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Chapter 404

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Speculation (思(おも)惑(わく)()()()()()()()(), Omowaku) is the 404th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Synopsis[]

In Zhang Lei's quarters, Kurapika tells him that he has mostly proven his hypothesis that the coins change after ten days. He says that to maintain their physical forms, there should be a limit to how many can be produced, adding that mass production is possible by distributing them to others. He then explains that since the point of currency is to change hands, they need to verify what kind of changes happen, asking if there are any design differences between the coins he has and the ones he has given to others. Tenftory quickly realizes that his coin has a different design from the ones on the table. Zhang Lei notes that while the front is the same, the back is completely different, adding that it means the effects differ depending on who's holding the coins.

Chap 404 - Kurapika receiving a coin

Kurapika receiving one of Zhang Lei's coins

Kurapika asks if Zhang Lei can give one of the coins to his men to see what happens, but Zhang Lei suddenly offers to give Kurapika a ten coin. He wonders what it will change and says that they can kill two birds with one stone by seeing what happens to both the number and the design. Kurapika worries about taking it but tells himself that if he doesn't, Zhang Lei might not trust him. He also considers the possibility that accepting it is a condition to activate a pseudo-coercive Manipulation ability, but emphasizes that the Nen stored over ten or so days shouldn't be enough to give commands like murder. Kurapika continues to analyze the ability and assures himself that it will be safe for now since the ability will only be truly useful after Zhang Lei is King, which reflects his personality to plan ahead.

After a few seconds, the coin in Kurapika's hand changes both its number and design, looking the same as Tenftory's. Kurapika then gives it back to Zhang Lei, and while the design changes back to his, the value stays at one instead of changing back to ten. Kurapika says that he has a rough idea of the ability, and although Zhang Lei is eager to hear it, Kurapika worries about divulging it in front of Coventoba. Zhang Lei assures him that it's nothing that would threaten Prince Benjamin.

Chap 404 - Kurapika analyzing

Kurapika continuing to analyze the situation

Internally, Kurapika is impressed by how adept Zhang Lei has become at negotiating and mind games, assuring himself that the Prince will be on their side as long as they understand what he wants and defer to him. He then adds that Zhang Lei wants him to refrain from saying the ways in which the ability could be a weapon or threat. Kurapika tells Zhang Lei that his Guardian Spirit Beast possibly has a cumulative Conjuration ability. He explains that currency is meant to be circulated and that when people hold on to his coins for an extended period of time, they can store Nen and possibly allow the owners to manifest various powers in the future. He then predicts that in around six months, when the coins are worth one quintillion, the owner could have their nodes opened and be ready to use Nen.

Kurapika says that Zhang Lei may have already surmised that 1064 could be the required amount for a Nen ability to manifest in the owner since the number can also mean "unimaginable". He points out that it may be the best way to bypass the effort and risks involved since Nen usually requires rigorous training to learn. He adds that those who are intelligent and like to plan ahead often have a cumulative ability, explaining that the ability looks ahead to a time after Zhang Lei assumes the throne. Internally, Kurapika considers the possibility that his Guardian Spirit Beast uses pseudo-coercive Manipulation, which would mean semi-forced loyalty to Zhang Lei. While Zhang Lei basks in the praise about his ability, Kurapika decides to keep the guess about Manipulation to himself for the time being. He then wants to see what effects there are on the person who has been hiding the coin that appeared on the first day: Coventoba.

Kurapika tells himself that it's been 11 days since the succession contest started and that most abilities that count days as a condition consider the moment of emergence as the first day. He deduces that if the coins started to appear on Sunday, there should be two ten coins now (Wednesday). He notes that Coventoba hasn't stepped forward because he doesn't want to give any information to Zhang Lei. He continues by saying that a coin appears every day at 1 p.m. and that they can easily check who was by Zhang Lei's side at the time. He adds that Coventoba's presence gives him an excuse as to why he's hiding the manipulative side of the ability, in case it's later revealed that he was keeping the information to himself.

Chap 404 - Kurapika and Zhang Lei

Zhang Lei and Kurapika thanking each other

Zhang Lei thanks Kurapika and says that he can now spend his time thinking about how to spend his future with his siblings. Kurapika points out that the number of coins he has may also have an effect, suggesting that he should keep a few for himself. Zhang Lei gives him the one that appeared today and holds on to the rest for now. After thanking him, Kurapika says that they can discuss the other topic later, adding that the second round of Nen classes should be key. Zhang Lei replies that there can never be too much information, but says that it's not nothing urgent, expressing concern for Prince Woble's safety.

While Zhang Lei tells Kurapika to be careful since others used the first round of classes to gather information and set their pieces, he says to himself that Kurapika shouldn't consider himself his equal, adding that he's only accepting information in exchange for ensuring Woble's safety. Kurapika appreciates his advice but worries to himself about the risks of being involved with Zhang Lei. He notes that Zhang Lei is one of the Princes with a Mafia family under his wing and that there are over 200 members on the lower tiers, with their combat potential acting as a deterrent against the higher Princes. He also points out that the power balance between Zhang Lei, Tserriednich, and Luzurus is important, and that if tips too far in one direction, the situation could drastically change. He then realizes that if it does, Benjamin will benefit the most since he can enact special martial law if the conflict between the families intensifies, allowing him to put all the Princes under house arrest so he can have free reign.

Kurapika is confident that the surest thing to happen with an all-our war is the assassination of their leaders, who are really the Princes acting as their benefactors, adding that if the assassination of a Prince can be interpreted as a Mafia hit, the all-our war will transition to martial law. He notes the possibility that Benjamin will go after one of the three benefactors to create such a situation and that given Benjamin's personality, he wouldn't hesitate to kill Zhang Lei even if he was living with Prince Woble, going so far as to kill her as well to and make it seem like a Mafia hit to emphasize their cruelty. Kurapika then considers whether it's safer to be in Room 1014 with the Prince's guards or Room 1003 with the risk of Benjamin attacking them. He also remembers that they still don't know who is behind the ability with the snakes and that any of the guards could be plotting something. In the end, Kurapika recognizes that they are walking on thin ice with either choice.

Chap 404 - Cheadle and her team helping

Cheadle and her team attending to Halkenburg

Elsewhere on the ship, Halkenburg is quickly rolled on a stretcher down a hallway. Along with five assistants (including Leorio), Cheadle accompanies him and says that he may have hit his head when he fell. After ordering a CHEM-7 blood panel and a CT scan, she tells them to ask Halkenburg's guards on Tier 1 about his condition over the past week and to send the vomitus to Gel in forensics. Still possessing Balsamilco's body, Halkenburg watches his own body pass by and says to himself that the target's mind won't wake up until he goes to sleep. He adds that the addition of a coma to the symptoms will conveniently delay the stomach flu diagnosis. He then points out that if he gets his mother to refuse an autopsy, his "death" will be officially classified as unexplained organ failure.

He then calls Benjamin and tells him that Halkenburg vomited and was taken to the hospital, adding that his mission will be complete in around 12 hours. Benjamin thinks to himself that once the emesis starts, it will take half a day until death, saying that they do not want any interference. He then praises Balsamilco and says that he will send the royal and military medical teams there, telling him to monitor the progress. After hanging up, Halkenburg says that they proved their hypothesis in the experiment with Shikaku and Sumidori, revealing that after Sumidori was shot, he woke up and gave Shikaku's service number. This allowed them to confirm that only one of the swapped minds can be awake at a time and that their own side generally has priority. He explains that while Sumidori’s mind is conscious, Shikaku’s mind won't wake up, and that once Sumidori wakes up, Shikaku is forced to lose consciousness. It's impossible to wake up Shikaku during that time, and that priority is gained by putting their lives on the line.

Chap 404 - Halkenburg explaining

Halkenburg explaining the details of his ability

Halkenburg explains that his ability is a forced mind swap, with one person being chosen at random from the group and switching minds with the victim struck by the arrow. He then says that they needed to discover what happens to the mind when the body dies, learning that when there are two bodies, only one mind can be awake at a time, and that their own side receives priority. He adds that since "death" isn't clearly defined in the succession contest, it's reasonable to assume that both the body and mind need to be dead as a necessary condition. He then says that once the mind and body of their target (the other Princes) are separated, there's no point in testing scenarios by which the target's mind could return to their original body. He says that they first tested two questions: 1) When the target's body dies first, what happens to the mind inside it? 2) What happens if the target's mind, having lost a body to return to, also loses its current body?

Halkenburg says that the answer to the second question is obvious when one considers that the ability was made possible with the help of his Guardian Spirit Beast to win the succession contest, as well as the aforementioned necessary condition regarding death. For the first question, he stresses that only those willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good can take part in his ability, adding that the answer is obvious and needs no explanation. He reminds himself to stay focused on fighting to build the ideal nation and to honor their noble sacrifices. He then reveals that while the probability of him swapping with Balsamilco was low, it was within his expected parameters, adding that they experimented with Vict in advance. He explains that if the body on their own side dies first, the victim's mind returns to its own body and coexists with the trespasser's mind, and in that case, priority is given to the victim's mind.

Halkenburg then says that right after his body dies, Balsamilco's mind will return to his own body, and his (Halkenburg's) mind will be forced to sleep. Right before his body dies, he plans to take a sleeping pill in Balsamilco's body, adding that he can only loosely adjust the time until Balsamilco's mind reawakens, but revealing that he should be able to control Balsamilco's body for around 10 hours after his own body's death. He then resolves to carry out his next move that's needed to win the succession contest.

Chap 404 - Cheadle and her team forced to leave

Cheadle and her team forced to leave Halkenburg

Back at the hospital, the royal and military medical teams arrive, forcing Cheadle and her staff to leave as they look over Halkenburg's weakening body. In the VVIP living quarters, Benjamin is seen with Furykov behind him, while in another room, Camilla has her nails done while enjoying a drink. In his own quarters, Zhang Lei continues to hold and look at his coins. In Tserriednich's quarters, Salkov is stunned to see the timer below 3.5 seconds. Tserriednich then wonders who said the quote, "Leveling up isn't climbing a hill, but a staircase." He says that it's true and adds that he was about to be discouraged when his time wouldn't get shorter.

Salkov is unable to believe that Tserriednich reached that point in only three days, internally asking Theta what he should do with him. Tserriednich says that he can't take it easy since getting under that last second will be much more difficult, sternly adding that even if it takes 10 days or two weeks, he will make it happen. Salkov again realizes that Tserriednich's intensity puts him on a different level since he knows he can make it happen. He then worries about sparring with Tserriednich afterwards and wonders what the Prince is going to do with him. As Tserriednich puts his hands in front of him, his aura swells around him, and a large ball of aura appears between his hands. Elsewhere, Tubeppa is seen working on her laptop, Tyson continues to read from her book as three of her guards applaud her performance, and Luzurus is seen still watching his television as Basho and Rice keep watch. At the Justice Bureau, a weak Fugetsu lies asleep as Kacho's Guardian Spirit Beast kneels by her bed, slowly beginning to fade. In Room 1013, Marayam plays with one of his toys along with his mother and Biscuit.

Chap 404 - Kurapika sharing details

Kurapika sharing the details for the next round of Nen classes

In Woble's quarters, Kurapika tells Babimyna, Sakata, and Hashito that the second round of classes will start tomorrow (Thursday) at 9 a.m. He adds that while the format will be the same, one of Camilla's guards will be joining them this time. He then asks Babimyna if he and Furykov will be the ones present from Benjamin's camp, and Babimyna says yes. Kurapika wonders why Camilla changed her mind, and Sakata guesses that she was checking his claims and that there must be some benefit for her side. Hashito lists a number of possible reasons including gathering information, assassination, and building an alliance. Babimyna thinks to himself and says that he has heard Camilla's personal guards use curses unique to the Have-Nots. He wonders if it's true and if they are Nen abilities, also asking if the target is really Woble and lamenting how many uncertainties there are.

Kurapika notes to himself that Camilla sending only one guard shows a strong resolve and that considering Camilla's personality, the guard is coming to do something besides learning Nen. He remembers that Melody's letter on the Princes' secrets had nothing about Camilla, wondering if Camilla has a secret that forced her to act. He notes that it depends on what she does and reminds himself of his contract with Zhang Lei, telling himself to be careful. He then tells Bill that they want to keep Camilla's guard away from Woble as much as possible and that while the shifts will be tough, they can do it together. With Bill ready to help, Kurapika tells Shimano to prioritize staying with Oito and Woble over housekeeping, with her quickly agreeing.

Chap 404 - Benjamin and Balsamilco (Halkenburg)

Benjamin and Balsamilco (Halkenburg) discussing his last wishes

With the night sky seen outside the ship, several doctors attempt to resuscitate Halkenburg, but he quickly passes away. In the VVIP living quarters, Benjamin talks with Balsamilco on the phone and says that Halkenburg's body will be moved at noon that day from Tier 3 to Tier 2 through the central stairwell, and then to the morgue on Tier 1. He adds that his last wishes were a ship-wide announcement, a send-off by his supporters, and his personal guards transporting the casket. Balsamilco confirms it all and says that those were his last words when he sensed death, asking how they should respond. Benjamin tells him to do as Halkenburg wished and that it will show they honored his requests even if they don't explicitly say that they were his. He also emphasizes the importance of solemnity and dignity so that the sorrow of Halkenburg's supporters doesn't turn into anger. He then tells him to let Cleapatro know that they are dropping all the charges so that his guards can join him immediately. Balsamilco understands and says that once they get there, he will discuss the funeral arrangements and autopsy, monitoring the progress and then returning at the same time as Halkenburg's body. Benjamin again stresses the need for respect and praises Balsamilco's actions, with Halkenburg responding to Benjamin as Balsamilco while internally thanking his brother.

On Tier 3, the announcement of Halkenburg's death is made, stating that he passed away in the early hours that morning. It's added that at noon, his funeral procession will move through the central stairwell toward Tier 1 and that those who wish to pay their respects can gather in the central stairwell square. Nobunaga wonders if Halkenburg was a benefactor for one of the Mafia families, and Feitan quickly replies that he wasn’t. Phinks says that it has nothing to do with them in that case and that they need to get down to Tier 4. Nobunaga says that they have time since Hinrigh put the transmitter where it can't be found, adding that he wants to check on something with the other two families before they head to the Heil-Ly's hideout. Phinks wonders if it's something about the Heil-Ly, and Nobunaga says that it is. Feitan replies that there's no point since they will crush them regardless. Nobunaga says that it has to do with how they crush them, explaining that they may need to go all-out depending on their answer. Feitan tells him that he doesn't make any sense, and Phinks adds that it's creepy to be charmed by the enemy. Nobunaga concedes that it may be unfounded, but he promises to beat up both of them if he ends up being right.

Characters in Order of Appearance[]

Trivia[]

  • The chapter has the same title as Chapter 364.
  • The chapter marks the first appearance of Leorio in the story since Chapter 359, which was published on June 27, 2016.
  • On page 7, the Viz translation erroneously has Cheadle call Halkenburg the "Seventh" Prince, and spells "Halkenburg" as "Halkenberg".

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