Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Hunter x Hunter manga.
Essential Updates
- Halkenburg possesses a unique Nen trait that enables involuntary mind exchanges with the potential to affect others’ decision-making.
- Following Halkenburg’s death, there is a strategy devised to assume control of his brother’s body, with a duration of 10 hours post his demise.
- The Phantom Troupe makes a comeback, hinting at imminent confrontations with the mafia families.
The narrative of Hunter x Hunter intensifies in the current phase of the Succession War arc. Though this arc has been in progress for several years, the latest chapters bring about dramatic and unexpected developments.
In Chapter 404, Halkenburg’s relentless resolve comes into focus, while the mafia subplot rekindles interest, stirring excitement among fans.
Zhang Lei’s Nen Spirit Beast Ability Unveiled
Possesses a Pseudo Coercive Manipulation Skill
In Chapter 403, the third Prince of Kakin, Zhang Lei, expressed interest in consulting Kurapika to gain insight into his Spirit Nen Beast’s capabilities. Zhang Lei had formulated his own hypotheses regarding the coins his beast produces, but he believed someone experienced like Kurapika would help clarify their functions.
Chapter 404 opens with Kurapika and Zhang Lei examining the coins. Kurapika theorized that the coins’ transfers likely cause corresponding changes. It was revealed that the coins Zhang Lei gave away and those retained had distinct designs on their reverse sides.
Then, Zhang Lei handed Kurapika a ten coin— a move that could have been risky if the effects were instantaneous. However, due to Zhang Lei’s noble status, refusing could jeopardize their alliance. Remarkably, the ten coin transformed the instant Kurapika grasped it.
From this, Kurapika infers the power of Zhang Lei’s Nen Beast. He characterizes this ability as Cumulative Conjuration. Over six months, the coins’ value could escalate to 10^64, granting their owner access to nen without prior training.
However, Kurapika points out the fragility of the role maintaining this balance, despite its inherent strength… — Kurapika
There is yet another aspect to this power that Kurapika keeps to himself: he senses a form of pseudo-coercive manipulation embedded in this ability. Anyone possessing it would be subtly compelled to pledge loyalty to Zhang Lei, although the exact mechanics remain unclear.
Kurapika remembers that Coventoba, a bodyguard for Benjamin, had previously pilfered one of those coins. If the pseudo-coercive manipulative trait activates, Coventoba could quickly fall under its influence. Given that Kurapika now possesses a coin, he is equally at risk of succumbing to Zhang Lei’s sway.
Moreover, it’s apparent that Zhang Lei harbors a condescending view of Kurapika, remaining aligned only while it serves his interests. Given the current climate, Kurapika has the choice to shelter Prince Woble in Zhang Lei’s quarters for her safety, though he questions the wisdom of this, knowing Zhang Lei is a mafia patron—an individual Benjamin may target to leverage Martial Law. Yet, room 1014 isn’t exactly the most secure space, especially with Silent Majority in the proximity.
Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that Prince Camilla, the second-oldest prince of Kakin, intends to dispatch one of her bodyguards to Kurapika’s upcoming Nen workshop, raising the stakes significantly. Kurapika suspects she is trying to conceal a deeply buried secret that he supposedly possesses.
Impending Death of Prince Halkenburg
Halkenburg’s body is deceased, but his consciousness remains alive in Might
Fans of HxH were finally reunited with a long-missed character—Leorio—who appears briefly, escorting Prince Halkenburg to urgent medical care amid his deteriorating condition.
This chapter provides further insight into Halkenburg’s abilities, particularly how The Boy Who Shoots The Arrow: Grimmel The Dissonance functions.
During experiments with Sumidori and Shikaku, Halkenburg honed his understanding of his unique ability. It is unveiled that his Nen power facilitates a forced mind swap, allowing only one consciousness to remain active at a time. When Yang shoots a target with his power, a random member from his circle, including himself, is forcefully swapped. This selection is entirely random, making Halkenburg’s switch with Might a serendipitous event.
Halkenburg explains that if the body into which a target is swapped dies, the consciousness returns to the original body, overlapping with another consciousness.
In a grueling sequence, Halkenburg’s body reaches its end, marked by cardiac arrest. This initiates his plan to commandeer Balsamilco’s body for approximately 10 hours before Balsamilco regains dominance. Within this timeframe, he must eliminate or seize control over his sibling Benjamin.
The interval I have until Balsamilco’s consciousness revives is merely loosely predicted, but I should be able to command this body for roughly ten hours following my demise! — Halkenburg
It’s paramount to recognize that Halkenburg clarifies the Succession War requires the annihilation of both body and soul to effectively eliminate an opponent.
Notably, Benjamin remains convinced that Halkenburg is deceased and that Balsamilco’s objective has been fulfilled. It’s disclosed that Halkenburg’s mortal remains will transition from Tier 3 to the morgue in Tier 1, with Balsamilco—who is essentially Halkenburg—accompanying them.
The Return of The Phantom Troupe in Hunter X Hunter Chapter 404
Nobunaga, Phinks, and Feitan Return to the Narrative
The Phantom Troupe has made their long-awaited return to the narrative, with Nobunaga, Phinks, and Feitan reappearing in the final panel. Although their absence was only for a handful of chapters, that release dates back over two years.
The concluding panel serves as a nostalgic reminder of their last participation, emphasizing that prior events unfolded during or before the unsuccessful assault on the Heil-Ly hideout, where they concealed a transmitter. It appears Nobunaga might connect with other Phantom Troupe members before launching an offensive against Heil-Ly. The presence of these Phantom Troupe characters may lead to unanticipated alliances or conflicts with the two mafia families, escalating anticipation for what lies ahead.
Fans can read Hunter x Hunter through Viz Media. The series is officially accessible for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus platforms. The next installation of Hunter x Hunter, Chapter 405, is slated for release on November 3rd, 2024.
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