"But...?"
"It's that thing!!!"
Among the examinees, there were still some who could recognize it.
Originally hiding within the crowd, Tonpa's face turned ashen the moment he saw the bottle in Morin's hand. His stomach instinctively rumbled in response.
"It's that thing that can make even a laxative, which would have you running to the bathroom for three days and nights, taste incredibly delicious!"
Tonpa's face was filled with terror. He could never forget the fear that powder had instilled in him.
It was clearly just a can of drink, yet with just a tiny bit of powder added, it had an effect potent enough to influence one's mind.
It made people think, "That drink is so good, I must have it."
The feeling of bewilderment it emitted was something Tonpa still remembered. It was even scarier than drugs!!!
Seeing Morin take out that thing again, he was so frightened that he took two steps back in shock.
His face was full of lingering fear.
"This thing can help you pass the second round of the test very smoothly."
Morin shook the [Essence of Flavor] in his hand, "Who wants to be the first to try it?"
None of the examinees spoke up. Even though Gon wanted to step forward, he was held back by Kurapika and Leorio, who suggested they observe the situation first.
"Alright then, how about I find someone to test it out first?"
Seeing the hesitant expressions of the others, Morin knew they still had concerns. He smiled nonchalantly.
He glanced around casually, first pausing on Hisoka, who was staring with dead fish eyes, as if to say, "I'll use it only if it works," thus excluding him.
Then?
Morin spotted Tonpa shrinking in the corner.
"It's decided, it'll be you!"
A gentle smile slowly appeared on Morin's face.
Well, since Tonpa had already experienced the effects before, he was the first "beneficiary" of the [Essence of Flavor].
So now, where there's a first, there must be a second.
Moreover, Tonpa was a veteran here.
To many of the examinees, Tonpa, who had participated in the exam thirty-five times, posed the least threat to passing.
After all, he wasn't aiming to become a Hunter, so if he personally tested it, it would be quite convincing.
However...
Seeing his pale face, it seemed he wasn't very willing.
"Don't... don't look at me like that!!!"
Seeing Morin's gaze directed at him, Tonpa shuddered.
He internally wailed.
Now, just seeing Morin gave him nightmares.
He might even dream about Morin at night.
"You can't see me, you can't pick me, don't choose me!!!"
Tonpa was almost ready to set up an incense burner to pray to the heavens and earth.
But unfortunately...
Some things happen precisely because you fear them.
Under Tonpa's despairing gaze, Morin waved at him with a smile.
He didn't even bother to call him over; it was that casual.
Anyone unaware might think they had a great relationship...
"Is it... is it me you're looking for?!"
Tonpa couldn't pretend he hadn't seen it, so he reluctantly approached Morin.
He forced a difficult smile.
"Have you finished making your sushi?"
Morin asked, though his eyes were already looking behind Tonpa.
"Yes... yes, I have."
Seeing where Morin's gaze was directed, Tonpa knew he couldn't lie.
He swallowed the words "I haven't" and silently took out the sushi he had prepared.
Even though Tonpa was wary and kept his distance from Morin, he couldn't deny Morin's genuine skills and prowess.
This was something Tonpa truly believed.
So when Morin mentioned teaching them how to make sushi, the crafty Tonpa had already prepared everything.
---
When Morin finished explaining the method, Tonpa was the first to start working on it immediately. Despite being the most fearful and eager to distance himself from Morin, Tonpa was ironically the one who trusted him the most. Humans are indeed complex creatures.
"Good, as long as it's done," Morin said, taking the sushi from Tonpa without any formalities. He then showcased Tonpa's creation to everyone.
"This is the work of candidate number 16, Tonpa. It looks standard, not much different from what Hanzo made before."
Under the watchful eyes of the examinees, Morin opened the bottle and sprinkled some [Essence of Flavor] onto Tonpa's sushi.
"Now, it's time to witness a miracle!"
The moment Morin finished speaking, a rich aroma spread instantly!
"What is this smell? It's so fragrant!"
"I've never smelled anything like this before!"
"I really want to try it!"
The aroma wafted through the crowd, and many examinees showed expressions of greed and desire.
"It's exactly like back then," Tonpa muttered, swallowing hard and retreating.
If he hadn't known the effects of the powder in advance, hadn't withdrawn early, and didn't have psychological trauma, he might have been as entranced as the other examinees.
"Oh ho ho, it can even influence one's mind and stir up desires?!"
Hisoka's cheeks twitched, but he quickly regained his composure.
"A small bottle of powder with such an effect, the name 'Conjurer' is well-deserved."
Beside him, Illumi, disguised as Gittarackur, approached.
"Even you can't resist?"
Hisoka glanced at a Nen needle on Illumi's leg.
"I can't help it. This kind of desire that acts directly on the body, no matter how much I restrain myself, it still gets triggered," Illumi said in his usual emotionless voice. "So I had to take this approach."
"But speaking of which," Illumi's head turned slightly, looking at Hisoka's arm.
"Aren't you the same?"
His right arm bore clear scratch marks.
"My desires are much greater than yours," Hisoka admitted with a chuckle. "I really want to 'eat' something!"
"An apple?" Illumi, knowing Hisoka's habits, didn't press further when he saw he was fine.
"Make sure to check the quality of the apple first. Ripeness is one thing, but whether it's poisonous is key."
"A poisonous apple might be too much for you to handle right now..."
After offering this advice, Illumi went back to preparing his sushi.
"I don't want to lose a partner who's both agreeable and handy."
Hisoka was left alone, smiling silently—a twisted smile.
"What exactly is... this aroma?!"
When Morin brought Tonpa's sushi to Menchi, she was also stunned.
"I've never smelled anything like this before..."
Menchi instinctively took it.
After speaking, Morin stepped back, watching Menchi's reaction with interest.
"Why do I feel this urge to eat it?!"
"Even though it looks average, with poorly molded rice, thick fish slices, too much vinegar, and the wrong size, why does my body seem unable to resist?!"
For a Gourmet Hunter, this powdered sushi was akin to a treasure discovered by a Treasure Hunter, making it irresistible.
"I want to eat!!"
Suddenly, a voice from behind the couch startled Menchi.
Buhara, also a Gourmet Hunter, was drawn by the aroma and eagerly wanted to taste it.
"No way, this is mine!!"
Seeing Buhara aggressively trying to snatch it, Menchi quickly stuffed the sushi into her mouth.
"After all, it's the work of an examinee, so as the main examiner, it should be fine for me to eat it..."
That's as far as Menchi got before her mouth was filled with an explosion of flavor!
"So delicious!"
Menchi chewed continuously, her eyes wide open.
"With such an extreme aroma, it indeed has an extreme taste!"