Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Hunt
The place where I was born, Gu Island is a strange place. It is surrounded by strong whirlpools, and many wrecked boats dot the shoreline, silent witnesses to the island's peril. The villagers believe these whirlpools are the wrath of a god called Zeraka. But I have a different theory—Having carefully observed the ocean current and the direction of the winds, I know that this isn't a natural phenomenon, so I suspect a magical beast has made this place its home and cause the whirlpools to keep intruders away. I keep that theory to myself, though. I am still new to this world and this life, and I can't call attention to myself like that yet.
My new name is Kai. I was born to the Ikeda Clan, a family known for protecting the island from unknown visitors. Anyone unfortunate enough to get caught by the whirlpools would face the wrath of the Ikeda clan. The clan take its duties seriously, and being part of it meant living by its strict rules and traditions.
Since I was part of the Ikeda clan, they taught me about Nen, though they call it the Blessing of Zeraka. They taught me how to control my Nen to form Ten, but not how to use the other principles. It seems they had acquired this knowledge through their own experiences, lacking a structured system like in the books I had read.
When I turned 14 years old, my aura nodes finally opened and I gained access to Nen. It has been a year since then, and even with the information I had, it is hard to put it into action without a good mentor to guide you and show you examples of how to manipulate your aura. Also, I couldn't focus in study and practice Nen so much as I wanted because I had another even more important thing to focus on; remember the canon. Not just the story itself, but also the places mentioned, the dates of events, the characters with their personalities and powers... Knowing all of this is a greater asset than Nen. So I invested most of my time writing and memorizing everything that I could about HunterxHunter, and I didn't have as much time to study and practice Nen more. The best I could manage was Gyo, but it was enough to see others aura. It was a small victory, but a significant one.
Now, at 15 years old, today is my first hunt. The hunt is a rite of passage, marking the transition from boyhood to manhood. It is a significant event for the family and the clan. My father and mother are from the lower branch of the family, which means we are often looked down upon. This hunt is my chance to prove myself and earn my place in the family.
I stand at the edge of the village, the forest before me dense and intimidating. The other boys my age, already dressed for the hunt, eye me curiously. Some are eager, others nervous, but all are determined. This is our moment to show what we are made of.
My father approaches me, his expression stern but proud. "Kai, today you prove your worth. Remember everything we've taught you. Use your Blessing wisely and stay focused. The forest is dangerous, but you are ready."
I nod, determination settling in my chest. "I will, father. I won't let you down."
He hands me a small blade, its edge sharp and gleaming. "This belonged to my father, and his father before him. Use it well, and it will protect you."
Taking the blade, I feel the weight of my family's expectations and history. I am ready. The other boys and I set off into the forest, our hearts pounding with a mix of fear and excitement.
The forest is alive with the sounds of wildlife. Birds chirp, leaves rustle, and the occasional growl of a beast echo through the trees. We move quietly, each step measured and careful. I use Gyo to enhance my vision, keeping an eye out for any signs of danger or prey.
Hours pass, and we finally come across a group of wild boars. They are large and fierce, their tusks almost as big as my blade gleaming in the dappled sunlight. We prepare ourselves, spreading out to surround them.
I focus my Nen, feeling the energy course through me, sharpening my senses, quickening my reflexes and strengthening my body.
I am a little slower than one of the boys.
The first boy makes his move, charging at one of the boars. The animal reacts swiftly, but we are quicker. I use my sword to finish the first boar with a quick slash to the neck before he could react.
We work together for the second boar, a coordinated effort that paid off. We exhaust him by dodging his attacks and attacking when given the opportunity. Finaly, my blade finds its mark, and the boar fall with a final, anguished cry.
The other boys cheer, but I remain focused. There is still danger. We continue hunting, each successful kill boosting our confidence. By the end of the day, we have several boars and other small game.
We return to the village, our spirits high, our burdens heavy with the fruits of our labor. We had lost one of the boys in the hunt, but this only reminded us that we have to remain aware of the risks and constantly improve to overcome them.
Back in the village, the elders await us. They inspect our catches, nodding approvingly. My father stood beside me, his pride evident.
"Today, you have proven yourself, Kai," he says, his voice filled with emotion and pride. "You are no longer a boy but a man of the Ikeda clan."
"Thank you, father," I reply, my voice trembling with excitement and pride.
I smile, the weight of my new responsibilities settling on my shoulders. I have taken the first step on my journey, and there is still much to learn and accomplish. But for now, I am content. I have earned my place in the family, and my path as a Hunter is beginning.
The clan holds a big feast to celebrate. Though I work well with the others, I never had a conversation with any of them before.
Because I am of a lower branch, I was often isolated. As the only boy of the lower branch, I never really connected with any other boys my age. I had planned to leave the island sooner or later, so I didn't make much of an effort to connect with them either.
So, I enjoy my time with my mother and father. As the festival dies down, my family and I return to our home near the shore of the island. It's a beach house, a home used to ostracize those of the lower branch.
There are houses apart from ours, but people who had failed the rite of passage years ago were deemed unworthy to join the main branch. They were forced to watch the shore for any invaders or uninvited guests brought by the wrath of Zeraka.
My mother and father soon go to sleep. I, however, can't get a wink of sleep. So, I head up to my favorite spot on top of the roof, looking at the moon.
Though we are near the water, we are surrounded by some kind of stand from the water, almost like a veil. Getting past it provides a view of the outside world, with the sun, the moon, and sometimes the seagulls that fly past the veil.
But this time, something else came to the veil. It was not a giant ship, it was another vessel washed ashore. The ship is still intact. This is the first time I have ever seen a boat survive the whirlpools.
Seeing this, I go back inside the house. "Father, mother, we have uninvited guests."
My father springs up from his sleep. "What did you say, Kai?"
"I said there are uninvited guests. How do we proceed? Has this happened before?"
"Today, you are still part of the lower branch to the main branch. If it went unchallenged tomorrow, then you and I will handle this here on shore as men."
I go to my room at the end of the hall and grabs my sword. I meet my father while he grabs his pike. We stand on the edge of the water, watching the boat slowly but surely creeping towards us, gliding through the water.
"How do you think it's on board? Do you think they're all gone?" I ask.
"No ship heads towards us with such controlled effort. There should be no winds pushing them towards us, following the waves to the island. Prepare yourself, my son. You might not have the training yet, and that's partly my fault. We don't see this often. It's been twenty years since it last happened, but we must be ready now. This will be no ordinary encounter, but with another human. Whatever happens, you must have no regrets. Hesitation will lead to your end."
As the ship draws closer, my mother starts ringing the bell, notifying the rest of the island. She must have seen people on that boat.
As the ship reaches the shore, an anchor is dropped into the water. Ropes fall from the sides of the vessel, and the crew slid down the ropes, one after another. Soon, we see twenty men on our shores. They look like pirates. One man with a long beard walks to the front of the group and introduces himself.
"I am Captain Bone," he declares, his voice booming and confident. He has a presence that demands attention, and the other men stand behind him in a formidable formation.
My father steps forward, his pike ready to battle. "I am Taro Ikeda, guardian of Gu Island. What brings you here, uninvited and unannounced?"
Captain Bone smirks, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "We seek shelter and provisions. Our ship was caught in your infamous whirlpools, and we barely managed to make it ashore. We mean no harm."
I can sense the tension in my father's stance, but he remains composed. "Your presence here is a violation of our territory. We have strict rules for dealing with intruders."
Bone's smirk fades, replaced by a more serious expression. "We understand your concerns, but we are not ordinary intruders. We have valuable skills and knowledge that could benefit your island. Perhaps we can come to an agreement."
My father doesn't lower his pike. "That remains to be seen. For now, you and your men will be escorted to the village square. We will decide what to do with you there."
Captain Bone nods, signaling his men to comply. As they move, my father whispers to me, "Stay close, Kai. This is a delicate situation, and we must be vigilant."
We led the pirates through the village, where curious villagers gather to watch. Whispers spread quickly, and the atmosphere grows thick with unease. The elders are already waiting in the square, their faces etched with concern and curiosity.
Once we arrive, my father addresses the elders. "These men, led by Captain Bone, claim to have been caught in the whirlpools and seek our aid. They propose an alliance of sorts, offering their skills and knowledge in exchange for shelter and provisions."
The eldest of the council, Elder Saito, steps forward. "Captain Bone, what skills do you and your men possess that would be of value to us?"
Captain Bone straightens, his voice steady and confident. "We are experienced sailors, navigators, and craftsmen. We have knowledge of the seas beyond your island, fishing routes, and the latest in maritime technology. We can help improve your defenses and even teach your people advanced skills."
The elders exchange glances, their expressions skeptical yet intrigued. Elder Saito nods slowly. "We will consider your proposal, but for now, you and your men will be under watch. Any attempt to cause trouble will be met with swift retribution."
Captain Bone bows slightly. "We understand and appreciate your consideration."
With the decision made, the pirates are taken to a secure area of the village, guarded by members of the Ikeda clan.
My father turns to me, his eyes serious. "Kai, this situation is unprecedented. We must be cautious but also open to the possibility of gaining valuable allies. Keep an eye on them and report any suspicious activity."
I nod. "Yes, father. I will be vigilant."
As the night wears on, I can't shake the feeling of unease. After other guardian takes my place watching the pirates, I climb back up to my favorite spot on the roof of my house, looking out at the moonlit sea.
The presence of the pirates felt like a disruption to the island's delicate balance, and I wonder what the future holds for Gu Island. Even if I want to leave, it is now my homeplace, where my current family lives. Of course I want to make sure the island is safe.
The next day, the village is abuzz with talk of the pirates. Some see it as an opportunity, while others are wary of the potential danger. My parents are busy with the council, discussing the best course of action. I decide to take a closer look at our unexpected guests.
I find Captain Bone near the makeshift camp where his men are staying. He is speaking with a few of his crew, and I approach cautiously.
"Captain Bone," I call out.
He turns to me, a curious expression on his face. "Ah, young Kai, isn't it? What can I do for you?"
"I wanted to learn more about you and your men. If we are to trust you, I need to understand who you are and what you truly want."
He chuckles, nodding in approval. "A wise approach. Very well, ask your questions."
I spend the next hour talking with him, learning about their travels and the hardships they had faced. Despite my initial distrust, I found myself intrigued by their stories. They had indeed encountered many dangers and had survived through sheer skill and determination. By talking and asking him about his job time dates, I could also extrapolate the current date: October 14th, 2010.
On the island we don't have a calendar. The seasons are measured by drops in temperature and vegetation, and we all celebrate our birthdays at the beginning of spring. Before this, I didn't even know exactly what day I was born, only knowing that it was late autumn. Having counted the days since I came into this world as a baby, I now know that I was born in December 16th (There wasn't much else to do on this island).
As our conversation ends, Captain Bone looks at me with a serious expression. "Kai, your island is unique, and its people are strong. But the world beyond is vast and full of opportunities and threats. Perhaps, together, we can ensure Gu Island not only survives but thrives."
His words linger in my mind as I return to my duties. There is much to consider, and the future of Gu Island seems more uncertain than ever. But one thing is clear: change is coming, and I have to be ready.
At first, I didn't trust Captain Bone and his crew. But after a month of them staying here, I began to understand them a little better. They don't seem like bad guys or pirates, but rather a crew that sails to explore and discover new places.
One day, I decide to talk to Captain Bone another thing I am intriged. "Captain Bone, what's the outside world like? Is there anything big going on? Anything newsworthy?"
He smiles thoughtfully. "Nothing big that I can remember. I've been at sea for so long that I barely have time to sit down and read a newspaper or watch TV. I'm mostly always on the move."
This conversation is my attempt to gather information and understand the world of Hunter x Hunter. I want to know more about the unknown world I find myself.
Then Captain Bone asks me a strange question. "So, kid, we've been here for more than a month and haven't tried to leave the island yet because we promised to teach your people about sailing, navigation and craftsmanship. But, to be honest, I feel like you could hold a secret or two. Do you know of any treasure on this island?"
His eyes sparkle with curiosity. It became clear to me that their arrival wasn't accidental—they are here for a reason. "Truthfully, I don't know if there is any treasure on this island. Maybe the elders would know, but I've never heard of any treasure."
"Yeah, that's too bad. I was really hoping you would know. I appreciate you listening to an old man's conspiracy theories."
While his crew continues to teach the villagers as promised, I remain an outsider as a member of the lower branch of the clan. This status give me a bit more freedom to move around. I often stuck close to Captain Bone and his crew, observing them closely without them realizing it.
After he asked me about a hidden treasure on the island, my distrust in Captain Bone and his crew resurfaced, and I had to put my guard up again.
One night, I see them leaving their camp and heading north towards the forbidden part of the island, rumored to be home to a mystical creature in a cavern.
From a safe distance, I use Gyo to sense their collective aura and follow them, curious about their intentions. I hadn't dared to explore that part of the island in case I encountered something dangerous, but with the captain and his crew going ahead, I can walk around that area without worrying about having to face it.
They seem to be searching for the treasure Captain Bone had mentioned. Captain Bone and his crew finally reach the cavern on the north side of the island.
Surprisingly, none of the monsters attacked them in the way. Greyback Wolves, known to run in packs, seemed to avoid them. I realize it was because of the eerie and powerful aura that Captain Bone emits, using his killing intent to scare off any potential threats.
I follow them into the cavern, staying hidden at a distance. As I move deeper, I encounter the bodies of Greyback Wolves—evidence of the crew's passage.
Following the trail of bodies and footprints, I eventually find the crew in a large chamber illuminated by a faint, eerie light. The walls are adorned with ancient carvings and symbols, hinting at the long-forgotten secrets this place held.
The scene before me is astounding. The cavern is filled with Werewolves and packs of Greyback Wolves, all engaged in a fierce battle with the crew. Behind the massive Werewolves leading the pack, on a pedestal, I see a crystallized jewel shimmering in different colors, almost like a rainbow. The center of the jewel has a gray swirl, reminiscent of smoke, yet it reminds me of the veil that surrounds our island.
I stay hidden, observing the intense battle. The Werewolves are enormous, their presence commanding and terrifying. The crew fight valiantly, some of them using their Nen abilities to hold their ground. Captain Bone's aura is particularly strong, and he seems to be a master of his Nen abilities.
The battle rages on, and I can see the strain on both sides. The Werewolves are relentless, but the crew is determined, both sides losing fighters as the battle drags on. My curiosity about the jewel grows. It had to be the treasure Captain Bone was after.
As the fight continues, I realize I need to make a decision. Should I reveal myself and help the crew, or should I stay hidden and watch? The fate of the island and the secrets it holds are at stake. The next move is critical, and it is up to me to decide how to proceed.
My decision is swift—I decide to stay back and watch how things plays out. Captain Bone seems frustrated and decides to up the ante. His aura surges, and then it slowly transforms into a pistol. This indicates that he is a Conjurer. One shot from his pistol causes a massive explosion of a brilliant burst of blue flames, and the sound is deafening.
My ears are ringing, and the cavern is filled with smoke. Regaining focus, I quickly activate Gyo. I am able to see Captain Bone's aura again. Although it's a little weaker, I can still tell it's his.
I can't see the auras of his crew, who were lying on the ground near the deceased Greyback Wolves and Werewolves. Captain Bone seems not to care about his crew and is heading towards the crystal, which continues to shine through the smoke.
I realize I stand no chance against someone who has a Hatsu when I am just a novice practitioner. I quickly make my retreat, running to notify the elders in the main branch, hoping they will have something to stop Captain Bone.
When I reach the village, the whole island is on high alert. Everyone is anxious, looking for what has happened with Captain Bone and his crew.
I explain it to the elders, and they jump out of their seats, their fear palpable. Rather than being angry about Captain Bone, they seem terrified of something else.
The elders push me aside and run outside to look at the shore. I am puzzled by their reaction and ask, "What's going on, elders? What's happening at the shore?"
They don't answer, as if they are in a daze. I follow their gaze, and soon the veil around the island disappears, and a creature emerges from the sea. The island shakes, and massive tentacles rise from the waters. Its eyes are as big as the moon, and it makes a deafening sound, a mixture of a lion's roar and a screech.
The monster gives off a powerful aura of killing intent, and everyone around me soon fall to the ground, either bowing or on their knees. I know my father and the people of the lower branch are in trouble, so I use my aura to stand up. I know I have to protect my family.
Something inside me changes. It feels like all my emotions and energy are being forced out of me at a higher rate, bursting forth. This is my first time actually using it. This is Ren.
With my Ren activated, I feel a surge of power and determination. I approach the shore, my aura blazing brightly. The creature's massive eyes fixed on me, and its tentacles writhed in the air. Despite the fear and the killing intent of the monster, I stand my ground.
As I reach the shoreline, I see my father among the fallen, struggling to get back on his feet. "Father!" I call out, my voice steady despite the chaos. He looks up at me, shock and fear in his eyes.
"Kai, you must retreat!" he shouts, but I shake my head.
"No, father. I won't leave you or anyone behind." My Ren flares brighter, and I can feel the creature's oppressive aura pushing against mine. It's a battle of wills, and I am not backing down.
The monster roars again, and the ground beneath me trembles.
I take a deep breath and focus all my energy into my aura, pushing back against the creature's killing intent. My aura clash with its own, and for a moment, the world seems to hold its breath.
Then, I feel a shift. The creature's aura wavers, and its tentacles hesitate. I seize the opportunity, channeling every ounce of my strength into one final push of aura and letting out a loud shout with all my might. The creature lets out a screech and begins to withdraw, its massive form retreating back into the waters.
The island is still. The villagers slowly begin to rise, their expressions a mix of awe and relief. My father approaches me, placing a hand on my shoulder. "You did well, Kai. You've shown great strength and willpower today."
"Thank you, father," I say, feeling a sense of accomplishment and exhaustion.
As the elders gather around, their fear replaced with admiration, I know that this was just the beginning. The mysteries of Gu Island and the dangers it holds are far from over. But for now, I have earned my place as a member of the Ikeda clan, and my journey full of challenges has truly begun.