On the airship, the final successful candidates had all boarded. Thanks to Li Ke's help, Ponzu also made it onto the ship, though her future was up to her. Li Ke wasn't about to babysit her.
Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio also passed the test without trouble.
"It's nice to see you again, Li Ke!" Netero greeted with a smile, clearly satisfied with the number of people who passed. Compared to previous years, this group was notably larger, and the overall strength of the candidates was impressive.
The airship glided along, and Netero had each successful candidate called into separate rooms for individual discussions.
Li Ke was the first to be summoned.
"Would you like something to eat? I'm sure you haven't had the chance to rest or eat well on the island," Netero said kindly.
"I'm fine, Chairman. Is there something you want to ask me?" Li Ke replied.
"Ah, I've been reviewing the test results, and you are currently ranked first. Before the final test, I need to ask each of you a few questions."
Netero settled down cross-legged. Behind him was a large "忍" (endurance) symbol, giving him an aura of wisdom and experience.
"Li Ke, why do you want to become a Hunter?"
"To obtain the Hunter's license, so I can travel to other parts of the world. There's still so much I want to explore and challenge. I love battle. Battle makes me stronger!" Li Ke answered passionately.
His answer was typical, considering his reliance on the word system that would push him toward endless combat.
"Truly inspiring! A remarkable spirit," Netero praised.
"Well, I do have some admiration for your battle spirit. But... Chairman, I'm sure you're aware that I've replicated your fighting spirit, so when will you help me get more of your words?" Li Ke thought to himself, but kept it to himself.
"Among the other candidates, who do you think is the most outstanding?" Netero asked.
Li Ke thought for a moment before responding, "I don't particularly feel anyone stands out. If I had to pick one, it would be Gon. He has a lot of potential."
Netero nodded and asked a few more questions.
"If you had to team up with someone for a fight, who would it be?"
Li Ke grinned excitedly, "There are plenty I want to fight! For instance, 44th—Hisoka, 301st—Nailhead, 294th—Hanzo, 99th—Killua, and many others."
"Ah... so many?" Netero chuckled.
Li Ke then proposed, "Actually, how about this? Let them fight me in a series of battles. Whoever defeats me can earn the Hunter's license."
Netero blinked in surprise. He knew Li Ke had the strength of a professional Hunter, probably far exceeding most of the other candidates. The thought of Li Ke acting as the standard line for everyone else was not a simple idea.
"You're setting the bar too high! Defeating you isn't something just anyone can do," Netero said, laughing softly.
But the next moment, his smile froze. He blinked in disbelief as Li Ke suddenly vanished and was replaced by someone who looked exactly like him. The new figure emitted the same aura.
"What...?" Netero rubbed his eyes, stunned.
The person in front of him spoke in a low, magnetic voice, "Chairman, I don't think you want to lose someone as talented as me. I would like to be an examiner for the next test."
To his shock, Netero realized it was another Li Ke, only this time, he had somehow perfectly replicated Netero's appearance and presence.
"You've awakened your Nen... transformation type?" Netero gasped. "Incredible! Such talent!"
He quickly understood that Li Ke's abilities could grow into something truly terrifying. If he could deceive even someone as sharp as Netero, the potential was immense.
"Perhaps... I could consider you as my successor," Netero thought, but before he could continue, the appearance of Li Ke shifted again. A deep, magnetic voice filled the room.
A new figure appeared—an elegant, middle-aged man with an air of dignity, dressed in a white outfit and black-framed glasses.
"In this world, facts are real, but people often choose the lies that benefit their survival," the man spoke with authority.
"From now on, I shall stand at the top!"
"Chairman Netero, Examiner Blue Dye Sosuke reporting."
It was Li Ke, now transformed into a completely new persona.