As soon as they did, everyone instinctively covered their numbers with their hands. It was almost comical how synchronized the reaction was. A flicker of amusement crossed Lippo's face as he continued explaining the rules. "This phase of the exam is based on a points system," he announced. "Your own number plate is worth three points, and your assigned target's plate is also worth three. Any other contestant's plate is worth one point each. To pass, you must collect at least six points."
That meant candidates had two basic options—protect their own badge while hunting down their assigned target, or go after three separate contestants to make up the points. Losing their own number plate would make passing far more difficult.
With that, the candidates boarded the yacht prepared by the Hunter Association, heading toward Sebisu Island. On the yacht, Leorio shifted closer to Kurapika, whispering nervously, "So… the exam's officially started now?"
Kurapika nodded, his sharp eyes scanning the deck. "Yeah. Look around. Most of them have already tucked their number plates away. It lowers the risk of getting targeted." He paused, his gaze lingering on something before he added, "But there are still a few people who don't bother with tricks like that…"
Following his line of sight, Leorio found the person in question—Larry, sitting at the edge of the boat, completely at ease. Leorio swallowed hard, muttering, "Yeah… figures. If it's Larry, he wouldn't be worried about a test like this." His voice carried a mix of awe and exasperation.
Unlike the others, who were hiding their badges, Larry was holding his up in plain view, unconcerned. But instead of feeling confident, his assigned target looked like he was about to pass out.
Dongba, sitting cross-legged in the corner of the yacht, stared at his lottery card with wide, disbelieving eyes. The number on it was the same as Larry's. His face was an absolute wreck, twisted in pure horror.
Out of all the people he could have drawn, it just had to be him. His expression was so pitiful that it was almost funny. But after a moment, he let out a deep breath and slumped against the railing. It didn't really matter—he had already been planning to drop out of the exam. This just made his decision easier.
Meanwhile, Larry gazed off at the horizon, his interest piqued by another island sitting adjacent to Sebisu Island. The yacht slowly approached the island, the atmosphere among the candidates growing more tense with every passing second.
The Tower of Trickery had consumed seventy-two hours of their time. That meant the faster ones who had finished early got the most rest before the next phase. But for those who had barely made it through before time ran out, this yacht ride was the only break they were going to get. Now, it was time to go ashore. Just like before, the order of entry followed the sequence of the lottery draw. However, there was a twist—each contestant would be released onto the island at two-minute intervals.
That meant Larry, once again, would be the first to go. Stepping off the yacht, he strode onto the island… and then just stood there. Arms crossed, his expression calm, he didn't move an inch toward the deeper parts of the island. Instead, he just watched. The moment realization dawned, a wave of unease spread through the crowd. He was planning to ambush them. Rather than chase after his target, he was going to let the others come to him. And with a head start, he could take down anyone he wanted as soon as they set foot on the island.
A heavy silence settled over the candidates. Their faces paled, their bodies tensed. It was like a storm cloud rolling in—a sudden, overwhelming pressure hanging over the group. Nobody wanted to be the next one sent ashore. Even Kurapika, who had seen Larry's abilities firsthand, felt uneasy. The others? They were outright terrified. After all, Larry had already demonstrated a level of skill and power that made him untouchable. His monstrous speed with Wind Speed Dog, his perfect performance in the Tower of Trickery, and his familiarity with the examiners all pointed to one thing—he wasn't someone they could handle.
But rules were rules. The clock was ticking. One by one, the candidates had no choice but to step onto the island, their nerves stretched to the limit. The moment they hit the shore, they bolted, running as fast as they could toward the safety of the jungle. Anything to get away from him. That was, until Bourbon arrived. Larry's target. The moment he stepped onto the island, Larry turned and walked straight toward him. Bourbon immediately felt the shift in the air, his instincts screaming danger. Larry didn't waste time with pleasantries. His voice was casual but carried an unmistakable weight. "Are you going to hand it over, or do I have to take it myself?"
Bourbon 's muscles tensed, his hand twitching toward his weapon. He had made it this far. He had fought his way through five grueling tests, survived battles that had nearly broken him. He wasn't about to just give up. He set his stance, ready to fight. Larry simply smiled.
Even his pride as a martial artist wouldn't allow him to back down without a fight. But before Bourbon could even get into his stance or display his techniques, his vision blurred, and in the next instant—his body crumpled to the ground. "Forget it, I'll just take it myself," Larry muttered, crouching down and slipping the number plate from Bourbon 's pocket before tucking it away in his own.
Number 191. Bourbon had barely stepped onto the island before losing consciousness. At the very least, he wouldn't be making it to the next phase of the Hunter Exam. But considering what had happened in the original timeline—where he was killed by Killua—this was still a far better outcome.
With that taken care of, Larry finally had time to do what he truly wanted. A breeze swept through the island as his figure vanished in an instant. The candidates who had yet to arrive shuddered at the sight, their nerves tightening. Some even whispered that the island was haunted.
By the time Larry reappeared, he was already standing on the adjacent island near Sebisu. At first glance, it seemed like an ordinary island—quiet, barren, with almost no signs of life. Except for one thing. An old man stood there, waiting for him. "Finally here, huh?" The voice was filled with anticipation. A chuckle followed. "Ho ho ho… Let's get started, then!" It was none other than Chairman Netero.