Chapter 301: Unnatural Cloud—What is a Hatsu, Miss Vanessa?

Gathering up, Auren walks off, everyone reluctantly following him.

Meeting a few more examinees, Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio exchange contacts with a few more rookies, all of them too embarrassed to approach Auren or his group.

Unexpectedly, Hanzo, who shares his card, also offers one to Auren and his group, finally hesitating before approaching Vanessa.

“Uhm... Floor Master Vanessa... if you’re ever in the mood to visit my home country. I’ll personally escort you; it would be my greatest pleasure to spend time wit—” Hanzo says, appearing nervous.

“Rejected, I’ve visited Jappon quite a few times already and am familiar with the country,” Vanessa says, waving him off, causing him to slump downward.

“The rain... it’s a little weird, but it perfectly suits my mood right now,” Hanzo mutters, staring into the dark sky, with the sun still visible on all sides. “If you ever change your mind....”

“The weather is weird... it’s been cloudy over us for a while, while the surrounding area is completely dry,” Kurapika notes, interrupting Hanzo’s regretful monologue.

“We can either lament the weather, or we can move on already,” Vanessa says. “Though... I already know what’s going on, I just don’t know why.”

Surprised by that, Auren, Vanessa, and Neffi move on, with Leroute and the group of four following them.

Back on the airship, Auren introduces the rookies to Marsha and Jolt, as well as Menchi, who is still on board.

“Why is she here?” Killua asks skeptically, looking at Menchi.

“Mind your own business, brat!” Menchi shoots back immediately.

“I recruited her,” Auren says simply. “She’s the most talented Gourmet Hunter who is still actively searching for new ingredients and dishes, willing to take extreme risks to explore. I simply offered her a job. I’m rich, just in case you didn’t figure it out yet.”

“You must really be loaded to sway her...” Killua says. “Now that I think about it... didn’t you also do a few jobs for... my brother and my family?”

“Yes, but only if I think the cause is worthy. I’m not assassinating just anyone just because the pay is good. I have better ways of earning money.” Auren replies honestly, shocking the other rookies, but their focus is once again on Killua.

Marsha, standing next to Menchi, smiles. “I just talked to the girls. Apparently they earned a lot as well, though most of it is... donated. Still, they’re incredibly proud because Lady Rakshala praised them.”

“Rakshala?” Kurapika wonders. “A curious name.”

“Well... the girls are quite special, but we’ll talk about that later, okay?” Auren replies, throwing her a meaningful look, causing her to freeze for a moment before nodding.

Not talking about Rakshala... yet.

Not wanting to give off the wrong impression, Auren smiles. “In any case, congratulate the girls for me... though the egg I’m taking care of still hasn’t hatched.”

“That egg... you’re just going to carry it around? I can always cook it, you know?” Menchi offers, causing Auren to breathe slowly and steadily.

Not after all this time!

“No,” he replies simply.

“In any case, Jolt,” Auren says, turning towards his pilot. “Our destination is Kukuroo Mountain in the Republic of Padokea. It should be a short flight, as we’re allowed to land on the premises.”

“So... what now?” Leorio asks.

Auren shrugs. “Enjoy the food, relax, and enjoy the trip. I believe my Airship will be to your liking if you even made do with the Association one. Marsha, if you’d take care of the rooms... please.”

“Of course, Auren dear,” Marsha replies gently.

“Can we... talk a little?” Kurapika asks, his expression tense. “I have some... questions.”

“Let’s take a break first, eat some food, and then we’ll talk tomorrow, alright?” Auren suggests, and the four rookies nod.

“Great! Let’s explore this airship, it looks amazing!” Gon says. “Ever since my arm somehow recovered, I’m feeling great! Even better than before.”

“Gon... you are really not human,” Leorio mutters. “You are so strange.”

“I have to agree...” Kurapika says, nodding with a smile.

Only Killua stares at Auren, suspicion in his eyes, yet choosing to remain silent.

“If you are bored, check out the ground floor... just make sure not to break anything, or I’ll have to break you,” Auren says, walking off with Jolt towards the bridge.

The raincloud is still hovering overhead, and as Jolt lifts off, it simply follows them, Auren still sending small streams of Aura into the air, just enough to maintain it while still being able to recover the Aura he uses.

This is difficult. I need to use Aura to keep it going, but if I’m careful, I’ll recover just enough Aura. This is fun... a fine balance. Usually I’d have a problem after around a week... but with the rice... it will work!

I need to be careful not to lose focus while sleeping.

With Jolt lifting off, the raincloud keeps following the airship, even moving against the flow of the wind, shocking Auren as it moves in a direction different from all other surrounding clouds.

I just thought tiny new fragments would form and then get left behind because of our speed... but instead it’s the same raincloud? How is it able to follow us against the wind? This is impossible... did I accidentally trigger a Nen phenomenon? I made that bet and swore a Nen oath... maybe it’s because of that?

Well... nothing I can do now. It’s rather interesting... and I do not miss the sun.

As the cloud hovers over the airship, which is steadily flying towards the northeast of the lake, aiming for the continent mostly owned by the Mimbo Republic, and heading to the smaller, but still respectable, Republic of Padokea, a massive nation almost as large as Hollow Blade’s territory in the east of the Yorbian continent.

With constant rain outside and the clouds obscuring the sun, the outer deck of the airship is devoid of people, with no one except Auren spending their time outside.

While the rookies explore the airship, train in the gym, and relax, each having been assigned a room by Marsha, Vanessa and Neffi spend their time teaching Leroute and having fun; Neffi and Vanessa being more than good friends, despite their different personalities.

I’m a little surprised they took a liking to Leroute this quickly... I guess Neffi can somewhat sympathize with her... circumstances. Also, her crime was only illegal gambling... that’s not even a real crime; what a farce. The real criminals are the casinos out there... what’s the damn difference?

As for Vanessa... she doesn’t care much about laws in the first place. She’s very open-minded indeed.

Auren himself takes care of important business. He contacts Ura, Oron, Zepile, and Goreinu, who are still at work finding him more weapons and armor pieces, as well as chasing the lead towards the Regalia, which Auren remains doubtful about. Of course, he assigns a constant flow of Jenny to them, not being stingy; money merely a tool for him, which he is more than eager to put to good use.

He also calls Pariston, though somewhat reluctantly.

As soon as the call connects, Pariston replies in a bright voice. “Auren, congratulations on a spectacular exam and your recent promotion!”

“Thank you...” Auren replies. “You are well informed... as always.”

“Of course, after all, most of the assistant examiners are working directly for me. It also looks like you managed to clearly demonstrate the current exam’s weaknesses. A respected Ruins Hunter even contacted me and wanted to work with me on improving the Hunter Exam. Though I don’t believe he’d be open to many things... his skills and voice towards reforms will still be useful to me,” Pariston informs him.

“Really?” Auren wonders. “Well, that was quick....”

“Of course. Let me tell you, many people agree with your way of doing things. The chairman’s style of exam has been dealt a fatal blow. The way you handled that rogue Nen user earned you the respect of anyone involved in the exam. How commendable... how extraordinary. I can’t thank you enough, my dear Auren,” Pariston continues, his voice sickly sweet.

“Are you trying to piss me off now? I did what I thought was right. I just happen to agree with you on the exam; that’s all,” Auren replies, annoyed by Pariston’s gratitude, which makes it sound as though he was helping him personally.

“Of course, of course... I’m also already gathering the next batch of clients... you’ll help me out again... right, Auren?” Pariston asks.

“Send me the details beforehand... along with your proposed compensation... then we’ll talk,” Auren replies.

I need the money... since I went broke to buy this egg, I might have earned a lot of money, but my search for Regalias may require me to spend a fortune.

“Fantastic, have a wonderful day, my friend,” Pariston says. “Also, that new technique you invented... surely you’ll share it with the rest of the Hunters, right?”

“Eventually,” Auren replies. “For now... I’ve taught it to Netero. Like many of the now well-known advanced techniques, I’ll properly introduce it to the world of Nen users, I guarantee it. It’s something I wish to be spread around... though I doubt many people can use it, and even fewer people may find a good use for it.”

“Excellent, how kind of you. Exactly what the Association needs,” Pariston says. “I’ll send you over some documents for your new prisoner. Like little Neffi, I’ll have her charges disappear within a year or two; consider it a token of my appreciation. Goodbye... I’ll see you soon.”

Hopefully not too soon.

“Goodbye,” Auren replies, ending the call.

Not wanting to talk any longer, Auren messages Rakshala briefly, informing her about the recent events... adding a lengthy paragraph about a certain blond-haired, blue-eyed man.

Sleeping soundly, while still making sure his Hatsu, Heavy Rain, continues to remain in effect, the next day arrives.

Gathering in the lobby, everyone is present except for Jolt, Marsha, and Menchi, the latter two cooking together, something they keep doing on a daily basis, which makes Auren feel quite grateful to the newcomer.

Not only is she not looking down on Marsha, but she’s even helping her improve as a cook. Even when she eventually leaves and explores the lands of Hollow Blade, or the island we conquered, her knowledge will still be put to use by Marsha, meaning our meals will get even better. This is an unexpected bonus. I guess she must have accepted Marsha to some degree... she is a fantastic cook, so if Menchi approves of her, that’s great.

Especially... if she can find out the best way to prepare the rice... which means I’ll get to eat even more effective and tasty meals.

Relaxing, with a few snacks already on the table, Auren leans back, looking at the slightly tense group of rookies.

“Why are you so tense?” Auren asks, as he carefully inspects them.

“Well...” Killua says, crossing his arms. “I’ve shown them some of your Heaven’s Arena fights. These cave-dwellers weren’t familiar with the so-called Mecca of fighting. While I don’t care too much myself, I can’t deny that the 200th Class is a league of its own and there are some strong fighters there.”

“Uhm...” Leorio mutters, staring at Vanessa. “Are you a god or something? The same goes for you, Mr. Auren.”

Mr....

“I’m just sixteen... don’t call me a Mr.” Auren immediately says, not answering his question.

“She isn’t a god, don’t be ridiculous, Leorio... the same is true for Auren... but it can’t be denied that these mysterious abilities are simply inhuman. No wonder a large part of the viewers thinks special effects are involved... but from what we saw during the exam... it’s obviously real footage and not just some fake production. There is also a suspicious cloud moving against the wind, following us... by now, it’s quite obvious that this isn’t a coincidence.”

“You are really cool! Calling down meteors from the sky and causing huge explosions!” Gon says, grinning. “Meteor fist!” He then strikes forward, rubbing his head as nothing happens.

“I’m nothing special, but my Hatsu is quite flashy, right? I’m glad you think it’s cool! I developed it despite being told otherwise numerous times. You’ve gotta go with your guts! That’s the most important thing!” Vanessa declares proudly.

“...”

“...”

“...”

“What is it?” Vanessa wonders, as Auren, Neffi, and Leroute sigh, their gazes downcast.

“What is a Hatsu, Miss Vanessa?” Gon asks innocently.

“Simple, it’s...” Vanessa replies, only to realize what she has done. “Eh... I didn’t say that. You must have misheard me.”

“...”

“...”

“...”