Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Calm Before the Storm

The past month had flown by in a whirlwind of training, laughter, and preparation. Jack and Gon had pushed themselves to their limits, honing their skills and strengthening their bond. But now, the time had come. Tomorrow, they would board the ship that would take them to the Hunter Exam, the first step on a journey that would change their lives forever.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over Whale Island, Jack made his way to Gon’s house. Mito had arranged a farewell dinner for the two of them, and Jack couldn’t refuse her invitation, even though he felt a little out of place. He knew this dinner was more about Gon and Mito than it was about him, but he appreciated the gesture nonetheless.

—

Mito greeted Jack at the door with a warm smile, though her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. “Come in, Jack. Dinner’s ready.”

The house was filled with the comforting aroma of home-cooked food. The table was laden with dishes—grilled fish, roasted vegetables, fresh bread, and a steaming pot of soup. Gon was already seated, his face lighting up when he saw Jack.

“Jack! You made it!” Gon said, grinning.

“Of course,” Jack replied, taking a seat. “I wouldn’t miss this.”

As they ate, the conversation flowed easily. Mito asked Jack about his plans for the Hunter Exam, and he answered as best he could, careful not to reveal too much about his system or his knowledge of the future. Gon chimed in with his usual enthusiasm, talking about how excited he was to finally take the exam and find his father.

Mito listened quietly, her expression a mix of pride and worry. Jack could tell she was struggling with the idea of letting Gon go, but she didn’t say anything to discourage him. Instead, she focused on making the evening as special as possible.

—

As the dinner progressed, Jack found himself reflecting on the past month. Despite their intense training, Gon’s progress had been slower than expected. His aura level had only reached Level 1, and while he had learned Ren, his Ten and Zetsu skills were still at Level 1. Jack knew that mastering Nen took time, but he couldn’t help feeling a little impatient.

In contrast, Jack’s own progress had been nothing short of extraordinary. His aura level had soared to Level 28, a feat that would have been impossible without his system. He had also unlocked three new skills during his training:

1. Gyo (Level 1 – Active Skill): This skill allowed him to focus his aura into specific parts of his body, enhancing his perception or physical strength in that area. At Level 1, it was a basic but versatile technique.

2. Ken (Level 1 – Active Skill): This skill was an advanced form of Ten, allowing him to envelop his entire body in a dense layer of aura for maximum defense. At Level 1, it was taxing on his AP but highly effective.

3. Ryu (Level 1 – Active Skill): This skill allowed him to shift his aura between offense and defense dynamically during combat. At Level 1, it required precise control but gave him a significant edge in battle.

Jack had spent hours practicing these skills, integrating them into his combat style. He knew they would be invaluable during the Hunter Exam.

—

One thing Jack had come to understand was the unpredictable nature of aura in this world. Unlike his system, which provided consistent and measurable growth, the strength of a person’s aura in *Hunter x Hunter* was deeply tied to their emotional state. Gon’s potential was a perfect example. During his fight with Knuckle, Gon’s aura level had been Level 21, but when he learned about Kite’s fate, it had spiked to over Level 100.

Jack’s system, however, was different. His strength didn’t fluctuate based on his emotions. It was a condition of his ability, a double-edged sword. While it gave him stability, it also meant he couldn’t tap into the same explosive power that characters like Gon could.

—

As the dinner came to an end, Mito stood up and placed a hand on Gon’s shoulder. “Gon, I want you to know how proud I am of you. No matter what happens, remember that this is your home, and I’ll always be here for you.”

Gon’s eyes glistened with tears, but he smiled bravely. “Thanks, Aunt Mito. I’ll make you proud.”

Mito turned to Jack, her expression softening. “Take care of him, Jack. And take care of yourself too.”

Jack nodded, feeling a lump in his throat. “I will, Mito. I promise.”

—

After dinner, Jack excused himself and returned to the beach. He didn’t want to intrude on the emotional moment between Gon and Mito. As much as he cared for Gon, he knew this was their time to say goodbye.

He sat by the fire, staring out at the ocean, and thought about the journey ahead. The Hunter Exam would be grueling, but he was ready. He had trained hard, unlocked powerful skills, and grown stronger than he ever thought possible. And he had Gon by his side, a partner he could trust.

As the fire crackled and the waves lapped against the shore, Jack felt a sense of calm. Tomorrow, the real adventure would begin.