Chapter 19: Isaac Netero

"Raymond, can we have some too?"

Gon piped up with his usual enthusiasm.

Killua was practically drooling, and even Kurapika and Leorio were eyeing the food hungrily, though they tried to play it cool.

Raymond chuckled at their eager faces, pleased to share his culinary creations with these kids.

"Of course, help yourselves!"

He replied with a smile.

As Raymond began serving the dish to Gon, Killua, and the others, their eyes lit up with excitement.

Each bite filled them with delight, their taste buds tingling with the delicious flavors.

However, as the dish began to dwindle, some of the participants realized there wouldn't be enough for everyone.

Disappointed sighs filled the air as they watched others enjoy the delectable meal.

Meanwhile, Satotz frowned as he realized only Raymond had passed the exam.

"The Chairman needs to know about this," he muttered to himself, retrieving a communication device from his pocket to report the news.

"Well, I guess there is only one of you who passed..."

Menchi's relaxed tone reverberated through the venue, causing frustration to simmer among the gathered candidates.

"Well, I suppose it's the end of the exam..." 

Unfazed, Menchi simply patted her stomach with a satisfied grin, her tone carrying a hint of amusement.

Despite the recognition of Raymond's cooking, discontentment grew among those present.

"I refuse to accept this!"

Todo's voice rang out with indignation, directed at both Buhara and Menchi.

After all, they had set out to become hunters, not chefs!

"How dare you! A mere Gourmet Hunter, to judge us like this!"

Menchi remained unfazed by the outburst as she responded with a casual yawn that only served to fuel Todo's anger further.

Attempting to rein in his rising temper, Todo fought the urge to act impulsively, but Menchi's dismissive words proved to be the final straw.

"Whatever, do your best in next year..."

Menchi's indifferent tone was like a match to a powder keg, igniting Todo's fury.

"You motherfucker!"

Todo's enraged cry pierced the air as he lunged toward Menchi, his intent clear.

But before the situation could escalate further, Buhara intervened with a heavy sigh.

Moving swiftly, he delivered a resounding slap to Todo's cheek, the force of which sent him hurtling toward the gate.

Todo collided with the barrier with a resounding crash before crumpling to the ground in pain, his outburst quelled by the unexpected intervention.

"Wha!?"

The surprising show of strength from the Gourmet Hunter elicited wide-eyed astonishment from the gathered crowd, their collective disbelief palpable as whispers spread throughout the room.

Gon and his companions, having witnessed Raymond's capabilities previously, were less taken aback by the display.

"Should I just try to become a Gourmet Hunter as well?"

"Please don't. You might end up harming innocent people..."

Leorio's words prompted a sharp retort from Kurapika. His words struck a nerve with Leorio.

"Huh!? What are you saying?"

Leorio's temper flared at Kurapika's remark.

Gon and Killua exchanged amused glances as they giggled before turning their attention to the escalating tension between their friends, silently anticipating an exciting fight.

Raymond just amusedly looked at the scene before his expression hardened as he turned to look at a giant aircraft looming slowly up in the air.

"Ohoho, it seems like there's a problem!"

A thunderous voice reverberated through the air, capturing the attention of everyone present.

All eyes turned upward to behold the figure descending from the sky—an elderly man with a distinctive appearance, sporting a ponytail, a thick beard, and adorned earlobes.

Draped in a loose white kimono, his descent created a sizable impact crater upon landing.

Menchi's surprise was palpable as she identified the newcomer, "Chairman Netero?"

"...He's just as formidable as the rumors suggest," Raymond whispered to himself, a rush of adrenaline igniting his senses.

It had been ages since Raymond had felt such excitement at the prospect of encountering another martial artist.

As he observed Netero in silence, he couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation coursing through him.

Meanwhile, Netero's gaze pierced through the crowd, his words directed at Menchi for letting her anger cloud her judgment.

Yet, amidst the tension, his attention was drawn to a figure whose aura resonated with a rare purity of martial spirit.

"Oh? He is..." Netero silently thought as he observed Raymond.

Raymond felt a strange energy crackling in the air as their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them.

In that charged moment, both men harbored the same unspoken declaration in their minds...

"I can defeat him!"

Noticing each other's thoughts, both of them curled up their lips in amusement.

While most onlookers remained oblivious to the subtle exchange between Raymond and Netero, Hisoka and Illumi were not among them.

Their keen senses allowed them to discern the shift in the atmosphere.

Illumi regarded Raymond with a newfound sense of wariness, recognizing the latent threat he posed.

However, Hisoka reacted with intense fervor.

A surge of adrenaline coursed through his veins, tightening every muscle in his body.

He held little interest in Netero since he was an aging figure. However, unlike Netero, Raymond sparked something primal within Hisoka.

"So, considering the circumstances, it seems only fair to consult the sole participant who passed the exam..."

Netero's voice carried across the venue, drawing the attention of all present.

Eyes turned toward Raymond, reflecting a mix of pleading, wariness, and hostility.

Raymond responded with a light chuckle, "Well, what can I say? I'm just another participant. The Association will have to make the call..."

"How magnanimous of you..."

Netero's laughter filled the air, though his gaze remained sharp.

Raymond's words, subtly implying authority over the Association, did not go unnoticed.

Netero approached Raymond with deliberate steps, the crowd instinctively parting to make way for him.

Extending his hand in gratitude, he addressed Raymond with a kind smile.

"Thank you for your understanding, participant number 406..."

Raymond reciprocated with a warm smile, meeting Netero's handshake firmly.

"It's no trouble, Chairman," Raymond replied calmly, though he felt the force behind Netero's grip as both of them channeled Nen in the handshake.

Raymond understood the unspoken challenge implicit in the exchange.

"Haha, then, would you like to observe the exam or take a rest in our aircraft?"

Netero's laughter rang out, offering Raymond a choice.

"I could use some rest," Raymond admitted with a nod.

"Very well, please..."

Netero gestured towards the waiting aircraft, signaling Raymond to enter. With a nod of acknowledgment, Raymond made his way toward the aircraft

"His Nen is indisputably formidable, indeed..."

Raymond murmured to himself as he inspected his hand, which bore the marks of Netero's overpowering aura.

"...Seems like I need to hasten the plan a little bit," he concluded silently, a determined glint in his eye.

Meanwhile, Netero observed his own Nen, sensing a subtle shift in its dynamics after the encounter with Raymond.

Despite his years of experience, he couldn't help but marvel at the potency of Raymond's aura.

"What a dangerous young man..."

Netero chuckled to himself, a mixture of admiration and wariness coloring his thoughts as he pondered the implications of their brief exchange.

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