The group of five continued onward. Leorio feigning a relaxed demeaner as they navigated their way through the tower. He stood between Gon and Gittarackur as a sort of barrier as he listened to Gon talk and ask questions not just about how it was like growing up with Killua, but about Leorio himself.

"So, you've really been a doctor since you were little?" Gon asked naively. Leorio snorted.

"I'm not a doctor Gon. I'm still not licensed. I've just been training, and studying is all," Leorio responded as they entered another room. The room had little floor space in regard to the room. Instead, on either side there were two doors. One on the floor, and one on the wall. The five didn't react as the door shut behind them, blocking the exit. There was a small amount of static, then Lippo's voice came over the speaker system.

"In here you have two doors. One is a steady decline that will have little issue to make it to the bottom, but will take you all over the tower, the other will take you past many unsavory traps but have you down at the base of the tower in minutes if you survive. Press O for the wall. Press X for the floor."

All but Leorio pressed their bracelet for their preference, Leorio waited a moment, closing his eyes. While he was certain that Hisoka and Illumi would make it safely to the bottom, Gon and Tonpa were a concern. Gon was Killua's friend, and while he showed great instincts, there was always a chance for failure. He would have to make sure he made it through unharmed. Tonpa on the other hand, while he did have a cathartic want to have him pass after so long of taking the exam, he would be no big loss if he were to unexpectedly lose his life.

He opened his eyes to see all eyes were on him, some curious, others disinterested. Leorio then made his choice. He pressed X.

The screen above showed the verdict, four for X, one for O. Leorio gave a small smirk. So, his vote hadn't even mattered in waiting. The majority was already chosen. And he had a feeling he knew who picked the O.

The trap door then opened.

"Well, let's hope this is at least amusing," Hisoka said as he walked to the trap door. He jumped down, eagerly seeking the traps that awaited them for some mild amusement. Gittarakur followed leaving Gon, Leorio and Tonpa left in the room.

"Hey Gon, follow me alright?" Leorio said as he walked to the trap door.

"Okay. Are you coming Mr. Tonpa?" Gon asked.

"Sure kid. I'll be right behind you," Tonpa said as he approached the trap door. Leorio stood at its' edge and looked down at Gon.

"Stay close kid."

He jumped down the hole, feeling for traps as he was in free fall by tapping the walls as he fell. He moved as he noticed gaps and holes, each set up with its' own trap for the unfortunate person on the way down. He could tell Gon was paying close attention to where the traps were located when Leorio activated them. And he was being nice enough to try and disengage them too. Nice kid.

Leorio soon landed, bending his legs into a crouch and had caught Gon, much like he did when Gon had first entered the tower. Leorio just carried Gon away from the opening as he could hear Tonpa coming down the tunnel. It was just faster. He placed Gon down just as Tonpa stumbled out, his shirt a bit cut up.

"Oh, you guys made it out okay," Tonpa said in his false friendliness.

"You too!" Gon responded in his usual eager tone. Leorio shifted his gaze to the hall forward. Without a word, he continued forward. He could tell the other two followed. The, they entered a room where only Hisoka and Illumi were.

So, they were the first to pass.

Killua was bored in the tower. Sure, there were some "intimidating" people, but they weren't any real trouble. He had already killed a few of the criminals, and others were too cowardly to try. Shame. He wondered if Leorio or Gon were enjoying it more than he was. Surely there had to be something exciting about the tower. If not, then this might be the most boring part of the exam. At least the other portions had Gon and technically Leorio. Granted, he just found Leorio but the thought was still there.

The old man was in the exam from the get-go, and he had somehow missed him. He knew he could be sneaky, but this was far more lucrative.

A cruel and amused smile came to Killua's face. Leorio knew some kind of trick, and he was eager to figure out just how Leorio had remained under his radar for so long. He should have at least noticed him in the tunnel. He would have to pester him until he gave up his little trick. Leorio may know how to respond to Killua, but Killua knew just how to push the Doctor-in-training-now-trying-to-be-a-hunter to angrily spewing whatever was on his mind. His age was still somehow a hot spot for Leorio.

It was so amusing.

Leorio thought the tower would have been the hardest part of the challenge. Not dealing with Gon once they passed. Gon had taken to sitting next to him, rather than taking a place along the wall by himself.

"So, what are you doing?" Gon asked.

"Meditating. It calms the soul," Leorio said, taking a deep breath. His eyes were closed, and he was seated on the floor, his legs tucked up under him in a position he could quickly get up if someone were to try something. So far, Gon was the only one who approached.

"Oh. Can you teach me?"

Leorio opened one eye to look at the eager kid. He let out a sigh.

"Get comfortable kid."

He noticed a sharp gaze from Hisoka, as well as a bored one from Illumi. Tonpa's eyes just kept darting around. Gon sat in a neutral pose, his eyes sharp and focused.

"Take a deep breath and relax your muscles," Leorio spoke smoothly. "Focus only on your breathing. No thoughts. Just your own natural functions. Slow... and steady."

"Like when I'm fishing?"

"Sure. Whatever floats your boat."

Gon gave a grunt of affirmation as he tried to follow Leorio's instructions. There was a dark chuckle from Hisoka. Gon's attention went to Hisoka, his body tensing slightly.

"Deep breath Gon. The world is a distraction. Meditation is to help sharpen your mind by using self-reflection and being able to quietly take in the world around you. Don't focus on him, focus on yourself and then the world."

He could hear Gon take in another breath. He could practically hear Hisoka's smirk at the duo.

"My, they look like they could be father and son~"

Leorio's eyes popped open. His anger raising.

"How old do you think I am?"

He could practically feel amusement roll off of Illumi.

Hisoka's smile grew more amused.

"Oh? Are you asking me?"

"You bet I am."

"Hm... I don't feel like answering."

Leorio scowled at the clown as Gon kept his breathing steady, doing his best to follow Leorio's instructions and ignore the world in favor of focusing on his own breathing. Instead of returning to his own meditation, he just sat scowling at the clown, keeping an eye on him for anything shady. He seemed to have picked up the age thing was a sore spot from Killua. He was not an old man damn it! He wasn't old enough to be Gon's father no less!

And another chapter in. Now this story is cross posted on AO3 as well so pick your favored site to read.