Chapter 18: What Disney?
As expected, searching for the keywords "Oucima Federation," "Ghost Island," and "ghosts" brought up mostly urban legends and paranormal tales. However, what caught Haru's attention was the publication timeline of these results. There wasn't a specific surge or peak; instead, over the past few years, the past decade, and even two decades prior, there were sporadic interviews, news pieces, and rumors.
"Rumors may not be baseless, and ghosts might not be real," Haru mused. "In the Hunter world, all supernatural phenomena usually tie back to 'Nen.'"
Perhaps the pale, ghostly figure of the boy he had glimpsed in the forest was connected to some unique form of Nen.
"Hmm? This is odd..." Menchi murmured, staring at the search results on the screen.
"What's up with that Blanchett Corporation? They're responsible for the Crescent Tiger protection zone, right?" Haru asked casually.
"What do you mean, 'what's up with them'? That's their responsibility—they maintain and manage the protected area on this island," Menchi replied matter-of-factly.
"And this amusement park? Also their business?"
"Well, yeah. Big corporations. I heard it's one of the world's top-tier conglomerates."
"Blanchett... How do you even spell that?"
"Ugh, it's 'Blanchett.' Easy to spell—it's a surname."
"Fine, you do it."
Haru moved aside, gesturing for Menchi to take his spot.
Menchi didn't hesitate and quickly typed on the keyboard. A moment later, information about the Blanchett Corporation popped up:
"Blanchett Corporation, also known as Blanchett Elves Inc., was founded in 1987 by Alantriel Blanchett. Its businesses span film and entertainment, media networks, theme parks, amusement facilities, and the preservation of ancient cultures. Its video platform, iTube, has become the world's largest video-sharing platform. According to recent financial reports, the company's total assets amount to 12,916.6 billion Jenny..."
What is this, Disney?!
Haru barely restrained himself from voicing his disbelief. Founded in 1987? It's been less than eight years, and you've amassed nearly 13 trillion Jenny? Why not just ascend to godhood while you're at it?
Wait a second...
Haru swatted Menchi's hand aside and clicked on the name of the company's founder.
"Alantriel Blanchett: Member of the Hunter Association. Classified information. Estimated personal wealth ranks among the top five richest in the world..."
Top five, huh?
Exhaling deeply, Haru wasn't surprised to learn the founder was a Hunter. Of course, that makes sense now.
In this world, about 60 out of the top 100 wealthiest individuals were professional Hunters. A Hunter License was a universal pass, granting unparalleled convenience in nearly all sectors. Most governments and civilians held a certain level of respect and trust for anyone carrying this small card.
Realizing this made Haru's stomach rumble.
He glanced outside. After spending half the day in the café, the evening had arrived. The setting sun painted the amusement park with a warm, nostalgic glow as the crowd began to thin.
---
"My teacher once told me about this Alantriel Blanchett..." Menchi began, turning toward Haru.
But Haru and the gray sparrow that accompanied him were already gone, leaving no trace.
When did they leave?
Menchi blinked, surprised. She hadn't sensed a thing.
He's really skilled, she thought, leaning back in her chair. "After taking down those five poachers in the reserve, he must have been running on fumes..."
She recalled her teacher's stern words when they apprehended the poachers. Gesturing to the barely conscious leader, Garo, her teacher had said, "If you had faced him alone, you'd be dead now. Don't act impulsively and wander off by yourself. Even though you hold a license, you're not truly ready yet. That's partly my fault, too..."
Menchi sighed. She realized she still thought of herself more as a chef and foodie than a professional Hunter. I really need to focus on my training.
---
Meanwhile, Haru had left the café, bought some bird feed for the chirping Rock Sparrow, and grabbed a meal at a small street-side restaurant.
He half-expected Menchi to track him down again and had even prepared to order extra food for her. However, she didn't appear.
Maybe I annoyed her too much, Haru speculated, amused.
Not that it mattered. Haru was more concerned about keeping his Hunter License—technically a "black card"—off the radar of official Hunters like Menchi. Not that he was particularly afraid of being caught; after all, the Hunter Association didn't care about lost licenses. He simply preferred to avoid unnecessary trouble.
After his meal, Haru strolled through the streets under the night breeze, his bird perched comfortably on his shoulder. He eventually checked into a small inn for the night.
---
As moonlight poured through the window, Haru lay on the modest bed with one leg crossed over the other.
When he had been training in the wilderness with Crescent Tigers and wolves for company, he hadn't felt this way. But after spending a day amidst the lively crowds of the town, a sense of loneliness crept into his heart, as if something vital was missing.
"Because Toru isn't here?" Haru wondered aloud.
A faint voice in his mind seemed to urge him: "Don't dwell on it."
Focusing on the Rock Sparrow instead, Haru smirked as it wobbled on his chest and accidentally toppled over. The clumsy bird flapped its wings in frustration, eventually hopping back to its feet.
---
Opening the window, Haru gazed at the crescent moon hanging high in the sky. He decided to put his past life behind him. I'm here now. It's time to look forward.
What was ahead for him?
A goal, perhaps? Something to strive for, to give his days purpose.
Stretching his hand toward the moonlight, Haru thought about the various types of Hunters he had encountered in the manga: Gourmet Hunters like Menchi, who pursued culinary excellence; Crime Hunters, Relic Hunters, Treasure Hunters, Beast Hunters, and even Bounty Hunters.
What kind of Hunter would he become?
Haru recalled a quote from Ging, the unreliable father of the protagonist, Gon:
"What I want hasn't changed since the beginning. It's something beyond what's in front of me... The journey itself is what truly matters, not the destination."
"That's it," Haru muttered, closing the window and sitting at the edge of the bed. He raised his palm, conjuring a faint, white Nen orb that floated silently in the air.
"I'll pick an impossible goal, something so ambitious that I can chase it my entire life and never run out of things to do." His gaze hardened with determination. "If the extraordinary is real, why not aim for the ultimate? Immortality. To transcend life and death."
The Rock Sparrow tilted its head, chirping quizzically.
"What do you think? Is it doable?" Haru laughed.
---
Suddenly, his face grew serious as he turned toward the northern window.
A faint signal from his Nen marks had activated—one of the two birds he had sent to monitor the yacht at the northern coast had spotted a human!
Immediately, Haru switched to remote control, projecting his consciousness into the birds miles away.
(Chapter End)