HxH: I Will Be Supreme

Whale Island proved smaller than Oboro expected. Taking his time to explore every corner of the town, half a day proved sufficient to complete the tour. He spent the night at a local inn, where the keeper eagerly shared details about local specialties and life on the island.

Despite its pleasant climate and beautiful scenery, Whale Island remained untouched by mass tourism. No public transportation dotted its roads, travel was limited to motorcycles or walking. The innkeeper expressed genuine surprise at Oboro's presence, clearly unused to visitors of his caliber.

The main settlement nestled at the mountain's base, centered around a modest port and wharf. Though small, it maintained all essential facilities. Most residents earned their living through porterage or fishing, while the rest consisted of temporary visitors, sailors and passengers from docked vessels. This simple economy sustained the island's lifestyle.

From the sea, Whale Island appeared deceptively compact, but walking its circumference would take even an experienced hiker two to three days. Beyond the main town, scattered communities dotted the landscape, their environments notably pristine compared to the port area.

The next morning, Oboro ventured alone into the mountainous interior. Rich biodiversity greeted him, dense shrubland and towering trees reminded him of his own training days in the wilderness. The air carried a crisp freshness, and wildlife of all sizes moved through the underbrush. Natural dangers lurked as well, though nothing beyond his capabilities.

Higher elevations offered clear views of the distant coastline. The core region revealed itself as a maze of dense jungle and interconnected waterways, shaped by the island's proximity to the sea. This untamed wilderness had remained largely untouched by development, a perfect training ground for Ging and his son.

After returning to town, Oboro obtained directions to Mito's tavern from the innkeeper. The man explained he should follow one of the island's rivers, though the journey would take most people half a day on foot. The tavern's reputation preceded it, popular among local workers who gathered there after their shifts for drinks and entertainment.

The legend of Ging's catch, the King of the Swamp, still echoed in local conversation years later. Every islander knew the story and the family behind it.

Darkness had fallen by the time I located Mito's establishment. The surrounding houses stood far apart, more village than town, with roughly a hundred meters between each dwelling. Some perched on hillsides, others on flat ground, creating a scattered but peaceful community. Cooking smoke rose from chimneys, carrying the aroma of evening meals.

The tavern itself was unmistakable, built around and into a massive tree, its unique construction drawing the eye immediately. I arrived at an interesting moment. A small boy, no more than six years old, stood at the entrance. His clothes were disheveled, decorated with leaves and dirt, as he bowed apologetically to an orange-haired woman, Mito herself.

"I've told you many times you must return before dark," Mito said, her tone carrying more worry than anger.

"Aunt Mito..." The boy shifted uncomfortably. "It won't happen again."

Mito's expression softened. His grandmother often reminded her that for Gon, who grew up without parents, the forest had become a substitute father. Still, Mito couldn't help but worry. As Jin's cousin who grew up alongside him, she recognized all too well how Gon increasingly resembled his father.

"Excuse me, are you still open?" Oboro called out, his footsteps announcing his presence.

They turned to see him approaching, suit jacket draped over his shoulder, a casual smile masking his careful observation. Mito paused briefly before nodding. "Welcome."

Gon studied me with unusual intensity for a child his age. As I passed him, I reached down to ruffle his spiky hair. The texture was coarse, untamed, much like the boy himself.

Inside, the tavern's warm lighting revealed a homey interior. Several regulars sat chatting, their faces brightening at Gon's entrance. "Back late again!" they teased good-naturedly. "Your Aunt Mito was worried!"

Gon scratched his head with an awkward smile. He glanced at me as I took a seat at the bar, then hurried off to wash up for dinner. I noticed his lingering attention, he'd sensed something different about me, particularly the carefully controlled aura I maintained.

Behind the bar, two figures presided, an elderly woman seated in a chair, Gon's great-grandmother, and Mito herself. "Would you like something to eat? Or just a drink?" Mito asked.

The regulars eagerly recommended various dishes, praising Mito's cooking. I removed my sunglasses, taking in the establishment's dual nature as both tavern and general store. "I'll try whatever they suggest for the food," I said. "For drink, I'll trust your judgment."

"One portion should suffice," Mito advised, noting my attire. "The servings are generous."

I nodded, and she moved to the kitchen while I engaged with the other patrons. They asked about my presence on Whale Island, expressing surprise at having a tourist visit their remote home. I explained my interest genuinely, earning their approval.

Throughout our conversation, I kept Gon in my peripheral vision. He sat alone in the corner, eating quietly, occasionally stealing glances in my direction. Whenever our eyes might meet, he'd quickly look away, displaying an unusual awareness for his age.

"Very sharp," I murmured to myself, impressed. The boy possessed an instinctive ability to sense observation, rare even among trained adults. He was different indeed.