The Otonari's Last (Hunter X Hunter Fanfic) [Indefinite Hiatus]

IV - the Second...and a Half Phase

Before Menchi can even move, Buhara's fist lands an uppercut to participant 255's jaw and sends him flying. My eyes widen slightly as I watch him shoot into the air before hitting the wall and falling to the ground.

"Buhara, don't interfere," Menchi states, a deadly expression still on her face.

"Well..." Buhara starts, dropping his arm and turning to look at her. "If I hadn't intervened, you'd have killed him, right?"

"Probably," Menchi admits. She stands up and begins walking down the steps, pulling out four knives so two rested in each of her hands. "Let me clarify this... We frequently venture into the dens of ferocious beasts, searching for ingredients. Every Hunter knows some kind of martial art." While saying this, she begins juggling the knives while spinning them. "You lack focus and the willingness to experiment. That alone disqualifies you from being Hunters!" She catches the four knives in one hand, directing their tips to point at us.

"That said," a broadcasted voice calls from above, "it would be excessive to pass only one applicant." We look up to see a blimp with the symbol of the Hunters Association painted on the side. As we watch, a figure jumps from the airship, plummeting toward us quickly. The figure lands, creating a crater in the ground and blowing dust up into our faces.

"Who's that old geezer?" someone questions once the dust clears and we can make out the person standing before us. The older-looking - but obviously still very agile - man walks toward Menchi, his wispy white hair moving with the light breeze.

"The Chairman of the Selection Committee," Menchi answers, stepping forward to meet the man at the bottom of the stairs. "He's in charge of the Hunter Exam... Chairman Netero."

This is Chairman Netero? I think to myself, studying the man quietly.

"Well, I work behind the scenes," Netero says nonchalantly. "I only take action when there's an issue, like now. So, Ms. Menchi..."

"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, and I made the exam harder than necessary."

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

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

Chairman Netero nods, seemingly happy with her apology. "But it would be difficult to find another examiner on such short notice."

"I apologize..." Menchi bows slightly.

"Very well, how about this?" Netero starts after thinking for a moment. "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."

"Alright," Menchi says with a small grin. "Then the new challenge will be boiled eggs! Chairman, can you take us to Mount Split-in-Half in your airship?"

Ignoring the applicants' confused murmurs, Chairman Netero agrees. We board the blimp and wait as we travel to the mystery mountain Menchi spoke of. I hung out with the boys the whole time, making jokes and playing short games. When we arrive, we exit the ship and stand on a mountain that is literally split in half. We gather near the split, some standing and some crouching.

"Now, everyone," Menchi says, gathering our attention. "Look down there."

"What is that?"

"A Spider Eagle's web," the minty-haired woman replies.