September 4th: Part 16 (9
Synopsis[]
Kurapika explaining his conditions to Pakunoda
After arriving at Lingon Airport, Pakunoda is contacted by Kurapika and told to board a nearby airship. Once the ship is in the air, Kurapika, the chained Chrollo, and Melody meet her near the door. Melody confirms that Pakunoda is telling the truth when she assures Kurapika of her identity, and Kurapika agrees to release Chrollo if she agrees to two conditions for each of them. As Kurapika readies his Judgment Chain, Chrollo hopes that Pakunoda can discover that Kurapika has a weakness.
Kurapika first says that he forbids all use of Nen for Chrollo, but before he can say aloud that he forbids all contact with the other Phantom Troupe members, he remembers Chrollo's words about being worthless as a hostage. He realizes that the Spiders will continue to exist even if he eliminates their leader and that they would be willing to sacrifice him for the sake of the whole group. Kurapika remains conflicted about what to do, but decides that his top priority should be getting Gon and Killua back. He then pictures a young boy from the Kurta Clan and says that he never wants to lose anyone again. Kurapika tells Pakunoda that Chrollo can also no longer contact any of the other Troupe members, explaining that he will stab him with his Judgment Chain and asking if she finds the conditions acceptable.
Kurapika using his Judgment Chain on Pakunoda
After Pakunoda agrees to the two conditions, Kurapika stabs Chrollo with his Judgment Chain and wraps it around his heart. He moves on to Pakunoda, telling her that she will first free Gon and Killua without any tricks by midnight (with the details to be explained later). He then sets the condition that she will not reveal anything about him, asking her if she objects to either of the conditions. After Pakunoda agrees to them, Kurapika stabs her with his Judgment Chain and whispers to Melody if she could tell whether Gon and Killua were being manipulated by reading their heartbeats. Melody confirms that while she hasn't heard Gon's, she could tell if Killua's were different since she has heard it before.
Melody worries about Kurapika and tells herself that he refuses to acknowledge the conflict within himself. She adds that if the Spiders were actually heartless, Pakunoda would not have come alone and the hostage exchange wouldn't be a viable option. She recognizes that she's unaware of all the Troupe's wicked acts, but says to herself that Pakunoda also just wants to save her friend. She hopes that Kurapika realizes that while Chrollo is remaining resolute concerning the Troupe's rules, Pakunoda is willing to go against them to save someone she cares about.
Phinks refusing to agree to the hostage exchange
Kurapika then tells Pakunoda that she will return to their hideout and inform the others of the exchange, adding that she should return to the airport with only the hostages by midnight. He stresses that she must come alone and not tell the others where she is going. Pakunoda agrees to the exchange and asks to be taken back to the airport. Kurapika wonders why she isn't asking any questions or raising any objections to the deal if she knows who he is. However, Pakunoda simply replies that Kurapika wouldn't be asking that if he planned to trick her, telling him to hurry since she doesn't want to waste any time.
Pakunoda returns to the Troupe's hideout and tells the others about the exchange as Gon and Killua sit chained on the floor and Nobunaga lies still unconscious. With his aura swelling around him, Phinks tells her to reveal the location and adds that they will kill the two boys as well as the chain user. Pakunoda remains silent as Machi asks him if it's the right course of action.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
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