Tonpa... Had long since given up on his dream of becoming a Pro Hunter.
The reason he continued to participate in the Hunter Exam was to frequently observe how veterans reacted and moved when facing danger, thereby honing his instinct to sense peril in time.
This allowed him to preserve his life while getting a close-up view of those filled with dreams and ambitions, watching their expressions of despair and resentment when confronted with death and failure.
Appreciating such scenes had become Tonpa's greatest pleasure.
So when he saw Sommy getting too carried away and sharing experiences in front of the newcomers, Tonpa, who had already decided to give up on the fourth phase of the exam, couldn't just stand by and watch.
Since he was going to stop here anyway, he might as well dig a big trap for these newcomers at the last moment.
That was what Tonpa thought, but facing the surprised gazes of everyone, his facade remained flawless, showing a confident expression.
"You say it's a written test... What's your basis for that?" Hanzo was startled but calmly pressed for details.
Tonpa raised his chin proudly and said:
"If you want my basis, it's that I've been taking the Hunter Exam since I was ten years old. I've accumulated experience from thirty-five Hunter Exams and achieved first place in thirty different test phases."
"(|||゚Д゚)!!!"
Hanzo looked at Tonpa with a shocked expression.
Ponzu beside him lowered her head, trying hard to conceal her complicated expression of wanting to complain but holding back, thinking to herself, Is this really something to be proud of?
But it had to be said, thirty-five Hunter Exam experiences, along with thirty first-place finishes in phases, indeed gave weight to Tonpa's experienced words.
However, Tonpa knew that seniority alone couldn't convince these newcomers before him.
To dig his pit, he had to overturn Sommy's earlier speculation.
Because regarding the fourth phase test topic, his guess aligned with Sommy's.
Having spent most of his life taking the Hunter Exam, although he rarely made it to the final phase, he had accumulated countless experiences in the phases before that.
So based on past experience, the nature of the fourth phase test was most likely to genuinely examine the candidates' combat abilities.
"If you just carefully recall the test content up to now, you should be able to reach the same conclusion as me, that the fourth phase test is a 'written exam,'" Tonpa said to everyone, raising his index finger while maintaining his flawless confident expression. "If you still don't understand, then let Uncle Tonpa analyze it properly for you."
Since he had already stepped forward, he absolutely couldn't show fear.
To further solidify his persuasiveness and confidence, he had no choice but to use the "uncle" self-reference in front of these highly capable newcomers.
While his thoughts raced, Tonpa continued:
"Indeed, as Sommy said, each phase's test content has its corresponding core focus; physical strength, endurance, observation, judgment, mental power, willpower... So far, what needed to be tested has basically been covered. So after eliminating those possibilities, the remaining test content becomes quite predictable. One of them is the most fundamental requirement for a Pro Hunter: actual combat capability!"
After hearing Tonpa's confident declaration, everyone was momentarily stunned.
Gon tilted his head, confused: "Isn't that exactly what Mr. Sommy said?"
"Don't rush, I haven't finished yet."
Tonpa lowered his hand, instead placing them on his hips and puffing out his chest, declaring confidently: "There will indeed be a combat test, but it definitely won't be in the fourth phase!"
"Huh?"
Everyone's expressions turned serious as they vaguely guessed what was coming, their gazes focusing on Tonpa.
Tonpa grinned widely and said earnestly: "Judging by your reactions, you should have guessed it by now. That's right... the real combat test will be in the final phase!"
"So that's it!"
Hanzo, Leorio, and others once again showed expressions of sudden understanding.
Seeing that everyone had taken the bait, Tonpa pressed his advantage, his voice growing louder and his tone more certain:
"Combat ability is the core standard for measuring a Pro Hunter. Such an important assessment must naturally be placed at the end!"
"Since the final test examines combat ability, doesn't the answer for the remaining fourth phase become obvious?"
At this point, he deliberately paused, scanning the crowd before suddenly raising his voice:
"Why is the Hunter Exam's pass rate so low? Is it because millions of candidates every year all lack ability?"
"No! The real reason is that Pro Hunters need not only powerful strength but also extensive knowledge!"
"Therefore, the content of the fourth phase can only be..."
"A written exam!"
Tonpa spoke with passionate fervor, so expressive that he almost convinced himself.
But this was the skill he had honed through thirty-five Hunter Exams.
When it came to fooling newcomers, he was a professional!
"(⊙o⊙;)" Gon, Killua.
"(-_-)" Kalluto.
"(|||>_<)" Pokkle.
"Σ(゚д゚|||)" Hanzo, Leorio.
"(*°Д°)!!" Ponzu.
"(・_・)" Barbara.
"(¬_¬)" Hisoka silently withdrew his gaze, looking at the scattered playing cards that had collapsed before him.
A... written exam?
Hisoka fell into deep thought.
Tonpa's seemingly reasonable explanation appeared to have confirmed that the fourth phase would indeed be a written exam.
For a moment, everyone began to doubt their life choices.
Killua said with a grave expression: "I heard the Hunter Exam was difficult before coming here. After going through these phases, I thought it wasn't challenging at all. Now I understand... the real difficulty lies in the 'written exam'!"
"What should I do? I'm no good at written exams."
Gon started sweating.
Hanzo pressed his palm against his forehead, looking pained: "If it were testing combat ability, I'd be confident about passing. Damn it, I never expected there'd be a troublesome written exam too."
"I'm done for, done for..."
Pokkle held his head in his hands, as if already seeing his future elimination.
Among everyone, only Barbara's eyes slightly brightened.
She had always enjoyed reading, so she felt quite confident about written exams.
Tonpa took in everyone's reactions and inwardly chuckled maliciously.
Just as planned; making you all think it's a written exam and getting anxious about it!
But he needed to add more fuel to the fire!
Malicious thoughts swirled in Tonpa's mind, though nothing showed on his face.
"A few days ago when we boarded the airship, I noticed there's a dedicated library on this vessel. I thought it was strange at the time, but now that I think about it..."
Throwing out a suggestive piece of information, Tonpa faced the group and declared confidently:
"It's clearly prepared for the fourth phase of the exam. No wonder the examiner specifically gave us a day of rest; it seems they want us to prepare in advance."
As he spoke, an aura of wisdom seemed to radiate from Tonpa's head, and he once again asserted with conviction:
"So I have every reason to believe that the library must contain crucial information that will help us advance in the fourth phase of the exam!"
"!!!"
The expressions of the others shifted slightly, and the way they looked at Tonpa changed noticeably.
Leorio even exclaimed with admiration, "I used to think that you, Tonpa, having taken the exam so many times and yet... ahem, you truly live up to being a man with thirty-five Hunter Exam experiences!"
"You've been a great help, Tonpa!"
Hanzo abruptly stood up. In his view, as long as he could get through the most troublesome written exam, he had full confidence in the remaining final test that would assess practical combat abilities.
Pokkle, who had originally thought it was all over, seemed to see a glimmer of hope and also stood up.
Sommy looked at Tonpa and said with genuine admiration, "When it comes to exam experience, I'm far inferior to you, Tonpa."
"Good that you know it."
Tonpa wore a proud expression and then reminded them, "Time is precious. You'd better hurry and take action."
"You're right!"
"Let's go, head to the library quickly."
Everyone realized the urgency of the situation and prepared to spring into action.
Gon, looking at the motionless Tonpa, asked curiously, "Mr. Tonpa, aren't you going to the library?"
"!"
Tonpa was slightly startled internally, but his expression remained unchanged: "No need. I've taken the exam thirty-five times. A mere written test is a piece of cake for me."
"So impressive."
Gon cast an admiring glance at Tonpa.
Tonpa accepted it calmly.
Soon, under Tonpa's malicious guidance, the new examinees had no intention of resting and rushed toward the library.
Even veteran examinees like the Amori Brothers, after hearing Tonpa's impassioned analysis, found it quite reasonable and also headed to the library.
A short while later.
The vast hall was left with only Morrow, Tonpa, and Hisoka.
Tonpa cautiously glanced at Morrow and Hisoka.
In terms of danger, Tonpa felt that Hisoka was undoubtedly the most dangerous examinee he had ever encountered, without exception.
As for Morrow, he was shrouded in an aura that Tonpa found unfathomable.
From his flawless underperformance at the beginning to clearing the Trick Tower in just six minutes later on, this unknown factor also represented a disquieting danger.
In any case, Tonpa felt that these two were not to be provoked. After stealing a couple of glances, he quickly slipped out of the hall.
Only when he reached a deserted corner did Tonpa drop his facade, revealing a sinister smile.
A written exam? Ha, as if it could be a written exam.
The fourth phase will likely involve a practical combat assessment. Giving you a day off is precisely to let you rest and build up your energy.
Now, go ahead and waste your precious rest time in anxiety! Haha!
The thought of so many people falling into the trap he had set made Tonpa feel utterly satisfied. The thrill of toying with people's hearts and wantonly shattering others' dreams was precisely why he insisted on participating in the Hunter Exam.
Work hard, everyone. Uncle Tonpa is going to bed now.
Tonpa glanced toward the library, let out a sinister chuckle, then turned and left with a smug expression.
Having already decided to forfeit in the fourth phase of the exam, he carried absolutely no psychological burden.
Throughout his many Hunter Exam attempts, he typically voluntarily withdrew during phases 3-4, ensuring he always preserved his life.
Inside the airship's main hall.
Hisoka watched his collapsing card tower scatter once more, hesitating about whether to visit the library.
At this thought, he glanced toward Morrow meditating in the corner and ultimately dismissed the idea of following the crowd.
However, he'd lost interest in building card towers. After a moment's consideration, he stood up and walked toward Morrow.
Morrow seemed to sense his approach, slowly opening his eyes to look at Hisoka standing before him.
Hisoka narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "Do you think the fourth phase will be a written exam?"
"Possibly."
Morrow answered distractedly.
The original fourth phase involved a badge hunt on an island.
If that were the test, Morrow would definitely block examinees at the shore when disembarking, aiming for another speedrun.
However, Kurapika was now proctoring the fourth phase.
Anything could be tested.
Seeing Morrow's composure, Hisoka casually sat down beside him.
His action made Morrow droop his eyelids, practically spelling out "can you not sit here" on his face.
Hisoka naturally ignored Morrow's reaction, producing a deck of cards from somewhere as he suggested, "How about playing Old Maid?"
"..."
Morrow's first instinct was refusal, but remembering how he'd stood Hisoka up multiple times, he felt somewhat guilty. After brief consideration, he agreed: "Fine."
"You choose first."
In the brief moment Morrow hesitated, Hisoka had already dealt the cards without consultation, pushing one stack toward Morrow.
Morrow gathered his cards for a casual shuffle before beginning to draw.
Time passed.
The cards in their hands dwindled.
But Morrow soon noticed something wrong, lowering his head slightly to look at the Joker that had returned to his hand.
「Gyo」
Torch-like aura ignited in Morrow's eyes, immediately seeing through the Texture Surprise ability on the Joker.
"Hisoka, you..."
"Oh my, discovered."
Hisoka's lips curled upward, showing no embarrassment at being caught cheating, instead smiling even more delightedly.
—--
The next day arrived in a flash.
The airship continued flying at high altitude.
Beans used the airship's broadcast system to notify all examinees to assemble in the main hall.
As examinees gradually gathered, not only was Kurapika present as the fourth phase proctor, but all previous examiners except Lippo, who needed to guard Trick Tower, stood nearby.
Tonpa stood energetically in an inconspicuous spot, observing other examinees' exhausted expressions as he inwardly laughed triumphantly.
These fools probably pulled an all-nighter in the library yesterday.
Considering this possibility, Tonpa felt even more amused.
Kurapika also noticed the examinees' mental states but showed no reaction.
Meanwhile, Gon and the other examinees all looked toward this improbably young proctor before them. Despite their youth, they could sense an icy aura emanating from Kurapika that didn't match his age.
Facing the gazes of all the examinees, Kurapika didn't mince words and calmly stated: "The fourth phase of the exam will be a written test."
"!!!"
Upon hearing this, Gon and the others who had been studying hard in the library yesterday immediately perked up.
They then looked at Tonpa with admiring eyes.
But for some reason, they noticed cold sweat visibly beading on Tonpa's forehead.
A written test? How could it possibly be a written test!?
Tonpa's eyes gradually widened, soon covered in cold sweat. Vaguely, he felt as if the Hunter License had been delivered into his hands, only to slip right through his fingers.
Please, not that!