Twin auras shined like beacons in the center of the underground arena. Overseen by Mayer, his students focused their all on their water divination exercise.

Sweat dripped down James' shirtless form. The beads of water collecting on his sweat pants with a patter. His arms shook as he gripped his left hand tightly around his other wrist. His right hand hovered over the glass of waters in front of him, fingers clawed, as his aura surged into the glass. The leaf danced and spun. It twisted and spiraled. So fast that the water churned violently in the cup. A vicious whirlpool rapidly formed in the cup, causing the glass to teeter back and forth in the metal bowl. The sound of glass clanging against metal echoed around the arena. His face an intense, furious frown.

Leorio held a grimace as sweat ran down his face and onto his brown hoodie. His body flared to life with Ren, both hands suspended over his cup as he pushed himself to his limit. His cup of water glowed a bright, vibrant green. Even in the blazing lights of the arena, the glass of water shined like green fire in the middle of the dark, underground stadium.

As if on cue, the two of them suddenly stopped at the same time. Leorio's water was a bright green color, staining the glass itself green. Jame's leaf continued to spin with reckless abandon before the cup toppled over and shattered against the bowl.

Mayer stood in front of them. He looming over them and studied their results. He nodded his head.

"Good. You two have mastered the basics of Nen. You both are now full-fledged Hunters. Congratulations."

The two of them stared at each other in confusion. Then back to Mayer.

"What?" said James in disbelief.

Leorio nodded, wiping sweat off his brow, "Yeah, I thought we were Hunters the moment we graduated?"

Mayer shook his head, "No. You are considered a true Hunter when you have learned the basic principles of Nen. Until you were both capable of creating a Hatsu, neither of you would be Hunters. You both are now capable of such. You both have passed. As such, you both are full-fledged Hunters."

The two of them stared at Mayer for a moment, then shrugged.

James nodded, "Huh. But what does that mean?"

Mayer grunted, "It means what it means. The Hunter Association tracks who is capable of using Nen and who is not. Most Hunters are ineligible for certain positions without Nen. Bodyguarding diplomats, exploring restricted areas... Without Nen, a Hunter is no more capable than any other human."

Leorio frowned, "Why is Nen is a secret anyway?" he shifted some aura into his and created a ball of aura into his head. It quickly dissipated, "I can see all the potential benefits just in medicine alone..."

Mayer stared at Leorio's hand for a moment. He sighed and closed his eyes, "It is because of people such as yourselves. Your talent is exceedingly rare. Even my talent is rare. People such as ourselves can destabilize society, and do so even with precautions in place."

James' voice was laced with sarcasm, "Really? You don't say..."

The giant grunted, "There is never a perfect solution. There will always be angels and demons among us. All we can hope for is our interests align."

James frowned and looked down in thought, "If there are four billion on the planet, then that means we're one of four thousand. That's still a lot of angels and demons..."

Leorio nodded, "Yeah. When you think about it like that, that's really scary," he frowned, "I don't feel that strong though..."

Mayer grunted, "You are comparing yourself to others with years of experience. It would take the average Nen user close to half a year to achieve your results. "

He looked away toward the massive digital clock on a screen in the distance. It read seven-thirty. He sighed.

"I have a meeting today. Training will be cut short."

James nodded. Something flashed in his eyes before he narrowed them onto eyes at his trainer.

"You said your sons weren't coming today. Neither was Knuckle or Shoot. Does it have to do with you're meeting?" he asked, confirming with Mayer that he would be meeting with the Underbosses.

Mayer frowned, "Yes," he turned his back to them and exited the arena. He walked down the walkway and exited the stadium entirely.

Leorio sighed, "Jeez, I wonder why he's so ornery today?"

James mirrored Leorio's sigh and raised a shrug of his own.

"He's not particularly happy about being the boss. Probably has to deal with a lot of crap."

Leorio nodded, "Yeah."


Evira sat in a peculiar room. She wore her best suit today. A female black business suit with a green dragon embodied around the shoulders. It cut an imposing figure. She waited for her subordinates to come. Her elbows resting on a strange table. Her fingers wrapped in front of her face.

She admired the room she created to pass the time.

A pitch-black wooden table sat in the middle of a massive conference room. It was round and surrounded by five seats. As black and reflective as the table. An expansive green carpet with four black wooden walls. As black as the night and carved from the rare Obsidian tree. She smiled.

The two Arborist Hunters in the Hunter Association traded several sick trees to the Tao Long in exchange for a small fortune that could buy several houses.

It was well worth it for a steady supply of Obsidian trees. The strangest properties of these black, stone-like trees were its ability to disrupt Nen. It would absorb Aura like a sponge. Many a Rookie Hunter were killed by entering these forests. Wandering into a black part of the forest by mistake. Becoming fatigued and mentally exhausted. They were slowly drained of Aura before passing out and being devoured by the predators within. A similar principle applied to the room.

Evira ran a sharp nail lightly over the counter of her table. She sat straight up on a comfortable, black chair. She smirked at the black walls and table. The conference room was built, furniture and all, entirely of Obsidian wood. The only way to stay in the room was to stay in Zetsu.

The door creaked as Mercutio let Mayer in, wide double doors letting the giant in. His massive form the type of body that marked him as a prodigy from his youth. Hard-working and stubborn, he was a proud and determined man. A man who would get his revenge.

Mayer took a seat to Evira's left.

Next came Zelle. Blonde, beautiful, brilliant. Deadly. Her pleasant smile contrasted with her business suit and black leather gloves. Evira had saved her life when she had arrived in this world. She was as loyal as a person could be. And as highly-trained as one could be.

Zelle took a seat to Evira's right.

The door creaked open. The sound of heavy footsteps against soft carpet echoed in the silent room. An older gentleman with wrinkled, squinting eyes similar to James. A white scarf was draped along his shoulders. Salt and pepper hair combed to the side. Wrinkles at the edge of his eyes and a squinting, grizzled appearance. While large enough to be a rugby or football player, he wasn't the disproportionally sized shape of someone like Victor, Mayer, or Buhara. He was, thankfully, normal big.

A collection of gold and silver rings ran across each of his knuckles. Tattoos written in a language most wouldn't understand, but to Evira was as simple as reading a children's book. It was this world's version of Russian.

He looked every bit the refined mobster that had attained the world.

Darsten Petrovich stood at the opening and smiled. Large, white teeth shined as he took in the three other leaders of the Tao Long. He opened his arms wide in greeting as he entered the conference room.

"Evira! I hope you had a good three months! You know we could always make this biannually. It's taxing on your forces and tiring to come here" he said as he walked over and Evira a hug, then Zelle, then ending with a firm handshake with Mayer.

Evira sighed, "You know why these meetings are quarterly..."

Darsten nodded, "Yes. Those two cause trouble. They get into enough trouble in only three months! Bah! We will be dealing with them in a bit. How is your nephew? It took quite the effort to get papers for him."

She nodded, "Yes. You'll be happy to know-"

The double doors slammed open as Victor's massive foot kicked them open. The four of them stared at the massive man only slightly shorter than Mayer. In a black suit jacket and white turtle neck. A metal chain around his neck sporting nicks and dents in it. His vicious smile still on his face as he walked into the room without a care in the world. There were nicks and cuts on his face as well.

"Oi! Ruining my fun was a real shit move, Evira," he said as he brusquely pulled out the chair and collapsed in it without any care.

Vasili came in while the doors slowly closed, coming in right as they shut. He pushed up his sunglasses and smiled.

"Sorry for my brother's behavior. You know how he is. I've already paid restitution to the bar owner, as well as paid off all the officials," he said as he sat to the seat next to his brother. Both of them directly across from Evira.

"And the people you killed?" she said with a frown.

"Bloody hell, who gives a fuck? No one will care about a rathole in a nowhere part of the city..."

Vasili put a hand on his brother's shoulder and presented a hand to Evira.

"You both have good points. My brother's rash behavior was embarrassing and injured countless people. Yet, those people were not innocent people. Criminals and the uncouth. We all know no one will miss them."

Zelle spoke up, her voice high, pleasant, and biting, "Several police officers were killed. Not only will they ask for more money, but our trust with them was damaged. The Mayor won't like this at all."

Vasili lifted a finger, "Ah. It seems they interfered without permission. Do note I remember all the places 'off limits' to the law here. Instead, they butt in."

Victor snarled, "Yeah, I thought you were in charge. Begging and scrapping to the police."

Mayer stared at the two and sighed. He had hoped the conversation would star slower than this. He grunted and answered.

"Even the officials who play the game have their limits. We work together with officials to maintain peace. If they so wished they could contact the Hunter Association. If you remember, I was such Hunter. The Blacklist Hunters in the association would jump at the chance to hunt us."

Mayer's blue eyes were as cold and hard as ice. He pointed a massive finger to the two, "You two are the highest earners and provide defense against the Mafia to the east. The moment you fail either... Remember this: not even you two are irreplaceable."

The two stared back at him. Victor's frown was deep. Vasili's smile faltered for a moment.

Evira nodded, "Well then, let's get down business."


Leorio and I walked the streets of York New City. As I watched semi-naked people playing music for money and my third hotdog stand I realized... this was the first time I've had time off from training in... months.

God damn, I don't know what to do...

Nope. Wait. I know what I have to do. I had to train my Hatsu. Oh boy.

Leorio stared at the bus coming to our bus stop as he spoke,

"So we are officially Hunters now. No restrictions at all. Doesn't feel like it... What's so funny?"

"Probably doesn't feel like we're Hunters 'cause we got to pay for shit" I replied.

The buses' airbrakes hissed the vehicle to a stop and the door swung open. Leorio made his way in. I followed after him and swiped myself in. Leorio took a seat and I sat next to him, taking the window. I stared out of the window and sighed. thought about the training I had to do.

"What's wrong?" said the Emitter. I squinted at him.

"Just thinking about what I got to do when we get back. I gotta' lick wood, dismantle computers and read textbooks. Just a pain.." I realized my mistake when I saw Leorio's face, but it was too late.

He chuckled, "Hehehe, lick all the wood you want. Whatever it takes to create you're Hatsu..."

I sneered at him. Ok, he got me.

"Heh, but it isn't easy for me either," he said as he created an aura ball the size of a golf ball at the tip of his finger.

"For homework, I got to hold this for at least an hour a day. It's a pain in the ass."

He stuck his tongue out, closed an eye, and shot the ball of aura toward the front of the bus in annoyance. It hit the bus' driver windshield and exploded.

I felt my stomach drop as I froze as still as a statue. I felt like a little kid as I stared wide-eyed in at the damage. I turned to Leorio, who looked and probably felt exactly like me. He turned to me and gave me a nervous, apologetic smile.

I looked around to see we were the only people on the bus. Great, so I can't even blame someone else. I turned to see the bus driver come down the aisle. He was a big guy...

Next thing I knew we were being tossed off the bus. I stumbled to a stop on the sidewalk, arms spread out to avoid falling. I sighed in relief as I skid to a stop instead. Only for Leorio to bump into my from behind and knock me down anyways.

The man pointed at us, "I didn't see you two do anything, so I can't call the police! But if I ever see you two on this bus I'm gonna' kick your asses!"

Leorio nodded apologetically, while I raised my hands over my head in annoyance, lying out of my ass.

"We didn't do nothin'! Probably hit a rock or something!"

"Ya' think I was born yesterday or something?! Get the hell outta' here!" he said with a wave of his fist before getting into his driver's seat and driving away.

I looked at Leorio with a glare. He chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his head.

"We can always take a taxi."

"We bought a month trip pass yesterday. What a waste!" I said while walking away.

"Pssh, not like we aren't rolling in money. Weird how York New City still charges Hunters for public services..." Leorio said as he kicked a rock off into the street.

That's because Evira doesn't' like Hunters in her city. She can't just intimidate every Hunter that comes to the city. So she makes it inconvenient for a Hunter to come here. Stack enough inconveniences and a place becomes unappealing to come to.

Thirty-blocks to go, yay. A taxi! Yellow chariot from the gods, come to me and- Come here taxi! COME HERE TA- NOO, DON'T DRIVE AWAY!

"I ain't forgetting this..." I said to Leorio with a point of my right finger, before leading the way.

He sighed and followed, "...I didn't know it'd be that strong!"


Taxis don't like us apparently. I believe my color green clashes with the majestic yellow and scares these creatures away. That, or Leorio and I were so fucking scary as a pair. I suspect Taxi drivers would rather drive actual bank robbers from the scene of the crime than us with our irritated faces.

So we walked. We could have taken the subway... but then we started talking and shooting the shit. For the past month, I hadn't done much relaxing. Just training and studying. Outside of training with Mayer, I barely saw Leorio. As smart as Leorio is in medicine, college was starting to fuck his shit up.

As we traveled down York New City looking at the sights and sounds, it struck me how different the Center was different from downtown. And how different downtown was from the outskirts. Even the strip of the city that had a river running through was a different world. It was like seeing a different country where ever we went.

Crossing the bridge over the said river, I looked down the river to see some dock workers loading their boats with equipment. The cool breeze of the water below mixed with the early morning heat of spring was nice. My grumpy ass was starting to feel better for walking instead of taking the bus.

When we crossed the bridge, Leorio turned to his right and looked through a glass door. It was a Japanese-style, excuse me, Japponnese-style restaurant. A tiny, hole in the wall thing. Varnished wood was everywhere with enough polish I could see the reflection of a person from across the street.

A tiny bar that could fit sight people was on the left with exactly eight seats. Behind it was a cast iron grill as long as the bar. Behind that, against the wall, was a row of utensils and knives of all shapes and sizes. On the wall were pictures, trophies, and items from all around the world.

A row of four tables was on the right with little four little stools underneath each table. Plates, chopsticks, and tiny pitchers of soy saucer sat in the middle. White, paper lantern candles were sitting in the center.

In the middle of the restaurant was Buhara sweeping.

I blinked.

...

In the middle of the restaurant was Buhara sweeping.

...

I blinked-

"Why is Buhara standing in there?!" I said before squishing my face against the glass to make sure I wasn't crazy. Leorio did the same.

The door opened inward. We found out by pushing the door face first and falling through.

We looked up to see a surprised Buhara. Those emotions gave way to recognition, then happiness. A big, wide smile grew on his face.

"Hey! It's your guys! It's great to see you two again! What're you guys doing in the city? Oh, well." he said as he picked us up off the ground like store mannequins. I stared off into the distance as I was picked up like a baby by ginormous hands. All self-respect ripped out of me by a man who could squeeze me like a grape.

My feet hit the ground and said thanks. I looked up to see the biggest fucking human on the face of the planet. I swear the laws of physics are broken on this planet. Leorio was less shell-shocked than I was and answered.

"We live here. I'm going to school here and James, well, I guess you know," he said. I nodded. Buhara nodded and accepted it without question. I don't think he cared either since he probably knew all about me.

"I remember you're profile said you wanted to be a doctor. I'm guessing you're in York New University. That's a great school. One of the best in the world," he said with a massive smile.

Leorio laughed, "Yeah! I really like it there. So this is your restaurant? I thought it'd be bigger since you're a Hunter and all."

I nodded, "Plus this place is a shoebox for you. There's barely enough room for you to walk!"

Buhara chuckled, "This is my family's restaurant. It hasn't always been sushi, but it was Menchi's idea. Sushi's her favorite. Besides, Menchi and I are usually off hunting for ingredients or doing jobs for the Association. Big Sushi is usually closed because of that."

I nodded and looked around. I guess that's why everything looked super shiny: he just got finished wiping everything down. I turned back to him and asked, "Soo, the Tao Long doesn't like Hunter's in its' city..."

Buhara nodded, "Yeah, but the Mafia doesn't care if we mind our own business. We aren't Blacklist Hunters so we don't interfere. And they don't bother us either."

I nodded. Makes sense. Leorio looked around before asking, "Where's Menchi?"

"She isn't here yet. She's still hunting ingredients. She'll be here next week," he said as he picked up his broom in his massive hands and began sweeping, a nervous look on his face. He swept with laser-focus concentration. Jeez, he sure was one fastidious bastard.

Leorio spoke, scratching his chin, "Hey, everything all right? You look kinda nervous..."

Buhara looked at us with a small frown, "It's just, this restaurant isn't opened most of the year, so a lot of people don't know this place exists. I don't cook to make a profit. I became a Gourmet Hunter to find delicious recipes to eat. But, I also like the smile on people's faces when they sit down and enjoy a good meal. I hope more people come this time around."

Leorio and I looked at each other before turning to Buhara and giving him a mutual thumbs up.

Leorio nodded, "Don't worry! We'll stop by as often as we can!"

I nodded as well, "Yeah, we'll bring our friends to. It's the least we can do for passing us."

Buhara turned into a gigantic, shy child as his face turned red and he gripped his broom, "Aw thanks, you guys. You don't have to."

Leorio chuckled, "Don't worry! Maybe you can give James' a job! He needs to get out of his room more," he said with a slap on my back.

I frowned. A Vietnam flashback of my days as a stressed-out restaurant manager flashed before my eyes.

"That's a hard pass. Meh, I do need to eat more..."

Leorio nodded, "But it has been relaxed lately."


A chair impacted the wall and smashed into pieces. The black double doors opened up reveal Mercutio, Briannaisa, and Sparrow standing by. Behind them were three larger people, as large as Darsten. One black-skinned, one tan-skinned, and one white. The six of them stared at Victor, who snarled at everyone in the room.

His stare lingered before he walked past the six guards and left.

Vasili stared at the rest of the leaders of the Tao Long.

"He's a bit upset. Forgive him."

He stood up and adjusted his white coat and pressed an index finger to the bridge of his glasses. An easy smile spread on his face.

"Please consider our plan," he said with a small bow of his head.

With that, he walked out of the room and past the guards. Evira nodded to Mercutio, who nodded back and closed the door.

Zelle sighed, "They're asking to go to war with the Five Families..."

Darsten echoed her sigh, as if reluctant to even say his next words,

"Yes, but they have a point. Someone has been attacking us. The bombing was just the most conspicuous."

Mayer nodded, "The rival mafias do enjoy their games. But we have no proof it is them."

Zelle frowned, "It could be the brothers..."

Evira nodded, "It could be... I can't see them with my Hatsu so I couldn't verify what they were up to Thursday night. But it wasn't out of character for them to cause trouble."

Darsten scoffed, "Yes. Victor is a simple animal, but his brother is the real danger. We positioned them in Lost Angels to die, yet they only became stronger. If we are to move against them, we would need proof. Otherwise, their subordinates would fight tooth and nail for them."

A sigh escaped Zelle as she looked away in frustration.

"Would it matter? Most of the gangs they control are disturbing loyal to them. Some of them slavishly..."

Evira narrowed her eyes before shaking her head. She tapped the wooden table with her fingernail before answering.

"No. Our mole says only the gangs loyal to Vasil are, the ones who follow Victor live in fear."

Mayer grunted, "Still, without proof it means nothing. Has not both our mole and Mercutio stated that Victor and Vasili were behind the bombing."

Darsten's eyes widened, "Ah... so you three knew they were behind it. Why didn't you say so? That would be enough. We can kill them now."

Evira shook her head, "Mercutio has a history with the Rohan brothers. Its the only reason he joined the Tao Long. Any excuse is enough for him to try and kill the brothers. Unfortunately, without proof beyond a shadow of a doubt... we're stuck with them. Unless something comes up, we wait until September..."


"All right Leorio, look at this..." I said as we all sat down at a table in the back. Well, Leorio and I. Buhara stood.

I held out the wooden chopstick and concentrated aura into it with my right. I imagined the flat, square chopstick into a thin blade. My hand ignited to life with aura as I pinched the chopstick with my left and slid my fingers across it. The chopstick stretched and lengthed as I dragged my fingers across, becoming thinner and thinner until I reached the end.

In my hand was the thinnest wooden knife in the world. Leorio's eyes widened in surprise before whistling. Buhara just looked even more surprised and spoke.

"Wow! And you only started seriously training after the Hunter Exam?"

We nodded. Leorio smiled and summoned a ball of Aura at the tip of his finger. I put down my mishappened chopstick slapped his hand away before he destroyed anything else with his Aura. He rubbed his hand and gave me a nasty look.

I replied, "Yeah. All I've been up to is training. I've been practicing manipulating wood to increase my skill in Manipulation. Also, I've been practicing a little of every category. Light shocks of electricity and frying pans. Ren and Ten training. I've been copying some Conjuration training and gonna' start copying that ball thing Leorio's been doing."

Leorio scoffed, "Go find your own training!" I laughed.

Buhara nodded, "Wow, you guys sure are impressive. The Chairman was right about this year's Hunter graduates. You guys are some of the most talented in years."

We heard chimes sound as the door opened and there stood Cabo and Sparrow. Both of them looked just as surprised as I felt. Cabo sneered a pointed a finger at me.

"You!"

I nodded, "Me."

"We've been trying to find you forever! Mercutio's been wanting to talk to you!" Cabo said as the two of them walked to the three of us in the back.

I nodded, "Yep. If he wants to talk to me he knows where to find me. In fact, if you two wanted to talk to me you could just wake up earlier."

Sparrow rolled his eyes and replied, "Pssh, this guy's trying to kill us. Waking up early... get out of here..."

Cabo shook his head, "We work from six to six most nights. You get it easy."

I nearly rolled my eyes into another dimension, "Oh yeah, so easy. My apologizes. I didn't know tracking serial killers and van bombs was entry-level work."

Sparrow shrugged, "Hey, everybody's gotta' start somewhere," he said so nonchalantly it took me a moment to realize he was being sarcastic. He turned to Buhara and nodded, "Yo, big boy. When did your restaurant open up again?"

Buhara laughed, "Nice to see you too Sparrow. I opened it up yesterday!"

Cabo ducked and put a hand on his head baby blue head, "Oooh, really?! If I knew that'd have come by for your Gyoza! Get me a whole box! No wait, two boxes!"

Sparrow nodded, "Yeah, get me my typical. And uh..." he looked at Leorio and me and hesitated. That hesitation meant something, but I don't know what. I knew when Buhara nodded and answered.

"Yeah, I remember your usual orders, Sparrow," he turned around and reached around the bar to pull out an apron the size of a bedsheet. I stared dumbly at it before shaking my head of the image and turned to Sparrow.

"So, that order for someone special?"

For the first time, I saw his eyes flash with something dangerous. His smooth voice was deadly.

"None of your business."

Cabo stared at him and frowned, but said nothing. Nervousness crossed his face. Leorio and I stared at Sparrow. I shrugged and Leorio frowned. I replied.

"Suit yourself. Guess its time to go," I stood up and Leorio did the same. We both waved to Buhara and he did the same. A white bandana on his head and a white apron on a massive yellow shirt.

Both we left, Sparrow spoke up.

"Hey, you weren't supposed to deal with something that heavy your first time in. Had Mercutio known, he'd have sent someone else."

I turned back and looked at Sparrow. His eyes held the ghost of regret in his eyes. Cabo showed it in his frown. I sighed and nodded.

Cabo nodded back and replied, "Mercutio thinks things are gonna' get worse. So you best get ready."

I frowned and nodded.


Mr. Hert stared at the chained up gangster in front of him. In the abandoned warehouse, no one would hear the man's screams.

"So, this 'Hatsu'. How does it work?" he said with one hand waving and the other in his white suit. His folds of skin on his white skin jiggled with every motion of his lips.

The man known as Airmen stayed in the shadows, making it difficult for the Crime boss to see him. Several of Mr. Hert's underlings felt uncomfortable to be around the man. They found it hard to breathe.

When Airmen spoke, it sounded whispy and gravely. A dangerous hiss echoing from the dark.

"Yes. Just hit them as hard as you can and your power should do the rest."

Mr. Hert stared at the man before shrugging. He turned to the beaten-up gangster and frowned. He pulled back his right fit and hit the man square on the cheek.

When he pulled back his fist, a grey bump was on the spot where a bruise should be. The grey tumor pulsed for a moment, then began to grow. Veinous and throbbing, the surrounding skin began to turn grey and glossy. Puddy like in texture.

The gangster screamed in pain.

The rest of Mr. Hert's men starred in disgust and horror at what they saw.

The crime boss himself smiled.

"Time to take these streets back," the bald man said with a smile.


Hello dear readers! I hope you are all doing well and everything continues to go well!

Just setting up some stop for the next arc. Two more arcs until the Phantom Troupe. From here on it'll start going by pretty quick. In story we'll be start going by monthly. We only got six months in story until the Auction.