The large waves were absent, but the small ripples continued to toss the entire ship, causing it to sway and jolt. After enduring several waves, only Morin, Gon, Leorio, and the short-haired boy Kurapika managed to stand up unscathed.
As the ship gradually stabilized, the red-nosed captain led Morin, Gon, and the others into a small cabin. Just like before, the red-nosed captain asked each of them their names and then inquired, "Why do you want to become Hunters?"
Leorio and Kurapika exchanged wary glances, their eyes revealing caution. The reasons they wanted to become Hunters were tied to painful stories they were unwilling to share with strangers.
However, unlike them, Gon cheerfully and honestly replied, "I want to know what kind of job it is that attracted my father so much since he worked as a Hunter."
"Don't interrupt so casually. Can't you see we're discussing something serious with this man?" Leorio snapped irritably. The captain's question had touched a nerve, reminding him of some unpleasant memories from the past.
"It's just stating a reason; what's the big deal?" Gon asked, puzzled.
"If I don't want to say it, I absolutely won't, even if it means a duel," Leorio said seriously, adjusting his glasses.
"Really?" At this moment, Morin's calm voice suddenly interjected, "What if someone forced you to do something you hated, and if you didn't, your friends and family would die? What would you do then?" Morin added, "I'm just curious, no offense intended."
The words "forced" and "friends and family dying" plunged Leorio into a long silence. For a moment, the image of his late friend Pietro flashed in his mind. Hearing the phrase "friends and family dying," Kurapika, who shared similar feelings, also fell silent, drawn into a sorrowful atmosphere from the past.
"Uh..." The red-nosed captain hadn't expected the mood to turn so somber. He glanced at Morin, the instigator of this shift.
"I've already mentioned my reason for wanting to become a Hunter—just to pass the time," Morin said, pointing at the two troubled youths. "I think it's best to be honest; otherwise, they won't even acknowledge you."
The red-nosed captain smacked his lips, feeling that this batch of newcomers was particularly challenging. He cleared his throat and revealed his identity as an examiner from the Hunter Association, finally regaining Leorio and Kurapika's attention, prompting them to share their purposes.
"I'm in it for the money!" Leorio declared bluntly. Although it wasn't his deepest motivation, it was indeed a genuine desire. "I want to become a Hunter because it means earning lots of money.
With money, you can buy anything—a big house, a fancy car, fine wine, even women..." Leorio's face took on a dreamy expression, making his mature-looking young face appear even more lecherous.
"Leorio a person's character can't be bought with money," Kurapika disagreed.
"Hey! Kid, how old are you? Call me Mr. Leorio," Leorio retorted angrily. Kurapika, seemingly unfazed by Leorio's outburst, remained lost in thought, his green eyes filled with a hint of malice, as if recalling something.
"I'm the last survivor of the Kurta Clan. I want to become a Hunter to bring criminals to justice as a bounty hunter," Kurapika stated firmly.
"The Kurta Clan?!" Kurapika's words caught Leorio off guard. "Isn't that the clan that was wiped out a few years ago? Was it the Phantom Troupe or someone from V5?" Leorio's offhand comment cut deeply into Kurapika's heart once more.
"I think I've heard about it too," Gon said, tilting his head. Morin's promotional robot was indeed powerful, reaching even children like Gon and commoners like Leorio, indicating its vast influence.
"Whether it's the Phantom Troupe or V5, I want to become a Hunter to uncover the true culprits behind my clan's massacre and bring them to justice," Kurapika declared.
Kurapika, not easily swayed by emotions, hadn't hastily concluded who was responsible for the Kurta Clan's demise. Despite the promotional robot's influence, he believed V5 was more likely than the Phantom Troupe.
However, he knew he needed evidence before reaching a final conclusion.
"So, you're the last survivor of the Kurta Clan," the red-nosed captain nodded slightly, choosing not to say more.
"You don't have to become a Hunter to seek revenge," Leorio said, puzzled.
Kurapika shook his head. "Leorio, you've asked one of the world's most foolish questions." This statement instantly darkened Leorio's expression.
"If you're not a Hunter, there are many places you can't go, much information you can't access, and many actions you can't take," Kurapika explained.
"A true Hunter knows what should and shouldn't be done," Morin interjected from the doorway. "Hunters don't look down on others' dreams and goals, nor do they disrespect and ignore things others care about and have warned them about.
Continuing to act without regard for others' feelings, thinking you're above others, and criticizing them—how can you know what drives someone's dreams and goals? Dismissing others based on superficial understanding isn't something a qualified Hunter would do."
Clearly, Morin was addressing Kurapika's earlier remarks. In Morin's view, no one is inherently superior to another. Even if Leorio's sole motivation was money, it was perfectly valid. Everyone has different goals and desires; you can disagree, but you shouldn't belittle them.
Kurapika's casual dismissal of Leorio, calling him by name despite being asked not to, was indeed disrespectful. It's no wonder Leorio was so angry. Kurapika, at this point, still felt superior and hadn't fully experienced the harsh realities of society.
"Exactly!" Leorio, who was about to lash out, felt a sense of relief and satisfaction after hearing Morin's words. "Please respect my dreams and character, Mr. Kurapika!" Leorio emphasized the "Mr." with a hint of sarcasm.
Kurapika fell silent. Although he initially wanted to argue when Morin pointed out his mistake, he found himself reflecting after Morin finished speaking.
"I'm sorry, I apologize, Mr. Leorio," Kurapika said, acknowledging his shortcomings and apologizing to Leorio.
"Ah, see? No need to be so formal. Just call me Leorio from now on," Leorio said, satisfied with Kurapika's attitude. He didn't hold a grudge, waving it off as if to say the matter was settled.
Although the original confrontation didn't escalate into a duel, the tension between the two eased considerably.
Having learned the reasons why the four wanted to become Hunters, the red-nosed captain recorded them and awaited the arrival at their destination.
As the first light of dawn broke across the sky, appearing on the eastern horizon, the Poseidon docked steadily at the port of Doli Island on the morning of January 6, 1999.
"Thank you, Captain, for such an enjoyable journey," Gon waved goodbye.
"Thank you for your hospitality, Captain," Kurapika and Leorio also expressed their gratitude for the captain's care during the journey.
The red-nosed captain was clearly pleased with their thanks, smiling as he said, "Although you've reached Doli Island, the road ahead is still long."
Seeing them nod, the captain continued, "In that case, let me give you a piece of information as a special service. See that giant cedar tree over there? Head in that direction, and you'll find a shortcut to the test venue. If you understand, hurry up and set off; the test has already begun."
Pointing to the prominent giant cedar tree on the mountain, the captain and his crew departed, leaving the four—no, three—of them to study the map.
"Something's not right," Leorio said, adjusting his glasses as he scrutinized the map. "According to the map of the Saba City area where the venue is located, it should be a big city. Why go in the opposite direction? There's a bus to Saba City right here. What do you think?"
Leorio turned his head, only to find that Gon and Kurapika weren't paying attention to him.
"Hmm?" He paused, noticing Morin holding a peculiar object. It was an angelic doll dressed in a white robe, with a golden halo on its head and wings on its back.
"What's that? A toy?" Leorio asked curiously, approaching Morin.
=D