Hunter × Hunter chapter 125: 10 September - 2 — what is in it
York Shin City arc · 16 pages · 35 characters
Key facts in this chapter
The selection test for Greed Island requires Nen mastery. Mr. Battera provided the six consoles for the game. Tsezugera is the professional hunter in charge of the selection test. The announcer wears sunglasses and a dark suit while speaking.
Tsezugera is confirmed as a one-star bounty hunter. The evaluation uses a double curtain to keep other participants unaware. Participants must demonstrate Ren on the hidden stage. The exam will close after exactly 32 people. Tsezugera stands alone on the stage with arms crossed.
Stage is marked by a hanging 'I I I' banner. Participants wait in silhouette before being called. A young girl in a frilled dress is among those present. Tsezugera remains on stage observing arrivals.
Candidates are being called forward one by one Some examinees moved immediately while others did not The test requires participants to remain until the end No additional explanations are provided to the group
Approximately twenty candidates have not moved About fifty people are near the advancing group Roughly one hundred candidates are lined up waiting The group must infer the rules from limited information
Candidates are being called one by one to enter a curtained area. More than ten people have already entered without anyone leaving. Gon and Killua are observing the line from outside.
Zepile is explaining the logic behind the waiting line. Battera is deliberately making the selection difficult to control access. Gon and Killua are listening to Zepile's analysis of the situation.
A tall modern building rises against the sky, its grid of windows gleaming under scattered clouds and palm fronds. Below, four stern faces fill a narrow strip: a bearded man with a fierce scowl, a calm man with a short beard, a sharp-profiled man with tribal markings, and an older man in a hat with narrowed eyes. The view widens to a vast auditorium. Rows of seated spectators face a brightly lit empty stage where a lone figure stands at the center. In the foreground, audience members watch intently, one bald man resting his chin on his hand. A large banner across the bottom reads “N°125 10 SEPTEMBRE - 2.”
A suited man with sunglasses stands on stage holding a microphone. He announces that unlike southern auctions, only the strongest will remain after the Greed Island selection test. He states that Nen mastery is required to participate and that the game will be performed on six consoles acquired by Mr. Battera. The notification of failure will be unbiased. The crowd reacts with shock; one man labeled “THE PROFESSIONAL HUNTER TSEZUGERA!!” is pointed out as being in charge of the selection test. Onlookers stare in surprise while the suited man continues speaking. Below, the same man walks away down a corridor as “Brouaha” sound effects echo through the hall.
sunglasses suited announcerTsezugeraaudience members
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A stern man with a goatee glares forward while surrounding voices identify him. 'I HEARD HE ONLY WORKS FOR MONEY, BUT HIS EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS ENABLED HIM TO GET A SINGLE STAR!' 'ZAT' 'TSEZUGERA THE BOUNTY HUNTER!' The evaluation begins as a suited man addresses the packed hall. 'LET'S PROCEED THE EVALUATION.' Two participants exchange tense glances. 'IT MUST BE BECAUSE THERE'S A LOT TO WIN WITHIN THIS GAME...' 'IF HE'S HERE...' On the raised stage TADAN echoes as Tsezugera stands alone with arms crossed. 'THE STAGE WILL BE HIDDEN BY A DOUBLE CURTAIN, SO THAT THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS ARE UNAWARE OF WHAT IS OCCURING.' 'YOU WILL COME ONE AFTER ANOTHER ONTO THIS STAGE AND SHOW ME YOUR "REN."' A tight close-up captures narrowed eyes. 'WHEN WE HAVE REACHED THIS NUMBER, THE EXAM WILL BE CLOSED.' '32 PEOPLE!!'
Tsezugeraunidentified suited examinerunidentified slick-haired participantunidentified short-haired participantcrowd of participants
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Feet step onto the stage with sharp impact lines. 'I I I' A banner reading 'I I I' hangs above the empty platform where Tsezugera waits with arms folded. 'Shiiii...' Curtains part. Silhouettes of waiting participants line up as the examiner says 'ALL RIGHT.' In the crowd a spiky-haired man and others react with 'TAC' sounds. 'COME FORWARD.' 'WILL THOSE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE TEST...' A muscular man with a widow's peak glares intensely. 'ZAT' 'TAC' Beside him a small girl with pigtails and a frilled dress stands ready.
Tsezugeraunidentified suited examinerspiky-haired muscular manpigtail girl in frilled dresssilhouetted participantscrowd members
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A large crowd of candidates rushes forward across the upper level, feet pounding with rapid TAP TAP TAP and TAC TAC sounds as they hurry toward the front. In the stands below, more examinees watch or begin to move. Killua stares in surprise, eyes wide, asking if that is truly all. A suited official stands at the doorway and calls for the first candidate to step forward. One examinee answers with a casual YEAH and walks ahead. Gon and Killua observe the scene; Gon notes that some people moved immediately while others stayed still, and Killua adds that no one seems surprised and everyone is participating without further explanation. In a large close-up panel, Killua sweats slightly, realizing the task is extremely important and that they must be among those who remain until the end. He concludes that the test is an elimination test.
KilluaGonsuited officialvarious candidates
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Killua thinks that staying with the best group is wise and that they must guess the rest from the limited explanation received. He also considers that each person's choice is taken into account in the judgment. A tall man with an afro angrily declares that it cannot be the first time they have taken this test, insisting everyone has already understood the situation. In a wide panel, about twenty candidates remain visible in the stands. Below, roughly twenty others are shown waiting, with about fifty more people near the moving group and around one hundred lined up and queuing for the test. The spiky-haired man notes the twenty who are not moving and the need to figure out what to do next.
At the top of the page bold narration asks which group has chosen the right attitude. A boy with spiky white hair stands in line watching as a large man in a Viking helmet strides forward and enters through a curtained doorway marked 'ALRIGHT!' and 'ENTER!'. Nearby a suited man with sunglasses and a bearded man in a horned helmet wait their turn while an attendant calls 'NEXT CANDIDATE, PLEASE.' and 'NEXT!'. The white-haired boy thinks to himself that it is weird. Below, two boys—one with spiky black hair and one with spiky white hair—watch the proceedings. The black-haired boy laughs 'HE! HE! HE!' while the white-haired boy mutters that he does not like it and should have gotten in line too. Narration wonders if they can all have been enlisted already, noting that no one has left even though more than ten people have entered.
KilluaGonViking-helmet manSuited attendantBearded horned-helmet man
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A close-up shows a gray-haired bearded man with his arms around Gon and Killua, both boys looking surprised. The man comments on the guys gathered around the failed candidates, wondering what the last ones are waiting for. Gon and Killua watch from behind a row of seats as the man continues that he is sure the failed ones hope to see what happens behind the curtain. Narration states that if the failed candidates had made inquiries before coming and acted according to their logic they would understand lining up has no meaning. Gon concludes that the selection is really tough. The gray-haired man explains that Battera wants to avoid access to the games being blocked at all cost. Killua wonders what he means.
ZepileGonKillua
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The man with the goatee leans forward and declares, "Exactly. There won't be 32 players enlisted after the selection..." A close-up shows another figure replying, "I understand... And when the number 32 is reached..." He continues, "But the plug for player 1 of 4 of the 6 consoles Battera acquired is already occupied by a memory card. If we want to save the game data, 8 players may enter with each console." Diagrams illustrate the console connections as he explains, "In total, 32 players can connect to the game!!! And with the remaining two consoles, we can do the same thing with the two plugs of player one and two. That's 16 more possible players." Further diagrams show additional setups while he adds, "In other words, if you connect an adaptor onto the second player plug, four more players may enter the game..." The man concludes, "But if I were Battera, would it be in my best interest to have 32 people participate? So 32 is really the maximum amount of players who can enter the game." In a dramatic close-up he states, "Consequently, it's logical, for security purposes, to leave some slots open, in case a new, exceptional challenger arises...! Greed Island is a game no one has finished in 10 years! It's built so that as long as a player is alive within the game, no one may replace him..." Someone off-panel shouts, "Unlikely!"
spiky-haired man with goatee
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The spiky-haired man with the goatee continues, "As for those waiting in line, and those trying to get any information at all, I can say that none of them will be enlisted...!" In the background, several people stand in a line including a suited man with crossed arms and others in formal attire. He adds, "In my opinion, they'll only keep 20 players, max." Turning slightly he notes, "The ones like you and me who understood the trick, and quietly sat down to concentrate... The only ones who stand a chance are those who left their seats without a moment's hesitation, and..." Gon and Killua appear in profile. The man asks, "Kid? Right?" Gon looks up with wide eyes and says, "Gon..." Killua stares forward as a large SFX "ZIII ZU ZU ZU" erupts beside them. Gon asks, "You understood all that?"
spiky-haired man with goateeGonKillualine of waiting people
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In the exam hall, a bearded man with spiky hair reflects that it would be surprising if the employer, after gathering so many exceptional people, did not take the time to check each candidate's skills. Gon, standing nearby, thinks the selection would be tough and that keeping only 32 players might not go that far. The spiky-haired man agrees that from the employer's view, even the first served might not be chosen. Two other men with styled hair complain that the candidates must not have heard only 32 players will be selected and question what the group is doing, calling them stupid. An older man in the background laughs heartily. The spiky-haired man, now identified as Poor-Hatto, tells Gon and Killua that the path to the solution becomes harder and more dangerous the more one must combine stupidity and intelligence to move forward. He quotes, "NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WHEN YOU HAVE CONVICTIONS," and adds that with convictions and instinct one can move everyone. He notes they are still young. Poor-Hatto then waves and says farewell, revealing his name. Gon and Killua react with surprise as someone nearby remarks they heard that.
Poor-Hatto continues speaking to Gon and Killua, explaining they are trying to obtain something impossible to get. He warns that they will die and that is all they will get out of it. In a flashback panel, a suited figure walks up stairs while Poor-Hatto notes it was a fundamental error trying to get the best chances. Killua looks concerned and says 'ANYWAYS...'. Gon suddenly taps the floor with his foot, startling Killua who reacts with wide eyes. Gon declares 'YOU CAN'T GET ANYTHING IF YOU DON'T TRY!' and decides to give it a shot. In the background, Killua runs down a hallway past a suited man while Gon urges him from the stairs with 'GO FOR IT!'. Killua continues running alone down the corridor as Gon cheers him on. Gon concludes that is the only way.
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In a tense exchange, one character warns the other about their position: "IN OUR POSITION, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS TO WAIT... DON'T MOVE UNTIL YOU'RE 100% CERTAIN YOU'LL BE ABLE TO KILL HIM...! UNDERSTAND? DON'T OVERDO IT...!" The scene shifts to a bright flash with "TADAN" sound effects as a bearded man in a jacket stands with arms crossed facing a spiky-haired boy with his back turned. The bearded man then says, "SHOWING YOUR POWER BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE FIGHT IS THE MOST IDIOTIC THING TO DO..." and "SHOW ME YOUR REN." The boy responds, "AL-RIGHT." Close-up on the boy's boots with "TAC" as he declares, "BUT I'M NOT A KILLER ANYMORE...! THAT'S MY FATHER'S THEORY..." In a dramatic close-up, Gon looks up intensely and proclaims, "I'M A HUNTER !!!" while asking, "DOES 'HATSU' WORK AS WELL ?" and noting "WELL, UNOFFICIALLY..."
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The bearded man challenges Gon: "PROVE THAT YOUR STRENGTH ISN'T JUST THE REN YOU SHOWED ME LAST TIME." He continues, "WELL, HOWEVER YOU WANT, JUST AS LONG AS YOU SHOW ME WHAT YOU'RE CAPABLE OF." and explains, "IN THE LANGUAGE OF HUNTERS, 'YOUR REN' MEANS 'I WANT TO SEE THE RESULTS OF YOUR TRAINING'. IN OTHER WORDS, MEASURE YOUR SKILLS. HMM... I DON'T SEE ANY PROBLEMS WITH THAT." Gon replies, "I'M STARTING." with a "zat" effect and the bearded man says "FINE." Gon begins his display as motion lines and "ZIM BACHI" SFX appear. The bearded man reacts with surprise "!!?" while Gon stands centered with hands extended, aura crackling around his feet in jagged lightning-like lines labeled "ZIM BACHI" as the bearded man watches from the side.
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A stern bald man with a goatee faces Killua and declares, "YOU'RE QUALIFIED. BUT HOW ... HE TURNED HIS AURA INTO ELECTRICITY!!! NO, THAT'S FINE." Killua, shown in profile with a calm expression, replies simply, "SO?" The man continues in close-up, "YOU CAN'T LEARN SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN ONLY FOUR DAYS!" while a small panel shows Gon pumping his fist and shouting "YES!!" with spark effects. Killua stands with his back partially turned, aura crackling around him as the man presses, "REALLY POWERFUL ELECTRIC SHOCKS?" In the next panel the man sits on the floor looking up while Gon stands nearby; the man exclaims, "MANAGING TO FREE SUCH AN ELECTRIFIED AURA AND PROPEL IT... WHO THE HELL ARE YOU...?!" He adds, "EVEN IF YOU TRAINED EVERY DAY, RECEIVING POWERFUL ELECTRIC SHOCKS NEAR THOSE OF TORTURE, IT WOULD TAKE YEARS. BUT YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY HAVE LEARNED SUCH A TECHNIQUE OVERNIGHT!" The page ends on a dramatic close-up of Killua's face against radiating speed lines. Killua states, "FAMILY TRADITION. I'VE BEEN SWIMMING IN THEM SINCE I WAS BORN."
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On a vast white background, Gon stands alone in the lower right, body angled slightly left. His right fist is raised and pressed against his chest while his left arm hangs at his side with fingers loosely curled. Gon's spiky black hair frames a determined expression with narrowed eyes and a firm mouth. His sleeveless shirt and shorts are drawn with clean lines, conveying a ready, confident stance.
Gon
End of chapter16 pages
Discussion
Six consoles were acquired by Battera. Player 1 plug on four consoles is occupied by a memory card. Each console supports eight players when saving game data. Two additional consoles allow sixteen more players. Greed Island has remained unfinished for ten years.
Gon and Killua are present and reacting to the explanation. The man believes only twenty players will ultimately be selected. People waiting in line are unlikely to be enlisted.
Only 32 players will be selected. Poor-Hatto emphasizes combining stupidity and intelligence. Poor-Hatto stresses the importance of convictions and instinct. Poor-Hatto introduces himself by name.
Poor-Hatto believes the attempt will result in death. Gon decides to try despite the warning. Killua runs ahead into the corridor after Gon's encouragement.
Gon is shown in a close-up with spiky hair and determined expression. The bearded man wears a jacket and has a goatee. Sound effects include TADAN and TAC. Dialogue references 'Hatsu' and 'Ren' as abilities.
Gon activates an aura ability with visible energy effects. The bearded man observes and comments on the display. Sound effects include 'zat' and repeated 'ZIM BACHI'. Page number 162 appears at the bottom right.
Killua has turned his aura into electricity The feat appears impossible in only four days of training Killua attributes the ability to family tradition Killua has experienced electric shocks since birth
Gon stands alone against a blank background Gon holds a fist against his chest in a resolute pose
What is said, page by page
Sunglasses suited announcer explains the new auction rules and that only the strongest will remain. Sunglasses suited announcer welcomes ladies and gentlemen and announces the start of the Greed Island selection test. Sunglasses suited announcer states Nen mastery is required and the game runs on Mr. Battera’s six consoles. Sunglasses suited announcer notes failure notifications will be unbiased. Crowd identifies the professional hunter Tsezugera as the examiner in charge.
Voices identify Tsezugera as a one-star bounty hunter who works only for money (admiring tone) Examiner announces the evaluation will now proceed Two participants speculate that Tsezugera's presence means high stakes in the game Tsezugera explains the double-curtain stage setup and instructs participants to display Ren one by one Examiner states the exam closes once 32 people have been reached
Examiner gives the signal 'ALL RIGHT.' Examiner calls participants forward to take the test Sound effects accompany the spiky-haired man's tense reaction
Killua reacts with surprise to the sudden movement of candidates Official instructs the first candidate to step forward Gon comments on who moved immediately versus those who stayed Killua notes the lack of surprise and that everyone is participating Killua internally realizes the test is an elimination test
Killua decides to stay with the strongest group Killua notes each person's choice affects the judgment Afro-haired man insists this cannot be their first time taking the test Spiky-haired man comments on the twenty who are not moving Narration states there are about twenty candidates remaining
Killua thinks: IT'S WEIRD... Gon laughs: HE! HE! HE! Killua says: I DON'T LIKE THAT... I SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN IN LINE TOO... Unseen speaker: CAN THEY ALL HAVE BEEN... Unseen speaker: NO ONE HAS LEFT. Unseen speaker: MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE HAVE ENTERED, BUT...
Zepile says: THOSE GUYS IN LINE, AND THOSE WHO FAILED GATHERED AROUND THEM. Killua asks: WHAT? Zepile says: BUNCH OF LOSERS... DON'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING AT ALL... Zepile says: I'M SURE THEY HOPE TO SEE THOSE WHO FAILED COMING OUT, SO THEY CAN ASK THEM WHAT EXACTLY HAPPENS BEHIND THE CURTAIN. Zepile says: PARTICULARLY THOSE LAST ONES. WHAT EXACTLY ARE THEY WAITING FOR? Narration: THEY WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT LINING UP TO GO ONE AFTER ANOTHER HAS NO MEANING. Narration: IF THEY HAD MADE INQUIRIES BEFORE COMING, AND WERE ACTING ACCORDING TO THEIR LOGIC... Gon says: SO THE SELECTION IS REALLY TOUGH. Zepile says: BATTERA WANTS TO AVOID ACCESS TO THE GAMES BEING BLOCKED AT ALL COST. Killua thinks: WHAT DOES HE MEAN...?
spiky-haired man with goatee explains the 32-player limit and console setup with precise technical detail unseen speaker acknowledges understanding of the selection process spiky-haired man with goatee stresses security slots for exceptional challengers and the irreplaceable nature of living players
spiky-haired man with goatee dismisses the chances of those waiting in line spiky-haired man with goatee estimates only twenty players will remain spiky-haired man with goatee addresses Gon and Killua directly about understanding the trick Gon reacts with surprise upon being addressed
Bearded man discusses employer checking skills (upper left panel). Gon comments on the tough selection and 32-player limit. Poor-Hatto agrees the first served may not be chosen. Two men question the candidates' stupidity. Older spectator laughs 'HA HA HA! VERY GOOD!'. Poor-Hatto delivers the 'NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE' quote. Poor-Hatto says farewell and states 'MY NAME IS POOR-HATTO'. Gon and Killua react to the name reveal.
Poor-Hatto warns they will die and get nothing. Poor-Hatto reflects on the fundamental error. Killua says 'ANYWAYS...'. Gon shouts 'YOU CAN'T GET ANYTHING IF YOU DON'T TRY!'. Gon says 'I'D BETTER GIVE IT A SHOT!'. Killua says 'PLEASE.' while running. Gon yells 'GO FOR IT!'. Gon concludes 'THAT'S THE ONLY WAY!'.
Bearded man advises caution and waiting for certainty before attacking. Bearded man requests demonstration of Ren power. Gon agrees and prepares to act. Gon rejects being a killer and references his father's theory. Gon proudly declares himself a Hunter and inquires about Hatsu.
Bearded man demands proof of strength beyond previous Ren. Bearded man explains the meaning of showing Ren in hunter terms. Bearded man accepts the demonstration request. Gon announces he is starting his display. Bearded man notes Gon's literal response surprised him slightly.
stern bald man with goatee states Killua is qualified but questions the aura-to-electricity feat Killua responds with a single-word question stern bald man with goatee insists the technique cannot be learned in four days Gon shouts an enthusiastic affirmation stern bald man with goatee reacts with shock at the powerful shocks stern bald man with goatee questions Killua's identity after the aura feat stern bald man with goatee explains the years of training required Killua reveals the source is family tradition