Observation

Kurapika stands in a stark white space, head tilted upward with a calm yet intense gaze directed off to the left. His black hair falls messily across his forehead, partially covered by a white bandage wrapped around his head. A large purple earring adorns his left ear. He wears a white collared shirt beneath a black jacket, with heavy metal chains wrapped tightly around his torso and arms. The chains hang loosely in the foreground, emphasizing their weight and presence. His expression is composed, lips slightly parted, conveying quiet resolve.

In a grand hall lined with tall windows and ornate frames, a large group of formally dressed men and women stand behind a thick white line drawn across the polished floor. Kurapika, positioned in the foreground with his back partially visible, addresses the assembly while holding up a sheet of paper. He raises one finger and speaks firmly. "I would ask you all to not cross this white line under any circumstances. First things first." A small figure in an ornate dark robe stands to the side, surrounded by speech bubbles. "Considering that all those that have gathered here understand the importance of this mission, I do not believe any will drop out partway through... The only two people able to see Silent Majority's Zashiki doll are me, the ability's user, and Lovely, the person that's being possessed." Additional panels show the crowd from above and a close view of Kurapika continuing, "And depending on the situation, I may also use force without warning. Anyone that violates this security precaution may be asked to leave." The assembled individuals remain motionless, listening intently to the security rules being laid out.

In a formal hall with checkered flooring, a group of suited men stand at attention while one figure with light hair turns away. A polished shoe steps forward across the white line on the floor. Close-ups reveal Muhan’s confident smirk and Kurapika’s narrowed eye. Muhan and a bald man with a goatee confront Kurapika directly. A speech bubble demands, “NAME AND AFFILIATION?” Kurapika steps back from the white line as Muhan issues a stern warning. Muhan declares, “MUHAN …THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING. PLEASED TO MEET-CHA~ MUHAN OF THE 4TH PRINCE’S PRIVATE ARMY.” The bald man reacts sharply with “OH, ME?” and “HUH?” while another voice calls “HEY!”

Muhan raises both hands and promises, “AND I’M A MAN WHO NEVER GOES BACK ON HIS PROMISE. I PROMISE I WON’T DO IT AGAIN.” He adds an apology for not paying attention. Kurapika’s eyes watch closely. Muhan continues, “IF WHEN THEY GET BROKEN, I REALLY LOSE MY COOL. AT LEAST, THAT’S WHAT I BELIEVE. BUT A PROMISE IS ONLY REALLY A PROMISE WHEN BOTH PEOPLE KEEP THEIR END OF IT, RIGHT?” A close-up shows a serious face questioning, “THIS ISN’T ALL JUST YOU TRYING TO BUY SOME TIME, RIGHT~? BUT YOU’LL BE KEEPING YOUR PROMISE, WON’T YOU…?” Kurapika internally notes the prince’s control and the two-week Nen training period. In the background, a group of people stand in the hall, some looking concerned.

A clenched fist radiates intense force lines. A close-up reveals a man's wide, strained eye and sweat-streaked face. Below, two suited men sprawl across the striped floor while a third figure lies prone. Kurapika stands with arm extended, revolver aimed directly at the pair. "YOU'D DO BEST TO KEEP THAT IN MIND, ARE WE CLEAR?" he states coldly. The second balloon continues, "...IN ORDER TO AVOID THESE EXACT KINDS OF MISUNDERSTANDINGS, IT'S BEST IF YOU CHOOSE YOUR WORDS CAREFULLY..." The two men drop to their knees, heads bowed. "PLEASE FORGIVE US," one begs. The other adds, "...I COMPLETELY AGREE... WE WILL BE CAREFUL FROM NOW ON." Nearby observers react with shock; one sweats heavily while another stares in disbelief.

Tsuchibokko lunges forward in a dark blur, ready to strike. A masked figure in silhouette comments that an unexpected idiot has drawn everyone's attention away from the ten targets. The curse will turn upon its user if the most unexpected situation occurs. Kurapika, now in profile with an earpiece, tells an unseen listener they will proceed clockwise starting right after Muhan. He analyzes the auras around him, noting the soft quiet Ten of Enhancers and Transmuters versus the larger Ten of Emitters and Manipulators. Kurapika observes that the man holding the gun in his left hand keeps his dominant right hand free, confirming he is right-handed. He concludes these are only slight differences among the auras.

Two suited men converse in a hallway. The spiky-haired one smirks and says, "RIGHT?" while his companion replies, "THAT IDIOT'LL START TROUBLE WHEREVER HE GOES... AND NOW WE GET TO DEAL WITH HIM, LUCKY US, HUH?" Nearby, a flat-topped man thinks intently, "I WONDER WHAT BHAVIMAINA'S ASSESSMENT IS...?" A narration box states, "WITHOUT A DOUBT, KURAPIKA IS THE OWNER OF THE ABILITY THAT CAN FORCE CONFESSIONS...!" In a grand hall, Danjin stands in a doorway and announces, "I AM DANJIN, FROM THE 4TH PRINCE'S PRIVATE ARMY." Queen Oito kneels with her back to him amid scattered cushions, facing the far end of the room. Queen Oito concentrates, murmuring, "THOUGH I'M NOT EXACTLY SURE, I CAN KIND OF FEEL LIKE I'M PUSHING IN ON SOMETHING RIGHT HERE...? ABOUT... HERE... I GUESS?" A wild-haired man in a suit encourages her, "SHE'S PROBABLY THE TYPE THAT'LL TAKE A LOT OF TIME... PLEASE CONTINUE. OK." Bhavimaina leans close and declares, "I WANT TO USE THIS CHANCE TO DEVELOP THE QUEEN'S NEN ABILITIES...!" He adds, "YOUR HIGHNESS... HOW IS IT COMING ALONG?" Narration explains, "BHAVIMAINA NOW BELIEVES THAT THE QUEEN IS A NEN USER, AND ALTHOUGH I'M UNCLEAR OF HIS INTENTIONS, IN CONCERN FOR HER, HE HAS RELEASED HIS EN."

A young man with styled hair tells a flat-topped man in a jacket, "THAT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS." The flat-topped man asks, "...HEY... WHY DID YOU REMOVE YOUR EN?" A soldier in the background states, "I'M FROM THE 5TH PRINCE'S PRIVATE ARMY." Kurapika stands in a suit and explains, "AS EITHER A CONJURER OR MANIPULATOR, HE IS ABLE TO FORCE CONFESSIONS... BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, IT'S VERY LIKELY THAT HE IS HIDING ANOTHER ABILITY." The flat-topped man demands, "GIVE ME THE PRELIMINARY REPORT ON THE ENEMY'S ESTIMATED FORCES." He later asks, "WELL THEN, HOW ABOUT WE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING THAT IS MY BUSINESS?" and "AND WHAT IS OUR COUNTER-MEASURE PLAN?" A woman with short hair notes, "...ON TOP OF THAT, BILL'S ABILITY IS STILL UNKNOWN, SO IT'S TOO EARLY TO CREATE ANY PLANS." The flat-topped man replies, "I HAVEN'T GOT ONE YET." Two soldiers stand with their backs turned as one says, "UNTIL AFTER THE NEXT BANQUET IS FINISHED." The flat-topped man agrees, "THEN HOW LONG DO YOU ESTIMATE UNTIL YOU HAVE A PLAN? OK." A dramatic panel shows a cross-like symbol with the text "COMMENCE ATTACK...!!" and "IF SOMEONE DISTRACTS EVERYONE'S ATTENTION AGAIN..." The flat-topped man in the jacket crosses his arms and thinks, "I'VE GOT TO MOVE FAST...!"

Kurapika addresses the group of sixteen assembled in the hall. During this process, there will be differences in the rate at which you individually gain control of it, but rest assured that after 2 weeks, you will all be able to use it. ...I will be teaching Nen to the 16 of you... Yurikov steps forward and declares, I am Yurikov, from the 1st Prince's private army. Beside him, Mushaho, captain of the 5th Queen Swinko-Swinko's royal guard, adds his own introduction. And please answer honestly. But in order to ensure the lessons go smoothly, I want to confirm one thing. Kurapika's large close-up fills the panel as he requests, Please, raise your hands. Among the 16 of you, is there anyone that can already use Nen...? A grid of sixteen faces stares back, their expressions ranging from stern to surprised. At the bottom of the page three hands rise: a short-haired man in a high-collared jacket, an older man in a black suit with an H emblem on his tie, and a third hand on the far right.

Mushaho scans the room and asks, Anyone else? Two of you? The group reacts with surprise and suspicion. Close-ups show narrowed eyes and tense faces as someone wonders, Who knows? If those two can use it already... then why did they come? Mushaho's eyes widen in shock, sweat drops flying as he realizes the implication. A voice urges, Now go on...! Get everyone's attention...! She's noticed! Excellent! A young woman with pigtails and a masked figure with a geometric pattern on her face exchange tense glances. The hall remains filled with the sixteen trainees and their escorts, tension thick after the revelation that two already possess Nen ability.

The man with the H emblem on his jacket considers the remaining four and wonders if they plan to play it well. He notes it is not like anyone other than him would find them out. Kurapika welcomes both observers and urges them not to hold back when giving opinions, explaining that their advice would help him greatly. The two observers are present to watch closely how he teaches. In the hallway, several suited men with H emblems stand together. A woman with a bob haircut and a young girl with pigtails suddenly react with surprise. "HUH? WHO?" "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT WOMAN OVER THERE...?" "DOES SHE SEE SOMETHING...?" "WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT WOMAN...?" Further along the corridor, the group stares toward an empty space. "LOOK, RIGHT THERE! THERE'S NOBODY THERE! WHERE ARE YOU LOOKING?!" "WHAT? NO WAY!" "THERE'S NO WOMAN OVER THERE."

A large bald man with a mustache points dramatically forward, shouting "THERE'S A WEIRD WOMAN STANDING RIGHT OVER THERE!! OVER THERE!! LOOK!!!" The surrounding group reacts with confusion and alarm. Several suited men and women turn their heads, asking "HERE?" "WHERE...?" "CAN NO ONE ELSE SEE HER?! AHH!!! WHAT'S GOING ON?!" "WHAT?!" "NO WAY!" In the lower right, a masked figure wearing a helmet with intricate patterns and a cross-shaped chest piece appears. The figure extends a hand in a striking pose as bold text declares "ATTACK!!" and "PERFECT~!!" Motion lines and sparkles emphasize the sudden action. The crowd below continues to look around in panic while the masked attacker completes the gesture.

On the upper landing of the wide staircase, several men in dark suits react with alarm as one figure slumps against the grid-like railing. A jagged speech bubble filled with exclamation marks punctuates the sudden chaos. To the right, a stern man with slicked-back hair and glasses narrows his eyes while another face shows shock. Below, Barigen sits sprawled across the steps, both hands clamped tightly around his own neck. His eyes bulge and his mouth stretches wide in a silent scream of agony. A large speech bubble beside him reads "BARIGEN ?!" as the surrounding suited men begin to close in.

The group of suited men swarm around Barigen on the stairs. One shouts "THERE IS SOME WHITE THING WRAPPED AROUND HIS NECK!!" while another yells "WHAT'S WRONG ?!" Several reach toward him, with voices commanding "BARIGEN!! MOVE YOUR HANDS OUT OF THE WAY!!" and "GET IT OFF HIM!!" Close-up panels show Barigen's strained, sweating face with heavy SFX lines "ズルズル" indicating a dragging or constricting motion. Below, three men react with wide-eyed shock: one with a goatee, a central figure with glasses and freckles, and the stern man on the right, all staring at the unfolding crisis.

A close-up reveals the intricate patterns on a figure's robe as narration explains the lethal speed of the Tsuchibokko. They can drain all the blood out of an entire body in 11 seconds, but if all four attack one person at the same time the time required drops sharply. In the next panel a stern man in formal attire states that one alone takes 44 seconds and confirms there are four Tsuchibokko in all, while a silhouette of the cloaked creature stands behind him. Below, a bearded man with a high collar reacts with a quiet "zuuu..." sound. Nearby, a man with glasses and another figure watch tensely. The largest panel shows a pair of hands emerging from striped sleeves, each finger wrapped by pale, elongated snake-like creatures whose mouths open and close as they cling tightly to the skin.

Three pale, elongated Tsuchibokko stand upright against a smoky background, their mouths open as they emit a long, piercing hiss. The largest creature in the center towers over the others while the smaller ones flank it on either side. In the panel below, a short-haired man in a collared shirt stares forward with wide eyes and a tense expression. Suddenly his chest erupts in a violent burst of force; his shirt tears open as fragments and debris fly outward, accompanied by sharp motion lines and impact shapes radiating from the point of attack.

In a blood-spattered corridor, suited men react in panic around a fallen body. One man lies dead on the floor, his head destroyed by a gunshot, blood and fragments scattered across the wooden planks. A gunman in a dark suit stands over the corpse with his pistol still aimed downward while others stumble back or crouch in alarm. A bald man in the foreground stares at the scene. In the next panels, a composed man with slicked-back hair warns, “There might still be something inside his body,” and orders, “Get back.” Nearby, another suited figure shouts “Hey!” as a white-haired man kneels beside the corpse. The white-haired man remarks with a heart symbol, “But you’re the one that killed him,” adding that the victim could have still been breathing. Two other men debate whether the attackers were Nen beasts, noting the strange disappearance of the corpse and the lingering threat. At the bottom right, a grotesque, fleshy creature lies twitching on the floor amid motion lines and the sound effect “シュクク…”.

Kurapika stands in the hallway facing a blond man in a suit while two other figures watch from the background. The blond man explains that without hesitation the shooter was completely focused and very strong, and that depending on the situation he expected even a .45 caliber or an HSK. He stresses that Gyo is not enough to protect against the force of the attackers and notes the private guard of the 3rd prince also uses 9mm caliber. A close-up reveals Kurapika’s intense expression as he concludes this was not one of the prince’s Nen beasts. In the lower panels, the glasses-wearing man and another discuss whether the incident was the work of a Nen beast sent to disrupt their training. A group of characters reacts in panic; one woman cries “She’s gone…! She must have gone somewhere!!” while others shout “AAAH…!” and “HUH?” and call out for Lovely. The page ends on a dramatic close-up of the wide-eyed girl declaring, “The assassin that’s hiding among us…! I’ve got to find…” with the chapter title and end notice below.

A massive black ink-like entity erupts across the page in sweeping, chaotic strokes, dominating the upper and central space with jagged tendrils and a looming silhouette that suggests a powerful, monstrous form. In the lower left foreground, a character with wild, spiky light hair leans forward with an intense, wide-eyed glare, one eye prominently visible and mouth open in a fierce expression. Slightly behind and to the right, a second figure with shorter dark hair is held or positioned in a tense, upright stance, body partially turned and gaze directed outward. Bold black brushwork cuts through the composition, creating sharp contrasts and motion lines that emphasize the overwhelming presence of the dark shape above the two figures. The entire page conveys a sense of sudden, violent energy with the ink form appearing to surge toward or around the characters below.