Chapter 1: An Encounter in the Storm

From the moment Gojo Satoru was born, his fate was already sealed. As the heir to a prestigious clan, he carried a legacy that demanded both greatness and unwavering strength. The pressure was immense, with expectations placed on him from every direction.

But it wasn't just the weight of his family's name that made his journey so daunting. Born with the Six Eyes and the Limitless technique-the nen abilities inherited from his clan-Satoru's gifts marked him as extraordinary, but also painted a target on his back. The responsibility of mastering his powers and living up to his potential was an ever-present burden that only intensified as he grew.

In the world of nen, Satoru's prowess would be unmatched once he had matured.

But he had not yet grown up.

Here he was now, sitting on a boat bound for the Hunter Exam, not for glory or self-discovery, but for a more personal reason: to annoy the condescending higher-ups of his clan.

The head captain of the boat surveys the group and barks, "So, it's down to you four, eh? Gimme your names."

"I'm Gon!" chirps the green-haired boy, his enthusiasm infectious.

"I'm Satoru, the strongest." Gojo declared with a smirk.

"Huh?!" Snaps another boy, taller and clearly irritated. "Oi, kid, don't be so cocky. I'm Leorio."

Satoru shoots him a side-eye glance but says nothing.

The last of the group speaks calmly, his demeanor much cooler than the others. "I'm Kurapika," he says simply.

"And you want to be hunters. Why?" the boat manager inquires, his voice carrying a note of challenge.

"Hey...what business is it of yours? You're just driving the bus," Leorio retorted.

"That a fact?"

"You know it!"

"My dad's a Hunter, so I want to follow in his footsteps!" Gon exclaims, raising a hand toward the sky with unbridled excitement.

"Whoa there, kid! Don't spill so easily. Show some solidarity here," Leorio says, pointing an accusatory finger at him.

"Why? What's the big secret?" Gon asks innocently.

"Never mind. I don't jump just because someone says, "Boo!"" Leorio grumbles.

Satoru leans back casually and interrupts, "I'm going to the Hunter Exam to piss off the higher-ups of my clan."

The boat went silent for a moment as everyone turned to stare at him and his blindfold-everyone except Gon, who didn't seem fazed.

"What did I just say?!" Leorio groans, throwing his hands up. "And risking your life just to annoy some people? You've got a death wish, kid."

"Risking my life?" Satoru scoffs, his signature smirk returning. "What do you mean, old man? I'm the best."

His smug tone only added fuel to the fire. "But you look as weak as a twig, so I doubt you'd understand."

"Why you-!" Leorio growls, fists tightening in annoyance.

Before the tension could boil over, Kurapika calmly interjected, "I concur with Leorio. To give an answer to someone I don't know is not, to me, a reasonable alternative."

"..That's yer view, eh? Then both of you can just get off my ship"

"What?" Asks both a confused Leorio and Kurapika.

"I see it still hasn't sunk in.. so listen up! The hunter qualification has begun!" He announces, to the participants' shock

Satoru snickers in the corner, already having known that. He had done some 'research' before getting on board.

"As many people want a hunter's license as there are stars in the sky." He starts his long speech. "You think there're enough examiners with enough time to judge'em all? Not hardly!"

"That's why there are people like me, who not only, "drive the bus"," he quotes Leorio's statement from earlier. "But also screen applicants."

What a yapper. Satoru yawns while he observes, frankly tired by the long speech. The bearded man was saying stuff he already knew.

"The other passengers are drop-outs and have been reported to as such to the committee. Whether you four qualify is my call, too. Best you keep that in mind."

"Now about my question.." he asks again, giving them another chance.

"I'm the last of the kurta clan," Kurapika stated. "I want to be a hunter so I can capture the Phantom Troupe! That gang of robbers killed my brethren four years ago!"

"You're out to be a black list hunter, then! The Phantom Troupe is a class "A" bounty. Even seasoned balk at taking a run at them. Those who've tried... have died."

"I do not fear death. What I fear is that my rage will one day fade." Kurapika declares, his eyes burning with determination.

That's deep. Satoru thinks as he maintains his nonchalant attitude.

"So you're out for revenge? You don't have to be a hunter for that." Leorio stupidly says.

"Don't be as stupid as you look, Rioleo. The places you can't go, the information you can't access, the actions you can't take -unless you're a hunter- would obviously toggle your tiny mind." Kurapika comments smartly, rendering Leorio annoyed.

"And you Leorio?" The bearded man asks, curious to his reason.

"Me? As it appears our business is your business captain, I'll cut to the chase! I want money, lots of money!! Money gets you anything! A big house!! A cool car!! Top-grade booze!!" Leorio exclaims.

"And not a lick of class." Kurapika remarks rudely, although truthfully.

"That's the last straw. Step outside Kurapika. I'll make sure you're the last one of the Kurtas."

Satoru gasps dramatically, "Oh my god," he says as he eats his imaginary popcorn.

Gon, who has been watching all this on the sidelines, deadpans at him.

The drama continues, a shadow cast over Kurapika's face.

"You dare say that?"

"That, and then some. Let's go."

"After you," Kurapika responds, both of them leaving to go on to the deck.

"Well, that went well," utters the white haired boy.

"Hey, we're not finished here! Are you withdrawing from the test?!"

"Better let'em go," Gon suddenly butts in.

"Eh?"

""If you want to know a person, find out what makes him angry." One of Aunt Mito's favourite sayings." Gon answers. "Something serious is bugging those guys. They need to work it out," He finishes.

Satoru, strangely quiet, brings up his index and thumb and rests them on his chin, approaching Gon's face.

"Hey, how old are you?" He asks curiously to the other pre-teen in the room.

"Oh! I'm twelve, what about you?" Gon asks with a bright smile.

"I'm twelve too. Also, you're pretty cool," Satoru replies with a big grin.

"Oh! Thanks! I guess you're pretty cool too!" Gon responds to his comment cheerfully.

"Hmm..." The captain starts, holding his cap thoughtfully.

Suddenly, a crew member bursts into the room, shouting. "Cap'n! The wind's gustin' up somethin' fierce!" His voice is sharp with urgency, the tension clear in his eyes.

The other two, who are outside on deck, don't give mind to the rain and wind.

"Take it back and I'll forgive you, Rioleo." Kurapika points a finger at him.

"Take it back yourself.. Kurapika! I've said what I've said." Leorio states, rain pouring down his face as he takes out a knife.

"Then I have no choice.." Kurapika says as he pulls out his own weapon of choice, nunchucks.

Meanwhile, Gon is helping the crew hold on to the rope of the sails, trying to keep it steady. While they're doing that, the blindfolded twelve year old boy can be seen sitting on the head of the boat.

A hurricane looms ahead, its powerful winds dragging the ship closer and throwing it off balance. The men lose their grip on the rope, sending one crew member hurtling into the air, holding the cord with dear life.

Seeing this, the two men who were about to fight immediately abandon their quarrel and rush to help. But it's too late-the crew member lets go of the rope and falls overboard. And then, suddenly, Gon dashes to the edge of the boat, his eyes filled with determination, and leaps to save Katsuo.

He locks his hands on the said male's ankles, and feels himself get pulled back on board.

The crew lets out a collective sigh of relief as they see Katsuo safe and sound, although soaked. "Great goin', kid! You saved 'im!" One of them exclaims, their gratitude clear in their voices as they crowd around Gon before disappearing with Katsuo to get him to rest.

Once the storm had stopped, the scolding began.

"You idiot! If we hadn't grabbed your legs, you'd be shark bait now." Leorio starts, standing in a goofy way.

"How reckless can you be?" Kurapika states, crossing his arms.

"But you did catch me." Gon says sitting on the deck.

"Huh?" Both the older males turn to look at him, caught off guard.

"You both caught me!" The victim of the scolding answers happily.

"Well, I guess so.."

"Now that was a show to behold." The other twelve year old says as he walks towards them.

"Where were you, huh?! I thought you said you were the strongest!" Exclaims Leorio pointing an accusatory finger at him.

"Don't worry, I would've saved all of you if things had gone south," Satoru replies confidently, gesturing to himself with his thumb. A sly grin spreads across his face. "It's only natural."

Just as he was about to reply, someone barged in, that being the crew member they had saved before. Katsuo.

"Gon!" He says jogging to them.

"Katsuo!" Gon remarks at him.

"Thank you, Gon! You saved my life."

"I couldn't have done it alone. These two helped save you. And I'm sure Satoru would've helped if we weren't able to save you ourselves!" Gon tells him.

"Huh?"

"Thank you very much!" He thanks them before turning towards the white haired twelve haired and bowing again. "And it's very reassuring that you would help me Satoru-sama!"

"Of course I would save you if they hadn't. I'm not that cold hearted."

"No, you don't need to thank me." Kurapika comments, closing his eyes. "But why'd you call him Satoru-sama?" He says, pointing towards Satoru.

"Oh," Katsuo sweat drops as he glances at Satoru. His eyes silently ask for permission, seeking reassurance before saying anything further.

Satoru nods his head, allowing him to explain.

"Well.. Satoru-sama is the prized child of the Gojo clan," he mutters nervously.

An awkward silence insured the place, the attention on Satoru. Finally, the information sinks in as their eyes widen, all except Gon's.

"Y-you're the infamous Gojo everyone always talks about?!" Leorio stutters, his mouth gaping wide open.

"Yep," Satoru says, popping the "p". "What happened to "Oi, kid, don't be so cocky."?" He says in a mocking tone.

"W-well, I didn't know you were the infamous Gojo." Leorio replies, a nervous sweat forming on his forehead.

Then, Kurapika butts in, asking, "Then why are you in the hunters exam?"

"I already told you guys," Satoru says with a mischievous grin. "I'm just here to annoy the higher-ups in my clan. I really can't stand those guys." He chuckles, clearly enjoying the thought of it.

Gon rejoins the conversation, breaking the silence. "Who are the Gojo's?" He asks, tilting his head.

Satoru's eyes widen, as he answers, "You don't know who the Gojo's are? Well, they're a powerful clan with some seriously strong techniques. You're looking at their finest," he adds with a playful smirk, gesturing to himself.

"Woah you're so cool Satoru!" Gon remarks, his eyes sparkling with admiration.

"Yes, yes, I know," Satoru responds, clearly enjoying the praise, his grin widening as it inflates his already enormous ego.

"Anyways, I should be returning to my station." Katsuo suddenly voices, stepping back to refocus on his duties. The others nod, sensing the change in tone, and Satoru, still grinning, gives him a casual wave.

Kurapika turns to Leorio, making Leorio utter a "what?"

"I apologize for my rude behaviour. Sorry, Leorio" Kurapika says, turning towards him.

"W-what's with the sudden change? We sound like strangers." Leorio tells him, turning his head away from the male.

"I'm also sorry," Leorio says, his tone softer than usual, catching Kurapika off guard. "I take back everything I've said," he adds, his voice sincere as he looks at his new found friend. "I was wrong," he admits.

"No, it's okay," Kurapika assures him.

Abruptly, a roaring laugh came from the door. They look to see the captain of the ship, holding beer.

"I like you guys!" He announces, still laughing. "Okay!" He says once he finishes laughing.

"I'll take responsibility for bringing you four to the port closest to the exam site," he declares, pausing in the middle to take a gulp of his beer.

"Really?" Gon asks, his voice filled with excitement. He then remembered something, "What about your test?"

"Like I said.. It's my decision to make. And all four of you pass!"

The three of them cheer, while Satoru suddenly says, "Well of course I'm going to pass," he smiles smugly.

The other three look at him before chuckling at his words.

"Well, you do have a reason to be confident, I guess," Leorio affirms, ruffling the Gojo's white hair, seemingly having already forgotten about his identity.

"Hey, hey, watch the hair!" Gojo would exclaim, quickly swatting Leorios's hand away with a pout. "Do you have any idea how much effort goes into making it look this good? But then again, I always look good." He adds the last part with a smirk.

"Oh, give me a break, you little brat!" Leorio snaps, crossing his arms with an exasperated sigh. "Effort? Please, you look like you just rolled outta bed and called it fashion." But despite his words, there's an amused smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Hah?!"

"Anyways," the bearded man starts. "Come on, I'll show you more about steerin' this tub!!" He says as he goes ahead to the said destination.

"Yay!" Gon says, running towards the captain.

"Hey! Can I come too?" Satoru asks. "I mean, how hard can it be? Just turn the wheel and hope for the best, right?" He flashes a teasing grin, not passing a chance at having fun.

As the captain's boat pulls away from Dolle Harbor, the group steps onto the dock, taking in their new surroundings. Just then, Gojo cups his hands around his mouth and dramatically shouts after the departing vessel, "It's rigged, I tell you! Rigged!"

"Or you're just that bad at steering," teases Leorio, wiggling his eyebrows in a weird way. "I mean, not even the strongest can be good at everything."

"Shut up Rioleo!"

"Huh?! Brat, have some respect for your elders and its Leorio. L-e-o-r-i-o!" Leorio remarks, a tick mark appearing on his forehead.

"If you want my respect, you have to earn it. And it's Rioleo now." The white haired states with a grin, rendering Leorio speechless.

Leorio sighs, defeated, before looking around and saying, "All these people.. Now, for a ride to Zaban." He utters under his breath, carrying his suitcase above his shoulders with his hands.

The four of them look around to see many people with some sort of weapon at hand. It was obvious most of them were also looking for the hunter exam.

"Most of these people here are probably going our way." Kurapika observes, revealing what everyone was thinking.

"Oh!" Gon suddenly shouts, as if remembering something important. "The captain said that the lone pine tree up there on that hill might be good to start looking for the exam hall," he announces.

"I don't know about that Gon." Leorio tells him. "See? Zaban is right on the map, you can't miss it." He points to the landmark on the map. "Why go up there, the opposite way? Best shot's the express bus to Zaban. Are you sure that's what the captain suggested?"

"Yep, and I'm gonna go check it out. Beats waiting for a bus, if you ask me." He responds, holding his fishing pole across his shoulder.

"I'm gonna go with Gon! I mean, the captain obviously likes us, so why would he lie?" Gojo remarks, putting his hands in his pockets. Although if he did lie, that wouldn't be a surprise either. This is the Hunter Exams, it's expected to be full of surprises. Oh well.

"Yeah, that's what I'm saying!!" Gon exclaims, grinning at Satoru. The white haired answers his grin with another smile of his own.

"Gon, you need to learn not to trust so much," Leorio comments. "I say we just take the bus." But before he can even finish, he glances up, only to realize that Gon and Satoru are already on their way to the hill, completely ignoring his suggestion.

"Hey! Where are you going?" The old man questions when he sees the nonchalant blonde following the two twelve year olds.

"I find that I'm interested... in what Gon may do." Kurapika answers, walking away.

"Thought you were more independent," Leorio utters as he watches Kurapika follow the two eccentric twelve year olds. "Well, suit yourself. Me, I'm sticking to what makes sense."

It was safe to say Leorio soon caught up to them after overhearing two men saying that none of the buses to Zaban even got there.

Now, they found themselves in a deserted-looking alley, the silence hanging around them. Strands of string overhead, tattered paper fluttering from where it was tied between the buildings.

"What a creepy, crummy place. And not a soul around." Leorio mumbles, nervous sweat dripping down his face.

And Satoru hears this, and of course has to comment on it. "Don't tell me you're scared, Rioleo," Satoru teases, flashing a cocky grin. "And, there are tons of people here. But I guess that tiny brain of yours just can't comprehend it."

Leorio's eye twitches. "It's Leorio! And what do you mean tiny brain?!"

"He's right. There are lots of folks here." Gon joins in, looking around the place for any clues.

"Yes. Keep your guard up." Kurapika adds, making Leorio the only one who did not sense anything.

Leorio, realizing that everyone but him had sensed the people around them, stands confused in place, his eyes reduced to mere dots as shock washes over his face.

"How can you tell?" Leorio asks, whipping his head around as he scans the alley, trying to spot the so-called people.

"I hear them breathing," Kurapika says calmly.

"Yeah... and their clothes rustling. Are they all hiding?" Gon probes, his voice laced with curiosity.

"I can sense them with my eyes." Satoru chimes in as he flashes a grin, also adding in, "Not that it's hard or anything."

"Well, sue me for having normal hearing. And of course everything is easy for the Gojo," Leorio mutters, looking away adjusting his glasses.

Kurapika swiftly shushes him and that's when all of a sudden, an old granny comes out with what seems like a colony of puppets with gas masks behind her.

The four just stare until the old woman says, "The excitement.. .

Time for the mind-blogging "Two-Choice" quiz!" she declares, her voice sharp as her face twists into a disturbingly eerie, freaky expression. The army of figures behind her start clapping to her declaration.

The gang just stays quiet, unsure of what to say before the woman continues