3 TALES OF ASPIRING HUNTERS

"I, for my part, am seeking to reach a certain place. And it's only by becoming a Hunter that I'll have all the chances to achieve it."

Next was Kurapika, who promptly gave his response.

"A place, you say?" the captain retorted. "Indeed, being a Hunter grants access to many places in this world. I wish you the best, my child."

Kurapika just nodded with a smile in response.

The captain then turned his head to the last of the three men, the tall and scowling-faced one.

"I don't see why I should confess in front of you, old man," the young man grumbled.

The captain took a puff from his pipe before responding.

"If you want. But know that I am the preselection examiner for the Hunter Exam. Not answering me means disqualification."

Upon hearing the captain's words, veins could be seen on the young man's temples as he tried to contain his frustration.

"Fine. I'll tell you my motivations if it matters so much to you," he said.

He then extended his arms parallel to the ground.

"Money!" he exclaimed. "Money, money, and more money. Sorry for not having noble dreams like these two kids. If I want to be a Hunter, it's only for the benefits and fortune it brings. Is that a good enough answer for you, old man?"

Ending on this note, the young man awaited a response from the captain.

The captain drew on his pipe again.

"You've answered my question; that's what matters most. Your motivations are all about self-care," the captain said.

With that, the captain then looked at each of the three characters in his office.

"Now, all that's left is for you to survive the upcoming storm. Only those who survive will qualify for the next stage of this exam."

Concluding his words here, the captain dismissed his guests.

Now the only three passengers aboard the ship, they tacitly agreed to stay on the ship's deck.

"I'm Kurapika, and you?"

Approaching the grumpy-looking young man, Kurapika introduced himself.

The young man, in turn, looked at his interlocutor's outstretched hand for a moment before finally extending his hand with a click of his tongue.

"Leolio," he replied.

Having received a favorable response from the young man introduced as Leolio, Kurapika flashed a gentle smile.

Leaning on the ship's edge, Kurapika scrutinized the horizon.

"This one's going to be a big one," he commented.

Not initially understanding what his new neighbor was talking about, Leolio turned his gaze in the same direction. Seeing the dark, heavy clouds approaching them, he couldn't help but agree with his neighbor's statement.

"If you're scared, you can always ask to evacuate," he teased his neighbor.

"There's no chance I'll give up. I have a goal to accomplish," Kurapika replied.

"Oh, you mean that famous place you're looking for, huh?" Leolio retorted, recalling his neighbor's earlier words.

Kurapika just smiled.

"What are you two talking about?"

Suddenly, a little fellow interjected between the two.

He was part of the trio that had decided to brave the looming storm.

"We were becoming friends," Kurapika replied to the little boy.

"Oh, really?" exclaimed the boy, full of energy.

He then turned to Leolio.

"I'm Gon. I already made friends with Kurapika earlier," he cheerfully introduced himself.

"First of all, I'm not friends with anyone," Leolio pointed out, casting an accusing look at Kurapika. "Anyway, I'm Leolio."

"Okay, Leolio, let's be friends then!" Gon shouted.

These words exasperated Leolio, who wanted to play the lone wolf, but seeing Gon's insistence, he could only let go.

"Doesn't matter anyway," he said, conceding defeat and making Kurapika chuckle nearby.

"That said, aren't you too young for such an exam, kid?" Leolio then asked Gon.

"I was allowed to participate, so I don't see any problems," Gon replied as if the previous question was unfounded.

Leolio just sighed. He had no close connection with this boy, so it was his business if he himself engaged in such a perilous journey.

'However, he seems quite capable,' he thought, noting that Gon had braved the first storm.

Subsequently, the weather became more turbulent, and the sea wilder.

"It's starting," announced Gon. The captain emerged from his cabin and began giving instructions to his sailors. Meanwhile, the storm finally arrived. As expected, it was more devastating than the previous one. Giant waves crashed onto the ship, threatening to capsize it at any moment. The trio had no choice but to assist the crew members facing the fierce storm. And although they felt no fear in the face of the tempest, its effects could not be ignored. It was with the waters fiercely striking their bodies that they worked to maintain the ship. As they had already lost track of time, the storm finally subsided, leaving behind a ship that had endured but was quite battered. More scared than harmed, everyone had survived, including the trio, the captain, and his crew.

"Hey, old man, I hope there won't be any more storms, huh?" Leolio exclaimed, lamenting his soaked suit as he collapsed on the ship's floor. "Ha, ha, ha. Fear not, boys, you've passed my test. Go dry your clothes and rest. My crew and I will take care of escorting you to the next stage," declared the captain, quite proud of the three passengers. As suggested by the captain, the trio went off to dry and rest.

Now, with only his underwear, Kurapika lay on the suspended bed of one of the twin beds in one of the ship's holds, holding and passionately reading a book. "What are you reading?" A childish voice interrupted. It was Gon, who had agilely jumped over the lower edge of Kurapika's bed. He was only wearing his underwear, the rest presumably drying.

"It's a collection of Hunter adventures," replied Kurapika, unfazed by Gon's interruption. "Oh! That sounds interesting," Gon replied, becoming more curious.

"Do you want to read?" suggested Kurapika. "No, I don't want to stop you from finishing your book," Gon tried to reject. "Don't worry, I have another copy with me," reassured Kurapika, all smiles. He then sat up, left his bed, and went to rummage through his suitcase in a corner of the room. He then took out a book with a cover similar to the previous one and tossed it in Gon's direction. "Here," he said. "Thank you," Gon said, easily catching the book. He then started reading the content, while Kurapika returned to his bed and resumed his reading. Time passed.

"Hey, you two, we've arrived." Leolio joined them later, announcing that they had reached their destination. "Oh, great!" Gon exclaimed as he jumped to join Leolio on the floor. Kurapika, on the other hand, closed his book. "Next stage," he murmured, smiling. Having put on their clothes, the trio went back up to the ship's deck, where the crew had already docked at the island's port. The weather was good, and the hustle and bustle were at their peak, with other ships docking and the crowd bustling at the port.

Armed with their luggage, the trio was about to leave when the ship's captain stopped them. "Before you go, I have something to tell you, young ones." The captain's tone, though nonchalant, caught the trio's full attention. He had identified himself as an examiner; it would be foolish to take his words lightly. "You are currently at Dôllé Port. It's one of the many preselection points for the exam," the captain continued, making sure he had the trio's full attention. He took a puff from his pipe before continuing. "I like you, so I'll give you some advice." He then pointed his finger toward a large tree at the edge of the horizon. "Head towards that tree if you want to go further in this exam," he said.

The trio followed the captain's pointed direction. "Thank you very much, grandpa!" Gon thanked joyfully. "It's kind of you," followed Kurapika. "I would have guessed anyway," Leolio grumbled, as usual.

With that, the trio parted ways with the crew and the captain and left the ship. The first selection was over, but the adventure was just beginning.