Kaiser (カイザル, Kaizaru) is a member of Kakin's Justice Bureau.[1][2] Kaiser is also the investigator sent to monitor Room 1010 by Cleapatro for three days as a result of Barrigen's death on Day 2 of the voyage.[1]
Appearance[]
Kaiser is a man of an average build and slightly taller than average height. He has dark combed hair parted over his eye, arched eyebrows, and wears rectangular full-rim glasses.[1] His hair is parted over his eye, and has been seen parted over his left eye and right eye at separate times.[1][2] Like other members of the Justice Bureau, he wears a suit and tie. Kaiser generally remains expressionless, even when saying things that could be considered flirtatious or passionate.[3][2]
Personality[]
Kaiser maintains a calm, professional demeanor regardless of the events displayed around him. By his own words, people assume that he is a workaholic, but he alleges that his desire for love is more intense than anyone else's. Despite being a matter of the Justice Bureau (perceived to be a neutral party by many in the succession war), he is willing to involve himself in the succession contest and assassinate multiple Princes on account of his love for Melody and her music.[2] He also believes in the power of words to change the minds of others.[3]
On account of Melody's educated assumption that Kaiser is either manipulating himself or being manipulated, as well as his stone-faced demeanor, it is uncertain how much of his personality is authentic and how much is a presented front.[3][2]
Plot[]
Succession Contest arc[]
Surveillance on Room 1010[]
On the second day of the voyage, following the suspicious actions of Loberry (10th Prince Kacho's servant) right before the death of Barrigen in Room 1014, Sakata contacts Tier 1's Supreme Court and requests that Kacho's mother 6th Queen Seiko be charged both as an accomplice to Barrigen's murder and for plotting to assassinate 14th Prince Woble. Supreme Magistrate Cleapatro from Tier 1's Supreme Court denies the request, instead dispatching an investigator to monitor Room 1010 for 72 hours, who turns out to be Kaiser.[4] When Kaiser turns up at Room 1010, he attempts to question Seiko, even reassuring her that her Royal Privilege would protect her and that the questioning was a formality that would not enter courts. Still, Seiko insists on remaining silent as her rights allow. Kaiser remarks that her refusal to answer would save him some trouble and moves on. Kaiser informs Seiko that he would be with her for 72 hours, but she could freely move about with supervision and that almost any request she has will be honored.[1]
Kacho alongside Kaiser
On the fourth day of the voyage, Kacho tells Seiko that she and her sister 11th Prince Fugetsu want to perform at the next banquet, together with Kacho's bodyguard Melody. Seiko agrees to ask Nasubi for permission and to inform Fugetsu and leaves the room. Kaiser watches Kacho wave to Seiko as she leaves and sees Kacho immediately drop her act, following her as she stomps towards the back of Room 1010 while calling her mother names and insulting her. Kaiser tells Kacho he isn't recording her words, though Kacho sarcastically asks him to do so in response.[5]
On the fifth day of the voyage, Kaiser is seen in Room 1011 with Seiko as she receives her daughter Fugetsu from her escort back to Room 1011 after Fugetsu used her ability to reach Tier 3, where she was found by Mizaistom and the military. After letting Seiko hug Fugetsu, Kaiser tells Fugetsu that she will be assigned an escort for 72 hours, but will not be arrested and can still attend the banquet on Sunday (Day 8).[3]
Melody plays Hyle's Requiem for Kaiser and Queen Seiko
Kaiser and Seiko return to Room 1010, where they listen to Melody perform her interpretation of Hyle's Requiem. Kaiser reflects on the performance and says that he found Melody's hopeful interpretation of the piece unexpected.[3]
Melody personally escorts Kaiser to the door after the mandated surveillance on Room 1010 ends. While they are alone near Room 1010's door, Kaiser compliments Melody by telling her that he would have asked for an encore if they were not working. He considers making up a reason to continue watching Melody. He considers using the Justice Bureau and its independence to protect Melody until the Black Whale 1 lands. Melody thanked him but told Kaiser that his request for an encore might invite scrutiny and attract attention, which Kaiser conceded and agreed with. Speaking in a whisper, Kaiser tells Melody to call him if anything happens at any time. Melody says that she can't because the call would be logged and could be exposed if a petition for disclosure was granted. Kaiser gives her an excuse: he could come with the Justice Bureau to "watch" Kacho if Melody said something was wrong with her. Melody looks at him but does not respond. Kaiser says that he wants to be of use to Melody, adding after a brief pause that he wants to be of use to Kacho, too. He shares that he learned that music can have a powerful effect on people and that changing people could change the world. He says he wants to make an effort and hopes the King will change his mind. Kaiser admits that he feels like he has to do something, and as he leaves, he tells Melody to call him.[3]
As Melody watches Kaiser leave, she remarks that his heartbeat is unusual—a gentle, quiet, unperturbed tune, contrary to what one might expect from Kaiser's borderline work-inappropriate words. Melody perceives his heartbeat as one from someone who suppresses his emotions particularly well and is forced to consider the possibility that Kaiser is being manipulated. Melody notes that Kaiser making a pass at her was suspicious before returning back to her duties.[3]
The Justice Bureau responds to the escape attempt[]
Kacho and Fugetsu's plan to escape on the eighth day using Melody's performance as a cover tragically fails, leaving Keeney and Kacho dead.[6] Because of that, Melody and Fugetsu are confined to the Justice Bureau on Tier 2, together with Kacho's Guardian Spirit Beast which took on her form following her death.[7]
On the morning of the ninth day, Kaiser comes to interview Melody, who is waiting in an interrogation room with a member of the Kakin military watching her. Kaiser asks Melody if she has managed to get any sleep and gives her a bottle of water. Melody asks when she can get back on duty, and Kaiser answers that it will depend on how cooperative she is (with his interview). Kaiser tells her that Keeney left a suicide note claiming sole responsibility for the Princes' escape attempt, which the Justice Bureau would likely use as the official explanation, but tells her he is considering an alternate possibility. Kaiser tells Melody that several Princes were impressed by her performance and want to invite her to their suites, and hints that someone among them might be thinking the same thing that he is. As Melody sees that Kaiser is holding her to protect her from the dangerous Princes and confirms the impartiality of the Justice Bureau, Kaiser asks Melody to tell him in detail what she did on the eighth day before he asked her some questions, while preparing to record their conversation. When Melody asks about Princes Kacho and Fugetsu, Kaiser reveals that they are also being held at the Justice Bureau and that he plans to take his time to question them thoroughly. Melody silently thanks him for keeping them safe.[7]
Melody learns of Kacho's demise
On the tenth day, at the Justice Bureau's interrogation rooms, Kaiser, "Kacho" (Kacho's Guardian Spirit Beast in her form after her death), and Melody discuss what to do going forward. Melody trembles at the realization that Kacho had died, and blames herself for it. Kaiser and "Kacho" convince her to continue working to help Fugetsu win. "Kacho" proposes taking advantage of the fact that people believe her to be dead, but to not tell Fugetsu about it. Kaiser suggests that she should warn Fugetsu in advance that people have the mistaken impression that she died, which she would likely accept given "Kacho"'s existence. Kaiser complains about the difficulty in keeping up with the idea of ghosts and Nen, saying that he somehow believes it between the army's reports and Melody's demeanor, but turns to Melody and tells her that they cannot work with her while her mental state is unstable. Unbeknownst to him, Melody does not take his words at face value, observing how calm he was while claiming to be unable to keep up. Kaiser and "Kacho" provoke Melody into agreeing to help them.[2]
Kaiser confesses his feelings for Melody
Kaiser begins by untangling Melody's situation. He explains that Melody has five visitation requests from Princes, and that now that the Princes are more aware of Nen, they've linked her music to the escape attempt. The 3rd Prince Zhang Lei and the 4th Prince Tserriednich want to talk and hear her play again, but the 1st Prince Benjamin, 5th Prince Tubeppa, and 7th Prince Luzurus are more explicit, requesting encores and offering pardons with an implication that refusal would lead to a death sentence. Kaiser is reminded to keep Keeney's death a secret from the "Kacho". After considering the merits of Melody's ability to aid the princes in assassinating one another, Kaiser posits that they use the opportunity to deceive all the eldest princes and administer the slow-acting poison while they're blacked out. Kaiser says he'll prepare the required supplies himself, and Melody questions why Kaiser would go to such lengths. He openly confesses his obsessive love for Melody, but Melody once again doubts him due to this heartbeat. She considers that Kaiser is a Manipulator controlling himself to present as a non-Nen user and that he could be working for a prince who didn't request a visitation.[2]
"Kacho" phases through the walls to return to her interrogation room, which amazes Kaiser each time he sees it. He sees Melody off, goes to "Kacho"'s interrogation room, and sees her off. He then thinks to himself that the VIP protection area is the safest place on the ship, and even Benjamin cannot interfere. Steiner sits at a desk near where Kaiser sees "Kacho" off, and Kaiser calls Steiner aside. He hands Steiner a small button and tells him to press it should Benjamin's men or the royal army arrive, claiming he can only ask Steiner because he's an outsider. Kaiser mentions that special martial law could turn the Justice Bureau from the most neutral institution on the Black Whale into a dictator's base of operations. If martial law occurs after several royal army soldiers arrive, they will charge and execute those considered insurgents within ten minutes. Steiner questions if things are that dire, and Kaiser is uncertain. Kaiser says Steiner is one of the few whose safety must be ensured, and Steiner complies with the request.[2]
"Kacho" is momentarily unable to find Fugetsu and wonders if Kaiser is their enemy. When she does find Fugetsu and sees her dire state, she alerts Melody. Melody has Kaiser adjust her meeting times so that she can pass Fugetsu in the hall. Kaiser does so, allowing Melody to witness Fugetsu's deteriorating condition and the evil spirits drawn to her. She thinks that a prince may be behind this, but none of the heartbeats from the five groups she speaks to imply any involvement. Due to this unknown threat, Melody tells Kaiser they should postpone the assassination attempts. Melody wants to be released on bail, but Kaiser says that doing so will allow princes to subpoena her and that Benjamin's men, especially, are waiting for Melody to emerge from the Justice Bureau's offices. Given this, Melody believes Kurapika is the only one she can rely on and requests that Kaiser go to room 1014 and tell him everything as soon as possible.[2]
Manga Appearances[]
| 340. Special Mission | Absent |
| 341. Threats | Absent |
| 342. Challenge | Absent |
| 343. Invitation | Absent |
| 344. Author | Absent |
| 345. Signature | Absent |
| 346. Options | Absent |
| 347. Inauguration | Absent |
| 348. Resolve | Absent |
| 349. Worm Toxin | Absent |
| 350. Prince | Absent |
| 351. Battle to the Death | Absent |
| 352. Troublesome | Absent |
| 353. Cold-Blooded | Absent |
| 354. Heat | Absent |
| 355. Detonation | Absent |
| 356. Unfortunate: Part 1 | Absent |
| 357. Unfortunate: Part 2 | Absent |
| 358. Eve | Absent |
| 359. Departure | Absent |
| 360. Parasite | Absent |
| 361. Withdraw | Absent |
| 362. Resolve | Absent |
| 363. Nen Beast | Absent |
| 364. Speculation | Absent |
| 365. Choice | Absent |
| 366. To Each His Own | Absent |
| 367. Synchronization | Absent |
| 368. Foul Play | Absent |
| 369. Limits | Absent |
| 370. Observation | Absent |
| 371. Mission | Absent |
| 372. Disappearance | Debut |
| 373. Inheritance | Absent |
| 374. Ability | Absent |
| 375. Persuasion | Absent |
| 376. Determination | Absent |
| 377. Scheme | Appears |
| 378. Balance | Absent |
| 379. Collaboration | Absent |
| 380. Alarm | Absent |
| 381. Predation | Appears |
| 382. Awakening | Absent |
| 383. Escape | Absent |
| 384. War | Absent |
| 385. Warning | Absent |
| 386. Hypothesis | Appears |
| 387. Recreation | Absent |
| 388. Reflection | Absent |
| 389. Curse | Absent |
| 390. Clash: Part 1 | Absent |
| 391. Clash: Part 2 | Absent |
| 392. Information | Absent |
| 393. Plea | Absent |
| 394. Hypothesis | Absent |
| 395. Founding: Part 1 | Absent |
| 396. Founding: Part 2 | Absent |
| 397. Founding: Part 3 | Absent |
| 398. Search | Absent |
| 399. Expulsion | Absent |
| 400. Secrecy | Appears |
| 401. Moonlight | Absent |
Trivia[]
- Kaiser is named after the German word for "emperor", usually reserved for the emperors of the German and Austrian Empires. The most well-known is Kaiser Wilhelm II. He shares a similar origin of his name (a reference to known German figures) with Steiner and Peuckert, who are associated with Kakin's Justice Bureau since the International Permit Agency loans some of its members to the Justice Bureau for the duration of the voyage.
- Kaiser is only named in Chapter 400, 28 chapters after his introduction in Chapter 372. Interestingly, Steiner and Peuckert also have a long delay between being introduced and being named, 33 chapters for Steiner and 25 chapters for Peuckert.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 372
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 38, Chapter 400
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 381
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 371
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 377
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 383
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 386
[]
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||