Moarik's Encounter with Tonpa

Captain with the Red Nose: "..."

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Such a proactive candidate, he had never encountered before.

"You've indeed qualified."

Despite his many years of experience and weathering countless storms, the Red-Nosed Captain quickly regained his composure.

"But before we proceed, I need to understand your reason for wanting to become a Hunter..."

"My reason?" Moarik pondered for a moment. "I suppose I'm quite curious about the overall process of the Hunter Exam."

"Curious?"

"Yes, I want to see what kinds of challenges the Hunter Exam presents each year."

He smiled at the Red-Nosed Captain, who was once again taken aback.

"So, I might not pass this year; I may come back next year to try again."

Red-Nosed Captain: "???"

"Of course, if I do return next year, I'll board the ship from Whale Island again. I hope I can rely on your assistance then."

Red-Nosed Captain: "..."

Moarik didn't pay much attention to the captain's stunned expression. Instead, his gaze lingered on the white mystery box beside him.

On this Sea God, he had found the first mystery box of the Hunter Exam!

[You have obtained a Common Mystery Box. Would you like to open it?]

Open!

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As Moarik opened the box, the Red-Nosed Captain snapped back to reality.

Well, this world is indeed full of surprises, and people are no exception.

In his decades of serving as a transport officer for the Hunter Exam, he had never encountered someone curious about the content of the test questions.

But, after all, there were other transport officers who had met similarly strange individuals.

There was, apparently, one oddball named Tonpa who had participated in the Hunter Exam over thirty times and would likely return this year. It was said that Tonpa wasn't after the license but the thrill of the experience, deriving pleasure from tormenting newcomers and crushing their dreams, earning the nickname "Rookie Crusher."

Indeed, they're all a bunch of weirdos.

The Red-Nosed Captain instinctively glanced at Moarik's black suit, silently adding him to his list of strange individuals.

Moarik, however, faintly sensed that the captain might be thinking something less than respectful. But fortunately, the remainder of the journey was quite accommodating.

The comfortable room, the delicious food—everything provided an ideal environment for Moarik to rest and recharge.

By the time Moarik disembarked at Dolle Harbor, he was in excellent spirits and fully energized.

Even without such hospitality, Moarik would have been fine, but it did show the captain's sincerity.

"Our journey together was quite pleasant," Moarik said sincerely as he shook the captain's hand at the dock. "I'll be sure to seek you out again when the Hunter Exam starts next year."

"No need for that~~" The Red-Nosed Captain forced a grin. "I hope you pass the Hunter Exam on your first try this year."

"That won't be necessary. I've already decided to gather experience this year and make my serious attempt next year."

"Really?! Isn't that a bit hasty..."

"No need. I'll see you again next year. Goodbye for now~~~"

"..."

The Red-Nosed Captain watched Moarik's confident figure walking away, remaining silent for a long time.

Then, he slowly smiled.

"What an interesting person."

He fumbled in his pocket, "I haven't even mentioned which path leads closest to the Hunter Exam venue, and yet he's heading straight for that giant redwood tree."

"Hopefully, the fierce fox family there will get along with him~"

He carefully took out the small bottle of liquor that Moarik had given him on the ship.

"Even this fine liquor is so enticing."

The Red-Nosed Captain inhaled the aroma of the [Konoha Sake], his face showing a look of intoxication.

"I look forward to meeting you again next year, Moarik, and sharing another drink of this wonderful sake!"

[You have obtained a Common Mystery Box. Would you like to open it?]

[Successful Opening: You have obtained Konoha Sake (Source World: Naruto Gaiden: The Legend of Rock Lee).]

It wasn't surprising to Moarik that the mystery box near the Red-Nosed Captain produced sake.

[Konoha Sake]: Featured in Episode 11 "S-Rank Mission" of Naruto Gaiden: The Legend of Rock Lee. It's considered a renowned sake in the ninja world, known as one of the legendary "Three Sakes."

In terms of taste, it certainly lives up to its reputation as a "legendary sake," one of the finest in the world.

This time, the mystery box had produced a large case of it, ensuring plenty of stock.

As Moarik walked down the path towards the giant redwood tree, occasionally sipping on the Konoha Sake, he enjoyed the changing scenery. It felt more like a leisurely trip than a test.

Until he arrived at a dilapidated building.

"Caw~ Caw~ Caw!"

The air was filled with the cries of crows, echoing through the desolate area. There were faint rustling sounds of clothing and the breathing of gathered people.

"If you don't come out now, I'll have to assume you're unfriendly," Moarik said, putting away the sake and calmly looking at the empty street ahead.

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"Then, I'll respond accordingly."