Chapter 35: Revelations and Reactions

As Illumi's bloodlust eased, the hunters were visibly relaxed.

Their nerves were on edge, feeling the bloodlust even though they were a seasoned hunter.

"Ahem... Well, could you all kindly present your badges?"

Khara coughed, garnering everyone's attention.

She meticulously checked each participant's points before allowing them to board the ship.

Raymond scanned the group of successful participants and noticed the absence of Bodoro and Pokkle, who should have been quite capable of passing.

His gaze then shifted to the number of badges in Hisoka's hands, a thoughtful expression crossing his face.

"So, he took them out, huh?"

Apart from Ponzu, the Amori brothers, and Tonpa, the other participants either eliminated each other or fell victim to Hisoka or Illumi.

After all, Hisoka required six badges, and Illumi needed three.

After everyone boarded the ship, it set sail across the sea, carrying them back to the mainland.

But their journey was far from over.

Upon reaching land, they had to board an aircraft once more to reach the venue for the next and final phase.

They were informed that they might need to spend the night on the aircraft again, as they still had a long journey ahead of them.

"...Well, thanks for the help," Leorio said, feeling a bit embarrassed as he glanced away.

He was grateful for their assistance, knowing that he would have fallen prey to Bourbon's snakes lurking at the cave entrance without them.

Gon and Kurapika returned his smile warmly.

However, Gon then turned to Killua, who was with them, and asked, "Killua, is that really your brother?"

Even though Gon hadn't caught every detail from the beginning, he was pretty sure he'd witnessed Illumi fighting Raymond before Hisoka intervened.

Meanwhile, Kurapika and Leorio, who had been watching since the start, looked at Killua with mixed feelings.

"Yeah, why do you ask?"

Killua replied, seeming uncomfortable with the question about his brother.

But they were all eager to understand why Killua was so scared of his brother that he hid behind Raymond.

Did Killua realize he was seeking protection from someone who had harmed his brother? Or was he oblivious to it?

"...Do you know who hurt your brother?"

Leorio asked, receiving a sharp look from Kurapika.

Ignoring it, Leorio persisted, driven by his curiosity.

"Of course not, how would I know that?"

Killua scratched his head in annoyance.

His expression then shifted to a sarcastic smile, "If I did know, I'd happily help take down that jerk..."

"What? Seriously?"

All three of them were baffled by Killua's strong reaction and apparent disregard for family ties.

However, seeing that Killua seemed unfazed by the revelation, Kurapika sighed in relief and confirmed, "It was Raymond who beat him up..."

"Wow! Really? Are you sure? I thought he was just a slightly stronger chef," Killua exclaimed excitedly.

His eyes shone with surprise as he placed a hand on Kurapika's shoulder, seeking confirmation.

Leorio stood speechless, his mouth twitching in disbelief.

After a moment, he managed to mutter, "...That guy might know how to cook, but he's definitely a fighter at heart."

"...Yes, it was Raymond."

Kurapika nodded in agreement after a brief silence.

"Wow! I had no idea Raymond was powerful enough to defeat my brother! He's really something!" 

Killua's expression brightened from sour to impressed upon learning that Raymond had defeated his brother.

Kurapika and Leorio shared a confused glance at Killua's unexpected reaction.

They began to wonder whether Illumi was truly Killua's brother or if perhaps Raymond was the one who held that role.

Gon chimed in, discussing how Raymond had helped him get Hisoka's badge.

Their excitement grew as they discussed their experience in this exam with Raymond's help.

In a meeting room on the other side of the ship, Beans stood before Netero, who sat at his desk, absentmindedly stacking his desk items to form a pyramid out of it.

However, Beans paid no mind to the chairman's peculiar behavior as he delivered his report.

"There are three participants in this exam who can use Nen," he began.

"They are Number 44, Hisoka Morow. Number 301, Gittarackur, later revealed to be Illumi Zoldyc, and lastly, Number 406, Raymond Celestia..."

"Both Hisoka and Illumi had fought against Raymond for an unknown reason, and he defeated both...."

Netero casually continued his desk fiddling as Beans pressed on.

Beans recounted the clashes between Hisoka, Illumi, and Raymond throughout the exam. 

He described the possible reasons behind their fights, moves, and peculiarities that were potentially tied to their abilities and the outcomes of each confrontation.

"And lastly, there are only 8 participants left..." Beans continued listing the names patiently.

Number 44, Hisoka

Number 99, Killua

Number 294, Hanzo

Number 301, Illumi

Number 403, Leorio

Number 404, Kurapika

Number 405, Gon

Number 406, Raymond

Beans closed the report in his hand before addressing Netero. "Should we stick to the plan, or wrap up the exam now? Despite the doubts about their intentions, I believe they're capable enough to join us..."

"Hmmm..."

Netero hummed, appearing lost in thought.

With a final touch, he gently placed the last item, a pencil, on top of his desk before taking a deep breath.

Slowly, he withdrew his hand to prevent the items from falling.

"Let's make a decision after I speak with them privately—"

Netero started to say, but his expression shifted suddenly.

"No! My pyramid!"

He exclaimed, clearly distressed by the mishap. The meticulously stacked pyramid of items collapsed, creating a cluttered mess on his desk. 

"...Understood, I'll schedule it immediately and notify the participants."

Beans spoke as he gave the Chairman a wry smile before he left the room.

After Beans left, Netero's exaggeratedly disappointed expression turned into one of intrigue.

Ignoring the mess on his desk, he shifted his gaze to the window, muttering, "...So aside from that dangerous Nen, he still has some tricks up his sleeve, huh?"

A slight chuckle escaped Netero's lips as he thought about Raymond's peculiar Nen properties.

Knowing Raymond's cautious nature, Netero was sure there was more to uncover.

"Huhuhu..."

His chuckle gradually turned into hearty laughter.

It had been a long time since he felt such excitement.

The last time someone stirred his excitement was a few years ago when he met an adventurous young man who was eager to explore every corner of the world.

But that enthusiasm quickly waned when he realized the young man had no interest in fighting.

However, he sensed something similar to him in Raymond's.

And that was...

...the same obsession for martial arts and fighting!

"It should be enjoyable to fight him," Netero mused.

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