The Slithering Trap (
Synopsis[]
Kurapika and Leorio looking for other examinees
On Zevil Island, Kurapika and Leorio continue to look for other examinees but are unable to find any. Leorio notes that the Fourth Phase has lasted almost six days and only has one day left. When Kurapika points out that their last encounter was with Hisoka three days earlier, Leorio proposes returning to the landing site to see whether anyone has already passed. However, Kurapika replies that no one has since collecting badges worth six points in total is only one part of the challenge, reminding Leorio that the other is to hold on to them and that the deadline isn't until the following day. Leorio still thinks that it may be worth checking, and Kurapika agrees since those who already have six points will start making their way back toward the landing site.
Although the two spot the boat in the water, they don't see any examinees. Kurapika then proposes that they continue hunting and set a time and place for their rendezvous. Someone suddenly asks if they can help, and the two look up to find Gon watching them in a nearby tree. With the two surprised to see him, Gon jumps down and reveals that he spotted several examinees around the landing site. Leorio wonders why they didn't think of using an elevated position, and Kurapika points out that Gon was only able to see them because of his extraordinary perception. Kurapika then asks if he has his badges, and Gon confirms that he does, with Leorio realizing that he's the only one left and asking Gon if he has seen his target (#246), a woman named Ponzu.
Gon helping Kurapika and Leorio track Ponzu
Gon replies that he hasn't and leaves Leorio disappointed, but Kurapika rationally considers the four possibilities: 1) Ponzu is alive and still has her badge; 2) she is alive and no longer has her badge; 3) she is dead and still has her badge; 4) she is dead and no longer has her badge. Leorio wonders how the third option could be possible, and Kurapika explains that Ponzu may have had an accident or been attacked after she had already hidden her badge elsewhere, adding that the badge may never be found if she was killed after hiding it. Although Leorio continues to lose hope, Gon wonders if Ponzu has any specific traits like Leorio's use of cologne, and Kurapika realizes that Gon may be able to track her scent. Leorio wonders how they can know if she uses a fragrance, and Kurapika reminds him that Ponzu uses chemical weapons, guessing that some of them have particular odors.
Gon agrees to give it a shot and stresses that he came to help. The other two then follow Gon as he sniffs the grass and air. He eventually picks up a scent and tells them that they're close, leading them to a nearby cave. Leorio decides to investigate it by himself and tells the other two to wait, first checking the opening and making sure that there are no traps. He then tells Gon and Kurapika that he will go inside alone and that they should wait until he gives the all-clear. Kurapika says that if they don't hear from him after 30 minutes, they will go inside no matter what. Although Leorio adamantly disagrees and tells them to forget about him so the two of them can return to the landing site, Kurapika points out that they can't leave anyone behind in an alliance.
Gon and Kurapika finding Leorio bitten by snakes
Speechless at first, Leorio tells them that the alliance is over and thanks them for their help, saying that it's up to him now. However, Gon and Kurapika are adamant about staying behind to help him, and Leorio eventually relents, preparing to enter the cave with a lighter and tossing back his briefcase for them to keep safe. After Leorio enters the cave and night eventually falls, he yells out for them to stay back and warns that there are snakes inside. Gon and Kurapika quickly dash toward the cave entrance and yell Leorio's name, only hearing the slithering of snakes inside. The two then make their way down into the cave and find Leorio lying hurt on the ground with several snakes cut in half around him, as Ponzu and Bourbon sit up against the cave's walls.
Leorio struggles to speak and reminds them that he told them to leave, but Kurapika sees that he's covered in snake bites, worrying that they belong to vipers. Gon picks up one of the dead snakes and confirms that they are vipers, pointing out that while they aren't too venomous, Leorio has been struck enough to receive a fatal dose. Gon then starts to suck out the venom and spit it out, but Kurapika worries about the bleeding and gets Gon to help him move Leorio so they can get him to a doctor.
Ponzu revealing that they are trapped inside the cave
However, Ponzu suddenly speaks up and reveals that they are trapped inside the cave, explaining that the snakes will attack them all at once if they try to leave. As she adds that the trap was set up by Bourbon, dozens of snakes begin to slither inside the cave. Ponzu explains that like Leorio, they will be paralyzed by the bites and then slowly succumb to death. Kurapika addresses Bourbon and offers to give him their badges in exchange for letting them leave, but Ponzu reveals that Bourbon is dead.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Leorio Paradinight
- Kurapika
- Hisoka Morow (Mentioned)
- Gon Freecss
- Bourbon (Corpse)
- Ponzu
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Brazilian Portuguese
|
Um Enxame de Armadilha | |
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