On October 7, 2024, the latest chapter of Hunter x Hunter, numbered 401 and titled “Moonlight,”made its debut in Japan. This new installment advances the Succession War arc and features pivotal discussions between Kurapika and Longhi, with Longhi disclosing vital insights regarding Beyond Netero’s scheme to dominate the Succession War.
This action-packed manga continues to captivate fans, largely due to the unwavering commitment of its creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, who has persevered with the series despite facing health challenges. Consequently, enthusiasts have eagerly awaited this chapter for an extended period.
The previous chapter, which came out in December 2022, portrayed Phinks, Feitan, and Nobunaga on a quest to locate the Heil-Ly hideout. Simultaneously, Izunavi pondered having Prince Tyson’s book reviewed by the king to help resolve the ongoing Succession War.
Meanwhile, Kacho’s Guardian Spirit Beast sought Melody’s assistance to safeguard Fugetsu and endorse her as king, although Fugetsu’s health continued to deteriorate due to the presence of malevolent spirits. Ultimately, Kurapika’s decision to ally with the Fifth Prince Tubeppa was unveiled.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.
In Hunter x Hunter Chapter 401, Kurapika opts to join forces with Longhi after learning her story
Longhi discloses her identity
The events of Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 unfold on a Tuesday, marking the tenth day at 11:45 AM. Longhi, a guard of Prince Tubeppa, enters room 1014 under the watchful eye of Furykov, who speculates whether she will confirm her identity as a Nen user.
Longhi acknowledges her status as a Nen user and disclaims any involvement in the snake incident. Subsequently, she introduces her ability known as the Transparent Words-Moonlight Act, which allows her to bestow or limit powers to those who enter a time-restricted contract with her willingly and fully informed.
She then suggests a partnership between Kurapika and Tubeppa, asserting that the contract will enable her to fulfill her true ambitions. Frustrated by her ambiguous statements, Kurapika aims a gun at her in a threatening manner.
Remarkably unfazed, Longhi clarifies that, as a Nen user, she would not be harmed by a bullet and emphasizes that she is required to disclose complete truths due to the stipulations of her abilities. Furthermore, aligning with her would grant Kurapika enhanced potential.
In a shocking twist, she reveals a significant secret: she is the daughter of Beyond Netero.
Beyond Netero’s elaborate scheme
Within this chapter, Longhi elaborates on the meticulously devised plan of Beyond. Three decades prior, he persuaded young Kakin officers to enter sham marriages and subsequently raise his children, who were then positioned in the Royal Military Academy. This manipulation occurred every time a new Prince was born, with Beyond strategizing to shape his children into the Princes’ Royal Guards.
Curiosity set in when Longhi realized she did not inherit characteristics typical of her adoptive father. Her suspicions heightened after she overheard a conversation between Beyond and her biological father.
Longhi discovered that Beyond’s children, whose Nen capabilities were activated at birth, became unwitting victims of his Nen assaults. With the aid of her half-sister Mahako, she unearthed a disturbing reality: they were burdened with a potent and malignant Nen that manifests after death.
Beyond’s objective was to create these offspring to neutralize the Princes and conclude the Succession War. Although Longhi remains uncertain about the specific assassinations intended for each Prince, it is apparent that one of the Princes is indeed Beyond’s child, with Beyond desiring their ascension to the throne.
Amid the stunned reactions, Kurapika queries Queen Oito about the regulations governing participation in the Succession War. Oito clarifies that only the legitimate offspring of King Nasubi are permitted to compete, but they do not necessarily need to be his biological children.
Longhi unveils her true objective
Throughout chapter 401, Longhi clarifies that Prince Tubeppa’s contract will represent a peace agreement with Queen Oito and Prince Woble. This pact forbids any hostilities among the Queens, Princes, and Royal Guards, requiring renewal every Sunday through Tubeppa’s representative. Breaching this contract could result in one week of enforced Zetsu.
Additionally, Longhi stipulates that before Tubeppa withdraws from the Succession War or only two heirs remain, it is imperative to identify Beyond’s progeny. Should none of the Princes be Beyond’s offspring, or if other criteria established by Longhi remain unmet, the contract becomes void, granting Kurapika a one-time utilization of her abilities. However, if Tubeppa revokes the agreement, the stipulation will lapse, although Kurapika retains the option to collaborate with Longhi on a new contract.
Longhi then confesses her ultimate goal: to find and eliminate Beyond’s child if they are a Prince. She acknowledges that she might never have reached this stage if Beyond had shared his plans with her.
As they exit the room, Furykov finds it intriguing that no physical or Nen confrontation occurred, while he notes tears in Longhi’s eyes. He also perceives a subtle shift in Kurapika’s aura but cannot ascertain the reason. Doubting that the treaty with Tubeppa has been formalized, Furykov considers revealing the situation but ultimately decides against it, as the odds are not in his favor.
Beyond Netero makes an appearance
In the concluding segment of chapter 401, readers witness Beyond Netero shackled and under tight surveillance by Kanzai. Beyond solicits a book, but Kanzai denies his request and advises him instead to reread his current book or compose one of his own.
For safety reasons, Beyond is not permitted to have writing tools, yet he jests that he could use his lengthy beard and blood for writing. He further threatens Kanzai with the potential use of the book in his grasp as a weapon. Afterwards, Beyond expresses his wish to have a discussion with someone and inquires if that person could be summoned to him.
Concluding reflections
In summary, chapter 401 of Hunter x Hunter remains largely dialogue-driven, with minimal action but significant plot advancements. Togashi skillfully uses this conversation to unveil critical revelations that promise to impact the Succession War arc profoundly. A major takeaway is that Beyond Nafetero has successfully infiltrated the Kakin Royal Family.
Moreover, it is disclosed that the children of Nasubi’s legal wives—who need not necessarily be his biological offspring—are eligible to participate in the Succession War. This raises compelling questions regarding the Prince believed to be Beyond’s child and whether there exist additional Princes who might also be Beyond’s offspring, considering his shrewdness.
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