Chapter 168: Swindler's Swamp
"I apologize for the wait. The entry period for the hunter application has ended." Satotz announced. "The hunter exam will now begin!"
He then warned everyone about the danger of losing their lives in the process but none of the applicants backed away.
Seeing this, Satotz spoke. "Very well. All 405 applicants will participate in phase one. Follow me."
Saying this, he started running and explained. "I'm Satotz. The phase one examiner. I will lead you to the exam's second phase.
"What about phase one?" Hanzo asked.
"It has already commenced," Satotz replied.
"This is part of the test?" His answer confused and panicked some of the hunter applicants.
"You must follow me to phase two. This is the exam's first phase!" Satotz explained.
Blaize ran alongside Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio while glancing at the other participants. He also noticed the disfigured and pinned
Two hours passed since the start of the exam. The applicants have traveled over thirty kilometers from the start point.
None of them know how far they should go. They are forced to run at the leader's pace with no goal specified. With no end in sight, many have already dropped out.
'I underestimated the hunter exam. Everyone here is a monster!' Leorio showed signs of exhaustion but he got irritated seeing Killua using the skating board.
"You should show some respect to the hunter exam. Why are you using a skateboard? It's cheating." He yelled.
Why?" Killua asked ignorantly.
"This is an endurance test," Leorio replied
"No, it isn't." Gon expressed his view.
"Huh. Gon, what are you saying?" Leorio complained in exasperation.
"The examiner only told us to follow him." Gon stated the fact.
"Hey, how old are you?" Killua asked, approaching Gon.
"Twelve years old." Gon replied.
"Hmm." Killua mused, 'We are of the same age.'
"Guess I will run too." Killua picked the skateboard with a stylish maneuver and started running alongside Gon. He then introduced himself as Killua.
"I am Gon." Gon stated his name.
Watching their interaction, Blaize smiled. It's a form of enjoyment to meet and see your favorite characters in person and how they interact.
"You two are really compatible and make a good team," Blaize commented.
"Who are you?" Killua asked but his body was on full alert. He could feel the aura emitting from Blaize with his sharp perception, it's even stronger than his brother Illumi.
"Nice to meet you. I am Blaize."
Killua snorted and ignored him. Blaize didn't mind as he knew Killua's personality very well.
--
After another few kilometers of running, many hunter applicants began to collapse. In their group, Leorio was completely exhausted and covered in sweat, he was on the verge of quitting.
Thanks to Gon, he gained the motivation and starts running even ahead of them in full force.
When they reached a wide staircase mark, Hunter examiner Satotz started increasing his pace. At the same time, Gon and Killua agree to have a race to the exit and the one to win will pay for dinner.
Blaize also increased his pace. When he crossed Hisoka, who was running with Illumi, Blaize sent him a glance before advancing forward. In a few steps, he joined Kurapika and Leorio.
"Who is he?" Illumi asked.
"I met him two years ago at the Heaven's Arena..." Hisoka recounted his battle with Blaize.
"You lost?" Illumi asked in a surprised tone.
"I want to fight him again but I am not confident of defeating him," Hisoka spoke his mind. "We may have a chance if we join hands together, what do you say?"
"You know, I don't do work for nothing," Illumi replied. "But, your words have piqued my interest."
--
"Scarlet Eyes" Kurapika spoke. "That's why the kurta clan was targeted, for our unique scarlet eyes. When our emotions are heightened, our eyes turn scarlet.
The eyes in the scarlet state are considered one of the seven most beautiful colors in the world. They command high prices in the black market."
"That's why the phantom torque attacked you?" Leorio asked.
"They took every eye from my clan's remains. I can still hear their darkened eyes crying out in anguish. I swear I will capture the phantom troupe and I will reclaim the eyes of my clan." Kurapika revealed his deepest secret.
Next, Leorio told his side of the story of how his friend would not have died if he had money.
Listening to their conversation, Blaize reached the end of the tunnel. Gon and Killua already waited there along with the examiner Satotz and a few other participants.
Once the other applicants arrived, Satotz introduced them to the location as the Milsy Wetlands, also known as the "Swindler's Swamp".
"We must cross the wetlands to reach the second phase of the Hunter exam. This place is home to numerous beasts, mysterious creatures, and deadly plants who deceive humans and prey upon them.
Be careful. If you let them fool you...you are dead. Stay very close to me so you won't be deceived."
Just as Satotz finished explaining, a shout came from afar. "Don't let them fool you!"
A man showed up dragging an unconscious ape that had an appearance similar to Satotz's. "He's an imposter. I am the real examiner." He then accused Satotz of being a Man-faced Ape.
The applicants become confused, "What's going on?"
"I think what he says is true,"
But, before the applicants could come to a conclusion, Hisoka attacked the two with his cards. The man with the ape got killed while Satotz easily caught the cards with his bare hands.
"That settles it. You are the real one." Hisoka spoke.
"Of course," Satotz spoke and warned Hisoka that he will be disqualified if he try to attack him again.
"Sure." Hisoka accepted.
"Let us be on our way. Please follow me." Satotz then led everyone into the Swindler's swap that's covered in fog.
--
Blaize looked around in interest as he ran. Though he has seen many things in one piece world, the HxH world has its own uniqueness. He's thoroughly enjoying this journey.
After a few minutes of running, Killua suggested feeling the tense atmosphere behind him. "Gon, let's move up.
"Ok," Gon then shouted at Leorio and Kurapika before following Killua.
As for Blaize, he was ahead of everyone. He did it so that his debut doesn't affect the original storyline as he wants to observe the fight between Gon and Hisoka.
Just as he thought, everything went as shown in the series. Leorio and Kurapika separated from the group. After a few minutes, Gon went to search for them.
Knowing it's time, Blaize followed Gon without alerting him. After running for a minute, he reached the location where Leorio faced Hisoka on his own.
Seeing Leorio is in danger, Gon attacked Hisoka with the fishing rod. Even when facing Hisoka, he didn't show any nervousness or fear.
Unlike in the original series, Blaize has taught Soru and Kami-e to Gon and has improved his physical abilities by guiding him daily. He also gave him combat training. If no Nen is involved, Gon won't lose easily.
"Let's see how far Gon's strength has reached." Blaize watched the confrontation from the distance.
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