The salt-laced wind whipped through Kess's hair as he stood on the beach, the rhythmic crash of waves against the shore providing a constant soundtrack. He glanced at the calendar he'd sketched in the sand, marking off the weeks. Seven months. Seven months until the Hunter Exam in January. It wasn't a vast amount of time to prepare someone from scratch, especially considering the unpredictable nature of the Exam itself. But Mito possessed a raw determination that Kess hadn't anticipated, a stubborn refusal to give up once she set her mind to something.
The first few weeks were brutal. Kess started with the basics, pushing Mito's physical limits. Dawn broke over the island to the sight of her running along the beach, her small frame a silhouette against the rising sun, Kess pacing her steadily. He drilled her in stamina, endurance, and raw strength. She hauled heavy fishing nets filled with sand, her muscles screaming in protest, but she gritted her teeth and pushed on, fueled by a fierce desire to prove herself. There were days filled with endless squats and push-ups, the sand chafing her skin raw, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Kess offered no quarter, his training regimen mirroring the harsh realities of the Hunter world. He emphasized discipline and resilience, qualities he knew would be essential.
As the initial shock to her system wore off, a different kind of exhaustion set in – the bone-deep weariness that came from consistent, demanding effort. There were moments of frustration, tears silently tracked through the grime on her face, and the temptation to quit hung heavy in the humid air. But Kess was a steady presence, offering quiet encouragement, demonstrating techniques with patient precision, and reminding her of her goal. He saw in her the same spark he recognized in the memory of a young Gon, an unyielding spirit that refused to be extinguished.
Amidst the grueling physical training, there were quieter moments. Afternoons were often spent by the tide pools, where Kess would explain the intricacies of the natural world, drawing parallels to the diverse environments Hunters often encountered. He shared stories of his own brief travels, carefully curating the details, focusing on the wonders and challenges without dwelling on the dangers he had faced. Mito listened with rapt attention, her initial awe gradually evolving into a more nuanced understanding of the Hunter profession. They would share simple meals of grilled fish and foraged fruits, the silence punctuated by the cries of seabirds and the gentle lapping of waves. In these moments, a genuine friendship began to take root, an unexpected bond forged in shared effort and mutual respect. Kess found himself enjoying her company more than he cared to admit, her youthful enthusiasm a refreshing contrast to the cynicism he had briefly embraced.
The training intensified as the months passed. Kess introduced basic martial arts techniques, emphasizing footwork, balance, and efficient use of her small frame. He taught her how to read the subtle shifts in the wind and the behavior of animals, skills that could prove invaluable in the wild. Evenings were sometimes spent under the starlit sky, Kess pointing out constellations and sharing navigational techniques. He began to subtly introduce the concept of Nen, explaining it as life energy, a powerful force that could be harnessed with focus and discipline, though he refrained from delving into specifics, knowing it was too early.
Between the demanding training sessions, their friendship deepened. Mito would share stories of her life on Whale Island, her voice filled with affection for the familiar landscapes and the people she had grown up with. Kess, in turn, found himself opening up more than he had intended, sharing snippets of his past and the driving force behind his journey. He saw in Mito a genuine empathy, a quiet understanding. He noticed her quick wit and her surprisingly mature insights into people and situations, further solidifying the similarities he had observed between her and the future Gon. Her stubbornness, initially a hurdle in training, also manifested as an unwavering loyalty and a fierce protectiveness towards those she cared about.
As the leaves on the island trees began to turn into the warm hues of autumn, the final months before the exam loomed large. The physical conditioning had transformed Mito. Her movements were more fluid, her stamina significantly improved, and a lean muscle definition had begun to define her small limbs. The quiet moments of shared stories and laughter had built a strong foundation of trust and understanding between them. Now, the focus would shift towards more practical Hunter skills and a deeper exploration of Nen. Kess watched her train one crisp morning, the determination etched on her face, and a sense of cautious optimism began to bloom within him. Whatever the outcome of the Hunter Exam, he knew Mito Freecss was no longer just an ordinary island girl. The path ahead was uncertain, but the months of sweat and shared sunrise had irrevocably changed them both.
The vibrant hues of autumn painted Whale Island in shades of red and gold, a stark contrast to the intense training regimen Kess continued with Mito. The seven-month countdown to the Hunter Exam had dwindled to a mere three. Physical conditioning was now second nature for Mito; her once hesitant movements were replaced with a surprising agility and strength. It was time for the next stage: Nen.
"Mito," Kess began one crisp morning, the air carrying the scent of fallen leaves. They sat on their familiar rock overlooking the ocean, the rising sun casting long shadows. "The next step in becoming a Hunter, especially one capable of surviving the unexpected, is understanding and utilizing your life energy. This is called Nen."
He explained the four major principles: Ten, Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu, keeping the explanations simple and relatable. He likened Ten to a protective shroud, Ren to an amplified aura, Zetsu to concealing that aura, and Hatsu as the unique expression of one's Nen.
"Before you can even think about these," Kess continued, his gaze serious, "you need to open your Shoko – your aura nodes. There are two main ways to do this. The fast way involves a forceful external surge of aura. It's quicker, but it's also significantly more dangerous."
"And the other way?" Mito asked, her brow furrowed with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension.
"The slow and steady way involves meditation and focused breathing exercises," Kess explained. "You gradually open your nodes yourself, bit by bit. It's much safer, but it takes considerably more time, potentially months."
Mito considered this, her gaze fixed on the turbulent waves crashing against the rocks below. Kess could see the internal debate raging within her – the desire for quick progress battling against the inherent risk. Finally, she turned to him, her eyes filled with a determined glint.
"The fast way," she said, her voice firm, leaving no room for argument. "I want to learn as much as I can before the exam."
Kess sighed inwardly. He had anticipated this. "Alright, Mito," he said, his tone grave. "But you need to understand the risks. You have to trust me completely during this process."
He positioned Mito so that her back was facing him. "I'm going to place my hands on your back, Mito," he explained, placing his hand roughly between her shoulder blades. "I will channel a controlled surge of my aura into you. It will be sudden, like a shock. Your body's natural defense mechanism will react, forcefully opening your Shoko – your aura nodes. Your task is to remain calm and try to contain the energy."
Taking a deep breath, Kess focused his Nen, gathering a potent but controlled burst of his aura into his palms. He placed his hands firmly on Mito's back.
The moment his aura made contact, Mito gasped, her body jolting violently. It wasn't a gradual warmth; it was an immediate, intense jolt, like being struck by lightning. Her muscles spasmed, and a strangled cry escaped her lips. Her entire nervous system seemed to ignite, every cell screaming in response to the foreign invasion of energy.
"Contain it, Mito! Focus!" Kess commanded, his voice firm and urgent. "Feel the energy around you, try to hold it in! Don't let it leak out!"
Mito clenched her teeth, her small hands fisting at her sides. The raw, untamed aura surged through her, threatening to overwhelm her senses. She felt a dizzying lightness, as if her very being was trying to escape her body. Following Kess's frantic instructions, she desperately tried to visualize a barrier, an invisible skin holding the energy within.
Slowly, miraculously, a faint shimmer began to envelop her – the nascent form of Ten. The wild surge of aura started to stabilize, the violent tremors subsided, and her ragged breathing became slightly less frantic. The process had been brutal, but it was fast.
Kess carefully withdrew his hands, watching Mito intently. She swayed slightly but remained conscious. A thin sheen of sweat covered her forehead, and her eyes were wide with shock and a dawning sense of something new within her.
"You… you did it," Kess said, a mixture of relief and awe in his voice. "You managed to contain it quickly."
Mito took a shaky breath, a weak but triumphant smile gracing her lips. "It was… intense."
"Incredible," Kess thought, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. Gon and Killua had shown similar rapid control after their forced awakening. The Freecss bloodline… there's definitely something extraordinary there.
"Alright," Kess said, his tone now focused and instructive. "What you just did was the very basics of Ten – keeping your aura sheathed around your body. You did it instinctively, which is a remarkable sign."
With the precious little time remaining, Kess drilled Mito relentlessly in maintaining and refining her Ten. He emphasized the feeling of the aura, the control needed to keep it stable. He moved on to Ren, teaching her to intentionally expand her aura, though he stressed the importance of control to avoid exhaustion. Zetsu, the complete suppression of aura, proved more challenging, requiring a different kind of focus. Finally, he introduced Gyo, guiding her to concentrate her aura in her eyes to perceive his Ten more clearly.
The days blurred into a cycle of intense training, punctuated by brief moments of rest and quiet conversation. The advanced techniques of Hatsu would have to wait. For now, survival in the Hunter Exam depended on a solid grasp of the basics. As January drew closer, Kess couldn't help but shake in excitement. He had fast-tracked Mito's Nen awakening, a deviation from the natural progression. He could only hope that her raw talent and unwavering determination would be enough to compensate for the accelerated pace. The consequences of his interference remained a looming question mark.
One afternoon, Kess set up a simple table on the beach. On it, he placed a glass filled to the brim with water and a single leaf resting on the surface.
"Today, Mito," he said, his expression serious, "we're going to determine your Nen type. This is a crucial step in understanding how your Hatsu, your unique Nen ability, will eventually manifest. There are six primary Nen types: Enhancer, Transmuter, Emitter, Manipulator, Conjurer, and Specialist."
He picked up a smooth stone and held it out. "Think of your aura as having certain inherent qualities, like the properties of different materials. This test, called Water Divination, helps reveal those qualities."
Kess carefully placed the glass on the table. "Each Nen type will produce a different reaction in the water when someone projects their Ren into it. Enhancers will increase the volume of the water. Transmuters will change its taste. Emitters will change the color of the water. Manipulators will make the leaf move. Conjurers will cause something new to appear in the water. And Specialists… well, their effect is unique and doesn't always fit neatly into these categories."
He stepped back. "Now, Mito, I want you to focus your Ren. Expand your aura, let it flow from you and envelop the glass. Don't try to force anything specific; just let your amplified life energy interact with the water."
Mito nodded, her brow furrowed in concentration. She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, and then extended her hands towards the glass, mimicking Kess's earlier stance. A visible aura, the manifestation of her Ren, enveloped her hands and the glass of water.
They watched in silence, the only sounds the gentle lapping of the waves and the cry of a distant gull. Slowly, almost imperceptibly at first, the water in the glass began to shimmer. Then, starting from the center and spreading outwards, the clear water took on a faint, golden hue. The change was subtle but undeniable, a distinct alteration in the water's color. The leaf on the surface remained undisturbed.
Kess watched the reaction carefully, a thoughtful expression on his face. The change in color was the telltale sign.
"An Emitter," Kess stated, his voice clear. "Your Nen type is Emission, Mito."
Mito opened her eyes, a mixture of curiosity and excitement on her face. "Emitter? What does that mean?"
"Emitters," Kess explained, "are typically skilled at separating their aura from their body and projecting it over a distance."
He gestured to the glass. "See how the water's color has changed? That confirms your natural affinity for Emission."
Mito looked at the glass, a new understanding dawning in her eyes. The implications of this revelation seemed to click within her. The idea of projecting her energy, of striking from a distance, held a certain appeal to her focused and direct approach.
"So," she said, a newfound resolve in her voice, "I can shoot energy blasts?"
Kess chuckled softly. "Eventually, perhaps. But first, you need to master the fundamentals. Understanding your Nen type simply gives us a direction for your future Hatsu development. For now, we continue to focus on Ten, Ren, Zetsu, and refining your Gyo. Knowing you're an Emitter will inform how we approach your training moving forward. It plays to your natural strengths."
Mito nodded, her gaze fixed on the glass of water, a spark of excitement and determination in her eyes. The path ahead was still long and arduous, but now, for the first time, she had a clearer sense of the kind of Hunter she could become. An Emitter. A wielder of projected energy. The thought resonated with her, solidifying her commitment to the challenging journey she had embarked on.
The day of Mito's departure arrived with a bittersweet mix of excitement and trepidation hanging in the air. The small harbor of Whale Island, usually a scene of peaceful tranquility, buzzed with a rare energy. Fishing boats, normally used for hauling in the day's catch, were adorned with colorful streamers, fluttering in the crisp morning breeze. Islanders, young and old, gathered on the docks, their faces a blend of pride and fond farewell.
Kess stood beside Mito, his hand resting lightly on her shoulder. The past months had forged an unexpected bond between them, a connection that went beyond the teacher-student dynamic. He felt a genuine affection for this determined young woman, a sense of protectiveness that surprised even him.
"Remember what I told you about the Exam, Mito," Kess said, his voice firm but gentle. "It's unpredictable. Be cautious, trust your instincts, and don't underestimate anyone."
He leaned in, giving her specific instructions. "When you reach Dolle Harbor, look for a large, solitary pine tree. It's quite distinctive. The Kiriko family lives near there. They'll be able to take you to the Hunter Exam site."
"The Lone Pine Tree in Dolle Harbor," Mito repeated, her brow furrowed slightly as she committed the directions to memory. "And I just tell them I'm a friend of yours?"
"Exactly," Kess confirmed with a nod. "Just say you're a friend of Kess. They'll understand."
Mito looked out at the assembled crowd, her eyes shining with a mixture of excitement and a hint of nervousness.
The ferry horn blared, signaling the imminent departure. Mito hugged the islanders who had gathered to see her off, her laughter mingling with the well wishes and words of encouragement. The entire island seemed to have turned out to bid farewell to their spirited young adventurer.
As Mito boarded the ferry, she turned back to Kess, her gaze lingering on him. "Thank you, Kess," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. "For everything."
"You've earned it, Mito," Kess replied, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "Now go and show them what a Freecss is made of."
The ferry slowly pulled away from the dock, the gap widening between Mito and the shore. The islanders waved and shouted their goodbyes until their voices faded into the distance. Kess watched until the ferry was a small speck on the horizon, a knot of excitement tightening in his chest.
Beside him, a gentle hand touched his arm. It was Mito's grandmother, a woman whose quiet strength and unwavering kindness had impressed Kess deeply. He had come to feel a profound respect for her, a connection that transcended their brief acquaintance.
"She'll be alright, won't she, Kess?" Grandma asked, her voice soft but laced with a hint of concern. Her eyes, though aged, held a sharp intelligence.
Kess turned to her, his smile widening. He placed a reassuring hand on her arm. "Grandma," he said, using the affectionate term he had adopted during his time on the island, "Mito will not only be alright, she will excel. She's strong, she's determined, and she has the blood of a Freecss running through her veins. She'll pass that Exam with flying colors."
He gave her a confident grin, a flash of mischievousness in his eyes. "After all, I trained her myself."
Grandma chuckled, a warm, melodic sound. She shook her head, her lips curving into a fond smile. "You and your confidence, Kess. It's… endearing. But thank you. Your faith in her means a lot."
As they stood together, watching the empty horizon where the ferry had disappeared, Kess felt a surge of pure excitement. He had deliberately set this in motion, a significant deviation from the established path. The potential for chaos, the unpredictable ripple effects on the story he knew so well – it was a prospect that thrilled him. And the thought of Ging's reaction to a Hunter Mito raising his son? That was a spectacle he eagerly anticipated. The future, now more than ever, was a tantalizingly blank canvas.