Hunter x Hunter: Unleashed

Candidate after candidate enters Netero’s office. With patience and curiosity, the chairman asks them about their desires to become a Hunter, the examinees they respect or that caught their interest, and those they want to fight the least and the most amongst the remaining examinees. 

After asking his questions, Auren always provides a short personal review of all remaining examinees, which Netero always listens to patiently.

“No. 53, Pokkle. I guess average both physically and mentally. Maybe a 5 and 5.5, respectively. Seems quite suited to becoming a Hunter though, maybe a 7,” Auren says.

As the next examinee, numbered 99, enters, the person in question, Killua, can’t help but glare at Auren suspiciously while Netero questions him.

When it’s his turn, Auren replies honestly. “No. 99, Killua. Physically and mentally strong, 9 and 7.5, but with a fatal flaw that arguably limits not only his potential, but also his current ability. His suitability to become a Hunter? I don’t believe he has anything to hunt for... the only thing he might be seeking is a goal and something to relieve his boredom. Maybe a different perspective or outlook on life? As he is now... he’s probably a 3 at most, and that’s being generous.”

“Huh?” Killua replies, looking shocked. “I... don’t have a goal...? What do you mean by 3 out of 10? I’m not suited to become a Hunter?!” 

“Do you have something to hunt for? What is your ambition?” Auren asks him directly. “You took the exam because you were bored, you said it yourself. I’m not saying don’t become a Hunter, but apart from the benefits, I don’t believe you’re too interested in the job itself... at least for now. You are young, and you can still change, if you want to. But a Hunter who doesn’t have anything to hunt for... strictly speaking, you are already violating the Bylaws, which you probably don’t even know about.”

“I see...” Netero says, taking more notes. “You can always find a goal later, but strictly speaking, a Hunter needs to always be hunting for something. You can hunt for a reason to hunt as well, I suppose, but that’s indeed a rather weak goal.”

Looking quite confused and also a little shocked, Killua exits the room.

The next examinee enters, and Netero questions him before Auren comments, “No. 191, Bodoro. A 6 and 6.5, respectively, I believe. He’s also not unsuited to be a Hunter, a 6,” Auren judges.

Finally, Gittarackur enters, replying in just single words, awkwardly moving his mouth, of course praising No. 99 Killua. Despite the weird display, Netero doesn’t seem to mind, and when he’s finished, he looks at Auren expectantly.

“9.5 across the board,” Auren says, not bothering to explain further. “He’s just missing half a point because physically I can point out a stronger examinee for this particular exam, and mentally I detect an issue or two. As for his suitability to become a ... let’s just say, I can vouch for it... not that he particularly needs the license, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.”

“Oh? That talented... I see...” Netero says, scribbling on his pad. “The next one!”

With Gon entering, explaining that he wants to become a Hunter to find his father, and then answering Netero’s other question by honestly stating that he’s most interested in 44 and that he’d hate to fight his friends, Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika, Auren once again rates him.

“6 and 8, quite young, but already mentally strong... his suitability to become a Hunter? Just slightly higher than 99, I suppose, maybe a 4, if I’m being generous,” Auren says.

“Huh?” Netero wonders while Gon is still inside the room, showing a bit of doubt for the first time as he stares at Auren. “You need to explain that one to me.”

“Why...” Auren asks, quite frustrated about dealing with Netero.

This is killing me inside. I want to leave.

“Just do it,” Netero barks back.

“Let him explain it himself,” Auren says, shrugging as he looks directly at Gon. “You heard it from him when he came in, didn’t you? Tell us again, why do you want to become a Hunter again, No. 405?”

“To find my father,” Gon replies with determination. “He was a Hunter as well!”

“And then?” Auren asks. “What happens once you find him? What do you hunt for next?”

“Uh...” Gon thinks. “I...”

“I don’t know yet,” he finally replies.

“I see what you mean...” Netero says, not quite convinced. “But that’s just about goals! That can’t be the only way to gauge a person’s suitability to become a Hunter. I disagree with your entire premise and logic. Also... finding his father is incredibly difficult.”

“Well, that doesn’t surprise me, as your reasoning for working as a Hunter is equally disappointing,” Auren replies, with a grin, much to the annoyance of Netero. “A Hunter needs a field or goal which he can pursue. But the goal can’t be that easily fulfilled as just finding a person... but that’s just my opinion. Also, it’s quite easy to find Ging if you do some research. I could simply call him,” Auren says, shrugging, causing Gon’s eyes to widen.

“You can?!” Gon asks, clearly confused.

“Sure... if you want to?” Auren asks with a hint of amusement. “Or do you want to find him with your abilities?”

“I’ll do it on my own!” Gon says, not even hesitating for a second.

“Anyway,” Auren continues. “You asked for my opinion; feel free to disregard it. Hunters are so diverse... they do anything. There is no general talent to become a Hunter, in my opinion. It’s just a job! We are not talking about exploration skills, combat strength, or intelligence. You need a goal... and without a permanent goal, born out of his own desire, how can I rank him highly? He might be talented if he were to find something of interest, but until then, I just don’t think so. That’s just my opinion.”

“You are wrong yet again,” Netero says with a grin. “Your views of Hunters are almost identical to a certain rat’s. I really need to educate you a little more, hehe. Though I can at least understand your point. Not everyone is flying around the world, always scheming and looking for more and more power, or desiring to progress in their own goals and professions. Sometimes the journey is the true goal, something you obviously won’t experience anytime soon. You are a very greedy person, Auren. Don’t judge others by your own standards. Anyway, Examinee No. 405, you can leave,” Netero mutters before raising his voice and speaking to a confused Gon who can’t quite follow the conversation.

One by one, Auren rates the other Examinees.

Hanzo, 7 across the board. Kurapika, a 6, 9, and 9. Leorio, a 6, 5, and 6. Tonpa, a 5, 6, and 1. And finally Ponzu, a 3.5, 4.5, and 6.

Finally, with only Auren and Netero left in the room, the chairman scribbles on his notepad before grabbing a paintbrush and a large white canvas.

“Your insights were quite impressive,” Netero says, scratching his head. “Though I disagree with many of them, objectively speaking, you’re on the mark and, more importantly, you are consistent as well. How would you rate yourself, brat?”

“Why are you asking now, huh?” Auren wonders.

“Just tell me! I need it for comparison.” Netero yells, not bothering to hold back before Auren.

“Heh, isn’t it simple? I’m an eleven across the board,” Auren replies.

“... Do you really think that?” Netero asks, his brows furrowing. “Well... whatever. What a worthless reply.”

I don’t, but I refuse to tell you.

Drawing on the canvas with vigor, it takes him just a few seconds until he’s holding a tournament plan in his hand.

“Hoho,” he snickers. “Let’s go to the others. I’ve got the matchups.”

“A tournament, huh?” Auren wonders. “I didn’t think someone who decides to create a challenge like that would ever dare criticize my exams.”

Netero’s brows immediately sink as he stares at Auren. “You really don’t hold back, huh? You should be kinder to your master!”

“Let’s get some more opinions before that, alright?” Auren asks, still smiling.

Walking over to the other examiners, without Neffi, Vanessa, and Leroute, who seem to be missing, Netero waves the bracket around.

“Chairman... are you serious?!” Beans asks upon seeing the bracket. “Only one examinee can pass?”

“This is crazy,” Lippo says before breaking out in a laugh. “Hehe, the examinees will be pissed.”

“Why did you even get angry when I failed them all, Chairman?” Menchi asks. “You are the same.”

“No, no, you got it all wrong,” Netero says, laughing. “Ho, the winners drop out, and the losers proceed. The one left at the end fails... the others pass.”

“That’s quite generous,” Satotz comments before nodding with a soft smile. “But considering the quality of this year’s rookies, it’s a wise decision. They will breathe some life into the Association.”

“It’s a stupidly easy exam,” Auren comments. “Only prideful people or idiots can reasonably fail. Once again, how dare you criticize others for letting too many examinees pass? Pariston would love this exam, as it will allow more than 90% of all remaining examinees to pass.”

“... You are insufferable,” Netero replies, his mood worsening, unable to argue back. “It doesn’t matter! I’ve made my decision.”

Without pause, Netero speaks through the speakers. “We’ll arrive at a hotel rented by the Association shortly. The fifth and final phase of the 287th Hunter Exam will start in three days. Please rest up until then.”

Leaving the other examiners behind, Auren walks through the almost empty airship.

To his surprise, almost immediately, his path is blocked by a small person with white hair, and another one with spiky black hair standing behind him.

“What is it, Killua?” Auren asks. “If you plan to assassinate me, that’s not the wisest approach, I can assure you. Your odds would be quite low, although I guess since they’re at 0% even if you ambush me, it doesn’t make much of a difference.”

“Idiot. It’s not about that!” Killua says. “Obviously, it’s about what you said! While I can understand your rating... why did you say I have a fatal flaw? I asked a few others, and you only said that to me. Surely I’m not weaker than the average examinee.”

“I believe I gave you extremely high ratings in physical and mental strength. I just pointed out that you have a flaw,” Auren says, shrugging. “If you think you don’t have one, just ignore my comment.”

“Oh come on!” Killua nags. “Just tell me.”

“I’d like to tell you, but that would cause a lot of trouble for me,” Auren replies. “I wouldn’t worry too much... no, that’s a lie. Arguably, you should worry. Just do it somewhere else, okay? It’s bothering me.”

His face darkening in anger and annoyance, Killua says, “You asshole. So stingy. You are the worst.”

As Killua keeps complaining, seemingly not scared or frightened by Auren, the latter decides to play the game.

“Fine. What do I get in return?” Auren asks, with a grin.

“What do you want?!” Killua asks.

“Just a Regalia or two. Maybe Ten Ben’s Knives would also be okay,” Auren replies, unable to stop smiling.

“Uhm... please help Killua,” Gon interjects, walking forward. “I... I’ll make it up to you. I promise.”

“Your promises are as unreliable as your father’s,” Auren comments. “You’re both the last and also the best people to trust, yet you always leave out key information. Though apart from a few similarities, you’re quite different... it’s really strange.”

“Do you... know my father well?” Gon asks, his eyes lighting up.

“Met him twice,” Auren replies. “A mysterious and, frankly, eccentric man, not acting logically at all, but able to accurately gauge even the most hidden details. How about a little game? I’ll tell you more stories about him, with as many clues as you like, but in exchange, forget about asking me to tell Killua what he asked for.”

Gon, completely serious and unfazed, says, “If that’s the condition, please tell Killua. I don’t need to know.”

“Well, looks like you got a decent friend there,” Auren says to Killua, who looks quite surprised. “I might tell you later, I need to make sure telling you won’t get me assassinated.”

Not that I’m worried about me... but about others. One of Illumi’s issues, which I only grazed over, is his psychotic obsession with Killua.

Walking farther, it doesn’t take long until Auren feels a formidable Aura around the corner, before it almost immediately vanishes.

Sighing, he follows it. Walking through the airship until he arrives in front of a small room, entering it without hesitation. Inside, he finds himself in a room with just a few beds, wardrobes, closets, and a desk, looking quite dusty.

A small nurse’s office?

“Are you sick and in need of medical attention... Illumi?” Auren asks, staring at the person standing in front of him.

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