The First Phase Begins: Part 2 (
Synopsis[]
Hanzo refusing Tonpa's offer
Tonpa falls to his knees and apologizes for the spoiled juice, but Gon says that it's lucky that he tasted it first since his time in the forest has trained him to taste anything strange. Still appearing apologetic, Tonpa is internally upset that his opening plan didn't work, as he points out that other rookies have avoided his tricks. He then thinks back to his encounter with Hanzo (#294), who immediately revealed that he's a ninja and wants a Hunter License so he can find the "Hermit's Scroll". As Hanzo continued happily talking, Tonpa thought he had an easy target. However, when Tonpa offered him a can of juice, Hanzo quickly became serious and refused, stating that shinobi never eat or drink anything offered to them.
Tonpa then thinks about his interaction with Nicholas (#187), who used his laptop to discover that it's Tonpa's 35th attempt at the Hunter Exam and that he holds the record for most consecutive tries at 30. Nicholas was also aware of his "Rookie Crusher" title and politely declined his juice offer. Tonpa then explains that examinee #301 was so strange that he decided not to approach him. He recalls that only one of the examinees drank his juice: a young boy named Killua (#99). He guesses that he's around the same age as Gon and chuckles as he tells himself that the laxative should take effect soon. However, Killua spots Tonpa and happily asks for another can of juice since the nerves are making him thirsty. As Killua quickly empties four more cans, Tonpa wonders how he isn't dying of dehydration. Killua then reveals that he has built up his resistance so no poison will kill him. Tonpa is left in disbelief and wonders if the boy is resistant to everything. He worries about the current rookies again, but then happily realizes that they will make the exam more fun than usual.
Satotz starting the first phase of the exam
A strange object suddenly emits a loud noise and gets the examinees' attention. A man standing on an elevated pipe clicks the object shut and states that registration has been closed, announcing that the Hunter Exam will begin. He jumps down from the pipe and directs them through the tunnel, slowly leading the way and stressing how rigorous the exam is. He adds that some examinees will even resort to sabotage. When he sees that everyone is still with him, he says that all 404 of them may enter the First Phase. Leorio notes that everyone continued besides the armless man, hoping that a few would return after the man's explanation.
The examiner suddenly quickens his pace and causes the examinees to begin running. Leorio wonders why everyone is in such a hurry, and both Kurapika and Gon explain it to him. The man then introduces himself as Satotz, the examiner for the First Phase and their guide to the Second Phase. With the examinees left confused, Hanzo speaks up and wonders about the first phase. Satotz reminds him that he said the exam had started and noted that the first phase simply requires them to keep up with him. He refuses to say where they're going and how long it will take, but repeats that they just need to keep following him.
Gon and Killua meeting for the first time
While Gon thinks it's strange, Leorio is glad that it's a simple endurance test and confidently says he can keep up with anyone. However, Kurapika says to himself that since they don't know how long they will have to follow the examiner, the test also has a psychological element that will test their mental fortitude. Killua suddenly rides past the trio on his skateboard, and Leorio angrily calls him out for cheating since it's a test of endurance. Gon points out that the examiner said they only had to follow him. As Leorio becomes even angrier, Kurapika tells him to stop wasting energy and annoying him, pointing out that they were allowed to bring anything they wanted to the exam.
Gon catches up to Killua, who asks how old he is. Gon replies that he's almost 12, and Killua says to himself that he is as well, suddenly kicking his skateboard up into the air and catching it before running alongside Gon. The two introduce themselves, and Killua asks for Leorio's name, thinking he's older. Leorio angrily replies that he isn't even 20 years old, leaving both Gon and Killua surprised as Kurapika doesn't want to get involved. As the examinees continue to follow Satotz, Kurapika notes that they have been running for around three hours, guessing that they have covered close to 40 kilometers. He looks back and believes that some must have given up by that point, but wonders how long they can all keep running.
Leorio refusing to give up
At the back of the group, Leorio struggles to keep up as his breathing increases and he points out that no one has dropped out after four or five hours. Gon falls back and asks how he's doing, with Leorio giving a quick thumbs-up as he focuses on his breathing. Leorio tells himself that he didn't expect the first phase to be so difficult, but then corrects himself by saying that he didn’t expect the other examinees to be so resilient. Realizing how outclassed he is, he begins to slow down and points out that an ordinary person like him had no chance. After seeing that he stopped, gon yells out Leorio's name, but Killua tells him that he's failed and that they should keep moving. Catching his breath with his hands on his knees, Leorio suddenly yells out that he came there to become a Hunter as he sprints past Gon and Kurapika. Now smiling, Gon sees that Leorio left his briefcase behind and uses his fishing rod to retrieve it quickly. Killua is impressed and says he has to try it, with Gon replying that he wants to try out his skateboard. As the four examinees continue to run, it's stated that there have been zero dropouts after 60 kilometers.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Tonpa
- Kurapika
- Gon Freecss
- Leorio Paradinight
- Hanzo (Debut)
- Nicholas
- Gittarackur (Debut)
- Killua Zoldyck (Debut)
- Satotz (Debut)
- Hisoka Morow
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Brazilian Portuguese
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Início da Primeira Rodada (2) | |
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