18 Chapter 16: Fighting Hisoka

Meanwhile, Leorio and Kurapika found themselves facing their toughest challenge yet in the Hunter Exam, sweat trickling down their backs.

The tension was palpable as they were standing before Hisoka, who had just dispatched a group of participants.

Kurapika glanced around cautiously, whispering to Leorio, "...Leorio, I'll signal when it's time. Make sure you go in a different direction."

"..."

Leorio gritted his teeth, his silence conveying his agreement.

Though it stung his pride to back down from a fight, he knew it was their best chance at survival.

Hisoka's eyes glinted with interest as he approached Kurapika and Leorio, a smirk playing on his lips.

"How about we have a little fun together?"

"..."

Kurapika and Leorio remained silent, but their muscles tensed in anticipation.

They exchanged a brief glance before Kurapika locked eyes with Hisoka and yelled, "Now!"

"Hmm?"

Without hesitation, they bolted in opposite directions, leaving Hisoka to raise an intrigued eyebrow.

He could potentially catch one of them, but it would be a challenge.

Their quick thinking and teamwork impressed him - enough to pass his little 'test'.

"Very clever..."

With a chuckle, Hisoka turned on his heel, ready to continue on his way.

"Oh?"

However, Hisoka abruptly stopped in his tracks, his gaze locking onto Leorio who had just emerged from the fog as the latter slowly retraced his steps.

Leorio muttered to himself, "...I can't just give up like this!"

Leorio knew that if he gave in to running away, it would become a habit whenever things got tough.

That wasn't something he was willing to accept, even if his life was on the line.

He couldn't let his pride be compromised!

Hisoka's smirk widened as Leorio suddenly charged toward him, brandishing a long stick of wood.

Leorio swung the stick at Hisoka's face, catching him off guard with the solid blow.

But Hisoka's figure dispersed like mist, reappearing beside Leorio in an instant, causing him to stumble to his knees with a curse.

"Damn it..."

Hisoka's smile remained as he poised to strike Leorio from behind.

"...!"

However, before he could act, something collided with his face, momentarily throwing him off balance.

Turning to his assailant, Hisoka's grin widened as he saw the kid he had noticed earlier.

"A fishing rod, huh? Interesting choice of weapon, kid..."

"...Gon?"

Leorio's surprised voice echoed through the forest as Gon stood a few paces away, clutching his flyline tightly, ready to use his fishing rod as a weapon once again.

Tension crackled in the air as Leorio prepared to attack, and Gon braced himself for Hisoka's approach.

But their focus was suddenly shattered as all three of them turned their heads at the sound of someone running through the forest. A figure darted past them, sending a surge of excitement through Hisoka's veins, his face contorting with anticipation.

"Hmm?"

Raymond emerged from the foliage, his eyes widening in surprise at the unexpected gathering.

Sensing the tension in the air, he cast a wary glance at Hisoka.

Shaking his head, Raymond spoke casually, "Don't mind me, just carry on with what you were doing..."

"..."

Leorio was rendered speechless by Raymond's casual tone while Gon blinked in surprise at the sight of him.

"...Wasn't he ahead of us?"

Gon couldn't help but wonder, recalling Raymond's position from earlier.

His mind raced with questions, trying to understand how Raymond could have ended up here when he had been ahead of them.

Still frowning, Raymond watched with his mouth twitching as Hisoka's expression turned bizarre, a strange sense of excitement gleaming in his eyes.

Hisoka dashed toward Raymond.

Leorio and Gon stood in shock as Hisoka's figure blurred across the ground, moving with such speed that they struggled to keep up with his movements.

"Is he really here to test us?"

Leorio muttered, his fists clenched in frustration.

It was clear from Hisoka's display that he had been holding back a lot.

Meanwhile, Raymond frowned as he watched Hisoka approach, "Oh, for god sake..."

If it were Netero, Raymond would have welcomed the challenge. Netero was known for his formidable martial arts skills and dedication to perfecting his techniques.

But Hisoka?

While undoubtedly strong, Raymond knew that Hisoka was unpredictable and a bit unstable.

He preferred not to get involved with someone like him.

Raymond sighed as he swiftly halted his step, narrowly avoiding a blow aimed at his head. He leaped backward as Hisoka hurled a card that was coated with Nen aimed at him.

With ease, Raymond swatted it away.

"I didn't realize there was a circus in the forest..." Raymond remarked dryly.

Hisoka chuckled lightly in response, "Neither did I, but I thought the forest could use a bit more laughter..."

"...You must be the funniest person in the Hunter Exam right now," Raymond jabbed back, prompting Hisoka to burst into laughter unexpectedly.

Raymond shook his head, glancing at his watch.

Time was running out, and he knew they didn't have much left.

With a swift movement, his figure vanished from sight, causing Hisoka's eyes to widen in shock.

Before Hisoka could react, Raymond reappeared, delivering a powerful kick to his chest.

"...Your reflexes are impressive, but..." Raymond's voice trailed off.

Suddenly, Raymond disappeared again, and Hisoka grimaced in pain as he felt a sharp jab to his side which made him realize the first kick was just a distraction, followed by an uppercut that sent him hurtling through the air.

Despite the agony, Hisoka's body trembled with excitement.

But it wasn't over yet!

As Raymond's figure soared through the air, he unleashed a powerful kick aimed at Hisoka, who swiftly raised his hand in defense.

Despite Hisoka's attempt to block, he felt a sharp crack in his bones as Raymond's kick connected, sending him hurtling even deeper into the forest.

It was clear that Raymond had intended to send him flying all along.

However, Hisoka smirked as he prepared to activate his Bungee Gum, the versatile substance he had attached to Raymond during their earlier exchange.

With a flick of his wrist, he planned to use it to pull Raymond along for the ride as he soared freely through the forest so they could continue their fight.

"Oh, this? You think I wouldn't notice?"

Raymond's casual voice echoed through the forest, causing Hisoka's smile to vanish in an instant.

He felt his Nen being consumed by Raymond's, a sensation that sent shivers down his spine, which made Hisoka hastily let go of his Nen.

Raymond possessed unique Nen property that was able to consume and neutralize the Nen of his opponents upon contact, which he called Aura Annihilator!

Although Hisoka's plan had failed and Raymond had thoroughly defeated him, the experience only served to invigorate him.

"Ahh... what a fascinating character, such strength and wits," Hisoka muttered to himself, disappearing into the depths of the forest.

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