Menchi thought seriously for a moment, her analytical mind weighing the costs and benefits. If Ryusei could truly pass the rigorous Hunter Exam, then helping him initiate his Nen training was a trivial matter, merely a professional courtesy that would also streamline the Hunter Association's administrative work.
She nodded and agreed. "Very well. If you pass the exam, I will help you open your aura before you leave the airship."
Ryusei felt a wave of profound relief wash over him. His most critical long-term goal—securing the ability to learn Nen—was now guaranteed, provided he passed the upcoming trials. With this assurance, his focus shifted entirely. Now, all he needed to do was go all out to pass the remaining stages of the Hunter Exam.
He still maintained a cautious confidence. He knew the general format of the next three exams. As long as his luck wasn't entirely abysmal, passing the Hunter Exam should be achievable.
After saying goodbye to the grateful examiners, Menchi and Buhara, Ryusei began to wander around the airship. There was still a long time before they reached the venue for the third exam. Since he wasn't feeling particularly tired, there was no need for him to rest too early, despite the Rookie Crusher's false warnings.
His exploration led him to the edge of the airship's observation deck. At that moment, the airship happened to be passing directly over a major city. Looking down at the vibrant, colorful tapestry of lights spreading out below, Ryusei found the sight quite beautiful and stopped to watch for a moment.
Just then, Gon and Killua approached, having also sought out the impressive view.
"It's Ryusei!" Gon exclaimed with his characteristic wide, sincere smile. "You made really delicious barbecue before." The Great Stamp barbecue had genuinely impressed Gon's simple, honest palate.
"Well, as long as you liked it," Ryusei replied with a polite smile, maintaining a respectful distance, especially regarding Gon's unique nature.
"Come to think of it, you should be a professional chef, right?" Killua asked seriously, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Ryusei. That level of skill seemed impossible for a mere amateur.
"That's not far off," Ryusei admitted. "I've been learning cooking since I was a child. But my skills are just okay. It's mainly because the quality of the Great Stamp was really high," he deflected slightly.
In truth, Ryusei knew his current cooking level was quite decent by the standards of the Hunter x Hunter world, partly due to the lack of a mainstream culinary tradition here compared to the Food Wars! world.
As they chatted, Ryusei suddenly sensed a powerful, almost overwhelming, aura from nearby. It was a fleeting presence, intense and demanding attention. Gon and Killua sensed it too, their expressions snapping to focus. The three of them immediately looked toward the source of the aura, but the corridor was completely empty.
"What happened to you three?!" Netero's voice suddenly came from directly behind them.
Turning around, they saw President Netero slowly approaching. Looking at him, Ryusei was internally speechless. He knew Netero had undoubtedly just been messing around, testing the candidates' perception out of sheer boredom.
"Um, Chairman Netero…" Gon pointed in the direction where the powerful aura had just been. "Was there someone here just now?" Since Netero had approached from the opposite side, Gon assumed he must have seen the source of the immense presence.
"Nope!" Netero shook his head calmly. He hadn't seen anyone, of course, because he himself had been standing there just a second ago.
'When?' Killua looked at Netero suspiciously. He muttered under his breath, "You're fast for an old man." Killua hadn't noticed Netero move past them at all, an indication of the President's frightening speed.
"Hmm? You mean just now? I only vaguely remember," Netero continued to play coy, enjoying the boys' confusion. He didn't think Killua would be able to fully comprehend his actions.
Killua, annoyed by the old man's antics, frowned. "What is it?" he asked impatiently. "Old man, don't you have anything better to do before the final phase?" Killua had already pegged Netero as an eccentric, mischievous figure.
"Don't be like that," Netero replied with an amused smile. "I'm just a little bored and wanted to find someone to play with."
"By the way," Netero shifted the conversation, "what do you three think of the Hunter Exam so far?"
"I'm super happy!" Gon replied enthusiastically, his face lighting up. "It's nothing like I imagined. There's no brain-crushing written test!" If there had been, Gon knew he might have had to go home immediately.
"Not bad. Got some rare ingredients," Ryusei stated plainly. His main objective, the Spider Eagle Egg, was secured, along with a few unexpected benefits. He was satisfied.
"I'm disappointed. I expected tougher challenges." Killua muttered in a snarky tone, crossing his arms. In truth, he had found the trials fun, but his quirky personality wouldn't allow him to admit it out loud. "Hopefully the next one's more fun."
"Oh? Is that so?" Netero grinned mischievously, refusing to reveal any details about the upcoming tests.
Killua stared at the old man, his irritation mounting. "Let's go, Gon." Calling to his friend, Killua turned to leave. He wasn't particularly interested in continuing the conversation with Ryusei either; they were just acquaintances.
"Hold on!" Netero called out, his voice sharp enough to make them pause. Then, he softened his tone. "Do you guys want to play a game with me?"
Netero knew Gon, Killua, and Ryusei were the standout talents of this year's examination. And he was genuinely bored. This was the perfect opportunity for some entertainment.
"A game?" Gon looked confused; simple games were often foreign to his isolated upbringing.
"If you beat me at this game," Netero promised, his face completely serious, "I'll let you pass the Hunter Exam directly." He wasn't lying. If someone could truly defeat him in a contest, the remaining exams would pose no challenge to them. Letting them bypass the rest would be justified.
Of course, the odds of Gon, Killua, and Ryusei accomplishing this feat without Netero intentionally throwing the match were infinitesimally small.
"Really? I'm in! I'm in!" Gon agreed eagerly. A chance to pass the exam without further fighting or studying was irresistible.
"What about you two?" Netero looked at Killua and Ryusei. Gon alone wouldn't be enough to make the game truly engaging.
Killua looked first at Gon, then back at Netero, and finally nodded. He was annoyed with the old man's constant teasing, and this was the perfect chance to gauge just how formidable Netero truly was.
"I'll pass." Ryusei declined without hesitation. "I've been busy all day, and I'm tired. I'm heading back to rest."
Despite the rarity of the opportunity—a challenge against the world's strongest known Nen user—Ryusei knew that with his current abilities, he would merely be a plaything for Netero. It was strategically sound to let Gon and Killua, who were far better suited to the challenge, proceed alone.
Netero looked momentarily disappointed by Ryusei's sensible decision but did not press him. With Gon and Killua, he could still have plenty of fun.