Hunter x Hunter: War of the Anime Worlds

After checking into the inn, the group began to wander about Whale Island.

The entire island is essentially one small mountain range. Most of the inhabitants live in the town at the foot of the mountain, though a handful of families have homes on the slopes and at the summit.

The buildings here are nothing like modern city blocks—everyone put up their houses wherever they pleased. In plain terms, it feels like the countryside.

But the scenery really is picture‑perfect.

As they followed the mountain path toward the peak, they could glimpse the distant sea through gaps in the forest all along the way.

Outside the settled area, the rest of the island is practically a natural ecological park, complete with jungle, lakes, and marshes.

Wildlife is abundant, too.

While exploring, Xiang Nan and the others even spotted a few players training in the wild environment. There weren't many of them, though—players stand out immediately, because no one but players would hole up in such a remote backwater, hiding in the mountains to cultivate like hermits.

"So some people really do choose to train here," Xiang Nan said in surprise.

"They must have some superstition about the original story," Beishi replied with a wry smile. "I've heard some folks believe that Ging Freecss and little Gon possessed talent far beyond ordinary people and left everyone in the dust in Nen because Whale Island's environment is special. They think that by living close to nature here for a long time you can boost your 'potential'."

"Honestly, there might be something to that—call it mysticism if you like," Xiang Nan chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

Still, those players were clearly newbies, not long in the Hunter × Hunter world, and didn't yet understand Nen users or the truth of the world. Lacking better options, they chose to trust their own "analysis" and "intuition."

Everyone has their own path, after all, so Xiang Nan's group had no reason to criticize.

It didn't take long to see all of Whale Island; in a single day they had more or less covered the entire land area.

Afterward, they took time to visit Mito's little tavern.

Mito's place—Gon's home—is a small two‑story house wrapped around by a large, leafy tree.

Fisherfolk returning from sea, or coming ashore early, often stop by for a drink.

Because so many players make a point of landing here, business has been pretty good in recent years, and Mito has heard a bit about "Nameless Town." As a story character locked out of some customers, she still finds the phenomenon rather odd.

When Xiang Nan's trio entered, Mito didn't recognize them as players, and they couldn't be bothered to explain—they were just here to relax.

The tavern feels exactly like someone's home. A few fishermen were chatting inside when they walked in. Seeing new faces, the fishermen greeted them warmly, and Mito behind the counter called out, "Welcome!"

Everyone on the island knew they were tourists; some had even seen them disembark earlier.

"Mito, your brewing skills must have spread far and wide," a rosy‑cheeked man said admiringly. "I've noticed every visitor to Whale Island comes here for a drink."

"These guests are probably just sightseeing and happened to pass by—there aren't many taverns on the island," Mito replied with a light smile. Then, turning to the newcomers: "What can I get you?"

Beishi clapped his hands like an old regular, ordering drinks and a bit of food.

"Mito, do you remember me?" Orban coughed, suavely brushing back his hair.

"And you are…?" Mito hesitated.

Orban flushed bright red and tapped his eyepatch.

"Oh, it's you! Your eye—" Mito covered her mouth in surprise.

"Yup, all healed," Orban said, giving a thumbs‑up. His wandering‑samurai look is hard to forget—there aren't many like him in the modern world.

"Congratulations," Mito said sincerely.

"This gentleman… you look familiar too," she added, glancing at Beishi.

"I've been here before," Beishi answered.

"Welcome back to Whale Island. I'll fix your order right away." Mito disappeared into the kitchen.

"Gon's not around?" Beishi looked around. Usually the boy helped Mito with chores and the shop.

"That kid's been busy," an old regular chuckled, wiping beer foam from his mouth. "At this hour he's probably over by the marsh lake. He told Mito recently he wants to take the Hunter Exam. Knowing her, she likely disapproved."

"Ah," another elder sighed. "Ging… well, we can guess how Mito feels. Raising a child isn't easy, and the Hunter life is dangerous. She used to tell Gon his parents died soon after he was born, but the boy's grown up now and knows Ging is a Hunter."

"Even so, with Gon's nature I doubt he'll give up—just like Ging," the first man said.

"By the way, are you folks Hunters?" he suddenly asked, peering at Xiang Nan's group.

Before Beishi could reply, the man laughed. "These last few years a lot of Mito's customers seem connected to Hunters. Some even claim to be friends of Ging. Looks like that rascal's made quite a few new pals out there, though he can't be bothered to visit us old geezers. That's not the Ging I remember—must have changed a lot."

Xiang Nan and the others kept silent; they had no idea how to explain. Players came to Whale Island for all sorts of reasons—some hoping to cozy up to Ging Freecss, others wanting to befriend Gon early and use the connection later.

The islanders knew little of the outside world, so over drinks they chatted with Xiang Nan's group, fishing for news—especially Hunter stories—apparently convinced their guests were professional Hunters.

In reality, none of the five were Hunters. Pigeon was an On user and couldn't risk joining the Association—it would expose him, and Jed and Netero were mortal enemies. As a Shadow, he could never side with Netero.

Orban simply didn't want to join; Hunter rank is just a title, and as a player he could get resources elsewhere while avoiding the Association's restrictions and dangerous canon characters.

Beishi did plan to become a Hunter, just not this year. Knowing the plot, this exam cycle was especially deadly—Hisoka, Illumi, and several brutal phases. He intended to sit the next exam, the one Killua clears solo, skipping many tests and winning a license outright. With Killua's "speedrun," Beishi figured tagging along would be much safer, provided he was strong enough to protect himself.

Whether and when to become a Hunter is each player's choice; many feel that mastering Nen is enough. Illumi wants the license for work; Hisoka just for fun. Xiang Nan's goal is to "find a master." Everyone's motives differ.

Soon Mito returned with drinks and steaming seafood noodles—her cooking was excellent, fragrant and rich.

Laughter and small talk filled the cozy tavern. Xiang Nan's group never pressed for information about Gon or Ging; they were only sightseeing, with no ulterior motive—and they knew better than to bring up Ging in front of Mito.

~~~

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