The 287th Hunter Examination was in full swing, and Oboro had already settled into his temporary quarters, a small wooden house built by the Hunter Association in Piska Forest Park. The location was perfect, not far from the registration site in Saba City and adjacent to the Shimelo Wetlands.
Instead of staying cooped up in his quarters, Oboro found himself drawn to the bustling streets of Saba City. The scene brought back memories of his own Hunter Exam, waves of newcomers flooding into the city daily, each carrying themselves with the unmistakable air of exceptional candidates. Just by watching them, he could tell that those who would make it to the end would be truly remarkable.
His favorite pastime became people watching from the outdoor seating area of a juice shop strategically placed near the registration hotel. Under the shade of a parasol, he'd watch the parade of contestants pass by, their faces bearing that familiar mixture of pride and self-confidence. He found himself automatically ranking them, counting their order of arrival, noting which had come with guides and which had found their way alone.
Among the familiar faces, he spotted Tonpa. The veteran examiner with the number 16 hadn't noticed Oboro at all, even when he had passed by a few meters away from his table. Oboro watched with quiet amusement as Tonpa played his usual game, pretending to be a casual passerby while secretly sizing up each competitor. The early arrival had given Tonpa plenty of time to gather information, and Oboro spent several entertaining days watching him scurry back and forth along the street.
"Is anyone here?"
The voice broke Oboro's routine the next day as he sat with his newspaper, sipping his drink through a straw like any other vacationer. When he lowered the paper, he found himself face to face with Hisoka, the clown's make-up doing little to hide his predatory expression.
"Why is he so slow," Oboro mused, resting his chin in his hand with a slight tilt of his head.
"Did you miss me?" Hisoka's question came in his typical playful tone as he took a seat.
"Yes. The exams haven't started yet and I'm a little bored being alone." Oboro's honest answer seemed to catch Hisoka off guard and brought an unusual weight to the clown's typically carefree smile.
"Oh, you've improved, you're so patient."
Oboro raised his eyebrows teasingly. "Hisoka fell silent, absently twirling a playing card between his fingers. Their history ran deep and they knew each other too well. From the beginning, Hisoka had felt Oboro's wariness toward him, a constant undercurrent, even after Oboro had become the Tenth Elder, even during their time together in Dongguotuo. That wariness had been a driving force in their mutual growth.
But now, something had changed. The caution was gone, replaced by an easy familiarity that unsettled Hisoka more than any hostility. It could only mean one thing: In Oboros eyes, he was no longer a threat.
The memory of Oboro killing the leader of the Bozwa tribe was still fresh in Hisoka's mind. That display of power had thrilled him and he'd expected Oboro's further growth, but this was beyond his expectations. Try as he might, he couldn't detect any unusual aura from Oboro. The man seemed to blend perfectly into the street scene, appearing completely defenseless and yet offering no openings for attack.
"120 points!" Hisoka finally broke the silence with a smile. "Exceeded my expectation of a perfect score" "0 points," Oboro countered simply.
"Are you 100% sure that you can kill me?" Hisoka's eyes narrowed.
"Do I still have to answer? Your instinct and your sixth sense already gave you the answer." Oboro took another sip of his juice and studied Hisoka carefully. "Your physical strength has increased alarmingly, it seems you have worked hard in the last few years."
The observation stirred something in Oboro. Hisoka wasn't quite at the level of a national hunter, but he had come remarkably close to the sub-world level. His growth rate had far exceeded his trajectory in the original timeline.
"Are you learning from me?" Oboro asked with a knowing smile.
"I can't help it. If I want to kill you, I have to be a complete match. I can't afford to be left behind in any way." Hisoka ordered his own juice before he continued, "Compared to you, my speed seems to be a bit slow, but if we really fight, I don't think I will lose. Because I am the strongest."
"You think so, right? You are the strongest." "Sure." Oboro's smile revealed a row of small white teeth. "Don't worry, I'll give you some time until you're ready. Or we can start the 'performance' right now and follow the repertoire you have choreographed, I'll follow your instructions."
He continued, "Back then, Leader Moritonio was interested in cultivating you, seemingly training you as his successor. This means that at least in terms of performance, your talent is better than mine. Therefore, I have no doubt that the performance you have planned will be wonderful."
"Hehe" Hisoka's answer came with a flash of bloodthirsty red in his eyes as he licked the edge of his card. But in the next moment, his expression turned sour as if he had been doused with cold water. "Do you want me to lose control? Are you playing a joke on me?"
"Tsk tsk, I thought you had really improved a lot, but I didn't expect your true nature to be exposed after just a little flirting. That's terrible." Oboro shook his head in mock disappointment. Even as a sub-world class Nen user, Hisoka still lacked the capital to challenge him. Once left behind, he could never catch up - humans had their limits. And Oboros abilities had none.
"Don't talk about me. You're even worse. For the first time, I kind of hate you."
They sat in silence and drank their juice until Hisoka put down his cup with a mischievous look on his face. "I came to give you a message. Chrollo and the others are already in the Republic of Bartokia. As soon as I get my license, I will rush over there as well."
"Oh, if you hadn't told me, I would have almost forgotten about them." Oboro's casual answer was obviously not what Hisoka had hoped for.
"Aren't you worried? For the past few years, they have acted separately, doing everything to maximize their growth and also to avoid the danger you pose to them. This group of people hate you very much, and this time they have gathered everyone just for you! Kuroro is determined to kill you!"
"When Illumi comes, let's play a game together," Oboro's slight smile carried a hint of anticipation.
"Game?"