Hunter X Hunter, Reborn as a Kuruta Tribesmen

Rocky didn't know how to respond. The other party clearly meant well, but their actions left him in an awkward position.

"^....^"

Seeing Rocky stay silent, Dwun and List grew uneasy. They fidgeted, unsure of what to say or how to address the situation.

Even though their intentions weren't entirely self-serving, the situation had placed Rocky in a difficult spot. Neither of them dared meet his gaze directly.

Piro, standing beside Rocky, broke the silence. "So… what do we do now?"

He glanced at Dwun and List again, then turned back to Rocky. Although Piro felt equally helpless, the knowledge that their tribespeople were safe brought him some comfort.

"At least the tribespeople aren't in danger," Piro murmured, trying to reassure himself.

"..."

Rocky finally spoke. "I must find them. The tribespeople are the ones the old man risked his life to protect. Even though they're safe now, protecting the Kuruta tribe is something I need to do for him."

"But… there's no telling when we'll be able to contact Ging!" Dwun said, scratching his head.

List added, "The chances of contacting Mr. Ging are uncertain. If you're lucky, it could happen any time. But if you're unlucky, it might take years…"

Rocky sighed. He already knew what to expect.

Ging Freecss. The prodigal son of the Hunter Association.

Finding Ging was as challenging as completing an S-rank mission.

And knowing Ging's nature, there was a very real chance he'd avoid showing up, purely because he'd think it was amusing to make Rocky search for him.

Rocky exhaled sharply. "No matter what, I'll find Ging."

Dwun and List were stunned, exchanging a surprised glance.

Finding Ging was no small feat. If Rocky managed it, it would undoubtedly mark him as an extraordinary Hunter.

Dwun's expression turned serious. "Kid, what's your name?"

"Rocky," he replied.

"Rocky, do you understand what you're getting into? Searching for Ging isn't easy," Dwun warned.

"Of course, I do. I'm doing this for my people. Do you think I'd joke about something this important?"

Hearing Rocky's firm response, both Dwun and List smiled.

"But," List chimed in, "it really isn't easy to find Mr. Ging."

"I know," Rocky replied coolly. "Ging, the wanderer of the Twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association. Finding him is one of the most difficult tasks in the world."

Dwun and List exchanged another glance, clearly impressed by Rocky's knowledge. It seemed the boy had done his homework.

"Since you already understand, we won't say much more," Dwun said. "If we hear anything about Ging, we'll let you know."

"No need," Rocky interjected, waving a hand. Even though he didn't have a clear lead on Ging, he relished the challenge. The fact that his people were safe gave him enough peace of mind to take on this daunting task.

"I'll find him myself. I don't need any help."

Dwun and List chuckled at Rocky's determination.

"Hey," Dwun said suddenly, "have you thought about taking the Hunter License Exam?"

Rocky froze. "I'm only eight years old."

Dwun nodded at first, then stopped and did a double take. "Wait… eight? You're… eight years old?!"

List's jaw dropped. Although Rocky's smaller stature hinted at his youth, they had assumed he was at least ten.

"Eight," Dwun repeated, his mouth twitching slightly. "You're too young for the Hunter Exam!"

"Yeah," Rocky said, shrugging. "You need to be at least twelve."

Dwun sighed, rubbing his temples. "This world really is full of monsters. What were we even doing when we were eight? Playing in the mud?"

List chuckled nervously. "Still, if you're serious about finding Ging, where do you plan to start? Want me to give you some ideas? Not clues—just ideas."

"No need," Rocky said after a moment of thought. "I'll start where Ging was born. There must be some information about him in his hometown."

Both men were taken aback by Rocky's reasoning.

An eight-year-old with such sharp logic? What had *they* been doing at his age?

"Well, there probably are some leads in Ging's hometown," List admitted.

The two exchanged a look, silently wondering how long it would take for Rocky to catch up to Ging.

"Oh, by the way," Rocky added, turning to Dwun. "I want to ask Razor for a favor."

"Go ahead," Dwun said, curious.

Rocky gestured toward Piro. "I want Piro to stay on Greed Island and train. I hope Razor can help teach him how to use Nen."

"At the same time," Rocky continued, "I want you to protect Piro. He's the only tribe member I have left for now. I don't want him to face any danger."

Dwun and List nodded without hesitation.

"Rocky," Piro said suddenly, his voice trembling, "you're leaving without me?"

Rocky placed a reassuring hand on Piro's shoulder. "You want to protect the tribe, right? You want to be a warrior for our people? Staying here is the fastest way for you to grow stronger."

"This island is perfect for training," Rocky explained. "When you're strong enough to pass Razor's trial, you can leave and find me."

Tears welled up in Piro's eyes.

He was still a child, about the same age as Kurapika had been when their village was attacked. After losing so much, Rocky had become like a brother to him.

"I'll find Kurapika, too," Rocky said softly. "He must still be alive."

Hearing Kurapika's name, Piro blinked away his tears and clenched his fists. "I understand. I'm too weak right now, but I'll get stronger! Don't worry—I'll pass Razor's trial and find you soon. Until then, I'll leave Kurapika and the tribe to you."

Rocky smiled. "You've got this, Piro."

Once their conversation ended, Dwun spoke up. "Since that's settled, do you want us to send you off Greed Island?"

Rocky shook his head. "No need. I know how to leave, and I want to return someday to conquer this game. The rewards seem worth it."

Dwun and List laughed. With Rocky's strength, beating the game wouldn't be a challenge.

"You're welcome back anytime," Dwun said with a grin.