Slither × Stinger × In The Cave (ニョロ×チク×穴の中, Nyoro × Chiku × Ana no Naka) is the 25th episode of the original Hunter × Hunter anime. It first aired on April 22nd, 2000.
Overview[]
Gon and Kurapika try to save Leorio from getting poisoned from Bourbon's snake trap but end up getting trapped themselves. Left with no choice, Gon gets bit by dozens of snakes trying to acquire an antidote from Bourbon's body. Both Gon and Leorio recovers from the poison, Gon proceeds to carry Leorio, Kurapika and Ponzu outside while the sleeping gas is in effect. Leorio takes Ponzu's badge while she sleeps and Gon retrieves the badges given to him by Hisoka. All examinees who collected six points are on their way to the landing site as the current exam is about to end.
Synopsis[]

Gon and Kurapika help Leorio
Upon entering the cave Gon and Kurapika see Leorio lying on the ground and discover that he was bitten by dozens of snakes. The two tried to help him, Gon says that the snake venom is not that lethal, however, Leorio was bitten by dozens of snakes making his life in danger. Without an antidote, they decide to bring Leorio outside to get help but Ponzu intervenes and warns them if they took a step forward exiting the cave countless multitude of snakes are waiting for them attacking at the same time, it's a trap set by Bourbon. With no other way, Gon and Kurapika plead to Bourbon to remove the trap even letting him have their badges however Ponzu states that it's no use since Bourbon is dead.

Bourbon's corspe and his snakes
Leaving with no choice, Kurapika tries to search Bourbon's body to find an antidote however the snakes get agitated and will eventually attack if someone touches Bourbon's body. Upon examining Bourbon's body, Kurapika hints the cause of Bourbon's death, Ponzu's bees stung Bourbon who immediately suffered an allergic reaction and due to him getting stung by the same type of bee for the second time has created an anaphylactic shock that leads to his death. Ponzu details the events on how Bourbon got killed she tracked down Bourbon inside the cave then released a sleeping gas. When she entered the cave Bourbon was out cold, but he had already setup his trap, since she sprayed the gas far from the exit some snakes weren't affected by it. As soon as she tries to steal Bourbon's badge the snakes gets agitated which scared her with this a set of the condition were applied by being shocked her bees will attack someone near them and Bourbon was the victim at that time. Even after Bourbon's death, his trap is still in effect. Ponzu decided to give up the exam and awaits the arrival of the exam committee to rescue her after the phase ends as they can track her or anyone through the badges to which a tracking device is attached in them.

Gon swarm and attack by snakes
However, the committee will not be able to help as the exam is still ongoing and with Leorio's situation they cannot wait longer. It was also revealed that the reason Leorio got bitten was when he tried to go near the exit and scream to warn Gon and Kurapika to not enter the cave. Kurapika, left with no choice, thought about sacrificing himself to get an antidote from Bourbon's body. Gon, having the same thought in his mind, volunteered. A swarm of snakes pour into Gon's body as they bite him. He eventually finds the antidote and gives it to Kurapika who heals both Leorio and Gon.

Gon carrying Leorio, Ponzu, and Kurapika
Outside, Tonpa is seen trying to get a badge from Kenmi, but fails. Back at the cave, Gon and Leorio recover. Gon thanks Ponzu for healing him then tells her that he wanted to trade Bourbon's badge, as Bourbon is Ponzu's target, in exchange for her sleeping gas. Gon explains that he needs the sleeping gas to put all the snakes to sleep, so he can then carry all three of them outside the cave. Ponzu tells Gon the sleeping gas time of expiration, to which, Gon confidently replies that he can hold his breath for long enough to reach the exit of the cave. Ponzu's doubt based on Gon's condition was gone after both Leorio and Kurapika tell her that they trust Gon. After agreeing, Gon signals Ponzu to release the gas after taking a deep breath. Gon briefly remembers all the people he has met in the past as he decides that he wants to spend more time with them and become a Hunter. Gon finally brings Kurapika, Leorio, and Ponzu outside. Gon, as a promise, gives Ponzu the badge of Bourbon while she is asleep, then bids a short farewell to both Kurapika and Leorio who are also still sleeping. Momentarily, Kurapika and Leorio wake up, and Leorio takes Ponzu's badge, giving him six points. As the committee announces the near end of the current exam, all of the examinees who collected six points prepare to go to the landing site; Gon, who retrieved back his badges, is moving on to the next phase.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
- Leorio Paradinight
- Gon Freecss
- Kurapika
- Ponzu
- Bourbon (Corpse)
- Kenmi
- Tonpa
- Kite (Flashback)
- Captain (Flashback)
- Katzo (Flashback)
- Quizzing Lady (Flashback)
- Kiriko (Flashback)
- Satotz (Flashback)
- Menchi (Flashback)
- Isaac Netero (Flashback)
- Anita (Flashback)
- Mito Freecss (Flashback)
- Ging Freecss (Image)
- Khara (Voice)
- Hisoka Morow
- Gittarackur
- Pokkle
- Killua Zoldyck
- Hanzo
- Bodoro
- Ryu
Anime and Manga Differences[]
- In the 1999 anime adaptation, after carrying everyone out of the cave, Gon leaves it to Leorio to wake up before Ponzu and take her badge from her himself. In the manga, Gon takes Ponzu's badge for Leorio as a "rescue fee" for getting her out of the cave.
- The 1999 anime adaptation adds the following:
- Bourbon's death is shown.
- While Kurapika treats Leorio, Ponzu helps to treat Gon with Bourbon's antidote. In the manga, Kurapika administers the antidote to both himself.
- Tonpa, having escaped his binds and realizing only the Final Phase remained if he could pass the Fourth Phase, resolves to give it his all to pass this year's Hunter Exam, claiming he could care less about crushing rookies anymore:
- Tonpa is revealed to have taken Amori's #197 badge after it landed near him from Killua's throw in the previous episode.
- Tonpa attacks Kenmi in an attempt to steal his badge, only to find out that Kenmi's badge had already been taken by Hanzo.
- Tonpa attempts to take Bourbon's badge from an unconscious Ponzu. However, Ponzu wakes up before he can and knocks him flat, ending his pursuit to pass.
- As he braces himself to pass through Ponzu's sleeping gas, Gon remembers all the people he has met since setting off on his journey and reacquires his resolve to become a Hunter.
- After escaping the cave, Gon returns to retrieve his and Hisoka's badges from the field where he had left them. This does not occur in the manga, as Gon never left the badges behind.
- Bodoro is shown having defeated Ryu, his target, to pass the Fourth Phase.
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