Warning: SPOILERS for chapter #406 of Hunter x HunterHunter x Hunter It provoked a drastic change in the resolution of one of the series’ most important and longest-running conflicts, and while it’s interesting, some fans aren’t too happy with the possibility. However, it presents an incredible opportunity for character development, as well as answering one of the series’ biggest mysteries.
Chrollo Lucilfer took center stage in chapter #406 of Hunter x Hunterwhere his plan to find and kill Hisoka was explained in more detail. Meanwhile, on the same ship as the Black Whale, Kurapika is fighting and doing his best to ensure Prince Woble’s survival in the War of Succession, while at the same time pursuing his goal of getting closer to Prince Tserriednich to regain his eyes. clan. Unaware of each other’s presence, Chrollo and Kurapika, who were mortal enemies during the Yorknew Arc, will likely collide again soon with completely unexpected consequences.
Chrollo and Kurapika’s goals finally align
The victim and his oppressor could make a truce
In this chapter, Chrollo revealed that the treasures that the Phantom Troupe are trying to steal on the ship are none other than Kakin’s three national treasures: the Seed Urn, the Sword of Good Omens and the Lotus Anchorite. These powerful Nen-charged items are not only essential to the prosperity and survival of the Kakin Empire, but they also keep the War of Succession going, so it’s reasonable to think that stealing them would end the contest. The chapter ended with Chrollo going to level 1, where Kurapika is also.
Chrollo is planning to steal these items because stealing a national treasure is a requirement he must fulfill to upgrade his Skill Hunter power. He needs this to steal a powerful Nen ability that will allow him to kill Hisoka once and for all. This new detail reveals a prerequisite for Skill Hunter, decades after the skill was first introduced in history. More interesting, though, is the fact that Kurapika is also trying to find a resolution to the War of Succession that wouldn’t entail the death of all but one of the Princes, and Chrollo’s plan could provide just that.
In particular, stealing the Lotus Anchorite would be end the war of successionsomething Kurapika has been trying to do for a long time. The Lotus Anchorite oversees the war and enforces the rules, and is likely responsible for killing Kacho when she tried to escape the boat. This revelation presents the potential of a partnership between Kurapika and Chrolloand while it may be difficult for some fans to imagine Kurapika accepting an alliance with the man who wiped out his entire clan, he has also shown a willingness to abandon his goals of revenge if it means helping his loved ones.
Kurapika will do anything to protect Woble and Eight
Kurapika will face a choice that will define him forever
During the Yorknew Arc, when Gon and Killua were captured by the Phantom Troupe, Kurapika faced a difficult decision: he could proceed with a hostage exchange or kill Chrollo on the spot. He finally decided to trade Gon and Killua for Chrollobut he still felt a wave of anger about the situation. It took Melody’s flute to help calm him down. Thus, Kurapika has already shown that he can put aside his goal of revenge against the Phantom Troupe, and is currently focused on recovering Kurta’s eyes. Furthermore, throughout this arc, he has been analytical and strategic, suggesting that he would probably consider forming an alliance if it would help him escape his current situation.
Aside from being able to think long term, the odds are stacked against Kurapika and this potential alliance won’t seem impossible. Not only is he aware of Beyond Netero’s schemes to kill all but one of the princes, but the prince and queen he is protecting are by far the most harmed in the dispute, as he only has Bill as an ally, while other princes have several servants and guards. To even the odds, Kurapika decided to teach Nen to the other princes’ servants and envoys, which already exposed him to a near-deadly attack.
On Chrollo’s side, he also has a hurdle to overcome before making this alliance. Kurapika killed Uvogin and his actions led to Pakunoda’s deathand although they both deserved it and Kurapika gave them a chance to live, he still killed two of Chrollo’s childhood friends. Pakunoda’s death especially hurt Chrollo, as he left his position in the Troupe vacant and irreplaceable. The Phantom Troupe’s flashback detailed just how close their bond is, so it will be interesting to see if Chrollo will forgive Kurapika long enough to form an alliance.
This alliance will be a necessity for Kurapika and Chrollo
Old grudges will have to be put aside in favor of current goals
Although the two hold a grudge against each other, they have a lot to gain from it. Kurapika needs to end the War of Succession if he wants to survive, as well as rescue Woble, Eight, Bill, Melody, Bisky and his other friends. Chrollo, on the other hand, needs someone familiar with Level 1 and who knows the ins and outs of the place and the intricate relationships between the Princes. Kurapika can facilitate the theft as he has become powerful and made connections.
Another interesting aspect is that in chapter #401, Theta, one of Tubeppa’s guards, promises to lend Kurapika an ability that allows him to make a contract with another person and if the terms are violated, the person is forced to enter the Zetsu state by a week. Since Kurapika and Chrollo don’t trust each other, This ability makes the possibility of an alliance even greater.
Hunter x Hunter has subverted expectations once again with an incredible twist that could shake up the story. An alliance would not only provide a great moment for Kurapika to heal from his trauma, but it could also allow him (and readers) to discover the truth about Kura’s massacre. As the War of Succession arc heats up, this new development could be one of the biggest in the series and perhaps lead to the resolution of this incredible arc.