Normally, with Menchi gourmet hunting experience and her formidable strength, capturing a B-rank ingredient shouldn't be a problem. However, her target this time happened to be outside her area of expertise.
The White Sand Scorpion itself wasn't very strong, with relatively weak offensive capabilities, but it was extremely fast and very good at escaping. Even in the blink of an eye, it could burrow hundreds of meters deep into the sand layers.
Unparalleled escape speed!
This was the main reason why the White Sand Scorpion was classified as a B-rank ingredient!
The reason she approached Akira was also a coincidence. The day before yesterday, when Akira went out without his Three-Humped Camel, he chose to find a corner and have Gardevoir use Teleport to return.
This scene was coincidentally sensed by Menchi, who was haggling outside the alley, through Nen aura fluctuations. She then guessed that Akira possessed a Nen ability related to teleportation. After several days of stakeout, she finally caught up with Akira.
Akira didn't know what to say.
In the past week, he had only used teleportation twice, and Menchi happened to witness it once...
"Uh... That's right, I can indeed teleport, but it's my Nen beast that has this ability."
Akira said while releasing Gardevoir.
Looking at the elegant and noble Gardevoir, a glint flashed in Menchi eyes. Many years of hunting experience had cultivated her eyesight, allowing her to see that Gardevoir strength was definitely not low!
"Please, no, I beg you! You must team up with me!" Menchi gripped Akira hands tightly, her emerald green pupils filled with determination.
"If you agree to my request, I promise to cover all expenses on the road, and if we encounter any danger, I'll handle it."
"I'll cook half of the ingredients we obtain, you just need to use your teleportation ability to catch the White Sand Scorpion when the time comes!"
Looking at Menchi shining eyes and unwillingness to let him go, Akira suddenly recalled the scene of Liu Bei recruiting talents... If Menchi were to say:
"Today I have obtained Akira, like a fish obtaining water," it would be even more similar!
Seeing Menchi sincere behavior, and with Akira appetite whetted by her description, he was inclined to agree.
"I can agree, but... I have one more condition!"
"Name it, as long as it's within my abilities, I'll definitely do it!"
"If there's a chance in the future, take me to the Gourmet Hunters' Paradise once!"
Menchi bright eyes looked at Akira with some surprise, her eyebrows slightly raised. The Gourmet Hunters' Paradise was extremely mysterious, how did Akira know about it?
"Well... that's possible! I'll notify you when the time comes!"
The Gourmet Hunters' Paradise was said to be established by Linne Horsdoeuvre and other like-minded Gourmet Hunters. It was basically only open to Nen users. The location was very secretive, and without a guide, one basically couldn't reach that place.
Linne Horsdoeuvre was an extraordinary figure, the oldest Hunter in the Hunter Association. She had once teamed up with Chairman Netero as a Gourmet Hunter to venture into the Dark Continent.
They were also accompanied by Zigg Zoldyck of the Zoldyck family, who was Killua great-grandfather and Zeno father.
The Gourmet Hunters' Paradise she created was definitely a unique place, and it was very likely to nurture Pokémon. Of course, Akira also had the idea of going there to enjoy the food...
"Um, although it might not be good to ask this, it's my duty to inquire about the intentions of those I bring there before we go."
"Well... is it okay if it's for eating?"
In the dim corner, Menchi took two steps back and carefully looked up and down at the man and the camel.
One had his mouth dripping with oil, holding half-eaten scorpion jerky in both hands, while the other had a round belly, as if countless basketballs had been stuffed inside...
"Haha, it's... it's fine, I don't think you look like you're lying."
Seeing Akira pursuit of gourmet food, Menchi laughed dryly, feeling more happy than embarrassed.
As a Gourmet Hunter, she liked people who loved food the most, of course, they also needed to have a heart that pursued culinary excellence!
Those who didn't value food and thought it could be treated casually were the type of people she disliked the most. This was also one of the reasons why she would get angry during the Hunter Exam.
...
After settling the matter, Menchi had resolved a major issue. Both of them had nice personalities, and seeing that it was still broad daylight, they decided to set off immediately.
Menchi didn't have much stuff all carried on her person while Akira kept his things with Gengar in his shadow.
Since this trip was to search for the elusive White Sand Scorpion, walking would be more efficient for the two Nen users.
The three-humped camel that had been enjoying delicious food for a short while returned to the rental point, resuming its "ordinary" days once again.