Day 12: 9th Prince's Funeral

In a library, several characters discuss Fugetsu's condition. A woman insists Fugetsu is absolutely essential and would not survive without her, while another notes she must not worry. A man wonders if Fugetsu is using extra energy, and others observe she is fast asleep and needs rest until she wakes naturally. The 11th Prince is mentioned as doing fine. A suited man with glasses states the funeral will likely be held grandly to avoid public backlash and suggests whether the 9th Prince's death was suicide or assassination by the 1st Prince. In a hallway, guards stand watch as officials walk; a voice says preparations should be perfected and they will wait until the funeral concludes. The final panels show an empty corridor and a door labeled 302.

A stern man with spiky hair glares forward, brows furrowed and eyes wide with intensity. Below, sequential panels capture the same man shifting expressions: neutral gaze, rubbing his eyes and face, then standing before a mirror while another figure watches from the side. Close-up details follow of a finger inserting a contact lens, a hand adjusting hair, a tube of lipstick, and a pencil sketching a line. The sequence concludes with the calm face of a young woman with short wavy hair and large eyes staring directly ahead.

The short-haired woman in a maid uniform stands with hands clasped, speaking to an older maid. Speech bubbles detail their conversation: the woman notes the situation changed after the 9th Prince's death yet the plan continues, admits her maid persona is the real self while her captain-of-the-guards identity was a mask, and the older woman agrees a new Nen exorcist must be found quickly. Further bubbles discuss separating rooms to avoid the 14th Prince's curse accumulating and the possibility of touching targets. The woman's eyes spiral with intensity as she declares she will wring their necks and kill them on the spot. In the final panel a figure exits through a doorway, saying they are off and asking that Mako be made successor if needed.

A sign marks the room as 1014. Inside, several stern men in dark suits stand in a row, their expressions grim and watchful. One panel shows a spacious room where a young child sits beside a baby in a rocking crib; a tall man in a black suit bearing an H emblem stands nearby. Next to him appears a composed woman with wavy hair and a young man in a jacket. Another panel shows a man with a scar standing with arms crossed beside a younger man. At the bottom, three men in formal suits stand outside double doors, one with arms crossed and another with a stern gaze.

In a large hall, a short-haired woman in a dark suit addresses a gathered group. A box states "2ND TRAINING SESSION. CURRENT PARTICIPANTS: 18." She explains, "...WE HASTILY INCREASED THE CAPACITY AND DECIDED TO SPLIT IT INTO AN INTRODUCTORY CLASS AND A BEGINNER CLASS, HOWEVER..." and "...SINCE THERE WERE SEVERAL PEOPLE WHO WISHED TO CONTINUE TAKING THE COURSE AND LEVEL UP..." The group includes men, women, and children in formal and casual attire, with two figures in padded jackets standing prominently. Smaller panels detail the training rules: "THE BEGINNER CLASS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO ONE MONTH, BUT OF COURSE, YOU ARE FREE TO QUIT HALFWAY THROUGH." "I WANT YOU TO CONFIRM BY PHONE WHETHER OR NOT THEY WISH TO ADD ONE MORE PERSON." "FOR THE BEGINNER CLASS, ONE PER WEEK! I PROMISE TO HAVE YOU MASTER THE BASICS OF THE FOUR MAJOR PRINCIPLES." A close-up shows the woman declaring, "FOR THE INTRODUCTORY CLASS, A TWO-WEEK TRAINING COURSE WILL PUT YOU IN A STATE WHERE YOU CAN USE NEN. I WILL PROMISE THIS, UNCHANGED FROM LAST TIME." Other voices discuss the prince's arrangement and the risk of an 'attack.'

A bespectacled man sweats as he speaks. "THE CULPRIT HASN'T BEEN FOUND YET... WILL IT BE OKAY THIS TIME?" Nearby, another voice recalls, "DURING THE PREVIOUS LECTURE... A MURDER HAPPENED HERE, RIGHT...?" Berleinte, the 13th Prince Guard and Hunter Association member, stands with a neutral expression and replies "HM?" when addressed as "UM... BERERE-SAN..." He continues, "HOWEVER, IF YOU SPOT A GIRL WEARING A MASK, LET ME KNOW RIGHT AWAY. WELL, TO BE HONEST, I DON'T THINK YOU'LL BE TARGETED." In the next section, attendants of the 10th and 11th Princes huddle and whisper. Yuri and Roccoro note the 6th Queen was denied but the military police tried to blockade it already. Radiolas and Iraldia complain their skin condition has worsened, shoulders are stiff, and they feel tired yet their power is welling up more than before. The 7th Prince's guard Hubbaetch declares, "THE 7TH PRINCE INTENDS TO WAIT AND SEE UNTIL THE TROUBLE BETWEEN THE MAFIAS IS SETTLED. WE SHOULD LOOK AT THIS GRACE PERIOD AS A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY...!" Another guard adds, "TRUE... ALSO, I THOUGHT BEING ABLE TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE 2ND PRINCE'S PRIVATE ARMY HERE WOULD BE A MASSIVE ADVANTAGE. IN THAT CASE, WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE MASTERED THIS ABILITY WILL GREATLY INFLUENCE OUR FUTURE ASSIGNMENTS AND PROSPECTS... AS SOLDIERS BELONGING TO THE 2ND QUEEN, WE WILL BE REORGANIZED AFTERWARDS NO MATTER WHICH PRINCE BECOMES THE KING."

A blonde woman in profile listens as a man in a cat-ear hat says, "MIGHT JUST BE A STANDARD RECONNAISSANCE AGENT." Another voice wonders, "WAIT... THAT'S A MAID, RIGHT...?" Tentori, the 3rd Prince's private soldier, notes an increase in personnel and questions the joint hiding declaration with the 5th Prince. Sarahel, the 2nd Prince's private army captain, states the 14th Prince is in the master bedroom and distance-wise it is closer. She adds she can get her hands on something the prince has used and execute the plan in five days. A man on the phone says, "IT IS NOT A GOOD IDEA TO REDUCE THE CIPHER ROOM PERSONNEL ANY FURTHER, PRINCE." Maor, the 5th Prince's private army captain attending the 2nd session, stands with hands in pockets and declares he will invite Kurapika to train together while the 1st Prince's faction restrains the Guardian Spirit Beast. He notes the 1st Prince's private soldiers must have noticed the 5th Prince's beast. On the phone, a man concludes, "I SEE...! THEN, AS EXPECTED, PLEASE LEAVE THIS TO US."

The instructor stands before the gathered princes and attendants and announces they will split into two groups for the Nen lessons. She explains the introductory class will have nine people while the beginner class will have two. Attendants react with mixed feelings. Naipi, the 13th Prince attendant, trembles and cries that he is scared and wants to return to his room. Toneasta, the 11th Prince, declares that if they can gain superhuman powers they will serve the 11th Prince better than before and fight too. Lizzula, the 10th Prince attendant, admits being anxious but hopes to help the 6th Queen a little. Gato, the 7th Prince bodyguard, stresses that strategic standby is the safest path to improving their squad’s standing and that they must quietly focus on acquiring Nen abilities. The instructor tells the introductory class to clasp hands together freely and begins distributing black paper to the beginner class. In the background an angry man with a scar shouts that the snake charmer is among them and that the 4th Prince’s private army would sue them if the target is a baby, while another voice rants about stopping the mess and seizing a perfect promotion opportunity.

A close-up reveals the 9th Prince with wide eyes as the words “...IS DEAD...” and “THE 9TH PRINCE...” appear beside him. In the following panels a suited man analyzes the situation, noting the timing before the trial with the 1st Prince makes a simple illness unlikely and that the death must be an assassination. He states they still do not know the secret behind the tremendous rumbling caused by the 9th Prince’s death. Another man admits reluctance but sees value in using the truth of the 9th Prince’s death as a spark to incite public chaos. A lower panel shows the same suited man explaining that the 9th Prince’s private soldiers created an atmosphere of tension and security that deterred the upper princes. In the final scene Gipper, assigned to replace Boksen, confronts two men and a woman, warning them not to die and stating that if both are killed the matter becomes his responsibility. The woman stares silently at the doorway.

In the lecture hall, Slakka suddenly raises his hand high and calls out, 'Excuse me, can I say something?' He identifies himself firmly: 'I'm Slakka, a soldier belonging to the 2nd Queen.' A label appears noting '3rd Prince Bodyguard: Slakka.' He continues, 'I'll join the introductory class too.' Nearby, a short-haired woman replies, 'We don't mind, but...' while another voice questions, 'What is that guy suddenly blabbing about!?' Slakka explains his reasoning: 'If I'm just gonna stand around here dazed, it's way more beneficial to learn my ability.' A bald man with a scar counters, 'No, he's a bodyguard for the 3rd Prince.' Another observer notes, 'Belonging to the 2nd Queen... meaning he's a close aide to the 2nd Prince?' Tension rises as the scarred man snaps, 'Idiot...!! You're just giving them unnecessary information!! Are you trying to ruin the friendly relationship we went out of our way to build...!?' Internal thoughts question whether the 3rd Prince's bodyguard is deliberately leaking details or seeking greater influence.

Slakka stands silently with a stern expression while the bald man internally rages, 'Knowing full well and doing it on purpose...!!! This bastard...' The bald man accuses him of exploiting the lecture silence to sneak behind his back and make under-the-table deals. A group of silhouetted figures stands in the background as someone notes, 'As some of you may have already noticed...' The short-haired woman leans in and whispers to Slakka, 'Good grief...' She then declares loudly, 'Since this is a good opportunity, I shall announce it right now, right now!! ...It is to learn the 'crucial information regarding Nen' that could even influence the succession contest.' A bottom row of reaction portraits shows varied expressions of shock and concern from the attendees.

In a grand hallway, a suited man with dark hair sweats nervously as he speaks. Two figures in dark suits walk ahead while another man gestures and says, 'WAIT... A MINUTE! IF YOU TALK ABOUT THAT HERE AND NOW...' The group discusses the succession war. A short-haired blonde person clarifies, 'ACTUALLY, UNFORTUNATELY, IT'S NOT THAT KIND OF INFORMATION.' The blonde continues with an apology: 'I AM VERY SORRY FOR PHRASING IT IN A WAY THAT COULD BE TAKEN TO MEAN ONLY THE PRINCE WHO OBTAINED THE INFORMATION WOULD BENEFIT.' They explain that the phrase 'influence the outcome of the succession war' caused a misunderstanding. An older man with sideburns and a man in a jacket listen as the spiky-haired man reacts in shock: 'NO, NO, WAIT. HOW ELSE ARE WE SUPPOSED TO TAKE IT!?' The blonde then points forward dramatically amid swirling energy effects and declares, 'WHY GO THAT FAR? FIRST, A FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION ARISES REGARDING THAT. AN INSANE SITUATION WHERE 'THE SOLE SURVIVOR INHERITS THE THRONE'. RIGHT NOW ON THIS SHIP, THE SUCCESSION WAR TO DECIDE THE NEXT KING OF KAKIN IS IN PROGRESS.'

Six portraits of stern-faced individuals line the top of the page. Below, a grand palace complex stands before a massive crowd on stone steps. A large central face with a topknot floats above the palace surrounded by stars and symbols. Text explains that Nen abilities have brought success to state affairs and that the root lies in the prosperity of the nation, justifying extreme actions for a king leading over a billion citizens. The illustration emphasizes how Nen solidifies the next king's leadership through fierce competition and national prosperity. Further text describes the ritual's resolve of enshrinement and offering, where successors sacrifice their own lives to narrow the field to one, carrying immense resolve but risking clan extinction. The principle of vows and limitations is highlighted as granting higher efficacy and power at greater risk. At the bottom right, the short-haired blonde person clasps gloved hands near their face and asks, 'WHAT ARE 'VOWS AND LIMITATIONS'?'

Intricate panels illustrate ancient rituals of the Kakin Empire. Crowds offer the lives of blood relatives as proof of resolve while praying to God for national prosperity. A central emblem with stars and a crescent marks the unity of government and ritual politics. In a vast hall, the immense power gathered through the ceremony forms an aura field from the souls of those who died in the succession war. A short-haired young person in formal attire raises one hand and explains that the 'matsuri' in 'matsurigoto' has four meanings, which Kakin has used in their Nen-based succession war. Large text blocks detail how the Nen required to maintain the Guardian Spirit Beast's power cannot be generated without these elements. The same young person leans forward intensely, declaring that crucial information fully capable of swaying the outcome of the succession war exists and that very restriction is the process of advancing the succession war along with the risks that arise during the ceremony.

A massive whale-shaped ship sails across rough seas toward the new continent. Text bubbles note that a ceremony is scheduled immediately after landing where the current king will announce the next king, with the voyage taking two months and only one and a half months remaining. A warrior stands atop a mountain of rubble holding an axe and sword, declaring that determining the next successor during this time is an absolute requirement and that the deadline for the succession war is during the B.W.'s voyage. In a dramatic spread, the short-haired young person stands centered against radiating lines with rows of stern-faced individuals below. The speaker warns that the Hui Guo Rou family will fall from the royal throne if the deadline arrives and the succession war is not concluded with only one single prince remaining.

In a formal meeting room, a man with glasses questions the framing of the crisis. "WHY DO YOU THINK OF IT AS A COLLAPSE RATHER THAN TOTAL ANNIHILATION?" A voice replies, "ISN'T THE RISK HIGHER IF IT'S 'EVERYONE DIES IF YOU DON'T MEET THE DEADLINE'?" Another speaker elaborates on the stakes: "IF WE LOSE THE ADAPTABILITY, EXTRAORDINARY MANIPULATION CAPABILITIES, AND EVERYTHING ELSE THAT HAS BEEN HEIGHTENED TO THEIR ABSOLUTE LIMITS BY NEN, THAT IS INEVITABLY THE OUTCOME." The discussion turns to the nature of the unrest. "AGITATION...? NO, SCRATCH THAT—YOU MEAN A REGIME CHANGE?" A suited figure explains that completely stripping away options during the festival's course is not a restriction but coercion, which would have the opposite effect for Nen users. At the moment it is decided that only one person can survive, a contract risking one's life has already been established. A massive central panel shows a large hourglass set against a cracked skull motif with a digital timer reading 0:01:18:13:46:29. Text around it warns that by leaving hope for weaker participants, the rulers' self-destructing risk is hidden behind the time limit restriction. Leaving an option for when the succession contest is not completed means the freedom that permits multiple princes to survive. Below, several men stand in shadow with sound effects "ザワザワ" as a bald man with a square mark on his forehead reacts in shock: "THAT'S BASICALLY BEGGING US ON, LIKE WE'RE SCREWED IF WE DON'T HURRY UP AND KILL THE LOWER-RANKED PRINCES!" He demands, "ARE YOU REALLY THE ONE SAYING THAT?!" In the final panel a short-haired girl in formal attire raises her finger dramatically and declares, "I SHALL MAKE A MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT!! AND ONE MORE THING!!"

In a grand hall with tiered seating, a suited man strides forward while another points ahead. A large speech bubble states that the 14th Prince does not possess the qualifications for the succession war. Onlookers in the stands react with shock, shown as "!!!??" and motion lines. The 14th Prince stands among them. The scene cuts to a close-up of a woman with wide, startled eyes as a hand clutches her shoulder; text reads "ACCELERATING MOTIVES!! A SHOCKWAVE STRIKES!!" The final panel shows a sleeping infant in a crib beside the same woman now resting in bed. The page ends with the Hunter × Hunter logo and "NO.411 / END".