I cannot lose now, I have to avenge my grandfather, I must follow my dreams! I will not let that Ryuu guy get away, I will crush him!
I could hear the judge saying different names, along with if they have passed or not. I could not focus, so many thoughts were going through my head at the same time.
If I get a pro fishing license, I can go to areas that are closed to people who have the normal fishing license or the Rookie fishing license.
I investigated my pocket to see how Chewchew was doing, he had his head already poking out. I quickly pushed it down.
''We can't afford to lose if they found out you are with me'' I whispered quietly to Chewchew.
More and more names were being said, I looked around to see everyone being nervous. This feels like a battlefield!
After a couple of minutes, the only ones standing was me, Ryuu and another guy. He was standing next to me, a little taller than me and had black hair like me.
Unlike my hair which is spiky, it is more sorted out. He has a bandanna that has a little pattern. He also has a scar on his left chin going up to his cheek, it is pretty noticeable.
''The ones who are left, Hayato Toshiro, Shoji Masashi and Ryuu Nakata, excellent job on passing. The judges have grand expectations for you'' the voice said.
I could not help myself from crying, this feeling I had, it is unbelievable! I quickly rubbed away my tears and walked to the stairs.
His name is Shoji huh, interesting. Shoji for some reason looked familiar, but I do not know why.
When i walked up the stairs, everyone who passed looked at us. I was walking behind Ryuu, while Shoji was behind me. Everyone quickly made a path for us.
Suddenly after we all entered the room, the doors closed.
''Congratulations on passing the application, but the real exam hasn't begun yet'' a shadowy figure said while slowly walking into light.
It was a man, short brown hair, glasses and a light beard.
''I am Tajima Taro, your teacher for the first part of the exam'' he said.
After he said that, I started to hear quiet voices from the room. First part, how many parts are there, what are we going to do and a lot more questions could be heard.
''Now, now, I will explain everything that needs to be explained'' he said.
''This exam will have three different individual days. Some will be longer than others.'' he started.
''The first part will be all about physical strength and body conditions'' he continued.
''This part will include the activities: Running, Swimming, Diving and more'' he said.
''Jumping? Hiding? What is this joke? WE WANT TO TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY'' someone screamed from the back of the room.
Suddenly you could hear a little crowd shouting 'yeah' repeatedly. I could see the annoyance from Ryuu, he looks really pissed off.
''Security, please kick them out of this room'' the teacher said.
Suddenly 6 big security guards came in running and followed those who protested out of the room. Just as they left the room the door closed.
''This is what happens when you protest even in the slightest, anyone who still wants to protest with them?'' he asked.
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It was silent. I looked around; everyone was scared.
''The second part will include the first fishing activity. You will all fish three distinct kinds of fish for 3 weeks. The harder and unique the fish you catch are, the higher chance you can earn your Pro fishing license.' he said.
''Uh, excuse me, where are you allowed to fish'' I asked in a quiet and polite voice.
''anywhere in the world'' he said and looked at me.
''As long as you come back in time that is'' he added.
No boundaries, no limits huh. This exam is getting more interesting. I looked at Ryuu to see him looking at me, he looked a lot nervous.
I looked at him with a grin on my face.
''I will crush you'' I said to him quietly.
***
I could not keep my eyes off Hayato. He looks so determined and so confident in himself. I want to be just like him.
I do not want to let Nobuyuki-sensei down by not being able to get the Pro fishing license. He has been with me ever since i was six years old, and now I am twenty.
I can still remember the first time we met. It was at the usual cliff I used to fish. I saw him, sunglasses with short spiky hair.
His words would forever change my career and my life.
''You seem good at fishing, let me train you to become the best there is'' he said.
He had a smile on his face. Ever since then he has taught me different techniques and strategies. It was all good until the day Sazama showed himself.
Long dark green hair, tired eyes. He had his mouth covered with a scarf every time I would see him. I still for some reason cannot remember why, but I remember, he started fighting with me.
It was only fists, until he took out his knife. I started panicking, trying to grab my fishing rod and go. I had it in my hands.
He was faster than me. He pushed me and I fell and then, he slashed me with the knife. The scar will never go away even when I try my hardest to get rid of it.
''You? Go to the Sea Paradise?'' he said and laughed.
''STOP COMING UP WITH SHITTY JOKES'' he screamed.
''I WILL BE THE ONLY ONE TO TASTE THE FISH, WHOEVER TRIES TO STOP ME I WILL KILL THEM'' he screamed.
He tossed away his knife in his pocket and walked away. I did my best to stop the tears, but I could not help it. I stood up with confidence and stopped crying.
''I SHOJI MASASHI, WILL BE VICTORIOUS AND TASTE THE TASTIEST FISH KNOWN TO MAN'' I screamed so he could hear.
I went back to Nobuyuki-sensei and explained what happened. Nobuyuki-sensei and Sazama's trainer Nagano Akira are great friends, so Nobuyuki-sensei told him.
After what I thought was over, it was just the beginning. We could not stop fighting. I do not want to lose this opportunity, to show Sazama who is the victorious one, no matter what!
***
''So, what about the third part'' I heard someone say.
I turned around to see Shoji looking at me. I saw his glowing brown eyes looking at me, then he quickly turned away.
''The third part will be the part deciding what license you get'' the teacher said.
End of chapter 4