Hunter X Hunter, Reborn as a Kuruta Tribesmen

"How is it? Amazing, isn't it!"

Though Ging was an older man, his enthusiasm made him seem as spirited as a child.

Rocky nodded, his tone serious. "It is indeed amazing."

He turned his gaze to the mysterious carvings etched on the walls.

These ancient murals were abstract at first glance, seemingly incomprehensible to most. However, in Rocky's eyes, they told a different story.

At first, they appeared meaningless. But when Rocky focused, he could vaguely discern lingering traces of airflow.

These residual traces interwove into an intricate net, forming a strange and fragmented pattern. Only a portion of the design was visible; much of it remained obscured.

Rocky was utterly captivated.

Ging, noticing this, refrained from interrupting. Instead, he observed Rocky with interest, a faint smile on his face.

He sat cross-legged nearby, quietly waiting. Time passed quickly, especially within the dark temple.

The candles that had once illuminated the chamber had long since burned out.

Even in complete darkness, Rocky's focus remained unbroken. He didn't need light to examine the murals, as his ability allowed him to see the residual Nen traces directly.

The traces would appear briefly before vanishing, with only small fragments visible at any given time. Rocky was piecing these together, bit by bit.

Hours stretched into days. Finally, Rocky snapped out of his trance, noticing Ging working on something in the corner.

"How long have I been at this?" Rocky asked.

Ging turned to him, a sly grin on his face. "About three days."

"Three… days?" Rocky was taken aback. To him, it had felt like mere moments.

The intensity of being fully immersed in his task had made him lose track of time entirely.

"Why didn't you call me?"

Ging shrugged. "Why would I? Maybe this place is meant for you. If you can uncover secrets that I can't, isn't it better for you to continue?"

He paused, then added, "When you've figured out what you've found, let me know—if you're willing to share, that is."

Rocky frowned slightly. "You couldn't see the traces I was following?"

Sure enough, Ging's eyes lit up. "So, you really did see something I couldn't!"

"You can't see them at all?" Rocky pressed.

"Nope. I can sense faint remnants, but that's it—just a vague feeling. I've been here for ages and haven't found much of anything."

Ging smiled, his expression almost proud. "But you're different. If you've uncovered so much so quickly, it's clear this place has some connection to you."

Rocky pondered Ging's words. Was this temple truly linked to his lineage, the Kuruta tribe?

Ging had his suspicions. He had originally stumbled upon this place while researching the Kuruta tribe, driven by curiosity. His findings had led him here.

If Rocky could uncover more, it solidified Ging's theory: this temple might have been created by the ancient Kuruta people.

"What are you working on?" Rocky asked, noticing Ging fiddling with something.

Ging glanced at the object in his hands. "Oh, this? I'm signaling the team outside. The excavation is about to begin."

"I've explored most of the dangerous areas and cleared them out. It should be safe enough for the others to start working, as long as they avoid specific zones."

Only then did Rocky notice several gates around the chamber. Previously sealed, they were now wide open. Ging had mapped out the temple in just three days—truly the work of an experienced ruins Hunter.

After a moment of thought, Rocky asked, "Can I help with the excavation?"

"Of course!" Ging replied without hesitation.

"Thank you."

"No need to thank me," Ging said with a smirk. "Though you don't seem like a typical ruins Hunter, you certainly have the focus of one."

"Hunter?" Rocky muttered, slightly amused.

He hesitated, then added, "Can I ask you for one more favor? Could you deliver a letter to NGL for me? I need to check on my people after this excavation is done."

Ging didn't answer immediately. After a moment of consideration, he said, "I think it's better for you to go back yourself. Unnecessary contact risks exposing the Kuruta tribe. Do you really want that?"

Rocky sighed. "You're right. I'll go after this is over."

He turned back to the murals, his mind already absorbed by the carvings again.

To him, these weren't just decorative patterns—they hinted at something greater: a hidden divine word.

The power used to conceal it was incredible. Even Ging, skilled as he was, couldn't perceive it.

Rocky realized Ging had already mastered many divine words. The tools he'd left for Gon, including the systems in *Greed Island*, relied on the same kind of power.

The thought excited Rocky. If he could fully understand the divine word hidden here, he might unlock the secrets of the fifth phantom sword.

Time ceased to matter as Rocky worked. He alternated between studying the murals and practicing Nen. Ging, in turn, offered insights and advice, furthering Rocky's understanding.

Three months flew by.

With Ging's team arriving to expedite the excavation, the ruins were 80% uncovered within a month.

Rocky participated and made some intriguing discoveries, particularly about the remnants of Nen left on ancient artifacts.

The idea that someone's Nen could remain potent for centuries, even millennia, left Rocky in awe.

When the excavation neared its end, Rocky emerged from the cave for the first time in days.

Spotting him, Ging approached. "Did you finish?"

Rocky paused, then smiled. "It's done."

He raised his hand, revealing a shimmering Nen symbol hovering above his palm. Ging focused with *Gyo* to examine it.

"Is that… a Nen word?" Ging asked, amazed.

"The Kuruta tribe call it a divine word," Rocky explained.

Hearing this, Ging nodded as if pieces of a puzzle had fallen into place.

He grinned widely. "From today on, there might just be a new kind of Hunter in the world!"

Rocky tilted his head in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"Rocky," Ging said, his smile turning mischievous, "I think you're destined to be a divine word Hunter."