That being said, could this guy come back for the Hunter Exam next year?
They glanced over instinctively and saw that Hisoka's expression hadn't changed, but the unsettling smile on his face deepened.
"Next year, I will come again."
With that, Hisoka twisted his waist and strolled off under the watchful eyes of the uneasy candidates and Mizaistom's wary gaze.
This guy... Will he really come back next year?
What a joke!
Most of the candidates shuddered at the thought and turned to Mizaistom with determined looks. No matter what, they had to pass the Hunter Exam and secure their license this year!
The idea of facing that lunatic again was unbearable.
Noticing the candidates' faces, Mizaistom nodded slightly, while Mr. Beans seemed visibly relieved.
This was the best way to handle the situation.
If this crisis were to get out, it would badly damage the Hunter Association's reputation. But, to ensure that the candidates didn't complain after witnessing everything, the Association had to provide a solid form of compensation.
And what better compensation than a Hunter license?
Want the reward for the next exam? Then you'd better wrap things up during this test and make it to the final round. That's the deal.
If anyone objects?
Heh, the Hunter Association merely excluded Hisoka from the next test and made no moves regarding his future actions. He could participate again.
So, would you rather take the final test now without that murderous maniac—just one step away from your Hunter license—or wait for next year and start over, enduring Hisoka's madness from the very first round?
Even fools knew which to choose, let alone these candidates.
The Hunter Association's plan was brilliant.
Ronnel rubbed his chin, thinking it over.
However, to maintain the prestige of the Hunter Association and keep the candidates in awe of both Hunters and the Association, the final test would surely be a difficult one.
In the original story, the result of no one passing the exam was proof of that.
If his guess was right, then the next examiner would be...
"Next, I, Crime Hunter Mizaistom Nana, will be the examiner for this final phase."
With his arms crossed, Mizaistom Nana announced this with a serious expression.
The candidates were stunned.
This was the Hunter who had forced Hisoka to back down, a man of undeniable strength. His aura alone was leagues beyond the examiners of the earlier rounds.
But...
The candidates couldn't help but look at Mizaistom's serious face, paired with his ridiculous black-and-white cow costume. No matter how serious the situation was, it was impossible not to find it strange, even funny.
Even Ronnel had a slight smile in his eyes.
He couldn't help it—it was just too much!
The anime's background music and voice acting added a layer of formality to these moments, making them feel heavy and serious. But in person, how could anyone take it seriously?
Honestly, the Zodiac Twelve were something else. As the twelve Hunters handpicked by Chairman Netero, each of them had been entrusted with operating the Hunter Association in his absence and were considered strong enough to stand as his equals, even playfully.
They went as far as to change their names and appearances to match. It was a blood-and-tears level of dedication.
Some, like Kanzai and Cheadle Yorkshire, changed their names. Others altered their appearance or wardrobe, like the flamboyant Ginta, or, in this case, the absurd-looking cow-clad Mizaistom Nana.
Some even had Nen abilities tied to their code name, like Gel, whose arm could transform into a whip, or Saccho, though the latter was an undercover agent. His three-monkey ability was formidable and true to his code name.
Cough cough, back to the matter at hand.
Though Mizaistom looked ridiculous, none of the candidates dared underestimate him. They listened intently as he explained the final test.
"The final round is simple. All you need to do is touch me."
Mizaistom raised three fingers.
"You have thirty minutes. I'll remain standing here, in this position, without moving. If any part of your body touches any part of mine, even just the corner of my clothes, you'll be considered qualified."
Mizaistom lowered his hand, standing perfectly still, his arms hanging by his sides in the most standard of postures.
The candidates exchanged puzzled looks.
It wasn't that the test seemed hard or complex—it seemed far too easy.
Just touch him? That was it?
This seemed overly generous. Sure, he was a Hunter, but the candidates who'd made it this far were the best of the best.
Did Mizaistom think they couldn't even get close to him?
His confidence was contagious.
The candidates were starting to look eager.
"Any other questions? If not, the test will begin—"
"Wait, Mr. Examiner, I have a question."
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