Hunter × Hunter chapter 52: Kastro — what is in it
Heavens Arena arc · 20 pages · 13 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter number shown as N°052 Title text includes 'KASTRO' Gon is depicted on the title page
Gon claims full recovery after one month Injuries were expected to take four months to heal Scene takes place at an indoor doorway with a tower visible outside
Tickets are for Hisoka’s match Gon and Killua are fighters on the 200th floor Killua paid a large sum for the reserved seats
Hisoka has 8 victories including 6 K.O.s and 3 defeats. Hisoka's K.O. is described as resulting in death. Hisoka skipped a registered match after preparation.
Hisoka may possess Floor Master level strength according to rumors. Hisoka lost only 4 points across more than 11 matches. Kastro is the opponent who caused three of Hisoka's lost points and scored a down.
Gon and Killua are discussing an upcoming combat match Wing is enforcing a restriction on their involvement A promise was previously made to Wing
Gon and Killua are under a one-month convalescence limit Wing is teaching about Nen aura perception The pair perform only ten exercises daily
Killua refuses to attend the match with the group A large sum of 150,000 Jenis is mentioned in conversation Heaven's Arena is shown as the location Gon observes Zushi meditating before the match
The arena is already full one hour before combat Gon cracks his knuckles before the fight A large excited crowd has gathered for the match
Hisoka has a 9-1 record after defeating floor master Kastro. Hisoka's upcoming match is against a floor master. 55 minutes remain until the match begins. Gon, Killua, and Zushi are watching Hisoka's old interview on television.
The page displays the bold text 'COLOR HISOKA' centered above a large line-art illustration of Hisoka's head and upper neck in profile facing right. Hisoka has spiky, flowing hair, a small cross-shaped earring in his left ear, and a slight smirk on his face.
Hisoka
01
Gon stands confidently in the foreground with both fists raised and a determined smile, wearing his standard outfit of a jacket, shorts, and tall laced boots. Behind him stretches a dark city skyline at dusk with a tall tower visible against the clouds. Large text at the bottom reads 'N°052 KASTRO'.
Gon
02
Killua stands at the doorway as Gon flips upside down in the air above him, calling out, "AH, KILLUA ... I WAS ABOUT TO VISIT YOU..." Gon lands and hops closer with repeated "HOP" sounds while Killua stares in surprise and asks, "AND YOUR INJURIES...?" Gon replies with a bright smile, "I THINK I'M TOTALLY HEALED," declaring "PERFECT !" as he flexes and begins a rapid series of acrobatic hops and tags around the room. Killua watches in shock, muttering "HIM..." while Gon continues his energetic movements with "Tic" and "CRK" sounds. A large narration box states: "HE RECOVERED IN ONE MONTH WHILE HIS INJURIES SHOULD HAVE NEEDED FOUR MONTHS TO HEAL."
GonKillua
03
In a dark setting, Killua asks Gon why he came while Gon retorts, "SPEAK FOR YOURSELF." Gon then questions, "WHAT MATTER ARE YOU MADE OF? REALLY WEIRD." Gon notices the tickets in Killua’s hand and asks, "TICKETS?" Killua holds up the tickets and explains they are "TICKETS FOR THE MATCH OF HISOKA," adding "NOT SIMPLE TICKETS..." In the final panel Killua complains, "I’M DISGUSTED! I HAD TO PAY A LOT FOR THESE!" while Gon notes, "I WAS ABLE TO GET RESERVED SEATS BECAUSE WE’RE FIGHTERS OF THE 200TH FLOOR."
GonKilluaHisoka
04
Gon stares ahead with wide eyes, hand raised as he speaks. "It's obvious he's not a mere guy." He continues, "More importantly, they told me a lot of things about him." In the next panel, a bustling crowd lines up while Gon stands among them. "You can't imagine the queues for the tickets, there're also sellers from the black market," someone remarks. Gon reacts with surprise, "Oh?" A dramatic panel shows a defeated fighter sprawled amid ink splatters. "With him, a K.O. means 'death.'" The record appears: "8 victories, 6 of which are K.O., and three defeats." Gon explains further, "When the preparation was over, he registered, but didn't come the day of the match." Killua stands beside him. "Yeah..." Gon adds, "Concerning the 3 defeats, those are matches he didn't do." In close-up, Gon concludes, "In other words, if he comes to fight, he never loses."
GonKillua
05
A bearded man with curly hair speaks to the group. "People say he might have the strength of a Floor Master." Killua reacts, "Oohh," while Gon looks down. "I down and only 3 clean hits," the man adds. Gon questions, "Yes?" and leans forward with a grin, "There's more." Rain-like drops fall as the man continues, "Over 11 matches, he's only lost 4 points." Gon stares intensely in close-up. The man identifies the opponent: "His opponent is called Kastro." Gon sweats, "Pff...," as the man warns, "Put more conviction into your words... your face betrays you." In the final panel, Gon and Killua stand together. "Of the 4 points he's lost, 3 were because of this Kastro," the man states. Gon realizes, "He's the only guy who got a down on Hisoka."
GonKilluabearded curly-haired man
06
Gon and Killua walk side by side down a long corridor. Gon explains that they will finally see the fighter in action for real, allowing them to analyze his techniques directly. Killua adds that the combatants may have already agreed on the date of their fatal confrontation. Gon confirms he was told the same. Killua replies with a simple "Yeah." Wing appears in profile, his spiky hair visible, and sternly tells them they will only watch the match. Gon turns with wide eyes and asks what about the promise they made to Wing. In a dramatic close-up, Wing's face fills the frame with motion lines as he flatly refuses: "No way."
GonKilluaWing
07
Gon accepts with "Okay" and "Yes" while small impact sounds "BOM BOM" appear near him. Wing continues explaining that watching a match is also a way to learn about Nen. He reminds them they have only one month of convalescence left and must not waste it. A sweating Zushi watches from the background, wondering if Wing is angry. Wing states that the two only exercise ten times every day and seem to respect his instructions. A panel shows the silhouette of aura leaking slowly like a silent river. Gon sits on the floor wondering if he is more disturbed than the others, while Wing looks down and mutters "Damn!"
GonKilluaWingZushi
08
Killua reacts with shock and frustration to a conversation about a wealthy spectator. "AND HE'S A MILLIONAIRE...LISTEN TO HIM..." someone exclaims. Another voice adds, "I COULD'VE BOUGHT 1000 BOXES OF CHOCOLATE!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!" and "IT'S NOT TRUE! AND I SPENT 150,000 JENIS!!" Killua then states firmly, "WELL, I'M GOING ALONE." A reply comes, "YOU DIDN'T KNOW! YOU CAN RECORD THE MATCH!" The scene shifts to the towering Heaven's Arena building under a cloudy sky. Inside, a television screen displays "BIP BIP" sounds as someone off-panel yells "ARGH!!" A dramatic "CLASH" sound effect erupts with a bright impact flash. In a quiet room, Gon stands in the foreground with his hand extended, gazing intently at a smaller boy sitting cross-legged and meditating calmly on a bed.
GonKilluaZushi
09
Close-up panels show a pair of hands methodically cracking knuckles, one wearing a ring. The next panel reveals Gon's intense face with wide eyes and a single sweat drop against a black background. The view widens to the packed arena stands one hour before the combat. A female announcer with a microphone gestures toward the crowd and declares, "STILL ONE HOUR BEFORE THE COMBAT, AND THE ROOM IS ALREADY FULL!! LOOK AT THIS CROWD!!" The excited audience fills every seat while various onomatopoeia like BROUHA, ガヤ, and OUA! capture the noisy atmosphere.
GonFemale announcer
10
A profile of Hisoka fills the upper right panel, his star-marked cheek visible as narration details his record: 8 victories, 3 defeats, but only for non-presentation to the fight. The god of death that likes resting, the magician Hisoka. Another panel recounts his past: 9 victories, 1 defeat after his defeat to Hisoka, he won 9 times consecutively and has defeated a floor master, Kastro, the warrior. He declared 'I'm gonna make Hisoka pay.' The match of revenge?! Below, Gon, Killua, and Zushi watch a television screen showing an interview. Gon suggests, 'Let's watch the interview he had at time of his previous match.' Killua mutters 'He must be stocky.' Zushi adds 'Hmm...' The screen shows Hisoka saying 'I'm gonna show that in two years, I became another man.' Gon reacts 'Not really modest...' while Killua says 'Oh...' A long-haired woman seated nearby speaks: 'Only 55 minutes left before the beginning of the match between the ones whose strength must be closest to the floor masters!! If I didn't think I had a chance of winning, I wouldn't fight. But is he really self-confident, or...?'
HisokaGonKilluaZushilong-haired woman
11
Gon stands up abruptly and announces 'I'm gonna check.' He moves through a doorway into a hallway, the door closing with a CLAC sound effect. A man with a star emblem on his sweater stands further down the corridor. Gon peeks around a corner, spots the distant figure walking away, and continues following. In a separate room, the long-haired woman sits on a couch, her hands clasped, as she thinks 'He's here...' with a small SFX of 55... visible nearby. Gon is seen from behind approaching another door while the figure recedes down the hall.
Gonlong-haired womanstar-sweater man
12
A long-haired man stands directly behind Killua in a dim room, his flowing hair framing a calm face as he asks, "CAN I HELP YOU?" Killua stares upward with wide, startled eyes. In the bottom panel, Gon pushes open a door and steps inside while the long-haired man walks away down the corridor. A massive, bold "WHAT?!!!!!" erupts across the scene as Gon reacts in shock.
Killualong-haired manGon
13
The long-haired man walks with Killua, declaring "I'M CERTAIN I SAW HIM IN THIS ARMCHAIR !!!" Killua looks around frantically, thinking "WHEN... ?!" Multiple panels show an empty chair and motion lines as the man explains how someone opened the door, passed beside him, and vanished in an instant. Killua admits he wanted an autograph, prompting the man to reply "I'M HONORED, KILLUA." Killua reacts with "HUH?" while sweat drops appear on both their faces.
Killualong-haired man
14
Gon stands in the hallway, surprised by the sudden appearance of a tall, long-haired man in flowing robes. The man remarks, "Today, it's adversaries inspection?" Gon replies, "No, no. I've been totally found out." The man continues, "It's how you are with this boy, Gon, isn't it? You came to have a look at a potential rival of the 200th floor." Gon responds, "I wanted to see you up close." The man asks, "So what are your impressions?" Gon senses a powerful presence and says, "A presence like yours, that brusquely disappears, no need to have my skills to remark it." The man replies, "But if you want to erase your presence, do it a long time before reaching this floor." Gon thanks him. The man notes, "Quite impressive." Gon asks, "You mean you detected me as soon as I arrived at the floor?" The man confirms, "Your Zetsu isn't bad either."
Gonlong-haired man
15
The long-haired man turns away, saying, "Sorry, but I can't tell you... As we may someday fight against each other." Gon asks, "How did you do what you just did?" The man replies he cannot reveal it. Gon persists, "Anyways, I wanna ask you something..." The man states, "That's not what your aura revealed. Don't worry! I don't have any intentions of fighting to go up." Gon looks shocked. The man laughs, "Ha! Ha! Ha! I'm kidding. Watch the match, and you'll get your answer." Gon walks to a door and says, "I told you I won't fight!" The man responds, "I'll wait for you at the Battle Olympia." A girl appears at the door asking about an autograph. Gon panics, "No, too bad. Plus, I forgot to bring paper and a pen. See ya!"
Gonlong-haired mangirl at door
16
Kastro stands tall in the arena, arms at his sides, and shouts with excitement, "HERE WE ARE!!" The crowd watches from the stands as the announcer declares the upcoming match. In the distance, Hisoka walks forward in his long robe while Kastro faces him directly. A large caption announces "THE COMBAT BETWEEN HISOKA AND KASTRO!!" In a close-up panel, Hisoka's face is shown in profile as an unseen speaker asks, "WHO'S BECOME STRONGER?" Hisoka replies calmly, "WITHOUT YOUR BAPTISMAL I WOULDN'T HAVE BECOME SO STRONG. I THANK YOU, HISOKA." Below the arena, Gon looks up with wide eyes and reacts with repeated "Qua! Qua!" sounds while clutching something in his hands.
HisokaKastroGon
17
Hisoka's intense close-up shows narrowed eyes as he states, "TO REACH DEFEATING YOU, ALL I DID WAS TRAINING..." In a dark panel, Hisoka stands with his robe flowing and continues, "IN THE 9 MATCHES I FOUGHT AFTER MY DEFEAT TO YOU ... NOT ONCE DID I GO ALL OUT. I WARN YOU." A man in the stands reacts with shock, mouth wide open and shouting "WOO-Z-!!" In a dramatic full-page spread, Hisoka unleashes his aura with radiating lines and declares "LET'S GO!!" while extending one hand forward, the motion lines emphasizing his powerful stance.
Hisoka
18
A fierce exchange erupts in the arena. The long-haired fighter lunges forward with a powerful strike, the impact marked by a sharp SHAT as the blade-like weapon clashes. The opponent is sent reeling. In a blur of motion the long-haired fighter twists through the air, cloak billowing, delivering a crushing follow-up that lands with a resounding BLAM. Shockwaves and debris explode outward. Below, a spiky-haired boy watches in stunned silence, his eyes wide. Nearby another figure is hurled to the ground, the impact echoing with TOHAAA as the boy reacts with a sharp !!!?
long-haired fighterGonKillua
19
The arena erupts in cheers as the announcer declares a clean hit. Kastro makes his explosive entrance, the crowd roaring OOOOOOOOH. In close-up Hisoka appears with a single bead of sweat, murmuring that he had been certain he avoided the right hand. The long-haired fighter, Kastro, stares directly forward with intense eyes and commands Hisoka to fight for real.
KastroHisokaFemale announcer
End of chapter20 pages
Discussion
Gon leaves the viewing area to investigate. A man wearing a star-emblazoned sweater is present in the hallway. The long-haired woman remains seated and senses someone's presence.
Killua is visibly surprised by the long-haired man's sudden appearance behind him. Gon enters through a door in the lower panel. The long-haired man is shown walking away from the room.
The long-haired man claims to have seen someone in the armchair moments earlier. Killua sought an autograph from the person who vanished. The long-haired man addresses Killua by name.
Gon is on the 200th floor of the tower. The long-haired man can sense aura and presence. Gon attempted to use Zetsu upon arrival. Conversation occurs in a hallway setting.
The long-haired man will participate in a match. Gon refuses to fight the man. A girl appears seeking an autograph from Gon. The location includes a door leading to the Battle Olympia area.
Kastro directly addresses the start of the match. Hisoka credits an unseen person for his increased strength. The match is officially announced as Hisoka versus Kastro. Gon is present in the audience area reacting to the scene.
Hisoka trained specifically to defeat the person he is addressing. Hisoka held back in all nine matches following his prior loss. Hisoka issues a direct warning before the fight. Hisoka releases a powerful aura while saying "LET'S GO!!"
The long-haired fighter lands a clean aerial strike. Gon is shown reacting with visible shock at the bottom of the page.
Kastro lands a clean hit on Hisoka. Hisoka internally notes he thought he dodged the right hand. Kastro demands Hisoka fight seriously.
What is said, page by page
Gon calls out to Killua from above the doorway about visiting him Killua questions Gon about his injuries Gon happily announces he is totally healed Killua reacts with disbelief at Gon’s sudden recovery
Killua asks why Gon came to see him Gon tells Killua to speak for himself Gon wonders what Killua is made of Killua reveals the tickets are for Hisoka’s match Killua complains about the high cost of the tickets Gon explains he got reserved seats as a 200th floor fighter
Gon states Hisoka is obviously not ordinary and shares additional information learned about him Crowd member notes huge ticket demand and black market sellers Gon reacts with surprise to the ticket information Narration explains K.O. means death for Hisoka's opponents Record panel lists Hisoka's 8 wins (6 K.O.) and 3 losses Gon explains Hisoka registered but skipped the match day Killua agrees with Gon's assessment Gon clarifies the three defeats were matches Hisoka avoided Gon concludes Hisoka never loses when he actually fights
Bearded man claims Hisoka may have Floor Master strength Killua reacts with interest to the claim Bearded man notes only three clean hits landed on Hisoka Gon asks for more information Gon leans in eagerly as more details are promised Bearded man reveals Hisoka lost only 4 points over 11 matches Bearded man names opponent as Kastro Gon reacts with surprise and doubt Bearded man warns Gon his expression gives away his thoughts Bearded man states three of Hisoka's lost points came from Kastro Gon realizes Kastro is the only one who scored a down on Hisoka
Gon explains they will see the fighter for real to analyze techniques Killua notes the agreed date of the fatal confrontation Killua agrees with a short "Yeah" Wing orders them to only watch the match Gon asks about the promise made to Wing Wing refuses with "No way"
Gon replies "Okay" and "Yes" Wing says watching a match helps learn about Nen Wing warns they have only one month left and must not waste it Zushi wonders if Wing is angry at them Wing notes they exercise only ten times a day Wing observes that they respect what he told them Gon wonders if he is more disturbed than the others Wing says "Damn!"
Unseen speaker complains about a millionaire buying excessive chocolate and questions the spending of 150,000 Jenis Killua declares he is going alone to the match Reply insists the other person can record the match instead Off-panel voice reacts with ARGH!! to the television beeps
Female announcer notes the arena is already full one hour before the match and highlights the size of the crowd
Narration box detailing Hisoka's win record and nickname as the Magician Hisoka's past declaration about making Hisoka pay after defeating Kastro Gon's suggestion to watch the previous interview Killua and Zushi commenting on Hisoka's appearance Hisoka's interview quote about becoming another man in two years Woman's speculation on whether Hisoka is truly confident before the match
Gon's declaration that he is going to check on something Sound effect CLAC as the door shuts Sound effect FLIP as Gon moves Woman's internal realization that he is here
Long-haired man asks "CAN I HELP YOU?" in a speech bubble above Killua Large onomatopoeic "WHAT?!!!!!" expresses Gon's shock at the empty room
Long-haired man states "I'M CERTAIN I SAW HIM IN THIS ARMCHAIR !!!" Killua internally questions "WHEN... ?!" Long-haired man explains the rapid door opening and passing Killua says "I WANTED TO GET AN AUTOGRAPH, BUT..." Long-haired man responds "I'M HONORED, KILLUA." Killua exclaims "HUH?"
Long-haired man asks about adversaries inspection and being found out. Gon admits wanting to see the man up close. Man inquires about Gon's impressions of him. Gon describes sensing the man's powerful presence. Man advises on properly erasing presence. Gon thanks the man; man calls it impressive. Gon questions how quickly the man detected him. Man notes Gon's Zetsu is decent.
Long-haired man refuses to explain his technique due to potential future fight. Gon asks how the man performed the aura technique. Man claims Gon's aura showed no fighting intent. Man laughs and tells Gon to watch the match. Gon refuses to fight and leaves. Man says he will wait at the Battle Olympia. Girl asks for an autograph; Gon makes excuses and flees.
Kastro excitedly announces arrival with "HERE WE ARE!!" in a large jagged bubble. Announcer caption states the match is between Hisoka and Kastro. Unseen speaker asks "WHO'S BECOME STRONGER?" in a speech bubble near Hisoka. Hisoka thanks the listener for making him stronger, saying he wouldn't have become so strong without their baptismal. Gon reacts with repeated "Qua!" sounds while watching from below.
Hisoka explains his training was only to reach defeating the listener. Hisoka reveals he never went all out in the nine matches after his previous defeat. Hisoka warns the listener directly with "I WARN YOU." Spectator shouts "WOO-Z-!!" in reaction. Hisoka shouts "LET'S GO!!" as he activates his power.
Sound effect SFX: SHAT for the initial clash Sound effect SFX: BLAM for the heavy strike Sound effect SFX: TOHAAA for the body hitting the ground Gon reacts with !!!?
Announcer: CLEAN HIT !! Narration box: IT BEGINS WITH AN EXPLOSIVE ENTRANCE OF KASTRO !!! Hisoka: I WAS CERTAIN I HAD AVOIDED HIS RIGHT HAND... Kastro: HISOKA. FIGHT FOR REAL...