1: Part 4 (1—④, Ichi (Yon)) is the 260th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.
Synopsis[]
Knov seeing the effect of Pouf's scales
As Pouf continues to spread scales from his wings, Knov realizes that a faint breeze is carrying them toward the crowd. He checks his telescope and sees that the citizens' faces are blank, and their bodies have gone limp, guessing that the dust has a hypnotic effect. One of the soldiers orders the crowd not to fall out of line and to remain in their block. Knov realizes that the repeated commands and sounds to the exhausted crowd is the perfect primer for hypnosis, saying that they will stay right where they are even when their fellow citizens begin to be slaughtered in front of them. Knov returns to the mansion and tells the others about the hypnosis. Morel believes it will benefit them since there will be less panic among the crowd when the battle starts, leading to fewer stampedes once they escape. Knuckle says that half the citizens will be assembled by midnight and is relieved since they feared that panic alone would cause tens of thousands of casualties. And since their biggest fear is no longer an issue, he says that they can go all out now. Six hours remain until their infiltration.
The team waiting to see if Palm contacts them
Gon, Killua, and Ikalgo enter the mansion, with Gon immediately asking about Palm. Morel says they haven't heard from her, but that they plan to wait until 11:30 to see if she contacts them. Shoot watches Gon and Killua and notes how calm the two boys are, especially Killua, saying that he seems much more confident and strong than when he fought him. He then wonders why Killua seems so sad at times, but quickly reminds himself that he can't worry about the others when he's the most nervous of the group. As Shoot mutters to himself that the future of humanity rests in his hands, Knuckle thinks about Colt as well as Meleoron and Ikalgo, saying that even though they're Chimera Ants, the three of them are good at heart. He believes that everyone has a heart, wishing he could just subdue the King, but knows that it's kill or be killed in this situation.
As Knuckle mumbles that mantra to himself, Gon thinks about Kite and swears to restore him to how he once was. Pitou's face suddenly enters his mind, and he angrily declares that he will take them down. Killua notices Gon's intensity and says to himself that he won't let anyone interfere in their fight, saying that he will use his new move, Godspeed, to make sure of it. Morel reflects on his exhaustion from having fought so many battles in a row, saying that he's only at 35% of his peak condition. But he knows that he can't back out at this point, especially with Knov out of the fight, and says that now he can just resign himself to his fate, telling himself to focus on keeping his target away from the King.
Knov silently apologizes to Morel and the others, knowing that he can't face the Royal Guards again, and tells them aloud that he is going to check on the palace. As Knov leaves through the door, Meleoron works on holding his breath, saying that his limit is two minutes, but knowing only half that is more likely given how nervous he will be. As Meleoron is partially confident that one minute should be enough, Ikalgo thinks about his new life starting tomorrow, tearfully looking at Killua and thanking him for helping him achieve his dream. He promises to accomplish his mission for Killua's sake and to celebrate his rebirth.
The team ready to infiltrate the palace
At the palace, Pitou keeps watch from a tower, Pouf continues spreading his scales toward the crowd, Komugi sits alone in front of a Gungi board, and Youpi does his best to keep an eye on the King without him noticing. The King stands alone and tells himself that he is the king, but wonders who he really is, what his purpose is, why he was born. The Extermination Team knows that their time is up, and they each exit through the open door. The last to leave is Gon, who thinks about Palm before he walks through the door and joins the others. As their heartbeats quicken, they kneel together behind some bushes and look toward the palace in the distance. Ten minutes remain until their infiltration.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Shaiapouf
- Knov
- Shoot McMahon
- Meleoron
- Morel Mackernasey
- Knuckle Bine
- Killua Zoldyck
- Gon Freecss
- Ikalgo
- Palm Siberia (Mentioned)
- Colt (Mentioned)
- Kite (Mentioned)
- Neferpitou
- Komugi
- Menthuthuyoupi
- Meruem
[]
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