"This is the Hunter Exam. Unexpected things always happen. There are millions of participants every year, and only one out of ten thousand makes it to the official venue. As rookies, you've already done very well. If it were you, I'd be happy to guide you again next year."
Mr. Kiriko didn't enter the private room. He stood at the doorway, his tone serious. Mr. Magical Beast meant well, but he really ought to have more confidence in them. We'll definitely pass this year. There won't be any 'next year', Lu ou thought to himself.
Swish, swish, swish.
Mr. Kiriko reached into his coat and flicked four plates out one by one, sending them neatly into the hands of the four youths. Sure enough, some things might change—but some things never would.
Even though more people had reached Doli Island due to Lu Ou's sacrificial sea ritual, and even though the schedule had been moved up, the exam numbers were exactly the same as in the original story.
Leorio received number 40.
Kurapika received 404.
Gon received 405.
"No… there is a difference," Lu Ou thought quietly, pinching the 406 plate between his fingers.
"Do your best, rookies." Mr. Kiriko finally smiled, waved his hand, and prepared to leave.
"Thank you."
Lu Ou and Gon exchanged a glance. In perfect sync, they stepped forward and extended their hands.
"Mr. Kiriko, thank you."
Mr. Fox froze for a moment, then his eyes curved into a smile as he reached out, shaking hands with Lu Ou and Gon in turn.
Sometimes, not being recognized at all could be very lonely.
"Being thanked… that's nice."
After greeting the owner, Mr. Kiriko left the restaurant. He stared at the hand he had shaken for quite some time before smiling to himself, clearly in a good mood.
Zzz—
"All steak sets are ready!"
The server's voice was as pleasant as a warbling oriole. She and the owner each carried two trays into the private room and distributed the food.
"You arrived early today. If it's not enough, just let me know," said the plump owner cheerfully.
"Thank you, boss. We really appreciate your hospitality," Lu Ou replied.
The others echoed their thanks.
"Gon, pass me that orange package," Lu Ou said.
"Okay."
Without even turning around, Gon reached into his backpack and pulled out the item—a fist-sized orange bundle.
Lu Ou opened it, revealing pale pink fruit inside. Each one was round, plump, and about the size of a plum—instantly appetizing.
He didn't know what the fruit was, but he had grabbed it after the guard beasts were scared off by Mr. Fox. Anything guarded by magical beasts had to be good.
"Boss, thank you for the meal. This is a small gift—please try some. And you too, miss, you've worked hard."
The server laughed happily and popped one into her mouth. Her almond-shaped eyes widened.
"So good!"
The flavor couldn't be described as simply sweet and sour—it was layered, complex, and utterly addictive.
"Of course it is," the owner laughed. "That's Jian Fruit. It only grows in harsh environments and is extremely rare."
He clapped Lu Ou on the shoulder and accepted the package.
"You've got good taste, kid. Not many people would give something like this away."
Lu Ou smiled indifferently, memorizing the name. So it's called Jian Fruit.
Earlier on the road, he had asked Mr. Kiriko about plant identification guides. Apparently, the Hunter world didn't really have comprehensive fruit or plant encyclopedias—sometimes you'd find partial ones, but nothing systematic.
Lu Ou carried a notebook with him. Everything he learned through firsthand questioning went into it. Once he became a Gourmet Hunter, he planned to compile a food identification guide—for the benefit of all the food lovers in the Hunter world.
The owner stuffed one into his mouth as well and found it even better than the ones he'd eaten before. In high spirits, he declared generously:
"I'll have the kitchen add a few extra dishes later. Eat your fill here!"
With that, he called the server and left.
The steaks before them sizzled and smoked, rich aromas filling the air and tempting everyone.
"Smells amazing…"
Leorio hadn't coveted the Jian Fruit at all—his attention was entirely on the steak. As a true carnivore, steak naturally held far more appeal. He was the first to dig in, wielding his knife and fork smoothly. The precise motions were almost surgical—his future as a competent surgeon seemed inevitable.
"Let's eat!" Gon cheered and followed suit.
Lu Ou, however, had bigger plans on his mind. He finished his steak in just a few bites. Seeing that the other three still had plenty left, he decided to take care of things first.
"Gon, you guys keep eating. I'm going to ask the boss for a favor. I'll be right back."
"Do you need help?" Gon asked seriously, setting down his utensils.
Kurapika and Leorio also looked up, clearly ready to assist.
"Relax. If I need help, I'll call you. We're partners, after all."
Lu Ou paused, then smiled.
Since arriving in the Hunter world, he'd always felt a lack of security. He'd prepared all kinds of tools, worked hard to develop his Nen ability—anything to increase his odds of survival. But now, he realized the Hunter world wasn't just dangerous.
It was passionate. It was exhilarating.
Seeing the others return to their meals, Lu Ou left the room to find the owner.
"Boss, do you have a moment? I'd like to discuss something."
He found the owner relaxing at one end of the bar, holding a steaming cup of something that smelled fresh and herbal—similar to tea, though Lu Ou couldn't identify it. Perhaps it was unique to this world.
"What is it?" the owner asked leisurely. He didn't refuse—after all, he'd just accepted such rare fruit.
"Well… it's just that I want to get along better with the other examinees. I was hoping you'd do me a favor. Here's the idea…"
Lu Ou leaned in and explained his plan in detail.
To avoid dying during the Hunter Exam, Lu Ou had gone to great lengths. After much thought, he had finally come up with a solid plan.
While Lu Ou was preparing to make a big move—
Elsewhere, Gon and the others were beginning to disagree among themselves…