Jack's arrival in HxH world - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: The Storm and the Bonds Forged

The morning sun rose over Whale Island, casting a golden glow across the port. Gon and Jack stood at the edge of the dock, their bags slung over their shoulders and determination burning in their eyes. The ship that would take them to the Hunter Exam site loomed before them, its sails billowing in the breeze. Around them, the people of Whale Island had gathered to see them off, their faces a mix of pride and worry.

Gon turned to the crowd, his voice ringing out with unwavering confidence. “I’m going to be the strongest Hunter! Just you wait and see!”

The crowd cheered, their voices filled with encouragement. But from the ship, a chorus of laughter erupted. The other examinees, already aboard, had overheard Gon’s declaration and found it amusing.

“Strongest Hunter? Kid, you’re barely tall enough to reach the deck!” one of them jeered.

“Yeah, save the big talk for when you actually pass the exam!” another added.

Gon, now a Nen user, could sense the weakness in their auras. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “They’re not worth arguing with,” he said to Jack. “Let’s just get on board.”

Jack nodded, his expression calm. He had expected this. The Hunter Exam attracted all kinds of people, and not all of them were serious contenders. He followed Gon onto the ship, his mind already focused on the challenges ahead.

—

As the ship set sail, Jack found a quiet spot on the deck and settled down to rest. He knew what was coming—a massive storm that would test the examinees’ endurance and weed out the weak. In the original timeline, only Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio had survived the storm. Jack intended to add his name to that list.

The other examinees milled about, chatting and laughing, completely unaware of the trial that awaited them. Jack closed his eyes, letting the sound of the waves lull him into a light sleep. He needed to conserve his energy for the night ahead.

—

By afternoon, the sky had darkened, and the wind began to pick up speed. The once-calm sea turned restless, its waves growing taller and more violent. Jack woke up to the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance. He opened his eyes and saw the other examinees scrambling to get inside the ship, their faces pale with fear.

The ship rocked violently, its wooden frame creaking under the strain. Inside, the examinees were tossed about like ragdolls, their bodies slamming against the walls. Many of them began to vomit, their faces green with seasickness. The storm had only just begun, and already, it was taking its toll.

Jack remained on the deck, his aura flaring to life as he used Ten to stabilize himself. The technique allowed him to stick to the surface, making the ship’s movements feel like little more than gentle swaying.

He glanced around and saw that Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were also unaffected.

Gon, ever the kind-hearted soul, was helping the sick examinees, offering them water and reassurance.

—

As the storm raged on, the ship’s captain emerged from his cabin, his face grim. He surveyed the chaos before him, his eyes narrowing as he took in the state of the examinees.

“Listen up!” he barked, his voice cutting through the noise of the storm. “This is just the beginning. Another storm is coming, and it’s going to be four times worse than this. If you want to survive, take the lifeboats and head to the nearby island. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee you’ll make it through the night.”

The examinees stared at him in shock, their faces pale with fear. One by one, they began to make their way to the lifeboats, their dreams of becoming Hunters dashed by the storm’s fury. Soon, only the captain’s crew, Gon, Kurapika, Leorio, and Jack remained on the ship.

—

The captain led the four of them to his chamber, his expression unreadable. Once inside, he turned to them and nodded. “Congratulations. You’ve passed the first test.”

Gon’s eyes widened. “Wait, this was a test?”

The captain chuckled. “Of course. The Hunter Exam isn’t just about strength or skill. It’s about endurance, determination, and the will to survive. You four have proven that you have what it takes.”

He gestured for them to sit. “Now, introduce yourselves. I want to know who I’m dealing with.”

—

Gon went first, his voice filled with enthusiasm. “I’m Gon Freecss! I’m from Whale Island, and I’m going to become a Hunter to find my dad!”

Leorio introduced himself next, his tone gruff but confident. “Leorio Paradinight. I’m here to become a Hunter so I can make money.”

Kurapika’s introduction was more reserved. “Kurapika. I’m seeking to become a Hunter to reclaim something precious that was taken from my people.”

Finally, it was Jack’s turn. “Jack. I’m here to test my limits and become stronger.”

As the introductions concluded, tensions began to rise. Leorio and Kurapika, despite their shared goal of becoming Hunters, had very different personalities. Leorio’s brashness clashed with Kurapika’s calm demeanor, and it wasn’t long before an argument broke out.

“You think you’re better than me just because you’re all quiet and mysterious?” Leorio snapped.

Kurapika’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t have time for your childish behavior. If you can’t take this seriously, maybe you should leave.”

The argument escalated, and soon, the two were on the verge of a fight. Jack and Gon exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to intervene.

—

Before the situation could spiral out of control, a loud crash echoed through the ship. One of the crew members had lost his footing and was hanging over the edge of the deck, his fingers slipping on the wet railing.

Without hesitation, both Leorio and Kurapika rushed to help. Leorio grabbed the man’s arm, while Kurapika caught another hand. Together, they pulled him to safety, their earlier argument forgotten.

The crew member thanked them profusely, and the captain nodded in approval. “Well done. It seems you two can work together when it matters.”

Leorio and Kurapika exchanged a glance, their earlier animosity replaced by mutual respect. “Guess we’re not so different after all,” Leorio said, extending a hand.

Kurapika hesitated for a moment, then shook it. “Perhaps not.”

—

As the storm continued to rage outside, the four of them sat together in the captain’s chamber, their bond strengthened by the night’s events. Gon’s optimism, Leorio’s determination, Kurapika’s resolve, and Jack’s calm presence created a dynamic that felt almost destined.

Jack couldn’t help but smile. This was the beginning of something great. The Hunter Exam would test them in ways they couldn’t yet imagine, but together, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.