An Encounter in the Storm (
Synopsis[]
It's stated that Hunters discover rare items such as treasures or monsters and that a license is required which can only be obtained after passing an exam that has a pass rate of less than one in a hundred thousand. Now on the open sea at night, the ship is in the middle of a turbulent storm as it tries to handle the powerful waves. A man urgently finds the captain at the wheel and tells him that a hole in the hull is causing the ship to take on water. The captain jokingly tells him to fill it with some of the worthless passengers, but as a large wave begins to draw closer, he takes the ship hard to port and prepares for a flight. The ship is suddenly thrown into the air as several passengers and objects are seen flying around below deck.
The captain seeing Gon's resemblance to his father
The next morning, with the sea now calm, the captain finds most of the passengers lying on the floor and barely able to move. As he wonders how they plan to become Hunters, he sees Gon handing water and an herb to an ill passenger. He also spots two others, one sleeping in a hammock and another reading a book, and recognizes that the three of them may have what it takes. Outside, the captain tells the ship's crew to rest for a few hours since things will become turbulent again soon. He finds Gon standing at the ship's bow and staring at the sea and birds around him. Gon suddenly says that a big storm is coming, and the captain wonders why he thinks that. Gon then describes the wind as warm and salty, also pointing out that the seacranes are giving warning calls. The captain asks in disbelief if he can understand birds, and Gon replies that he can a little.
The captain is suddenly left speechless as the boy reminds him of Ging standing in a similar position on the ship. He then asks Gon if he left from Whale Island, and once it's confirmed, he asks about his father's trade. Gon confidently replies that his father is a Hunter and that while he has never met him, he has heard that he's the best. Realizing that the day has finally come, the captain asks Gon to tell him about the storm's size and when it will arrive. Gon replies that it's twice as large and turbulent as the previous one and that they will reach it in around three hours. The captain chuckles at Gon's correct answer and offers to show him how to steer a ship, leading him to the helm. He explains that he should start learning how to work a ship since the best Hunters can handle nearly anything.
The three applicants left aboard the ship
An announcement is then made over a loudspeaker about the incoming storm and that anyone who wants off the ship can use the spare lifeboats to reach the closest island. Most of the passengers panic at the announcement and instantly head for the lifeboats to leave the ship. The captain gathers together the three remaining passengers and asks for each of their names. A tall man with a suit and glasses says that his name is Leorio, Gon gives his name, and the third person with messy hair and a tabard says to call him Kurapika. The captain then asks them why they want to become Hunters, but Leorio quickly speaks up and wonders why he wants to know. Before the captain can reply, Gon energetically says that his father is a Hunter and he wants to follow in his footsteps. Leorio tells him to show some solidarity with them, but Gon wonders why they're so reluctant.
With Leorio still refusing to answer, Kurapika agrees with him (addressing him incorrectly) and points out that someone could easily avoid the question with a convincing lie. However, he explains that he considers lying to be dishonorable and likens it to a sin equal to greed. He then adds that he won't answer honestly to someone he doesn't know since the matter is too personal to him. In response to their refusal, the captain tells the two to get off his ship, leaving them surprised and confused. The captain then reveals that the Hunter qualification exam has already begun. As the storm rages outside and rocks the ship, he explains that there aren't enough examiners to judge all the aspiring Hunters, adding that there are people like him who screen the applicants. He tells them that all the dropouts have already been reported to the committee and that they will be turned away if any of them manage to reach the exam site.
Kurapika and Leorio preparing to fight
Kurapika finally reveals that he is the last member of the Kurta Clan and that he wants to become a Hunter so he can capture the Phantom Troupe, a group of thieves who killed the rest of his clan four years earlier. The captain recognizes that he wants to be a Blacklist Hunter, but points out that those who try to go after Class-A bounties like the Troupe usually end up dead. Kurapika calmly replies that it's not death he fears, but that his rage will fade away one day. Leorio tells him that he doesn't need to be a Hunter to get revenge, but Kurapika harshly replies that there are numerous places and pieces of information only accessible to Hunters. The captain then turns to Leorio, who excitedly answers that he just wants as much money as he can get to buy things like a house, a car, and alcohol.
After Kurapika remarks that he doesn't have any class, Leorio tells him to step outside and says that he will make sure he is the last of his clan. Kurapika becomes visibly angry before the two make their way up to the ship's deck. The captain tries to get their attention and asks if they are withdrawing from the test, but Gon tells him to let them go. He quotes a saying from Mito that someone has to learn what makes a person angry if they want to know them, telling the captain that the two need to work out whatever the issue is between them. On the deck, Kurapika and Leorio stand opposite each other with the waves and wind crashing into them, with the ship's crew working desperately to prevent the vessel from capsizing. Kurapika agrees to forgive him if he takes back what he said, but Leorio refuses to back down.
Gon risking his life to save Katzo
Arriving on the deck, the captain worries about one of them going overboard, and Gon thinks that he may be able to help resolve the issue. With Leorio now holding a switchblade, Kurapika reveals two bokken and charges forward, but one of the mast's yards suddenly snaps and strikes Katzo, knocking him unconscious and sending him toward the sea. All three applicants race to save the injured man, with Kurapika and Leorio reaching out to grab his legs but unable to do so quickly enough. However, Gon bravely leaps off the ship and holds on to Katzo's waist, with Kurapika and Leorio each grabbing one of Gon's legs. The other crew members use a rope and are able to safely complete the rescue, praising Gon for his quick thinking as he holds his injured nose. Left speechless at first, Kurapika and Leorio angrily reprimand Gon for his reckless action, but he points out that they grabbed his legs in time. Kurapika chuckles and apologizes to Leorio for disrespecting him, with Leorio replying that it was an honest mistake and apologizing for insulting Kurapika’s clan. The captain begins to laugh and agrees to take all three of them to the port closest to the exam site. Gon is left confused and wonders about his test, but the captain replies that the day is too nice for tests, offering to teach him more about sailing. Gon excitedly runs toward the captain as Kurapika and Leorio are left smiling.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Captain (Debut)
- Gon Freecss
- Kurapika (Debut)
- Leorio Paradinight (Debut)
- Ging Freecss (Mentioned indirectly)
- Mito Freecss (Mentioned)
- Katzo (Debut)
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Brazilian Portuguese
|
Encontro na Tempestade | |
[]
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