The Final Exam

When it was Naruko's turn to be interviewed...since she was deliberately called last...

'I've been wanting to meet you since Lippo told me about you.' said Netero as Naruko sat in seiza. 'He told me what you told your friends...and I can't help but be interested.' he said. 'You see, its something only the top-most echelons and government people know of. The fact that we are in a lake with four other, unexplored worlds that also have border islands. As we speak, we are looking for those sailors who took you here because we too, wish to explore the unknown. We are Hunters after all.' he said. 'Can you tell me about yours?'

'Well, wars happen a lot there.' said Naruko as she took out many scrolls. 'I hope you can read Japponese because they still use the language of their ancestors...the world we came from.' she said. 'Wars happen like, every few decades from even the pettiest of matters which starts it. When I was four years old, Konoha, my village and Kumo, a foreign village we have a history of war with made an alliance. However, in the end it was a farce as they snuck in to kidnap the Hyuuga Clan heiress in hopes to steal the bloodline by making a broodmare out of her. The Byakugan is both like a medical scanner that shows everything and telescope to see long distances in 360 degrees save for a blind spot, and it can see Chakra, the power we use for our ninpo...and Chakra Coils where that power flows. Due to that, they created a lethal martial arts style wherein even one poke is a fatal injury and Kumo wanted that power. When the clan caught the kidnapper but accidentally killed him, you can guess what happened and war was barely averted somehow by the higher-ups.'

'I see, they denied and played the victim card demanding reparations?' Netero said thoughtfully.

'Yup.' Naruko nodded. 'Not to mention, the level of technology there is...well, analog compared to this world. Think the 80s here in your history books. That's our technology there.'

'Ohhh...'

'Due to that, people compensate with ninpo instead to somehow advance technology.'

'Tell me about chakra and ninpo.'

'...it'll take me forever so read this, this, this and this.' Naruko grabbed one scroll...and unsealed the contents which was full of books and laid them out one-by-one. At least, one book per topic regarding Chakra Training and mechanics of Nin and Genjutsu. Then another scroll containing culture and history books, and a Bingo Book. Netero sweatdropped.

'...that's a lot of books.' he deadpanned.

'Its common knowledge worldwide where I'm from so I do hope you know Japponese.' said Naruko.

'Oh I do, my father's Japponese.' the chairman pointed out. 'Netero is my family name and most people forget I actually have a first name.' said Netero wryly, raking his fingers in his beard.

'Oh yes, that's all I'll give you, the rest you're on your own. You're Hunters after all...just don't get the bad sort of attention and you'll be fine...I think.' Naruko mused thoughtfully. 'I have yet to see how Hunters fight. If Hunters are stronger than ninjas, I hope for Hunter Training as well to survive the next world. The world closest to here is a year away from the northern border islands...that's really far you know...and west of that world is just as bad in distance. It somehow gets farther and father that the sailors really don't wanna risk it because the farther you go...the nastier rogue waves and sea-dwellers are.'

'Well, I and two others would know that best.' said Netero. 'We've been to the Dark Continent...and that world, is hell itself.' he shook his head. 'Anything can kill you there.'

'Will you show me what the Dark Continent is like?' Naruko asked him. 'The sailors merely said its hell but that's pretty vague.'

'We would have taken pictures, but our lives are more important about fifty years ago.' said Netero. 'Ten minutes on the shore alone...we ran back to our ship and fled.' he shuddered. 'That place turned my hair pure-white and aged my friend Rinne so bad from fear. We were there on orders from the V5...and when they didn't believe us, they sent their own expeditions...and brought back disasters.' he told her grimly. 'So what's the other world like?'

'The world north of here huh? Even weirder. They have what people call Spirit Blacksmiths there whose production of weapons quality depends on your female companion's feelings for you, so most who take that job tend to be good-looking guys and skilled womanizers and that world is way more behind than this one. And locations of each civilization? Stupidly far from each other the sailors swear they're no good in land management and exploitation. They told me to take their word for it so I'll go there next out of curiosity.'

'Er...right...but you're a pretty girl who'd grow up into a lovely young woman...aren't you afraid of being chatted up by a blacksmith there?'

'I'm a ninja so I can just ditch him.'

After talking to her, Netero read the books...

And planned out his exam...

xxx

Next day, in a hotel three days after their Fourth Exam...

They were all in a wide hall big enough for a big party to fit about 50 people comfortably.

'I hope everyone has rested well.' said Netero as in that hall is just them, and some men in suits. 'We are here in a Hotel managed by the Committee. Until the end of the Final Round, this place will be yours.' he said as he looked at them one by one, and walked towards a covered board. He then took a fistful of cloth while saying, 'The last test will be a one-on-one duel.' he declared as that was one thing they didn't expect. 'The groups are the following:' he said as he yanked the cloth.

Its 150-301-53-99-294-405-191-404-44-403 in a tournament-style pairing.

'Good...and now the rules...win one and you pass the exam.' Netero quipped to their stunned expression. 'In other words, winners quit the game one by one. The principle of the pyramid is to designate the loser who flunks.'

'So there will be only one who fails huh?' Hanzo asked him.

'Exactly.' said Netero. 'Consequently each person has two tries before succeeding. Any questions?'

'The pyramid isn't well-balanced.' Bodoro stated unhappily. 'Why is that?'

'That's a logical question.' said Netero. 'These groupings are based on the results you have in your previous rounds. The ones who got good marks until now have a better chance of passing.'

'I don't like it.' said Killua. 'Explain how you counted the points.'

'Impossible.' and Netero said it in the most mockingly-blank expression he could make to ire Killua.

'S'cuse me?!'

Netero explained the basis but not the points counted...and the final rule of 'no killing'...

'Let's begin the Final Round!' one of the suits declared. 'First Round: Gittarackur VS Naruko!'

'You off the bat, huh?' Killua frowned as Naruko and Gittarackur stepped to the middle of the hall.

'Aa. But...I feel that this man is on the same level or possibly greater than Hisoka I got no clue and I'm not taking any chances.' said Naruko as she removed her weights by reaching into her sleeves and then parting her skirt to remove the ones on her thighs. For now, they look simple and she put them gently on the floor.

'Those weights look cheap...I wish I could say that but...' Leorio sweated nervously. 'Knowing her what's cheap is outrageous.'

'Aa. She's insanely strong.' said Kurapika. 'And she destroyed that wall while weighted...' he swallowed.

'...How can that frail li'l missy be strong?' Hanzo asked them. 'She looks like a frail lass.'

'That 'frail lass' just punched a hole in the wall when we teamed up in Trick Tower!' Leorio sputtered. 'And other crazy things! And if she says pinhead over there is a Hisoka-Class Fighter, I'm believing her!'

Hisoka looked interested.

TOO INTERESTED as 'Gittarackur' removed his pins...and his whole head looked like invisible hands are mashing his head like clay that freaked most people out. And to Killua's horror...

'A-aniki?!' he yelped, wide-eyed. 'What the hell are you doing here?!'

'What am I doing? Well, I need a license to be hired for higher-level jobs because the clients are a bit more troublesome.' said Gittarackur with a sigh. 'So yes, I'm here.' he said as he faced his opponent. 'Well, I also got hired for a little something...' and he looked at Naruko intently. 'Naruko. The client wants to see your full capabilities so I'm afraid I will not be going easy on you.'

'I know. You smell like S-Class Jonin back home. The smell of blood is really thick, thicker than Killua's smell.' said Naruko. 'Smell alone is a giveaway even if you wear a dress and pretend to be a princess.'

'I'm not into crossdressing but if my client wants to I would even if I find it unpleasant.' the man sighed before the pair disappeared...and next thing, blows were exchanged. It was all they could hear.

Most of the people can only look in disbelief. Netero was eyeing the whole thing while Hisoka looked like he saw something shiny and wants it.

'H-holy...she's on even skill with aniki?' Killua choked out, horrified and in utter disbelief.

'So it would seem!' Kurapika gasped. 'And who is he? Surely Gittarackur isn't his name or I'd honestly wonder about naming senses.'

'His name is Illumi, the oldest son in the family.' said Killua. 'He's about 21 this year and by far the strongest brother.'

When the two appeared again...at first it seemed like they're in good condition, but damages began appearing a split-second later. Torn clothes, injuries whether slashes or bruises, and even cut hair unevenly.

'...humm...I learned a lot from you.' said Naruko, nodding. 'Frankly you're my first serious fight and I like it very much.' she told him. 'I didn't have this kind of opportunity back home because where I came from, standing out is an extremely bad idea. Here, nobody gives a damn and you just get better jobs, that's it. So I had to pretend to be weak years ago.'

'What are you?' Illumi asked her.

'I'm a ninja.' said Naruko. 'But a ninja who never made it into the military since I don't like how things work. I decided to just be out for myself, subservient to no one I don't like.'

'Then who's your teacher?'

'Nobody.' said Naruko. 'All I did was watch how they train while sneaking around. I was born with the ability to analyze anything to nitpicky details that I learn things faster and improve and tweak them to my comfort. Its how I learn even with no teacher. I would use other skills but...I might destroy this hall or accidentally kill someone...so I'll restrict myself to Taijutsu only.'

'Then, show me something that won't kill anyone.' Illumi asked her.

'OK but this is meant for a certain audience...I don't recommend kids looking...and its about two of my only harmless ones but appropriate for the job if only as a distraction. The rest will destroy this place.'

Those six words got the committee into alarm.

'YOU'RE A KID TOO!' Menchi, Killua, Gon, Pokkle, and Leorio yelled.

'In my country, ninja become Genin at 11 or 12. Adult in the eyes of the law so I am an adult in our laws while here, the laws state you're kids, Gon, Killua.' Naruko pointed out.

'Crikey, she's right...its the same for my village too.' said Hanzo. 'Sooo yeah, she's an adult and you two, kids, so whatever this is, cover your eyes and not a peep.' he said as Naruko formed handseals and filled the room with about clones enough to fill a room...and then they all turned into smoke and to many's disbelief...its a lot of pairs of naked, handsome men either doing heavy petting, making out or all-out sex while looking flushed and aroused!

'GAAAAH?!' 99.9 of the room screamed as Kurapika and Leorio covered Gon and Killua's eyes while horrified at the sight.

'Uh...' Illumi had no idea how to react or what to say. But he was absolutely bamboozled!

'I call this 'Ninpo: Fujoshi Rakuen.' said Naruko calmly as if the sight didn't faze her one bit. 'I can even do the boy-girl version if you like.' she offered.

'HELL NOOOO!' a lot of people yelled, red-faced.

'That's your safest technique?!' Hanzo yelled, pointing at her in utter exasperation.

'As a kunoichi, we are good at distraction and seduction you know. These jutsu fit the part because shinobi do the front lines.' Naruko quipped. 'So you boys got no clue what we girls do to get the job done.' she pointed out. 'Sore ni, this jutsu never fails no matter who I try it on so I say its a success, no?'

'Turn it offff!' some of the audience yelled.

'...turn what off?' Gon asked helplessly. 'I can't see a thing.'

'You're better off not knowing.' Kurapika grunted.

'Yes yes.' the scene of gay-love disappeared so Leorio and Kurapika removed their hands from the boys' eyes. 'So can we get back to fighting? I mean, one of us has to win sometime soon...'

'I concur. I sort of regret asking you to demonstrate...'

'Eh? Why?'

'I think I'm traumatized for life.'

'You don't look the part.'

"He really doesn't!" came collective sweatdrops. They fought again until eventually, Naruko was defeated because of her frailer body that gave her more damage and she fainted.

'Well, she's still alive.' said Illumi, looking quite banged up and the most he did was cover his hair. 'Oh, and Kill?'

'What?' Killua asked him warily.

'I'm telling mother and father about this find. Its hard to find a bride and groom from the outside worthy of the family after all.' Illumi said cheerfully that greatly contrasted his blank expression.

'W-WHAT THE HEEEELL?!' Killua yelled, gobsmacked. 'I hardly know her for crying out loud!'

'Then do so.' Illumi said as if explaining to a child. 'Originally, mother asked me to bring you home but this changes things.'

'SHE WHAT?!'

'Hey Hanzo,' said Gon, 'What does the words 'Ninpo Fujoshi Rakuen' mean?' Gon asked him innocently, utterly clueless about the language.

'You're too young to know that so I ain't sayin' shit!' Hanzo choked out, flustered.

'Ehhh whyyy?'

'Ever heard of R-18, dumbass?!'

'No.'

'Arrrgh, just shuddup!'

The next fight was Hisoka VS Kurapika. Somehow, Hisoka whispered something to Kurapika after a few minutes of fighting and announced that he quit.

Third match: Pokkle VS Naruko and unfortunately for him, she's awake and he was quick to resign for the next round.

'I guess that means I win.' Naruko snorted. 'I'll take a shower and change clothes then.'

'But what about your injuries?' Kurapika fretted over her. She was black and blue and bloody.

'Oh, its healed. I heal fast, see?' Indeed, despite the blood, there's no bruises and wounds. 'What takes days or hours takes minutes for me instead depending on severity. What takes months takes weeks.' her words made the listeners freeze where they stood. 'Oh, when I come back, can I get a haircut? That guy messed up my hair.' she said, childishly pointing at Illumi.

'You messed up my hair too.' he retorted jokingly, since his long hair looked partially cut asymmetrically at the back Killua thought he'll wear his hair short again like in his teens.

'As if there's a parlor near here...do that after the whole exam is over, will you?' Leorio sweatdropped.

Fourth Match, Hisoka VS Bodoro. This time, Hisoka defeated him in one hit, whispered something and after that, Bodoro gave up.

Fifth Match: Killua VS Pokkle. Pokkle thought Killua was no Naruko...how wrong he was. He was defeated twice.

Sixth Match: Leorio VS Bodoro. Leorio requested that for a fair fight, they postpone his fight until Bodoro is somewhat 'decently recovered' and its against his code as an aspiring doctor to fight an already-injured person. Request granted.

Seventh Match was Gon VS Hanzo...Hanzo just can't make Gon surrender and knocked him out when breaking his arm didn't work.

Eighth Match was Pokkle VS Hanzo. Two people with already one and two losses. Since Hanzo is also a ninja(albeit a primitive one, considering his heritage, she thought since he can't use Chakra) and Pokkle is a long-range fighter...bad match.

Ninth Match was Leorio VS Bodoro. Bodoro was respectful of Leorio since he was fair and did not sully their honors due to their codes. It was a close call and Leorio has a knife...and the final match was between Bodoro and Pokkle.

Both were injured and with the Hunter Title on the line as well as the 'ultimate loser'...Pokkle knew he wouldn't make it this year.

And so...after the Hunter Classes that explained their privileges, do's and don'ts what they cannot do because they are now 'Rookie Hunters'.

Snip! Snipsnipsnip! Snipsnip! Snip!

'There, all done.' said Leorio as he cut Naruko's hair into a round, chin-length bob with even bangs on top of her eyebrows. 'How is it?'

'Its nice and bouncy. I like it.' said Naruko as she patted her hair. 'Are you really an aspiring doctor?'

'I am!' Leorio sputtered defensively, flustered. 'I gotta learn how to cut hair since some time ago I can't afford a salon you know. I care more for rent and food so things people are too lazy to do like haircut and laundry I do myself.'

'Oh...'

'Well, at any rate, your injuries sure heal fast...I'm shocked.' said Leorio. 'What kinda tribe are you from?'

'Oh, the Uzumaki Clan.' said Naruko. 'The Uzumaki are a clan of those with powerful life force and with it, we live up to near 200s while physically aging slower than normal humans.' she got that information from too much sneaking around and that revelation stunned Leorio. 'We can also allow people to bite us in order to heal or just recover their energy. Due to this, enemy nations envied our clan in the past and either committed kidnappings for bloodline theft and when they didn't want to cooperate because hey, that's a life of slavery and exploitation so they have a ninpo to incinerate their bodies and kill themselves. Since kidnappings failed, an all-scale attack was launched with heavy casualties on the enemy side, and my clan scattered into hiding into obscurity since enough is enough. Ninja in my home world are greedy and opportunistic exploiters by nature bordering on soullessness for convenience's sake to empower their military and we hated them but to survive we had to become one to fight them off or simply commit suicide so they can't desecrate us in death by experimenting on us to have our traits for themselves or something.'

She's not going to reveal too much and gave an edited version.

'That's horrible...' Leorio winced as he sat on the chair near her. 'So in your village...'

'I'm the only Uzumaki there since my parents died but I ran away after stealing enough information to help myself live a little longer. The rest is as you know it.'

'Erps...'

'Well, this world of yours is peaceful at least. I like that.'