Among the people Roy knew relatively well, only the Amori Brothers joined the group opposing him. As for the Braided Man, he had already been completely crushed, so there was no way he would step forward again.
"Everyone who disagrees is here, right?" Roy swept his gaze over them casually.
Hearing Roy's words, that group of examinees let out cold sneers, just about to say that they disagreed.
But in the next instant, it was as if an unimaginably terrifying beast had fixed its eyes on them. Every hair on their bodies stood on end, and their mouths opened soundlessly.
Including the three brothers, every single one of them widened their eyes. Breathing gradually became difficult, and their bodies grew unbearably heavy.
Their hands and feet turned cold, and they trembled from head to toe.
What was going on?
Beads of sweat rolled down every face.
Roy looked at them and said flatly, "Looks like no one can say it."
They gritted their teeth and opened their mouths, but no matter how hard they tried, they could not speak. They could not even offer the slightest resistance. The moment they tried, the invisible pressure bearing down on them became even stronger.
Killua, who had been watching the spectacle from the side, suddenly narrowed his eyes.
Judging from the expressions and movements of those examinees, he was reminded of how he himself had looked when facing his big brother.
"So they're facing Roy's 'that' too? Once the second exam is over, I absolutely have to ask Roy properly about 'that'! I have to know what it is. I have to learn it!"
After patiently waiting for quite a while, Roy clapped his hands.
"Then it's settled. What a pleasant decision."
The moment he finished speaking, the examinees who had stepped out to oppose him all collapsed onto the ground, staring at Roy with terrified eyes.
The examinees who had not stepped forward could not understand what had happened. Mostly because the Amori Brothers' reactions had been far too exaggerated, they could not help but glance over at the Braided Man, who still had his head lowered in silence.
When only one person had that kind of reaction, it looked ridiculous.
But when many people reacted that way, it became something entirely out of the ordinary.
In the tests that followed, they absolutely had to stay far away from Examinee No. 406!
According to the conditions Netero had given, both requirements had now been fulfilled.
And since the rules had been set, Netero was the sort of man who followed rules.
What was more, Roy could feel it clearly: Netero was even more impatient than he was!
Netero let both hands hang naturally at his sides and lifted one leg, assuming a stance like a golden rooster standing on one foot.
"Since no one objects, I accept. I can fight you. However…"
Netero's eyes were as calm as the sea.
"If you are too weak, you may not even be able to take a single punch from me. In that case, this match would be completely meaningless."
"Please rest assured. There's no need for that concern at all."
Roy stepped forward, and a powerful aura began to gather around him!
Netero's eyes lit up.
His intuition had been right!
Someone with this kind of strength definitely had the qualifications to face him!
Without even turning his head, Netero kept his gaze fixed tightly on Roy and called out, "Menchi, Satotz, Buhara! Take all the examinees to the site for the retest. We'll head over afterward!"
Roy did the same. "Kurapika, take Gon, Leorio, and Killua onto the airship. I'll come find you afterward."
As for Android 18, she had already silently taken her place off to the side, prepared to stand by for Roy.
Under Buhara and the others' guidance, the examinees boarded the airship one after another.
Kurapika looked at Roy, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end, he simply nodded.
Leorio wore a serious expression completely unlike his usual self as he grabbed Gon by the hand and led him toward the airship.
And even Gon, for once, said nothing.
As for Killua, just before boarding the airship, he looked at Roy and said softly, "Don't die, okay?"
"Kid, you're overthinking it!"
...
As the airship gradually moved away from Biska Forest Park and put a great distance between itself and Netero, Roy, Android 18, and the others, Netero glanced at Android 18 beside them and said in a deep voice:
"Shouldn't your wife move farther back first? You know what kind of battle is about to happen. Can she withstand it?"
"Don't worry, Chairman Netero. Don't underestimate her. My wife is very strong," Roy said with a smile.
And in his heart, he added one more sentence.
Stronger than me, in fact.
Android 18 stared at Roy's back, then shook her head lightly.
"What an idiot."
"Oh? Is that so?" Netero gave Android 18 a rather surprised look.
"But I've already warned you, and since you've made your resolve, I will use my full strength. If anything unexpected happens, don't resent me."
"Don't worry, Chairman Netero. Though I think in a moment, you may need to worry more about yourself."
"Hmph. Sharp-tongued brat." A smile appeared at the corner of Netero's mouth.
It was a smile of excitement!
"Android 18, hold onto this for me first." After thinking for a moment, Roy tossed the gray cloth sack he had obtained earlier to her, then flexed his fingers.
"Now then... let's begin!"
"I won't be holding back! So don't die on me, brat!"
Whoosh!
Boom!!!
In the very next second, their fists collided, unleashing boundless force!
The battle had begun!
(End of Chapter)
[200 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter]
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