Chapter 70: First Impression

With Oboro's help, Tonpa easily passed the second phase of the exam.

According to the examiner's original plan, the mission was meant to last one day. It had been extended to two days, yet only thirty people completed it. Had it remained a single day, the number would have dropped drastically. With so few candidates remaining, there might not be any need for subsequent phases

The third phase randomly divided the thirty candidates into three teams, requiring them to follow identical routes from start to finish. Along the way, they needed to pass through checkpoints filled with traps and were permitted to attack other teams. A classic team battle, with only fifteen spots remaining for the next phase.

Naturally, everyone wanted to be assigned to Oboro's team. By now, anyone with a discerning eye could see he was the strongest candidate in this exam. Unfortunately, team assignments were decided by lottery. This posed no problem for Oboro, however He easily manipulated the situation to ensure Tonpa ended up on his team.

They advanced smoothly to the fourth phase, but there, Oboro could offer no assistance.

The Association had released detained criminals into a designated area, requiring candidates to capture them within a set timeframe. If the criminals could survive for twelve hours, they would receive immediate pardons. During this period, the criminals could use any means to disguise themselves, hide, or evade capture. They could even attack the candidates if a candidate died, it counted as the criminal's victory.

Upon hearing these rules, Tonpa simply forfeited.

After his elimination, he made a point to thank Oboro, even trying to get his contact information but was politely refused.

This phase proved extremely challenging, with the Association selecting particularly tough prisoners. In the end, only three people passed successfully, Oboro among them.

Oboro noticed it too The Association had realized this year's candidates were exceptionally weak, making further phases unnecessary. They shortened the examination process accordingly. Otherwise, additional tasks and personnel would have been arranged for later phases.

And so, after several days, this year's Hunter Exam came to an abrupt conclusion.

Oboro and two others boarded an airship bound for the Hunter Association headquarters.

Chairman Netero didn't appear again. The old man couldn't be bothered with trivial matters like the Hunter Exam anymore. He had only shown up earlier because of Oboro. Just as during Menchi's class, he'd had to intervene when Menchi grew too strict and nearly rejected all candidates.

In truth Oboro's class wasn't particularly weak. After all, it included both him and another Nen user. Had Phinks and Shalnark remained, their class would have surpassed even the 287th, where only Hisoka and Illumi had awakened Nen despite including the protagonists.

There was no helping it the Association had clearly modified its plans and procedures. They'd even met only a single examiner. Previous Hunter Exams had featured a chief examiner with deputies and multiple other examiners, or at least several test officers

---

"Well he's finally here."

The next day at the Hunter Association headquarters, Chairman Netero stood by his office window, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds while holding a cup of tea, chuckling softly. He'd just received word that Oboro had joined the Association and was currently receiving orientation from senior members about rules and procedures.

Standing behind the old man was his young secretary, the bean-faced man. Wearing a suit, his appearance differed markedly from normal humans. Without visible nose or ears, his green skin and round, bean-like face, combined with his short, chubby stature, gave him an inexplicably cute and comical appearance.

"Chairman, why are you so interested in that Oboro?" Bean looked up curiously.

"Because it's entertaining, of course" Netero turned, stroking his beard. "I constantly see the same familiar faces wandering before me. After a while, it grows tiresome New blood makes things more lively"

"As expected" Bean smacked his forehead in exasperation. "You take interest in far too many people"

---

In a conference room at headquarters, Biscuit stood with hands on hips, coughing seriously while shooting a dissatisfied glance at Oboro. She'd returned specifically for this!

The massive room felt empty with so few people present. The three newly-licensed Hunters had already received their credentials. While the other two listened attentively, Oboro sprawled across the table, head tilted Though he wore sunglasses, Biscuit knew his eyes were closed! He was completely distracted sleeping!

During their journey here, they'd already learned some basics about their Hunter licenses. Now they needed to understand the Association's internal regulations.

"What I'm about to discuss is crucial for all of you. This covers mandatory Association rules and potential career paths Though naturally, the Association won't interfere with your personal freedom or conduct" Biscuit deliberately raised her voice from the podium, clearly warning someone.

Oboro remained motionless as a corpse.

Anger flickered in Biscuit's jewel-like eyes.

"First, congratulations to all three of you on passing the Hunter Exam"

"Thank you" The two newcomers exchanged glances, sensing the chill and even killing intent emanating from the beautiful young woman on stage. They responded hesitantly, thoroughly confused about how they might have offended their "senior."

But soon they realized her eyes were fixed solely on Oboro!

The three had briefly gotten acquainted during their airship journey.

"Hey Oboro, wake up, stop sleeping." One of them shifted closer, carefully nudging him with a toe.

Oboro simply adjusted his position in response.

"Hehehe" Biscuit lifted the corners of her puffy skirt with both hands, rising on tiptoe with a brilliant smile. "Excuse me, could you two please step outside? I'll call you back shortly"

"Of course." The two exchanged knowing looks and tactfully exited.

The instant they left, Biscuit flew from the stage to Oboro, slamming one foot onto the table. She seized his collar with both hands and began shaking him violently, her expression dark and eyes blazing as she growled: "You little bastard show some respect! Do you have a death wish?!"

Oboro's head wobbled from the shaking, his sunglasses flying off. Looking at the enraged Biscuit, he said casually: "Alright, calm down I'm listening carefully! By the way are you going through menopause?"

Biscuit's face turned completely black.

"I'll kill you"

"Sorry, sorry I misspoke Oh, haven't seen you in a while you've grown even more beautiful" Oboro quickly backpedaled, though he seemed to be deliberately provoking Biscuit.

His eyes swept across the conference room, catching the corner of the seating area below the stage.

They weren't alone in the room.

There was also

A blond young man in an orange striped suit, wearing a perpetual warm smile a handsome fellow who exuded an aura of spring breezes and natural charm.

Oboro had noticed him the moment he entered the room

Pariston!

Though unsure of the other's purpose, Oboro instinctively grew wary.

He'd intentionally disguised his personality, avoiding even basic pleasantries with Biscuit deliberately creating a particular "first impression" for Pariston.

Whether in his previous life or this one Oboro had never liked him.

Being targeted by this man was never good news.

Though Oboro thought his observation had been adequately concealed Pariston seemed to sense his attention.

Resting one hand on his chin, he waved enthusiastically in greeting