1: Part 3 (1—③, Ichi (San)) is the 259th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Synopsis[]
Citizens preparing to leave Peijin
Sirens begin to blare across Peijin, and it's announced that everyone should assemble for their march toward the palace. Knuckle, Shoot, and Morel look on as thousands of citizens exit their homes and prepare to leave. Shoot checks his phone and says ten hours are left until they infiltrate. Back in the palace, the three Royal Guards discuss the rally, and it's stated that the area in front of the palace will be filled with five million people in 25 hours. Pitou is asked about the situation in the capital, and they say that there are now multiple enemies. Youpi guesses that they will use the rally as a way to sneak in, and Pouf worries that they will try to take down the King, who has said he wants to participate in the sorting. He also worries that one of the enemies could have a teleportation ability and use it to move the King somewhere far away from them. He says that one of them will have to stay by the King's side at all times during the sorting, and Pouf realizes that he's really the only choice given Youpi's size and Pitou's personality.
Pitou suddenly notices something and says that the auras of the enemy have disappeared completely, guessing that they're using Zetsu to hide among the crowd. Puppet soldiers are shown standing on rooftops as thousands of citizens make their way through the city. Knuckle and Shoot enter Knov's Nen mansion and join up with Meleoron, eating snacks and discussing the situation. Meleoron is confident that the rally will not be postponed since the Royal Guards would never allow the King to accept defeat. Pitou says that their puppets will no longer be able to tell the people in the crowd apart since it's moving now, asking Pouf if they should recall the puppets. He tells Pitou to maintain them and stresses that the enemy can't be allowed to roam free, adding that Pitou should keep the puppet soldiers with the crowd to act as a deterrent.
Morel going over the plan to infiltrate the palace
In a back alley, Morel watches the passing crowd and then enters one of Knov's portal to join the others. He drinks a bottle of water and tells them that, as expected, the puppets are going with the crowd. Using a makeshift map, he points out the six entrances that Knov set up around the palace. He says that they should avoid the three in front and wait at one of the three behind the palace. Shoot stresses that once they enter those rooms, the only exit will be through the palace. Knuckle asks if he's afraid, but Shoot says that he just wants to be prepared, worried about waiting around outside the palace, but also concerned about having to stay confined in the room until midnight. Knuckle understands his point, saying that they won't be able to gather new information and can't use their cell phones since the Ants' antennae will pick up the signal. Shoot worries about having to wait in the room for several hours, but both Knuckle and Meleoron remind him how dangerous it is to wait outside.
With his face gaunt and his hair white, Knov suddenly appears and says that he will watch for any changes at the palace while the group waits inside. Morel asks him if he's sure, and Knov says it should be fine since he will be outside of Pitou's En. Morel reminds him that their En isn't circular, saying it could change its shape to reach him, just like it did with Kite. Knuckle says that Kite purposely took the risk to see how strong the enemy was, with Knov remarking that Kite underestimated them. Morel warns him that a piece of Pitou's En could extend up to 2 kilometers, but Knov assures him that he won't take any risks, saying that he fears the Royal Guards more than any of them do.
The military forcing citizens to march to the palace
A military official announces to the citizens in orderly ranks that they will begin their march toward the palace, warning that if anyone moves out of line, they will be immediately shot. Back at the palace, the King confronts Pitou about whether they knew that Komugi was being attacked earlier. Kneeling before him, Pitou confirms his suspicion, but says that they didn't think the threat would bring any harm to him, so they did not inform him. The King orders Pitou to use their En to monitor Komugi as well and to act accordingly if anything happens. Pitou agrees to follow his order, and the King walks back down the hallway.
The millions of East Gorteau citizens make their way toward the palace, escorted by soldiers and a number of tanks to keep them in line. Knov watches things from a hill in the distance and compares the blocks of people to ants or rodents on a mass suicide. He notes that it's almost night, saying he should call Morel soon, but suddenly spots something far off, using a telescope to get a better view. Taken off guard, he sees Pouf hovering with his wings fully spread and scattering dust or butterfly scales.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Morel Mackernasey
- Shoot McMahon
- Knuckle Bine
- Neferpitou
- Shaiapouf
- Menthuthuyoupi
- Meleoron
- Knov
- Kite (Mentioned)
- Meruem
- Komugi (Mentioned)
[]
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