A few candidates managed to remain standing, but they numbered less than ten. Among the protagonists, Leorio struggled the most, crawling on all fours, his entire body shaking. Kurapika's grip on his weapon had stiffened, his limbs seemingly out of his control. At least he stayed upright.
Killua handled him better than most. The white-haired boy resembled an excited cat, fixing Oboro with razor-sharp eyes filled with killing intent. But as Killua approached Oboro, the pressure of the assessor's own murderous aura became increasingly palpable, slicing through his skin like countless invisible blades.
Years of training from the Zoldyck family proved their worth as Killua moved forward, step by cautious step. But even he began to show signs of strain, a tingling sensation creeping through his mind, followed by waves of nausea.
"Kill you."
The sudden laugh that pierced the air after Killua's tenth step startled him into an instant retreat. Landing, he looked up at Oboro's playful expression and felt his anger rise. He'd been so close, only to be deliberately pushed back even further.
"Kurapika! Leorio!"
Gon, who had managed to steady his trembling form, turned to extend his hands to his companions. Understanding his intention, they struggled forward until the three could clasp hands.
Oboro silently praised the display. A person's strength, including mental strength, could be limited, but external factors could change one's mind. The support of companions, the pressure of desperate situations, the shadow of death - all of these could bring about change. Yet few could actually undergo such a transformation.
"Killua!"
At Gon's call, Killua thought for a moment before stepping forward to join hands with his friend. As the candidates struggled against the overwhelming pressure, two figures effortlessly crossed the finish line to stand beside Oboro Hisoka and Illumi.
Casually flipping a card between his fingers, Hisoka looked at Oboro. "When did it happen?"
He asked when Oboro had first met Gon and the others.
"It was some time ago," Oboro replied softly, his voice carried only to Hisoka through the distorting waves of murderous intent. "As you can see, her potential is remarkable. In that aspect alone, I cannot compare."
"He's mine," Hisoka warned.
"Do not worry. I don't share your particular interests," Oboro scoffed.
"Did you teach him anything?" Hisoka pressed. "I see shadows of a familiar style. Given your connection, I can guess that his physical abilities, explosive power and aura control come from you."
Oboro raised an eyebrow. Having missed the first phase, he hadn't witnessed Gon's growth. The breathing techniques he'd taught the boy were basic static exercises that could only marginally improve strength. The Gon before him remained far too weak to surprise Oboro.
But for Hisoka, this was the discovery of a particularly sweet fruit. If Oboros assessment was correct, the Gon would be the perfect replacement.
"I merely provided the polish," Oboro said. "His talent with aura and physical qualities are natural gifts."
"Like yours?" Illumi smiled.
"You both pass," Oboro announced, tired of the exchange.
Hisoka and Illumi moved to the group of Hanzo and Pokkle. Time crept forward as Gon's quartet advanced at a glacial pace, each step taking several minutes to stabilize. Killua could have moved faster alone, but something in Gon's eyes made refusal impossible.
Her display touched something deep within the Observers. The other lucid candidates took note and tried to replicate the group's strategy. But they captured only the surface, missing the essential bond that drove Gon and his companions forward.
"Hurry, time is running out," Oboro urged through a yawn.
Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio were drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, but their eyes burned with determination. When the fortieth minute struck, the four crossed the finish line together. The crushing pressure vanished instantly. While Killua remained standing, his three companions collapsed from exhaustion.
"As expected from Mr. Oboro, so strong!" Gon grinned from the ground and wiped the sweat from his brow.
Oboro's test had primarily targeted the four protagonists, and they had succeeded. The remaining examiners restrained their murderous intentions enough to allow other candidates to finish. Still, the pass rate was dramatically lower than the original second phase, with only twelve remaining.
Besides the core four, Hisoka's group of four, Bodoro, the snake charmer Pokkle, Geretta and Ponzu had made it through. The others, including the Amori brothers, Tonpa, Sommy with his monkey, Anita, and the sharpshooter Shishito who had shot Illumi, were all eliminated.
Word of the results would soon reach the other examiners, who would adjust their own tests accordingly.
"Congratulations to the twelve who have passed this stage," Oboro announced. "Take a short rest. An airship will soon arrive to transport you to the next venue." He turned to Kurapika and added, "The book is on the airship."
Kurapika remained silent.
The four friends retreated to a nearby tree and spoke in hushed tones. Leorio, the oldest of the group, kept stealing glances at Oboro as he questioned the others. Even without actively listening, Oboro knew the subject was questions about himself, of course. Three of the four knew him, which made Leorio curious.
Gon answered openly, painting Oboro as truly benevolent. Killua's additions turned him back into an unforgivable villain. Leorio's mind seemed to short out trying to reconcile the contradictions.
"Gon," Oboro called after a while, waving the boy over. When Gon jogged up, he continued, "I met your father. I have his contact information if you'd like."
"You met him?" Gon paused, then bowed politely. "Thank you, but I don't want to contact him that way. I want to stand before him with my own abilities. Besides, a sudden call would be awkward. I wouldn't know what to say."
"Indeed," Oboro nodded. "Mito's assessment of him was spot on. Meeting him left an extremely bad impression!"
The statement came from the irritation that Ging had seen through all his plans and tactics. As an opponent, it was maddening. He didn't mind expressing his frustration.
"Well," Gon shifted uncomfortably, not sure how to react.
"But he's strong," Oboro added suddenly.
"I thought so!" Gon nodded.
"Oh? How so?"
A touch of curiosity colored his tone.
"After you left Whale Island, I met another hunter named Kite," Gon explained. "He told me a few things about Ging."
"Did you mention me?"
Oboro's eyes narrowed.
"I did." "And he said nothing about me?"
"No."
By the time Gon met Kite, Oboro must have completed Netero's task and gained considerable recognition. Kite must have heard about him. This meant that Kite knew about his visit to Whale Island and might have informed Ging. Maybe Ging had known about Oboro's contact with his son all along.
The thought made him smile secretly.
"I want to be a hunter because I believe the profession must be incredible," Gon said seriously. "Not only Ging, but seeing you as a Hunter, Mr. Oboro, makes me even more certain! I'm not taking the test for Ging, I want to become a Hunter for myself."
Oboro ruffled the boy's hair.
"I have a question," Gon said after a short hesitation.
"Yes?"
"Who is stronger, you or Ging?"
"Why do you ask?"
The question surprised Oboro.
"I want, I want to try to surpass both of you!"
"That might take a while," Oboro answered directly, not wanting to avoid the question. "Comparing Ging and myself is difficult at the moment, but in my heart, I know that I'm the strongest!"
"Always believe in yourself."
At these words, Gon's dark eyes suddenly glowed with inspiration. At that moment, he felt something inexplicable coming from Oboro.