55

After realizing his opponent was Kurapika, Hisoka's first thought was to see if Kurapika had the potential to become a delightful challenge.

Despite his resounding defeat at the hands of Ethan, Hisoka's nature remained unchanged.

If Kurapika proved worthy, Hisoka would allow him the chance to grow further and choose to admit defeat.

Doing so would inevitably make him Lisa's opponent.

"It's tricky. The other person doesn't seem like someone who would easily admit defeat. If I push too hard, I could hinder the fruit's growth," Hisoka mused.

This opponent referred to Kurapika, not Lisa.

For now, Hisoka preferred to avoid further conflict with Ethan.

And if he conceded the first match, he'd face Lisa, risking another confrontation with Ethan.

Thinking of this, Hisoka glanced at his hired bodyguard, Illumi, standing beside him.

"As long as Illumi sticks to the plan, there shouldn't be any issue with me getting my Hunter license!" Hisoka thought, recalling a point Illumi had mentioned.

...

Others also noticed the pros and cons of the battle arrangements set by Netero and voiced their concerns.

Especially Killua, who was upset by the setup.

His friends were given preferential treatment, but he was placed at the back. Even though he was fond of his friends, Killua felt discontent.

But despite their dissatisfaction, since Netero held the authority, the candidates had no choice but to follow the battle table.

"The first match: Ethan versus Gon. Would the candidates please enter the arena?"

As the other candidates, along with Netero and the others, retreated to the sides, the center of the conference hall was cleared as a fighting arena.

Hunter Association staff acted as referees, standing in the middle of the field and loudly announcing the first match.

"Go for it!"

Amid Lisa's cheers, Ethan waved and walked into the arena with a relaxed demeanor.

On the opposite side, Gon entered with a serious expression.

"Come on, Gon, beat that guy!"

On the sidelines, Leorio cheered excitedly for Gon.

"The gap is too big. In terms of strength, Gon doesn't stand a chance against Ethan. If Gon wants to win, he'll have to leverage the exam rules," Kurapika observed, hoping for Gon's victory.

Though Ethan had helped Kurapika with Nen information during the fourth exam and might join forces against the Phantom Troupe, these factors paled compared to Kurapika's friendship with Gon.

Kurapika knew Ethan's strength well and understood Gon couldn't match it.

Feeling solemn, he analyzed Gon's only hope of winning: the rule that prohibited killing an opponent.

"President Netero, is this arrangement fair? The gap between them is enormous; it's completely one-sided!" Menchi couldn't help but criticize Netero's approach as she watched Ethan and Gon enter the arena.

Satotz and Buhara nodded in agreement.

The two competitors' disparity was indeed vast, leaving little suspense regarding the outcome.

"Hoo hoo hoo... This is intriguing, isn't it? When you can't kill your opponent, victory isn't just about strength," Netero replied with a smile, his eyes filled with interest as he watched the two in the arena.

One candidate had mastered the rare ability of 'Heartdrop Fist Listening' at a young age, and the other was the son of a legendary figure. Despite the strength gap, the battle promised to be captivating.

Netero eagerly anticipated the performance of both contestants.

In the center of the arena, the referee signaled Ethan and Gon to stand facing each other a few meters apart, eyes locked.

"Ethan is stronger than Hisoka. A direct fight would leave me at a disadvantage. My only option is to use my speed and look for an opening," Gon thought, eyeing Ethan with vigilance and determination.

In contrast, Ethan regarded Gon calmly.

"Both sides are ready. I announce the first match has begun!"

The referee scanned both contestants, raised his right hand, and announced the match with a decisive wave, then quickly stepped back to clear the field.

Uh-huh! ! !

The moment the referee's voice fell, Gon sprang into action.

With exceptional explosive power, he dashed to one side, almost forming an afterimage, and sped along the hall's wall, circling the arena.

Ethan remained still, not even glancing at Gon, standing calmly in place.

As Gon maneuvered rapidly behind Ethan, noticing no movement from him, his eyes lit up with opportunity.

"Now's my chance!!"

With nimble movement and impressive coordination, Gon pushed off the wall with his legs, charging toward Ethan from behind like a cheetah. As he approached, he leaped into the air, swinging his right leg in a powerful kick aimed at Ethan's nape.

"No, Gon, such an attack won't work against him."

On the sidelines, Killua watched with furrowed brows, growing tense as Gon made his move.

Having sparred with Ethan during the fourth exam, Killua understood Ethan's strength clearly.

While Gon's explosive power was impressive, his current attack could be easily dodged by Ethan, and even by Killua himself.

Indeed, this was the case.

Though his back was to Gon, when Gon executed his sweeping kick, Ethan seemed aware, shifting his position instantly and evading Gon's attack effortlessly.

Uh-huh!

Missing his kick, Gon's expression shifted.

Before he could land, Ethan appeared behind him like a flash, grasping the back of Gon's head with his right hand and driving him toward the ground.

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