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The First Phase Begins: Part 1 ((だい)()()()()()()()()()1()()(けん)(かい)()()()()()()①, Dai Ichi-ji Shiken Kaishi (Ichi)) is the 5th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Synopsis[]

Chap 5 - The Navigator revealing the location of the Hunter Exam

The Navigator revealing the location of the Hunter Exam

In Zaban City, a Kiriko in disguise leads Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio to 2-5-10 Tsubashi Street, pointing to a nearby building as the site of the Hunter Exam. The three examinees gaze up at the enormous structure, with Leorio and Kurapika nervously thinking about the other aspiring Hunters who are the best in the world. Gon, however, smiles and thinks only about his father and how he felt when he took part in his Hunter Exam. The Kiriko then gets their attention and says that he meant the building next door, pointing to a small restaurant. Leorio can't believe that all the examinees would fit into such a small place, and the Kiriko explains that they would never use a place so conspicuous.

After entering the restaurant, the Kiriko asks for the steak combo, causing the chef to ask if he wants it grilled or broiled. The Kiriko replies that he wants it grilled over low flame, and another employee then shows the four to a private room with prepared food. Once the employee leaves, the Kiriko tells the three examinees that their odds of making it there were one in ten thousand, praising them for making it so far on their first attempt. He then wishes them good luck for the rest of the exam and tells them to look him up next year before he takes his leave and turns a dial.

Chap 5 - Gon wondering why so many people want to become Hunters

Gon wondering why so many people want to become Hunters

The room begins to move down an elevator shaft as Leorio eats his food and wonders if the Navigator thinks that they won't pass the exam on their first try. Kurapika says that he has heard a talented rookie passes the exam every three years on average, and it's stated that most rookies either succumb to the demands of the exam or get overwhelmed by the veterans and never retake the test. Gon wonders why so many people want to become Hunters if they have to go through so much to pass. Left speechless at first, Leorio energetically tells him that being a Hunter is the most lucrative profession while Kurapika describes it as the noblest. The two glare at each other as Gon sits nervously between them and listens to each of their arguments.

Leorio focuses on the benefits of a Hunter License, which allows a Hunter to enter most countries and use nearly all available public resources. He then proclaims that 60 of the 100 richest people in the world are Hunters and that the money received from a sold license would financially secure a person's family for seven generations. On the other hand, Kurapika stresses that a Hunter's main role is securing order in society and nature, with a professional Hunter preserving cultural artifacts and tracking down criminals and poachers. He adds that a Hunter needs extensive knowledge and strong convictions, describing it as a rewarding career. The two are eager to hear what being a Hunter means to Gon, but he is left unsure and unable to answer before the elevator reaches the hundredth floor of the basement.

Chap 5 - Hundreds of aspiring Hunters waiting to start the exam

Hundreds of aspiring Hunters waiting to start the exam

The elevator door opens, and the three find themselves in a large tunnel filled with hundreds of examinees. Those staring at the new arrivals eventually look away, and Kurapika realizes that everyone present is one in ten thousand, adding that they are each experts in their fields. Gon wonders how many people are in the dreary tunnel, and an examinee sitting on a nearby pipe tells him he's #405. Wearing a #16 badge, the man introduces himself as Tonpa and shakes Gon's hand. After a small official gives the trio their badges, Tonpa guesses that they're new and reveals that it's his 35th attempt, adding that he started when he was 10 and happily calling himself an expert examinee.

As Tonpa tells Gon to ask anything he wants to know, Kurapika and Leorio whisper between themselves about how strange it is for him to be proud of failing so many times. Gon wonders if he knows all the examinees, and Tonpa proceeds to point out some of the regulars: Bourbon (#103), a snake charmer and relentless competitor; Cherry (#76), a martial artist and the best at unarmed combat; Todo (#255), a strong wrestler who is smarter than he appears; the Amori Brothers (#197-#199) who specialize in teamwork and keep improving; and Geretta (#384), a huntsman proficient with blowdarts and clubs.

Chap 5 - Hisoka punishing a fellow examinee for not apologizing

Hisoka punishing a fellow examinee for not apologizing

After Tonpa stresses to Gon that they are only a few of the capable examinees who haven't been able to pass yet, a man suddenly screams and is shown to be missing both of his forearms. Another examinee says that no tricks were involved, telling the man to be more careful and apologize when he bumps into someone. Tonpa is disappointed to see that the man is back, telling Gon that examinee #44 is named Hisoka and explaining that he would have easily passed the previous exam if he hadn't attacked an examiner and been disqualified. Leorio is shocked that he was allowed to try again. Still, Tonpa explains that there are new examiners every year and that they choose the tests and decide who gets to take them, coyly adding that even the devil could pass the exam if an examiner allowed it.

After warning the trio to avoid Hisoka since he eliminated 20 examinees during the previous exam, Tonpa offers to show them the basics as other examinees are seen chuckling and whispering that the "Rookie Crusher" Tonpa has found more victims. Tonpa then pulls out four cans of juice and asks that they toast to friendship and luck. Although Kurapika and Leorio are left unsure, Gon happily begins to drink the juice. Tonpa chuckles to himself and reveals that the drink has a powerful laxative that will leave the victim unable to take part in the exam. However, continuing to hold the juice in his mouth, Gon slowly spits it out and tells Tonpa that it tastes off, guessing that it must have gone bad. Now nervously sweating, Tonpa is left stunned since the laxative has practically no odor or taste, wondering how Gon could have tasted it. Annoying Tonpa even further, Kurapika and Leorio pour out their juice before drinking any.

Characters in Order of Appearance[]

Translations around the World[]

Language Name
Brazil Flag Brazilian Portuguese Início da Primeira Rodada (1)

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