Hunter x hunter: I’m interested in Nen abilities

Chapter 16: Someone as Handsome as Me Should Keep a Low Profile

The reason Haru chose the bustling amusement park was primarily because it was closer to his location, situated on the outskirts of the East Coastline Town.

This amusement park, as observed through Haru's bird reconnaissance, was expansive. Entry to the main gate was free, with individual rides and sections charging separately. Surrounding the park was a commercial district bustling with restaurants, shops, small inns, and cafes—compact but well-equipped.

"Not talking about you." Haru chuckled, stroking the gray bird perched on his shoulder—his newly named companion, Rock Sparrow.

He glanced up at the restaurant's sign, "Fairy Grand Restaurant", before stepping inside.

The interior was spacious and brightly lit, with the aroma of delicious food wafting through the air. Half the tables were occupied by diners, some chatting and laughing after a day of fun in the park, others tourists snapping photos of their meals and the park outside.

Haru's current outfit—a misfitted, altered shirt and rolled-up shorts—gave him the look of a street urchin. He walked in boldly, ignoring the curious stares, and plopped into an empty seat. Kicking off his dusty feet, he raised a hand and called out, "Service! Over here, please. I want to order!"

A server approached hesitantly, holding a notepad and menu. Looking Haru up and down, they asked, "Uh, young man, where are your parents?"

Haru sighed, realizing his appearance wasn't helping. "I said I want to order. I'm starving!" He pulled out his Hunter License with one hand and some cash with the other, slapping them onto the table. "Any questions? Keep them to yourself. I'm not in the mood."

The server stared at the license, their skepticism replaced by a mixture of awe and respect. After verifying its authenticity—knowing no one could forge a Hunter License—they returned it and adjusted their tone. "I apologize, sir. What would you like to order?"

Haru didn't bother playing coy. The wallet he took from Musser only had about 200,000 Jenny, equivalent to roughly $2,000. Not exactly a fortune. He opted for filling, affordable dishes, including a plate of the local specialty: seafood fried rice. The total came to just 1,699 Jenny.

When the food arrived, Haru dug in voraciously, while sparing some rice for Rock Sparrow, who pecked at the grains enthusiastically. The mischievous bird soon hopped toward Haru's soup bowl, prompting him to nudge it away with a chopstick. Instead, he poured a small amount of soup into a cup for it. Rock Sparrow tilted its head as if confused but drank happily nonetheless.

With his hunger sated, Haru paid the bill and left. He realized his ragged clothes needed replacing and headed for a nearby mall in the park.

At the mall, Haru faced the same initial skepticism, but his Hunter License once again paved the way. He bought two sets of casual clothing, undergarments, and a pair of sneakers—finally giving his feet some relief. Wiping an imaginary tear from his eye, he sighed in mock gratitude.

He also picked up toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and shampoo.

Afterward, he made his way to the park's public restrooms, which were surprisingly clean. Ignoring the bewildered stares of passersby, Haru took a makeshift shower at the sink, scrubbing his hair into a soapy lather. The sight of a boy washing himself in such a casual manner left other patrons flabbergasted.

As Haru finished and changed into his new clothes, he emerged feeling refreshed and invigorated. "What are you all staring at?" he quipped, waving dismissively. "Show's over, folks."

The bemused crowd dispersed, some murmuring about whether they should call security. Haru, however, was unbothered.

Now clean and comfortable, Haru called down Rock Sparrow, who had been causing mischief in the park. The bird had been stealing food from a boy licking ice cream, dodging the swipes of an irate father. It returned to Haru, chirping smugly.

"Behave," Haru warned. "Keep that up, and I'll cook you for dinner."

Rock Sparrow cocked its head as if to say, Yeah, right.

Haru wandered through the bustling park, mingling with the crowd. Despite being in a new world, the lively atmosphere and the chatter in a foreign-yet-familiar language made him feel oddly at home, like a tourist abroad.

"Chirp!"

Rock Sparrow flapped its wings, pointing Haru's attention to a group tailing him.

"I've noticed," Haru muttered, flicking the bird on the head. "Those guys have been following me since I left the mall. They must've seen my Hunter License."

The bird chirped indignantly, seemingly demanding praise for its vigilance.

Haru considered luring the followers into a trap to rob them instead but decided against it. Better to keep a low profile for now, he thought. Who knows if there's still someone hunting me from that ship?

The group of petty thieves trailing Haru suddenly found themselves lost. Their target had vanished.

"Where'd he go?"

"Damn it! I thought we'd hit the jackpot—a 'black license' handed to us on a silver platter!"

"Lucky brat. He'll lose that license to someone worse than us someday."

Frustrated, they dispersed near a fountain. Unbeknownst to them, Haru had been eavesdropping from the other side of the fountain, his enhanced hearing picking up their conversation.

"Black license?" Haru mused as he slipped away.

Apparently, about 20% of all Hunters lose their licenses, which then circulate on the black market. These stolen licenses are what people refer to as "black licenses."

"Genuine 'Blue Moon Gems' from the Crescent Tiger's habitat! Don't miss out!" a vendor's call caught Haru's attention.

The park was dotted with stalls selling Crescent Tiger-themed trinkets: plushies, figurines, keychains, and more.

Haru approached the vendor, curious about the so-called Blue Moon Gems. Upon closer inspection, the stones' quality and glow paled in comparison to the luminous green patterns on Crescent Tigers under moonlight. Disappointed, he left the stall without buying anything.

Soon, he stopped at a crossroads featuring a large park map. His attention was drawn to a small label at the bottom corner:

Blanchett Corporation · Phantom Island · Fairy Amusement Park

"What the hell is Phantom Island?" Haru muttered.

The name reminded him of the pale figure he glimpsed in the forest days ago.

"Chirp!" Rock Sparrow returned to his shoulder, puffing its chest as if expecting praise.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll feed you after I check this out," Haru replied, entering a nearby internet café. "Until then, don't push your luck, or I really will make soup out of you."

There were too many mysteries. What was Phantom Island? Where was this Blanchett Corporation based? What year and month was it in this world?

Haru approached the counter, slapping his Hunter License down with a grin. "One terminal, please."

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