't listen to him! Just beat the shit out him and win already! You want to explore the world I'll take you anywhere you want after the Exam and as for friends it's fuckin obvious isn't it? We're your friends! How do you not understand that! So just win already so you, me, Gon and everyone else can be Hunters!" by the end of Ferev's speech he was being held back four guards due to his excitement.
Everyone in the room seemed to smile at Ferev's declaration save for Illumi who frowned and looked at Ferev while saying "Is this true?" Leorio caught up in the excitement yelled "Hell yeah, it's true, you idiot!" Illumi then grasped his chin with his left hand and giving a look of mock surprise while saying "Oh, no. That isn't good. So you all already consider Kil a friend? Fine then I'll just Kill you all starting with the green one. Gon was it?" Illumi boldly finished declaring while pointing his left index finger up. Everyone gasped at Illumi's threat while Ferev however subtly moved his left hand towards his gun. Illumi then pulled four needles from his person and held them menacingly in his right-hand while saying "Assassins have no need for friends. They only get in the way." Illumi then turned around and started walking towards the room where Gon was resting before saying "Where can I find Gon? In this room here perhaps?" Killua so scared of his brother's presence could only stand there frozen breathing shakily. Illumi continued towards the door as a guard ran up to him and said "Please, wait a second! The match is still-" the guard was cut-off however, due to Illumi throwing several needles into his face making it contort in unnatural ways and making the man scream in pain. Illumi uncaring of the man's condition asked "Where is Gon?" All the man could do was point at the door Illumi was previously going to and Illumi nodded his head before continuing his trek.
Just as Illumi was about to approach the door he felt something cold press itself against his forehead. Illumi looked forward and saw Ferev with his left gun pressed into his temple while his right hand was grasping his sword hilt. Illumi looked to his right and saw Leorio there his switch blade at the ready. He then looked to his left and saw Kurapika standing there his short swords drawn and ready for combat. Ferev then spoke up saying "The only way you're getting through that door is through me." he finished with a glare while Leorio then spoke up saying "Not just him but us too!" Illumi focused his gaze on Ferev and said with a groan "What a pain. Do I need to remind you of the lesson I taught you 17 years ago?" Ferev glared even harder as he remembered Illumi's words "As you can see you have no chance at saving your master. So, just watch and remember this lesson. Never go up against a superior opponent." Ferev shook his head a little to clear it before saying "Try it asshole. Things are a lot different from 17 years ago" Illumi just had a blank look on his face as he said "We'll see about that." Suddenly Illumi jumped in the air and did a split kick knocking Leorio and Kurapika away. Ferev was about to pull the trigger on his gun when Illumi did an upward palm thrust knocking the Gun the air. Illumi then grabbed two needles with his left hand and made to stab Ferev in the eyes. Ferev moved his right arm to block and then wrapped his arm around Illumi's to hold it steady preventing Illumi from stabbing him. Illumi then moved his right hand towards Ferev throat another two needles appearing in his hand. However, Illumi stopped a couple inches short of Ferev's jugular because in Ferev's left hand was a small push knife aimed right at Illumi's adams apple. Illumi glanced down and noticed a part of Ferev's belt buckle missing. Ferev smirked before saying "You're not the only with tricks up their sleeve."
Illumi annoyed at this development was about to use his Nen when suddenly both he and Ferev were grabbed and judo flipped into the ground. Ferev and Illumi grunted in pain then looked to their center and saw Netero crouching down his arms crossed and hands open showing he was the one who threw them. Netero then stood up with his usual carefree look and said "I think that's enough for now. I understand there is bad blood between you two but right now this is the Hunters Exam not a grudge match. Mr. Illumi would you please take your place back in the center of the arena and just so you are aware any attempt on any of the applicants lives before the Exam is complete will result in your immediate disqualification." Illumi just stood up and brushed himself off before saying while looking at Netero and Ferev "Very well, I need to acquire a Hunter's license right now to do my job. But if I Kill him, I'll fail so I'll do what I must for now. Besides if what you say is true then all I need to do is pass then I can Kill him, Gon, and everyone here is that right?" Netero had a slight uneasy look as he answered "Well... Yes, according to the rulebook." Illumi then made his way back towards Killua who was still frozen in fear. Ferev took his spot with the other applicants after retrieving his gun along with Leorio and Kurapika. As Illumi approached Killua he said "Did you hear that, Kil? If you really want to save your so-called friends, you're going to have to beat me." Illumi then started walking even closer to Killua while saying "Will you fight me to save your friends? You can't do it, can you? Because deep down, you're more worried about whether you can defeat me than anything else, aren't you?"
Killua's eyes widened in shock and fear while gasping his brother somehow knowing what's going through his head. Illumi continued to mess with Killua's head saying "And... you already know the answer. 'I'm not strong enough to beat my big brother.' Remember the lesson I drilled into you? Never go up against a superior opponent." Killua was now hyperventilating he was so scared of his brother. He was about to take a step back when Illumi's tone suddenly got serious as he said with his left arm extended and hand held up as if he was going to grab Killua's face. "Don't move! Move one more inch, and I'll assume the fight has begun. The same goes for if our bodies touch each other. The fight starts. There is only one way to stop me, and you know it. But don't forget... if you decide that you won't fight me, your dear friends will surely die." Ferev having had enough of Illumi yelled "Take him out Killua! Ignore everything he's saying! He won't even touch Gon let alone me and the others. Fight with everything you got! No matter what happens Kurapika, Leorio and I will be there to protect you!"
Killua however was so scared that Ferev's words were barely registering in his mind. All Killua could hear or see were Illumi's words and his empty pitch-black eyes. Killua lowered his head so his hair shadowed his eyes as he said almost in a whisper "You win, Illumi. I admit defeat." Ferev, Leorio, and Kurapika were all gasping and staring in shock at Killua not believing his declaration. Illumi then showed the first little bit of emotion on his face by smiling and clapping his hands together saying "Oh! Excellent! No need for us to fight then, huh?" Illumi then leaned forward and patted Killua on the shoulder almost mockingly while laughing. Illumi then stood saying "I lied, Kil. I was never going to kill your so-called friends. That was only a test to see what you were made of. And now I know for certain." Ferev however thought to himself "That's a bold face lie. He fully intended to kill us if Killua decided to fight him." Illumi then crouched down and it looked as if he was giving Killua a one-armed hug but Ferev heard the cruel words Illumi said to Killua "You are simply not qualified to make friends. Not that you need any. You'll keep doing what you've always done: the job Dad and I trained you to do. I'll order you to take the Hunter Exam when the time is right. But not now." When Illumi stepped away Killua no longer had the excited light in his eyes but now instead they looked dead and lifeless. Killua then slowly made his way back to the applicants making sure to stand at the very end staying as far away from Ferev and the others as possible.
Ferev was about go over and talk to him when Masta suddenly announced the final match being between Bodoro and Leorio. Both combatants took their places in the center of the arena. Leorio was standing normally his hands at his sides while Bodoro was crouched down doing some light stretches getting ready. Once Bodoro got into a fighting stance Masta shouted "begin!" However everyone gasped causing Bodoro to look behind himself and saw Killua with a dead and cold look in his eye as he morphed his right hand into a claw and stabbed Bodoro through the back his heart in Killua's hand. Killua ripped his arm out of Bodoro's chest dropping his heart. Masta then shouted "Match over! Killua Zoldyck is disqualified all remaining applicants pass the Exam!" Killua didn't say a word, he just turned around and started to walk towards the exit. Ferev however ran over to Killua and grabbed him by the shoulder and made Killua look at him while he said "Killua! Why did you do that! I don't know what Illumi did to make you do that but I know you're a good kid and you wouldn't do something like that without reason!" Killua just looked down his hair shadowing his eyes as he said sarcastically "Reason? I don't need a reason to do anything. I'm an assassin I'm told who to kill and I do it. I'll admit your stories were cool and all but that's all they were stories and I need to come back to the real world. My family needs me and it's about time I headed home. Goodbye Ferev if you see Gon tell him it was fun while it lasted." Ferev angry at what was happening grit his teeth and said "I know you're not telling me the truth so I don't care what it takes I'm not letting you-" He was cut off suddenly as Illumi suddenly appeared and kicked him a few feet away onto the floor saying "My little brother wishes to leave. I'd appreciate it if you left him alone." Ferev was about to get up and fight but Kurapika showed up at his side and whispered harshly in his ear "Calm down. Right now, is not the time or place for this. Let's wait for Gon to recover and we can make a plan then." Ferev just grit his teeth as he watched Killua walk out the door and then glared at Illumi who took his spot back in line. Masta then announced they would be heading to another room for the conclusion of the Exam. Ferev then got up with help from Kurapika and thought to himself "I swear Killua we're coming to get you and Illumi you'd better watch your back because I'm coming for you." Ferev and everyone else then followed Netero and Masta to the room where they would be given an orientation. All the remaining applicants followed Netero and Masta while being excited that they all have accomplished what they came to do, and that is that they are now HUNTERS.