Kurapika: "I really like the pancakes here, they're delicious."
Ronnel: "Oh? That's the pork ribs in a clay pot. The pancakes are definitely the highlight, and the broth bursts with flavor when you bite into them!"
Ronnel introduced various dishes to Gon while the other candidates silently watched, exchanging glances.
The outcome of this was…
"Oh?"
When Hisoka and Illumi, disguised as Gittarackur, walked in holding an entire roasted pig, they were greeted with an odd sight.
No one spoke a word. Everyone quietly ate their dry rations, occasionally glancing at Ronnel before swallowing hard.
"Both of you... have also passed."
Buhara, taking a bite of the charred roast pig prepared by the pair, reluctantly handed out a pass.
"I'm stuffed."
Unable to resist the allure of Ronnel's mouth-watering cooking or the daunting task of finishing a whole roast pig, Buhara promptly halted.
Bang!
Menchi, seated on a nearby couch, couldn't hold it in any longer and slammed a gong next to her.
"For the first half of the second phase, the challenge was roasting wild pig. Sixty-six candidates passed!!"
"Hi~"
Leorio let out a burp just as Menchi announced the results.
"I'm so full!"
Gon and Killua also patted their full bellies, sprawled out lazily on the ground.
"Ronnel's cooking is simply amazing."
Satisfied, everyone gazed admiringly at Ronnel.
"It's nothing. Let's go, the examiner's about to announce the second part of the phase."
Ronnel picked at his teeth with a toothpick, speaking casually.
He then stood up and made his way over to Menchi. Gon and the others followed, standing up and exchanging looks of confidence.
They felt great, both mentally and physically. Whatever challenge came next, they were ready!
"Alright, congratulations on making it through the first part of the phase. But I'm not as easy-going as Buhara. My standards will be strict."
Menchi took a step forward, turning to face the group, her eyes briefly glancing at Ronnel and Gon, who were approaching.
"Now listen carefully. The final culinary challenge of this second phase is—sushi!"
"Sushi?"
"Sushi?!"
The candidates looked at each other, puzzled. They'd never heard of such a dish.
Seeing their confused expressions, Menchi regained her authoritative air and nodded in satisfaction.
"Looking confused, huh? Well, that's no surprise. Sushi is a traditional dish from a small country."
"The... traditional dish of a small country?"
The examinees looked at each other in disbelief.
"Exactly! I wasn't sure at first if it was the sushi, given how many dishes share similar names. But hearing about the small country? That clinches it! This is the traditional cuisine of my homeland. I'm going to ace this challenge!"
One bald ninja's face lit up with joy upon hearing the word "sushi." He quickly regained his composure, though his twitching eyebrows betrayed his excitement.
Menchi then led the examinees to a cooking area. There were knives, cooking tables, rice, and everything else they'd need.
"This is where you'll make the dish. I've provided the essential tools and ingredients. There's rice here too, which is key to making sushi."
Hands on her hips, Menchi was clearly excited for the challenge to begin.
"Alright, your time starts now. I'll end the exam when I'm full. Until then, make as much sushi as you can."
With that, Menchi settled into a couch while the candidates stood at their stations, puzzled over where to even begin.
"Sushi?"
Kurapika frowned.
"It's hard to pin down what this dish is supposed to be. I've read countless books, but there's barely any mention of it."
Kurapika thought hard while Leorio scratched his head.
Gon stared at Killua, unsure of what to do.
"Actually, we shouldn't get too hung up on the cooking itself. We should focus on what the examiner's really trying to test."
"What's the meaning behind the challenge?"
Kurapika and the others turned to Ronnel, who had just spoken up.
"Think about it—what's the purpose behind each phase of the Hunter Exam?"
"What kind of purpose?"
Prompted by Ronnel's words, the group started thinking.
"The first half of the first phase was the marathon. That tested our endurance, stamina, and willpower."
Leorio stroked his chin, deep in thought. Kurapika then added:
"The trek through the Milsy Wetlands in the second half tested our awareness and caution in dangerous environments."
As Kurapika and Leorio analyzed the exam, other candidates began to pay attention as well.
"Ronnel, are you saying that every phase of the Hunter Exam is designed to test specific abilities?"
Gon scratched his cheek, suddenly catching on.
"So, the sushi itself might not be the key. What really matters is understanding what aspect of ourselves the examiner is testing. Once we figure that out, passing should be easy."
Killua, arms behind his head, made his conclusion.
The other candidates, having eavesdropped on the conversation, started to relax. Their initial fear of the unfamiliar dish began to fade.
Ronnel observed the shift in everyone's expressions and smiled to himself.
Sure, that's the general idea. But what if the examiner decides to be a stubborn?
Especially if the examiner happens to be a stubborn, moody woman with a temper who's not afraid to break the rules?
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