Hunter × Hunter chapter 23: Two Enemies — what is in it
Hunter Exam arc · 19 pages · 22 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter title visible: N°023 TWO ENEMIES A lottery using numbered cards is being explained on stage Examinees are instructed to each pick one card from the box
Hisoka instructs examinees to draw cards in arrival order. Killua draws a card that emits light.
Examinees have each drawn a numbered card The machine records both personal and target numbers Each participant is assigned one specific target
Card 44 is shown as an example Success grants 3 points Multiple examinees display their numbers
Numeral sheets grant three points if kept by their owner and one point otherwise. Six points total are required to complete the current phase. The point requirement applies specifically during time spent on Zebiru’s Island.
The page shows a detailed map of an island. Large onomatopoeic sound effects dominate the composition.
The ship is heading toward Zevil Island for the third phase. All current passengers have qualified for the next round. Killua is present on the deck among the examinees.
Number tags have been secretly swapped among examinees. Gon is isolated inside a damaged structure. The girl encourages the examinees to use the remaining two hours freely.
Gon and Killua are hiding their chosen target numbers from each other. Gon claims his number is neither 405 nor 99. The boys decide to reveal their numbers simultaneously after counting to three.
Killua's number is 44. Gon and Killua are comparing the numbers they received in the lottery. Other examinees have already concealed their chosen numbers.
A stark black-and-white portrait fills the page, showing the head and upper neck of a person with dark skin and tightly coiled hair pulled into two large, rounded pigtails on either side of the head. The figure stares forward with a stern, intense expression, eyes narrowed and mouth set in a straight line. Horizontal shading lines define the face and neck, while wild scribbled lines form the voluminous hair. The lower portion of the image shows wavy horizontal lines suggesting the figure is emerging from water. To the right of the neck, the name "GÉRETA" appears in bold capital letters beside a small arrow-like bracket.
Géreta
01
On a brightly lit stage, a spiky-haired boy wearing round glasses and a white outfit stands centered under a dramatic starburst of light. To his left looms a tall bald man in a suit; to his right sits a large transparent box on a pedestal. Two large speech bubbles dominate the upper panel: the left reads "THE HUNTERS AND THE PREY." and the right reads "THIS LOTTERY WILL ALLOW US TO DETERMINE...". Below, three smaller panels show close details: a hand holding up a numbered card with the text "THESE NUMBERS ARE JUST THE ONES THAT WERE GIVEN TO YOU AT THE BEGINNING OF THE COMPETITION.", another bubble stating "THERE ARE NUMBERED CARDS.", and a view of the box labeled "INSIDE THE BOX...". In the wide bottom panel, the same spiky-haired boy addresses a gathered crowd of examinees under a cloudy sky, declaring "YOU WILL ALL PICK A CARD." The audience includes several familiar young fighters watching attentively.
spiky-haired boy with glassesbald man in suitcrowd of examinees
02
A two-page spread displays dozens of numbered portrait boxes of Hunter Exam examinees arranged in rows. Each box shows a close-up face or half-body sketch with the examinee's number and name printed above. Visible names and numbers include 80 Supar, 281 Agon, 301 Gitarakuru, 118 Bomi, 362 Kenmi, 294 Hanzo, 404 Kurapika, 99 Kirua, 103 Barbon, 191 Bodoro, 384 Gereta, 34 Ryu, 199 Umori, 198 Imori, 197 Amori, 405 Gon, 246 Ponzu, 44 Hisoka, 105 Kyu, 403 Leorio, 89 Shishito, 53 Pokkuru, 16 Tompa, and 371 Gozu. At the bottom center the chapter number box reads №023 and the large title TWO ENEMIES appears beside page number 108.
GonKilluaKurapikaLeorioHisoka
03
Hisoka, wearing number 44, smiles and holds up a card while speaking to an unseen person. A large speech bubble reads: WELL, PICK A CARD IN THE ORDER YOU ARRIVED AT THE TOWER'S BOTTOM. In the next panels Hisoka looks at his card, then a wide shot shows several examinees standing before a large box at the base of a stone tower. A spiky-haired boy approaches the box. Close-ups follow of an older man with a ponytail, a boy in a striped hat, and a bald man each drawing a card. In the final row a scarred man with a star tattoo stares at his card while Killua, wide-eyed, holds up a glowing card that emits light.
HisokaKillua
04
Across a rocky, uneven clearing, dozens of examinees stand holding small cards. "EVERYONE HAS A CARD?" a voice wonders aloud. Gon stares to the right with wide eyes and an open mouth. Beside him, a short-haired boy and a muscular man marked 10 watch silently. The examiner, a man with round glasses, stands at a small machine and inserts a card with a "CLAC" sound. "CONSEQUENTLY, YOU'RE FREE TO DO WHATEVER YOU WANT WITH THIS CARD," he states. "NOW, YOUR PERSONAL NUMBER AND THE ONE YOU JUST PICKED HAVE BEEN RECORDED IN THIS MACHINE." In a dramatic close-up, the examiner smiles broadly and points directly forward against radiating speed lines. "BECOMES FROM THIS TIME YOUR TARGET. TO EACH ONE HIS OWN TARGET," he declares. "THE PARTICIPANT CORRESPONDING TO THE NUMBER YOU HAVE PICKED..."
Gonexaminer with glassesmuscular examinee 10short-haired boy
05
A hand holds up a card clearly marked 44. Gon looks up at a tall, long-haired man wearing number 191 while a small girl with pigtails clings to the man's side. A close-up shows the examiner's eyes narrowing behind his glasses. "WHAT YOU HAVE TO GRAB IS THE NUMERAL SHEET OF YOUR TARGET," he says. In the background, other examinees stand with visible numbers: 301 with spiky hair, 80 in sunglasses, 34, and 103. The examiner raises his open hand with a "ZAT" effect. "IF YOU SUCCEED IN TAKING YOUR TARGET'S NUMERAL SHEET..." he continues, "3 POINTS."
A hand flashes three fingers as a small card labeled ZAT appears beside it. The voice explains that keeping your own numeral sheet grants three points. Nearby, two stern men stand side by side; one wears a headband and the other a wide hat, both glaring forward. Below them, Leorio points upward with a confident grin, a TAC effect bursting from his fingertip as he states that the other sheets are worth only one point each. In a dramatic close-up, another hand slaps down to display six fingers while a large 6 POINTS circle dominates the panel. The explanation continues: to reach the end, a total of six points is required. Leorio’s face fills the final panel, his eyes narrowed behind round glasses as he warns that the six points must be obtained during the time spent on Zebiru’s Island.
Leoriobandaged-headband manwide-hatted man
07
A vast aerial view reveals a rugged island surrounded by turbulent clouds and jagged coastlines. Massive stylized sound effects thunder across the sky, the letters GOOOOOOOON stretching horizontally while bold vertical Japanese characters roar beside them, conveying a powerful, echoing force sweeping over the land.
08
A large ship sails across open waters under a cloudy sky. An announcement declares that the vessel will reach Zevil Island in about two hours and congratulates all passengers on qualifying for the third round of the Hunter Exam. Every examinee is permitted to advance to the next stage without conditions. Killua stands on deck, smiling brightly as he adds that anyone who fails this year should not be discouraged and should simply return next year. Suddenly a massive impact shakes the area with a booming DOOOON sound effect. Killua lands heavily on an elevated spot, prompting an “oops” from the crowd of shadowy examinees gathered below who look up in surprise.
Killua
09
Narration explains that each examinee had secretly removed the number tag hanging on another’s chest and hidden it under their own clothes without meeting eyes, so the battle has already begun. Two men stand close together; one wonders aloud who his target is while the other asks who he himself is targeting. A tense group of examinees reacts with sharp glances as a sharp FUUUUUT sound cuts through the air. Elsewhere, Gon sits alone on a wooden beam inside a damaged structure, gazing outward. On the deck the same young girl who spoke earlier runs forward waving, telling everyone they have two hours left before arrival and can use the remaining time however they like while hoping they enjoy the ride.
HisokaGon
10
Gon leans close and asks Killua which number he picked. Killua answers "SECRET!" and immediately counters with "WHAT ABOUT YOU?" Gon stands up with a cheerful "YO!" and the two boys continue their hushed conversation. In close-up, Gon grins widely and reassures Killua, "MY TARGET ISN'T NUMBER 405. DON'T WORRY!" They agree on a plan: "WE COUNT UP TO THREE, AND WE SHOW OUR SHEETS?" Gon then declares, "MINE ISN'T NUMBER 99."
GonKillua
11
Killua asks Gon if he is serious. Gon replies that Killua is not very lucky at the lottery either. They continue comparing their numbers. Killua points at Gon and asks whose number he drew. Gon raises a finger and notes that everyone else has already hidden their numbers. Killua wonders how he could have remembered everyone's number after the judge's explanation. The boys sit facing each other, still holding their papers.
GonKillua
12
Gon stares forward with a determined, sweat-streaked face, his spiky hair casting sharp shadows. In smaller panels he turns toward Killua, eyes wide as they exchange tense glances. Killua looks back with a calm but probing expression. Gon says, "MAYBE BOTH..." Killua replies, "YOU'RE AFRAID? OR YOU'RE AFRAID?" The scene shifts to a wide view of the wooden floor where both boys sit. Gon continues, "SINCE IT'S ABOUT STEALING A SHEET, THERE SHOULD BE A WAY." Killua adds, "IF IT WAS A CLASSICAL CONFRONTATION, I COULD NEVER ENVISION WINNING, BUT..."
GonKillua
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Gon sits with hands clasped, declaring, "I HAVE A REVENGE TO TAKE." with a "SHOO" sound effect. Killua answers simply, "YES." Gon looks aside, admitting, "BUT THINKING OF IT DOESN'T REALLY REASSURE ME..." and "EVEN I HAVE A LITTLE LUCK..." They stand up; Killua steps forward confidently while Gon gives a thumbs-up. Killua says, "WELL, WE WON'T LET THE OTHERS WORRY US!" In a dramatic panel Killua turns and calls back, "TRY TO STAY ALIVE, GON!" as Gon watches him leave against a bright background.
GonKillua
14
A rugged cliff face rises above the water with a tall tower visible in the distance. A long wooden dock extends from the rocky shore where a boat has arrived. Large speech bubbles announce the rules: an interval of two minutes will separate each candidate leaving the boat, and they must leave in the order of their arrival at the bottom of the tower during the third round. The scene shifts to a close-up of Killua, who points upward while explaining the time limit. He states that the two minutes are the time available to get the six points and that everyone will stay exactly one week on the island before returning.
Killua
15
Hisoka stands prominently in the foreground wearing his number 44 badge with a club symbol. Silhouetted examinees wait behind him as he steps forward. A large bubble declares the departure of the first candidate. Three small panels show Hisoka walking away across a grassy field toward a line of trees. In the final panel Leorio and Kurapika stand together. Leorio notes that those who leave first can hide and observe their prey's movements. Kurapika agrees that the ones who depart first are favored.
HisokaLeorioKurapika
16
Gon races through the exam grounds, slapping numbered tags in rapid succession. "21st!" he shouts as he taps one. Elsewhere, another examinee strikes a tag marked "15th!" with quick taps, followed by a third tag labeled "7th!" being hit. In a wide panel, Gon stands triumphant with his staff-like weapon, declaring "22nd!" as motion lines radiate outward and background examinees watch. A close-up shows Gon’s determined face from below as a voice declares, "ABOVE ALL, FIND HISOKA." The final panel reveals a distant silhouette plummeting through dark foliage with the large sound effect "SHUT."
Gonunidentified examinees
17
Gon reacts sharply to a sound, turning his head with a "CLAC" effect. A distant view shows him amid trees as something flies past with "FLI." He swings his staff again, producing a "TAC" impact. Standing alone in a clearing surrounded by dark foliage, Gon looks upward. In the foreground, examinee 405 stares forward with wide eyes while his own back-view figure appears behind him, thinking, "A FALSE IMPRESSION...?"
Gon
18
Hisoka leans back against a stone pillar, one hand covering his face while the other grips his long club. A large speech bubble reads "THAT WAS CLOSE!" as he appears to catch his breath after a narrow escape. In the next panel the back of a head with sharply spiked hair fills the frame, accompanied by a small "HE!" sound effect. The view shifts to a close-up of a man with a tall curly afro and intense, narrowed eyes. He speaks with a serious expression: "THIS KID HAS VERY GOOD SENSES." A second bubble continues, "HUNTING WITHOUT RELAXING MY ATTENTION." The man’s face is tense, sweat visible, conveying focused vigilance.
Hisokacurly-haired examinee
End of chapter19 pages
Discussion
Gon wears jacket with number 405. Scene takes place on a wooden platform or floor. Dialogue centers on stealing an item without direct combat.
Gon wears examinee number 405. Killua walks away after their conversation. The exchange ends with Killua leaving Gon behind.
The third round requires candidates to leave the boat at two-minute intervals. Candidates must stay on the island for exactly one week. The goal mentioned is to obtain six points.
Hisoka is the first candidate to depart. Leorio and Kurapika discuss the advantage of leaving early. Hisoka wears examinee number 44.
Gon is actively collecting numbered tags during the phase. The instruction to find Hisoka is given priority above other actions. A character falls through the trees after the command is spoken.
Gon is examinee 405. Gon experiences a moment of doubt after hearing sounds in the forest. The scene takes place among tall trees at night or in deep shade.
Hisoka is shown reacting with visible surprise and relief. A second character with curly hair comments on a child’s awareness. The curly-haired character maintains a vigilant expression.
What is said, page by page
Left speech bubble from stage: "THE HUNTERS AND THE PREY." Right speech bubble from stage: "THIS LOTTERY WILL ALLOW US TO DETERMINE..." Close-up dialogue about the cards: "THESE NUMBERS ARE JUST THE ONES THAT WERE GIVEN TO YOU AT THE BEGINNING OF THE COMPETITION." Explanation bubble: "THERE ARE NUMBERED CARDS." Label on box: "INSIDE THE BOX..." Final announcement to crowd: "YOU WILL ALL PICK A CARD."
Hisoka tells the group to pick a card from the box in arrival order.
Voice wonders if everyone has a card Examiner explains freedom to do anything with the card Examiner states that personal and picked numbers are recorded Examiner declares the picked number becomes the target
Examiner states the goal is to grab the target's numeral sheet Examiner announces 3 points for success
Leorio explains that keeping your own numeral sheet gives three points while others are worth only one Leorio states that six points are needed to reach the end Leorio warns that the six points must be collected while on Zebiru’s Island
Public announcement congratulating passengers on reaching the third round and stating the ship will arrive at Zevil Island in two hours Killua cheerfully telling examinees that if they fail this year they should return next year without discouragement
Narration stating each person removed another’s number tag and hid it without eye contact Spiky-haired man asking who his target is Long-haired man asking who he himself is the target of Narration declaring the battle has already begun Girl announcing two hours remain before arrival and inviting everyone to enjoy the ride however they wish
Gon asks Killua which number he picked, leaning in curiously. Killua refuses to reveal his number and calls it a secret. Killua asks Gon what number he chose in return. Gon greets Killua casually with a wave and a smile. Gon states his target is not number 405 and tells Killua not to worry. Gon proposes counting to three before showing their number sheets. Gon confirms his number is not 99.
Killua questions if Gon is serious about the numbers. Gon tells Killua he is not very lucky at the lottery either. Killua asks whose number Gon drew. Gon observes that everyone else has already hidden their numbers. Killua wonders how he could remember everyone's number after the explanation.
Gon suggests they might both be afraid or something else. Killua directly questions whether Gon is afraid. Gon proposes a non-confrontational way to steal the sheet. Killua notes he cannot picture winning a direct fight.
Gon states he has revenge to take. Killua agrees with a single word. Gon expresses lingering doubt despite his resolve. Killua encourages Gon not to worry about others. Killua bids Gon to stay alive as he departs.
Official announcement explains the two-minute departure interval and arrival order at the tower. Killua explains that the interval is the time to collect six points and that candidates must remain on the island for one week.
Announcement declares the departure of the first candidate. Leorio observes that early departures allow hiding to watch prey movements. Kurapika acknowledges that those leaving first are favored.
Gon announces each tag number he claims in quick succession. An unseen speaker emphasizes the priority to locate Hisoka. Large onomatopoeia marks the abrupt fall of a figure.
Gon’s internal thought questions whether he is seeing a false impression.
Hisoka exclaims relief after a close call Curly-haired examinee notes the kid’s sharp senses Curly-haired examinee describes staying alert while hunting