118 ManXOverboard

"I was told he is a... Hunter."

"A hunter!" 'I see, so the day has finally come.' The captain hold his cap low and asked further. "Can you tell me when the storm will be upon us, and how strong will it be?"

"Waves should be two times higher than before, and if we keep on this speed, we will be at the heart of the storm in about three hours."

'That's true, only someone who's lived his entire life by the seaside is able to make such predictions.' The captain then started walking back inside. "If you're done here, you can come by at the bridge and I can tell you more about driving a ship."

Silver on the side started to sniff the air as well. The wind is stronger and moister than usual but the smell didn't seem to be any different than before. "Hey Gon, you sure you used your nose to smell the storm coming?"

"Uhh? Yeah. If you sniff the air you'll realize that the air is fresher than last night. That is because fresh water comes down from the clouds and spread out of the storm." Gon explained while lifting his finger up like a teacher.

"Can you check it again? Just want to be sure you're correct." Requested Silver as he used both Gyo and Scarlet eyes beneath the byakugan.

*sniff* *sniff* "Yes, I am positive that the air is much fresher than last night." Confirmed Gon.

*Sniff* *Sniff* "Indeed, you are correct. I can smell fresh air in the breeze." He then looked at Gon. 'As I suspected, Gon had his nose's aura node active. Does he also knows Nen or was it activation due to training and experience like Bradford?' "Thanks Gon! You helped me a lot. Now why don't we take the Captain's offer and learn to drive this thing?"

"Huh? Uhhh.. Welcome!" Gon smiled. 'What was that feeling earlier? As if I was being watched by a hawk.' "Sure, let's go."

"Attention applicants. We're going further into a turbulence zone two times more violent than the last one. The ones who fear for their lives can take the rescue boats to the nearby island."

"Whaaaat!? Twice as strong!!! I can't take any more of that."

~~~~

"So there are only four of you left." Says the captain as he face the four applicants. "Tell me, what are your names?"

"I'm called Leorio." Says the man in black business attire with black sunglasses. He is also holding unto his briefcase.

"My name is Kurapika." Answered the blonde teenager wearing a kurta dress.

"I'm Gon!" Says Gon.

"Hey, captain, I'm Silver." Silver answered. 'So he really is Kurapika. I should talk to him in private after this.

Leorio and Kurapika look at Silver with wariness. In the two weeks they have been in the ship, they naturally heard of the rumor of a monster disguised as a kid in Cabin #1, but they didn't bother to pry into it.

"Why do you want to be hunters?" Asked the captain.

"Excuse me?" Replied Leorio as if his rights has been violated.

"Answer!" Commanded the Captain.

"Why should we answer you?" Leorio further answered in irritation.

"I want to know what my father's work is like!" Gon answered while raising his hand.

"Who told you to answer?" Leorio pointed at Gon.

"I'm giving my reasons what's wrong with that?" Gon responded as it was all natural.

"Urghh... Well you shouldn't. For me it is a matter of honor." Answered Leorio while tapping his chest.

"I agree with this old guy." Kurapika pointed at Leorio. "I prefer not to answer your question rather than lie to you. My reason for wanting to be a hunter is too personal that is why I refuse to answer in this place."

"And you?" The captain then looked at Silver.

"For me, I want to explore this world has to offer. There is so much magical things, monsters, objects and places that has yet to be discovered and I want to be one of those hunters who discovers them."

"Hmmmm. Well... I see. In that case, the two of you must get off my ship as soon as possible." Captain said while pointing at Leorio and Kurapika.

"Huh?" Leorio/Kurapika

"You still don't understand do you? The hunter exam already started the moment you set off on my ship."

"!?" Leorio/Kurapika/Gon/Silver

As if on queue, the storm hit the ship and rock it hard.

"There are as many applicants to be hunters as they are in the sky. Because of the lack of time and space, its impossible to judge everyone. So guys like me are used to diminish the number of candidate." He then looked sternly at the four. "So except you four, all those who jumped overboard are failure for the grand jury. Even if they manage to reach the final location, the doors will be held close for them. The decision whether you reach the exam location or not belongs solely to me. So I ask again, why do you want to be hunters?"

Kurapika closed his eyes for a moment and answered. "I am the last survivor of the of the Kurta clan. Four years ago, all of my clansmen were killed by thieves and savages. The reason I want to be become a hunter is because I want to capture the the group responsible, the Phatom Troupe."

"So you want to be a blacklist hunter? The Phantom Troupe belongs to a Class A criminal list, even the strong hunters will think twice before helping you. You are chasing after death." The captain answered while taking a drink from a bottle nearby.

"I do not fear death. What I fear most is that my anger never leaves."

"In short, you want to avenge yourself, and you need to be hunter for that?" Asked Leori sarcastically

"That, Leorio is the stupidest question I've ever been asked. If I don't become a hunter, I won't have access to certain places, information and facilities. It is probably details your little mind missed." Kurapika shook his head while Leorio's head is about to explode in anger.

"Well, how about you Leorio?"

"Mine of course is about money. With money, we can have everything! A great house, cars, the best Alcohol money can offer." Lerio proudly declared.

"Unfortunately, manners can't be bought Leorio." Kurapika commented from the side.

*tsk* "That is the third time. Follow me to the deck. Let's spill a little 'noble' blood of the Kurta clan, or something."

"Take back what you just said, Leorio." Kurapika said while oozing with anger.

"It is Mr. LEORIO for you. Come."

"I'm right behind you."

"Why do you look scary, Silver?" Asked Gon as he noticed an incredible pressure from Silver.

"Ohhh, Sorry. I don't like meaningless fights that's all." Silver lied as he 'sheathed' his extended nails. "Come, let's watch their fight."

"Hey! I'm not finished, don't you want to pass the exam?" Shouted the captain.

"Let them fight, if you want to know someone, start by finding out what makes him mad. My aunt Mito often says this phrase, and I liked it a lot. From my point of view, both have reasons to be angry. It's better to let them fight until they're satisfied." Gon added. "How about you Silver, what makes you mad?"

"Oh me? I guess, same with Kurapika. I don't want others to mess with my family or friends. I would be pissed off as well if they joked about it."

Sailors are on and about taking care of the ship so it doesn't capsize on them.

"Take back what you said, Leorio!" Shouted Kurapika.

"You should take it back yourself. That is for disrespecting me!" Replied Leorio.

"Then be ready!" Kurapika shouted as he pulled out two wooden swords.

"Bring it on!" Leorio shouted back as they dashed to the center.

*crash* A part of the mast broke as a crew member was flung overboard.

"Ahhhhhh."

"!?" Kurapika and Leorio immediately recognize the gravity of the situation and jumped after the falling man. However they were a step short as their hands failed to hold unto the guy.

*swooosh* A shadow jumped between them as Gon jumped over them and caught the guy. Kurapika and Leorio each took hold of Gon's feet as they hurled the two into the deck.

"Are you out of your mind! The ocean is wild and with the storm you would've drowned in seconds! That was very dangerous of you! If we hadn't caught you, you woukd have been dead for sure!" Leorio and Kurapika took their chances scolding Gon.

"Yup, maybe. But you two caught me in the end, didn't you?"

"Well... That is indeed true." The two pondered as they looked at each other.

Then Kurapika started with an apology. "Forgive my rudeness, Mr. Leorio"

"Hmmm. You may call me Leorio, Kurapika. I should have been mature and took my words back."

The captain at the side looked at Silver who is now leaning on the cabin wall. However, earlier he saw the kid stretched out his hand showing a weird device on his wrist. He somehow knew that if Gon did overshoot, Silver will be able bring the two back without problems. Say it a veteran's instinct.

"Hahahahahaha. Such a lively group we have this year. I'm in a good mood today. I've decided you all have passed my test. So I'll take all of you to the port closest to the testing place."

"Yeah!" The group of four shouted.

And as if on cue, the storm vanished as if it was never there to begin with.

#######

From here on until the end of the exam, it will be pretty linear. After all, there are no shortcuts in the exam. Not even H. and I. can do anything about it. Also, if I'm copying from the original, I'll try my best to extend the chapter. No one wants to read anything we already know. Cheers!