Trading x Blows? (Chapter 11)

Previously:

I laugh and go to Killua. I hug him and he smiles. He lets go and takes out a manga I have never seen before. I assumed it was Gon's and sat down. I take out my phone and I play one of the random games on my phone.

-Trading x Blows?-

I get up and walk around. I stop to hear people talking inside a room.

"Come on you can't be serious?"

I quietly press my ear against the door and I started to hear laughing. "Oh, I'm quite serious. The winner will pass the exam and earn the title of Hunter."

"But is that actually reasonable? The pairing I mean."

"Of course. Any more questions?"

"No...I will take my leave then." I hear a chair sliding and footsteps walking closer I hide behind the corner and watch Menchi walk away. I walk back to the room meeting Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio on the way. "Hey, Killua! I just found out-" I stop mid-sentence as I close the door. "Sorry! But umm...sorry! We are landing soon though. I am going to be with Gon. When you are done getting dressed can you bring my bag?" I was about to leave.

"Yeah. Ok. See you later!" Killua said through the door.

I walk away looking for Gon. I know that I looked like a blushing mess. "Ok everyone meet up at the entrance." I hear in the speakers. I walk over to the doors and I resume looking for Gon. "Oh hello (Y/N)! Where is Killua?" He asked when I found him. "He is coming soon enough." I give him a warm smile and he gives one back. The doors open and we start walking inside.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen, everyone rested up? Good." We followed him to an arena. "Now then. The Hunter Exam Committee runs this hotel. So, I want all of you to make yourselves at home until this battle has concluded." I watch as an agent bring what looked like a whiteboard.

"For the final phase of the Hunter Exam, you'll be competing in a one-on-one tournament." He takes the cover off of the board. We look at it and Leorio was the first one to speak. "Hold on a second. So only the last person standing passes?"

"No. You only need one win to pass this phase."  Netero replied. "Just one?" Gon said in a doubtful voice. "Wait. So, in this tournament-" Leorio got cut off. "See it's the winners who will drop away and the losers who will advance to the next round which means the person who finishes at the top will not pass. Make sense to everyone?"

"You're saying that only one person will fail the exam?" The bald man disputed. "Exactly." The old man answered back. I stayed quiet for a minute. Tension hovered over like fog. "Here is the bracket we put together." He walked over to the board. This is probably what they were talking about. I look at the board and my first match is close to the top. "Impressive, yes?" Netero said. I snap back to reality. "You see under this format, every competitor has at least two chances to win around."

"Yeah but some people get five chances to win, like numbers 294 and 405." Someone named Pokkle said. "Couldn't you have used a more balanced bracket?" Another old man said. "This bracket was carefully assembled based on each of your individual performances through the Hunter Exam. To put it simply, those whose performances were rated highly will have the most chances to win." I hear Killua gasp. "I'm not convinced." I hear Killua say. "Could you explain how you scored out performances?"

"Hmm...No!" Netero said while shaking his head like a maniac. "Why not?" Killua asked. Netero started to laugh. "I can't say because your scores are classified. I can't reveal your actual scores. However, I can explain the criteria we used." I sigh knowing he was about to start lecturing us. "Way to go Killua," I say under my breath. "What are you going to do about it?" He whispered back. I wanted to punch him in the face. "You'll see" I smile and look at the chairman.

"We start with the basics. There are three categories. There's physical strength, mental acuity, and lastly overall impression. When judging physical strength, we rely on aggregate of agility, flexibility, endurance, and perception. For mental acuity, the aggregate consists of resilience, adaptability, judgment, and of course creativity. But these are only reference points. After all, every last one of you was strong enough in mind and body to reach the final phase. We're most concerned with your overall impression. This refers to any intangible factors that defy basic categorization." He laughs and continues. "Think of it as our way of assessing your potential as a hunter. We round out our assessment by incorporating the opinions of your peers. There you have it." Netero finally finished lecturing us. I didn't understand why I didn't have enough potential but if it was Killua I can understand a bit. I think it his appearance because to be honest, if you just glance at him he looks like he hated you for years. I sigh and jam my hands into my pockets. " Based on my performance I should be ranked higher." That is what Killua would say. I just sighed and accepted it. "Don't think too much about it Killua." I smile. He snaps back to reality and smiles back.

"The rules of the battle are really quite simple. Weapons are allowed, cheating is forbidden, and if your opponent admits defeat, you win. However! If you kill your opponent, you will be disqualified without hesitation and if that happens, the Exam ends, and the remaining applicants pass. Got it? Let the Final Phase of the Exam begin!" Everyone starts to go to the side. Killua takes my hands and takes to the side.

Only the bald man and Gon were in the center now. They get ready and I start to get the chills. "(Y/N)! Killua! We are over here." Kurapika allowed us to stand next to him. Killua picks me up and puts me on his shoulders. "Our first match is Hanzo and Gon. Enter!" I watch the guy talks to them. "I'm Masta. I'll be serving as a referee for the tournament. Good luck. Both of you."

"Hey good to see you again." Hanzo said. Masta gasped a bit and turned to him. "You were the one who was tailing me around during the fourth phase." Masta didn't even look surprised. "You noticed that didn't you?" I watch as some faces were changing. "Naturally, I assume that each of the examiners was assigned an examinee to follow. Well, I'm sure I wasn't the one only one to notice." I look at Leorio. He looked like he was a child and he was caught redhanded stealing candy. "I noticed but, I didn't think it was worth mentioning." Kurapika added. "Uh. Yeah." Leorio stammered.

"I'm very grateful. You recognized my talent and my rank improved as a result. But no surprise there, really." Hanzo said. "Sure but-" The man got cut off. "Now moving on. I have a question for you." Baldie pointed to the man. "What is it?" Masta looked emotionless. "We can only win if our opponent surrenders, correct? Knocking them unconscious doesn't count. No TKOs either?" Hanzo doubted. "Right. Those are the rules."

"Hmm. I see" Hanzo looked at Gon. I gulped sensing so much intense nen everywhere. I fluff up Killua's hair a bit. "Now time to start!" The referee backed up. They get into a fighting position and they keep staring at each other. I hope Gon wins his first round. "Start!" I carefully watch the way Hanzo and Gon moved on their feet. Gon ran in Hanzo's direction but, Hanzo caught up quickly. "You must think you're pretty quick on your feet, don't you? I'll give you that." Hanzo then takes a hit on Gon's nape. He started to fall and I get off of Killua. Damn, it Gon, don't be so naive!

"Now if this was a regular match, I'd already be declared the winner." He walks to Gon and sits him up like he is a vintage doll. "C'mon, pull yourself together." He pushes his knee into Gon's spine causing it to break. "I hit you so hard enough to bounce your brain around your skull. You get it? You don't stand a chance. Just give up and spare yourself the trouble."

Gon looked traumatized and was strained but, he manages to speak a bit. "No way!" Hanzo slaps the side of Gon's head. Gon started to cough a bit too. "Think hard about it. Surrender now and you'll have another chance but, being stubborn isn't gonna get you anywhere. So just give up." Hanzo said trying to persuade the green haired kid. "That's never going to happen!"

Hanzo did something to cause him the stand up but keep Gon on the ground. Ouch that must hurt. I thought. "Say it." Hanson stood over Gon. Gon, however, tried to get up but once he was halfway up Hanzo punched his stomach. "Gon don't push it! You still have other fights. So just-"

"Leorio! If you were in Gon's position would you give up?" Kirapika asked. "Hell no, I wouldn't," Leorio said. "Then shut up!" I yell. " Gon feels the same." Kurapika told Leorio. "I know that but, he looks like he doesn't have that much of a choice!" Leorio yelled. "My point exactly but, I understand."

I watch Gon get kicked around ruthlessly and I start to create fists with my hands. "Gon get up! You aren't going to win laying down!" I thought. I soon see Hanzo pummel his hands into Gon's spine. I cover my mouth to avoid screaming. Don't get me wrong I have seen worse but, I would never want to see this happen to my twin.

~Time skip~

I watch as Hanzo throws more hits at Gon. At this point, I am shaking in rage. Hisoka was looking at me very...concerned? "Three whole hours? Damn." I hear someone say. "Look. He can't even vomit anymore." Another person comments. Hanzo walks to Gon and tells him to "Now get up" I wanted to destroy Hanzo but before I can speak, I hear Leorio.

"Enough already! I am going to kill you, you hear me? Pick on someone your own size?" I roll my eyes. How is he going to kill him if he couldn't beat someone at rock-paper-scissors? Hanzo looks at Leorio. "If you can't take it, you'd better leave. It's only going get worse."

"What the hell did you say?" Before Leorio can take another step there was guards blocking him. "There will be no interference in a one-on-one match." I hear someone say. "Stay back. If you try to help Gon in any way, Gon will be instantly disqualified!" Another person said. I couldn't tell who was talking because I had my head down.

I look at Leorio and then at Gon. I start to walk near the stage. "Gon, surrender, please!" I put my head down again. "It's okay." Me and Leorio gasped. "Leorio...(Y/N)...This is...this is nothing. Really." He started to breathe heavily again and he looks up at me. "I can still fight him." Before I knew it Gon was go the ground again. "I'll break your arm." Hanzo says.

"If you do I will break your arm too." I said. Everyone looked angry. "An arm for an arm Hanzo. You choose." I said. "He chose to ignore me. "I'm not kidding. Now say it. Say you surrender." He said. I put my hands on my nape to see if he actually does it or not.

"Never!" Gon said and the. Hanzo breaks his arm. I smirk and walk over to Killua. "Don't hold on to my hand when they one back over here." I said. "Trust me I wouldn't." Killua says. "He actually broke his arm." Pokkle said. "There. Now you wont be able to use your left arm." Hanzo declares.

"Don't try to stop me Kurapika or (Y/N). If that bastard does anything else. Gon will fail the exam. Cause I wouldn't be able to stop myself. I hear Leorio say. Instantly I walk towards them. "Me? You think I'll stop you? Don't worry. There's no chance of that." Kurapika replied. I pull on Leorio's jacket and Kurpika's tabard. "You aren't going to move a step from where you are now. Got that?" I release a eerie aura to spook the two. I let go and I go up to the front.

"I'm sure your in too much pain to listen but, hear this. I am a descendant of clandestine group called the Shinobi." He goes into a one-handed handstand. "From the day I was born, I've been subjected to intensive training in order to master the art of ninpo." He says. He says this even though he probably has no clue what nen is. I had to master the basics of nen when I was four. (Which is why I sensed it so quickly when I first went to the Zoldyck mansion.) So you aren't that special. I thought.

"For the past 16 years I tirelessly trained my body and honed my technique. By the time I was your age, I already killed." He continued. What 1 person? I had to kill 160 people the past 3 years you can't brag. I thought again. "At this point in time, You have no hope of defeating me in combat. I'm being nice. So just admit defeat-" Hanzo lectured.

Gon then kicks Hanzo to the ground. I started to clap a bit. Everyone looked so surprised besides me. He falls with Hanzo but, he gets up while groaning. "Between the pain you blabbing, I don't know what cleared my head up more!" Gon said. "Hell yeah! Atta boy! Now kick him while he's down and he's finished!" Leorio said.

"Good job getting back on your feet Gon!" I said. "If you are eighteen then you are just six toward older than me. Besides this isn't a battle to see who's stronger. It's to see who's willing to throw in the towel first." Gon explained. Hanzo got up. "I let you kick me because I wanted to." He said.

"You're a liar!" Leorio and I screamed in sync. "You must be confused. That was not a warning. It was a direct order. Was it too hard to understand?" Hanzo asked. "I'm quite happy to break it down for you." He takes out a knife. "I'll cut off your legs, so that the can't be reattached. A permanent injury should open your eyes to the current situation. But before we must resort to such things, I want to hear you surrender." He said, clearly frustrated.

"Well that's the problem." Gon said. Everyone stood there in disbelief. I just smiled. "I don't want my legs cut off but I don't want to surrender, either. How 'bout we find a different way to fight?" Gon asked. "What the hell!?! Have you not been paying attention?!" Hanzo said in complete rage. Everyone either look shocked or in disbelief. I can hear Hisoka and Bodoro laughing. "Oh pardon me." He said.

"Are you really making demand? You messing' with me? I'm seriously about to cut your legs off!" I managed to sneak in a laugh. "You do what you want but I won't give up!" Gon said. "Besides if you cut my legs off I'll probably just bleed to death." Gon says still holding his left arm.

"What?" Hanzo asked. "Mister Masta? He'd be disqualified for that, right?" Gon interrogated. "Um...yes," Masta said. "See? And that's bad for the both of us so, let's think of a better way." Gon told. Hanzo growled. "I think Gon is okay. He's in control." Kurapika assured Leorio. "He's just so damn stubborn!" Leorio complained.

"But he's also convincing to Hanzo and the rest of us. Impressive." Kurapika said. I can already tell Killua is going to complain about that later. Out of rage Hanzo (lightly enough to let out blood) stabs Gon's forehead. "I see you're not getting it so, I'll try again. Die and you'll never get another chance. If I kill you right here and now. I only need to come back and take the Exam again next year. We are not on equal footing!" Hanzo yelled.

We stand there in silence for a bit before Hanzo started talking again. "What's wrong? It's just a stupid sentence! Think! Give up and you can still try again next year! Is your pride truly all you care about?! Even more than your life? Is it worth dying for?" Hanzo asked but Gon didn't say anything for a bit.

"I'm gonna go see my dad." Gon declared. "Your dad?" Hanzo questioned. "See, my dad is a hunter. So I'm gonna become a hunter exactly like he is and then I'll be able to meet him!" Gon answered. Gon had a buring passion in his eyes. "I know I will find him someday. But...I feel like if I surrender now, I'm never gonna finds him!" I tear of blood fell of his face. "So I won't give up." Gon stared at Hanzo the whole time.

"Surrender or you will die." Hanzo said hesitantly. He waits a few seconds and takes the blade off my brother. "Fine. You win! I give up, okay?" Everyone gasps, even me. Why would he give up? He had the upper hand.

"I'm not allowed to kill you and I just can't think of another way to force you to surrender so, I'll take my chances to the next round." Hanzo faced us. "Well, I can't accept that. No fair!" Gon says.

"What?" I say under my breath. "We both have to come up with some way that we can have a proper match!" Gon's points at Hanzo. He sighs. "Why am I not surprised?" He walks to Gon. "You just said you would never surrender, do what the hell is the point of that you idiot?" Hanzo yells. "The point it that I don't want to win like this, okay?" Gon yells back. "Then what do you suggest?" Hanzo asked. "Let's work together and figure it out!"

"So in other words, I've already given up the match but you want me to continue fighting and try to beat you again right but first we have to work together to find a way you can win, so you feel good about your victory. Is that right?" Baldie said a little less pissed off. "Yeah!" Gon said happily. I facepalm my forehead as the Hanzo punches Gon into the air. "Hey referee. I lost, so move on to the next match." Hanzo ordered. "Understood sir." The referee said.

"But I'd like to say something first. Whenever he wakes up, he'll probably decline his advancement. And we all seen he can be incredibly stubborn. Only one person fails this round right? So if Gon is disqualified, wouldn't that render the rest of our upcoming fights completely meaningless?" Hanzo pleaded. He does make a point but what if Gon does accept it? I thought thoroughly.

To be continued!

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