Chapter 5

The First Phase Begins, Part 1 (第1次試験開始(1), Dai Ichi-ji Shiken Kaishi (1)) is the 5th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Cover Page
Gon jumping out of a plane, with a sunglasses wearing sun in the background.

Synopsis
In Zaban City, the Kiriko navigator is disguised as a human and is guiding Gon and his friends towards the Hunter Examination hall. They enter a normal-looking restaurant. The navigator orders, "..... a Steak Combo that opens your eyes to the light, for three," which serves as a password entrance to the Hunter Exam. The waitress leads them to a vacant room with a table, chairs and food. As they eat, the room begins to descend slowly, just like an elevator.

They talk about different kinds of Hunters and what kinds of pursuits one might endeavor once they become one. Gon wonders why there are so many people who want to become Hunters. Kurapika says it's the most noble thing, while Leorio claims it to be the most profitable job. The two of them start lecturing Gon about which reasons are best for obtaining a Hunter's License. After a while, the elevator stops and the door opens.

The trio is welcomed by the sight of hundreds of candidates for the exam. Kurapika thinks to himself that everyone in the room is an expert in some field. Tonpa greets the three of them, and introduces himself. It's his 35th time to enter the Hunter Exam. He proceeds to explain to the three info about everyone else there that he knows of, such as Bourbon, Todo, Cherry, the Amori Brothers, Geretta, and Hisoka, of whom the last is seen cutting off a candidate's arms for bumping into him.

Tonpa offers the group canned beverages, which secretly contains a strong laxative in them. Gon spits it out, saying that it's expired. Kurapika and Leorio pour away their drinks as well.