章節 121: 121: Is It Really Okay to Watch the Fun from the Sidelines?
Although Pokkle next door didn't look pleased, it was only because he wasn't used to these situations. Still, he weighed his options and realized that this matchup suited him.
Feeling more confident, he stole a glance at Hanzo and Leorio standing nearby, a smirk forming.
"Hmph. I may not be the most well-read person, but I've probably read more than the two of you. There's no way your answers were as good as mine, and that's why you two are struggling now."
A glimmer of amusement danced in his eyes—he couldn't help but feel some satisfaction.
Netero, observing from the side, noted everyone's reactions with great interest. The way Hanzo, Leorio, and Kurapika had handled the earlier questions left a deep impression on him. Even though Pokkle didn't voice his thoughts like the others, Netero could tell what was on his mind. With a mischievous grin, Netero thought:
Not good enough? No, no... You're perfect! Just perfect! I've worked hard to arrange this exactly how I wanted—giving you opportunities that fit your abilities while making things delightfully uncomfortable.
Hohohoho... Are you surprised? Are you?
If Hanzo, Leorio, and Kurapika knew the depths of Netero's mischievousness, they'd likely regret their every move. But aside from them, the rest of the examinees had no objections, and soon, the gong sounded to begin the final round of the Hunter Exam.
The referee for this round was Satotz, who had guided them through the earlier phases.
First up was a match between Kurapika and Hisoka. It was over before it even began. Hisoka leaned in, whispering something in Kurapika's ear, and then casually surrendered.
Kurapika stood frozen, Hisoka's words echoing in his mind:
"Let me tell you about the Spider..."
The unsettling hint lingered, throwing Kurapika off-balance. He knew that their paths were destined to cross again.
Following that, the second match was announced: Gon vs. Leorio.
This matchup caught everyone's attention. Not only did the examinees sit up straighter, but even the examiners leaned in with anticipation.
In the audience, Lippo, the prison warden of Trick Tower, grinned from ear to ear, sneaking a bag of soundless kapok candy to enjoy the spectacle.
"Now this," Lippo whispered excitedly, "is even better than the morning TV dramas!"
The relationship between Gon and Leorio was well-known—from friends to partners, and now rivals. The crowd hadn't expected this emotional confrontation. Under the exam's strict rules, even close friends had to fight each other.
Leorio and Gon exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions begging for help from Kurapika and Ronnel.
Kurapika, lost in thought after Hisoka's cryptic words, was of no use. Ronnel, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the unfolding drama. He strolled over to Lippo, casually sharing some small cakes and watching the fight with amusement.
"..."
Leorio:
"..."
The rest of the examinees and examiners:
"...Aren't you two supposed to be friends? Hello?!"
Killua stood off to the side, exasperated but silent. Knowing Ronnel, there was no point in saying anything. He stayed on the sidelines, quietly observing.
The tense silence between Gon and Leorio stretched until finally, Leorio spoke up.
"Gon... Do you remember what Ronnel told us back at the steakhouse? About his first exam?"
Gon blinked, trying to recall. "His first... exam?"
"That's right! He said, 'If you can't avoid the fight, you've gotta face it head-on!'" Leorio's voice grew louder, his determination blazing.
"Gon, if you want to become a Hunter, get your license, and find your father—" Leorio tore off his suit and tie, throwing them aside.
"—then come at me with everything you've got! If you defeat me, I'll admit defeat without hesitation!"
The crowd held their breath as Leorio locked eyes with Gon, his gaze unwavering.
Gon's expression shifted—he could see the pain and love hidden beneath Leorio's fierce words.
"Leorio..." Gon whispered, his heart heavy. But deep down, he knew Leorio was right.
The referee, Satotz, announced the start of the match.
They squared off, neither wanting to hurt the other, but both understanding what was at stake. In the end, Leorio was the one to yield, forfeiting the match so Gon could move forward.
Even though he lost, Leorio smiled—relieved, free-spirited. Gon, on the other hand, looked troubled by the outcome.
As Leorio left the stage, his eyes shifted toward Pokkle and Bodoro. A spark of renewed determination flared in his gaze.
"Alright! If it's them, I've got a good shot at winning. Next time, I absolutely won't lose!"
Meanwhile, the next match was announced: Ronnel vs. Hanzo.
This one promised to be intense. The stakes were high—whoever lost would face Hisoka in the next round. Hanzo's expression darkened, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
When the two fighters took their positions, Hanzo immediately adopted a defensive stance, eyeing Ronnel warily. At the same time, he switched into chatter mode, attempting to throw Ronnel off-balance:
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