The Kiriko's Test.

Chapter 13: The Kiriko's Test

Reinhart stood silently, his mind already racing ahead as the old woman asked the question. What do you value more: the life of a person you love, or the lives of ten strangers?

He knew the answer. He had seen this part of the Hunter Exam before in Hunter x Hunter. Yet, even though he could predict what was about to happen, the tension in the air was palpable. Kurapika and Leorio immediately began to bicker, just as Reinhart remembered from the story. Kurapika, always calm and logical, began to analyze the moral implications of the question, while Leorio took it personally, his voice rising in frustration.

"Are you saying you'd let someone you care about die?!" Leorio exclaimed, his hands clenched into fists.

Kurapika's eyes narrowed. "The question isn't that simple. The lives of ten people, compared to one—"

Leorio cut him off, his face red with anger. "Don't talk like people are just numbers!"

Reinhart remained quiet, standing beside Gon, who watched the argument unfold with wide eyes but kept his own counsel. The minutes ticked by as Kurapika and Leorio's voices grew louder, their argument coming to a head. Just when it looked like they were about to come to blows, the old woman interrupted, her raspy voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

"Time's up."

Leorio and Kurapika stopped in their tracks, momentarily stunned into silence.

"You pass," the old woman said with a faint smile, gesturing toward a path that seemed to open up from the trees behind her. "Follow this trail, and you'll reach a cabin beneath the cedar tree. The navigators are waiting there for you."

Leorio blinked in confusion. "We... pass?"

The old woman nodded, her smile never faltering. "Yes, this test wasn't about the answer you gave. It was about how you handled the situation. Now go. The exam continues."

Gon, ever eager, smiled and started walking forward. Reinhart followed after him, Kurapika and Leorio still casting wary glances at each other as they trudged behind.

---

Two hours into their journey, Leorio's familiar grumbling echoed through the trees. "How long is this stupid path? My feet are killing me."

Kurapika rolled his eyes. "Complaining won't get us there any faster, Leorio."

Reinhart smirked quietly as they climbed the final stretch of the hill, the cabin finally coming into view. It was a simple structure, nestled beneath the looming cedar tree, just as the old woman had said. But as they neared the cabin, something was off. The door had been thrown open, and a commotion could be heard inside.

Suddenly, a tall, yellow creature with long ears emerged from the cabin, holding a woman in its arms. The creature—a Kiriko, Reinhart recognized—paused for only a moment before leaping through the window with the woman. Behind it, a man lay sprawled on the floor, seemingly unconscious.

"What the hell?!" Leorio shouted, rushing toward the fallen man.

"We'll follow it!" Gon called, already moving.

Reinhart nodded, his body moving on instinct as he darted after Gon, the two of them sprinting after the Kiriko. Kurapika followed after them, but while Reinhart and Gon leaped through the trees with ease, Kurapika stayed on the ground, his eyes locked on their target.

The Kiriko was fast, but Reinhart and Gon were faster. Jumping from branch to branch, Reinhart's agility and experience kicked in, keeping him just behind Gon. It wasn't long before the creature made its first mistake.

The Kiriko suddenly released the woman, letting her fall through the air. Without hesitation, Reinhart yelled, "Kurapika! Catch her and take care of her!"

Kurapika didn't need to be told twice. He veered off course, sprinting toward the woman's falling form. Reinhart focused on the Kiriko, his sharp eyes watching its every movement. Gon and Reinhart closed in, gaining ground quickly.

As they approached, the Kiriko suddenly stopped and spun around, launching an attack straight at Gon. But Reinhart was faster. He jumped between Gon and the creature, delivering a powerful kick to the Kiriko's chest, sending it flying back into the trees.

Before Reinhart could celebrate, another Kiriko appeared behind them, moving in to strike. But this time, Gon was ready. He swung his fishing rod in a wide arc, the line wrapping around the second Kiriko's arm and stopping its attack cold.

For a brief moment, the tension hung in the air, both Kirikos poised to strike back. But then, something unexpected happened. Both creatures stopped, looking at each other before they began to laugh. It wasn't the sinister laugh Reinhart expected, but rather one of amusement.

"You pass," the first Kiriko said, chuckling as it straightened up. The other nodded in agreement, still smiling.

Gon, confused, lowered his fishing rod. "What do you mean?"

"This was another test," the second Kiriko explained. "We were sent to see how you'd handle an ambush. You've all done well."

Reinhart exhaled, relaxing his stance. He had a feeling this was coming, but it was still a relief to hear. Gon smiled, pleased that they had passed, while Kurapika rejoined them, gently lowering the woman to the ground.

As Kurapika set her down, he noticed something—tattoos on her arms, markings that he recognized. His eyes narrowed, his lips pressing into a thin line as his suspicions grew. But before he could say anything, the woman stirred, sitting up slowly.

Reinhart and the others turned to see the two Kirikos returning to the cabin. When they all gathered inside, the yellow creatures introduced themselves properly.

"My name is Ruha," the taller of the two Kirikos said, gesturing to the woman and the man who had now regained consciousness. "These are our children, and you passed the test we set for you."

Leorio, still looking flustered from tending to the man on the floor, scratched his head. "So... all of this was part of the exam?"

Ruha nodded. "Yes. We are Navigators, tasked with leading applicants through this part of the exam. Only those who show the necessary qualities are allowed to continue."

Gon beamed with pride, while Leorio sighed in frustration. "More tricks…"

Reinhart remained calm, observing the situation. He had known something like this was coming, but seeing it play out in person was a whole different experience. The Kirikos weren't malicious; they were simply fulfilling their role in the Hunter Exam.

"We will guide you to the next phase of the exam," Ruha said, bowing slightly. "But for now, you may rest here for the night."

With that, the group settled into the cabin, the tension easing as they began to prepare for the next leg of their journey. Yet, as Reinhart lay back, his mind continued to churn. There were more tests ahead, and with every step, the stakes were getting higher.

But for now, they had passed another trial, and the real Hunter Exam was about to begin.