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368 HxH: The Strongest Assassin
🕑 Added 2025-03-18 06:00:05 +0000 UTCAt first, no one took the test seriously.
There was even a chubby guy running forward with a laptop in one hand, barely paying attention to his surroundings.
But as time went on, the gap between the examinees started to widen. Some people could still keep up with Satotz, while others gradually fell behind.
Kaizen maintained a steady pace, his breathing even, showing no signs of exhaustion. While running, he wasn't just focusing on the race—he was developing his abilities at the same time.
His goal was to refine his Nen beasts, fusing them and evolving new techniques. Generally speaking, most Nen users didn't develop too many abilities, as mastering them required time, effort, and precision. Instead of creating brand-new abilities, they would refine their existing ones, much like leveling up skills in a game.
First, you learn the basic skill. As you grow stronger, that skill evolves into an intermediate version, and then finally into an advanced form—like a branching skill tree.
But Kaizen, as of now, only had one main abilities.
The one was Observer's Will, a core ability of his.
However, as a reincarnator, Kaizen had a unique advantage. The Nen beasts he created weren't random—each one was inspired by his past life's memories. Because of this, he didn't need to waste time designing them from scratch.
Previously, Kaizen hadn't felt the urgency to refine this ability. But now, after witnessing Raiken's power, he realized the potential of merging different Nen beast traits. Natsu had already taken over the role that Raiken once occupied, and Kaizen saw an opportunity to refine his fusion technique even further.
"I don't have to integrate them immediately."
"I can wait until I absorb new traits from the Hunter Exam… then create something even better."
...
By now, many examinees had fallen so far behind that they couldn't even see the examiner anymore. Those lacking physical endurance were beginning to despair.
If a person reaches their limit but can still see their goal, they might push forward like a desperate dog chasing a bone.
But if they lose sight of the finish line entirely? If they have no clue how much farther they need to go?
That's when they break.
Some people stopped, choosing to rest. Others turned around, giving up completely. For them, the Hunter Exam was over.
Tonpa, ever the sadistic veteran, spotted the chubby guy with the laptop and seized the moment to strike a psychological blow.
"Tch. Newbies should know their place."
The chubby guy, already on edge, lost control. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground.
Thud!
Sweat drenched his clothes. His body trembled. Tears welled up in his eyes.
Tonpa smirked, satisfied.
...
Meanwhile, at the front of the pack, Gon and Killua were maintaining their impressive lead.
Physically, they were both monsters.
One was a Zoldyck, raised in a family of assassins.
The other had grown up fending for himself in the wilderness, developing strength beyond that of normal children.
Satotz glanced back at them, his eyes gleaming with approval.
"Not bad at all."
"As expected of Ging's son…"
"And the next generation of Zoldycks."
Their raw talent was undeniable.
From a distance, Hisoka watched, amusement flickering in his eyes. Even from this simple running test, he could already gauge their potential.
"Heh. Interesting."
But his focus soon shifted.
He turned his gaze toward Kaizen.
Gon and Killua were promising, but they were still too immature. And as for Killua? Hisoka had no interest in a child who was still shackled by his brother's influence.
"Now's not the right time to make a move."
He reined in his anticipation. The real fun would come later.
...
More and more people dropped out. Compared to last year, this Hunter Exam was clearly more brutal.
And that was intentional.
The Hunter Association always adjusted the difficulty based on the candidates' abilities. With examinees like Hisoka, Illumi, Gon, Killua, Hanzo, Bokkle, and Kaizen in the mix, the bar had been set much higher.
If they didn't make the exam tougher, too many people would pass. The process would drag on needlessly.
...
Suddenly, a beam of light appeared ahead.
A staircase emerged in the distance, leading toward an exit.
"Finally."
"We made it."
"It's over."
Kaizen was among the second wave of candidates to arrive, keeping a low profile. Gon and Killua, on the other hand, drew plenty of attention. It wasn't every day that kids their age not only survived the first phase but did so while leading the pack.
Even Illumi and Hanzo took notice.
"These two brats… they're really something."
Satotz checked his stopwatch.
Kurapika sprinted through the exit.
Gon scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face.
"Where's Leorio?"
His voice carried a note of concern.
