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Chapter 403

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Results (成(せい)果(か)()()()()()()()(), Seika) is the 403rd chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Synopsis[]

At 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, the eleventh day of the voyage, Balsamilco turns up to the Tier 2 Ministry of Justice Prosecution and Courthouse Area entrance. The area is not crowded, but many people are seen approaching the building and getting ready to be scanned. As Balsamilco walks towards the metal detector, he mentally reviews the location of Halkenburg's men; Halkenburg's closest men are under surveillance in the VVIP area, and the others were separated and reassigned to Tier 3 and below, and so Balsamilco believes that Halkenburg has no one beside him to produce the powerful rumbling.

As Balsamilco steps away from the metal detector, another security guard uses a handheld scanner to check him for the final time. Then Balsamilco continues on his journey through the building. As he walks, he reviews the risks of his plan to infect Halkenburg and cross-examine him. Judging from the distances, Balsamilco believes he will be close enough to Halkenburg during cross-examination for 100% fatality, and Halkenburg has no way to escape. Since the judges and lawyers are unaware of the risk of infection, they would be breathing normally, but they would be far enough away that the risk of infection is <2%. The possibility of a pandemic is minimal because the courtroom is closed to the public, and if the need arises, a pandemic could be suppressed by martial law.

Chap 403 - Balsamilco and Vict

Balsamilco suddenly seeing Vict behind him

Balsamilco walks into a narrow corridor and stops. He looks in front of him, and at the end of the corridor, he sees a couple talking and a man slightly behind them, seated and typing on a laptop. Someone steps behind him. Balsamilco senses this and slowly turns, only to see Vict standing at the end of the corridor behind him, staring intently at him.

Suddenly, Balsamilco senses rumbling around him. He is in disbelief since he had earlier confirmed that Halkenburg did not have any of his guards with him. A bewildered Balsamilco hastily calls out to Vict and asks him what happened to him. Vict begins gesturing to him, which Balsamilco recognizes as military sign language, making him wonder if Vict is being prevented from talking. Vict communicates to Balsamilco through military sign language that he discovered the secret to Halkenburg's ability. The couple at the end of the hallway turn their heads slightly and peer at Balsamilco. Far around the corner, a massive aura rumbles outside Balsamilco's vision.

Chap 403 - Halkenburg's arrow

Halkenburg releasing an arrow toward Balsamilco

Halkenburg stands with a group of twelve civilian followers. The man on the laptop communicates the distance between them and Balsamilco using his fingers. His actions are obscured from Balsamilco by the laptop monitor. With his aura bow drawn, Halkenburg makes some mental calculations and adjusts his position to aim directly at Balsamilco through the wall. Halkenburg releases the arrow of his Nen ability—The Boy Who Shoots the Arrow: Grimmel the Dissonance.

In his room in the VVIP area, Benjamin speaks on the phone and learns that the trial between Balsamilco and Halkenburg has not started since both sides requested a change to the start time. He asks what the reasons given are and hears that Balsamilco, the Plaintiff, was unprepared due to equipment issues, but the judge denied his request. Halkenburg, the defendant, was feeling ill, and the judge accepted this reason. The trial is postponed until he gets better.

Chap 403 - Benjamin analyzing

Benjamin analyzing the situation

Benjamin begins to be confused and wonders what is going on. He wonders if "equipment issues" imply the mission was not executed. He dismisses it because Halkenburg's ability had gone off first and decides that the only reasonable conclusion is that the ability was directed at Balsamilco. Benjamin wonders why Halkenburg fell ill if Balsamilco was the one attacked. Benjamin also wonders how Halkenburg could use the ability by himself, a feat he believed was impossible. He considers the possibility that they got to each other, that "Balsa" noticed Halkenburg's ability and charged at him to spray him with TSK-17, but realizes that it was too early for symptoms of TSK-17 to show, and decides there must be another reason.

Benjamin asks the person on the other end of the line to tell him more about Halkenburg's condition. He hears that Halkenburg had suddenly felt sick and collapsed on the spot, but he was now resting in the sick bay in stable condition. Benjamin asks if anyone was with him and hears that about ten of Halkenburg's supporters went to his aid, and a few are still with him and tending to him. As Benjamin concludes that with enough loyalty, it did not matter which organization Halkenburg's supporters could assist in his ability belonged to, he hears the person on the line saying that Balsamilco had arrived and wants to talk to him and is told to hold on.

While Benjamin waits for Balsamilco to get on the line, he interprets Balsamilco's actions as a trap and that Halkenburg's illness is fake. He theorizes that Balsamilco was attacked and is not talking of his own volition, which would mean that Halkenburg's ability is a coercive manipulation ability. He thinks back to Balsamilco's words when Shikaku was possessed, where he said that manipulation is "first come, first served". Considering the situation, Benjamin thinks it might not apply against a powerful Nen formed by a unified group working collectively. He wonders what the manipulated Balsamilco might have up his sleeve.

Chap 403 - Benjamin and Balsamilco

Benjamin and Balsamilco discussing the situation

Balsamilco gets on the line, and Benjamin asks him what happened as he prepares to see what Balsamilco comes up with. Balsamilco tells Benjamin that he has not executed his mission yet, explaining that the trial was postponed due to trouble on Halkenburg's side, before asking Benjamin if he felt the rumbling earlier. Benjamin says he did and then hears Balsamilco explain that a Nen arrow was fired at him that missed. Halkenburg lost consciousness on the spot, possibly because he used his ability multiple times over a short period or because of the strain of having civilians help instead of his personal guards. Benjamin acknowledges what Balsamilco says and reasons that there would be no way to know when the trial will resume as he interprets Halkenburg's illness as being obviously faked to postpone the trial.

Benjamin prepares to act if Balsamilco tries to return to Tier 1 without executing his mission. He considers Balsamilco doing so a coup d'état in collusion with Halkenburg, and in response, he will institute martial law and purge them both. Balsamilco points out that the indefinitely delayed trial due to Halkenburg's illness is their chance and asks for permission to see Halkenburg, even though a few of his supporters will probably be by his side. Benjamin wonders if Balsamilco will to do the deed in the sick bay, or pretend to but instead use the time to find an opportunity to entrap him. Despite the possibility of Balsamilco being manipulated, Benjamin tells Balsamilco to make the call himself and that he only wants results. Balsamilco acknowledges Benjamin's orders and acknowledges to Benjamin how Halkenburg, having used his ability, puts himself under suspicion. He tells Benjamin that he will not return until he can demonstrate that his mission has been completed and to let his men know. Balsamilco promises that he will get Benjamin the desired results within the day.

At 7:50 a.m. that day, Benjamin mulls over his conversation with Balsamilco and calls Butch over. As Butch approaches him, he considers the possibility that Balsamilco is telling the truth but decides to be conservative and continue suspecting Balsamilco until he can confirm that Balsamilco has completed his mission, wary of their actions being part of a trap to bait him into inaction. He tells Butch that the rumbling was an attack on Balsamilco and to be on red alert until the truth of the matter is found out. Benjamin says that if Balsamilco leaves the Justice Bureau without notifying them, he will declare martial law and tells Butch to notify Tiers 2 and 3 immediately. Butch acknowledges Benjamin's instructions, and Benjamin receives word from another guard that an official from the Ministry of Justice and Fugetsu have something that they wish to personally give him. Considering the people he would need to work with as King, Benjamin decides it would not hurt to foster a good relationship to share information and asks them to be let through.

Chap 403 - Unma reveal

Unma revealing that she is Halkenburg’s mother

In Room 01, 1st Queen Unma picks up a call, confirms to the caller that something is correct, tells them not to worry about another thing, and that a third thing was fine. As servants tend to things around her, she tells the caller that something sounds like the kind of choice they would make and that she supports it. She expresses her sorrow at not being able to see them at the banquet before telling her son, 9th Prince Halkenburg, that she was proud of him.

Benjamin reads the letter that "Kacho" had written for him. The letter says that Unma is Halkenburg's real mother and that everyone stays quiet out of fear of being disrespectful, but being dead, Kacho can say anything. Kacho writes that the prevailing theory on international websites was that Unma had asked a secret favor of Duazul to protect Halkenburg from assassination plots from his older siblings by changing his order in line to the throne. Given the rules of the succession contest, the Princes' order now has little meaning. Still, if the rumors that Unma had given Halkenburg to Duazul to protect him were true, Unma might be using her power to pull the strings for Halkenburg. She ends her letter by saying that there are still things she can say and do because she is dead and asks Benjamin to look after Fugetsu.

As Benjamin reads the letter, he dismisses them as simply rumors that can be found online and are nothing shocking. He tells Kaiser that the letter was ordinary and had nothing political or worth showing him. As Kaiser and Fugetsu leave, Benjamin thinks about Kacho's influence and motivations and concludes that even though she was smart and surely schemed for a sister, the letter was likely a bluff since it relied on speculation. Any further letters were not likely to contain anything of significance since she could not have the political power to obtain more information than he did.

Kaiser wishes he could have shaken Benjamin up more with information about the succession or Benajmin himself. Still, he could not because sharing the information with Benjamin would backfire if Benjamin began to suspect that the Ministry of Justice was behind it. Kaiser concludes that their letter delivery was worth it because it let them discover that Benjamin's intent to declare martial law is becoming more likely every minute.

Chap 403 - Princes reading their letters

Zhang Lei, Camilla, Tubeppa, and Tyson reading their letters

Zhang Lei, Camilla, Tubeppa, and Tyson are seen reading their letters. In Kaiser's office, Melody says that Tserriednich and Marayam had rejected the letters, and that Halkenburg is under medical treatment. "Kacho" says she wanted "Tserri" to read it and asks if he would decline. Kaiser says they were making Tserriednich sound nice, but he had flat-out told them to toss the letter. "Kacho" moves on and says that if even one of them becomes interested in her tip-off, it would have been a windfall since they might come to rely on "Getty" for information. Kaiser says that just the fact that they marked Luzurus' room made their operation a success. "Kacho" half-heartedly agrees and looks toward the infirmary, where Fugetsu sleeps deeply while wrapped in a blanket. Melody tells them that Basho had helped keep the evil spirits away from Fugetsu even when she was alone. She suggests letting her sleep and getting rest since they need her to recover her strength. "Kacho" agrees and says it would be worse if she could not use her ability at a critical moment. Kaiser says they should get some rest soon. "Kacho" declares that they will carry out their plan the night of the next day.

In Room 1014, Kurapika explains to Oito that death is the punishment that awaits anyone who tries to leave the ship during the succession. Unfortunately, the ship itself has become the urn for the worm toxin. As she carries Woble, Oito dejectedly reasons that the Princes must continue until only one is left alive. Contrary to Oito's mood, Kurapika points out that even though the powerful Nen enveloping the ship, creating a condition that prevents escape makes it seem as if nothing but death is allowed, he sees hope and asks Oito for permission to do something to protect Woble and the other young Princes.

Chap 403 - Zhang Lei and his coins

Zhang Lei continuing to analyze his coins

In Room 1003, Zhang Lei looks at eight of the coins produced by his Guardian Spirit Beast laid out on a table, seven with the number '1' on them in a row, and one with the number '10' on it above the second coin from the right. He says he currently has seven[note 1] coins that the Guardian Spirit Beast produced, and there were three that he gave to others, before stating that the issue was the value of one of the coins had changed from '1' to '10' that day. He states that the bigger problem is that he and his guards have no idea what that means.

Zhang Lei asks seven of his guards standing around the table for their opinions. The Captain? of Zhang Lei's guards says that one gets produced a day, so they have ten coins after ten days and can hypothesize that the coins change after ten days. Zhang Lei agrees and says that they will mark the higher-value coin with the date ten days ago and mark each coin produced from then on with its production date, allowing them to verify the truthfulness of their hypothesis in at most ten days. A second guard suggests that they follow up on the coins he had given away, and Zhang Lei agrees with that. A third guard guesses that it gives value to those who hold a coin, or maybe it represents parameters related to the owner's growth. A fourth suggests simply using them as money that increases in value. A fifth guard says that if the coin's value increases an order of magnitude every ten days, the '10' coin would be worth '10,000' in one month. Zhang Lei sarcastically says it was great, and they could cast "Hocus Pocus" in 630 days. Zhang Lei's Captain? asks him for clarification on his tone, but Zhang Lei tells him not to listen.

Zhang Lei thinks about their suggestions, how they were all mediocre ideas he had already thought of, and how his men lacked the knowledge or experience to make conjectures on Nen abilities. While thinking about the information on Nen that could affect the battle for the throne and his Guardian Spirit Beast's ability and its effects, his mind settles on the fact that he needs Kurapika to get through the succession battle and asks his men to call Room 1014.

Chap 403 - Kaiser and Steiner

Kaiser and Steiner discussing the situation with Halkenburg

While walking through the Justice Bureau Prosecution and Courthouse Area, Steiner and Kaiser talk about the mass syncope episodes Halkenburg had notified them about. Kaiser says that they had received notice from Halkenburg, who had told them not to be alarmed to find people who may experience effects similar to mass hypnosis after meeting him, attributing the effects to the joy of basking in his presence combined with the sudden release of anxiety from the anticipation, and says that they would recover quickly. Kaiser says that they did get a report that a dozen or so of Halkenburg's supporters who met with him had simultaneously passed out in the waiting room and, just like Halkenburg had said, recovered and went about their business.

Steiner takes the chance to bring up something else that he finds concerning. One of the staff who was there during the visitation period had passed out with the same symptoms, but at a different time and place. Kaiser thinks it could not be a coincidence and asks to confirm. He asks where the staff member is, thinking he could try telling them about his situation with Kacho, Fugetsu, and Melody to find out what Halkenburg is trying to do and perhaps form an alliance. Steiner tells him the staff member was standing by in his quarters, ostensibly for observation. Kaiser says that he would conduct an interview just in case, and Steiner identifies him as Worio Bay in Room E-6. Kaiser is wary because he does not know what Halkenburg would think of his actions, considering he likes to be fair and understanding. Having deemed it too risky to meet Halkenburg in person while his ability is unknown, Kaiser hopes to discover the truth through Worio.

Chap 403 - Kaiser and Worio

Kaiser meeting with Worio

Kaiser meets Worio and asks Worio to tell him what happened. He reassures Worio that he would not be censured because of his beliefs at the Ministry of Justice. Worio remains seated as Kaiser stands and continues talking. Kaiser tells Worio that the Ministry of Justice knew that there had been mysterious abilities used in the succession battle, including one used by Kacho to try and escape the ship, although she lost her life as a result; a barrier seemingly covers the ship and Nasubi has something to do with it.

Worio picks up on something Kaiser says, but Kaiser continues talking, saying that he does not waste time on vague nonsense, that supernatural abilities did exist, and that the Princes were using them as weapons. Kaiser tells Worio that, apart from his duties as the Ministry of Justice's Deputy Chief Prosecutor, as long as Fugetsu's safety is assured, he supports Halkenburg. Kaiser finally notices Worio holding up the back of his left hand to him and sees a pinion mark on it. He explains to Kaiser that it is a mark he received from Halkenburg and that Halkenburg had instructed him to tell him everything if he brought up the topic of Nen abilities by himself. Kaiser learns that Halkenburg had anticipated that he would come to see him, which Worio explains is because he expected Kaiser to connect the dots for the mass fainting, in which case, not seeing him is proof of his wariness for him, which itself implies that Kaiser knows the existence of Nen. Worio leans forward and tells Kaiser that Halkenburg is going to die soon.

Chap 403 - Halkenburg and Balsamilco

Halkenburg having possessed Balsamilco’s body

In Benjamin's room in the VVIP area, Benjamin hears Balsamilco over the phone, reporting that the mission has been completed. Unbeknownst to him, Halkenburg's soul possesses Balsamilco's body, and "Balsamilco" tells Benjamin that, as planned, he will deliver results to him that night. The twelve supporters that helped Halkenburg power The Boy Who Shoots the Arrow: Grimmel the Dissonance stand around Halkenburg as he lies unconscious in bed with a drip attached to his left hand. Kaiser steps into the room and observes from a distance.

In Room 1014, Oito asks Kurapika if he wishes to make the letter public. He confirms this and tells her that the second round of Nen lessons will begin the next day. Like last time, attendance will be up to the Princes, with the knowledge that the letter will be made public during classes. Kurapika clarifies that he did not mean his letter, but the letter addressed to Oito.

Oito allows him to, but asks why. Kurapika gives her three reasons. Firstly, to avoid unnecessary suspicion, the letters addressed to higher-ranked Princes expose their scandals and crimes, and if they got nervous at the idea that the lower-ranked Princes held their secrets, conflict might be accelerated. Secondly, he hopes knowing Kacho's wishes will dampen the succession battle. Finally, by advertising that the letter would be made public during the Nen lessons, he expects some kind of contact from higher-ranked Princes. However, he acknowledges the chance that they get either no contact or no information from contact. He says that depending on who responds and why they respond, he could use postponing or canceling the letter publication as a bargaining chip.

Later, Kurapika and Oito go to Room 1003 and are welcomed by Zhang Lei's guards.

Characters in Order of Appearance[]

Trivia[]

  • Although Viz used the same title for Chapter 214, the two are different in Japanese:
    • 214: 決(けっ)着(ちゃく)()()()()()()()(), Ketchaku
    • 403: 成(せい)果(か)()()()()()()()(), Seika

Intertextuality and References[]

  • The name of Halkenburg's ability comprises three references:
    • "The Boy Who Shoots the Arrow" (少年は残酷な弓を射る, lit. "The Boy Who Shoots a Cruel Bow") is the Japanese title for the 2011 film We Need to Talk About Kevin, which depicts a mother struggling to come to terms with her psychopathic son and the horrors he has committed.
    • "Grimmel" (グリマル, lit. "Grimal") refers to David Grimal, a classically trained French violinist.
    • "The Dissonance" (レ・ディソナンス, lit. "Les Dissonances") refers to Les Dissonances, a classical music orchestra created by David Grimal. It is self conducted and varies in size according to the requirements of the repertoire, having absolute freedom in terms of interpretation.
  • One of Zhang Lei's guards mentions that if the coin's value increases by an order of magnitude every ten days, the ten coin will be worth 10,000 in one month. Zhang Lei then says that "Hocus Pocus" can be cast in 630 days.
    • "Hocus Pocus" (パルプンテ, Parupunte) is a reference to a spell from the Dragon Quest series. It has completely random effects, some of which benefit the party and others cause catastrophe.
    • In Japanese, 1064 (or 1063 elsewhere) is referred to as 不可思議, which can mean "mysteriousness". After 630 days, the value of Zhang Lei's coins would reach 1064. Since the "Hocus Pocus" spell has completely random effects, it's known as a 摩訶不思議 spell, which connects it to the mysteriousness (不可思議) previously mentioned.
  • The name Worio Bay (ウォーリオ＝ベイ) is most likely a reference to the character of Benvolio from William Shakespeare's tragedy Romeo and Juliet. In Japanese, the character's name is ベンヴォーリオ (Benvōrio). In addition, Yoshihiro Togashi's author comment for the chapter mentions Romeo and Juliet among the plays recently seen by the author.

Notes

  1. ↑ Zhang Lei says seven coins, but eight are on the table. It is unclear if this is a mistake and, if not, what it means.

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