Chapter 3: Cooking X Airship X ShowDown
As everyone anxiously waiting for the second phase exam to start, the gate of the Biska Forest Park has opened as Satotz leaves, making everyone come inside and meeting their second examiner. The big guy named Buhara and the young woman named Menchi, the two of them are gourmet hunters which causing some applicants laughing in insult as thinking they are not worthy at all. And now, their next exam are they have to cook a pork in a manner that satisfy both of them.
"There is only one species of pig that lives in Biska Forest you know?" Kallua said as he walks with the group of his parents plus Kurapika and Leorio.
"Hm, seriously?" Leorio asked in surprise.
"What is the name of that pig and where are they usually lives?" Kurapika asked.
"That's-" Before Kallua could say the name and where the pig could be found, Gon already goes away, sliding down the hill.
Then it is followed by happy Killua before he turns panicked since Gon just stopped there causing him to hit her from the back before it is followed by Leorio then Kurapika and finally, Kallua.
"What was that about , Gon?" Killua yelled while Gon just staring in front of her.
"Found them" Gon said.
"We really did" Kallua followed as now they are looking for a group of pigs that are chewing bones right now.
"Uh.. they are chewing bones?" Leorio asked in fright.
"Don't tell me… they're carnivores?" Kurapika stated in surprise.
"Then I won't tell you" Kallua leisurely said.
The pigs then noticed them and immediately the group runs away.
"What are these pigs anyway!? They're crazy!" Leorio exclaims in panics.
" The Great Stamp, the world most ferocious pig that only lives in Biska Forest. They use their large stout noses to send their enemies flying, if we are slow, we would end up as their dinner" Kallua explained as running.
Killua felt annoyed "Are you a walking encyclopedia!?" Killua yelled in disbelief.
"Sugoi~ Kallua is really smart!" Gon smiled, looking at Kallua in admiration.
Kurapika look at the group of the pigs behind before looking at Kallua "The problem is, how we are going to catch these pigs!?" Kurapika asked.
Kallua raise his eyebrows before widen his eyes in realization "Oh right, all we have to do is just hitting their weak point"
"What are their weak spot!?" Leorio exclaims before running separately in panics as the group are all separates as well with each pig following them.
"It's their forehead- never mind, I'm talking to myself now as no one is listening" Kallua said as he runs with a pig running after him.
Well, now that you know, why don't you just beat that pig already?
"Alright, alright. I get it" Kallua said before he jumps on top of the pig and hitting it's weak forehead, successfully knocking it out.
"Easy one. I wonder how's the others?" Kallua asked as he drag his pig and found that the group already have their own pigs.
Guess we don't have to worry after all
`Right' Kallua nodded before he goes deeper in to the forest.
Not going back?
"Don't worry, I'll rejoin them later. Besides, I know Menchi, she would not let us off with a cooking that dissatisfies her" Kallua said as he looks around and nodded as he finds what he is looking for.
Right, I remember that you are one of the chefs that can satisfy her since you like cooking and it's your hobby. Cook for me again, all right?
"Sure, when I have a kitchen for myself" Kallua said with a small smile.
As he is now back to Biska Forest Park, he notices some people already present their cooking but not accepted.
"Ah, Kallua you are late!" Gon said as she sees Kallua and letting out a relieved smile.
Killua narrowed his eyes "Che. So you survive after all"
"Ah, yeah" Kallua said before he goes to his cooking station and proceed to cook his own pig.
Another moment later with rejected cooking's from Menchi until Kallua finally done and presents his own cooking.
Menchi eyes sparkle as Kallua brings two plates of steaks that definitely look very appetizing.
"Please eat it while it's still hot" Kallua said.
Unconsciously, Menchi started to lick her lips while Buhara already eating like there is no tomorrow.
"Oh, the meat is really tender as I slice it very easily too. The heat is perfect, my compliments" Menchi said, trying to be calm even though she clearly wants to taste it immediately.
As Menchi took a bite, she began to sigh in happiness which causing most of the applicants having their jaw dropped.
"Amazing. The meat juices are flowing even with a small bite and the sauce is heightening the meat's tastes. Also this light yet refreshing aroma is Mucau herb, right?" Menchi asked as she took another bite.
Kallua nodded" Right, Mucau herb is the only herb that grows in the Biska Forest. It is not rare but rare for people to use it in the cooking because of its bitter taste but refreshing aroma. The bitter taste can be removed with the lemon juice which leaving its only refreshing aroma. Too bad not much people know about this" Kallua explained.
"I see, quite a cooking knowledge you have. This is really delicious as all of the ingredients are in harmony together" Menchi said, finishing the steak.
"Well, cooking is my hobby as well" Kallua said.
Menchi eyes glinted at that.
"How about you become a gourmet hunter and work for me!?" Menchi said.
"Er, I appreciate the thoughts but right now, can I hear the results?" Kallua asked.
"Right" Menchi cleared her throat "Number #77 passed! And the only one too"
"What!? That kid passed!?"
"Man, had to admit since his cooking station is near mine, I got hungry only with the smell"
"That kid is the only one that passed?"
"That's right" Menchi nodded "This year, only this kid passed and the rest of you can go back home now" Menchi said casually
And of course no one can accept that even Kallua.
"What the hell!?"
"That is so unfair!"
A loud crash was heard and everyone turned to see a broken kitchen counter and Todo, applicants number 255 looking angry.
"I absolutely refuse to accept this!"
"In the end, you still lose. So don't bother" Menchi said, uninterested is showing on her every gestures.
"Pork dishes are all the same"#294 Hanzo said, sighing
Menchi started to grab Hanzo by his collar and yelling about what would happens when he insult cooking. Buhara silently sighed, knowing Menchi's bad habit has started.
"I refuse to let a mere gourmet hunter decide my fate" Todo exclaimed.
"Well too bad that you have a gourmet hunter as your examiner, better luck next year?" Menchi said, closing her eyes in irritation and avert her gaze away.
Todo's face immediately went red and immediately charging towards Menchi but he goes flying instead by Buhara who easily throwing him until Todo clash against the front gate.
"Buhara, don't interfere" Menchi said as she looks across.
"But if I hadn't intervened. You would kill him instead, right?" Buhara said.
Menchi looks agreeing as she takes out her knives and twirled it around her. Saying that all the applicants (except Kallua) lacks focus and willingness to experiment causing them to fail as a hunter making the applicant's look at Menchi in hatred and even Hisoka already taking out his card, looking like he wants to kill but stopped when a voice was heard upwards saying it is excessive to wipe out almost every applicants and leaving one to pass.
Everyone shocked to see an airship showing a hunter symbol that is from hunter committee and before long, an old man starting to jump down, causing a huge cloud of dust around him.
Menchi introduced him as Chairman Netero and she admits that she lost her cool and making the exam harder than necessary and knowing that she is failed as an examine and will resign but Netero prevent it and making Menchi redoing the second phase but she should participate as well so that no one would complains which Menchi agrees to and ask Netero to fly them all to the Mt. Split- In- Half and Netero agrees as well.
"Well, I'm sure you don't have any complaints, right?" Netero said, looking at Kallua which causes everyone to look at him too.
Kallua shrugged "No, I'll participate in redoing the second phase as well. To be truthful, I am not really happy with this kind of victory"
Netero nodded "Very well"
Not long, all of them are finally arrived and asked to look down and sees a lot of webs, after looking down more, they discovered eggs that are wrapped around the webs. They are the eggs of the Spider Eagle eggs and also known as dreams egg. One of the most difficult ingredients to obtain.
After that Menchi started to jump down which causing some applicants to freak out. She easily grabs the web, feeling the wind before release herself and grab the egg then fall down.
"Is she trying to kill herself?" Leorio said in fright.
"No, she's not" Kurapika said and Kallua secretly smiles.
Not long, Menchi shows up with the updraft carrying her, Netero explains that the ravine has updrafts to help the hatched chicks fly up to the web.
"There. Now I just need to boil the egg" Menchi said after she landed with an egg.
"I was more in the mood of Rama Dream Noodle rather than boiled dream egg, actually" Kallua commented.
"Rama Dream Noodle?" Menchi asked with interest in her voice.
"Oh it is the name for my own recipe that the main ingredient is Dream Egg" Kallua explained.
"Take this. Make it for me!" Menchi said and handed the egg to Kallua in a hurry.
Kallua gives the egg back to Menchi "I'll take my own egg and take another one later. Just prepare the necessary ingredients so that I can make it for both of us" Kallua said
"Of course" Menchi said, her eyes sparkling.
"You have got to be kidding! No reasonable person would jump down there..!" Todo got cut off.
"I've been waiting for this!" Gon exclaimed before jump down, followed by Kurapika, Killua and Leorio.
Not long, some applicants begin to joins in by jumping down ignoring Menchi who tries to stop them since she hasn't finished explaining everything.
"You are not jumping down?" Netero asked as he walks towards Kallua.
"There isn't always an updraft. No point in jumping with all of those persons clinging on the web, the web will snap" Kallua said coldly but his eyes a bit wavering, hoping the web is still strong for his parents and Kurapika with Leorio since he hears a scream, he predicts that an applicant just jump down without knowing there are always no updrafts.
Kallua sits on top of the ravine and looked down while closing his eyes, trying to figure out the next updrafts, he tries to focus sensing since some applicants that can't wait anymore starting to jump down, even the sound of the webs closing to break is trying to distract him. He lets out a sigh of relief as he feels the next one is going to start soon so he jumps down immediately before it is followed by Gon who gives a signal that it's happening.
In the same time, the applicants letting go of the web and each grab and egg then letting the updrafts to carry them. Kallua looks at Gon with gentle eyes while she smiles happily in getting the egg. When everyone goes to prepare to boil the eggs, Kallua waits for other updrafts before jumping again to get another egg.
Soon, everyone goes to boil their eggs in a big pot and waiting while Kallua cooking the Rama Dream Noodle for him and Menchi who anxiously waiting for another of his masterpiece.
The passed applicants enjoying their boiled egg with a smile, commenting how delicious it is and Kallua just finishes his Rama Dream Noodle and serve one to Menchi.
"Ohh, you used the egg shell as the bowl with the egg whites for the soup and the yolk are mixed with the noodles" Menchi commented in excitement before eating it and smiled "It's really delicious, the noodles is light with the clear soup that enables you to see the base and the spices is mild and gentle, clearly appetizing!" Menchi eats in a fast pace.
Kallua eats the noodles without saying anything, Gon come over to his side in curiousity.
"Oh Kallua? You are not eating your boiled egg?" Gon asked as she sees Kallua's boiled egg untouched causing some failed applicants secretly kept eyeing on his boiled egg and his noodle inside the egg that he is currently eating.
"Later, when I finish this" Kallua said before slurping another bite of his noodles.
Gon look at the noodle inside the egg in curiosity with her drool a bit.
Kallua realizes it "Want some?" He said as he handed Gon his Rama Dream Noodle egg.
Gon nodded before opening her mouth "Ahh~"
Kallua jolted, clearly not expecting that. Not wanting his mother to open her mouth all day, he feeds her some of the noodles.
"Uwahh~ it really is delicious" Gon munching happily before opening her mouth again which Kallua responds by feeding her another noodle.
And his action just got Killua glaring daggers at him.
`Don't blame me, she asked for it' Kallua thought as he looks at Killua.
I don't mind if you feed me
`I mind' Kallua mentally said before letting Gon to drink all of the soup.
With that, only 42 applicants remaining.
Few moments later, all the pass applicants are now boarding the airship and given free time until the airship arrives in the location.
"Alright Gon, lets explore the airship" Killua excitedly said.
"Sure, I'm in" Gon said in equal exciting tone.
Then without Gon knowing, Killua sent a glare at Kallua which is like don't-interrupt-both-of-us look that Kallua responds with a nod and sends Killua with I-won't- interrupt look. Killua gives a last glare before goes running with Gon who is already ahead.
Pfft …Telepathy with father and son bond?
"Whatever, now that I have a free time. What should I do next?" Kallua said as he walking aimlessly by himself.
"Oh, so you are the candidates of #77"
Kallua turned behind and sees a chef coming towards him with a message from Menchi.
Turns out Menchi asks him to cook for the examiner seeing Buhara wants some as well along with Satots, considering Kallua doesn't have anything to do, he accepts it.
After that, Menchi discussing about the rookies along with Buhara and Satotz as they enjoying Kallua's cooking's.
"My compliments for this. Seems he is an extremely skillful chef" Satotz said.
Menchi smiled "Right? I want to recruit him as soon as he becomes a hunter"
Buhara munching the food in fast pace "I can't get enough of this!"
Menchi seems to recall something "Oh right, what do you think about the rookies for this year, Satotz?"
"I like the rookies this year" Satotz answered.
" Oh, so you'd agree? I like the #294 since I think he has a good shot along with #77 with his cooking" Menchi said.
`Only cooking?' Satotz and Buhara silently thought that at the same time.
"I'm partial with #99 although I can't help but notices #77 and #99 have similar appearance. Are they twins perhaps?" Satotz said questioningly.
"#99 looks like a selfish, spoiled brat but #77 looks much more mature compared to him" Menchi said, chuckling before continued "What about you Buhara?"
"Well, he is not a rookie but #44 is the one I favor. I'm sure you noticed when #255 have a fit, #44 is on the edge of killing someone" Buhara said.
Menchi agrees, saying that #44 is already like that in the beginning and the cause of her being so edgy and Satotz agrees as well saying he had similar experience and admits that they are only bird of a feather with him and as hunter they would seek out in rival and admitting that #44 is an oddball of sorts.
As Kallua cooks the last menu, he suddenly heard the door slammed open and Killua with Gon are excitingly explore the kitchen.
"Ghe!? Why are both of you here?" Kallua asked in surprise.
"Ah Kallua, you are cooking again?" Gon asked as she come closer to Kallua.
"Oi, Gon!" Killua exclaims in annoyed tone.
"Both of you, if you two wants to eat, go to the dining hall! Stay out of the kitchen" One of the chefs said.
"Ah, sorry. I'm done and I'll take them out. Here, some meat for both of you" Kallua said as he gives them meat and takes both of his parents outside.
Killua grudgingly walk and eat his meat while Gon just merrily skips and Kallua walks slowly behind them. Gon looks at the window's excitingly causing Killua and Kallua to look as well.
"It's like the grounds are covered in jewels" Gon said in amazed tone.
"Oh, since I look at this often, it doesn't interest me. My family owns a plane so I've seen it" Killua said plainly.
"Wait- Damn you" Gon said when she looks at Killua before turn her attention back to the scenery.
Hearing his mother responds to that causing Kallua trying to hold back his laugh. This is the first time he ever heard his mother saying `Damn You' to his father. It is really funny for him, even his eyes starting to tear up.
Rare sight indeed, seeing you trying not to laugh like this
Kallua ignored it and focus on his parent's conversation on Gon asking on Killua's family.
"They're assassins" Killua answered casually.
"Both of them?" Gon asked seriously.
Killua laughed at that, saying how interesting Gon is by responding seriously since people like him because they can't tell whether he is serious or not. Kallua knows that his father is serious for sure. It does surprise both of them since Gon seems to know that Killua is telling the truth about his family even if it is instinct. Kallua noted that woman's instincts are really sharp even for his mother that is usually dense and innocent.
"I'm from a family of assassins. So they're all assassins and my family has really high hopes for me. But I can't stand it. Who wants to have their life planned for them? When I told them I wanted to decide my own future, they all snapped! My mother had tears streaming down her face, as she told me I have the potential to be a top assassin. Horrible parents, right? It's natural their kid would go bad. We ended up fighting. So I stabbed my mother in the face, my brother in the side, and ran away from home. I'm sure they're out for blood now. But if they find me, I'll send them packing. When I become a hunter, I'll start by capturing my family. I'm sure they're worth some hefty bounties.." Killua explains with heavy feelings at first until he goes merrily at last.
Kallua's eyebrows twitched at that, he never thought his father has this kind of side even though it is amusing for him. Now that he thinks about it, he never had his own future as he is being set by Grandfather Silva and Illumi-Sensei to have him as the next heir of the Zaoldyecks and that is supposed to be what he has to become in future. But now, hearing his father has such a dreams on his own somehow making him feel weird inside. He shook his head as Illumi-sensei taught him not to feel as they are just letting him to stray from his path.
"Oh right, what about you Kallua? What about your parents?" Gon asked and look at Kallua causing Killua to do the same.
Kallua silently groan, his past parents are asking about them in future. Anyway, seems he needs to answer.
"They're both Hunters" Kallua said
"Really? That's so cool" Gon said with a smile.
Killua snorted "What kind of hunter?"
"Professional hunter" Kallua answered shortly.
Killua's eyes twitched at that, before he could ask another question. Kallua sense Netero's presence slightly, letting his presence known making Killua and Gon both turned towards the spot Netero just have been while Kallua look at the other side, in his mind, he is amazed at his speed.
"What seems to be wrong?" Netero innocently asked.
"Err Netero-san, did you see anyone coming from that side?" Gon asked as she points her right direction.
"No" Netero said as he shook his head.
Killua's eyes narrowed while Kallua lets out a thin smile.
"You're pretty fast for an old man" Killua said.
"That little trick? I barely moved" Netero answered with a smile.
Tense atmosphere engulfs Killua and Netero. Gon who is clueless, looking at both of them while Kallua only shrugged.
Netero was bored and asked the three of them about their thoughts on their first attempt at the Hunter Examination. This makes Kallua silently shaking his head as this is his second attempt. Nevertheless, Gon answered with delight as there are no paper test and saying it was fun while Killua answered that he is bored and hoping for far more difficult exam while Kallua only says so-so.
Killua tried to leave but Netero challenge them to a game in which if they win they'll become hunters immediately. Gon agrees while Netero look at both Kallua and Killua in challenging look.
In the end, they accept the game with the game for only require them to take the ball from Netero who won't attack back. Killua is the one who start first, by trying to take the ball with Netero but Netero easily dodging it causing Killua to try and disable his movement by kicking his leg.
"Ouch, right on his pivot leg" Gon cringed.
"That's got to be hurt… For Killua actually" Kallua mumbled.
"Eh?" Gon asked in surprise.
Killua's cool expression immediately turns into painful one, he started to grab his leg and jumping around yelling `it hurts!' every time he jumps.
"He really didn't hold back with that kick that could shatter ordinary person leg" Netero mumbled.
Killua cringed as his leg still in pain, mentally thinking that old man leg is hard like steel.
"Done already?" Netero asked.
Killua narrowed his eyes before he starts walking.
`Ah, that technique is.. Rhytm Echo? How nostalgic. For using the rhytm echo, we are use a certain rhytm to create after-images to confuse the enemy' Kallua thought, he knows that technique well for he is also an assassin and learn it from his father.
Even with Killua using the rhytm echo, Netero stills able to read Killua's movement and in the end, Gon asked him to switch with her.
Gon takes a dash first at Netero before jumped and – hit her head.
"Gon!" Kallua yelled in panics, dropping his cold attitude causing snickers is heard on his mind.
"AHO! I know you can jump well but controls it for that old men drop his guard!" Killua yelled in anger.
`No kidding' Netero thought with sweatsdrop.
With Tonpa noticing Kurapika and Leorio sleeping, now Killua and Gon has started to attacks again repeating while Kallua remain watching saying they could have a fun for a while. Gon takes off her jacket and Killua blushed at that even though Gon is wearing a tank top, followed by Killua takes off his shirt leaving him wearing his turtleneck shirt.
Finally they started to attacks simultaneously with Gon finally tries to use her boot to increase her attack range then assisted by Killua kick Netero's back. Killua thought it is a chance before Netero used his leg to kick the ball further then followed by Gon kick her boots to kick the ball again with Killua and Gon tries to get it but Netero dash faster causing both of them thrown from Netero's speed.
"Well I commend you on your efforts" Netero said.
In the end, Killua quits and saying that he noticed Netero is not using his right hand and left leg. Gon still trying even though Killua told her it's impossible. Gon just told Killua that she would make Netero use his right hand causing Killua to give up and go away. Kallua thought they are interesting especially when Gon thought Netero let his guard down though he isn't.
Now Gon tries to move faster to take the ball. Kallua looks in interest (yes, he is still watching) before Gon goes to head-butt Netero in stomach and cringed at the pain before trying again which making Kallua gape in worry but Netero had other plans, he use his right hand to jump over Gon to dodge her head-butt causing Kallua to goes over his mother in panics.
"Is she dead?" Netero asked since Gon is not moving.
"Oi, Be strong!" Kallua shook Gon in worry.
Suddenly Gon goes up and face Netero with a big smile.
"Just now, you used your right hand right?" Gon asked.
That statement causing Netero to look at his right hand.
"Yeah, I did it! Hooray!" She yelled in excitement before collapsing again to sleep.
"Oi! Geez, you will catch a cold" Kallua said, removing his jacket and spread it over Gon's.
Kallua overhears Netero asking the pilot to fly the airship a little slower, so that Gon would get more rest.
"Hmm, is that a reward for keeping you entertained?" Kallua asked.
"Probably~ Who knows?" Netero said.
"Hn" Kallua said as he takes his mother jacket and fold it tidily.
"By the way" Kallua continued.
"Yes?" Netero asked.
"There's still some time left, right?" Kallua said as he stood up and walk over Netero.
Netero smiled" Hoo~ So it's finally your turn. So, are we going to use Nen?"
Kallua shrugged "Nope, you are not even using it. Besides if we did use Nen, this airship won't last long"
Netero laughed" Fine, seems you are completely in a whole different level from those two. Let's see what you got!"
Simultaneously both Netero and Kallua starting to charge at each other, moves fast like a blur. Even Netero is now using both his arms and legs, trying to pass the ball here and there. It surprised Netero that Kallua seems to be able to read him. It hits Netreo now that the reason why Kallua is only watching first is only to observe him. Time passed until they are almost arriving for few minutes with Kallua only managed to touch the ball with his index finger slightly.
"Impressive, to think you could touch it even slightly at only an hour" Netero said, impressed.
However Kallua was not. He feels dissatisfaction instead of satisfaction.
"Should I give you your hunter license now for your efforts?" Netero asked.
"No, I only played for your entertainment. Besides, I think the test is more interesting" Kallua said as he shook his head in disapproval.
Netero smiled at that "All right, good luck for you" Netero begins to leave.
Kallua looks at his left hand where his left hand is the hand that managed to touch the ball before he bailed it into a fist and grit his teeth.
"It's the same. Just like when I only make a small cut in Illumi-sensei cheek, I only feel dissatisfaction. Just like when I only touch the ball slightly, I am only getting dissatisfaction feelings" His grip becomes harder "I still have a long way to go"
Kallua looks at his sleeping mother, he decided to take a quick nap so he sits nears where Gon is sleeping and close his eyes with dissatisfaction feelings all over him as he waits for the Third Phase.