Chapter 374: Chapter 374: The Second Hunter Phase Begins!
"What are you up to?"
Illumi scrutinized Hisoka, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"Oh, nothing much. Just a little discussion," Hisoka replied with a smirk. "Isn’t this sort of thing usually forbidden? Don’t worry—if he doesn’t agree to fight, I won’t force him."
"About your cousin... I might know more than you do," Hisoka hesitated, glancing at Illumi.
Illumi didn’t know much about Kaizen.
What he did know was that Kaizen had been raised by Maha Zoldyck from a young age, trained personally by the legendary assassin. His parents had died early, leaving him with nothing but his talent.
According to his father and grandfather, Kaizen was exceptional. But how exceptional? Illumi wasn’t sure.
To be honest, even he was a little curious.
Hisoka chuckled. "In terms of aura, his presence isn’t overwhelming—about on par with some Phantom Troupe members."
"But Kaizen is a Beast-type Nen user."
"I’ve reviewed some of his recorded fights," Hisoka continued. "He has at least two Nen Beasts. One resembles a young martial artist, the other is a red humanoid cat."
"The first one functions similarly to an Enhancer. Think Uvogin or Phinks—strong offense and solid defense. A well-rounded fighter."
"The second one seems weaker in direct combat. I suspect it has some hidden ability."
"And then there’s Kaizen himself. Against an opponent of equal level, taking him down won’t be easy."
"Also, he carries a knife set with him." Hisoka grinned. "That knife looks interesting."
"If I had to rate him, I’d say he could take on two standard Phantom Troupe combatants."
"On a scale of 100, I’d give him an 83."
Illumi frowned. "And me?"
"95."
"What about you?"
"Naturally, I’m 100."
"Has anyone else reached 100?"
"Chrollo."
Illumi narrowed his eyes. "You think I’m weaker than Chrollo?"
"Not necessarily." Hisoka shook his head. "Nen battles aren’t always predictable, even after a fight. A single encounter can’t determine absolute strength."
"But Chrollo’s ability interests me more."
Illumi shifted his gaze. "What about those who score above 100?"
"Plenty." Hisoka’s mind filled with various faces.
Illumi sighed. "Then what’s the point of your 100-point system?"
"Because I’m 100."
Illumi decided to end the conversation there.
After a brief pause, he said, "I don’t know Kaizen’s exact strength, but his talent is at least on par with mine. He doesn’t need my protection in this Hunter Exam."
"If you attack him, you might end up dead."
Hisoka’s eyes lit up with excitement. "So that means I can fight him?"
"No."
Hisoka immediately deflated, like a balloon losing air. His entire demeanor dropped, sulking for a moment.
But when he turned his gaze toward Gon and the others, his mood lifted slightly.
The ordinary candidates didn’t interest him. But Kurapika, Leorio, and especially Gon? They could provide some amusement.
"This Hunter Exam is getting interesting," Hisoka mused. "But unfortunately..."
...
At that moment, Satotz’s voice rang out.
"First of all, you has successfully passed the first Hunter Phase."
"The second Hunter Exam will take place here."
"The examiner is already waiting inside."
"I’ll take my leave now. I hope you all pass the next stage."
With that, Satotz turned and disappeared into the forest.
The remaining candidates exchanged uncertain glances.
Then, with a creaking sound, the massive iron gate slowly swung open. A few candidates hesitated before stepping inside. Then another. Then another.
Inside was a massive open courtyard filled with tables—no, stoves. The stone pathway led straight through the center.
At the end of the path sat two figures.
One was a petite woman, lounging on a sofa. The other was an enormous man, so large that he barely seemed human.
For a brief moment, Kaizen’s mind made a strange connection.
Hagrid. The giant from the world of Harry Potter.
The resemblance was uncanny.
But this man had a name: Buhara.
A Gourmet Hunter.
And the woman beside him was Menchi.
Another Gourmet Hunter.
"I wonder if these two have any connection to Gourmet Paradise..." Kaizen thought to himself.
On the human continent, Linne was the undisputed authority among Gourmet Hunters. As Netero’s close associate and someone who stood alongside Zigg Zoldyck, her strength and talent were leagues beyond the average Nen user.
Gourmet Paradise was her domain. If Kaizen wanted to expand his own power, he would need to study the place—and its unique aura-based techniques.
"Any Gourmet Hunter at this level must have some ties to Gourmet Paradise."
Kaizen filed the thought away as Menchi’s voice cut through the air.
"Candidates who passed the first exam, step forward."
"Welcome."
"We are your examiners. I am Menchi."
Then, Buhara spoke, his deep voice accompanied by the unmistakable sound of a growling stomach.
"And I am Buhara."
Menchi turned slightly to glance at him before continuing.
"The second stage... is cooking."
Silence.
The candidates looked at each other, stunned. No one had expected this.
They had all prepared for rigorous combat, for survival in dangerous conditions. They had studied the various branches of the Hunter profession.
Gourmet Hunters were real, of course. But most focused on acquiring rare ingredients—not cooking them.
Cooking?
Wasn’t that a chef’s job?
------------
+415 Chapters on