The Otonari's Last [Draft, Discontinued]

IV - the Second...and a Half Phase

"Why, you... Don't mock me!" Number 255 suddenly rushes at Menchi.

I step in front of her, delivering a swift upper kick to his chin. His body flies a few feet off the ground before sliding to a stop in front of the gates. I pulled back enough of my strength for it to not break his jaw bone, but he'll probably have a few broken teeth. I glance at the boys, who stare at me with wide eyes. As I set my foot back on my ground, Menchi speaks again.

"Ara, don't interfere."

"Well... If she hadn't intervened, you'd have killed him, right?" Buhara asks.

"Probably. Let me clarify this..." she says, walking down the steps, two knives resting each of her hands. "We frequently venture into the dens of ferocious beasts, searching for ingredients. Every Hunter knows some form of martial art." As she says this, she throws the knives into the air and begins spinning them around. "You lack focus and the willingness to experiment. That alone disqualifies you from being Hunters!" She catches all four swords in one hand and points them toward the participants.

"That said, it would excessive to pass only one applicant," a broadcasted voice sounds from above us. We look up to see a blimp.

"That's the symbol of the Hunters Association!" one participant yells.

"Is it someone from the selection committee?" another asks. A person suddenly jumps from one of the windows of the airship, falling through the air to land between Menchi and the other participants. As the dust clears, my eyes widen.

Chairman Netero...?

"Who's that geezer?" a random participant asks.

"The Chairman of the Selection Committee," Menchi answers. "He's in charge of the Hunter Exam... Chairman Netero."

"Well, I work behind the scenes," the man says. "I only take action when there's an issue, like now. So, Menchi-kun..."

"Yes, sir."

"You failed the applicants because you disapproved of their reluctance to try new things?"

"No, sir... I lost my cool when one of the candidates insulted Gourmet Hunters." I glance at the fallen #255, who was beginning to stand back up. He glared at me, so I stared back at him emotionlessly. "And I made the exam harder than necessary."

"In other words, you're aware that this exam was unacceptable."

"Yes, sir. When cooking is involved, I loose control. I'm unqualified to be an examiner. I will resign as examiner, so please redo the Second Phase!"

"But it would be difficult to find another examiner on such short notice," Chairman Netero says.

"I apologize..." Menchi bows slightly.

"Very well. How about this? I'd like you to continue serving as an examiner, but you must also participate in the new test you propose. Is that acceptable? I'm certain that will help the applicants to accept the results."

"That's true... Then the new challenge will be boiled eggs! Chairman, can you take us to Mt. Split-in-Half in your airship?"

"Mt. Split-in-Half? I see what you're doing. Certainly, I can." We board the blimp and wait as we travel to the mystery mountain Menchi was speaking of. I hung out with the boys the whole time, making jokes and playing short games. When we arrived, we stood on a mountain that was literally split in half. We gathered near the edge, some standing and some crouching.

"Now, everyone. Look down there," Menchi says, staring into the abyss.

"What is that?" an applicant asks.