Whale Island, In a Small House
It's been fifteen years since I reincarnated into another world. At first, I was confused. My life in my previous world was already good—I was a genius at everything. I didn't expect to end up here. I didn't go to heaven or hell; I just… woke up. But life goes on, and so did I. I quickly accepted it.
Year: 1990
At age six, I realized I'd been reincarnated into the Hunter x Hunter world. I overheard people talking about "Hunters" and saw those strange symbol. I didn't know the full plot, but I understood the power system. So, I started training.
My parents were worried, of course, but I told them it was fine—that I wanted to become a Hunter. They kept refusing, but I stubborn and kept pushing. I trained nonstop.
Since there were no Nen users around to help me unlock my aura, I had to do it the careful way—through meditation. It was slow and tedious. Sometimes, I wished there was a Nen user nearby who could force it open for me. Risky, yeah, but it's fast… and honestly, I think I could've handled it. But oh well. In the end, I had no choice but to take the safe route.
By the time I turned ten, I finally succeeded. Turns out, I'm an Enhancer. That surprised me—I always thought I'd be a Transmuter or maybe a Conjurer, based on what the wiki said about personality types. Then again, maybe reincarnation shifted my personality a bit. Makes sense, I guess.
By the time I turned twelve, I'd already mastered a number of advanced Nen techniques—and I even had a named move. But it wasn't mine. It was something I copied from an anime or show I watched in my past life. I couldn't replicate all of them, but some stuck. I've always lacked imagination, even back then. I couldn't compose my own music or come up with anything original. But I was great at copying. If I saw something once, I could usually recreate it.
I think that trait carried over into this life, too. I can probably copy Nen techniques if I see them—but that depends. I understand the system well enough, but I haven't seen many abilities in action, so that kinda sucks. Just my luck, huh?
I think I can replicate Enhancement-type techniques more easily—probably because I'm an Enhancer myself. I'm not 100% sure, but the chances feel pretty high. As for the other categories? I doubt it. Maybe it's impossible… or maybe there's a small chance, depending on the move. That said, if a technique blends Enhancement with another type, I might be able to pull it off. Who knows?
I haven't even had the chance to try any of this yet. I've never met another Nen user on this island.
Oh well. All I could do was keep training.
I didn't just train in Nen—I worked on my physical body too. I bought some of those special weighted gear: wristbands, ankle weights, and a weighted vest. The standard stuff wasn't that heavy—each wristband was about 5 kg, and the vest weighed around 30 kg. I got used to them pretty fast, so I ended up creating my own custom gear using Nen.
I conjured wrist weights, leg weights, and a weighted vest entirely out of aura—a technique I call "Nen Weight." It's meant purely for training. When I wear them, I can't use Nen at all—it either suppresses my aura or forces me into a Zetsu state. In exchange, the weights automatically adjust to the perfect load for my current physical state, increasing as I grow stronger. That's the trade-off. A fair one, honestly. With no enhancements to rely on, it forces my body to develop through sheer effort, pushing me to my physical limits and beyond. I think this might be my first truly original technique—or maybe not. There's no way someone out there hasn't thought of this before, but whatever. The idea came from me, not from copying anyone else, and that's what matters.
Funny thing is, I'm an Enhancer by nature. But I guess this proves I can at least conjure basic things when it's for a specific purpose like this.
There was also a gym on the island. I'd been going there since I was eight, and by now, I could lift nearly everything they had—even while wearing all that heavy gear. Some of the regulars were shocked to see a kid my age handling that kind of weight.
When I was twelve, another boy started coming to the gym. He was younger than me and had this weird pineapple-shaped hairstyle. I remember the surprised look on his face when he saw me, but it faded pretty quickly. He tried to compliment me and kept making small talk, but—naturally—I ignored him.
Whenever I trained my body, I made sure to suppress my Nen or enter Zetsu. Training while letting Nen flow through your body isn't fully effective. Real strength comes from pushing your physical limits without cheats or enhancements. At least, that's how I see it.
I ran into that pineapple-haired kid again. Kinda rare. At first, I thought he might've been a reincarnator like me. But based on how he acted, I doubt it. He kept trying to strike up conversations, but I just kept brushing him off. Eventually, he gave up and sulked in silence while training. I guess he has goals of his own. Maybe he wants to be a Hunter too. Not my problem.
I also trained in poison resistance—secretly, of course. I didn't tell my parents. I didn't want them to worry. It's weird—they're totally fine with me going to the gym and wearing weights no kid should be able to move in, but if I told them I was exploring a forest filled with venomous monsters, they'd lose their minds.
Thankfully, the forest was crawling with poisonous creatures. Before diving in, I hit the library to study how poisons work and how to craft antidotes. Then, I let those creatures bite or sting me, endured the pain, and waited until I was on the brink of death before taking the antidote. I repeated that cycle—again and again—until my body built up resistance to most poisons.
When the antidotes weren't enough, I used Nen to slow the spread and flush it out. Over time, I think I even developed a kind of regeneration ability. Nothing insane—I can't regrow limbs or anything, and the healing isn't lightning-fast, but it's definitely quicker than normal. I'm also pretty much immune to most natural poisons now. Not all of them, though. Stuff like acid or nuclear toxins would still kill me. But hey, not bad at all.
Time passed.
1999, Nine Years Later
Max: "Father, Mother... I want to take the Hunter Exam."
Mother: "How many times do we have to say this, Max? It's dangerous!"
Father: "I allow it."
Mother: "Dear?"
Max: "Huh? I thought you'd never let me. Isn't it too dangerous?"
Father: "You've trained for nine straight years. No matter how many times I told you no, you never gave up. You're at the age where you can make your own choices now, and truthfully, you're already more capable than most adults I know. I can't stop you anymore… So go ahead. You've earned it. And honestly—just look at yourself. There's no way that's a normal body for a fifteen-year-old. You're exceptional. I have no doubt you'll succeed."
Mother: "Your father's right... sigh... I want to stop you, but I know how strong and determined you are. Just—please—be safe."
Max: "Thank you. I'll prepare to leave tomorrow."
Father: "Also, did you hear? There's another kid who's younger then you caught the Lord of the Lake. His name's Gon Freecss. He's kind of famous already. His father did the same at his age."
Max: "Tch... Is that even impressive? I caught that same fish when I was ten, remember?"
Mother: "Yes, and it was impressive. We even wanted to make it public, but you refused, said it was too much trouble and would ruin your peaceful life. We respected that. Do you know why your father mentioned that kid's name?"
Max: "Let me guess... you want me to be friends with that kid?"
Father: "Exactly. You haven't had any friends since you were six. Gon's is a good kid he has many friend and—he even helps me with work sometimes. Unlike you."
Max: "Hey, I help too. I cook, remember? And not just helping—I cook everything myself."
Mother: "He's right, dear. His cooking's better than mine. Honestly, Max, maybe you should become a chef instead of a Hunter."
Max: "I've thought about it. But first, I'll take the Hunter Exam. There's no rule that says you can't be both."
Mother:Sighs "Fine… But why do you even want to become a Hunter in the first place?"
Max: "The main reason? I'm curious. Second reason? I heard Hunters make good money. If I pass, you guys won't have to work anymore. Being fishermen's dangerous, especially for you, Mom. I get Dad doing it, but why are you risking yourself too?"
Father:Laughs "Hahaha… To be honest, your mother is a better fisherman than I am."
Max:Smirking "More like fishergirl. Anyway, that's why."
Mother: "I get the money part, but… curiosity? You could've been a chef or even a singer, made money that way. Why does it have to be Hunter? That job's far more dangerous than being fisherman"
…Damn. Here it comes.
How do I even answer that? The second reason's simple enough—money. But the first one? It's complicated. I don't really know how to explain it. It's just… something pulling at me. Something unfinished. Like a puzzle I forgot halfway through.
Wait. Gon… Freecss? That name just popped into my head out of nowhere. He's important, I'm sure of it. A main character or something? Sounds like it. But why don't I remember the whole story? Was it erased? Tampered with?
Doesn't matter. I'm here now. I want money. And after that? Who knows. I might settle down. Or maybe—just maybe—I'll follow this Gon kid. See what makes him special. But probably not. I'm not that curious.
Still… if something happens—if something triggers me—I'll follow. I just hope it's not something that'll break me.
Max: "Alright… you want a reason? I heard someone say this once—"
He shifts into a deep, theatrical tone, mimicking a voice he vaguely recalls:
Max:"Fearsome monsters… exotic creatures… vast riches, hidden treasures… evil enclaves… unexplored lands… The word 'unknown' holds magic, and some incredible people are drawn to that magic. They are known… as Hunters."
Father:Chuckles "Heh… fair enough. That line could make anyone curious. Well, maybe not us old folks. But your mother's right. It's still a dangerous path. You've got talent, too. Voice, cooking—hell, you could be famous. Why risk it all just to chase the unknown?"
Max: "Because Hunters earn more than chefs or singers. Simple as that. And I've trained to deal with danger. That's what I've prepared for."
Mother:Softly "I appreciate you doing this for us… but you didn't have to—"
Max:Interrupts gently but firmly "Like I said… I'm just curious."
Father:Sighs, then nods toward his wife "Let him go, honey. There's no stopping him now."
Mother:Reluctantly smiles "You're right… He's always been so stubborn."
Max: "And about making friends with Gon... we'll see. I'm not the type to approach people. If he talks to me first, maybe I'll respond."
Father: "That's fair. I'm not forcing you—just… consider it. Everyone needs at least one friend."
Max: "Yeah, yeah. We done here? I've got prep to do before bed."
Father: "Alright, son."
Mother: "Good night."
The Next Morning
Max: "Bye, Father. Bye, Mother. Thank you... for letting me take the Hunter Exam."
As he turned to leave, his mother hugged him tightly from behind.
Mother: "I don't care if you pass or fail. Just come back safely, okay?"
Max smiled and hugged her back.
Max: "I will, Mom. I promise. When I come back home, you and Dad won't have to work ever again."
She let go. His father stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Max's shoulder.
Father: "Go on, son. Your mother and I will be praying for your success—and your safe return."
Max: "Okay, Dad. I'm going. Bye!"
Mother: "Don't forget to write us a letter!"
Max: "If I remember."
Father (shouting): "I'll miss your cooking, son! It's way better than your mother's!"
Max didn't hear him. He was already sprinting down the path, eyes fixed on the road ahead, his mind consumed by the journey waiting for him.
Mother:"Oh? So my cooking's not good enough now?"
Father:"N-No! That's not what I meant! I just meant… our son's cooking is really impressive, not that your cooking isn't delicious!"
Mother:"Mm-hmm. Well... you're right. He is a better cook then me I will miss it too."
With that, Max stepped out of the house, heading toward the ship—the first step on his journey to the Hunter Exam.
Max: "Come to think of it, I forgot to ask what Gon Freecss looks like. I know he's the protagonist, but I can't remember his face… Eh, I'll probably figure it out soon enough. A 12-year-old kid should be easy to spot."