This article includes spoilers for the Hunter x Hunter manga series.
Highlights
- Halkenburg harnesses his Nen ability, Grimmel the Dissonance, to control his assassin, Balsamilco.
- The revelation of Halkenburg’s true lineage: he is the offspring of the first Queen Unma, not the second Queen.
- Kurapika intends to disclose the contents of Oito’s letter, potentially affecting the events of the succession war.
Hunter X Hunter continues to deliver its chapters on a weekly basis, showing no signs of a slowdown. Each installment is filled with intriguing developments, and chapter 403 is no exception.
This chapter lays the groundwork for the imminent deaths of several Kakin princes, with their fates hinging on the decisions they make during the forthcoming Succession War. In particular, Halkenburg emerges as a central character, showcasing his remarkable Nen skill.
Halkenburg Utilizes His Nen Ability
- The Boy Who Shoots the Arrow: Grimmel the Dissonance
- This Ability Was Wielded Against Balsamilco Might
Chapter 403 of HxH opens with Balsamilco Might, Benjamin’s right-hand man, who plotted to eliminate Halkenburg, as established in the previous chapter with TSK-17.
Might reaches the justice department, determined to accomplish his scheme. He intended to approach Halkenburg during questioning to activate his Silent Killer, assuming that Halkenburg would be vulnerable without his personal guard. However, this assumption puts Might in a precarious position.
Upon entering, he notices Vict, a missing bodyguard under Benjamin’s command. Vict signals to indicate Might’s location, allowing Halkenburg to activate his Nen ability, officially named – The Boy Who Shoots the Arrow: Grimmel the Dissonance. Halkenburg launches this attack directly at Might.
To angle the shot at 26 degrees… I need to advance by 60 cm. The Boy Who Shoots The Arrow: Grimmel the Dissonance! Fire!! — Halkenburg
These events unfold prior to chapter HxH 402, where Fugetsu delivered the letter to Benjamin.
Might informs Prince Benjamin of his failure to assassinate Halkenburg, but Benjamin senses something amiss. He even threatens Might with Martial Law if he fails to complete the task.
The end of HxH 403 confirms Benjamin’s suspicions, revealing that Prince Halkenburg has indeed taken over Might’s body, leaving his original body in a comatose state.
These misstrategies from Benjamin and his allies could lead to his downfall or the imposition of Martial Law, risking mass executions of Kakin princes under Benjamin’s misuse of authority.
The Disclosure Surrounding Halkenburg’s Birth
Halkenburg is the Offspring of First Queen Unma
In the previous chapter, an intriguing hint was dropped, suggesting Halkenburg may be concealing secrets about his origin. Fans speculated that he could be Beyond Netero’s hidden child among the princes. While this theory remains possible, it was not explored further in this chapter. Chapter 403 confirms that Halkenburg is actually the child of the first Queen Unma, not the second Queen Duazai.
During HxH 403, Halkenburg communicates with Unma, clearly indicating his awareness of his true mother. This revelation is also communicated to Benjamin through the letter handed to him by Fugetsu from her deceased sister. The letter discloses that Halkenburg is Unma’s child, and the first Queen took measures to shield her youngest son from potential assassination attempts from his elder siblings.
While Benjamin dismisses the letter as mere rumor, it is likely to linger in his mind. This is especially relevant, given that Unma may be maneuvering behind the scenes to assist her youngest son, Halkenburg, over her other children. Additionally, Kaiser encounters Worio, a supporter of Halkenburg, and warns that Halkenburg’s life is in jeopardy.
Melody, Kocho, and Kaiser Plot to Rescue Fugetsu
The Assassination Scheme Against Luzurus is on the Horizon
In the preceding chapter, readers witness Fugetsu and Kaiser distributing letters to the other princes, purportedly from Kocho, Fugetsu’s late sister. Nevertheless, this is a ruse to enhance Fugetsu’s ability range towards the princes’ quarters and sow discord by circulating rumors among the princes.
Among the Kakin princes, only three did not receive the letter. The 13th Prince Maryam did not receive it due to his Nen beast rendering his chamber inaccessible. The 4th Prince Tserriednich disregarded the letter, instructing them to dispose of it. Meanwhile, the 9th Prince Halkenburg is unresponsive due to his consciousness being transferred to Might’s body, rendering him unavailable at present.
Except for these three, Fugetsu now has access to all remaining princes’ chambers. However, she herself is in critical condition. Basho’s ability temporarily keeps the spirits at bay, but time is running out. The team plans to execute the assassination of Luzurus by the end of the following day.
Kurapika Has a Significant Reveal Planned
Kurapika Aims to Unveil the Content of Oito’s Letter
Both Kurapika and Queen Oito have obtained letters from Melody’s faction, and Kurapika has devised a plan concerning Oito’s letter. He intends to disclose its contents during the upcoming Nen workshop scheduled for the next day. This could lead to interaction with a high-ranking prince and may accelerate the progression of the ongoing conflict.
Powerful Nen engulfs the ship, creating a scenario where escape seems impossible. Yet contrary to this, I sense there may be hope! — Kurapika
A high-ranking prince, specifically Zhang Lei, has already expressed a desire to contact him, seeking assistance in unraveling the enigma surrounding his Nen beast. Zhang Lei believes that Kurapika may possess the insight to decipher the mystery behind those unusual coins.
Moreover, Kurapika has formulated a strategy to potentially halt the Succession War without excessive bloodshed, indicating significant developments as the saga progresses. Hunter X Hunter enthusiasts can remain hopeful that the princes may escape their doomed fates and avoid a battle to determine the next ruler of Kakin.
Fans can catch up on Hunter x Hunter through Viz Media. The series is available to read officially and for free on the Shonen Jump and the Manga Plus app. The next chapter, Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, is scheduled for release on October 27, 2024.
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