Hisoka × Kurapika × Spider's Whisper (ヒソカ×クラピカ×蜘蛛の囁き, Hisoka × Kurapika × Kumo no Sasayaki) is the 27th episode of the original Hunter × Hunter anime. It first aired on May 13th, 2000.
Overview[]
Chairman Netero explains the rules of the tournament. The match between Hisoka and Kurapika begins, and for the most part, Hisoka maintains the upper hand until Kurapika's eyes turn scarlet, allowing him to finally land a blow on Hisoka. Following this turn of events, Hisoka approaches Kurapika and whispers something to him. Upon hearing Hisoka's words, Kurapika’s eyes turn scarlet once again, and then Hisoka forfeits the match. Kurapika becomes the first examinee to pass the current exam. Meanwhile, the match between Gon and Hanzo is about to start.
Synopsis[]
Netero explaining the rules of the tournament
The examinees initially interpret the chart to suggest that only one of them will emerge as the ultimate victor. However, Chairman Netero dispels this misconception, explaining that the goal is to secure at least one win to pass the test. He elaborates that a loss does not signify elimination, as the defeated contender will still advance in rank. Each examinee is afforded two opportunities to triumph, but only one among them will ultimately fail the tournament, while the remaining participants will pass the trial and become Hunters.
After Beans announces the matchups, Leorio voices his frustration, claiming that the pairings are inherently unfair. In response, Netero reveals that the matchups were meticulously determined based on each candidate’s aggregate performance throughout the previous stages of the Hunter Exam. He provides a concise overview of the evaluation process, which hinges on three fundamental criteria: physical aptitude, mental acuity, and overall impression. Though he offers only a broad outline of these components, his explanation emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the assessment.
Killua, perplexed by the rankings, questions why Gon has been placed above him. Netero transitions seamlessly and proceeds to outline the rules governing the matches: participants may utilize any weapons at their disposal, but victory can only be secured by compelling the opponent to surrender. Any act of killing results in immediate disqualification, thereby granting the remaining contestants an uncontested path to passing the exam.
In closing, Netero commends the examinees for their perseverance and accomplishments thus far, offering them his sincere congratulations. With a final word of encouragement, he wishes them luck as they face the final, decisive trial ahead.
Kurapika versus Hisoka
As the match between Kurapika and Hisoka is about to commence, Kurapika is resolute in his determination to win in honor of his fallen clan. After drawing their weapons, Hisoka finishes chatting and throws a card toward Kurapika. With impressive agility, Kurapika skillfully deflects and dodges the card before launching an attack; however, Hisoka sidesteps his strike with effortless grace.
While the audience speculates on the outcome of the match, Hisoka begins to intimidate Kurapika with taunting remarks, drawing attention to a crack in his sword. As Hisoka advances threateningly, Kurapika instinctively retreats, only for Hisoka to shatter his sword completely.
Now armed with only one sword, Leorio urges Kurapika to forfeit the match, suggesting that he preserve his chances for the next round. However, driven by his pride, Kurapika disregards Leorio's advice and charges at Hisoka, attempting to land a decisive blow. Unfortunately, this maneuver proves to be yet another of Hisoka’s cunning tricks, resulting in Kurapika crashing to the ground after taking a powerful strike.
Kurapika lands a blow towards Hisoka
Undeterred, Kurapika rises to launch another attack, but again he fails to connect. Hisoka retaliates with an even stronger blow, sending Kurapika sprawling across the arena. Concerned for his friend, Leorio implores Kurapika to concede, as Killua interjects, asserting that Kurapika is resolute in his pursuit of victory and will not heed their warnings.
Regaining his footing, Kurapika charges at Hisoka once again, but Hisoka maintains the upper hand, effortlessly evading each of Kurapika's strikes. As Hisoka’s bloodlust escalates, Kurapika's eyes blaze scarlet with determination. Anticipating Hisoka's next move, Kurapika counters by throwing back his own card, successfully landing a blow that forces Hisoka to his knees.
Hisoka’s demeanor shifts markedly as he licks the tip of his blood-stained card, slowly advancing toward Kurapika. As he approaches, Hisoka whispers something that triggers a significant change in Kurapika’s expression. In an unexpected turn of events, Hisoka forfeits the match, culminating in Kurapika's victory and marking him as the first examinee to achieve the esteemed title of Hunter.
Hisoka whispering to Kurapika
The referee declares that the subsequent match is scheduled to commence in thirty minutes. Outside the arena, Kurapika confides in Leorio that Hisoka has alluded to the Phantom Troupe. Intrigued and apprehensive, Kurapika contemplates the potential ramifications of Hisoka's association with this infamous group. Meanwhile, the match between Gon and Hanzo approaches, ready to begin at any moment
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Anime and Manga Differences[]
- In the 1999 anime adaptation, Kurapika vs. Hisoka takes place before Gon vs. Hanzo. As a result, Kurapika technically becomes the first examinee to pass the 287th Hunter Exam instead of Gon as in the manga, and Gon witnesses the fight directly instead of only hearing about it from Satotz.
- In the 1999 anime adaptation, Leorio is the one ask Netero why the tournament bracket is so unbalanced, while in the manga, Bodoro is the one to ask the question.
- In the 1999 anime adaptation, Kurapika reveals what Hisoka whispered to him to Leorio immediately following their match. However, in the manga, Kurapika does not share this with the others until the group leaves Kukuroo Mountain with Killua.
- The 1999 anime adaptation adds the following:
- Kurapika vs. Hisoka is significantly extended. In the manga, only the declaration and the very end of the match are shown.
- Hisoka breaks one of Kurapika's two swords—which are simply wooden bokken in the manga—that was damaged during the match.
- Hisoka stabs through Kurapika with his bare hand, causing him to struggle to get back to his feet but managing to do so.
- During the match, Kurapika's eyes turn scarlet.
- Kurapika stabs Hisoka by throwing one of his cards back at him and forces him to his knees, briefly causing Hisoka's demeanor to turn erratic before he calms himself and ends the match.
- Following Kurapika's match with Hisoka, Kurapika and Leorio discuss the match and Kurapika's successful passing of the Hunter Exam outside the exam building.
- Kurapika vs. Hisoka is significantly extended. In the manga, only the declaration and the very end of the match are shown.
Trivia[]
- While Kurapika becomes the first applicant to pass the 287th Hunter Exam in the 1999 anime adaptation, it is Gon who achieves this distinction in both the manga and the 2011 anime adaptation.
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