When I got on the ship, I deactivated my Nen Weight. It was so damn heavy, I figured the whole thing might crack in half if I left it on. Once the weight vanished, my Nen flowed back like a flood, and I used the time to meditate.
The room was cramped as hell—jam-packed with people, no dividers, no privacy. To top it off, a storm hit. But I didn't give a damn. I sat down, put on my MP3 player, and let some good old '90s music drown out the chaos. People were screaming, muttering, panicking—but none of it broke my concentration. I can meditate through anything, as long as the soundtrack's right.
When the storm finally passed, I opened my eyes. Half the room was knocked out cold. Weaklings. No way they're making it through the Hunter Exam. Only three others were still standing.
One of them had spiky, pineapple-like hair—had to be Gon Freecss. I'm pretty sure it's him. My dad once mentioned a kid younger than me... I should've realized he was the same one I saw back at the gym. Besides, it's rare to see someone that young taking part in the Hunter Exam.
Then there was a blonde girl. Impressive she lasted this long. Not surprising, though. In this world, underestimating people is a good way to die. The last one was a guy in a suit and glasses, calmly eating an apple like none of this even fazed him.
Gon was helping the others. Didn't really get why—those people would wake up on their own. But I guess that's just his nature. Meanwhile, the blonde girl was chilling in a hammock, flipping through a book like the storm never even happened. And the guy in the suit? Judging by his expression, that apple was sour as hell.
Out of curiosity, I grabbed an apple too. Yep—sour as hell. Good thing I brought food seasonings. My bag's huge, packed with all kinds of stuff—cooking gear, not weapons. A knife for chopping, a pot, utensils—you name it. Heh, I might've gone overboard.
I quickly smeared some honey on the apple and took a bite—much better. Then I tucked the honey back in my bag before anyone noticed. No way I'm sharing that. Thank god the guy didn't see it.
Then that guy—Katzo, I think he was one of the crew members—joined Gon to help out. He accidentally dropped one of his task books, and my curiosity got the better of me. I took a quick peek. Inside was a list of names and faces—some of them crossed out. But what really caught my eye was the Hunter Association logo.
So the exam had already started, huh?
I quietly put the book back before he noticed I'd been snooping. Picked up another apple and returned to my meditation spot like nothing happened.
I was just about to zone out again when the captain called us—just the four of us—into his quarters. No way he picked us at random. The Hunter Exam had definitely started. I'm betting he's one of the examiners.
I just hope it's not something ridiculous.
When we got there, the captain spoke up.
Captain: "You guys, tell me your names."
The guy in the suit raised an eyebrow.
Suit Guy: "You want to know my name?"
The captain gave a short nod.
Captain: "That's right."
Gon stepped up casually.
Gon: "I'm Gon."
I followed.
Max: "Max."
The blonde girl answered too.
Girl: "Kurapika."
The guy in the suit just stood there, stunned that we gave our names so easily. Like dude, chill—it's just a name. Eventually, he gave in.
Suit Guy: "I… I'm Leorio."
I couldn't help myself.
Max: "Your name's The Oreo? Makes sense you didn't want to say it."
Gon chuckled a bit, clearly trying not to laugh too hard, and Kurapika just smiled faintly. Leorio, on the other hand, was pissed.
Leorio: "It's Leorio, alright?! I'm older than you—show some respect!"
I shrugged.
Max: "My bad, I misheard."
Didn't sound like a full apology, but he let it slide, grumbling a bit under his breath.
Then the captain continued.
Captain: "Alright. So, your names are Gon, Max, Kurapika, and Leorio… Now, tell me—why do you want to become Hunters?"
Oh shit.
What am I supposed to say? The truth is I want money and power—but that sounds lame. I need something cooler. Maybe I'll steal one of those Hunter x Hunter narrator lines. I don't remember the cover, but I do remember the descriptions a bit. Wait… Gon Freecss is the protagonist, right? Should've guessed. His name was mentioned in one of those summaries.
Still, something feels off. Like… why don't I remember the full plot? Was it erased? Altered? Was my memory messed with on purpose? Doesn't matter. I'm here now. I want money, I want power. After that? Maybe I'll settle down and live a peaceful life. Or maybe not. If I change my mind, I might follow Gon too—just to piece the story together with my own eyes.
Yeah… it's a weird reason, but it's my reason. And that's enough for now.
Leorio: Hey! Questions have limits too, you know! That's way too personal. If you're not an examiner, you can't boss us around or ask stuff like that!
Captain: Just answer it. I don't care who goes first.
This guy's still clueless too. I bet only three of us actually have a clue.
Gon: My dad's a Hunter. I left Whale Island because I want to find out why he chose being a Hunter over raising me.
Captain (thinking): Whale Island, huh... So this is Ging's son. The day has finally come.
Max (thinking): So his dad literally left for milk, huh? Or maybe he just didn't want to pay child support… Wait, never mind—Hunters are loaded. There's no way he couldn't afford it.
Leorio: Hey, kid!
Gon: Huh?
Leorio: You weren't supposed to answer that!
Gon: Why not? What's the big deal? I was just telling him my reason. You should too.
Leorio: Not a team player, huh? I don't feel like revealing why I'm here, thank you very much.
Kurapika: I agree with Leorio.
Hearing Gon and Kurapika's answers, I sighed. Never mind. I guess I'm the only one here with common sense. Can't they see that staff member is holding a taskbook with files? The exam already started. I'll just wait for them to finish talking, then hit them with something cool. A short, honest answer... but stylish.
Leorio: "What? Hey! You're the same as him—you're younger than me too, right? Show some respect!"
Kurapika (ignoring him): It's quite simple to avoid pesky questions—offer a plausible lie.
Leorio: Hey! Are you listening to me?
Kurapika: However, it is shameful to rely on deceit. That said, if I were to tell you the truth, I'd be exposing my deepest secrets. That's why I won't answer.
Why is he acting like some edgy anime girl? Oh, right—this is an anime world. Makes sense. I was trying to be edgy too... crap, whatever, I'm in too deep now. I've fully accepted this new personality.
Leorio: Stop ignoring me!
Captain: So, in other words, you three refuse to answer my question?
Wait, what?
Max: Hey! You haven't even heard my answer yet. Why'd you assume I refused too?
Captain: Oh, my bad. You can go ahead.
Leorio: Hey, didn't you hear us talking?
Max: You guys really are clueless, huh? I'm not dropping out of the Hunter Exam just because you three are being dramatic. Don't lump me in with you.
Captain: Hooh… So you figured it out?
Kurapika (curious): What do you mean by that?
Max: Seriously? You haven't figured it out? The Hunter Exam already started.
Leorio: What?!
Kurapika: Is that true?
Captain: That's right.
He pulled out an official Hunter license.
Leorio: That's from the Hunter Association!
Captain: There are as many Hunter wannabes as stars in the sky. We examiners don't have time to evaluate every applicant, so we hire people like me to trim the fat. I already informed the board—everyone else on this ship failed. If they couldn't handle a little storm, they don't belong in the real exam. In short, I decide who moves on.
Gon: So he is an examiner...
Max: Wait a sec—by your logic, there was no reason to ask those personal questions. If your job is just to see who survives the storm...
Kurapika & Leorio: That's right...
Captain: My ship, my rules. It's that simple.
Max: Oh. Fair enough.
Captain: So, how did you figure it out?
Max: Honestly? It was thanks to that guy over there.
Katzo: Me?
Max: Yeah. When you dropped your taskbook while helping Gon, I got curious. Peeked inside, saw a list of names, some crossed out, and the Hunter logo. That was all I needed.
Katzo: Oh no! I'm so sorry, Captain!
Captain:sighs Katzo… You'll be punished after this trip.
Katzo looked terrified. Should I have lied? Eh, not my problem.
Captain: So if you hadn't seen the book, would you still have told me your reason?
Max: Yeah, probably. It's not a big deal.
Captain: Alright, then. Go ahead.
Max: So I asked someone what a Hunter is, and they gave me this answer...
I mimicked the narrator voice perfectly:
Max (dramatic voice): "Fearsome monsters… exotic creatures… Vast riches, hidden treasures… Evil enclaves… unexplored lands… The word 'unknown' holds magic, and some incredible people are drawn to that magic. They are known… as Hunters!"
Gon: Whoa! That was so cool—you changed your voice!
Max: Not a big deal. I can imitate lots of voices. Not everyone, but a good chunk.
Gon: Still awesome!
Captain:Ahem. So… your reason?
Max: I got curious and interested. That's all.
Captain: Got it. Now, will you two finally answer?
Guess he wasn't that impressed… oh well.
Leorio: Ugh, fine. I have no choice. But why didn't you just tell us all this earlier?
Max: First, I thought you guys already figured it out. Second... do I need to tell you anything?
Leorio wanted to argue—but stopped. He realized I had a point.
Leorio: ...You're right. You don't. The Captain should've told us sooner!
Captain: What, got a problem?
Leorio (gritting his teeth): No, no problem at all. Alright then, here's my reason—!
Kurapika (interrupting): I am the last survivor of the Kurta Clan.
Leorio: HEY! I was talking!
Oh no... Based on what I know, this is gonna be one of those tragic anime backstories. Is this a whole Sasuke Uchiha situation? Damn. She's edgy as hell. I kinda want to walk out, but the captain would probably throw me overboard.
Kurapika: Four years ago, my clan was slaughtered by a band of criminals. I wish to become a Hunter to find and destroy them—the Phantom Troupe.
Captain: So you want to be a bounty hunter? The Phantom Troupe has a Class A bounty. Even veteran Hunters struggle to deal with them. You'd be throwing your life away.
Kurapika: I do not fear death. I fear only that my rage may fade over time.
Her eyes flashed red for a second.
Max:IS THAT A SHARINGAN?!
Everyone jumped. Kurapika grabbed her ear in pain. Leorio fell down. Gon and the captain clutched their ears.
Kurapika: What did you just say?
Me: Uh… sorry. Spoke too loud. Forget it.
Kurapika just stared at me like I was some weirdo. Which, fair enough. That was embarrassing. I wanted to ask more about those eyes, but... probably not a great idea.
Leorio: Man, you scared the hell outta me, Don't ever do that again!
Max: My bad.
Leorio turned to Kurapika with an annoyed expression.
Leorio: So, in other words, you want revenge. Does that really require becoming a Hunter?
Kurapika: That may be the stupidest question I've ever heard, Leorio.
Leorio:That's Mr. Leorio to you!
Kurapika: There are places only Hunters can access, information only Hunters can obtain, and actions only Hunters can legally take. There are more reasons than your brain could possibly handle.
Leorio growled under his breath as anger rose.
Gon tried to cut the tension with an innocent question.
Gon: Hey! Why do you want to become a Hunter, Mr. Leorio?
Leorio: Me? I'll make it short. I want money. Money can get you everything— a big house, a nice car, a good liquor!
Max (thinking): I guess the Oreo's is the only one with the normal goal here.
Kurapika: You can't buy class with money, Leorio.
Max thought to himself, I mean… you kinda can. But I'm not about to get dragged into this mess.
Leorio's anger simmered over. He clenched his fists and spoke through gritted teeth, voice low but threatening.
Leorio: That's three times now. Step outside. I'll end the filthy Kurta bloodline here and now.
Leorio stormed toward the deck.
Max blinked. Damn. That hit deep. Dude's picking fights over honorifics? They just met. And now he's insulting the dead too? Bruh.
Kurapika's eyes burned with rage.
Kurapika: Take that back, Leorio!
Leorio stopped and looked back.
Kurapika: I said, take it back!
Leorio: That's Mr. Leorio to you.
He turned and continued outside. Kurapika followed in silence.
Max (thought): I'm done. I'm going back to my room to meditate or something.
Captain: Hey, boys! I'm not finished yet!
Max (thought):He's not finished yet? Seriously?
Max muttered internally, One of them's a girl— wait, never mind. Sailors probably just call everyone "boy."
Gon: Should we let them go?
Captain & Katzo: Huh?
Gon: Mito-san once told me, "If you want to get to know someone, you need to understand why they're angry." It's important they settle this themselves… uhh, this is really hard. I tried mimicking her voice and failed horribly... You really are cool, Max.
Max ignored him. Please, I just wanna meditate.
Suddenly—
Crew: Captain!
Captain: What is it?
Crew: Look!
They all turned and saw a massive waterspout forming in the distance.
Max: Oh, you've gotta be fucking kidding me.
Katzo: If we get caught in that, the ship'll sink!
Max (thought) : More like we'd die. Even with all my strength, I don't think I could survive against Mother Nature just yet.
Captain: Lower the sails!
Katzo: Aye, Captain!
Gon: I'll help too!
Katzo: Uh-huh. Come with me.
Max: Can I go back to my room now?
Captain: You must be joking. Help them, or do you not want to pass?
Max: Hahaha… Yes. Joking. Totally.
Max thought, Son of a bitch.
Max joined the others on deck. Some crew members were panicking, others rushed to lower the sails. Gon was helping too.
Max (thinking):Eh, I'll just watch Leorio and Kurapika fight while I munch on this apple. I'll step in if someone's life is in danger—but for now, everything looks fine.Hmm… this apple isn't bitter at all. So the staff gets the good ones while we're stuck with the bitter batch? That's kinda unfair... but whatever. I can deal with it thanks to the stuff I brought. Actually, this would be even better with a bit of honey. But It's still good without it,"
He found a spot, sat down, took a bite, and watched.
But it didn't last long.
Suddenly, the storm intensified. Lightning cracked overhead, and the ship shook violently. A powerful gust of wind hurled Katzo across the deck—straight toward the fighting duo. He nearly went overboard.
Kurapika and Leorio lunged to catch him but missed—until Gon dove in, snatching Katzo out of the air. Just as Gon began to fall, Kurapika and Leorio grabbed his legs, the three of them dangling dangerously over the edge. For a tense moment, it looked like they might all go over—but they managed to hold on, gripping the edge of the boat just in time.
Max (sighing):Welp… there's the problem. Time to do my job.
He stepped in and effortlessly pulled all four back onto the deck at the same time.
Kurapika and Leorio stared at him, stunned.
Max then went to help lower the sails—solo—and did it faster than the rest of the crew combined.
Eventually, the storm passed. Kurapika and Leorio were scolding Gon. Gon, unfazed, just smiled and complimented them instead.
Katzo, still shaken, approached Gon.
Katzo: Thank you, Gon. You saved my life.
Gon: I couldn't have done it alone. These three helped too.
Kurapika & Leorio: Huh?
Max: I only did it for the experience points.
Katzo: Even so, thank you—all of you. I really mean it.
Kurapika: No need to thank me.
Leorio: Well… yeah. I'm just glad you're okay.
Katzo: I'll return to my station, then.
Max: Enjoy your punishment!
Katzo winced but gave a half-hearted smile and went back to his post.
Everyone turned to look at Max.
Max: What? I'm just stating facts. Getting saved doesn't erase the fact you screwed up.
Kurapika and Leorio sighed and looked at each other.
Kurapika: I apologize for my rude behavior. Sorry, Mr. Leorio.
Leorio: What's with the formal tone all of a sudden? We sound like strangers. Just call me Leorio… Leorio works.
Max (thinking): Technically, we're still strangers. We've only known each other for about an hour—except for me and Gon, even though I haven't really talked to him much, or at all, until now.
Leorio: I'm sorry too. I take back everything I said—I was wrong.
Kurapika: No, it's okay.
Leorio turned to Max.
Leorio: By the way… you're insanely strong. You lifted all four of us like it was nothing, and handled the sails on your own. Just how strong are you?
Gon: Yeah! I saw you at the gym once—you were lifting over 100 kilos like it was nothing! I really wanted to ask you about it… but you always ignored me. This is actually the first time we've had a real conversation—back in the captain's room.
Max: I was focused on training. Also… I kinda thought you were annoying at first.
Gon (crestfallen): Oh…
Max: I've been training with weighted gear since I was six. I wear it all the time—even while sleeping. Started with lighter weights and gradually built up. Right now, I've got over 50 kilos strapped to each wrist, ankle, and hand. My vest? That one weighs 300 kilos. (Max thought: It gets even heavier when I use my skill "Nen Weight." It's a weight gear conjured from my aura, and it automatically adjusts based on my training. I don't even know the real number anymore... but no need to bring that up.)
Leorio: Whoa, you've been using weights since you were a kid? That's wild… but still, it doesn't add up… Wait—50 kilos each for your wrists, ankles, and hands, plus a 300-kilo vest?! That's… that's 500 kilos total! No wonder you lifted us like we weighed nothing! Are you even human?!
Gon: "Wow, that's incredible! I knew you used weights, but I had no idea they were that heavy—or that you wore them all the time. No wonder you're so strong!"
Kurapika: "I'm at a loss for words… Incredible. That's all I can say."
Max (thinking): I've got Nen too, but even without it, I could still lift them. No way I'm explaining Nen right now. Too much of a hassle. They'll figure it out eventually.
Max: Anyway, about your fight earlier. I know you both apologized, and maybe it's not my place, but I've gotta say this. Mr. Leorio, you were worse. Yeah, Ms. Kurapika was a bit cold—but that's understandable. You barely know each other, and respect isn't about age, it's about how you carry yourself. Honestly? Insulting the dead and provoking Ms. Kurapika like that was way out of line. You wanted respect, but you didn't act like someone who deserved it. Take a second and really think about what you said earlier.
Leorio froze. The guilt hit him like a freight train. Without a word, he dropped to his knees and slammed his forehead against the deck.
Leorio: I'm sorry, Kurapika!
Kurapika: You didn't have to… I already forgave you…Wait. Did you just call me Ms.?
Everyone turned to Max.
Max: What?
Kurapika: I'm male.
Max: Can you repeat that?
Kurapika: I'm a male.
Max:WHAT?! SHE'S A HE?! YOU GUYS KNEW THIS?!
Gon: You didn't?
Max: Feminine voice, girly appearance, beautiful face—what was I supposed to think?!
Leorio: Honestly… yeah, I get it now.
Kurapika: Don't judge a book by its cover.
Max: Sometimes, you still have to judge a book by its cover, Ms. Kurapika.
Kurapika: You're still calling me "Miss."
Max: I'm not convinced.
Kurapika: And how do I convince you? I'm not taking off my shirt!
Max: "Easy. Just look up."
Kurapika: "And why should I?"
Max: "Relax, I'm not gonna do anything suspicious." (He lied.)
Kurapika shot him a suspicious glare but looked up anyway. In a flash, Max poked him in the chest… and then, unfortunately, a bit further south.
Kurapika's fist instantly slammed into Max's face.
Max didn't even flinch. He didn't feel a thing.
The entire crew went dead silent. Gon and Leorio slowly backed away, visibly disturbed.
Max: "Yep… definitely a guy."
Kurapika: "YOU CRAZY BASTARD! Did you seriously have to check my gender that way?! That was disgusting—and it definitely counts as sexual harassment! I can't believe you did that with so many eyes on us!"
Max: Sorry.
Kurapika (fuming): Don't ever do that again, or I swear—
Max (hands up):"I won't, I won't! You wouldn't prove it by taking your shirt or pants off, so I had to find out by my own way!"
Kurapika (sighing deeply): Are you happy now?
Max: Yes, Mr. Kurapika.
Kurapika: Just call me Kurapika.
Leorio: Yeah, same here. Drop the whole 'mister' and 'miss' thing.
Kurapika:Oi.
Captain (clearing throat): Ahem.
Max: Please ignore everything that just happened.
Captain:Ehehehehe… I like you guys.
Max slowly backed away.
Captain: Hey! Don't lump me in with you!
Max (grinning): Heh. Sorry. You may continue.
Captain:"Alright then! I'll take responsibility and bring you four to the port closest to the exam site."
Gon:"Really?!"
Kurapika:"What about your test?"
Leorio:"Yeah, did we pass?"
Captain:"Like I said… it's my decision to make. And all four of you pass!"
Everyone smiled—myself included. Gon even jumped up, celebrating. I wanted to remind them that we weren't at the Hunter Exam yet, and not to celebrate too early, but you know what? I decided to let it slide this time.
Gon:"Yay! Hahaha!"
And just like that, our journey began.