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"I don't have much. I'll just say I'm sure I can supervise Beyond by myself."

— Saiyu to the Zodiacs in "Options"

Saiyu (サイユウ, Saiyū) is a Blacklist Hunter[2] and a member of the Zodiacs with the codename "Monkey" ((さる), Saru).[1] He is part of the Defense Team, created in preparation for the voyage to the Dark Continent.[2] However, he is also in cahoots with Pariston to free Beyond during the voyage.[3]

Appearance[]

Saiyu 2011 Design

Saiyu's 2011 anime adaptation design

Saiyu is a lanky man with a very short haircut, protuberant ears, and a monkey-like face. Part of the hair at the back and on the top of his head was shaved to form two small heart shapes. He wears a headband, most likely a reference to the magical headband of the Monkey King Sun Wukong from the Chinese classic "Journey to the West", as well as a pair of long wristbands, a sleeveless jacket short enough to show his six-pack abs and, on the front of which is the kanji symbol for monkey (申). Near each shoulder is the symbol of a crescent and a 5-pointed star which together may represent "being towards a bright future" and "the five pillars of Islam", these being symbols present on the flags of some Muslim countries. His outfit is completed by a pair of calf-length trousers with orange spirals on the knees and a fake tail on the back and kung fu shoes.

Personality[]

Saiyu is characterized by directness in manner and speech, without subtlety or evasion. He is not afraid of saying unkind or rude things about two powerful fellow Zodiac members like Ging and Pariston while publicly challenging the former.

Plot[]

13th Hunter Chairman Election arc[]

Zodiac Twelve angry

The Zodiacs reaction to Pariston's proposal

After Chairman Netero's death, the Zodiacs, are summoned back to the Hunter Association to hold a meeting to vote for a new chairman.[4] Before the meeting starts, the Zodiacs talk amongst one another about the tardy Rat. Saiyu disparages the Boar Ging saying he's a perpetual truant and the Rat simply calling him a scumbag. Offended by the Monkey's comment, Ging threatens him if he wants to die, to which, Saiyu says he can go ahead and try. Moments later Pariston arrives and immediately tries to take control over the meeting using his position as Vice-Chairman (which is slightly higher than the rest of the Zodiacs) as an excuse. In order to progress the meeting, Saiyu says that Pariston should just be the boss as he thinks he gets off on the position. After a vote, Pariston is chosen to lead the meeting. He immediately announces his chairman candidacy and suggests they skip the election. This proclamation infuriates nearly all of the Zodiacs sitting at the table. Though threatened, Pariston elaborates on his reason to become chairman and after he is nearly confronted by the Ox Mizaistom, Ging announced his candidacy for chairman, though none of the other Zodiacs want him to be chairman either. After some discussion and consideration, it's ultimately decided that they will go through with an election and by the Dog Cheadle's suggestion, the rules will be chosen via a lottery, much to Saiyu's disapproval. As soon as the Zodiacs finished writing their own set of rules, Beans is summoned to draw the lottery winner and he picks Ging's.[1]

Other Zodiacs stopping Kanzai

Saiyu with a staff stops Kanzai from charging at Pariston

As Beans reads the rules made by Ging, the Zodiacs feel disconcerted by the rules and throw a snit when Ging revokes one of the rules in favor of conceding to the others. In the first round of the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Saiyu places in 35th. Saiyu, Cheadle, and the Chicken Cluck call Ging an idiot when he has a snit of his own not being allowed to see who voted for whom.[5] A meeting is held after the results for the election's second round are released and again Saiyu is in 35th place. Pariston proposes that they add one of either two suggestions to the rule set in the third round; have Beans eliminate intentional invalid votes or temporary confiscate Hunter Licenses of the Hunters that cast invalid or abstain from voting. Voicing his opinion on the matter, Saiyu believes the best suggestion is the first as it will help meet the conditions to the 3rd rule, though Pariston is skeptical in that manner as it may send a bad message. Amid the meeting, the Tiger Kanzai is instigated and agitated by Pariston's remarks and tries to attack him, but is blocked off by several Zodiacs including Saiyu who uses his Priest Staff. With the matter with Kanzai settled, Cheadle continues the topic on the matter of the voting rule process. Pariston voices his opinions on Cheadle's comments on how to progress, to which Saiyu remarks that abstentions or invalid votes aren't violations. Pariston rebuts that calling them validations, as it would be a wake-up call because those abstaining to vote are doing it in respect for the former chairman.[6]

The results of the third round of election reveal that Saiyu places in 35th again and that there has been a stark increase in absentee voters. So in order to avoid confiscating all violator's licenses for abstaining from voting, Pariston promotes the idea that they should hold live in-person speeches to convince their fellow Hunters to vote.[7] On the day of the speech, the Zodiacs bear witness as Leorio Paradinight lose his cool and sends Ging flying with his Nen ability. The results of the fourth round show that Saiyu placed in 35th again, which eliminates him from further rounds for not making the top 16 candidates.[8]

Zodiacs - 146

The Zodiacs surprised by the outcome

Saiyu, Mizaistom, and the Snake Gel act as monitors for the voting process in the sixth round voting process.[9] Eventually, he attends the final round of the election, guarding one of the exits to ensure no one leaves until a Chairman has been elected.[10] Hearing that Pariston is stepping down as Chairman, making Cheadle the chosen Vice-Chairman, become the new Chairman, Saiyu has a snit.[11]

Dark Continent Expedition arc[]

The-zodiacs

The Zodiacs find out about another DVD

Beans interrupts a meeting the Zodiacs are having claiming there's big trouble. Saiyu inquires if Cheadle is stepping down as Chairman, to which she denies. Beans starts a broadcast of the Kakin Empire's King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou announcing that his empire is financing an expedition into the Dark Continent, and the leader of the expedition claims to be the son of Isaac Netero named Beyond Netero. Hearing Beyond's speech and declaration the Zodiacs are left perplexed and despondent. Though the situation was tense Beans confesses that the previous chairman left two DVDs. Saiyu exclaims that the former Chairman knew this was going to happen and Beans claims he was to have the Zodiacs watch in case someone came forth and claimed to be his child. The Zodiacs briefly debate whether they should wait for Ging and Pariston to watch the DVD, however, Cheadle announces that both Ging and Pariston have withdrawn from the Zodiacs. She also says that the V5 has given the association a new assignment: hunt Beyond Netero.[12]

341 - Beyond's proposal to the Zodiacs

Beyond Netero tells the Zodiacs to get in contact with the V5

The Zodiacs watch the second DVD left by the former chairman and listen as he elaborates on the Dark Continent and his son's actions that barred him from entering the continent again until his death. Toward the end of the DVD, the former chairman makes a final request in the guise of a direct order. A discussion concerning the expedition follows and how they should proceed. Cheadle decides since it's an "Order" they will go to the Dark Continent and Saiyu chimes in claiming he's for going to the Dark Continent, but not hunting Beyond. His reasoning is that their goals align with one another so why impede one another. Their discussion continues until they receive a phone call from Beyond himself. The Zodiac meets Beyond, who requests that they call the V5 and tell them they caught him all for a Quid Pro Quo.[13]

As Cheadle interrogates Beyond in his prison cell, the remaining Zodiacs watch from a two-way window and are disconcerted by Beyond's prediction that they'll all journey into the Dark Continent together.[14] The Zodiacs watch as Beyond signs the contract, drafted by the IPA Director, in front of Cheadle.[15] Following the recruitment of the new Boar and Rat, Cheadle holds a meeting with the Zodiacs to introduce them. Cheadle formally starts the meeting explaining how each of the countries in the V5 (now known as V6) held a secret expedition into the Dark Continent and brought back a calamity (that is now known as the Five Threats). She goes onto say that the difficulty of the mission is A, whereas the Chimera Ants were ranked B, and asks if anyone has any questions. Kurapika asks for confirmation of how many allies Beyond has within the association, much to everyone's shock. The meeting stalled for Mizaistom and Kurapika to talk with one another. The meeting congresses when the Rat and Ox finish their clandestine meeting and each of the Zodiacs sum up their preparations for the journey. Saiyu speaks concisely, noting he's certain he can guard Beyond by himself. The meeting adjourns with Cheadle wishing the Zodiacs to strive to make the mission a success.[2]

Chap 348 - Saiyu the Traitor

Saiyu is identified as the traitor by Kurapika

As Mizaistom and Kurapika discuss about the moles sent to take the Hunter Exam, Mizaistom divulges how the Zodiacs were divided into three factions. Saiyu along with Cluck and the Rabbit Pyon were part of the proponents for Reform faction. In an attempt to discover if there's a mole within the Zodiacs, Mizaistom holds another meeting with his fellow Zodiacs (minus the Rat and Boar) and Saiyu brings up the fact that the "newbies" are not in attendance because they are going to discuss bullying them. Though after hearing Mizaistom's announcement, he seems flabbergasted, by hearing a spy may be amongst them. However, unbeknownst to him, Kurapika is using his Dowsing Chain to determine who the mole may be and it's Saiyu.[16]

Succession Contest arc[]

Prerecorded footage shows Saiyu divulging his Nen abilities and how he utilizes them in battle. He also solemnly states that he'll blame the Zodiacs if the information behind his Nen abilities is leaked. Kurapika using his Dowsing Chain discerns that Saiyu is telling the truth about his abilities and is relieved that he does not have to lie. Saiyu is also the only person on Beyond's side. Kurapika also suggests they surreptitiously monitor Saiyu with surveillance cameras and call logs in order to culminate secure evidence of Beyond's allies' plans. And the fact that they're privy to Saiyu's Nen abilities, they can narrow down the possibilities of when he'd try to free Beyond from captivity. Kurapika surmises that the best time of action to arrest Saiyu is before the New Continent festival, so it's best if they procure proof before then, just so they have a solid argument beforehand on why they're arresting him. Mizaistom notes that if he cannot find proof what then, to which, Kurapika would ask the same of him. He believes Mizaistom would have to confess he's an accessory to this as well. Mizaistom then concludes there will be arguments and he'd be criticized for not only conspiring with a newcomer but also the fact he spoke about resolve while it can be considered a pretense for trying to smoke out a spy. Though the balance of the Zodiacs is stronger due to the trust they put with revealing their Nen abilities to their fellow Zodiacs it could very well be ruined due to the Saiyu being arrested on false pretenses.[3]

Chap 359 - Beyond in his cell

Saiyu, Kanzai, and Saccho watching over Beyond

On the day of the departure of the Black Whale, Saiyu, Kanzai, and Saccho stand guard over Beyond's jail cell on Tier 1. Kanzai comments that having three Zodiacs watching Beyond is a waste of personnel and Saiyu mocks him by saying they're better off without the weakest link. Kanzai retorts the comment back at Saiyu and Saccho suggests they talk with Mizai to do guard rotations.[17]

Abilities & Powers[]

Being a Zodiac, Saiyu is one of the best Hunters, and his authority in the Hunter Association is inferior only to Cheadle's. He is very confident in his abilities, boldly challenging Ging, whom Isaac Netero considers one of the world's five most skilled Nen users, in combat, although the fight never occurred.[1] Aside from being a Hunter, Saiyu is also a martial artist, which means he is a competent close-quarters combatant at the very least.[2] Saiyu conjures a staff as his weapon.[3]

Enhanced Speed: Saiyu was fast enough to quickly stop Kanzai from attacking Pariston.[6]

Nen[]

Saiyu was seen stopping Kanzai with a rather long,[6] conjured[3] staff when the latter was about to attack Pariston.[6]

Saiyu's Nen Abilities
Type: Conjuration Priest Staff ((にょ)()(ぼう)()()()()()()(), Nyoi-bō—lit. "Wisdom Rod")
Other Zodiacs stopping Kanzai
Saiyu's weapon of choice is a conjured staff. He can change its length at will, since it was longer than one meter when he stopped Kanzai, but shorter than Saiyu's arm when he described his power to the Zodiacs.
Type: Unknown Three Monkeys (()(びき)()()()()()()()() 3-biki no Saru, lit. "Three Nen Beasts")
Unseen Ability
Saiyu's Nen ability allows him to use three monkeys: Mizaru (ミザル, the see-not monkey—🙈), Kikazaru (キカザル, the hear-not monkey—🙉), and Iwazaru (イワザル, the speak-not monkey—🙊). If their attacks connect, the opponent is deprived of sight, hearing, and speech. Once the target is weakened, Saiyu finishes them off with his staff. This technique, aside from hindering the enemy greatly, also has a strong impact on their mind: according to Saiyu, once somebody who is mentally and physically sound loses three senses, they will be unable to maintain their power active.[3]

Manga Appearances[]

Chimera Ant arc
186. The Queen Absent
187. The Beast Fodder Absent
188. NGL Absent
189. Infiltration Absent
190. The Hunt Absent
191. Pros Absent
192. Human Dog Absent
193. Scissors Absent
194. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 1 Absent
195. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 2 Absent
196. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 3 Absent
197. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 4 Absent
198. Sudden Attack Absent
199. Light and Shadow Absent
200. Stipulation Absent
201. Reunion Absent
202. Duel Absent
203. Gyro Absent
204. Gyro's Story Absent
205. Time Remaining Absent
206. A Real Fight Absent
207. Weakness: Part 1 Absent
208. Weakness: Part 2 Absent
209. ? Absent
210. Weakness: Part 3 Absent
211. Loan Shark Absent
212. Water Breaking Absent
213. Birth Absent
214. Results Absent
215. Last Words Absent
216. Republic of East Gorteau Absent
217. Meat Orchard Absent
218. Confession Absent
219. Awakening Absent
220. Reunion: Part 1 Absent
221. Reunion: Part 2 Absent
222. Reunion: Part 3 Absent
223. 10: Part 1 Absent
224. 10: Part 2 Absent
225. 10: Part 3 Absent
226. 10: Part 4 Absent
227. 10: Part 5 Absent
228. 10: Part 6 Absent
229. 10: Part 7 Absent
230. 9: Part 1 Absent
231. 9: Part 2 Absent
232. 9: Part 3 Absent
233. 9: Part 4 Absent
234. 9: Part 5 Absent
235. 8: Part 1 Absent
236. 8: Part 2 Absent
237. 8: Part 3 Absent
238. 8: Part 4 Absent
239. 8: Part 5 Absent
240. 8: Part 6 Absent
241. 8: Part 7 Absent
242. 7: Part 1 Absent
243. 7: Part 2 Absent
244. 6: Part 1 Absent
245. 6: Part 2 Absent
246. 6: Part 3 Absent
247. 6: Part 4 Absent
248. 6: Part 5 Absent
249. 6: Part 6 Absent
250. 6: Part 7 Absent
251. 6: Part 8 Absent
252. 6: Part 9 Absent
253. 6: Part 10 Absent
254. 6: Part 11 Absent
255. 5: Part 1 to 2: Part 1 Absent
256. 2: Part 2 Absent
257. 1: Part 1 Absent
258. 1: Part 2 Absent
259. 1: Part 3 Absent
260. 1: Part 4 Absent
261. Charge: Part 1 Absent
262. Charge: Part 2 Absent
263. Charge: Part 3 Absent
264. Charge: Part 4 Absent
265. Charge: Part 5 Absent
266. "In the Unlikely Event Of..." Absent
267. Activation Absent
268. The King Absent
269. Adversity Is a Good Thing Absent
270. Indebted To Absent
271. Separation Absent
272. Error Absent
273. We Meet Again Absent
274. Solution Absent
275. Promise Absent
276. Missileman Absent
277. Insult Absent
278. Destruction Absent
279. Escape Absent
280. Direct Hit Absent
281. Godspeed Absent
282. Sealed Area Absent
283. Determination Absent
284. Fifteen Minutes Absent
285. Doubles Absent
286. Core Absent
287. Present State Absent
288. Accolade Absent
289. Terms Absent
290. Name Absent
291. Soliloquy Absent
292. Hidden Agenda Absent
293. Metamorphosis Absent
294. Breakdown Absent
295. Determination Absent
296. Admission Absent
297. The Last Absent
298. Rose Absent
299. Regeneration Absent
300. Insurance Absent
301. Memory Absent
302. Target Absent
303. Pain Absent
304. Magic Absent
305. Sorry Absent
306. Relief Absent
307. Loss Absent
308. Flash Absent
309. Game Absent
310. Action Absent
311. Deadline Absent
312. Resolve Absent
313. One Word Absent
314. Persuasion Absent
315. Home Absent
316. Real Name Absent
317. Answer Absent
318. Final Will Debut
13th Hunter Chairman Election arc
319. Lottery Appears
320. Voting Appears
321. Monster Appears
322. Siblings Absent
323. Job Offer Appears
324. Butler Absent
325. Joining the Fray Appears
326. Open Hostilities Absent
327. Riddle Absent
328. Arrangements Absent
329. Spy Absent
330. Confession Absent
331. Day of Reckoning Appears
332. Applause Absent
333. Rumble Absent
334. Total Defeat Appears
335. Decision Appears
336. Release Absent
337. Repentance Absent
338. Atop a Tree Absent
339. Stillness Absent
Dark Continent Expedition arc
340. Special Mission Appears
341. Threats Appears
342. Challenge Appears
343. Invitation Absent
344. Author Absent
345. Signature Appears
346. Options Appears
347. Inauguration Absent
348. Resolve Appears
Succession Contest arc
349. Worm Toxin Appears
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 Appears
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 Absent
373. Inheritance Absent
374. Ability Absent
375. Persuasion Absent
376. Determination Absent
377. Scheme Absent
378. Balance Absent
379. Collaboration Absent
380. Alarm Absent
381. Predation Absent
382. Awakening Absent
383. Escape Absent
384. War Absent
385. Warning Absent
386. Hypothesis Absent
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 Absent

Quotes[]

  • "I use three Nen monkeys: see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. Any idiot would get it."[3]

Trivia[]

  • Saiyu's name comes from "Saiyuki" (西遊記, Saiyūki), the Japanese language title of the Chinese classic "Journey to the West". His design is based on the Monkey King from the same novel.

Intertextuality and References[]

  • Saiyu refers to his staff as a nyoibo. In the Dragon Ball series, Goku's staff is a nyoibo as well. Both staves have the ability to extend and are based on Sun Wukong's staff from the aforementioned novel.
  • Saiyu's Nen ability is a direct reference to the three wise monkeys.

Translations around the World[]

Language Name
The Arab world Flag Arabic ساييو
Thailand Flag Thai ไซยู (Sịyū)

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 319
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 346
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 349
  4. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 318
  5. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 320
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 321
  7. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 323
  8. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 325
  9. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 329
  10. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 32, Chapter 331
  11. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 32, Chapter 335
  12. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 32, Chapter 340
  13. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 341
  14. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 342
  15. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 345
  16. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 348
  17. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 34, Chapter 359

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