I died peacefully, surrounded by all my happy memories. I closed my eyes, thinking it was the end. But only thirty seconds later, I opened them again—And suddenly, I was in someone's arms.
He wasn't holding just me. There was another baby too.
??? (Thought):What's happening? Where am I? Who is this man holding me… and why do I feel so small? Wait—am I… a baby? Is this reincarnation?…Oh well, I kinda saw this coming. I had a theory: after death, I'd either go to the afterlife or get reincarnated. Looks like it's the latter. So… this is real then.
He looked up at the man holding him.
??? (Thought):So then is this man… my father?
The man walked up to a house and knocked on the door. A woman opened it. Standing beside her was an older lady.
??? (Thought):Is that my mother…?
Then I heard them speak.
Ging: "Long time no see, Mito."
Mito: "Ging… It's been ten years. Why are you back now? And who are those babies you're carrying?"
??? (Thought):...Guess not, then.
Without a word, Ging handed both of us over to the woman and the grandma. He began explaining something to them. I didn't catch every word, but I understood enough.
??? (Thought):So… he just left me here? Well, not that I mind. I heard he found me in a forest, so I guess I should be thankful he didn't leave me there. And... thankfully, he's not my father—it would've been awkward.
I glanced at the other baby.
??? (Thought):His name's Gon, huh? So he's Ging's real son. Poor kid. His mom isn't around either. Ging left him because of his job as a "Hunter"? Is that like hunting animals? Doesn't sound that bad... or maybe it's more dangerous then that. Gah, never mind—not my problem.
As they kept arguing, the grandma stayed calm.
??? (Thought):That job must really be dangerous. Grandma's face says she knew this would happen all along.
Suddenly, Mito's voice erupted like a thunderclap.
Mito (Yelling): "Don't be silly! After ten years, you come back just to say that?! You didn't even leave us a letter. Your parents died and you never visited their grave. Now you show up only to dump your kid on us? That's just cruel!"
The other baby—Gon—started crying. Grandma tried to calm him down, while I just covered my ears.
??? (Thought):She's so loud, it's like she has a built-in megaphone… and she doesn't even need one!
The argument dragged on, but eventually, Mito agreed to take care of us—though the angry look she shot at Ging could've pierced steel. Before leaving, Ging handed her a small black box.
Mito: "What is this?"
Ging: "Give it to my son when he becomes a Hunter."
Mito (furious): "That will never happen! I won't let him follow your path!"
Ging: "Suit yourself. Still… thank you for accepting my selfish request. I'm sorry, I love to talk with you guys more but I have to go now."
He turned and began to walk away. But just before he disappeared from view—
Mito (Yelling while crying): "You're just going to leave like that?! Fine! Then I won't miss you! Don't you ever come back!"
Gon cried even louder. I pressed my hands against my ears again.
Ging simply waved goodbye without a word.
Mito collapsed to her knees, sobbing. Grandma tried to soothe both Gon and Mito.
Grandma: "Mito, you don't have to scream like that. You're scaring the babies. Come on, help me calm them down."
Mito stood and walked over to Gon, holding him gently.
Mito: "I'm sorry I shouted. I didn't mean to scare you. Don't worry—we'll raise you better than that good-for-nothing Ging ever could."
She smiled at Gon. He stopped crying and smiled back.
Grandma looked at me, impressed.
Grandma: "This baby didn't even cry after hearing your monstrous yelling. Still expressionless!"
Mito: "Grandma, stop making jokes!"
Grandma: "It's not a joke."
Mito pouted. I couldn't help but laugh.
??? (Thought):Why does she pout like an anime girl? Wait… is this an Isekai reincarnation?
Grandma: "Oh, he's laughing! Good job, Mito—you might qualify as a mother after all."
Mito (Sighing): "What does that even mean?"
Grandma: "Still… I can't believe someone abandoned this baby in the middle of the forest. At least Ging was better than those parents."
Mito: "You're right. Don't worry, little one. We'll never abandon you like they did."
??? (Thought): Hmm… I have a theory. What if I wasn't abandoned at all? What if I was just… reincarnated into this world and appeared out of nowhere, without any parents? Like I just popped into existence as a baby. But it's not like I can tell them that…
Grandma: "Did Ging even tell you this baby's name?"
Mito: "Nope. Didn't name him at all... Hmm, he's a boy, so… how about Gen?"
Grandma: "That's a good name. But—are you really going to take care of him like your own son?"
Mito: "Of course. Since Ging didn't even bother naming him."
Grandma: "Just making sure. I hope you treat both boys equally."
Mito: "Of course I will."
Grandma: "Hehe, I knew it. Just had to ask."
Mito: "Do you doubt me?"
Grandma: "No… well, maybe a little. Haha!"
Mito pouted again while holding Gon. Grandma held me gently.
Gen (Thought):Gen, huh? Not bad. Maybe… this life will be fun after all.
Some time had passed…
When I was at age two, Aunt Mito turned on the TV and flipped through some channels. Eventually, she found something interesting—a performance show from Glam Gas Land, performed by the Moritonio Troupe. Gon and I watched it together. Gon laughed and thought it was cool, while I was honestly impressed. From that moment on, I became a fan.
But strangely, by the time I turned three, I never heard anything about them again. No shows, no news, nothing. I felt a bit sad about it… but I never forgot them. One day, Mito showed us an old tape of a show she said she loved when she was a kid. Gon got curious too, so we watched it together. It was called Mighty Sweepin' Power Cleaners. Despite it being a kids' show, I actually liked it.
Gen (Thoughts):Even though I may be older on the inside, I still find kids' shows interesting. My friends and parents in my past life always told me I acted like a kid sometimes—even as an adult. And I never denied it. But still… I like the Moritonio Troupe more. I wish I could meet one of their members and get a signature—especially Hisoka. He was the coolest one to me.
More time passed…
By the time I turned six, I'd already finished the Mighty Sweepin' Power Cleaners series. No other show really impressed me after that.
While living on Whale Island, tourists would occasionally visit. Gon and I would guide them around sometimes. But I didn't stop there. I'd also offer to draw a portraits or carve a statue for the tourists—or even play them a song with my handmade guitar. They were always impressed by my drawing, sculpting, and music. Some would even pay me for it.
I remember the first time I did a full drawing of Mito, sculpted her likeness, and played her a song. She hugged me tightly and called me a genius. I already knew I was one, even in my past life—but hearing her said it out loud made me proud.
Gon wasn't jealous at all. In fact, he was proud of me too.
When tourists asked if I created the music myself, I just said I heard it in a dream. The truth is, the songs were from my past life.
Sometimes, Whale Island would be filled with female tourists. A few of them even asked us out on dates. Gon accepted them like it was nothing. I, on the other hand, was completely flabbergasted at first. But over time, I got used to it. The dates weren't what I imagined at all.
Usually, they just tried to teach us something or show us something interesting. Sometimes it made sense… sometimes it didn't. But at least it wasn't what I feared.
Gen (Thoughts):At least it wasn't what I thought. I used to imagine women kidnapping us and keeping us for themselves… which is messed up, I know. But hey, it's not wrong to be cautious. If that ever happens, I'll fight back. My physical strength in this world is growing much faster than in my last life. And by fight back, I mean I'll punch them in the face. I believe in gender equality, after all.
Also… I never thought Mom would date us too. Is that even legal? But of course, it wasn't that kind of date, so it's fine… I guess.
Even more time passed…
I'm nine now. I used all the money I earned from my work to buy a camera and a camcorder. I want to buy a phone too, but I'm not sure which one to choose—and honestly, I don't really need one yet. Still, it feels kind of strange that we have a computer but not a phone... oh well.
One day, while I was trying to decide where to test my new camera—there were so many places to choose from—Gon asked if I wanted to play with him in the forest. I said yes, thinking it would be a great chance to try out the camera. Then a better idea hit me: what if we camped there instead? When Gon heard that, he got excited right away and loved the idea. He agreed without hesitation. So, we went to ask Aunt Mito for permission.