Hunter x Hunter Chapter 404: Kurapika Discovers Zhang Lei’s Guardian Spirit Beast as Halkenburg Initiates His Strategy

The latest installment of Hunter x Hunter, Chapter 404, titled “Speculation,”was unveiled on Monday, October 28, 2024, in Japan. This chapter delves into Halkenburg’s escalating desperation to fulfill his ambitions. His commitment to his aspirations is profound, pushing him to consider perilous actions, even at the risk of his own existence. Moreover, his cunning nature surfaces as he adeptly navigates the loopholes inherent in the Succession War.

In the preceding chapter, readers witnessed Benjamin’s attempt to eliminate Halkenburg through Balsamilco, a mission that ultimately failed. It was also disclosed that Halkenburg is the offspring of Queen Unma, who had gone to great lengths to shield him from his siblings by disguising his true identity.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead!

Halkenburg’s Sacrifice for Victory in Hunter x Hunter Chapter 404

Kurapika Gains Insight into Zhang Lei’s Power

Zhang Lei in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

In this chapter, Kurapika is tasked with analyzing coins created by Zhang Lei’s Guardian Spirit Beast. He observes that currency is meant to circulate, suggesting the possibility of varied designs as the coins change hands. His hypothesis is validated when he discovers one of the coins Zhang Lei distributed has a different design than expected.

Zhang Lei then presents a coin that has mysteriously shifted its value from one to ten. He is eager to determine whether it will alter again, prompting Kurapika to reluctantly accept the coin, fully aware that it triggers a semi-coercive manipulation capability. However, Kurapika deduces that since the Nen contained within the coin has been dormant for just ten days, it won’t compel him to commit murder.

He notes that the coins produced daily undergo changes after a ten-day period, showcasing Zhang Lei’s strategic foresight. This ability could become an invaluable tool when Zhang Lei assumes the throne.

Kurapika and Zhang Lei in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

As Kurapika receives the coin, he observes its design alters yet again, leading him to conclude that a change in ownership resets its features. When he returns it, the coin transforms but does not revert to its former designation.

Kurapika deduces that Zhang Lei’s Guardian Spirit Beast possesses a cumulative conjuration ability, allowing the stacking of Nen over time. He speculates that once the coin count hits a quintillion in six months, they could be utilized for Nen, though he refrains from mentioning that the Guardian Spirit Beast will require a price in the form of pseudo-coercive loyalty to Zhang Lei. Kurapika is also cognizant that there ought to have been two coins with a ten-denomination, but one has already been taken by Coventoba.

Further into the narrative of Chapter 404, Zhang Lei expresses his concern for both Kurapika and Woble’s well-being, though his true intention lies in gathering strategic information. Kurapika realizes that while their alliance holds potential benefits, it bears significant risks, particularly since Zhang Lei is affiliated with a mafia family. He plays a critical role in maintaining power alongside Luzurus and Tserriednich.

Kurapika contemplates how Benjamin might exploit tensions among the trio to establish dominance, potentially attempting to assassinate one of them while framing a mafia family for the act.

Halkenburg’s Strategy

Halkenburg as Balsamilco in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

As the plot unfolds, Hunter x Hunter Chapter 404 shifts to Prince Halkenburg, who finds himself in a comatose state. His consciousness has been transferred into the body of Balsamilco. Halkenburg shares his plan to stay conscious long enough to secure victory in the Succession War. He informs Benjamin about his imminent demise while posing as Balsamilco.

Halkenburg reminisces about a previous experiment that involved Shikaku and Sumidori, where Shikaku’s mind was implanted in Sumidori’s body. This experiment illuminated the fact that only one consciousness can dominate at any given time, with the dominant personality taking precedence. After the host’s death, the consciousness of the victim can return to reclaim control.

Therefore, once Halkenburg’s body expires, Balsamilco’s consciousness would revert to its original form. To solidify his control over Balsamilco’s body, Halkenburg plans to consume sleeping pills, granting him a window of approximately ten hours to emerge victorious in the Succession War before relinquishing his hold.

Halkenburg’s End

Halkenburg on his deathbed in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

The chapter culminates with all the princes depicted, showing Zhang Lei meticulously examining his coins, while Camilla appears to be leisure. Conversely, Tserriednich is seen intensely training, working towards mastering Zetsu in under a second.

Kurapika engages in discussions with Bill, Babimyna, Furykov, and others, having learned that Camilla plans to attend class the next day with her guards. He expresses concern about the potential for her to target Woble, stressing the importance of keeping Woble separate from her guards.

Meanwhile, Halkenburg’s body succumbs to death. His final wishes include a public acknowledgment of his passing, a farewell message for his supporters, and a plea for his personal guards to carry his coffin. Aware of the potential backlash from Halkenburg’s supporters, Benjamin instructs Balsamilco to comply with these requests.

During the public announcement in Chapter 404, characters Feitan, Phinks, and Nobunaga are portrayed, showing indifference towards Halkenburg’s passing as they make their way to the Heil-Ly hideout to confront the mafia family. However, before taking action, they plan to confer with the other two families regarding their intentions.

Concluding Thoughts

Chapter 404 of Hunter x Hunter masterfully depicts the lengths to which a character like Halkenburg, despite seemingly noble aspirations, is willing to go to achieve his goals. The tension throughout the chapter leaves readers anxiously anticipating the next issue, particularly with the multitude of assassination plots foreshadowed. Halkenburg has gained significant popularity among fans, making his storyline one of the most gripping, especially as he grapples with the urgency of fulfilling his mission within a mere ten-hour window.

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