Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 20
Chapter 20: The Final Interview
The fourth phase of the Hunter Exam had come to an end, and the remaining examinees gathered at the designated meeting point. The air was thick with tension and exhaustion, but also a sense of accomplishment. Jack stood among the survivors, his body battered but his spirit unbroken. He had earned 5,000 EXP for completing the phase, and he felt a surge of pride as he reflected on his journey so far.
As he was catching his breath, a familiar presence approached him. It was Gittarackur—Illumi Zoldyck in disguise. The needle-covered assassin’s expression was as blank as ever, but his aura was cold and calculating.
“You are pretty fast,” Illumi said, his voice devoid of emotion. “But next time, you will not get the chance.”
Jack met Illumi’s gaze, his expression calm but defiant. He smiled slightly, his tone light but firm. “Don’t worry, next time we meet, you might not have the advantage. By the way, smile more. It will make you look good.”
Illumi stared at him for a moment, his face betraying no emotion. Then, without a word, he turned and walked away. Jack watched him go, his heart still racing from the encounter. He knew Illumi wasn’t someone to take lightly, but he also knew that he had grown stronger since their last confrontation.
Nearby, Killua watched the exchange with a frown. There was something familiar about Gittarackur, but he couldn’t quite place it. He shook his head, dismissing the thought for now.
—
The airship arrived shortly after, its sleek design a stark contrast to the rugged wilderness of Zevil Island. The examinees boarded the vessel, their spirits lifted by the prospect of the final phase. Jack found a quiet corner to sit, his mind already racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
As the airship ascended, the examinees were informed that they would each have a personal interview with Isaac Netero, the Chairman of the Hunter Association. This interview would determine their readiness to become Hunters and their motivations for pursuing the title.
—
The interviews were conducted in a private room aboard the airship. One by one, the examinees were called in to face Netero. The questions were simple but profound, designed to reveal the true nature of each candidate.
—
Hisoka was the first to enter the room. He sat across from Netero, his expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.
Netero leaned back in his chair, his eyes sharp and penetrating. “Why do you want to become a Hunter?”
Hisoka smirked, his voice dripping with mischief. “To find strong opponents, of course. The thrill of battle is what drives me.”
Netero nodded, his expression unreadable. “Who do you want to fight most? And why?”
Hisoka’s grin widened. “Isaac Netero. I’ve heard you’re the strongest. I’d love to test my skills against you.”
Netero chuckled, his tone light but firm. “And who do you want to fight least? And why?”
Hisoka’s smirk faded slightly. “Weaklings. They bore me. There’s no challenge in crushing ants.”
Netero nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Thank you, Hisoka. You may leave.”
—
Next was Illumi, his expression as blank as ever. He sat down across from Netero, his aura cold and calculating.
“Why do you want to become a Hunter?” Netero asked.
“To fulfill a mission,” Illumi replied, his voice monotone. “It’s a family obligation.”
Netero raised an eyebrow. “Who do you want to fight most? And why?”
“No one in particular,” Illumi said. “I fight when paid, not for pleasure.”
Netero leaned forward slightly. “And who do you want to fight least? And why?”
“Battle which doesn’t pay,” Illumi replied. “They serve no purpose.”
Netero nodded, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Illumi. You may leave.”
Yes, Netero recognise Illumi already.
—
Hanzo entered the room with a confident stride, his demeanor calm and composed.
“Why do you want to become a Hunter?” Netero asked.
“I want to find the Legendary Jutsu scroll,” Hanzo replied, his voice steady.
Netero nodded. “Who do you want to fight most? And why?”
“Hisoka,” Hanzo said without hesitation. “He’s strong, and I want to test my skills against him.”
Netero’s eyes gleamed with interest. “And who do you want to fight least? And why?”
“Weaklings,” Hanzo said. “There’s no honor in defeating those who can’t fight back.”
Netero smiled slightly. “Thank you, Hanzo. You may leave.”
—
Finally, it was Jack’s turn. He entered the room, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. Netero sat across from him, his expression calm but piercing.
“Why do you want to become a Hunter?” Netero asked, his voice steady.
Jack took a deep breath, his mind racing. “I want to become stronger,” he said. “Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. I want to push my limits and see how far I can go. Becoming a Hunter is the best way to do that.”
Netero nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Who do you want to fight most? And why?”
Jack hesitated for a moment, then replied, “Isaac Netero. I’ve heard you’re the strongest, and I want to beat you, and take your position.”
Netero chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “And who do you want to fight least? And why?”
Jack’s expression softened. “My friends. Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. They’ve been through so much with me, and I don’t want to fight them unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
Netero leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. “Thank you, Jack. You may leave.”
—
As Jack left the interview room, he felt a sense of relief and anticipation. The final phase of the Hunter Exam was just around the corner, and he knew that the challenges ahead would be the toughest yet.