Hunter × Hunter chapter 243: The Perfect Partner — what is in it
Chimera Ant arc · 16 pages · 29 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter number 243 is displayed at the top right. The ability activation involves physical contact via handshake. A small bird is present in the forest setting.
The third ability is named "God's Accomplice." Perfect Plan remains active during contact. The bird serves as proof that the ability affects living creatures.
Meleoron possesses an ability that allows unnoticed approach to enemies The ability is proposed for use against the king Meleoron is actively seeking a partner capable of a fatal blow The scene takes place indoors among many books
Meleoron previously sent subordinates to attack Gon for testing Gon used a Janken Rock technique during the encounter Meleoron no longer considers the attackers his comrades Meleoron plans to contact a potential partner for Gon
Meleoron states that his ability is not invincible and is actually fragile. Gon concludes that he trusts Meleoron after careful observation. The conversation takes place in a forest clearing at night or dusk. Meleoron reveals concern about being hit by attacks despite being undetectable.
Meleoron's ability can be detected by the 'en' technique when he is invisible. Other division commanders are aware of the limits of Meleoron's ability. Meleoron ranks his own fighting ability as the lowest among chimera ants. A cell phone is shown and referenced during the conversation.
Gon is speaking on a phone call The spiky-haired man references a failed plan Peijing is under siege by the boss's ability Five million people are mentioned as potential victims
In a dark void, Gon faces Meleoron as swirling black energy erupts around them. Meleoron shouts "THE THIRD ABILITY!!" while Gon calls out "ACTIVATE!!". The two clasp hands firmly. Close-up panels show Gon's focused profile, Meleoron's wide-eyed surprise, and intense reaction shots. The scene shifts to a forest clearing where a small bird perches on a branch. Gon and Meleoron, still holding hands, watch the bird closely. Meleoron points at the bird while Gon observes with a serious expression. Motion lines and impact shapes emphasize the activation of the ability.
GonMeleoron
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Meleoron stares in surprise at the bird, which remains perched without flying away. Gon points at the bird and notes "IT'S NOT TRYING TO FLY AWAY AT ALL...?". Meleoron realizes "THIS MEANS...". A glowing bird silhouette appears in the background. Meleoron explains "THIS IS MY THIRD ABILITY, "GOD'S ACCOMPLICE." Gon responds "EXACTLY." and questions "I WAS USING "PERFECT PLAN" TOO!?". A large panel shows a hand making a peace sign with the text ""PERFECT PLAN" IS CARRIED OVER!!" and "IF I TOUCH ANYTHING WHILE "PERFECT PLAN" IS ACTIVATED...". Gon and Meleoron continue their conversation in the forest.
GonMeleoron
02
Gon stares intently as Meleoron explains the power. "The greatness of this ability? Do you understand..." Meleoron leans forward with an intense grin, eyes wide and finger pointing straight ahead. "You can go right up to an enemy and attack without being noticed at all!! If you use this ability..." A small "Gulp" sound effect appears near Gon. Meleoron continues, "We can strike his weakpoint with the strongest critical hit and defeat him!! No matter how strong the king is..." Gon looks on with a bead of sweat, visibly tense. In a large bottom panel, Meleoron sits casually atop piles of books and scattered volumes, tail curled, holding up a playing card. "A guy who can dish out an unprecedented fatal blow to that bastard king!! You're the partner I've been looking for!!!!"
GonMeleoron
03
Meleoron recounts past events while sitting in a forest clearing. "They were guys who’d kill humans for pleasure whenever I wasn’t supervising them... Ah, you don’t need to worry about them, yeah? I had them attack you to test out your skills, but they were..." He adds, "Janken Rock-!!" thingy. "I saw it, Gon. Your... The opponent was one of my men." Gon reacts with shock, eyes wide and mouth open. Meleoron continues, "...Well, from their point of view, I guess I’m the one that’s weird, yeah? I don’t think of them as subordinates or comrades anymore..." Gon stares silently with "....." Meleoron suggests, "I know someone better suited for the job. About being your partner..." Gon replies simply, "Yup. You have someone in mind, huh?" A small "Hmm?" floats near Gon. The final wide panel shows a starry night sky with two large bubbles: "WAIT!!" and "I’LL CONTACT HIM."
MeleoronGon
04
In the forest clearing, Gon faces Meleoron and speaks earnestly. "However, trusting you and trusting somebody that you trust is a totally different matter!!" he declares. Meleoron listens with wide eyes as Gon continues, "Because after carefully observing and talking to you, 'I trust Gon' is the conclusion I came to." Gon asks, "Do you get what I'm saying?" Meleoron responds, "Even if you betray my trust in the future, I won't bear a grudge. I trust you — which means..." Gon replies, "'No one can sense my presence' means that..." Meleoron explains, "See... 'perfect plan' is most certainly not an invincible ability. In fact, it's rather fragile. I'm putting my life on the line here, you know?" Gon nods, "Hmmm... I get what you're saying but..." Meleoron clenches his hands together and states, "Which means that if an enemy attacks, I'll still be hit!!" He adds, "'Even though no one can sense me, I'm still existing there' ...!!" Gon reacts with surprise, "AH... I see...!" Meleoron asks, "They'd probably start attacking everywhere randomly, right? What would someone do if they knew there was an enemy with an ability like mine approaching?"
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Meleoron continues explaining his ability to Gon. "I need them to think 'as long as I use 'en' I'll be okay'... In regards to my ability," he says. He adds, "When I'm simply invisible, I can be detected by 'en.' It's been proven, and the other division commanders know this as well." Meleoron states, "I'm not being modest. My fighting ability is the worst among the worst of the chimeras, on par with a labor ant. Even if it was a pure fluke, I can be taken out with that one attack." Gon listens intently. Meleoron declares, "It can be invincible...!! Because 'nobody knows about my ability'..." A close-up shows a cell phone being held. Meleoron says, "I'd rather not have anyone else know about my ability. It took a while for me to get there, but my point is that..." Gon reacts with shock, "HUH? You can see for yourself." Meleoron concludes, "Even if it's someone you have absolute faith in."
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Gon shouts excitedly into his phone, 'YOOO!! I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOUR CALL, PUNK!! YOU DID IT!!' He demands to know the caller's location right now because he has tons of questions to ask. The spiky-haired man on the other end replies that whether the contact is worthy of trust can be judged from a distance and that he will call him without mentioning anything about Gon. The man continues, 'OUR PLAN COMPLETELY FELL APART BUT I SUPPORT WHAT YOU GUYS DID!!' and adds that the boss is moving under their cover. In a nighttime cityscape lit by bright flares, a long-haired figure perched on a minaret with a large telescope-like device states, 'WE CAN'T JUST SIT AROUND AND LET THEM SLAUGHTER 5 MILLION PEOPLE.' Another voice notes, 'BOSS IS PUTTING PEIJING UNDER SIEGE WITH HIS ABILITY.'
Gonspiky-haired man with phonelong-haired figure with telescope
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Gon listens intently with wide eyes as the conversation continues. The spiky-haired man explains that once the time to execute the plan comes around, the royal guards will have no strength left to fight against one of them, forcing the boss and Novu-san to concentrate all their power to tie down Neferpitou from now on. In a forest clearing, Gon runs forward while exclaiming 'RIGHT RIGHT!' as another speaker notes that the remote-control selection by Neferpitou will probably cease, leaving Neferpitou with no resources to disperse the ability. A large bird-like creature with sharp eyes appears, stating their situation has not improved at all because the threat of a massacre remains high and people are still gathering in the capital for the national assembly. The creature adds that it is impossible to contact the chairman now and that until the plan is executed, the boss will be concentrating on sharpening his claws somewhere.
Gonspiky-haired manlarge bird-like creature
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A massive bird-like creature with enormous wings soars through a stormy sky filled with swirling clouds and a brilliant burst of light. Below, a bald man with a topknot sits cross-legged in deep meditation inside a rocky alcove, hands clasped before him. The landscape stretches into misty mountains and rugged terrain. In a dramatic close-up, a stern, wrinkled face with closed eyes and a furrowed brow fills the frame, conveying intense focus and resolve.
meditating bald man with topknotstern wrinkled-faced man
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Gon, Killua, and a tall man with a patterned collar stand together against a dark background. The tall man declares with a serious expression, "THE FOUR OF US MUST DECIDE!!" Killua, arms crossed, responds about whether to call in new reinforcements or take on the three royal guards by themselves. Gon listens intently with wide eyes in a close-up panel. The tall man suggests, "TRY CALLING HIM." In a smaller panel, someone notes, "I SEE. SO THAT KID'S DOING THIS ON HIS OWN, EH?" Another voice adds, "I HEAR KILLUA'S OPINION ON THIS MATTER." A masked figure states, "...HE'S NOT HERE." In the forest, Gon, Killua, and a bespectacled character discuss the situation. Killua says, "CAN'T GET THROUGH. IT MUST BE TURNED OFF OR SOMETHING." The bespectacled character replies, "YEAH? JUST KEEP TRYING TILL YOU GET THROUGH." The masked figure questions, "WHAT? YOU GUYS ARE ACTING SEPARATELY?"
GonKilluatall man with patterned collarmasked figurebespectacled character
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Two figures confer beneath leafy branches. The uniformed man lowers his hand from his chin and says, "Anyway, let's meet up. The sooner the better." The ponytail-wearing companion replies, "Then shall we meet at the halfway point between our present locations?" A small voice answers, "Okay." The scene shifts to a glowing handheld device displaying a grid map labeled with locations including Mandai City. Gon leans in, eyes wide, and declares, "...Here. MANDAI CITY...!!!" In a forest clearing, Gon crouches with fingers steepled, focused. Below him a small spotted creature leaps forward with a triumphant cry of "CHECK."
The octopus-like fighter looms over a game board, one tentacle raised, and announces, "IT'S CHECK-MATE." Tiles and captured pieces lie scattered on the ground beside the low table. In a wide indoor view the same octopus character sits across from a kneeling opponent. A close-up reveals the sweating, wide-eyed man with clenched teeth asking, "WHY DIDN'T YOU CONCEDE?"
octopus-like fightersweating defeated man
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The spotted boy stares ahead with wide eyes and a slightly open mouth as a small exclamation mark appears beside him. His expression shifts to confusion as he says, "HUH?" followed by a trailing silence. A helmeted figure with a large segmented headpiece leans in close, holding a small black rectangular object, and declares, "THE OUTCOME HAD ALREADY BEEN DECIDED 22 MOVES AGO, RIGHT? DO NOT MAKE ME REPEAT MYSELF." The boy suddenly clutches his head in pain, body twisting as impact lines burst around him with the sounds "ACK!" "OW! OUCH!" In close-up the boy sweats heavily, murmuring "UH... OW..." while the helmeted figure glares and asks, "DID YOU THINK I WOULD MAKE A MISTAKE? WHY DIDN'T YOU GIVE UP THEN?" The helmeted figure swings violently, sending the boy flying through the air with arms and legs flailing amid motion lines and the cries "AAAHHH AHH!" "AHH AHH!" A final large panel shows the boy sprawled on the ground as a voice declares, "FOOLISH."
spotted boyhelmeted figure
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A hand holds a rectangular game board with circular pieces while a voice explains, "IT LOOKS SIMPLE AT FIRST, BUT IS ACTUALLY VERY COMPLEX. IT MAY POSSIBLY REQUIRE A LITTLE MORE TIME THAN SHOGI." In another room a long-haired person sits cross-legged holding "THE RULE BOOK" and states, "NEXT IS THE DOMESTIC CHAMPION OF GO." A muscular man stands in a doorway as desperate cries echo from off-panel: "SOME-BODY!!! HELP MEEE~~~" and "PLEASE!! LET ME GO!! WHO THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS...!?" The helmeted figure turns and says, "YOU ARE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE KING." A short-haired person with glasses looks up in shock, sweat visible, while another panel shows the muscular man standing over a fallen figure with the sound effect "DOOM." The short-haired person's eyes widen in a close-up as tension fills the room.
long-haired personhelmeted figuremuscular manshort-haired person with glassesstriped-arm person
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In a cluttered room with scattered books, cushions, and electronic equipment, a boy with short dark hair stands in the foreground, looking toward the scene ahead. On the floor lies a person face-down in a pool of dark liquid, motionless. Nearby, another figure sits cross-legged on a cushion with a laptop open in front of them. A tall man with light hair stands nearby, hands clasped. A large speech bubble from the standing man reads, "CHOOSE ONE OR THE OTHER." The view shifts to a close-up of a stern-faced character wearing a distinctive hat, eyes narrowed intensely. Speech bubbles declare, "OR DIE." and "EITHER SIT DOWN IN FRONT OF ME IMMEDIATELY..." A small black oval object rests alone in a white panel below.
short-haired boylight-haired standing manhat-wearing stern characterprone injured figureseated laptop user
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A large title splash displays the HUNTER × HUNTER logo with credits for NEXGEAR and website links. Below, a muscular bald man with a small topknot sits cross-legged on the floor in a meditative pose, hands clasped together in front of his chest, eyes closed in concentration.
muscular bald man with topknot
End of chapter16 pages
Discussion
Neferpitou's remote-control selection is discussed Royal guards will be occupied when plan executes National assembly gathering is occurring in capital Contact with chairman is currently impossible
A large winged creature flies across a bright, cloudy sky. A bald man meditates in a stone alcove. A close-up shows a stern face with closed eyes.
Gon, Killua, and a tall man discuss calling reinforcements or facing royal guards. A masked figure confirms someone is not present. Gon attempts to contact someone by phone in the forest. The group debates acting separately.
A map device highlights Mandai City. Gon reacts to the map location. A small creature announces check during a game.
Octopus character wins the board game. Opponent shows visible distress after defeat.
The spotted boy is physically struck on the head during the exchange. A small black rectangular object appears in the helmeted figure's hand. The confrontation occurs indoors with visible floor and wall details. The helmeted figure wears segmented armor-like headgear.
A shogi or go game is being discussed with visible boards and pieces. The helmeted figure refers to a king whose presence is announced. Multiple characters are gathered in a room with books and game materials. A person has been knocked down near the muscular man.
A prone figure lies in dark liquid on the floor. A boy approaches the confrontation area. A stern character in a hat delivers a direct threat. The room contains scattered books, cushions, and electronics.
Chapter title page features the Hunter × Hunter logo. A bald muscular character is shown in a seated meditative pose.
What is said, page by page
Meleoron shouts the activation of the third ability with dramatic emphasis. Gon commands the ability to activate while facing Meleoron. Unreadable SFX and reaction symbols appear around the energy effect.
Gon observes that the bird is not trying to fly away. Meleoron concludes the meaning of the bird's behavior. Meleoron names his third ability "God's Accomplice." Gon confirms the ability name and questions his own use of Perfect Plan. Narration states that Perfect Plan is carried over when touching anything during activation.
Meleoron asks if Gon understands the greatness of the ability Meleoron describes attacking an enemy unnoticed with the ability Meleoron explains striking the king’s weakpoint for a critical hit Meleoron declares Gon is the partner he has been seeking
Meleoron admits he had subordinates attack Gon to test skills Meleoron mentions seeing Gon’s Janken Rock technique Meleoron states he no longer sees the attackers as comrades Meleoron offers to contact someone better suited as Gon’s partner Gon acknowledges that Meleoron has someone in mind
Gon explains the difference between trusting someone directly versus through another person, stressing the deeper meaning of his trust in Meleoron. Meleoron affirms his trust in Gon and states he will not hold a grudge even if betrayed later. Meleoron describes his ability as fragile rather than invincible and notes he is risking his life. Meleoron points out that enemies would attack randomly if they sensed an unseen threat like his ability.
Meleoron explains that his invisibility can still be detected by 'en' and that other commanders know this weakness. Meleoron admits his combat ability is among the weakest of the chimera ants. Meleoron emphasizes that the true strength of his ability comes from no one knowing about it. Meleoron states he prefers to keep his ability secret even from those he trusts completely.
Gon shouts excitedly into phone about waiting for the call and success spiky-haired man discusses judging trust from distance and not mentioning Gon spiky-haired man states plan fell apart but offers support spiky-haired man reports boss moving under cover long-haired figure declares they cannot allow slaughter of five million voice states boss is putting Peijing under siege with ability
spiky-haired man explains royal guards will have no strength left when plan executes spiky-haired man states boss and Novu-san must concentrate power on Neferpitou voice notes remote-control selection will cease Gon exclaims 'RIGHT RIGHT!' in agreement large bird creature says situation has not improved large bird creature mentions massacre threat and national assembly gathering large bird creature states it is impossible to contact chairman large bird creature warns boss is sharpening claws somewhere
Tall man with patterned collar states: THE FOUR OF US MUST DECIDE!! (serious, decisive mood) Killua discusses options: WHETHER WE'RE GOING TO CALL IN NEW REINFORCEMENTS... OR TAKE ON THE THREE ROYAL GUARDS BY OURSELVES...!!! (strategic, intense) Tall man suggests: TRY CALLING HIM. (calm suggestion) Unseen speaker observes: I SEE. SO THAT KID'S DOING THIS ON HIS OWN, EH? (realization) Masked figure reports: I HEAR KILLUA'S OPINION ON THIS MATTER. ...HE'S NOT HERE. (informative) Killua notes: CAN'T GET THROUGH. IT MUST BE TURNED OFF OR SOMETHING. (frustrated) Bespectacled character advises: YEAH? JUST KEEP TRYING TILL YOU GET THROUGH. (encouraging) Masked figure asks: WHAT? YOU GUYS ARE ACTING SEPARATELY? (surprised)
uniformed man proposes meeting soon ponytail companion suggests halfway point small voice agrees Gon identifies Mandai City on map Gon calls check
octopus character declares checkmate defeated man questions why opponent did not concede
Spotted boy reacts with surprise: "HUH?" Helmeted figure states the game was already over twenty-two moves ago and demands no repetition. Spotted boy groans in pain after being struck. Helmeted figure questions why the boy did not concede earlier. Spotted boy screams while being thrown across the room. Unseen speaker calls the boy "FOOLISH."
Voice describes the complexity of the game and compares it to shogi. Long-haired person announces the next domestic champion of go while holding the rule book. Desperate off-panel voice begs for help. Another voice pleads to be released and asks who the captors are. Helmeted figure declares the listener is in the presence of the king. Short-haired person with glasses remains silent in shock.
Light-haired standing man issues an ultimatum: choose one or the other. Hat-wearing character threatens death as the alternative. Hat-wearing character demands the listener sit down immediately in front of him.