Chapter 11: Results X Revelation
"A tournament of confidence?" Leorio muttered but everyone in the room picked up his confusion.
Sinbad got comfortable as he rested his back against the wall. "There is no penalization for forfeiting. All you need to do is forfeit till you get a match up you are confident in winning."
Kurapika glanced down at the relaxed Sinbad. "That makes sense. As well as taking unnecessary risks by fighting the strongest applicant could hinder his chances."
"Come forth, Pokkle!" Masta shouted, waving his hand toward the center of the squared room. The archer stiffly walked to stand in front of the large intimidating ninja, Hanzo. Masta raised his left hand, preparing the signal to begin the second match. "The second match of the Final Phase: Hanzo versus Pokkle! Begin!"
As soon as the referee of the match signaled for the match to begin, Hanzo blitzed faster than Pokkle could perceive. In a blur, Hanzo directly approached Pokkle and crashed his balled fist into Pokkle's stomach, sending him flying into the air. The strength of Hanzo's fist caused Pokkle to spit out blood and saliva, drop his bow and even the arrows collected in his quiver fell out.
It took three whole seconds for Pokkle to hit the ground.
Hanzo remained silent as the room watched the injured and dazed Pokkle slowly climbed to his feet. Holding onto his injured stomach, Pokkle waddled over to his discarded weapon and picked up his bow.
"I forfeit," whispered Pokkle.
'I could have dodged that slow attack,' snickered Killua inwardly. He still disagreed with his ranking placement.
Quietly, Hanzo left the center and stood amongst the other applicants.
"The winner of the second match and second applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Hanzo!"
Deep down, Hanzo cursed and bit the inside of his cheeks to regulate his upset emotions.
"Come forth, Yama!" Masta demanded the beautiful blue haired woman to the center of the stage. Elegantly, she spun her long silver spear as she approached the center of the square tile room. She glared down at the crouching injured Pokkle. "Let the third match of the Final Phase: Pokkle versus Yama! Begin!"
Yama slammed the spearhead into the tile floor, causing lightning strikes of cracks to erupt from the tip. She leaned her head to the side, sizing up the injured Pokkle and her facial expression soured. "I have to fight without killing him? Hmm, fighting without killing. I wonder if that is possible."
She wielded the spear as she normally would except reversing the opposite ends, prepared to thrust with the blunt edge of the spear. Yama began spinning the spear like a violent vortex as she slowly approached. "Please don't die, Pokkle."
In response to the horrifying threat, Pokkle raised a weak hand toward the referee. "I forfeit."
Yama squealed in excitement. "Yay!"
Masta raised his hand. "The winner of the third match and the third applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Yama!"
Sinbad rose to his feet as Yama skipped to the side of the spectators. He and Yama celebrated with a high five.
"Congratulations!" Sinbad said.
Yama's face flushed at the brightness of Sinbad's eyes and teeth. She gave him a friendly punch on his shoulder and shyly looked to the tiled floor. "Thanks. I hope we can work together in the future."
Sinbad maintained his bright smile. "I look forward to it!"
"Come forth, Hisoka!" Masta demanded, waving for the tall clown to approach the center of the room. Hisoka chuckled to himself as he confidently strides to his position across Pokkle. "Let the fourth match of the Final Phase: Pokkle versus Hisoka! Begin!"
Hisoka pulled out his deck of cards and began shuffling. "Care to play a game?"
Weakly, Pokkle shook his head.
"I suppose you should be interested," Hisoka said, drawing a card. He took a peek and then glared at Pokkle, who shuddered due to the intense look. "You know, there is no time limit."
"I forfeit!" Pokkle screamed. The entire room hummed in disapproval.
The cards in Hisoka's hands fell to the floor like leaves in the autumn. "Oh my, you misunderstood me."
"You idiot!" Sinbad shouted before Masta could announce the results of the match. "He was going to give you time to rest."
"Really?" Pokkle asked the disheartened clown who began picking up his cards.
Hisoka finished collecting the deck of cards. He shot a sly smile as he began walking back to the sideline. "I wonder."
Using his quick speed and agility, Killua appeared next to Masta. "Announce the damn results already."
"Right." Masta agreed, raising a hand in the winner's direction. "The winner of the fourth match and the fourth applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Hisoka!
"Let the fifth match of the Final Phase: Pokkle versus Killua! Begin!"
Killua stuffed his hands in his pocket, sighing. "I forfeit, now get out of here."
"What?" Pokkle uttered in disbelief, finally finding the strength to straighten to full height.
Chairman Netero laughed. "That's harsh."
"The winner of the fifth match and the fifth applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Pokkle!" Masta declared.
"No," Pokkle uttered. He gained his voice, "Fight me!"
'It isn't supposed to end like this,' thought Pokkle in distress. He refused to move from his spot. Masta announced the next match up but Pokkle refused to move. Gittarackur awkwardly stood next to him.
"Pokkle, clear way for the next match," Masta advised. "Or else."
"Or else what!" Pokkle shouted, picking up an arrow.
Sinbad rose to his feet and calmly approached Pokkle. 'It's okay, Pokkle. I understand.'
"Stay away!" Pokkle screamed, knocking an arrow back aiming at Sinbad. "I will fire."
"I know," Sinbad replied, softly. He raised his exposed palms as he calmly approached. "Pokkle, you passed. What does that mean?"
Pokkle bit his lip. "I am a Hunter."
Even if those words were true, Pokkle couldn't accept it so easily. As the fresh memory of utter defeat he faced against Sinbad and now the embarrassing defeat by Hanzo in only one punch.
Sinbad got underneath Pokkle's arms to help him walk. He resisted for a second but then eventually moved his feet, stepping toward the sideline.
'Don't worry, my broken little arrow. Setbacks and defeat are crucial for growth. I will reforge you,' thought Sinbad as they reached the rest of the awaiting applicants. Gently, he placed Pokkle on the floor. He hugged his knees and kept his head down.
Sinbad's attention returned to Killua and his strange opponent. An awkward looking man with dozens of needles stabbed into their face and all over their body. Sinbad always had an uncomfortable feeling whenever he was around the man.
"Let the sixth match of the Final Phase: Killua versus Gittarackur! Begin!" Masta announced.
As Masta announced the sixth match to begin, Killua blitzed straight for Gittarackur. He desired to end the match in a similar fashion to Hanzo, quick and efficient. However, the boy hesitated and stopped immediately as Gittarackur raised their left hand toward Killua's head.
"It's been a while, Kil." Gittarackur said in a static voice. He started pulling out the needles on his face, starting with the one pierced into his left ear. One by one, Gittarackur removed the needles on his face. Sinbad's eyes widened as he sensed the tiny amount of Nen released from each needle.
Once the last needle was removed, the muscles and skin on Gittarackur's face twitched and spasmed as they reshaped and reformed his face. An emotionless pale facade with black empty eyes and a sharp pointy nose remained after the transformation.
Killua gasped. "Big brother?"
Sinbad subconsciously leaned forward, eager to study the following interaction between the two.
"Mom won't stop crying since you stabbed her and Milluki has shut in his room ever since," Gittarackur said, speaking in an emotionless and monotone voice. He leaned to one side before continuing, "I didn't know you wanted to be a Hunter? I never heard such passions coming from you."
Killua took a step backward. "Right."
"As for me, I need my License for an important job," said Gittarackur.
"Actually, I don't want to become a Hunter," Killua revealed. "I just wanted to take the Exam."
"Is that so?" Gittarackur asked in reply. Sinbad sensed Gittarackur's Nen ooze out of him as the man raised his hand toward Killua. "You are not cut out to be a Hunter, Kill. You don't find pleasure in exploring or hunting down animals. You weren't trained to waste your time looking for meaningless stuff. Killua, you were forged to be a killer. The only pleasure you are capable of obtaining is through killing."
As a nervous sweat dripped down Killua's forehead. He responded, "You're wrong, big brother."
Gittarackur took a commanding step forward. "That is how dad and I trained you. Ever since you were born, killing has been your purpose."
"I'm tired of killing," Killua replied, hanging his head and staring at the tile floor. His balled up fists shook at his sides. "Everyone has a goal… Even I do, I want to be friends with Sinbad and have fun."
"You do?" Gittarackur asked as his eyes locked onto Sinbad. The two stared intensely at each other. "I will just have to kill him then. Assassins don't need friends, Killua."
The tension in the room thickened as all eyes landed on Sinbad awaiting for his reaction. For the moment, he remained quiet.
Gittarackur pulled out three needles, carrying them in between his fingers. He took a step in Sinbad's direction. "Oh wait, I will fail the Hunter Exam if I do kill him."
Killua sighed in relief.
"I will just wait till this is over then kill him once I become a Hunter," Gittarackur said, plotting Sinbad's assassination in front of everyone. Sinbad's intuition told him to remain quiet, feeling that the man wasn't a threat. "Killua, you are incapable of having friends. You don't understand what it means to establish that type of relationship. All you have been thinking about is if you were strong enough to kill him."
"No!" Killua lifted his back foot to take a step back.
Gittarackur sprinted to stand directly in front of Killua, raising his hand only a few inches from Killua's forehead. "Take a single step back and I will assume you wish to fight me. But, Kill, you wouldn't dare move an inch because I have taught you to run and avoid any threat that is stronger than you."
Killua's breath quickened as his heart pounded in fear.
"However, if you don't fight back, I will rip Sinbad's heart out right in front of you," said Gittarachur, keeping his hand level with Killua's sweaty forehead.
There, in that instant, Sinbad found what he was waiting for. An important revelation that opened his eyes and mind to the possibilities that which Nen could achieve. He sensed Gittarachur's Nen become active inside of Killua's forehead, thus manipulating his thoughts and emotions.
Sinbad's heart pumped in excitement. 'Nen can live and breathe inside of humans with and without their knowledge of it. A Manipulator's Nen could achieve such feats!'
Noticing the drama between the controlling older brother and hopeless younger brother, Sinbad laughed annoyingly loud. With his hands on his hips, he continued to laugh till everyone looked at him crazy.
He stopped and then pointed at Killua. "You want to become friends with me, Killua?"
Embarrassed, Killua looked away and then whispered, "Yes."
"We are already great friends!" Sinbad shouted. He shot a quick glance at his older brother, then he dramatically unsheathed his blue ornate sword. Sinbad pointed the tip of his blade at Gittarackur. "If you don't wish to kill anymore, then I will slay anyone who wishes you harm. I will be your executor."
Leorio held back his tears. "Sinbad, you are incredible."
Menchi wiped away her own tears.
Unbeknownst to Killua, his own eyes began to water as he felt a great dam break inside of him. Chaotically, he wiped the endless tears from his eyes.
Sinbad took a step toward them.
"Careful," Chairman Netero said.
"I did nothing while I had been threatened," Sinbad took another step forward. Members of the Hunter Association sprinted to make a barricade in front of him, blocking his path to Gittarackur. "You're wrong about Killua, you psychotic controlling older brother. He wasn't hanging out with me to see if he could kill me or not, he was seeking a friend strong enough to help him escape the chains of his family."
Gittarackur's hand fell to his side. "Is that–"
"And I take threats on my life very very seriously," Sinbad said, taking another step forward. He was in striking distance between the barricade of people. "The reason why I'm not going to kill you right now isn't because of the Hunter License, I could give a shit about that. But I don't want to ruin the image of Killua's big brother."
Sinbad sheathed his blade and turned around, walking back to the sideline next to the astonished Yama. "However, if I ever see you again, I will not hesitate to end your life on the spot."
"Is that so?" Gittarackur returned his needles back into his pocket. Unaffected by Sinbad's threat, he turned back to his little brother. "I will keep that in mind."
Knowing of the risk Sinbad's words and actions he put himself through for his own sake, Killua hardened his resolve and glared at his older brother. "Illumi, I am going to be a Hunter and travel with Sinbad."
Illumi remained quiet but kept his dark empty eyes on Killua.
"I forfeit the match," declared Killua.
"The winner of the sixth match and the sixth applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Gittarackur!" Masta announced.
Emotionlessly, Illumi walked to stand with the rest of the applicants and Examiners. He stood at the opposite end of Sinbad. 'Oh well, Dad will be displeased but Kill is young. I just need to be patient and learn more about this Sinbad before I get rid of him.'
"Come forth, Kurapika!" Masta announced, waving for the blonde haired teen to approach the center of the room. Kurapika did as told and calmly walked till he stood in front of Killua. Immediately, he pulled out his dual wield wooden bokken which were linked by thread. "Let the seventh match of the Final Phase: Killua versus Kurapika! Begin!"
'I have to watch out for his speed and razor sharp fingernails,' Kurapika thought as he strained his eyes to focus on Killua. 'I must track and even anticipate his actions.'
And then, Killua vanished out of Kurapika's sights. Even with all his preparation and caution, Killua was too fast for Kurapika. To minimize the damage and partially out of fear, Kurapika protected his face. Killua's heavy fist crashed into Kurapika's gut.
The incredible power from the single uppercut pushed Kurapika backward a few feet, he swallowed the bile and spit from shooting out of his mouth. Disorientated and in pain, Kurapika kept his guard up and his weapons at the ready.
'I've never fought an assassin before but judging on Killua's personality I've learned over the course of the Exams. He would attack the same spot twice and then go for the finishing blow.' Kurapika's tactful mind raced as he lowered his weapons. Confidently, Killua walked toward Kurapika and then performed Rhythm Echo, blurring into multiple clones. 'However, his nature should tell him to attack my legs. It would be easier to force me into submission. No, he would–'
Kurapika tried anticipating Killua, predicting him to attack at his back. He turned, precisely slashing horizontal with his left wooden bokken. Kurapika's eyes widened in shock as he guessed correctly as the real Killua came into sight and his attack was inches away from Killua's head.
Kurapika's left bokken swiped at nothing as Killua ducked, completely dodging the attack. However, Kurapika was prepared, already following his attack with his right bokken. In a bright flash, Kurapika's wooden weapon shattered and then he felt five pinpricks against his neck.
Killua gripped Kurapika's neck with his razor sharp fingernails and ridiculous grip strength. "Forfeit."
Kurapika coughed for air as he ignored Killua's demand. 'His speed and agility surpasses my prediction.'
"Shit!" Leorio complained on the sidelines.
Kurapika struggled for air as he glared down at Killua's sinister dark eyes.
"Forfeit," demanded Killua in a cold tone. His grip tightened around Kurapika's neck, trails of blood fell from the five wounds.
"I-I can't," mumbled Kurapika, he couldn't help taking a glance at Leorio. As he looked away, Killua's fist crushed Kurapika's stomach. Unbearable pain exploded from his core causing him to spit out blood and bile.
"Please, Kurapika," Killua pleaded for Kurapika's sake because deep down, he didn't want to hurt him. "I have trained all my life learning thousands of ways to extract information from my enemies and they will hurt."
'I know, dumbass.' Kurapika thought as his consciousness began to fade.
"Kurapika!" Leorio shouted, taking two steps forward earning the members of the association to cut him off.
"Take another step forward and Kurapika will be forfeited," warned one of the members.
"I forfeit," whispered Kurapika, immediately Killua dropped him. Gasping for air, Kurapika clutched at his burning chest and injured stomach.
"The winner of the seventh match and the seventh applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Killua!" Masta announced.
Sinbad and Killua nodded to each other as Killua approached and stood by him.
Kurapika continued to heave to catch his breath.
"Come forth, Leorio!" Masta announced, and then eventually Leorio stood in front of Kurapika. "Let the final match of the Final Phase of the 287th Hunter Exam: Kurapika versus Leorio! Begin!"
"I forfeit," Leorio declared as he walked over to his suitcase and slung it over his shoulder. "Go avenge your clan, Kurapika. I can be a doctor without that stupid Hunter License. It's better this way, becoming a Hunter without Gon. How could I live with myself?"
"Leorio…" muttered Kurapika.
"The winner of the final match and the eighth applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam is Kurapika!" Masta declared as he then waved his hands. "The 287th Hunter Exams have concluded!"