Becoming a Hunter  

(I am Uchiha Shin.)

On the airship heading towards the final exam site, a broadcast on the wall suddenly sounded saying Chairman Netero of the Hunter Association wanted to meet and talk with the examinees.

When Chitose walked into the room, Netero was scratching his head. Seeing the boy standing at the door, he immediately smiled, "Please have a seat."

Chitose looked him over, then sat down across from him and asked, "This shouldn't be the final exam, right?"

Netero played with the pen on the table, "Now now, don't worry, it's just a reference." Then he glanced at the plaster cast wrapped in bandages on Chitose's right arm, "How's your arm recovering?"

Chitose's dark eyes flashed, "Just a small injury. What do you really want to ask?"

Netero smiled, "Small injury? I remember Hisoka broke the bones in your right forearm, then he..." He suddenly stopped mid-sentence, silently looking at the boy's face that had turned icy cold, the sharpness brought about by those faintly furrowed brows made him shrug in the end, and he finally asked his question, "Alright. So, first question, why do you want to become a Hunter?"

Seeing that he had finally gotten serious, Chitose relaxed his brows. But his face was still icy as he fell silent for a while before answering, "At first I came with the purpose of someone teaching me 'Nen' after becoming a Hunter. But now..."

The corner of his mouth hooked up in a faintly excited smile, the stars in his eyes brimming with anticipation, "I'm starting to look forward to being a Hunter."

As the young boy said this, his eyes as dark as black agate shone brightly, and the surging battle intent radiating from him was palpable. Netero raised a brow as he looked at him, having long noticed the Nen around the boy. Inwardly marveling at the heroic lad, he then asked another question, "Hm... Then, second question, among the remaining examinees, who are you most wary of, and who do you least want to face?"

"The one I'm most wary of is undoubtedly Gon, as for the rest there's no one I particularly detest or am wary of. If I had to name one it would be Hisoka. Because we've fought before, for me he's still in a cooling off period, so I temporarily don't wish to face him the most." Chitose calmly replied, his expression once more impassive.

Netero scratched his head, "Hmm, I see... that's tiring, please send in the next person."

Watching the departing figure of the boy, Netero fell into thought.

Three days later.

In the restaurant run by the Hunter Association, inside a huge venue, the examinees and some examiners stood facing each other. Netero then announced the final phase test roster and introduced the rules. The final test was a one-on-one match, victory required making the opponent say "I give up". As long as they win one match they pass. The losers would fight again until the very last failure was decided. In other words, only the loser of the very last match fails the exam. Additionally, killing during the matches immediately disqualifies that person, the rest of the examinees directly pass the exam.

Killua stared at the match order chart. According to Netero, those with higher scores in the previous exams get more chances to fight. Looking at this chart...

He glanced at the person beside him.

Gon and Chitose's scores were higher than his. And Gon was one of those with the highest scores, his opponent Hanzo was another top scorer. They would be the first match, both had multiple chances to fight.

He unconsciously furrowed his brows.

Chitose scored higher than him, that was only natural. But Gon...

He clenched his fist tightly.

While thinking this, Gon and Hanzo's match had already begun. Killua saw Gon wanting to pull ahead with speed at first, but had just started moving when Hanzo caught up to him, knocking him over with a hand chop. He couldn't help letting out a "tsk".

If it were him, he definitely could have easily dodged an attack of that degree! "Killua?" The cold voice sounded by his ear, Killua gave a start and swiftly turned to the expressionless Chitose who didn't know when he had come to his side, "Oh! It's you, Chitose. What's up?"

Chitose glanced at him, then his gaze shifted towards the strange man full of piercings staring at them - staring accurately at Killua. "Do you know that person?"

Killua put his hands in his pockets, casually following his line of sight to glance at the man before turning nonchalantly back with a shrug towards Chitose, "Don't know him. That weirdo's been staring at me since the start, but he hasn't made any other moves. It's rather baffling."

Upon hearing this, Chitose pensively looked at the pin man again. Just then, that person's neck made crackling sounds as he twisted to turn away. His dull, ordinary eyes just happened to meet Chitose's.

Chitose's brow jumped. Although the man's gaze was empty and plain, he still felt that guy was definitely not simple. According to the match chart, Killua's first opponent was him. Somehow it made one a bit worried.

He was just thinking of speaking up to give Killua a reminder when the white-haired boy himself suddenly spoke first. "Hey, how's your arm?"

Chitose unconsciously touched his right arm, glancing at Hisoka from the corner of his eye. He was watching Gon's match. Sensing Chitose's gaze, Hisoka turned back to look at the expressionless faced boy. An ambiguous smile crossed his face at the sight of the young lad.

Chitose indifferently shifted his eyes away, answering Killua, "Apart from worrying I might get infected by some freak virus, there's no major issues."

"Pfft..." Killua made a face full of speechless exasperation. The next second, his deep blue eyes swept around. Where he stood was some distance away. Everyone was engrossed watching the match, no one was paying attention to them.

"Will you return to your own country after getting your Hunter license?"

"Mm."

"...I see. Speaking of, where's that talking dog that's always on your shoulder?"

Amusement surfaced in Chitose's pitch black eyes, "He's in the hotel room."

He didn't explain what Kakashi was doing in the room, and Killua also didn't ask. In fact, he seemed to be pondering over some other matter. Chitose quietly watched him, waiting for him to speak.

Finally, as if having steeled his resolve, Killua raised his head to meet Chitose's eyes. His large cat-like blue eyes clearly held an unusual emotion.

"Chitose, regarding the matter of you fighting Hisoka last time, I... I'm really sorry."

I didn't rescue you in time, instead I retreated due to cowardice... Regarding this, I'm deeply sorry.

Comprehension flashed through Chitose's eyes, "No, I think you did the right thing by first ensuring your own safety."

But Gon recklessly charged in to save you. And your subsequent actions also showed you preferred that kind of approach...

Moreover, I still...

Killua bit his lip. He raised his eyes to look at Chitose. Seeing his face expressionless as always, his heart grew even more nervous. Somewhat at a loss, he averted his gaze to stare blankly into space. Unconsciously he removed his right hand from his pocket, curling it into a loose fist with his thumb pressing into his bent index finger. He trembled slightly, his palm damp with sweat.

He opened then closed his mouth, forcing his suddenly disobedient vocal cords to finally squeeze out words. He felt the voice didn't sound like his own at all, as if another him was controlling his body while his soul had left, floating in midair watching his sorry state. But right now he couldn't care less.

He turned his sights back, staring straight at those black eyes. The pupils of his large blue cat-like eyes showed clear anomalous feelings. "Chitose, I..."

"Uwaaaahhhhh-!!!!"

Chitose narrowed his eyes.

Killua's last few words were drowned out by Gon's sudden bloodcurdling scream echoing throughout the arena.

Killua's complexion turned ashen upon seeing Chitose's cold gaze towards Hanzo after he broke Gon's left arm.

The loosely clenched fist he had lifted abruptly tightened, veins bulging on the back of his hand. He was clearly furious.

Chitose stared fixedly at Hanzo. Earlier since he was rather assured of Gon's strength, plus he also greatly trusted Hanzo's character, he had relaxed and spoken with Killua at ease. But who would've thought...

Watching Gon's pained expression intently, Hanzo suddenly felt a chill run through his entire body. It was as if he sensed something, raising his head he directly met the murderous intent concealed within the black eyes of the black haired boy.

His face stiffened, and he immediately realized whoever loses this match would be facing Chitose next. A feeling of being targeted welled up along with an ominous premonition that losing this match would be terrible.

He shook his head to dismiss this sensation, continuing to focus on tormenting Gon with ninja methods, determined to get the little guy to quickly say "I give up."

However, two hours passed with the surrounding ground already dyed red with the green-haired boy's blood, yet that tiny lad, although already exhausted to the point he couldn't make a sound, still stubbornly held himself upright, refusing to admit defeat.

Observing those eyes of his that were still clear without the slightest shadow, let alone hatred towards him, Hanzo finally let out a defeated sigh.

—I've lost to this guy's stubbornness!

"I give up."

The people present were all stunned for a moment. Chitose was the first to react, striding over in a few quick steps to the disapproving faced Gon's side. Looking towards the referee he stated, "It can be confirmed now that Gon has passed, correct?"

The referee glanced at Netero then nodded towards Chitose in affirmation. Hanzo put away his weapons and slowly made his way off the stage. There were still several other matches before facing Chitose. This time was for him to rest up. He knew Chitose was strong. Even with one arm in a cast he still firmly believed this. So for now, better focus on preserving strength first.

Having obtained an affirmative answer, Chitose turned around and stared straight at Gon who still wanted to say something to the referee with his face scrunched up in disapproval.

The next second, he caught the softly collapsing body in his arms.

—It was very simple for him to knock out this simple idiot of a buddy using genjutsu, much less now when the other party had already depleted himself.

He looked at Gon's broken left arm and wounds bleeding all over his body. Rejecting the stretcher offered by the medics, he frowned and carried Gon in his arms. Nodding to Leorio, Kurapika and Killua beside him for them to continue with their matches, he then followed the staff leading the way towards the medical room.

Not long after, Hanzo who was up against Chitose truly experienced what hell was like.

What do you mean a vast ocean? Forget it if that's the case, why kindly offer me a tiny boat? I really don't need your charity Chitose!

Pressing down the churning in his stomach, Hanzo wanted to jump into the sea but had just escaped from the damn boat when his vision abruptly shifted from the azure seawater into the wooden deck. Smashing headfirst onto the deck, the swaying sensation assaulted him again. Struggling to crawl to the side of the boat, he covered his mouth to resist the urge to vomit while exerting great effort to roll off the railing and drop towards the sea. Yet his vision blurred and he was back on the boat.

Hanzo felt like weeping. He forced himself to stay calm, firmly convincing himself to believe none of this was real. Barely pulling himself together, he circulated all the chakra in his body, hands swiftly forming seals. "Dispel!"

The surroundings didn't change one bit: it was still that deck, still that sea, still swaying like so.

Hanzo didn't sense his ninjutsu being disrupted by the illusion technique at all. Gritting his teeth, he struggled to peek out. Catching sight of Chitose standing not far away, it could only mean attacking the caster was the solution left.

Thinking this, Hanzo used chakra to stabilize his steps towards Chitose. But no matter how hard he tried, the distance between them remained the same without shortening one bit.

Another huge wave rolled over. Hanzo hastily covered his mouth again, no longer able to hold back the nausea.

The illusion was too realistic! What monstrous technique! As expected of the famed Uchiha huh...

He suddenly recalled his village seniors mentioning their experiences facing the Uchiha. Now, he profoundly understood that piece of advice "run if it's one on one".

But for a genjutsu like this that he had never seen before! Was it still within the scope of "illusion techniques"?

Watching Hanzo's miserable state, the corner of Chitose's mouth curved up coldly. Raising his left hand, he made a lowering motion from right to left.

Seeing the abrupt rise of a massive wave, Hanzo's complexion turned ashen. He felt his soul had already ascended to heaven.

Among the spectators, Kurapika scrutinized the sea before them centered on Hanzo's vision. From the beach where Chitose stood that stretched all the way to the arena hall's wall in the distance, even the skies and clouds were extremely realistic.

It was simply too amazing! How was such...such another world created?!

He watched the back of that black haired boy, eyes full of the surging shock of towering waves.

Uchiha Chitose, just what is the extent of your powers?!

The thought in Kurapika's mind was pretty much the same as everyone present.

At this time within the arena grounds, Hanzo saw Chitose's hand already showing signs of pressing down.

The titanic wave followed his movement, momentum shocking as it lowered.

If swallowed by that wave, there would be no chance of the precarious small boat he was on escaping...!

"Stop! I give up! I give up, Chitose! Stop! Stop—!!!!"

Chitose raised his head slightly, haughtily glancing down upon Hanzo.

Then mercilessly, with a wave of his hand he let the giant wave crash down.

—Starting today, Konoha's jounin Hanzo developed a terminal illness of "dies at the sight of the ocean".

***

"Hahahahaha..."

Inside the medical room, Gon laughed loudly bending over upon hearing Satotz's recount. Tears were coming out from his eyes.

Satotz smiled as he watched him, waiting for Gon to settle down before feeling moved to say, "Uchiha Chitose, what an interesting lad."

Gon used his left hand to wipe the tears of laughter from his eyes. The smile on his face stubbornly refusing to fade, "Mm, Chitose is extremely awesome."

He looked at Satotz, beaming radiantly, "He's my good friend!"

Satotz nodded with an acknowledging smile.

"Oh right, who was the one who failed the exam in the end, Mr. Satotz?" Gon suddenly recalled something and curiously asked.

Hearing this question, Satotz's smile faded. He silently regarded Gon for a moment.

"...It was Killua. He killed someone, losing his qualification."

Gon stared blankly back at Satotz, thoroughly stunned.

Ten minutes later.

Gon ran down the hallway.

[The Gittarackur candidate covered in piercings was actually Killua's oldest brother, Illumi Zoldyck. He claimed Killua was a born assassin who doesn't need friends. And because Killua wanted to be friends with you, he wanted to kill you.]

[But killing you would mean losing qualification, so he decided to pass the exam first. He asked Killua if he wanted to fight him, but sweating profusely and looking extremely terrified, Killua gave up before the fight even began.]

[Afterwards, Killua was like his soul had left him. No matter who called him, he didn't respond. Until Leorio's match. Killua suddenly charged over and killed Leorio's opponent before directly leaving.]

[And so, Killua became the only disqualified candidate.]

[Oh right, Chitose happened to be away for something at that time and didn't watch the matches. Also, I don't know why Killua didn't mention wanting to be friends with Chitose in front of Illumi...]

Gon's brows were tightly knitted together. Coming to a stop outside the room currently explaining a qualified Hunter's license and capabilities to the new Hunters, not minding the silver-haired masked man standing by the door observing him with interest, he directly shoved the door open and barged right in.

Everyone in the room turned to look at Gon at the same time. But seemingly oblivious, he stared fixedly at the unfamiliar man with long straight black hair. Striding over one step at a time he stopped right in front of him.

He demanded that man go apologize to Killua. Because he believed that person, Killua's older brother, had forced Killua to kill. After the other party indicated non-cooperation, Gon directly announced he would go to the Zoldycks' home and take Killua out.

Chitose sat in the back row, silently watching things unfold. The other candidates were doubtful about the exam results since during the final test many matches ended in victory without fighting. But ultimately it still concluded with Netero's statement of "In any case, everyone present has been confirmed to pass the Hunter Exam and formally become Hunters."

Next, the assistant explained to them the privileges that came with holding a Hunter license as an official Hunter. By the time it got to asking if anyone present had any other questions, Chitose suddenly stood up.

"I want to know, just what are the privileges a Two-Star Hunter's license holds regarding special prisons?"

Netero looked towards Chitose in surprise. The other candidates also watched him with some puzzlement.

Chitose stared straight at Netero, "Can't say?"

The completely white-haired elderly man racked his brains thinking for a bit. Placatingly lowering both hands he said, "It's not quite suitable to discuss this here, I'll tell you privately later. Is that okay?"

Chitose's dark eyes dimmed a shade. He had previously heard from Shubaru that Haku was currently being held prisoner where.

—Avenger's Prison, simply sinister.

He clenched his fist tightly, remaining silent for half a beat before lowering his eyes and giving a slight nod.

***

Gon, Kurapika and Leorio stood together watching the black haired boy conversing with Netero in the distance. From the back, Chitose's figure seemed even more straight and steady.

Abruptly, he asked the two people beside him, "I heard from Mr. Satotz that back then before Illumi the only thing Killua said was he wanted to be friends with me?"

The two were startled, then after reacting Kurapika pensively answered, "Mm, come to think of it that does seem to be the case."

Gon looked at him uncomprehendingly, "Why is that?"

Kurapika furrowed his brows, just as baffled, "Who knows."

Gon fell silent for a time.

At this moment, Leorio suddenly spoke up. "Maybe that brat Killua was thinking of something else."

Gon and Kurapika looked over at him in puzzlement, "What do you mean?"

Leorio frowned, his mature visage showing traces of deep thought, "Well, I can't say for sure either but I feel he probably has some...some feelings for Chitose..."

Gon probed persistently, "Feelings for Chitose regarding what?"

Leorio glanced at Gon's clear eyes. Abruptly vexed, he scratched his head in frustration, "Tch! Maybe I saw wrong after all. I also don't know why he didn't mention Chitose."

Gon watched Leorio half believing and half suspicious. Unable to make out anything in the end he could only give up and resume staring at Chitose.

On the other hand, Kurapika felt Leorio definitely knew something else. After all, Leorio was studying medicine. Sometimes he could be quite perceptive. But since the other didn't wish to say, he wouldn't continue asking.

Sensing his two companions had looked away, only then did Leorio relax. 

Tch! In the end, just seeing a guy blushing while standing nervously in front of someone else isn't enough to determine anything.

He strove to convince himself to forget that scene he unintentionally saw.

***

Finally seeing Chitose finish conversing with Netero, Gon bounded over happily.

The two boys similar in height, one with his left and one with his right arm in plaster casts wrapped in bandages. Somehow this picture seemed rather harmonious, Kurapika and Leorio thought.

"Chitose! Kurapika, Leorio and I plan to go to Killua's house next to save him out. What about you?"

Chitose was somewhat speechless at Gon's use of "save". He pondered seriously for a bit, also taking a look at the silver haired man waiting for him not far away.

Earlier when he left before the final phase ended, it was because he received news from Jin telling him the medicine for Kakashi's recovery had arrived.

Exchanging looks with Kakashi at present, he considered the possibility of convincing his teacher to first return while leaving him in the Hunter world to cultivate his Nen. But abruptly, he and Kakashi reacted at the same time, their gazes shifting sharply towards one direction together.

Seeing their reaction, Gon and the other two looked over curiously but also warily towards where they were staring.

Upon recognizing the three tomoe Sharingan after seeing clearly who had come, Kakashi first sucked in a breath of cold air. Then unconsciously he glanced at Chitose.

The black haired, black eyed boy watched the pallid faced peer not far away. Shock was clearly written all over that delicate face.

"Greetings...Lord Chitose."

That boy stopped at a distance. Then he went down on one knee towards Chitose, right fist against the ground. The tranquil eyes looking at Chitose carried traces of fascination.

"I am named, Uchiha Shin."