Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio reach the first stage of the Hunter Exam, a seemingly endless forced run through a tunnel leading by the examiner named Satotz. They are befriended by Tonpa, a man taking the exam for the 35th time, and meet Killua, another entrant. In the end Tonpa betrays Leorio, as Gon and Kurapika go looking for them.

Killua stops trying to take the ball from Netero because his killer instincts are surfacing. Anita escapes her handlers and attacks Killua, who comes close to killing Anita, but lets her live because otherwise Gon would get mad at him. Gon is never able to get the ball, but makes Netero use his left leg and both hands once, and is satisfied.

The fourth stage of the Hunter Exam is a manhunt on Zevil Island. Each examinee must collect 6 points; their own number badge is worth 3, the number badge of their target is worth 3, and any other number badges are worth one point. Gon's target is Hisoka, and he practices catching birds with his fishing pole to prepare. He realizes he must attack Hisoka when Hisoka attacks his own target. Gon learns this by watching birds catch fish from the water.

Gon, Leorio and Kurapika stay in the Zoldyck family's servants' quarters at the security guards behest. Zebro lets them in through the Testing Gate (weighing tons), and Gon feels he should have been able to let himself in. While they stay there, the guard trains them with weighted brooms, water buckets, slippers, cups and whatnot. They end up extremely strong. After 20 days they are able to open the gate themselves, and they start walking through the grounds towards the house. Gon and Kurapika can push the first gate of 2 tons open, and Leorio is strong enough for the second gate.

Some assassins battle Chrollo but in vain. Mafia dons become impatient, and the Zoldycks calm them down. Zeno extends his En to 100 m radius, searching the building to find Chrollo. Other Phantom Troupe members advance, easily slauthering the entire mafia force. Kurapika notices Neon's pictures on Internet (on hunters-only website) and reports this to Nostrado, who also arrives at the auction.