49 Training X Spectating X An Unexpected Ranking

Though that was what he said, Gon, who had just awoken, was still extremely weak; the effect of the special anesthetic concocted by the arrogant black-faced man was truly remarkable. Even with Kurama’s timely aid, Gon remained limp and powerless. That was why the mere fact he could flip himself over and wriggle about beneath the blanket, stubbornly striving to move, only made his unusual constitution—and his unyielding obsession with Ging—all the more apparent.

Kurama asked Mokona to keep an eye on Gon and ensure the unruly child remained tucked in, while he himself went to prepare breakfast for the three of them.

Having received Kurama’s promise to answer all his questions about Ging in detail after breakfast, Gon finally quieted down and began to take stock of his surroundings.

It seemed they were inside the abandoned den of some magical beast. Strange, luminous plants—of a kind Gon could not name—crept along the cave walls, casting a gentle yet bright glow that illuminated the space as clearly as midday.

Within the dry, pleasant cave, several oddly shaped metal frames were set near the entrance. Observing the actions of the red-haired youth—who had rescued him and must be Ging’s friend—Gon guessed these were tools for cooking. The aroma of food gradually filling the cave confirmed his suspicions.

Gon’s own spot was deeper inside the cave. Besides the soft bed he lay upon, there was a luxurious, spacious camping tent, its flap partially rolled up. Through the opening, Gon could see the white little creature—addressed by the youth as “Mokona”—scurrying inside, rummaging for something...

All this stood in stark contrast to Gon’s expectations of the “Hunter Exam.” Neither the red-haired youth nor the white creature behaved as if they were participants in a grueling test; it was more like a camping trip.

The boy pressed his lips together, recalling his own dismal state, and a wave of dejection washed over him. They were both here to take the exam, yet this person’s circumstances were utterly different from his own.

While he had been manipulated, pitied by Hisoka, and finally collapsed wretchedly in the grass, this other had found a safe and comfortable refuge, living with such ease that he must have already completed his exam tasks.

The upheaval of the previous day had left Gon in a turbulent mood, and now his thoughts were particularly gloomy and dispirited.

Kurama, naturally, noticed Gon’s change at once.

Yet he said nothing. Even after breakfast was ready, he merely called Mokona over, and the two of them ate together boisterously. Gon’s portion was thoughtfully prepared—something that he could easily scoop up with a spoon and eat without effort—set within arm’s reach, but left otherwise unattended.

It wasn’t that Kurama didn’t care about Gon; rather, he knew that this approach was truly considerate of the boy’s feelings.

A child who, in essence, shared so much with Ging would never want others to see him at his weakest and most helpless—especially when that “other” was his father’s friend, whom he’d so long sought.

Having already embarrassed himself enough before this person, if he were to be spoon-fed like a feeble invalid...

Kurama thought, Gon would probably want to dig a hole on the spot and bury himself out of shame.

Even in the original story, even when left entirely alone, Gon had struggled to hide himself away in a hollow tree trunk.

It wasn’t merely about safety and concealment; Kurama believed that, back then, Gon had simply not wanted anyone to see him in such a powerless state.

That was why he later threw himself into helping Kurapika and Leorio, even to the point of disregarding his own safety.

This child wanted to prove he wasn’t useless, that he could help his friends just as they had helped him.

He wasn’t so pitiful, not so powerless.

In this, he was truly just like Ging.

Kurama sighed silently, cradling the white ball of fluff contentedly gnawing a post-meal fruit, and strolled over to Gon.

The boy, struggling to push aside his now-empty plate, noticed Kurama’s approach and faltered in his movements.

Kurama pretended not to notice and sat down beside him with perfect ease.

“Are you feeling better?” His tone was free of any excess, only genuine concern and a hint of worry.

Sure enough, Gon’s tense shoulders relaxed, and much of the wariness left his eyes.

“Other than being weak all over, I’m all right.” He managed a small smile. “Thank you for your help. I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused you.”

Such polite words were hardly Gon’s usual style.

Kurama waved the apology away, unbothered.

“No need to thank me. I promised Ging I’d look after you a bit. But I imagine you wouldn’t want to be fussed over, so this is all I’ll do for you.”

At this, Gon’s expression relaxed visibly—not just because Kurama’s manner put him at ease, but because he’d confirmed again that this was Ging’s friend, and that Ging had even asked him to take care of his son.

“You know Ging? He asked you to look after me?” Gon struggled to sit up, his eyes shining. “How did Ging know you’d run into me? Did he guess I’d take the Hunter Exam? But that doesn’t make sense! Even if I did, it’s not as if we’d necessarily meet, right?”

“But, whatever, that’s not important. Can you tell me where you met Ging? What is he doing now, and where will he go next? If he asked you to look after me, did he say when he’d come find you again, or...?”

A barrage of questions tumbled out, revealing the boy’s excitement and anxiety.

Kurama understood Gon’s agitation and did not interrupt. He simply smiled and let the boy ask to his heart’s content, only teasing him with a glance when Gon finally realized he’d been too eager and covered his mouth in embarrassment.

“No need to rush. I’ll tell you everything, one by one.” His voice was gentle and reassuring.

“Let’s start with how I met Ging. It was in a primeval jungle known as the ‘Forbidden Zone of Life’...”

Leaving out details unfit for Gon’s ears, Kurama recounted his encounter and friendship with Ging as thoroughly as possible. As for the G.I. test, he didn’t mention it at all; he only said that Ging had asked a favor of him, and after it was done, they spoke again. When Kurama mentioned he was planning to take the Hunter Exam, Ging, while helping him gather information, spotted Gon’s name on the applicant list—thus the request to look after the boy.

“But Ging also said his son would be just like him—a strong child who wouldn’t rely on others. So he only wanted me to keep watch and make sure you didn’t suffer any fatal harm. As for danger or getting hurt, he said those are the experiences a real man should have, the badges of honor to boast about afterward.”

With a warm smile, Kurama finished his tale.

Seeing Gon’s eyes once more ablaze with light, immersed in stories of his father, Kurama knew there was no need to do more—Gon’s usual confidence and brightness had returned.

For now, it was best to give this boy, so full of thoughts of Ging, space to savor the memories and tales he longed for, to let his emotions settle and rediscover his own resolve.

Exchanging a glance with Mokona, Kurama quietly left the cave.

Before departing, he left Gon enough suitable food for several meals, uncertain how long he himself would be gone this time.

Indeed, Kurama was planning to spectate some unfolding plotlines.

For example: the impromptu alliance between Illumi and Hisoka; Chrollo’s never-before-seen exam process; Killua’s stylish handling of the Amori brothers...

Compared with lazing about in the cave playing games, both Kurama and Mokona preferred this kind of live spectacle.

To this end, Kurama didn’t even want to walk—these events were scattered throughout the forest, and just traveling between them would take ages!

So it was time to bring out Kurama’s favorite magical plant creation: the “Totoro Bus.”

This was a highly unusual plant from Demon World, capable of moving itself and sustaining its own nutrients by periodically planting its roots in the earth. Kurama had modified it, inspired by the Catbus from “My Neighbor Totoro,” creating a new type of plant vehicle.

Though it couldn’t compare with the original Catbus in size or function, it was fast and comfortable enough.

Kurama and Mokona boarded the “bus,” wrapped the whole carriage (about the size of a regular wagon) in illusionary plants, and sped off in the direction indicated by the dandelions’ reconnaissance.

Kurama’s chosen viewing order was: Hisoka & Illumi → Killua → Chrollo.

The first two went smoothly—the fox spirit and white fluff enjoyed snacks and a good show as they rolled cheerily along.

But when they reached Chrollo, a problem arose.

Kurama had lingered too long at Killua’s side, so when he arrived at the leader’s location, an unfortunate examinee already lay at Chrollo’s feet—his fate uncertain.

Though the dandelions’ later reports filled in the details, it wasn’t the same as witnessing it firsthand.

This left Kurama and Mokona a bit regretful, but having already seen two splendid battles, they quickly cheered up and, ahead of schedule, returned to the cave before dinner.

As expected, waiting inside was Gon, his gaze once again firm with resolve.

Though still not fully recovered, the boy insisted on chatting happily with Kurama throughout the preparation of dinner. The topics ranged from Ging to amusing stories of their own lives.

And so, Gon recuperated for three days in Kurama and Mokona’s cave, engaging in countless private conversations with Kurama. By the morning of the fourth day, when Gon bid farewell, smiling yet steadfast, he had not only regained his former self but gained something more...

(On the far side of the world, a certain someone being chased up and down by a pack of Chimera Ants suddenly sneezed fiercely...)

Kurama did not try to dissuade Gon from leaving, merely watched the boy’s back with a smile until he disappeared, then turned back to continue gaming with Mokona. Having already witnessed the most interesting exam episodes, the two contentedly reverted to their idle pastime.

Two days after Gon’s departure, Kurama and Mokona packed up their gear, took one last look around the cave they’d called home for seven days, and set off for the forest entrance where the examiners awaited.

Thanks to their illusionary plants, the journey was uneventful.

Once aboard the ship, the fox spirit found a seat to wait for the others.

As expected, besides the new additions Kurama and Chrollo, the other nine qualifiers were exactly as in the original story.

The eleven successful candidates were ferried away by a Hunter Association airship. Amidst a series of comical scenes (one candidate wildly guessing that the final exam would be a written test—so wild it startled even Hisoka and made him drop his cards), and a roundabout set of questions from the chairman, the airship finally descended at the site of the last exam.

After the rules and match list were announced, the candidates fell silent—

This order...

Could it possibly be any more surprising?!

Author’s Note: Don’t call me a clickbaiter... (silently turns away)

The Hunter Exam arc will end next chapter; the chapter after that begins Kurama’s journey to Kukuroo Mountain and the unfolding of new events! My plan is to write up to the Chimera Ant arc, or perhaps stop after the Yorknew arc since Kurama isn’t involved in the G.I. stage. As for the old chairman’s death... if necessary, I’ll just have Kurama secretly give him a cheat code for survival, because the Ant arc’s plot is far too chaotic. The prospect of re-experiencing that arc with the late-stage sketchy art style and being tormented once more by a tattered Killua is honestly more than I can bear, QAQ.

Up next is a sketch of Kurama’s Totoro Bus inspiration—the real Catbus! It’s so cute and magical! When I first watched Totoro, aside from the Totoro itself, what I wanted most was a magical bus like that. Now... I suppose I’ve fulfilled that wish vicariously through Kurama.

Lastly, as always, a preview for the next chapter: Aptitude x Duel x Zoldyck Brothers. With the addition of Kurama and Chrollo, how will the duel order—arranged by each candidate’s aptitude as a Hunter—differ from the original? Will anything unexpected occur during the matches? Will Chrollo notice Kurapika’s red eyes? And as the duels progress, the classic battle between Illumi and Killua—brother against brother—finally arrives! Stay tuned for the next chapter: “Kurama the Fox Spirit: Aptitude x Duel x Zoldyck Brothers!”

Rolling for bookmarks as always =w= I’m easy to please and take care of →