Ian continued to watch the quarreling duo, his eyes lighting up as they burst into a fierce fight outside, just like in the anime. He followed them, accompanied by the captain and Gon, who looked surprised, having not noticed Ian's presence initially.
The captain's gaze shifted to Ian, and he asked, "You, golden doll." Gon and Ian exchanged confused glances, Ian's soft voice laced with uncertainty. "Who? Golden doll?" The captain's eyes locked onto Ian. "You, I'm talking to you."
Ian's gaze met the captain's, his eyes questioning. The captain reminded him, "You still haven't answered my question. Why do you want to be a Hunter?" Ian's melodic voice hesitated, a hint of panic creeping in. "Ah, right... I'm sorry. I'm taking the exam because having a Hunter license will make traveling easier. I want to see the world."
After Ian's response, the trio stopped at the ship's side, watching Kurapika and Leorio's intense fight. Suddenly, a thunderclap struck the ship, dislodging a crew member who was thrown into the sea. Kurapika, Leorio, and Gon sprang into action, holding onto the ship's railing to rescue him.
Ian stood back with the captain, his expression calm. 'It's better for me to stay here than get wet for nothing,' he thought. The captain noticed Ian's decision and didn't comment, mentally categorizing Ian as fragile, much like Kurapika.
Only after Kurapika, Leorio, and Gon settled down did Ian approach them, calling out to Kurapika. "Kurapika!" Kurapika's eyes widened in surprise, having thought Ian was still inside. "Ian, is everything okay?" he asked, smiling softly.
Gon's gaze locked onto Ian, his thoughts racing. 'The kid seems younger than me... isn't there an age limit for the Hunter exam?' Leorio watched Ian curiously, amused by Kurapika's obedient response to Ian's concern about catching a cold.
As they observed Kurapika and Ian's interaction, Gon and Leorio concluded that the two were friends.
Half an hour later, the four of them gathered again, this time to introduce themselves as friends. They chatted and laughed together like old acquaintances. Gon, however, couldn't shake off his curiosity. "Ian, how old are you?" he asked, his gaze locked onto Ian's face. "You seem younger than me. Aren't you supposed to be at least 12 to participate?"
Ian looked up at Gon, blinking in confusion. "I'm 12, actually. We're the same age," he said, his soft voice firm. Leorio and Gon exchanged surprised glances. "Are you sure?" Leorio asked, his tone laced with skepticism. "You look like you're 8 or 9."
Ian's expression darkened, and he glared at the two of them, his eyes flashing with annoyance. Kurapika watched the exchange, a soft smile on his face. Leorio continued to tease Ian, his words dripping with amusement. "You're like a doll, it's hard to tell if you're a boy or girl."
Ian's face turned red with anger, and he looked like he was about to explode. He turned to Kurapika, seeking refuge from Leorio's jabs. Kurapika's smile grew wider as he wrapped a gentle arm around Ian's shoulders. "Don't mind them, Ian," he said softly.
The captain walked towards them announced something, and the captain's announcement brought a sense of excitement to the group. "The four of you have passed! We'll reach Dolle Harbor soon." Then turn around and left.
Two days later, the ship finally docked, and Ian and the others disembarked, stretching their limbs after the long sea journey.
As they stepped onto dry land, Leorio's gaze swept over the crowd. "So many people. Is everyone here headed to Zaban City?" Kurapika's response was thoughtful, his eyes scanning the throng. "Probably. We're all here for the same reason." His attention shifted to Ian, who had wandered off, and he kept a watchful eye on him, worried that he might get lost in the sea of strangers.
Gon turned to the captain, his smile genuine. "Thanks for the ride, Captain. Take care sailing the seas." The captain's expression turned serious, and he said, "thanks but I have one last piece of advice for you four."
Ian darted back to the group after Leorio's call, and the captain's gaze encompassed them all. "Did you see the tall tree on the mountaintop?" He gestured, and their eyes followed his hand, squinting against the sunlight.
The captain's voice was low and measured. "Head towards that tree. It's the shortcut to the Hunter exam." With a nod, he turned and strode back to his ship, leaving the four of them to begin their journey.
As they watched the captain depart, Leorio spoke up. "Well, let's get moving. We've got an exam to take." Gon nodded enthusiastically, while Kurapika's gaze lingered on Ian, ensuring he was safe and sound.
Gon's enthusiastic voice echoed through the harbor. "Thanks, Captain!" He waved at the departing captain and crew on the ship, then turned to his friends, grinning. After a while, the four of them stood in front of the city map, studying their route.
Leorio's brow furrowed as he examined the map. "Huh? Is the captain wrong?" he asked, confusion etched on his face. "Why is the mountain he pointed out in the opposite direction to Zaban?" He looked puzzled, his eyes scanning the map.
"I think we should just take the bus to Zaban directly," Leorio suggested, glancing at his friends. "It's probably faster and more convenient." Gon shook his head. "I'm going to take the route in the mountain, as the captain said."
Leorio raised an eyebrow. "You're really going to trust the captain's advice over taking the bus?" Gon nodded firmly. "Yeah, I think he knows what he's talking about."
Just then, a stranger's voice sounded behind them. "If you want to take the bus, you should go immediately. It's almost full with other candidates." The four of them turned to see an ordinary-looking man who blended seamlessly into the crowd.
Leorio's tone turned annoyed. "And who are you, anyway?" he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. The man didn't seem to mind Leorio's attitude, responding calmly, "I'm Matthew, a newbie like you guys."
Matthew's gaze swept over the group. "I've been watching you guys from afar. You seem like a interesting bunch." Ian looked at Matthew with curiosity, while Kurapika's eyes remained watchful.
An hour later, Gon, Kurapika, Ian, and the enigmatic Matthew trudged up the mountain, while Leorio had opted to take the bus. Suddenly, Matthew cried out, clutching his ankle. "Ah, I've sprained my ankle! Can you guys help me out?"
Gon obligingly scooped Matthew up, carrying him on his back. Kurapika watched with a discerning eye, his gaze flicking between Matthew and Ian, who walked alongside, observing the scene with interest.
Ian's gaze lingered on Matthew's back before shifting to Kurapika. A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes, and he slowed to a stop. Kurapika, sensing Ian's halt, stopped too, and Gon turned around, noticing Ian's tears welling up.
Kurapika's expression softened as he knelt beside Ian. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?" he asked gently, wiping away Ian's tears. Ian's lower lip trembled as he complained, "My feet hurt too, but why does Mr. Matthew get carried while I have to walk?"
Gon and Kurapika exchanged worried glances. Gon contemplated putting Matthew down to carry Ian instead, given his adult strength. Kurapika, however, took the initiative, scooping Ian up into his arms. "I'll carry Ian. You continue walking, I'll follow."
As Kurapika lifted Ian, Gon's face reflected his concern. Ian, sensing Gon's gaze, smiled weakly and nodded reassuringly. Gon's worry dissipated slightly, and he continued ahead.
Ian wrapped his arms around Kurapika's neck, settling into the cradle of his arms. "Thank you... I'm not too heavy, right?" he whispered, his face nestled against Kurapika's chin, his ears flushing pink.
Kurapika chuckled, his voice low and soothing. "You're not heavy at all, Ian." He smiled to himself, feeling the gentle weight of Ian's body, a sensation that was both comforting and peculiarly pleasant.