HunterxHunter: Reborn With Crazy Potential

"The rules are simple," Menchi announces, her eyes scanning the crowd of applicants. "You'll make a dish for both myself and Buhara. We'll taste your creation and grade you as pass or fail based on our enjoyment. To pass, you need approval from both of us."

She turns to her massive friend. "Buhara, what's the required ingredient?"

"Pork," he says with a grin that makes his whole body shake. "The required ingredient will be pork."

The moment the words leave his mouth, applicants scatter like startled birds, rushing into the forest in search of pigs. But I hold our group back, a smirk playing on my lips.

"Wait," I say, placing a hand on Gon's shoulder as he's about to dash off. "I've got this covered. While everyone else is running around like headless chickens, I'll show you where to find our pigs."

"How did you know?" Leorio asks, his eyes narrowing behind his small sunglasses. "About the pork, I mean."

I can't help but let out a small laugh as I lead them toward my secret stash. "Oh, that's simple," I say, spinning the most ridiculous tale I can think of. "You see, the Visca Forest Preserve is home to the world's most delicious pigs. I caught a few yesterday, planning to have some quality meals during the exam."

The way most of them nod along makes me want to face-palm. Only Killua and Nicholas give me skeptical looks, but they're smart enough to keep their mouths shut. Six pigs for six people, caught right before an exam where we might not even stay a full day? Come on, guys.

The smell of herbs and spices fills the air as I prepare my dish. It's going to be Lechon, a Brazilian pork dish I remember from my past life. The memory of that celebration dinner at the steakhouse after winning SGA president still makes my mouth water.

"What are you adding there?" Gon asks, peering over my shoulder as I pound lemongrass and spring onions together.

"Trade secret," I wink, continuing to stuff the pig with my mixture of bay leaves, garlic, and onions. Using my shadow, I carefully sew up the belly a neat trick that draws a few gasps from nearby applicants.

"Hey, Lucas!" Leorio calls out. "Why are you covering it in milk?"

I pretend not to hear, focusing on basting my pig as it turns slowly over the fire. Around me, other applicants are returning with their catches. Some look pretty beaten up hunting wild pigs isn't exactly a walk in the park. A few haven't returned at all, and I can guess why. Those pigs aren't very friendly.

"The key is to keep the skin from burning," I hear Gon explaining to another applicant. "See how Lucas is basting it? That keeps the meat juicy!" He's got most of it right but misses the milk detail. Smart kid.

Time passes, and I watch some applicants practically cremate their pigs. Amateur hour. Finally, my creation is ready, and I prepare two distinct presentations.

For Buhara, I craft a pulled pork sandwich from the shoulder meat, topped with a tiny Hunter Association flag. For Menchi, I go all out with belly meat arranged in a spiral like pork sushi, wrapped in homemade bacon, with just enough meat juice to make it glisten.

"Now this," Menchi says as she takes her first bite, her eyes lighting up, "is someone who understands cooking." She raises her passing sign without hesitation.

I settle back with my portion of the pig, watching the show as other applicants present their dishes. It becomes clear that creativity and execution matter more than copying someone else's technique. Even some of the weird-looking dishes pass, as long as they taste good and show some thought.

The Hunter Association airship arrives just as we're finishing up, its massive form casting a shadow over the cooking grounds. Mr. Beans starts gathering the successful applicants.

"All examinees who passed, please board the airship," he announces. "We'll be departing for the third phase shortly."

I count heads as we board only 44 made it through. Inside the airship's hall, Mr. Beans informs us we'll reach our next destination around 5 a.m. tomorrow.