Gambling Time (ギャンブルタイム, Gyanburu Taimu) is the 20th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Synopsis[]
As the five examinees wonder if Majtani is still alive, Leorio is unable to tell after stepping forward somewhat, yelling to the prisoners on the other side and asking for confirmation. The same prisoner assures him that he's only unconscious, but Leorio remains skeptical and asks why they should trust them. The prisoner then proposes a wager where they will bet time on whether Majtani is dead or alive. It's stated that the prisoner's name is Leroute and that her sentence totals 112 years for trafficking rare wildlife and gambling.
Leroute proposing a wager
Leroute directs their attention to the large monitor where two "50" figures appear, explaining that they each have 50 hours and can bet in 10-hour increments. She adds that they will keep taking turns with bets until one of them is out of time, revealing that the examinees will have 50 fewer hours to descend Trick Tower if they lose and that 50 years will be added to her sentence if she loses. After Leroute assures him that he can confirm Majtani's status if he accepts the challenge, Leorio can't believe that she's risking her jail time, and Kurapika quickly points out that they will only have nine hours left if he loses. Leorio angrily reminds him that he's the reason for the difficult situation, and Kurapika lets out a sigh before telling him to do as he pleases.
After Gon tells them both to grow up, Leorio agrees to the challenge and first bets 10 hours that Majtani is still alive. Bendot chuckles at Leorio betting on the opposite of what he hopes, and Kurapika notes how careful he's being. Leorio tells himself that they can secure Kurapika's win if he's wrong, whereas they would pointlessly lose ten hours if he bet that Majtani was dead and he's still alive. Leroute asks Lippo to extend the bridges, and the two make their way to the stone platform to confirm Majtani's condition. After Leorio kneels down beside his body and feels a pulse, 10 hours are transferred from Leroute to Leorio. While Gon is happy for Leorio, Killua worries that Majtani might keep sleeping and run out time for his team.
Leorio planning to test Majtani's unconsciousness
As Leorio checks Majtani's pupils and confirms that he's still alive, Killua notes that the prisoners' sentences will be shortened by 72 years if Majtani doesn't wake up before time runs out. Leroute tells him that it's his turn to make a bet, and Leorio proposes that they bet on whether Majtani is actually unconscious or just pretending. Lying on the ground, Majtani realizes that Leorio is suspicious and wonders what he should do about it. In a flashback, it's revealed that when Majtani woke up, he saw a note near his face that told him not to move, to pretend that he was still knocked out, and to eat the note after reading it. Majtani realizes that staying down would allow them to run out the clock and obtain the 72-year reduction, but he now worries about how to proceed.
Leroute bets 20 hours that Majtani is still unconscious, and the prisoner tries his best to maintain the facade. Leroute asks how they should find out the truth, and Leorio quickly lifts Majtani up by his arm and stands him near the edge of the stone platform. He reveals that he plans to push Majtani off and that he will simply fall if he's really unconscious. Leroute protests his decision, but Leorio proposes that if Majtani yells out while falling, Kurapika will take a loss for his match. Leroute agrees to the deal, and Majtani can't believe that she's betting with his life so casually, causing his heartbeat to quicken. However, Leroute changes her bet and puts 40 hours on Majtani waking up. Leorio knows that he caused her to show her hand, and when he goes to push him off the side, Majtani finally gives up the act and runs off the platform, calling both of them crazy and admitting that he lost.
Leroute revealing her appearance
After Leroute says that he knew Majtani was awake, Leorio explains that since he's pre-med, he's able to tell if someone's awake by checking their eye movement. The score on the monitor then changes, with Leroute at 80 hours and Leorio at 20. The match score also changes and gives a second win to the examinees. Leorio tells her that it's her turn to make a bet, and Leroute removes the shroud from her head as the handcuffs fall to the ground, proposing that they bet on whether she is a man or a woman. Interested at first and then taken aback by the wager, Leorio wonders how he will know for certain if he chooses the wrong option, and Leroute offers to let him check. Kurapika and Killua immediately know that Leorio will choose the former option, with Gon left confused by the conversation. Leorio bets 10 hours on her being a man, and the two are immediately proven right, with Gon still left wondering what's happening. Leorio tells himself that he couldn't pass up the opportunity and thinks about what will happen if he's wrong. Killua asks Gon if he understands now, which he quickly does.
Even though Leroute tells him that she's a woman, Leorio is still left unsure, but she quickly allows him to confirm it. As the score changes and Leorio has only 10 hours remaining, he is left smiling and tells himself that he doesn't regret it. Tonpa scoffs at Leorio's decision and says that he will definitely lose. Gon asks him why, and Tonpa explains that he's more focused on what he could lose instead of considering the odds of winning or losing. With Leorio left nervous by the scoreboard, Leroute tells herself that she can read Leorio like a book and that he won't get any more joy out of the contest. Leorio wonders how he will make a comeback and decides to try his luck, proposing that they bet on a game of rock-paper-scissors.
Leroute winning after analyzing the game
With no hesitation, Leroute bets 80 hours that she will win and tells Leorio that while he doesn't have to match it, he also can't raise. With Leorio left stunned by her confidence, Leroute analyzes the situation with herself and stresses the importance of probability, noting that it's more likely for someone to win or tie. However, she adds that statistics and psychology also play a role, mentioning that people tend to use scissors first. On their first throw, both Leroute and Leorio use rock. While Leroute notes that using rock increases the probability of a win or draw, Leorio nervously wonders what he should do next. Leroute continues to analyze the situation and guesses that Leorio will use rock or paper. She chooses paper as her best option since it should result in a win or draw, and her analysis pays off when Leorio chooses rock.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Majtani
- Killua Zoldyck
- Leorio Paradinight
- Kurapika
- Gon Freecss
- Tonpa
- Leroute
- Bendot
- Johness (Unrevealed)
- Sedokan
- Lippo (Voice)
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Brazilian Portuguese
|
Hora de Apostar | |
[]
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