AN: Sorry for the late upload... I have been staring off chapters like this a lot lately huh? I was working on a school project today so I did not have as much time to write today. This chapter and the last one are kind of filler all things considered... I am still trying to figure out what it is I want to do with this arc. I started with a list of things or ideas I could use but I am still hashing out the plot. I am trying to use these two chapters as padding while showing some character interaction with possible plot lines being set up as I solidify what I want to do. Hopefully, tomorrow's chapter starts to feel more substantial. Though if you have any thoughts or suggestions feel free to let me know.
- - - - - End of Author Note - - - - -
"He is part of the Zodiacs, a collection of twelve of the top influential Hunters inside the association. Ging Freeces, the Boar Zodiac." taking a moment of pause to take a drink, I waited for the inevitable interjections and questions.
"And that means?" quickly swallowing his food as he raised his hand, Gon went ahead and asked the question without waiting to be prompted. At Least he wasn't talking with food in his mouth, so props for manners.
*sigh* "I just said that… Again, Zodiacs are the top contributors and most influential hunters in the association. All twelve of them hold a lot of sway within different parts of the association, working directly under chairman Netero. Some of the zodiacs are really strong Nen masters, while others are just highly specialized or well known in their field." Trying to recall a mix of meta-knowledge and information I found while midnight browsing the Hunters Database
"And Gon's old man is one of these Zodiacs huh… so what is it exactly that he does in the association?" thinking over Leorio's question, I began trying to piece together a useful response. Ging, from what little attention I paid him did not do much in the anime. Just a goal for Gon to reach, and appearing in a few scenes with exception of the chairman arc.
"Well, not much… I know he is an exploration-type hunter though I do not know the exact subcategory he is from. I would venture to assume he is a strong Nen user due to necessity when exploring dangerous areas in the world. Meaning, you have quite the work cut out for you if you are trying to find him, he doesn't really stay in one place unless he is called back by the chairman for something important." summing up what I could feasibly know, I began to lecture them on the higher bracket of the Hunter Association.
"... Then I'll definitely need to go to Greed Island, It is the only clue I have right now that can help out. Still, Thank you for telling me about my father Magenta!" Thanking me, Gon then stood up as we had finished our breakfast by that time. As we made our way to the front counter to resolve our bill we continued the conversation.
"Ah, no problem. Though do note that there are rumors going around that there is someone after all the available copies of Greed island here, Said person has a lot more money than whatever you can scrounge up today…" Still unsure of how to deal with Gon's overly sincere attitude I just nodded and took the praise. Though, immediately telling him his chances of gaining a trail to his father is probably not it.
'God, why did I say that? *sigh* well, he should be fine right?' figuring things will resolve themselves just fine regardless, I decided to not follow up and say anything.
"Oldman, you got any plans while you are here?" Walking up from behind me, Killua then initiated another line of conversation with me. Something that I honestly did not expect, as most of our interactions have been mostly antagonistic all things considered.
"Hmm, somewhat? I got a list of things I would like to do while here, why are you asking?" deciding to be cordial, I went kept up my half of the conversation as I took out my bank card and paid the bill for our group.
"I just figured if you weren't doing anything you could help us out with raising money for the game instead of using our hotel room for free. You know, be useful for once!" And there it was! The venomous jab from Killua, something that seems to be a constant. Not that I wished for it to remain that way, he was at least somewhat sociable with everyone but me!
"Is this because I dipped early at the Hunter Exam and didn't subsequently help you get out of being grounded? Plus, I just paid for breakfast so I don't want to hear it." coming straight out and saying what was on my mind, something I picked up from my time with my teacher. Though, I should try to keep this new habit of mine in check as it seems to work with like minded people. As evident with Killua who looked like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Oi!" Quickly coming out of his stupor, he immediately bristled at me. Something I was surprised by, he has been practically conjoined at the hip with Gon and he is still not used to Enhancers.
"Yeah you did disappear on us, what was it you were doing?" walking out of the hotel lobby, we slowly made our way towards the market again. Apparently, they needed to set up shop early to get a good spot and get a jump on profits. Along the way though, Leorio began to pick up the conversation where we left off.
"Well, I was making my spot in the world. I don't have any family or a roof over my head at the moment so I was strapped for cash. I essentially started working the day I got my license, doing various item retrieval requests as I explored various areas around the world before coming here. Oh, and I got a Nen teacher…" deciding to give them my reason for ditching the group after the exams and my actions over the past while we began to converse.
"Why did you brush over that last part… *sigh* well whatever." having lost interest at that point Killua prompted to step out of the conversation as he moved to the back of the group.
"Oh! How far did you end up reaching in terms of Nen? I and Killua know Ten, Ren, Zetsu, and Gyo!" latching onto the last part of the conversation, Gon began to interrogate me about Nen. Something I didn't mind answering, as my studies on the subject have been truly engaging. So having a discussion about Nen was something I was ecstatic to have with a friend who had a similar interest.
"Ah, I got foundational or intermediate proficiency in all the Nen techniques and have a moderate grasp on my Hatsu. It was quite a fun process you know? Using Nen I mean, the training is bullshit and cruel… seriously who the hell throws their students off the top of a mountain top!?" ranting a bit at the end, I spun around as we met our destination to see the uncomfortable smiles or snickers in the case of Killua at my outburst.
"Well isn't that something…" rubbing the back of his head, Leorio chuckled at me as we quickly popped open the folding chair and table and taped on the crudely written sign of challenge.
So, Are you going to stick around today? We could really use your help today. Especially if we are to get a chance at getting a copy or two of Greed Island!" Laughing with a joy that didn't quite reach his eyes, Gon looked to be a bit perturbed. Not having given up, but down on his spirits.
"No, I want to go check up on the recent happenings of the auction. There are a few items I kind of want… Hey, While I'm there I'll try to ask around and see what's up with Greed Island so don't look so down ok?" walking away after a few challengers started to show up, I made my way to the main stage of all the coming drama.