Chapter 13 - The Game x Probing x Outburst
Chapter 13: The Game x Probing x Outburst
“A ball-grabbing game?”
Gon and Killua looked curiously at Netero, who had just changed out of his robe.
“That’s right. Before this ship reaches the next destination, if you can take the ball from me, you win. And if you win, I’ll give you a Hunter Licence right away,” Netero said earnestly.
It was evident he wasn’t joking.
In fact, no other Hunter Test examiner would have any issue with Netero’s decision.
Taking the ball from Netero was ten or even a hundred times harder than any of the other test challenges they had designed.
If someone could accomplish that, not only would they deserve to become a Hunter, but even professional Hunters like themselves would be impressed.
“Oh, and you can use any method to grab the ball, and I won’t retaliate!” Netero added with a smiling expression.
“Any method, as long as we get the ball?” Killua’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Yes, even if you directly attack this old man!” Netero teased with a grin.
“Who are you underestimating?” Killua’s eyes grew cold, though his expression remained calm. “Then I’ll go first.”
As soon as he spoke, Killua didn’t rush directly at Netero. Instead, he sidestepped and began walking around Netero in a slow circle.
With Killua’s movements, multiple images of him appeared before everyone, continuously circling Netero.
“Rhythm Echo?” Lorin, standing by, frowned slightly.
Since his upgrade, this was the first time he encountered a situation where he couldn’t see someone’s movements clearly. Even Hisoka’s actions had been visible to him before.
“It’s a technique specifically aimed at those with strong dynamic vision.” Lorin observed carefully, drawing on his knowledge of Rhythm Echo to make a judgment.
Rhythm Echo involved using varying step speeds to create afterimages, and the stronger one’s dynamic vision, the more details they could see in the steps, thus generating more illusions.
However…
While the movements were hard to discern, it was still possible to distinguish between the real Killua and the illusions.
Lorin’s gaze remained fixed on the real Killua.
The next moment.
Killua suddenly moved, reaching for the ball from Netero’s blind spot.
But it was evident that if even Lorin could see him, Netero certainly could.
Killua’s series of swift movements were effortlessly evaded by Netero with minimal distance.
Nonetheless, through this series of actions, Lorin witnessed Killua’s true skills.
His rapid yet silent movements, the sharp techniques displayed between moments of stillness, and the occasional stealthy attacks all demonstrated Killua’s superb assassination skills.
However…
Killua had misjudged the situation, choosing the worst approach by kicking Netero’s right leg.
Hmm.
The result was Killua clutching his leg in pain, crying out repeatedly.
Lorin laughed heartily.
The old man’s teasing about attacking him earlier wasn’t a joke.
Grabbing the ball was one thing, but if Killua tried to attack, his current condition would be the outcome.
“Brother Lorin, may I go next?” Gon turned and politely asked.
“Go ahead!” Lorin nodded. It would also give him more time to observe Netero’s movements, even if it might not be of much use.
With Lorin’s approval, Gon excitedly started warming up, then charged straight at Netero.
Unlike Killua, who used stealth and assassination-like techniques, Gon relied more on raw physicality, using his strength and remarkable explosiveness.
Unfortunately…
For Netero, the difference between the two wasn’t significant. After a series of flashy antics,
Gon… hit the ground!
“Oh ho ho, it’s your turn now, boy! Come on…” Netero turned to Lorin with a smile, beckoning him.
However, a hint of seriousness flickered in his eyes.
Unlike Killua and Gon, who were just toys, Netero viewed Lorin as his prey!
But it was clear Lorin hadn’t noticed this or, rather, didn’t think he could clash directly with Netero at this point.
He stood up, kicked off his flip-flops, stretched his body, and walked slowly toward Netero.
“I’ve never learned any martial arts, so there’s no way I can compare to Killua in terms of technique. So… my only option is to use Gon’s approach, relying solely on my physical strength.”
“However, even though my physical abilities are better than Gon’s, they don’t surpass Killua’s. Since Killua, with both skill and strength, couldn’t get the ball, how can I?” Lorin thought to himself.
But…
His goal had never been to grab the ball.
Lorin’s eyes glanced over the ball in Netero’s hand, then fixed intently on Netero.
This was training with the world’s greatest master. Even if it was just a game… Netero’s game could exhaust someone as tireless as Gon until he fell asleep.
“I wonder how much experience I can gain in one night.” A glint of expectation flashed in Lorin’s eyes as he suddenly rushed at Netero without hesitation.
“Tch, is he the same type as Gon?” Killua narrowed his eyes, forming a judgment in his mind, feeling slightly disappointed.
Though it had only been one exchange, Killua had clearly sensed the astonishing strength and skill hidden within Netero’s seemingly elderly body.
As impressive as Lorin’s speed and strength were, Killua could tell at a glance that he hadn’t undergone any technical training.
Purely relying on physical strength…
“There’s no way he’ll get the old man’s ball,” Killua concluded, giving up on the idea of seeing Netero in trouble.
At the same time, Netero had a similar thought.
“Is this all there is?” Netero’s eyes narrowed slightly.
He had anticipated so much from Lorin, but now…
“Was I expecting too much?” Netero pondered, though outwardly he remained calm, probing Lorin with skills that were not significantly different from earlier.
Meanwhile, Lorin had no clue about the thoughts running through those around him. His gaze was fixed on the ball in Netero’s hand, and he kept accelerating, sprinting toward Netero.
Even if his movements were effortlessly dodged by Netero, Lorin wasn’t bothered. He continued to push himself to the limit, gradually becoming familiar with his body.
After all, his body had only recently transformed, and though Lorin felt he had full control, it was still unfamiliar.
With each burst of speed, Lorin grew increasingly accustomed to his body’s strength, agility, and flexibility.
This exhilarating feeling of surging speed was intoxicating, and his eyes on the ball shone ever brighter.
At this moment, Lorin had even forgotten that he hadn’t initially planned on actually trying to grab the ball.
Naturally, this series of changes didn’t escape Netero’s notice.
“Could it be…”
A peculiar guess formed in Netero’s mind, and he deliberately created an opening.
“An opportunity!”
Lorin’s eyes lit up as he lunged for the ball in Netero’s hand.
In that instant, he instinctively tapped into a deeper reserve of strength, pushing off the ground. Lorin’s figure disappeared from Gon and Killua’s view.
“So fast—” Gon’s eyes widened.
“Impossible!” Killua shouted inwardly, his eyes darting around to locate Lorin.
However…
With a seemingly slow yet actually rapid sidestep, Netero evaded, causing Lorin to appear behind him, crashing to the ground.
But Lorin quickly got up, staring in disbelief at his hands, as if unable to comprehend the speed he had just unleashed.