HxH: I Will Be Supreme

Oboro lay on his hotel bed, unaware of Netero and Biscuit's conversation, replaying his fight with Netero in his mind.

"Even if it's a few years earlier, that level of physical fitness?"

He muttered to himself, analyzing the encounter. Netero's current physical strength surpassed what it would be during his future battle with the Ant King Meruem, as age would eventually take its toll. But even now, for a Nen user of Oboro's caliber, the Chairman's raw physical power remained beyond reach.

This realization underscored just how terrifying Neferpitou and Meruem truly were. Netero himself had admitted that a one-on-one fight with Neferpitou wasn't a sure thing. Still, he chose to face the Ant-King directly.

Perhaps that was what made humans different. Even without Netero, others would have used the Poor Man's Rose to achieve their goals.

"The gap between species is almost impossible to bridge with effort and time alone," Oboro said quietly, staring at the ceiling. He could barely comprehend the physical strength the Ant King possessed, a level of power beyond human capabilities.

"The only hope is in Nen."

A slight smile crossed Oboro's face despite the pain his body was in. The mind contained infinite possibilities! His Nen ability, the Treasury of the Endless Dreamer, was created for situations like this.

"I need to further develop my martial arts," he thought. "Before, I only strengthened certain parts of my body, but now I need a comprehensive improvement. Although my muscles, bones, and flesh have developed significantly over the years, I need to maintain this momentum. My current level is far from adequate.

Witnessing Netero's prowess had rekindled the dormant ambition in Oboro's heart. He couldn't allow himself to stop.

As the days passed, the streets of Bangi saw more and more outsiders, candidates who had passed the pre-selection. The Hunter's Trials drew millions of applicants each year, but only one in ten thousand made it to the main venue. Typically, a few hundred candidates would reach this stage. The 287th Hunter Exam, in which Gon and Killua would eventually participate, was considered a "big year" with over 400 participants. This year, based on Oboro's observations in Exhibition Hall 3, just over 200 number plates had been issued. He estimated that the final number would be around 300, a modest turnout.

The lower numbers didn't indicate fewer applicants, but rather that this year's preliminary exams were more difficult, resulting in fewer qualified candidates.

Some candidates chose to stay at the venue until the deadline, using the time to network and gather information. Others, like Oboro, made regular visits. The atmosphere inside remained tense, with candidates eyeing each other warily.

Among the candidates, one particularly active figure stood out: a man nicknamed "True God" by exam veterans, Tonpa. Short and round with a square nose, he projected an air of simplicity that often lowered the guard of others.

Every time Oboro visited, he'd find Tonpa chatting enthusiastically with newcomers, playing the role of helpful senior by sharing his "experience" from previous exams. Even when rejected, Tonpa's enthusiasm never wavered.

Having attempted the Hunter Exam nearly thirty times, Tonpa was technically a contemporary of both Morel and Ging. Though his actual encounters with them remained unclear, his extensive experience in the preliminaries had given him certain insights. Although he was derisively called the "True God," his persistence in taking the test showed remarkable determination.

Oboro learned not to judge by appearances, though Tonpa remained unremarkable in his eyes. Still, he found the man's presence amusing. Tonpa, however, seemed wary of Oboro, probably because of his #001 badge, which indicated his early arrival. Tonpa himself wore #49, also an early number.

On the final day of preliminaries, Oboro arrived early and found a quiet spot to check messages from David about the latest underground developments. Other candidates gathered in small groups, either previous acquaintances or those who'd gone through the preliminaries together. The tense atmosphere kept conversation to a whisper, with many eyeing Oboro's #001 plate.

The place still bore damage from his battle with Netero, and the Association had not made any repairs.

Through his peripheral vision, Oboro noticed Tonpa working his way through the crowd. The veteran examiners wore knowing smiles, familiar with his routine but unwilling to expose him; fewer competitors meant better odds for themselves.

"Wow, it's so lively in here!"

A voice from the entrance caught everyone's attention. Two figures entered: a cold-faced man in gym clothes with slicked-back blond hair and almost invisible eyebrows, followed by a cheerful young man taking in the surroundings with obvious excitement.

"Out of the way!" the blond man barked at the blocking candidates, who quickly complied despite their initial anger.

"Oh, Feitan, be polite," the younger man laughed, patting his companion on the shoulder. "Sorry about that," he added to the startled contestants.

Feitan merely scoffed.

Oboro's interest was immediately piqued. The newcomers were Phinks and Shalnark, Spider #5 and #6. He remembered that Shalnark had finally obtained a hunter's license, though the timing had been unclear. Phinks' presence was an unexpected bonus.

Their license plates were under 100, indicating they'd arrived in Bangi some time ago. They made their way through the parting crowd, stopping near Oboro's relatively isolated position.

The candidates had given Oboro space, sensing danger from his #001 plate and calm demeanor. Phinks and Shalnark noted both his number and the caution of the others.

Phinks' lips curled into an evil grin as he prepared to speak, but Shalnark quickly pulled him aside.

"Hello," Shalnark called pleasantly.

Oboro adjusted his sunglasses with his index finger and turned slightly. "Hello," he replied with a smile.