Hunter × Hunter chapter 302: Target — what is in it
Chimera Ant arc · 18 pages · 28 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Pouf is confirmed to be with the King. Characters react to the King still being alive. Hunters are uncertain what to do next.
Chapter 302 is titled TARGET. Gon is moving toward Kaito. Multiple characters are shown in motion or observing.
A powerful enemy ability creates a persistent following effect. Knuckle is actively engaged in the battle. The attack produces a bright explosive visual with debris.
A large spotted creature is struck by a powerful explosion. Knuckle is in close proximity to the blast. The attack creates a ground crater and scatters debris.
An explosion occurs in a rocky outdoor setting. A small creature reacts with visible surprise markers. A girl is shown mid-leap carrying a large weapon.
Youpi is visibly present and addressed. Dialogue reveals the characters' powers were meant for the King. A realization occurs about the purpose of their abilities.
The winged figure hovers beside a cliff. A large spotted creature stands in a barren rocky area. Dialogue centers on cancelling an enemy's power and an agreement reached.
The winged figure descends emitting light. A physical confrontation occurs when the helmeted figure grabs the small character. Dialogue references the king and a promise made to an enemy.
Meruem directly addresses Pouf and Youpi about their transformed states. Meruem claims a new soul-and-body connection with his Royal Guards. Pouf reacts with visible guilt and fear of being exposed. Youpi remains silent after his initial affirmation. The scene takes place above a devastated, cracked terrain.
A woman with dark hair and a scaly hand pressed to her face stares forward in alarm, sweat beading on her skin. "THEY'RE HEADING TOWARDS THE PALACE AT INCREDIBLE SPEEDS...!!!" she exclaims. "THE REAL POUF IS WITH THE KING!!" In the panel below, a man with short dark hair and facial markings sweats heavily in profile. "WHAT CAN THE REST OF US HOPE TO DO!?" he mutters. "THE KING WAS ALIVE! WHAT SHOULD THE HUNTERS DO!?" Another voice adds, "THEN THE BOSS... MUST HAVE LOST...!!!" At the bottom of the page, a light-haired character with closed eyes and a distressed expression sits in darkness. Starburst effects surround the questions "WHAT'S HAPPENING...!?" and "WHERE IS THE KING...!?"
PalmKnuckleKillua
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Gon leaps forward with a determined expression, one arm extended and the other pulled back, heading straight toward his target. Behind him, a winged figure with a helmet flies through the air. A long-haired figure stands on a wooden platform in the distance. To the right, a curly-haired character with glasses looks on with wide eyes. At the bottom right, Killua's spiky-haired head is visible. Large text declares "DETERMINED GON HEADS TOWARDS KAITO!!" The chapter title "HUNTER x HUNTER NO.302 TARGET" is displayed prominently at the bottom.
GonPoufKilluaunidentified long-haired characterunidentified curly-haired character
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A massive radiant explosion erupts across the ruined cityscape, sending shockwaves and debris flying in all directions. A small winged creature streaks toward the blinding light source at the center of the blast. Knuckle is hurled backward through the air, limbs flailing from the force of the impact. Below, a character with glasses shouts in alarm while another figure stares intently at the ongoing phenomenon. The dialogue reads: "IT PROBABLY WON'T GO AWAY UNLESS WE DAMAGE THE ENEMY HIMSELF!!" "IT'S THE ENEMY'S POWER!" "WHAT A PAIN." "IT'S STILL FOLLOWING US." A voice remarks "HOW INTERESTING." Another simply says "OHO." At the bottom of the page Knuckle, now in a dynamic pose with one hand extended forward, declares "LET'S GIVE IT A TRY." The background shows crumbling buildings and swirling dust from the powerful attack.
Knuckle
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A light-haired character reacts with shock, exclaiming "OH...!" and "THAT'S MY..." as the scene shifts to a massive spotted creature engulfed in a violent explosion. The creature's body is covered in dark circular patterns and is being torn apart by the blast. Knuckle appears beside the creature, his helmet visible as the detonation expands outward. A small figure is flung through the air amid lightning-like energy bolts and flying debris. The explosion creates a crater on the ground below with intense light and shockwaves radiating outward. Large SFX characters emphasize the destructive impact.
Knucklelight-haired character
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In a rugged rocky canyon under a bright sky, two small inset panels show a distant view of the terrain with a glowing circular light. Suddenly a massive explosion erupts from the ground, sending out shockwaves and debris marked by bold impact symbols. A determined girl wearing a hat, goggles, and carrying a large cylindrical weapon leaps through the air amid flying rocks and motion lines. Above her, a small round creature with a hat floats in surprise, a question mark and exclamation mark appearing beside it. At the bottom of the page two figures stare upward in shock: a spiky-haired boy with wide eyes and a sweating companion wearing a headband and glasses, both reacting to the blast.
goggled girl with weaponsmall floating creature with hatspiky-haired boyheadbanded companion with glasses
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The small round creature spins rapidly through the air with swirling motion lines and bold SFX. A bright star-like flash appears in a dark rocky background. A tall figure in profile says 'I SEE.' In the next panels Youpi stands with a serious expression while another character shouts 'THEY WERE TO OFFER TO THE KING!!' and 'OUR POWERS... WEREN'T FOR US!!' A close-up shows the tall figure saying 'THIS MAKES NO SENSE...' Below, the headbanded companion stares with wide eyes and an 'OOH ...' reaction while a spiky-haired boy looks on with a concerned expression.
small round creature with hatYoupitall figure in profileheadbanded companion with glassesspiky-haired boy
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A helmeted figure with a stern expression recalls being attacked. Speech bubbles continue the interrogation: "OR BEEN SUBJECTED TO IT YOURSELF. YOU MUST HAVE EITHER WITNESSED IT UP CLOSE OR..." "IF YOU KNOW THE ENEMY'S POWER, WHICH WAS IT?" A small character with wide eyes stares in shock. Below, the small figure lies on the ground, asking "WHY IS THE ENEMY STILL ALIVE? BUT THAT THING ISN'T AFTER YOU NOW." The winged figure hovers near a rocky cliff, wings spread wide. The helmeted character leans in close, demanding "ANSWER ME. AND HOW DID YOU CANCEL ITS POWER?" The small character looks up with a worried expression. The helmeted figure sweats, silent with ellipses. In a wide panel, the small character explains while a large spotted creature stands over fallen figures: "I SAID I'D HELP HIS FRIEND... IF HE CANCELLED IT... ...WE CAME TO AN AGREEMENT."
The small character reflects: "THOUGH HE WAS MY ENEMY, I FELT LIKE BREAKING MY PROMISE WOULD MEAN LOSING. PROBABLY... I DIDN'T WANT TO LOSE TO HIM IN SOME REGARD..." The helmeted figure asks "WHY DIDN'T YOU? THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DESTROY BOTH HIM AND HIS FRIEND ONCE THE POWER HAD BEEN CANCELLED." The winged figure stands with a small companion nearby. The small character admits "I'M NOT SURE MYSELF. TO BE HONEST..." The helmeted figure grabs the small character by the head, shouting "BECAUSE OF SOME VAGUE PERSONAL FEELINGS!? FOOL...!!! YOU MEAN YOU LET PEOPLE WHO WOULD HARM THE KING LIVE" The helmeted figure lowers their head, stating "I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY IN MY DEFENSE. I AM RESIGNED TO ANY PUNISHMENT..." The winged figure descends with a glowing aura, declaring "I ASKED FOR THE TRUTH, I CANNOT PUNISH YOU FOR SPEAKING IT."
small spiky-haired characterhelmeted interrogatorwinged figuresmall companion near winged figure
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High above the ruined landscape, Pouf hovers with massive wings spread, responding sharply to an unseen voice. 'POUF..' 'YES!' A commanding figure declares that their current forms are inconvenient. Below, the massive Youpi also answers, 'YOUPi..' 'YES...!' A bespectacled character stares upward with a grave expression. The King’s intense close-up fills the panel as he states there can be no secrets between them. A radiant burst of light accompanies his next words: 'BUT NOW BOTH OUR BODIES AND SOULS ARE CONNECTED.' In the lower panels, a dark arrow-like aura descends toward the ground while a voice questions whether this is the final warning. Pouf’s face appears stricken as he thinks, 'MY KING... HAVE YOU SENSED... MY PLOT... MY GUILTY CONSCIENCE...?' Another panel shows him crying out 'MY KING...!!!' A small figure with a sweat drop watches the unfolding confrontation with wide eyes.
PoufYoupiMeruem
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In a stark black void, a naked figure with light hair clasps his hands tightly before his chest, a glowing aura flaring around him. He shouts 'EVEN SO!!' and 'BUT EVEN SO!!!' as energy radiates outward. Below, countless tiny Pouf faces fill panel after panel, all staring upward while one large instance of Pouf cries 'THIS IS FOR YOU!!' The right side explodes into motion lines as Pouf, now winged and armored, launches himself forward with arms outstretched, declaring 'MY DEATH!!' and 'EVEN IF IT MEANS' his ultimate sacrifice. The background is consumed by radiating speed lines and impact bursts, emphasizing the desperate, self-destructive resolve of the Royal Guard.
MeruemPouf
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High above the shattered palace complex, Pouf soars through the night sky, his small winged form shouting with desperate fervor, "IT IS FOR THE KING!!!" and "FOR ALL LIFE TO BE UNITED!!!" Other voices call out "WHERE IS SHE?" as figures dart among the ruined domes and courtyards below. Inside a wrecked hall, Pouf continues his frantic search while debris litters the tiled floor. A sudden clash erupts as a determined fighter lunges at the massive Youpi, yelling "IF YOU DON'T FIGHT ME, YOU CAN'T GET RIGHT OF POT CLEAN!!" and "DON'T IGNORE ME!!" Nearby allies react in shock: "YOUPI!! THE ENEMY SUDDENLY APPEARED!!" and "CAN THE GUY WHO DID THIS TELEPORT?" One observer notes, "I DON'T KNOW HIS NAME, BUT HE'S ONE OF THE SQUADRON LEADERS!!" Youpi looms unmoved, declaring "YOU CAN'T DAMAGE ME IN YOUR CURRENT FORM!" as the attacker presses forward amid impact lines and motion bursts.
PoufYoupiKnuckle
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Pouf speaks with intense conviction, explaining "IN FACT, I SEE THIS AS A TRIAL WE CHIMERA ANTS MUST OVERCOME AS A STEP TO FURTHER EVOLUTION" and "AND AM MOVING ON...." He continues, "YOUPI... I HAVE ACCEPTED YOUR EMOTIONAL FLUCTUATION AND THE TRAITOR'S CHANGE OF HEART" while another voice questions "HOW COULD YOU!?" and threatens punishment. A vast night scene unfolds showing a majestic bird-like creature soaring through clouds as Pouf proclaims "ONCE WE HAVE ATTAINED OUR ULTIMATE EVOLUTION, THE VESTIGES OF HUMAN EGO THAT REMAIN WILL BE NOTHING BUT A TRIFLING UNCERTAINTY....!!!" and "HUMANS ARE THE PERFECT SACRIFICE WE NEED TO ASCEND TO THE NEXT DIMENSION....!!!" The King's massive furry form rests in shadow with the note "THE KING'S OPINION WAS 180 DEGREES FROM WHAT IT HAD BEEN BEFORE THE BLAST." A final panel shows the moon with the caption "THIS, TOO, WAS THE KING."
PoufYoupiMeruem
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Perched on a high ledge, Meleoron points forward with determination. "THEN I'LL JUST HAVE TO TOUCH HIM!" he declares. A large thought bubble follows: "IF THE ENEMY'S POWER MAKES HIM INVISIBLE!!" He continues planning, "AND EXPAND MY SEARCH!! I'LL SPLIT MYSELF EVEN FURTHER, TILL I'M THE SIZE OF A FLY!!" In smaller panels below, several characters react in alarm. "THEN WE'RE IN TROUBLE.....!!!" one shouts. "IS MELEORON THE TRAITOR!?" another questions. A third wonders, "WHO IS HE AFTER ALL OF A SUDDEN!?" while a fourth growls, "DAMN HIM....!!! HE'S NOT EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO ME!!" In the large bottom panel, Meleoron crouches in a powerful stance amid radiating impact lines, his face tense. "WITHOUT... MELEORON'S POWERS....!!!" he thinks desperately. "I CAN'T THINK OF A WAY TO DEFEAT THE KING..."
Meleoronunidentified man with hatunidentified spiky-haired man
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In a ruined interior, Pouf's clone dashes across the floor with long hair flowing. Meleoron leaps after her, shouting, "I HAVE TO PROTECT MELEORON WITH MY LIFE!!" The clone thinks, "I CAN'T 'SEE' POUF WHEN HE'S THIS SMALL....!!!" A small round creature glares nearby. Narration notes: "UNLIKE THE REAL POUF, I CAN'T SEE HIS COPIES UNLESS THEY'RE LIFESIZE." In the lower section, Gon carries Killua on his back while Palm runs alongside. The clone continues, "HE MUST REALIZE I KNOW THE CHAMELEON IS A TRAITOR." "THAT GUY WITH THE HAIR IS CLEARLY A DECOY....!!!" she adds. "IN OTHER WORDS, HE THINKS I'VE COME BACK TO DESTROY THE TRAITOR!!"
A figure with flowing hair stares down at a ruined cityscape, thoughts racing. "IF I FIND THEM, THEY'LL PROBABLY DITCH KOMUGI TO PROTECT THE CHAMELEON!!" the figure muses. "EVEN IF KOMUGI IS BEING HIDDEN WITH THE CHAMELEON," the thoughts continue, "THEN THEY MIGHT EVEN AGREE TO HAND HER OVER TO ME!!" A close-up reveals the thinker is a young-looking character with light hair and wide eyes. "IN FACT, IF THEY THINK I'VE COME TO TAKE HER BACK, THAT'S EVEN BETTER!!" More panels detail the plan: "IT WOULD NEVER OCCUR TO THEM THAT I'D RETURN TO KILL THE SAME GIRL THAT PITOU TRIED SO DESPERATELY TO HEAL!!" and "AFTER ALL, THEY THINK I'M AFTER THE CHAMELEON!!" The scene shifts to a damaged industrial building with a closed shutter door marked by large impact SFX. A clawed hand presses buttons on a wall keypad, triggering electronic beeps. Below, a small character with light hair stands alert in the foreground while a tall woman with long dark hair and a revealing outfit stands in the midground. To the right, the same small character reacts with shock, eyes wide and mouth open.
light-haired thinkerKillualong-haired woman
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Killua stands with a serious expression, realizing the opponents know about the Chameleon's invisibility. "THEY KNOW I KNOW ABOUT HIS INVISIBILITY AND ARE TRYING TO MAKE ME CHOOSE," he thinks. Close-ups show his eyes widening in suspicion. "THEY'RE TRYING TO WEAKEN ME BY MAKING ME SPLIT UP EVEN FURTHER...!!" and "HAS THE CHAMELEON GONE INSIDE OR HAS HE GONE SOMEWHERE ELSE...?" A small inset shows two figures entering a door labeled "OVER THERE !!" with a bright flash. Killua suddenly reacts with alarm, shouting "KOMUGI ...!?" as a bright light bursts behind him. The tall woman with long hair appears in profile on the right, her face marked with multiple X-shaped scratches and a neutral expression. Motion lines and impact SFX fill the space around her.
Killualong-haired woman
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High above the ruined storage area, Pouf's thoughts race as he hovers in the air. "OR CONCENTRATE MY COPIES ON THE CHAMELEON TO MISLEAD THEM?" one thought bubble reads. Another wonders, "SHOULD I SPLIT MY COPIES IN TWO AND CONFUSE THEM FURTHER?" A third notes that even if the door is closed, his copies can still escape the storage area. Suddenly his focus sharpens: "THERE'S NO TIME!!" as a silhouette of his body is shown mid-motion. "NO!!" he reacts in alarm. On the right, Killua's face appears in close-up, sweat visible, as he thinks, "THERE ARE TWO CHOICES... BUT..." and "IT'S THE TRAITOR OR THE GIRL!?" His eyes narrow as he realizes, "THEY'RE TRYING TO SEE WHO I'M AFTER!!" Below, Gon, Killua, and Palm are shown in a tense standoff. Pouf's voice declares, "MY TARGET IS KOMUGI!!" Gon and Palm react with shock, Palm's eyes wide with fear. Someone shouts, "IS HIS TARGET !!" and "PROTECT THE HOSTAGE!!" as the group braces for action, motion lines emphasizing the urgency.
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End of chapter18 pages
Discussion
Meruem remains composed while Pouf launches into a suicidal attack. Pouf multiplies himself into numerous small clones during the moment. The scene emphasizes Pouf’s willingness to die for the King. No other characters besides Meruem and Pouf appear on the page.
Pouf is actively searching for someone while proclaiming loyalty to the King. Youpi appears in a large humanoid form during combat. An unidentified fighter engages Youpi directly. Allies discuss the fighter's possible teleportation ability.
Pouf views recent events as a step toward Chimera Ant evolution. The King appears in an evolved bird-like form. The King's opinion on humans shifted dramatically after a blast. Pouf accepts the traitor's change of heart.
Meleoron can split himself to the size of a fly. Meleoron believes the enemy may be invisible. Characters suspect Meleoron of being a traitor. Meleoron is trying to locate and touch an unseen foe. The King is considered undefeatable without Meleoron's powers.
Pouf can create smaller copies of himself. Meleoron must be lifesize to be seen by Pouf clones. The group believes Pouf knows Meleoron is a traitor. Gon is carrying Killua while fleeing with Palm. The long-haired figure is a Pouf clone acting as decoy.
The thinker believes Komugi is hidden alongside the Chameleon. The thinker intends to kill Komugi upon finding her. Pitou previously tried to heal the girl in question.
Killua is aware of the Chameleon's invisibility ability. A door leads to an underground storage area. Killua reacts strongly upon mentioning Komugi.
Pouf is considering splitting or concentrating his copies to mislead opponents. Killua deduces the enemy is trying to identify his target. Pouf's stated target is Komugi. Gon, Killua, and Palm move to protect the hostage.
What is said, page by page
Woman with scaly hand: They're heading towards the palace at incredible speeds...!!! The real Pouf is with the King!! Man in profile: What can the rest of us hope to do!? The King was alive! What should the Hunters do!? Then the boss... must have lost...!!! Light-haired character: What's happening...!? Where is the King...!?
Narration: DETERMINED GON HEADS TOWARDS KAITO!!
Glasses-wearing character warns that the effect will persist unless the enemy is damaged directly Headband character notes it is the enemy's power Someone complains about the pain A voice observes that the phenomenon is still pursuing them An unseen speaker finds the situation interesting Knuckle proposes trying an approach
Light-haired character reacts with surprise saying "OH...!" Light-haired character begins "THAT'S MY..."
Small creature: energetic spinning action with SFX. Tall figure states 'I SEE.' Youpi is addressed directly in dialogue. Character exclaims 'THEY WERE TO OFFER TO THE KING!!' Character declares 'OUR POWERS... WEREN'T FOR US!!' Tall figure says 'THIS MAKES NO SENSE...' Headbanded companion reacts 'OOH ...'
helmeted interrogator questions how the enemy power was witnessed and cancelled small character wonders why the enemy remains alive winged figure is questioned about the source of the cancellation small character reveals an agreement made to help a friend after power cancellation
small character explains reluctance to break a promise to an enemy helmeted figure questions why the enemy and friend were not destroyed small character admits uncertainty about their own motives helmeted figure accuses the small character of vague personal feelings and endangering the king helmeted figure accepts any punishment without defense winged figure states they cannot punish honesty after asking for the truth
Pouf answers a call with 'YES!' in a crisp, loyal tone. Meruem states that the guards’ current forms are inconvenient. Youpi replies 'YES...!' confirming the same order. Meruem declares there can be no secrets between them. Meruem announces that their bodies and souls are now connected. An unseen voice asks if this is the final warning. Pouf internally questions whether the King has sensed his plot and guilty conscience. Pouf cries out 'MY KING...!!!' in distress.
Meruem shouts 'EVEN SO!!' and 'BUT EVEN SO!!!' in defiance. Pouf yells 'THIS IS FOR YOU!!' while surrounded by his clones. Pouf proclaims 'MY DEATH!!' as he charges forward. Pouf continues 'EVEN IF IT MEANS' completing his vow of sacrifice.
Pouf shouts about unity for the King while searching from above Allies call out asking where she is during the aerial search Fighter challenges Youpi to fight and not ignore him Allies react in alarm at Youpi's sudden appearance and question teleportation Observer notes the attacker is an unknown squadron leader Youpi states the attacker cannot damage him in current form
Pouf frames the situation as a trial for Chimera Ant evolution Pouf states he has accepted emotional fluctuations and the traitor's change of heart Youpi reacts with shock asking how a human could be freed Pouf declares the ultimate evolution will remove human ego Pouf calls humans the perfect sacrifice for ascending dimensions Narration notes the King's opinion reversed after the blast Final caption states this too was the King
Meleoron declares intent to touch the invisible enemy Meleoron vows to expand search by splitting smaller allies panic that Meleoron may be the traitor allies question Meleoron's sudden target ally frustrated Meleoron ignores him Meleoron despairs without his own powers against the King
Meleoron vows to protect himself with his life Pouf clone admits inability to see small Pouf copies narration explains Pouf copies are only visible at lifesize Pouf clone states the enemy knows the chameleon is a traitor Pouf clone identifies the haired man as a decoy Pouf clone realizes the enemy believes she returned to destroy the traitor
light-haired thinker internally plans to use Komugi as leverage against the Chameleon holders light-haired thinker notes that enemies will assume the target is the Chameleon rather than Komugi
Killua realizes the enemy is forcing him to split focus between the Chameleon and Komugi Killua questions whether the Chameleon entered the underground storage
Pouf's internal monologue weighing whether to focus copies on the chameleon or split them Killua realizing there are two choices and that the enemy is testing who he is after Pouf announcing his target is Komugi Someone urgently shouting to protect the hostage