35 Chapter
Final Hours x Before Last x Phase
3k Words this chapter. I'm trying to make the novel longer and better. After Hunter Exam the chapter will probably slowly start around 3-5k words a chapter until it reaches 10k.
Vote for me!!
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"Uh~" Togiri stretched, his joints cracking slightly as he got up from his makeshift bed.
The morning sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft golden light over the island.
"I thought camping would suck on an inhabited island, but it's not too bad," he muttered to himself. "Let's start the day. Seven, what will happen today in the original story?"
@Gon learns to hunt while being shadowed by another applicant. His target is Gon.@
"Hmmm. Should I steal his ID?" Togiri wondered aloud, his mind already plotting various scenarios. Seven chimed in quickly.
@No, because he is important to Gon's encounter with Hisoka.@
Togiri sighed and sat down on a log that he had dragged over to serve as a makeshift seat. The log was rough and uneven, but it had a certain rustic charm that fit the setting.
"I don't remember such details. It's been too many years since I watched Hunter x Hunter. Anyway, what's next?"
@Gon learns the use of blood butterflies and looks for Hisoka. Ilumi and Hisoka talk via the walkie-talkie. Ilumi kills a sniper who tried to kill him.@
"I don't think I stand a chance against either of them," Togiri admitted, his fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns in the dirt. "Maybe if I used my hidden weapons... But I only brought a few with me, and I even gave the ball with the razor-sharp thin chains to Fang... Alright, continue."
@Gon finds Hisoka sitting under a tree and learns something similar to Zetsu.@
@Leorio meets Tonpa and learns information about his target, Ponzu. Leorio gets his ID stolen by Tonpa and another applicant—you know, the guy with the monkey.@
"Ah, yes. This could be an opportunity," Togiri said with a mischievous smile, already thinking of ways to exploit the situation.
@I didn't finish. Kurapika comes and helps Leorio. They team up and defeat Tonpa, the monkey guy, and the monkey. All three get tied up.@
"So now they have four ID tags," Togiri noted, picking up a stick and sketching the details in the dirt as he thought it over. The ground was firm, the dry earth leaving clear marks from his stick.
@Yes. They have their own three points each, and Kurapika has his target's ID tag for another three points. The fourth ID tag gives them only one point.@
"Anything else?" Togiri asked, his mind still racing with possibilities.
@In the evening, when the sun is setting, a spearman attacks Hisoka. He's already fatally wounded and wants to die in battle against Hisoka, but Hisoka only dodges his attacks, not giving him his wish until Ilumi kills him with one of his pins.@
Togiri interrupted, "Then Ilumi removes the pins in his head, reveals his real face, digs a hole, and hides for the rest of the time, right?"
@Almost. He gives the ID tag of the sniper he killed to Hisoka and then digs the hole.@
Togiri chuckled, shaking his head. "This is an anime world, what did I expect? Yesterday, nothing exciting happened, and today it's all plot."
He stood up and stretched again, his muscles still sore from the previous day's activities. "Anyway, I should get moving. There's no point in sitting around all day."
@At night, Hisoka moves to get his last point and finds Leorio and Kurapika. They make a deal, and Hisoka gets one ID tag from Kurapika and Leorio that would only give them one point.@
"Smart Kurapika," Togiri remarked, impressed by the strategy.
@Hisoka releases his bloodlust, and that's how the night ends.@
"As I see it, I have three options. First, should I go take an ID from someone? Second, find my target? Third, find Fang and train?" Togiri paced up and down his makeshift campsite, his mind running through various scenarios.
He glanced at his gear, which was neatly arranged on a flat rock nearby. His blades lay there, sharp and ready, but they could use a little more attention.
Togiri walked over and picked up one of the smaller blades, feeling its weight in his hand. He had always preferred lighter weapons; they allowed for quicker, more precise strikes. The blade was still sharp, but he knew it could be even sharper.
He grabbed a whetstone from his backpack and began sharpening the blade with careful, deliberate strokes. The sound of metal sliding against stone was oddly soothing, a familiar rhythm and actions that helped him focus his thoughts that he has been used to do doing for years.
"About recruiting Ponzu..." he mused as he worked. "I don't know her character or background. I should call Rika and let her investigate her. I think Ponzu can bring my hidden weapons to the next level."
After finishing with the first blade, Togiri set it aside and picked up another. This one was slightly longer, better suited for mid-range combat.
It was silent in the forest around Togiri except a few birds making sounds. The sound of the a dagger and a wetstone sharpening could be heard.
As he sharpened it, his mind drifted to his past battles and the skills he had honed over the years. He had faced many opponents, each with their own unique abilities, but none had truly pushed him to his limits. He wondered if today would be different.
Once all his blades were sharpened, Togiri set them aside and began working on his hidden weapons.
These were smaller, more intricate tools that required precision and care. He checked the mechanisms, making sure they were in perfect working order. Everything had to be flawless; even the slightest malfunction could mean the difference between life and death.
With his weapons ready, Togiri turned his attention to food. His stomach rumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since yesterday.
The island was full of potential food sources, but finding something edible would require some effort.
He grabbed a small satchel and set out into the woods, his eyes scanning the underbrush for signs of life.
It wasn't long before he spotted a small group of wild fruits growing on a bush. He carefully picked a few, examining them closely to ensure they weren't poisonous.
Satisfied with his findings, he continued his search, eventually coming across a small stream.
The water was clear and cold, and Togiri knelt down to take a drink. As he did, he noticed a few fish swimming near the surface. They were small, but they would make a decent meal.
He quickly fashioned a simple spear from a nearby branch, sharpening the tip with one of his blades, and waited patiently by the water's edge.
It took several minutes of stillness and using Zetsu before a fish ventured close enough. Togiri struck quickly, the spear piercing the water with a satisfying splash. He pulled the fish out and added it to his satchel, content with his catch.
Back at the campsite, Togiri started a small fire using some dry twigs and his lighter. The flames flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the clearing.
He cleaned the fish with expert precision, removing the scales and innards before skewering it on a stick and placing it over the fire.
As the fish cooked, Togiri leaned back against the log, enjoying the quiet solitude of the island.
The scent of roasting fish filled the air, mingling with the earthy smell of the forest. For a moment, Togiri allowed himself to relax, letting his mind wander.
He started to remember the first time he went camping with Fang and their father Arthur. Fang was stronger than most adult men, but was scared when seeing a worm wiggling on his shoes.
The mask of pretending from Togiri crumbled and genuine emotions on his face could be seen.
After finishing his meal, Togiri cleaned up the campsite, making sure to leave no trace of his presence.
He packed his gear, double and triple-checking that everything was in order. With his weapons sharpened, his belly full, and his mind focused, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
He picked up his backpack and pressed a button on a small remote. The tent collapsed neatly, folding itself into a compact bundle.
"What can't money buy? Hehe," Togiri chuckled, a devilish smile playing on his lips.
@Good character.@ 'The irony,' Togiri thought, shaking his head as he quickly stored away the travel-size tent. 'Now shut up! I need to focus.'
He took a deep breath and centered himself. 'En!' His Ken began to expand slowly, forming a spherical shape around him.
'One meter... two meters... four meters... eight meters... nine and a half. That's my limit....' Togiri began to sweat, his breath coming in shallow gasps.
'Let me direct it in only one direction. North... East... South... West...' *Huff Huff Huff* Togiri's sweat dripped onto the ground, his legs trembling slightly as he pushed his limits.
'That was a dumb attempt, why did I do it?Kite has a 45-meter radius, checks three directions while not breaking a sweat. I'm pushing my limit with just 12 meters in a single direction.'
"If only I had the talent of Gon, Killua, or Fang." @Stop whining. No matter how much you do it, it doesn't change anything.@
"If...*huff* my *huff* system wasn't so shitty, *huff* I could catch up."
@Like I said countless times before, create your Nen ability, and then you can upgrade the system. *Hmpf* You know what? My guess is you aren't waiting for a teacher; you just don't know what ability to create.@
Togiri shuddered as if struck by lightning. 'He's right. I don't know what to do. My Nen type is Conjurer. I need something with books, reviews, and rage, but thats easier said than done. Something that helps me train, something practical, an abilitd that raises my combat power?'
Togiri fell into deep thought, doubts rising within him. He had been contemplating his Nen ability for years, never quite finding something that satisfied him.
After a few minutes, he shook his head and decided to let it go for now. 'There's no point in thinking about it. I couldn't create one that satisfied me in the last few years, so a few more hours or days won't make a difference.'
He packed up the last of his things and called out, "FANG!!"
His voice echoed through the trees, but there was no response. The island was eerily quiet, the usual sounds of birds and insects absent.
Togiri frowned, hoping that Fang might hear him, though he knew the chances were slim.
With nothing else to do, Togiri decided to continue searching for Fang. His plan was to group up with him, train together, and mooch off his cooking skills.
Fang was resourceful and skilled, and Togiri knew that together they stood a better chance of passing the exam and encountering a wild card like Hisoka.
*Half a day later*
Togiri had spent hours traversing the island, moving through dense forests and rocky terrain. His senses were on high alert, constantly scanning for any sign of danger or of his friends.
The island was large, and it was easy to lose track of time while searching. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't find any of his comrades.
As the day wore on, Togiri began to feel a growing sense of frustration.
He had run into a few people he had previously saved during earlier phases of the exam. Most of them were trying to avoid conflict, but Togiri, seeing an opportunity, used his stealth and speed to steal their ID tags without injuring them.
By the time the sun began to set, Togiri had amassed enough ID tags that, if he met up with Fang, both of them could pass the exam with ease.
They even had enough to potentially trade with Hisoka for their lives if it came to that. But still, there was no sign of Fang or the others.
A few more days passed, and Togiri found himself wandering the island alone while his paranoia that something happened to Fang grew.
He kept a low profile, avoiding unnecessary fights and using his Nen to keep an eye on his surroundings.
Despite his solitary existence, he felt a strange sense of calm. The island, with its lush vegetation and secluded beaches, was almost peaceful—if not for the ever-present danger lurking in the shadows.
"Half the time on this island is over," Togiri muttered to himself one morning as he sat by a stream, sharpening one of his blades. The rhythmic scraping of metal against stone was a comforting sound, a reminder that he was prepared for whatever might come.
"I didn't expect to run into Killua, who traveled independently during this phase, but I guess I was looking forward to meeting Fang."
For the first time in days, a real smile appeared on Togiri's face. Most of the time, he wore a mask, mimicking the emotions others expected of him. But in reality, except when he was angry, he lived in a perpetual state of numbness to cope with his overwhelming negative emotions—grief, loss, and hate.
The week passed quietly, with Togiri spending most of his time alone. His only company came from Seven, who provided updates and commentary on the unfolding events, and the occasional applicants who tried to kill him and steal his ID tags.
Each encounter ended the same way, with Togiri outmaneuvering his opponents and adding another tag to his collection.
As the final hours of the exam approached, Togiri found himself growing increasingly anxious.
He hadn't heard from Fang in days, and the thought of something happening to him gnawed at Togiri's mind. He couldn't stop worrying, and finally, he decided to break their agreement.
Togiri pulled out his phone—a military-grade device capable of functioning even on an island without cell towers—and sent Fang a message.
They had promised not to use their phones except in emergencies, but Togiri concluded that this was such a case.
He typed quickly: *Fang, I left three ID tags buried under a tree marked with the initial 'T.' The tree is northwest from where we got off the boat, approximately 10 minutes from the starting location. If you need help, call me—Togiri.*
After sending the message, Togiri put the phone away and stood up.
'There are only five hours till the end of the test. I wonder what Fang has been doing for the last week and how my presence has changed the original story.'
Since the first day Togiri started drawing a map of the island. Yesterday he found single alone standing tree that was destroyed.
Huge amounts of dried blood could be seen. Different strands of hair could be found. Togiri instantly recognized the fiery red hair belonging to Fsng and the red orange hair belonging to Hisoka.
Without sleep and stopping, Togiri searched the whole island twice, but he couldn't find either Hisoka or Fang. Which meant both were alive.
With nothing left to do but wait, Togiri decided to use the remaining time to refine his skills further.
If Hisoka truly killed Fang then Togiri was ready to kill Hisoka once the last Phase of the Hunter Exam started. If Togiri still lost then he would use bombs and poison even if he were to be chased by the Hunter Association and needed to live on the run.
Togiri found a secluded spot near the edge of the island, where the dense forest met the rocky cliffs overlooking the sea.
The view was breathtaking, with waves crashing against the rocks far below and the sun beginning its slow descent toward the horizon.
Togiri set down his backpack and began a series of intense physical exercises. He started with basic stretches, loosening up his muscles, before moving on to more complex movements.
He practiced his footwork, darting between the trees with lightning speed, his movements fluid and precise. Afterward, he focused on his Nen, pushing the limits of his Ken once more, trying to expand its range and control.
As the hours ticked by, Togiri's thoughts kept drifting back to Fang. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. But there was nothing more he could do.
He had prepared as best as he could, and now all that was left was to see how the final hours of the exam would play out.
As the sun was rising casting long shadows across the island, Togiri sat down on a rock, his eyes scanning the darkening forest that was brightening.
His muscles ached from the day's exertions, but his mind was sharp and focused. He was ready for whatever came next.
In the distance, a faint rustling caught his attention. Togiri tensed, his hand moving instinctively to the hilt of one of his blades.
The rustling grew louder, closer. Togiri's heart pounded in his chest as he waited, every sense on high alert.
Finally, a figure emerged from the shadows. Togiri relaxed slightly as he recognized Fang's familiar silhouette.
His friend looked different, but unhurt, his eyes scanning the surroundings before locking onto Fang.
"You're late," Togiri said with a smirk, standing up to greet him.
Fang chuckled, his usual calm demeanor intact, but different . "I had some business to take care of"
Togiri handed over the ID tags he had gathered, and Fang declined taking out the ones he previously dug up at Togiri's instructions via his phone message.
Togiri looked at Fang and could see the visible changes. Especially in his eyes. For the first time Togiri was scared to say something towards the little boy before him.
Togiri smiled and tried to lighten the mood"I knew you'd come through"
"...Always" Fang replied with a husky voice. His ocean-blue eyes were dead and lifeless. His eyes not only had the color of the ocean, but were abyss alike.
Togiri couldn't find the words to say so he simply just stayed next to Fang, like he was saying "I am here!"
As they prepared to make their final move, the two friends stood side by side, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in the final hours of the Hunter Exam.