Chapter 13

A Game At Midnight, Part 1 (真夜中のゲーム(1), Mayonaka no Gēmu (1)) is the 13th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Summary
Inside the airship, Netero formally introduces himself as Chairman of the Hunter Assocation to the candidates. Beans announces that they will arrive at the next trial ground at 8:00 am, and that the candidates are free to do whatever they want in the meanwhile. Kurapika and Leorio have only one thing in mind: sleep. It has been a long day for them. However, Tonpa interrupts by telling them that they might miss the third exam if they do, and that it would be wise to stay awake.

Inside the examiners' room, Buhara, Menchi and Satotz are talking about the candidates. Menchi claims that she noticed Hanzo because he is the only one who knows sushi. Satotz believes Killua is stronger than the others. Buhara only noticed Hisoka, who is definitely more different than the others.

Meanwhile, Gon asks Killua if he has parents and what they do for a living. Killua confidently answers that both of them are assassins. Gon responds by saying, "Both of them?" which humors Killua, and he begins to tell Gon more about himself. He says that back at home, the main activity is assassination for every member of the family. Because of his potential, Killua's family puts a lot of pressure on him. However, he doesn't want anyone telling him what to do and deciding his life for him. Killua says that has he tried to leave his home, his mother lectured him while crying, and that he beat her and his brother up to get away. If he ever becomes a Hunter, he'll have a good reward on capturing his family. Netero overhears the conversation and approaches the two. He tells Gon and Killua that he is looking for someone to play a game with, and that if they win they will be Hunters without having to finishing the rest of the exam. All they need to do is to take a ball away from Netero. Gon and Killua can attack him but he won't hit back.

Killua starts off by using an assassination technique, Rhythm Echo. Both Netero and Gon are amazed by his ability, but Killua failed on taking the ball. He tries to stop Netero's movements by kicking his leg, but Killua is the one who is left hurt. Gon switches out with Killua, but hits his head on the ceiling because of his high jump.

While they are playing, Kurapika and Leorio spends the night sleeping, much to Tonpa's dismay.

Characters in order of appearance

 * Netero
 * Hisoka
 * Beans
 * Killua
 * Gon
 * Leorio
 * Kurapika
 * Tonpa
 * Buhara
 * Menchi
 * Satotz