Chapter 83

Under a starry night sky, a rocky canyon stretches across the page. Uvogin stands in the distance on sandy ground, gripping a long chain that stretches toward a small distant figure. In the foreground, Kurapika grips the same chain with both hands, his face tense. Uvogin roars with fury, mouth wide open, eyes blazing, his wild hair and fur-lined outfit prominent. The chain links are thick and metallic between them.

A massive impact shakes the battlefield as Uvogin reels from the strike. "BAM" echoes across the scene while Uvogin shouts in fury, his spiky hair flaring outward. "WAAAH!!" he cries as the chain wraps around him. "And he uses a chain materialized with a strong Nen!!" someone exclaims. "He has the guard of a Reinforcement user!!" another voice adds. Uvogin’s face twists in shock, sweat flying, eyes wide. "WHY…?!" he growls. In the distance Kurapika stands on the rocky ground and calmly states, "I’m going to explain to you before sending you to another world." Uvogin looks annoyed. "You seem annoyed," Kurapika notes. A panel shows Kurapika with short hair, hand to his face, eyes closed: "I’m currently using Specialization." Explanatory text fills the air: "He maximized the use of the Materialization Nen, but also the Reinforcement one!! It’s not possible!!" and "Normally, the real Nen users can optimize a 100% rate in the category of Nen they belong to!!" Uvogin stares in stunned silence, two exclamation marks hovering beside him.

Kurapika sits cross-legged on the forest floor, a large chart spread before him. "These are the percentage rates for possible acquisition of the other Nen types," he explains. "Supposing you have a gift that allows you to master Materialization at 100%…" he continues. The chart displays a hexagon labeled "HATSU" with percentages: Reinforcement 60%, Transformation 80%, Emission 40%, Manipulation 60%, Materialization 100%, Specialization 0%. Kurapika points to the paper while a small figure of Uvogin and another person appear in the background. "Whatever your knowledge, you can’t perfectly acquire a different Nen than the innate one," he says. "The farther you go away, the more the acquisition rate decreases." A close-up shows Kurapika’s serious face as he asks, "Why is the Specialization at zero?" He answers his own question: "Why is it located at this place? Only because the two Nen that have the best chances to acquire Specialization are its two neighbors: Materialization and Manipulation." He adds, "In that way, you still have some chance." Further explanation follows: "In most cases, it’s an individual’s ability that can arise from the environment where you were bred, or your blood line…" and "It’s an outer category, it’s not a Nen that can be learned like the others."

A young Kurapika sits on the ground at night while an older Kurapika stands with his back turned. The older one says, "IT'S YOU WHO TOLD ME THIS..." In the next panel the older Kurapika continues, "I WANT A STRENGTH WHICH WILL ALLOW ME TO FIGHT ALONE..." A diagram of the six Nen categories appears beside the young Kurapika's face. The older Kurapika explains, "BECAUSE REINFORCEMENT IS THE CATEGORY WHICH GIVES YOU THE MOST EFFICIENT ATTACK, DEFENSE, AND RECOVERY. YOU NATURALLY THOUGHT THAT CATEGORY WAS THE IDEAL CATEGORY FOR YOU." The young Kurapika stares forward with a serious expression. The older Kurapika adds, "IF AN OPPONENT CONFRONTS YOU IN A FIGHT... FOR EXAMPLE... THE ACQUISITION OF THE REINFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES WON'T EXCEED 50%. FOR A USER OF MATERIALIZATION LIKE YOU..."

The older Kurapika clenches his fist with dramatic speed lines and says, "HIM..." A panel shows a fist striking toward the young Kurapika while text explains, "IF HE HITS YOU WITH A PUNCH REINFORCED WITH NEN... AND SUPPOSING YOUR ADVERSARY MASTERS 100% OF THE REINFORCEMENT TECHNIQUES..." A distant view shows two figures sitting on a blanket in a field. Mathematical panels display the equation AP 100 + SP 100 = 200 for attack points and SP, then DP 100 + SP 60 = 160 for defense points. The older Kurapika concludes, "IT WILL RESULT... EVEN IF YOU MAXIMIZE REINFORCEMENT, YOU WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO REINFORCE YOUR PHYSICAL POTENTIAL BY 60%. AS FOR YOU, WHO RECEIVES THE PUNCH... IN OTHER WORDS..." A small SFX reads "critch critch" near the bottom.

A large panel displays the equation DP SP (100 + 60) − (100 + 100) = −40. A speech bubble explains: "EVEN IF YOU DODGE THE HIT, YOU WILL RECEIVE 40% DAMAGE." Below, Kurapika sits with a young boy in a grassy clearing as narration states: "THE PHYSICAL STRENGTH VARIES BETWEEN PEOPLE. THE MOMENT ALSO HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE, AND THERE ARE VARIATIONS ACCORDING TO THE PLACE AND ENVIRONMENT." Kurapika continues: "OF COURSE, IT'S ONLY A SIMPLIFIED CALCULATION. YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING ARE SMALL. IN SHORT, IF YOU WERE ABOUT TO FIGHT A REINFORCEMENT USER..." A close-up shows Kurapika's intense eyes as he adds: "BUT THE NEN ITSELF IS MUCH MORE COMPLICATED." A silhouette figure with a heart symbol on its chest appears amid impact lines while Kurapika concludes: "AND IT'S THANKS TO THIS THAT WE'RE SOMETIMES ABLE TO OVERCOME THE 100% LIMIT." A final bubble lists emotions: "EXULTATION, ALIENATION, SADNESS, FEAR, INATTENTION, DEDICATION, FURY, DOUBT, SHAME, PRIDE, DETERMINATION... IN BRIEF, ALL THE FEELINGS THAT TRAVERSE US. THE NEN COMES FROM THAT."

The young boy hunches forward on the ground as Kurapika's voice continues: "BECAUSE OVERCOMING THE STRENGTH WE HAVE CREATES A LACK SOMEWHERE ELSE, IT CAN BECOME A WEAK POINT, SOMETIMES EVEN FATAL." Kurapika holds up a small object while saying: "NORMALLY TO DEFEAT SOMEONE, A STABLE FORCE IS NECESSARY. IN A FIGHT, ANYWAY. BUT IT'S NEVER FINE." A close-up reveals Killua's wide eyes and surprised expression. Killua asks: "EFFICIENT AGAINST SOMEONE WHO WOULD HAVE OPTIMIZED HIS REINFORCEMENT? IS THE STABLE FORCE OF MATERIALIZATION..." Kurapika responds with "QUESTION..." while Killua continues questioning materialization. Kurapika replies: "A SABRE ABLE TO CUT EVERYTHING" and notes that against reinforcement Nen it gives the impression of huge strength, though "IT'S DIFFICULT TO SAY IN ONE WORD..." Sound effects show "critch" and "clac clac" as Kurapika manipulates the object.

Kurapika stands with a serious expression, addressing the group. "YES, EVEN MAXIMIZING MATERIALIZATION NEN, THERE ARE STILL THINGS REMAINING THAT CAN'T BE MATERIALIZED." Killua and Gon listen in the background. Killua asks, "WHY?" Kurapika replies, "NO. BECAUSE IT GOES PAST THE HUMAN ABILITIES." In the next section, Kurapika continues, "IN THAT CASE, YOU'D RATHER BUY A GOOD NORMAL SABRE. THERE'S NO NEED TO ATTEND SPECIFIC TRAINING. IT'S TRUE THAT WE CAN'T MAKE IT APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR LIKE A NEN ONE, BUT..." Diagrams compare a normal sabre to a Nen sabre, noting "VERY GOOD NORMAL SABRE" and "NEN SABRE" with the quote "A ROBUST AND VERY SHARP SABRE." THAT'S POSSIBLE." Kurapika turns to the others, saying, "YOU DON'T HAVE MANY CHANCES." Gon looks on as Kurapika explains, "KNOWING WHAT YOU WANT TO MATERIALIZE IS THE BASIS OF EVERYTHING, IT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT." He adds, "IN OTHER WORDS, IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER THAN GOD DID." Kurapika concludes, "IN SHORT, MATERIALIZING AN ALREADY EXISTING OBJECT DOESN'T ALWAYS MAKE AN EFFICIENT WEAPON. THE USERS OF MATERIALIZATION NEN HAVE IN THEIR HANDS A FORCE THAT IS BASICALLY DIFFICULT TO MASTER IN FIGHTS." From off-panel, someone says, "WHATEVER YOU CAN SAY, YOU STILL LACK CONCENTRATION, IMAGINATION, AND TRAINING TO REACH DECIDING THE OBJECT YOU'LL MATERIALIZE." At the bottom, a close-up shows Kurapika from behind as a voice states, "A CHAIN."

A rippling water-like background appears as a voice recalls, "THAT'S THE FIRST THING THAT CAME TO MIND, WHEN YOU TOLD ME WHAT THE MATERIALIZATION WAS..." Kurapika responds, "YES." He questions, "A CHAIN...? BUT WHY?" Killua, shown in profile with a serious look, replies, "BUT THEY'RE STILL FREE IN OUR WORLD... BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE OF THE SHADOWS MUST BE ARRESTED..." The scene shifts to a training area where Kurapika stands with Gon and Killua. Kurapika says, "I TOLD YOU: TO REPRODUCE A MERE CHAIN LIKE THE ONES ALREADY EXISTING DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!" He continues, "PLUS, IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO MAKE AN UNBREAKABLE CHAIN!!" Killua walks away saying, "WHAT DO YOU WANT?" and "I WANT TO STOP YOUR LESSONS ON THE WAY!" Kurapika taps the ground with "TAP" and states, "I REMIND YOU I'M YOUR MASTER!" Killua reacts with shock, "WHAT CAN YOU UNDERSTAND OF IT?!" as sound effects "tic" and "zaf" appear. Kurapika asks, "REALLY? I GET THE IMPRESSION THAT YOU'RE THE TIED ONE..." while Gon watches nearby. Someone shouts, "WAIT!!"

Kurapika stands in the grass with his aura flaring around him. "YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO MAKE 'AN UNBREAKABLE CHAIN,' BUT..." he says. "SOMETHING CLOSE TO IT ISN'T IMPOSSIBLE." Killua watches him closely. In another panel Kurapika turns away, continuing, "WELL, MAYBE YOU'LL STILL LISTEN...?" "YOU DON'T WANT TO TALK ANYMORE..." Killua answers simply, "DO IT." Kurapika's expression hardens as he replies, "WHEN IT SUITS YOU, YOU LISTEN TO ME..." Killua looks surprised. "REALLY?" A large close-up shows Kurapika's serious face with motion lines radiating outward. "THE CONDITION AND THE PLEDGE," he declares. In the final panel Kurapika stands over Killua, who looks up and asks, "HOW?"

A wide panel shows Uvogin swinging a massive chain weapon toward a distant figure in a rocky area, with loud "GOGOGOGO" and impact SFX. Kurapika appears in close-up, eyes wide, declaring, "CAN I USE SPECIALIZATION NEN!" and "ONLY WHEN MY SCARLET PUPILS APPEAR..." A dramatic close-up of Uvogin's face follows, sweat flying, as he shouts, "I REMEMBER NOW." "THOSE EYES!"

On a vast wooden floor marked by countless scratches, a small figure with chains stands opposite a massive, spiky-haired man. The larger man gestures as he speaks of a clan whose eyes turn red when angry, who lived quietly in a secluded area, and how the boss wanted to go there. A close-up reveals Uvogin's intense, glaring eyes as he asks if Kurapika is truly the last survivor and admits it was a lot of work to confirm their strength. Kurapika, partially silhouetted, replies with surprise that Uvogin only has that in mind. Uvogin bares his teeth in excitement, declaring that the hatred against his strength has stimulated him and demanding to know who will win. He concludes with a roar that this is a real match.

Kurapika stands with both hands gripping his chain, eyes wide as he states that the chain cannot be broken by someone like Uvogin. Uvogin, face twisted in rage with sweat flying, retorts that they will see while multiple "Criiii" sound effects surround him. In the lower panel Uvogin lunges forward with tremendous force, muscles bulging and chains rattling as massive "ゴゴゴ" and "AAAAAARGH!!!" sound effects explode around him, his body radiating raw power.

Kurapika stares forward with intense focus, his light hair framing a determined expression as he grips the chains wrapped around Uvogin. The chains cling tightly with sharp metallic sounds. Uvogin, heavily muscled and bound by multiple chains across his torso and arms, thrashes violently. His spiky hair stands on end as he bares his teeth and roars in fury, the sound effects emphasizing his rage. Sweat and strain mark his face while he struggles against the restraints.

A dark-haired man with a scar looks to the side with a serious expression. Kurapika, shown in profile with light hair, listens intently. In a dark panel, a small figure of Kurapika stands as speech bubbles explain: "THE CONDITION AND THE PLEDGE ...." and "I'LL KEEP MY PROMISE." Another voice states, "YOU CHOOSE A CONDITION, AND THEN PLEDGE." The dark-haired man continues, "THE MORE WE FULFILL A HARD CONDITION, THE MORE POINTS WE EARN. LIKE IN MAH-JONG OR POKER... THE STRICTER THE CONDITION..." He raises a fist with a "crac" sound. Further text reads: "SO THE FORCE IS MULTIPLIED. IF WE REEXAMINE THE PREVIOUS EQUATION, THIS TIME WE GET A WHOLE DIFFERENT RESULT, SINCE WE MULTIPLY THE OBTAINED SUM WITH THE NEN CREATED BY THE CONDITION. THE MORE THE TECHNIQUE WILL BE POWERFUL." A formula appears: "AP + SP x MP = !!" with labels for ATTACK POINT, SENS POINT, and MYSTERY POINT.

Kurapika stands facing Uvogin in the forest clearing. Uvogin warns him about the chain's nature. "But I warn you, it's the absolute opposite of a stable force, it's a double-edged sword." He continues, "Give a condition to your chain. Something you'll be able to respect thanks to your determination." Kurapika listens intently as Uvogin adds, "Don't forget that if you break your pledge, there's a strong risk that you'll lose your Nen, which will put you in a lot of danger." Kurapika responds firmly, stating his rule: "Your rule is to not use it out of the goal you fixed. It's a bit limited." He declares, "I'll only target the Spiders. I want a chain of which they can't break free once they're captured. My target... is to find the scarlet pupils of my companions, and to stop the Spiders." A large spider silhouette looms in the panel as the group stands together.

Uvogin asks, "So what is the pledge?" with a question mark appearing beside him. Kurapika replies from off-panel, "Because to use the chain against other people is only the pre-condition of my pledge, I'm not finished." In a close-up, Kurapika's face is shown with a serious expression as he states, "Dying if I don't respect the rule." Uvogin stands below in a white robe, listening silently with a neutral expression. The forest setting continues in the background panels with trees and foliage visible behind the characters.

A voice calls out urgently from off-panel, "MAYBE YOU... WAIT!! STAY IN THAT STATE, AND RETAKE THE WATER TEST!" The dark-haired man stares in shock, his eyes widening as he mutters, "EH... KURAPIKA?" Text beside him notes that the same time the color of Kurapika's eyes changed, his whole aura considerably increased. In a distant panel, a figure stands amid swirling energy while another crouches on the ground, crying out "WHO THE HELL ARE YOU?!" amid sharp SFX "ギ" "ギ" "ギ" and a pained "ARRRGH". Kurapika, now in full view with short blonde hair and an earring, extends his right hand forward, fingers splayed. He declares, "I CAN PRODUCE 100% OF WHICHEVER CATEGORY I DESIRE. WITH MY SPECIALIZATION NEN..." Large stylized text erupts across the bottom of the page: "EMPEROR TIME".