Hisoka Origin Story

A massive spotlight beam cuts through darkness to illuminate a towering industrial structure against the night sky. The name HISOKA. hangs in a glowing speech bubble above the silhouette. Below, bold lettering declares THE PLEASURE CAPITAL - GLAM GAS LAND. A map of the region shows Yorknew City and Glam Gas Land marked on the northern Yorbian continent. Text panels explain that for years the area, covered in red earth mountains, was very poor. Eventually gas deposits were depleted and the Glam clan grew rich managing the resource. Next they turned to casino management. Many came in search of the gas. The land became known as Glam Gas Land. The caravan abandoned its centuries-old migratory lifestyle and settled near the deposits. The Glam caravan, a tribe of migrants, discovered a precious natural gas resource among the mountains.

AS A RESULT, the page declares in large letters. A young person with short light hair chews gum while holding a deck of cards, one card showing a smiling face. Speech bubbles read CHEW and CHOMP. A panel shows a magician in a checkered outfit performing on stage with an audience, captioned that hotels competed to attract the best magicians and performers. Another panel notes the casinos were built alongside hotels to draw guests. A hand holds up a card labeled THAT'S THE MORITONIO TROUPE! In a later scene two figures run across a stage while banners read WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO. and I WONDER IF WE CAN SEE IT FROM HERE. The final panel states THEY PUT ON SHOWS IN ALL THE BIG HALLS!

High on a ledge overlooking the grand arena, a lone figure sits in quiet observation as the show unfolds below. In the performance space, a smiling man with a headband calls out "YO!" while juggling an array of objects including a bottle and a racket. Nearby, acrobats balance and leap between stools amid musical notes and flying props. A muscular performer strains under a heavy barbell loaded with a large pumpkin, shouting "GAH!" as he lifts. In the foreground, a woman with ornate earrings and a headpiece smiles faintly while forming a precise hand gesture with her fingers. The arena below is packed with spectators, and a heart-marked speech bubble floats near a seated observer. Large text declares that show business became the emblematic trade of the Gas Land.

A short-haired woman with earrings and a choker turns her head sharply, her mouth forming "HO-" as she reacts. Beside her, a muscular figure with wild spiky hair recoils violently, eyes wide and mouth open in shock, arms raised defensively. Large impact lines and motion effects burst around the muscular figure. In a small inset panel, a distant performer exhales a thick plume of smoke or vapor while surrounded by motion lines and crosses. The woman remains composed yet alert, glancing toward the disturbance as the muscular figure's body twists from the impact.

A tall figure in a top hat and coat strides forward with one arm extended, fingers splayed. The next panel shows the same performer launching upward along a vertical surface, small figures scattering below as motion lines streak the air. A close-up reveals a bare foot pressing against the wall with the caption "SKY SWIMMING!" repeated. In the stands, a young man with light hair leans forward in shock, shouting "IT'S MORITONIO!" while a smaller spectator stares in disbelief. Below, the performer tumbles through open space, limbs flailing, as an audience of silhouetted heads watches from the arena floor. A hand clutches a torn banner in the foreground while the performer continues the aerial maneuver.

The performer clings to the upper wall, body inverted, one hand gripping the surface while a sign reads "UP THE WALL...". Below, the crowd stares upward. Close panels show the performer's legs and feet executing precise steps labeled "STEP" as they ascend the vertical surface. Japanese sound effects mark each movement. In a wide view the figure is seen completely upside-down, coat flared, a small cup balanced on the head, still climbing with "STEP" indicators. Scattered balls and motion lines emphasize the controlled descent or continued climb along the ceiling area.

In a packed arena, the audience erupts in excitement as debris and motion lines fill the air above the stage. A large figure stands framed in a distant doorway on the raised platform while the crowd below surges and gestures wildly. In the foreground, a man wearing a tall top hat and glasses leans forward with an intense, open-mouthed expression, his long hair flowing as he reacts to the spectacle. Beside him, a small round creature with closed eyes and striped markings sits amid flying scraps of paper. Silhouetted spectators on either side watch the unfolding event on the distant stage.

A young person with light hair glances back over their shoulder with a hand near their mouth. Nearby, a silhouetted figure speaks while watching a small distant shape on the empty stage. Speech bubbles read: "YA THINK WE'LL BE ABLE TO WATCH THE ROYAL GLAM SHOW NEXT TIME?" and "THAT SURE WAS SOME-THING." The view shifts to a large domed structure under a cloudy sky. A bold shout "ABAKI!" appears in a speech bubble. In the main panel, a girl with short bobbed hair and a patterned top sits beside a wooden tub, resting her chin on her hand with a neutral expression. An inset shows a woman with earrings holding an object and saying "HERE." while the girl responds "WHAT?" in a small bubble.

In a rehearsal space, a performer stretches and complains while practicing kicks and flips. "SHEESH. I'VE GOTTA PRACTICE TOO, YOU KNOW..." Nearby, another figure hunches over papers. "IT'S YOUR JOB TO MAKE THE POSTERS." "FINE, FINE. DAMN IT..." A third performer stands and gestures toward the group. "IT'LL BE BACK TO BEING BUSY AS USUAL FROM TOMORROW. OUR NEXT SHOW IS GONNA BE FOR THE MAYOR." In a smaller panel a swirling question mark appears. Later, a short-haired boy peeks around a corner with a hesitant "UH..." while a smiling young man with light hair waves casually and says "HIYA." The scene shifts to a meeting room where several troupe members sit around a table. One seated figure declares firmly, "I'M AGAINST IT, TONIO."

An older man in a tall hat and glasses points accusingly while speaking. "BORIZOI, YOU YOURSELF WERE ONCE UPON A TIME, HOMELESS. YOU WERE LIVING IN A BATHROOM." He continues, "I MYSELF WAS ONCE A PICKPOCKET. I PRETENDED TO BE A SHOE-SHINE, OF COURSE, BUT..." A large striped-haired man reacts with visible irritation. Another panel shows two figures embracing as someone recalls, "WE FINALLY MANAGED TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM AT THE ROYAL GLAM. AND NOW YOU..." A seated man with a cross symbol on his hat listens while a voice states, "THAT WAS AGES AGO, LOOK," and "TAKING IN SOME RANDOM SLUM BRAT..." A large speech bubble emphasizes, "THIS IS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE FOR US TO MAKE OURSELVES KNOWN." The same seated man adds, "THE ROYAL GLAM PERFORMANCE IS JUST TWO MONTHS AWAY." In close-up an older man with a scar asks "BEHIND YOU." while another hand holds up a small object and warns, "I DUNNO ABOUT YOU, BUT I DON'T WANNA THROW ANY WRENCHES INTO THE PLANS. GET ME?"

Hisoka smiles with half-lidded eyes and says, "MY, OH MY. THAT REALLY WAS SOMETHING BACK THERE." A spade symbol floats beside the speech bubble. In the next panel a bald man with thick black stripes across his head grunts "HMPH..." while Hisoka, viewed from behind, leans over a counter. The bald man then steps into view and remarks, "IT SEEMS I'VE INTRUDED ON SOMETHING..." with a diamond symbol. A small "OH?" bubble with a club appears as the bald man turns away. A young woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat stares upward with wide eyes and asks, "CAN YOU DO ANY TRICKS OR THE LIKE?" The name "HISOKA." is written in a separate bubble. In the final panel a large, heavyset man carries the same young woman away on his back while she clings to his shoulders.

Hisoka holds up a playing card marked with a 2 and a spade, asking "THIS, WASN'T IT?" The bearded man in the hat reacts with shock, exclaiming "WOW. HE'S BETTER THAN ME. WHO TAUGHT YOU, HISOKA?" Hisoka smiles and answers, "MY MOTHER WAS A VERY SKILLFUL LADY," fanning out several cards. In a lower scene Hisoka sits on the floor while the young woman calls out, "SO IT IS! I'LL BE RIGHT THERE." She then faces forward and states, "IT'S TIME FOR MY TRAINING. DID YOU FORGET?" A distant figure labeled "BOSS ..." stands in a doorway. Hisoka is later shown polishing an object while the bearded man quotes, "'MORE SO THAN ANYTHING ELSE.'" and "'A TALENT IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD.'" The young woman stands alone in the doorway as the scene ends.

Abaki lies on her back in darkness, her body outlined by a jagged white aura as a voice states, "YOUR TEN IS WAVERING, ABAKI." An empty speech bubble floats nearby. In the next panel a figure lies beaten on the roadside while voices discuss Moritonio: "WHY ELSE WOULD HE HAVE BEEN LYING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD LIKE THAT, BEATEN BLACK AND BLUE?" and "MORITONIO... EVERYONE'S WORRIED. THEY THINK THAT KID MIGHT BE INVOLVED IN SOMETHING." Abaki sits in a beanbag chair inside a room, concentrating on a deck of cards as she warns herself, "CAREFUL THERE! CONCENTRATE." She tells herself, "I CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO DRIVE OFF SOMEONE WITHOUT HOUSE AND HOME." A boy with his back turned remarks, "ALL THE MORE REASON." Another voice continues, "WHAT IF HE'S ON THE BAD SIDE OF THE MAFIA, OR... LIKE BORTZOI SAID..." Abaki, seen from behind, thinks, "YOU'RE PRETTY MUCH THE SAME AGE AS HIM. BE NICE. HIS TRICKS ARE QUITE GOOD, YOU KNOW." An empty speech bubble appears beside her profile.

Abaki wonders, "WAS I, TOO, SOMEONE LIKE THAT BEFORE MORITONIO TOOK ME IN?" A small panel shows a house of cards labeled "A HOUSE OF CARDS?" and a boy building one. She thinks, "LOOKS LIKE HE'S BY HIMSELF." Her hand reaches toward a picture frame on a table. In a side panel she walks away thinking, "BE NICE... HUH..." while a thought bubble reads, "BUT HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO TALK TO A BOY..." Close-ups show her hand picking up a card, then scattering cards across the floor with SFX "バタ" and "バタ..." The page ends with a large close-up of Abaki's face, eyes half-closed with a small heart in a speech bubble and SFX "TWITCH TWITCH TWITCH" plus Japanese onomatopoeia around her.

In a bustling Yorkian street lined with shops and glowing signs, a hooded figure walks past storefronts while a large man in a jacket stands with his back to the viewer, gazing into a brightly lit display. Wanted posters cover the windows, each showing a different face. A girl with short hair and an older man in a top hat examine the posters closely. "A SERIAL KILLER THAT'S BEEN TERRORIZING ALL OF YORKIAN," reads one caption. "AH, HUNDRED-FACE JOHN DOE," someone remarks. The girl turns and says, "MORI-TONIO... LOOK." Further panels detail the case: "THE CONDITION OF THE VICTIMS' BODIES WOULD LEAD ONE TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THE CRIMES ARE BEING COMMITTED BY A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL. BUT EVERY TIME, SURVEILLANCE FOOTAGE SEEMS TO INDICATE A DIFFERENT CULPRIT IS INVOLVED. IN FACT, WITH EVERY NEW INCIDENT, IT SEEMS A NEW FACE GETS ADDED TO THE LIST. SO THE MEDIA'S TAKEN TO CALLING HIM 'HUNDRED-FACE JOHN DOE.'" A close-up shows a man in a top hat and another figure. "I GET WHAT HUNDRED-FACE MEANS, BUT WHAT'S WITH THE 'JOHN DOE'?" one asks. Narration explains: "IN A CERTAIN PART OF THE WORLD, 'JOHN DOE,' AN OLD NAME, IS USED TO REFER TO A FICTIONAL INDIVIDUAL." A dramatic panel depicts a victim being crushed, with the line "ALL HIS VICTIMS APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN KILLED THE SAME WAY, BY BEING CRUSHED TO DEATH." A young man with spiky hair reacts in shock: "CRUSHED...?"

The older man and the girl continue their conversation in front of the posters. "DOE LOVES THE ATTENTION. AND YET THEY KEEP PUTTING UP THE SAME POSTERS..." the man observes. A close-up reveals a sharp-featured man with slicked-back hair: "HE PURPOSEFULLY ALLOWS HIS APPEARANCE TO BE CAPTURED BY SURVEILLANCE EQUIPMENT. DOE IS CLEARLY A MASTER OF DISGUISE. IT'S SAID THAT TO BOTH DISPLAY HIS SKILLS AND CHALLENGE HIS PURSUERS." A wide panel shows a modern building at dusk with the warning: "NO GOING DOWN ANY DARK ALLEYS! BE CAREFUL OUT ON THE STREETS AT NIGHT!" The girl and older man react with surprise. "I LOST MY FOOTING DURING PRACTICE, AND..." the girl stammers. "WHAT'S WRONG? I, UH..." the man replies. The final panel reveals an overhead view of a large arena or training facility at night, with scattered figures and equipment on the floor.

In a backstage area, an injured performer in a headband clutches his arm while another man in a black cap supports him. The injured man says, "I DON'T THINK I CAN DO TODAY'S PERFORMANCE..." Nearby, a concerned figure in a top hat leans in and asks, "KISHITA, DOES IT HURT?" The injured performer replies, "SORRY, TONIO... I THINK IT'S BROKEN." In the next area, a group discusses the schedule. One asks, "WHO SHOULD WE REPLACE THE JUGGLING ACT WITH..." The man in the top hat suggests, "WE'LL DO WITHOUT JUGGLING FOR TODAY. LET'S JUST CHANGE UP THAT ONE SEGMENT OF THE PROGRAM." Another voice adds, "TODAY WE'RE AT THE PRINCESS HOTEL, RIGHT? THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO FIX UP OUR ROUTINE BEFORE OUR ROYAL GLAM PERFORMANCE, BUT..." Suddenly, a dramatic panel shows Hisoka stepping forward with a card, radiating energy, and declaring, "ALLOW ME. ♠"

Hisoka, shirtless and smirking, sits with arms crossed and states, "IN KISHITA'S PLACE." A troupe member reacts in shock, "HISOKA, DON'T TELL ME... YOU GONNA DO CARD MAGIC OR SOMETHING ON STAGE? HUH?" Another exclaims, "YOU?" Close-ups show intense stares as someone demands, "ARE YOU PLAYING GAMES? HISOKA." The man in the black cap growls, "I SWEAR, I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE A KID... IF YOU'RE PLAYIN' GAMES WITH ME, YOU..." Hisoka replies confidently, "I'VE ALREADY FIGURED IT OUT. MORE OR LESS. I'VE SEEN HIM PRACTICE IT TONS OF TIMES, AFTER ALL. ♥" The final panels erupt into chaotic action as Hisoka juggles multiple clubs with precise, powerful movements, clubs spinning wildly through the air amid motion lines and impact effects.

A clenched, bandaged hand tightens on the floor. Someone mutters, "THAT BASTARD..." In another panel a figure with a stitched face covering sits silently. Two troupe members glance at each other; one asks, "Mo...ritonio, is this okay? Should be interesting, don't you think?" while the other stammers, "O... oi... Yasuda..." The leader with the face covering answers flatly, "FINE. DO IT, THEN." A large burst of text erupts across the page: "HOW DARE YOU..." The scene shifts outside to the tall facade of the Bar Jack Princess Hotel. A banner unfurls reading "IT'S THE MORITONIO TROUPE!" Inside a dressing area, a young performer with light hair and face paint leans close to the bandana-wearing youth, declaring, "I'LL MAKE A FOOL OUT OF YOU UP THERE. WE'LL BE DOING THE SAME ROUTINE WE HAVE ALWAYS DONE, GOT IT?" The youth replies with a spade symbol, "GOT IT." The older performer adds menacingly, "I'LL BREAK THAT DAMN NOSE OF YOURS."

Under bright spotlights a performer on a unicycle executes a daring stunt, arms raised, shouting "HYAA" as motion lines and debris fly. The audience reacts with scattered "? ? ?" and "アアア" sounds. In the stands the bandana-wearing youth stares forward while the light-haired performer beside him sweats and murmurs "HUH?" Speech bubbles note, "LOOKS LIKE A KID." and "ONE OF THE JUGGLERS IS DIFFERENT TODAY." Below, the same youth now performs on the unicycle in the arena, spinning and balancing as two female troupe members watch anxiously from the side. One says, "FOR HIM TO HAVE HIS FIRST PERFORMANCE IN FRONT OF SUCH A HUGE AUDIENCE..." while the other asks, "IS HE GONNA BE OKAY?"

A young Hisoka stands on stage, arms raised as he begins a complex card routine that took him twelve years to master. He thinks back on the grueling practice. In the audience, a figure resembling Chrollo watches intently from the shadows, his eyes narrowed. Hisoka internally notes that the man is copying the routine perfectly. The Chrollo copy thinks, 'This bastard...' as his expression darkens. Hisoka's hand moves in a blur, cards flying. The copy's hand clenches in irritation, thinking 'Pisses me off.' Hisoka declares he will try a new trick practiced only with Ki-shita. He hurls a flurry of cards toward the copy, shouting 'Try and catch this!' The copy lunges forward, cursing 'Damn it!' as the cards slice past him.

The Chrollo copy reacts with shock, eyes wide as he begins 'WHA-'. Hisoka stands ready with cards in hand, one raised near his face. The copy's hand twitches reflexively. He realizes Hisoka read his movements in that instant. The copy internally notes the bandana guy dropped his pins. In the background, audience members react with surprise. After the performance at the Princess Hotel, Yasuda quietly left the troupe. Hisoka stands alone on the empty stage, never to step foot on a stage again.

Moritonio sits with Abaki and other troupe members in a dim room. He notes that many members began practicing in secret out of fear that Hisoka would steal their tricks and techniques. Everyone appears pretty scared. Moritonio turns to the young spiky-haired boy and says there is something he would like to steal: the boy’s sky swimming, Moritonio. The boy replies that it looks like it would be a lot of fun. Moritonio explains that despite his lack of interest in stealing others’ talents, the boy’s trick is not a matter of talent or anything; it is something else entirely. The boy asks if it is probably something to do with that stuff, right. Moritonio confirms it is indeed. In a close panel, Moritonio leans in and remarks on the wispy stuff flowing around the boy’s body. The boy, sweating, asks if he can actually see his aura. Moritonio attributes the boy’s ability to his genius innate senses and observation ability. The boy questions the term “Nen” and receives confirmation.

Young Hisoka stands with a serious expression, his aura visibly full and bright. Moritonio tells him his aura looks much more full than before. In another panel Moritonio instructs the boy to look at his own body and see the film of light covering it. Moritonio explains that the weak-looking aura around himself is normal and that everyone has it. He then defines strengthening one’s aura flow as “Ren” and gathering the body’s normally flowing aura as “Ten.” Moritonio asks Abaki to show the boy. Abaki appears at the bottom of the panel with a neutral expression. Moritonio continues that people who polish their aura to enhance and transform it for their own benefit are called Nen users, noting he has spent time doing so.

A young woman with short hair crouches low in a powerful stance, her body radiating intense energy as jagged lines burst outward. The word REN! explodes across the panel in bold letters. In a small inset panel above, a faint silhouette stands with the label TEN .... The woman’s expression is focused and fierce, sweat flying from her face as she channels her aura. Below, a narrow panel shows a close-up of a male eye widening sharply in surprise, accompanied by two large exclamation marks. Motion lines and impact effects emphasize the sudden release of power.

A young woman in a loose robe stands with arms crossed while speech bubbles explain Nen fundamentals. One bubble states: IF YOU'RE QUICK, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO MASTER TEN IN ABOUT A YEAR OR SO. Another notes: GETTING TO HER LEVEL WILL TAKE YOU ABOUT 3 YEARS, THOUGH. A tall man in a hat demonstrates beside a smaller figure, with text reading: REN IS ONE OF THE MOST BASIC SKILLS REQUIRED TO LEARN HOW TO MOULD AND RELEASE ONE'S AURA, AN IDEA ITSELF FUNDAMENTAL TO THE USE OF NEN. THAT IS REN. A polished Ten ability is essential to grasping Ren. The woman replies OKAY. Further panels show training scenes and a conversation where a man says the boss tried many times to teach the troupe how to use Nen. The woman answers: NO. She adds: BUT I WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT HAD ENOUGH POTENTIAL TO GET IT.

Two figures stand on a balcony overlooking the city at night. One leans forward and answers simply, "YEAH." Narration explains that the boss originally wanted to be a Hunter. The other figure repeats the word in surprise: "HUNTER?" The scene shifts to a devastated room filled with rubble and broken furniture. Narration continues that a Hunter is literally someone who hunts, taking jobs that involve hunting down hidden treasure and traveling to unexplored lands. A close-up shows feet stepping across debris as more narration recalls the super-hard test and how the boss grew frustrated and saddened after seeing someone with such tremendous talent. The boss even took the test that year, yet only one person passed. A young man with spiky hair reacts in shock, exclaiming "BAH..." and "No..." while clutching his head amid swirling sound effects. He reflects that the boss probably just wasn't able to give up his dream of being a Hunter, because he dreams of one day having a student as capable and talented as the lone Hunter that passed the exam all those years ago. The reason he's even willing to teach nen to anyone is because of that dream. The final panel shows a lone silhouette standing against the night sky.

A close-up shows a young man with light hair resting his chin on his hand, murmuring "HMMM..." In the next panel a girl with short hair and a scarf smiles brightly and declares, "ONE DAY, AFTER I'VE LEFT THE TROUPE, I'M GONNA TAKE THE HUNTER EXAM AND PASS! MY DREAM IS TO FULFILL THE BOSS'S DREAM FOR HIM!" A small child nearby asks, "AND WHAT WILL YOU HUNT?" The girl answers that she's still pretty vague about a dream, but the young man replies that he is still deciding. The scene cuts to the young man's hand holding out a small package of Bungee Gum while he offers, "I... I AM CALM! IT'LL HELP YOU CALM DOWN. I'LL GIVE YOU AS MANY AS YOU WANT. WANT SOME? BUNGEE GUM." The girl reacts with surprise and excitement, thinking about traveling the world, eating delicious food, and becoming a Gourmet Hunter, though she also finds the idea of being an archaeological hunter cool. She blushes and stammers while the young man watches her reaction.

A close-up panel shows a young face with a speech bubble saying "YEAH." On a city rooftop balcony, two figures lean against the railing under the open sky. One addresses the other directly: "WHAT ABOUT YOU, HISOKA? DO YOU THINK YOU'LL BE ABLE TO LEARN HOW TO USE TEN?" In a stark, high-contrast panel, Hisoka stands amid jagged black aura bursts, confidently stating "I'VE ALREADY FIGURED IT OUT." To the side, a tall man in a long coat and wide hat stands beside a small child who remains crouched and silent, marked only by a bubble containing "....."

Hisoka, surrounded by roaring aura flames, asks "THIS IS THE IDEA, RIGHT?" while noting "REN, TOO..." An elderly man with glasses labeled "Moritonio" reacts with a twitch. Hisoka continues, "IT DEFINITELY DIDN'T TAKE ME A YEAR, MORITONIO." In a smaller panel a wide-eyed child stares in surprise. Moritonio remarks, "I GUESS IT'S TIME TO MOVE TO THE NEXT STEP." Text explains that Nen users are divided into six types, with detailed boxes describing Enhancer, Emitter, Manipulator, Transmuter, Conjurer, and Specialist abilities, centered around the large kanji "HATSU."

An elderly man with long hair and a wide hat gestures while speaking. "NO..." he replies. Nearby, a young man with slicked-back hair rests his hand on his chin and asks, "SO, IF YOU'RE AN ENHANCER, DOES THAT MEAN YOU CAN'T LEARN EMITTER TECHNIQUES, FOR EXAMPLE?" The elder continues, explaining that most Nen users possess an affinity for one aura type, yet it remains possible to learn abilities of other types. In the background, a hexagonal diagram marked with the character "発" is visible on a board. The young man watches intently. The elder then points toward a glass of water containing a floating leaf held up by an unseen hand. "YOU USE THIS," he states. "INDEED," the elder affirms with a slight smile. He adds, "AN AMBITIOUS CHILD. I LOVE IT." Diagrams illustrate how proximity to one's affinity type on the Nen chart affects learning difficulty. The young man ponders, "HOW DOES ONE FIGURE OUT WHAT TYPE THEY ARE? THERE MUST BE SOME SORT OF WAY, NO?" while the elder muses, "HMMMM..."

The elderly man explains the procedure: one infuses aura into a glass of water and observes the resulting changes to determine their Nen category. The method is called "WATER DIVINATION." A large close-up shows the elder's intense eye and scarred face as he names the technique. Two young observers, one with short hair and one with slicked-back hair, listen attentively. The explanation notes that this same method serves as training for Nen fundamentals. Suddenly, a clawed hand with sharp nails reaches forward amid heavy motion lines and the sound effect "ズズズ...". The young man with slicked-back hair leans in with a focused, slightly aggressive expression. He holds the glass forward and commands, "TASTE IT."

The man in the hat and glasses holds up a bottle and gestures toward the two young people. "GO ON, YOU TWO. GIVE IT A TRY." A voice notes, "A CHANGE IN THE TASTE OF THE WATER INDICATES THAT I AM A TRANSMUTER." Another remarks, "HOW INTERESTING. IT'S BITTER!" with a small heart. The girl with the bob haircut lifts a glass to her lips and drinks, eyes widening in shock as a speech bubble shows "...?!" and "...". In the next panel the boy with striped hair holds his own glass and says, "I WAS HOPING I'D BE A MANIPULATOR. I COULD PROBABLY HAVE USED THAT SKILL IN MY ROUTINE OR SOMETHING." An off-panel voice replies, "AN EMITTER, HUH..." and "LOOKS LIKE YOU'RE AN EMITTER, ABAKI." At the bottom, Hisoka stands holding two cards and is told, "NOW YOU, HISOKA." Two glasses of water sit side by side; one has visibly changed color while motion lines and SFX "ズリ" and "ズリ" appear beside them. A small card symbol floats near the glasses.

Hisoka sits in shadow, eyes narrowed, holding a glass while motion lines and SFX "ズド" surround him. He brings the glass closer and examines it. A club symbol appears beside one glass. Hisoka says, "HUH? DOESN'T SEEM LIKE ANYTHING'S CHANGED." The man in the hat leans forward and states, "I GUESS HISOKA IS JUST LIKE ME. A TRANSMUTER." A reaction panel shows the striped-hair boy exclaiming, "IT'S SOUR! WHAT THE HECK..." while Abaki leans in with wide eyes and an exclamation mark. Hisoka, now holding the glass near his face with a diamond symbol visible, asks, "RIGHT?" and continues, "AND TRANSMUTERS CHANGE THE QUALITY OF THEIR AURA." The striped-hair boy is shown being grabbed by the collar as Abaki yells, "WHY'D YOU MAKE ME TASTE IT..." with "SNIFF" SFX near her face.

A voice outlines upcoming plans: training will focus on basic Nen abilities to strengthen the degree of change demonstrated. Another replies with an enthusiastic Okay. In a dimly lit urban street at night, a short-haired girl pauses and notes that it has gotten really dark. She checks her shopping list and decides that is everything. Realizing she took a wrong turn somewhere, she begins to backtrack when a sudden sound makes her gasp WHA—... Her eyes widen in shock as she screams KYA-AAA-AAAH! and WHAT?! A figure stands further down the narrow alley ahead.

A short-haired man stares in wide-eyed shock at the scene before him. In the alley, a cloaked attacker violently strikes a victim against a wall while the victim cries AGHH and HELP ME... ZHELP MHE.... The short-haired girl rushes in from the side, horrified. The attacker continues the assault as the girl recognizes the situation: Could this be... the serial killer, John Doe?! She shouts YOU BASTARD! and begins to intervene with STO-! while thinking He's crushing that person....

A massive impact erupts as the thick jumprope, infused with Nen, slams into the short-haired fighter. The force sends him reeling backward amid flying debris and motion lines, his body twisting from the blow. The attacker, gripping the rope tightly, declares, "I MIGHT BE INEXPERIENCED, BUT EVEN SO, WITH MY NEN, THIS JUMPROPE." Close panels show the rope coiling and the attacker emphasizing, "AN ATTACK INFUSED WITH NEN." Another panel adds, "REGULAR PERSON CANNOT HOPE TO BLOCK." A close-up reveals the shocked face of the short-haired fighter, eyes wide as he thinks, "SHOULD HIT WITH THE FORCE OF A STEEL CABLE!" He grunts "GUH!" while being struck again. Below, a small black figure with white eyes reacts in surprise, and a girl with light hair stares intensely, thinking "CAN HE USE NEN, TOO...?!" as the rope trails in the foreground.

The short-haired fighter is slammed against a wall, blood spraying from the impact as the jumprope strikes again. A hand holds up a playing card while a voice wonders, "HAS HE BEEN CRUSHING THOSE PEOPLE USING HIS NEN?!" In the background, several figures lie defeated on the ground near scattered cards. The short-haired fighter, now with a phone to his ear, speaks with a heart symbol, "OUT FOR A WALK? HOW FUN." A light-haired girl stares in shock, shouting "HI-SOKA!!" as the fighter reacts with wide eyes and an open mouth.

A young man stands on a high ledge holding a smartphone while gazing toward a building across the way. Debris and motion lines scatter through the air as a large spade card floats prominently in the panel. Below, a figure plummets from a rooftop with arms flailing. In the next tier, a light-haired man with a serious expression stands beside a grid-haired girl who exclaims that their target got away. The light-haired man replies that nothing is wrong while holding an ace card. Nearby panels show a hatted figure questioning the situation and noting that Hisoka’s eye is wounded, urging that they should catch him now. In the bottom section, a bloodied man with a strained face gasps for air while another character shouts “JOHN DOE?!” and remarks that the situation felt fake, marked by a club symbol.

Inside a cluttered room, several people discuss whether Abaki is safe from a serial killer. A bald man in the foreground questions the information while a figure sits on a bed in the background. In the next section, a woman calls that the bath is ready for Hisoka, who stands in silhouette with a slight smile. A long-haired character wearing a wide hat smiles and suggests their performance is right around the corner, advising caution. Hisoka is then shown submerged in a steaming bath with water splashing dramatically. In the final panels, Hisoka emerges from the bath with a focused expression while the grid-haired girl stands beside him with arms crossed.

A shirtless young man with short hair concentrates as he stretches and manipulates a tall, intricate, skeletal structure with both hands. Large stylized SFX reading STRETCH burst above him amid swirling smoke-like effects. To the left, a close-up profile shows another figure with spiky hair and a distinct heart-shaped marking near the mouth. The scene then shifts with the caption A FEW DAYS LATER to an exterior view of a grand multi-story building perched on a cliff edge overlooking a vast landscape. A sign at the bottom clearly reads ROYAL GLAM HOTEL.

Inside a vast performance hall at the Royal Glam Hotel, multiple text boxes explain that success on the grand stage guarantees worldwide recognition as an entertainer and that the stage can seat over one hundred thousand people, making it the grandest in Glam Gas Land. A lone performer stands spotlighted on the distant stage. In closer panels, a stern man with slicked-back hair and a facial scar watches intently, a young woman with a ponytail looks on with concern, and a large bald man in a suit and bow tie sweats nervously while adjusting his collar. Additional narration notes that performances are also attended by the current head of the Glam Clan, the supreme authority in Glam Gas Land. A small sign reads PERFORMANCES HERE.

The Moritonio Troupe stands before a roaring crowd inside a vast theater. Applause from him is the highest form of praise, equivalent to global recognition. That day, the performance of the Moritonio Troupe received unbridled applause. A spectator shouts, 'Damn! You guys are the best.' Later, outside the theater marked with a butterfly emblem, troupe members and staff linger. One asks where Moritonio and Hisoka are. Another wonders who knows the toilet. A voice calls out, 'Aw, we finally got to celebrate and everything!' Someone warns, 'Watch out for that murderer!' Abaki is offered juice as the group prepares to drink and drop the props.

Inside the quiet theater at night, a man in a top hat sits alone. It was so busy here during the day, filled with spectators, yet now at night it is quiet. Hisoka stands nearby. A voice notes it is always a bit lonely after a show. Outside on the illuminated plaza, the same man in the hat walks while reflecting. If that magic is broken, all that remains is a man. While he casts his magic, even the magician is under its spell. Hisoka walks ahead as the man continues, 'What will life be like for the troupe from here on out? The show was a hit. I was just thinking... I guess us knowing that there really is no such thing as magic makes things all the more glum, huh...'

A short-haired figure stands holding a three-leaf clover card while a voice from the side asks if they were lying face down by the side of the road that day. The speaker, a man in a tall hat, continues that he would like to entrust Hisoka with even bigger jobs. The short-haired listener remains silent as the man in the hat declares this the perfect opportunity to get to know each other better. A close-up reveals a girl with round glasses and swirling eyes who offers to tell about herself. The man in the hat insists they be transparent and urges her to tell him everything. She replies that she does not enjoy blabbering about past events. A hand holding a small pistol appears as someone says 'Well, then...' In a dark panel the man in the hat lifts his hat while asking if the listener's left eye has healed yet. A circular panel labeled 'JOHN DOE?' with a clover appears beside the man's profile.

The man in the hat is struck across the face with heavy impact lines as the girl asks what about John Doe. He answers that her cheek is peeling. In the next wide panel the man stands with his back turned while the short-haired figure hunches over in the distance. The girl thinks 'Kuku Kuku...' and recalls that it looked strangely thick. The man in the hat covers his face with one hand while admitting he has grown soft in his old age and fell for the trick too easily. A young girl with pigtails laughs while holding up a card and recalling how she used to show her family her tricks. The man continues that for a long time he loved the surprised faces people made. The girl with glasses leans in close, noting that something was really stuck there and adding a heart symbol.

A long-haired character kneels in distress, sweat and tears visible, recounting a painful memory. "I wanted to see their faces. Oh so badly. I ended up killing my little sister for it." Flashback panels show the same character embracing a smaller figure while pleading "MORI... TONIO... STOP. PLEASE." The character explains their motivation: "That's why I decided I wanted to be a Hunter or a traveling performer, you know. To surprise, shock people in other ways." They laugh with "HAA- HAA-" and continue, "But every time I'd finish a show... my blood would run so hot, so wild... I couldn't calm down until I'd broken someone. I wanted to be as human as I could. So... I'm John Doe. What will you do about it?" In the present, a short-haired character sits calmly and replies, "Serial killer or charlatan, whatever you are, I couldn't care less. I've finally drawn the card I wanted." The long-haired character asks, "You said you like surprising people? I've no longer any reason to remain here."

The short-haired character lunges forward aggressively, shouting "TRY ME." with a heart symbol, body twisted in motion and hand extended. They declare, "To use whatever methods I see fit, right? I'm sure you'll allow me." Rapid action panels follow: a small figure is struck and sent flying with impact lines, the short-haired character charges with intense speed lines, and a final close-up shows them delivering a powerful strike marked by large SFX "ドンッ" as the opponent reacts with wide eyes. A partial "FINISH" balloon appears in one panel.

A man in a fedora and suit spits forcefully as a club card floats nearby. "PAH-" A massive impact sends a long-haired figure reeling backward with hair flying wildly and a fierce, monstrous expression on their face. Below, the suited man is knocked down hard, top hat flying off as motion lines and "KAH" and "FWSH" mark the strike. In a separate panel a short-haired girl kneels on the floor beside a small bottle and papers, then suddenly looks up with wide eyes and a large exclamation mark. Small inset panels show close-ups of the long-haired figure's face with "PLEASE." and a heart symbol, followed by the girl saying "RIGHT, THEN. HERE I COME." An off-panel voice replies "OH, WAIT A MINUTE."

A long-haired figure holds up a regular handkerchief and explains the secret behind John Doe's hundred faces while a small crumpled object lies on the floor. They cover their face with the cloth and declare they will show how their magic works. The figure transforms dramatically, eyes bulging and mouth open wide with sound effects as they announce "I COVER MYSELF WITH IT, AND IMAGINE THE FACE I WISH TO ASSUME." A close-up reveals a short-haired man with a surprised expression reacting to the display. The long-haired figure continues the incantation "PATCH-WORK REALITY: SCARF ACE!" while the short-haired man comments "OH? HOW INTERESTING." with a club symbol visible.

A bespectacled man with wild hair and a beard leans forward intensely, his face filling the panel as he declares, "NOW, LET US EXAMINE." A large tombstone-shaped sign beside him reads "MY OWN MAGIC." In an adjacent panel a distant figure holds papers while a speech bubble states, "THAT WAS THE MAGIC OF DOE, THE SERIAL KILLER." The man continues, "IT IS NEITHER REGULAR NOR NORMAL," while his hand snaps forward with the SFX "SNAP." Below, a spiky-haired youth is violently struck, body twisting under heavy motion lines and impact symbols as three exclamation marks appear beside him.

The spiky-haired youth lies crushed under an unseen force, body contorted as he thinks, "I'M BEING CRUSHED BY SOMETHING..." and "I FEEL AS IF..." The bespectacled man appears in profile, fingers grinding together while muttering "GRIND, GRIND, GRIND..." with tension lines around his head. A sudden explosion erupts with debris and the SFX ぐううう, followed by a panel labeled "HAM-BURGER TIME." The youth is launched through the air amid arrows and motion lines, limbs flailing as the force hurls him away.

A close-up reveals a wide eye behind a monocle-like lens as the count reaches THREE. Below, a figure with spiky hair reels from a heavy impact, body twisted and marked with motion lines and debris. To the right, a slender silhouette stands with arms outstretched, its head replaced by a speech bubble declaring ONE, TWO. The spiky-haired fighter grimaces, teeth clenched, as the opponent’s voice continues: YOUR LIFE, GRATING. YOUR BODY, CRUSHED AND TREMBLING… I FEEL IT. The long-haired figure’s face appears in a lower panel, eyes narrowed, while the spiky-haired combatant remains hunched and battered amid scattered fragments and impact effects.

The spiky-haired fighter, now clearly visible with wild hair and a club symbol, declares FINALLY, I SEE. He lunges forward with an outstretched hand, aura flaring as he shouts GYO?! Close-ups show his intense eyes and the long-haired figure’s surprised expression. SFX erupt as metal structures clash with GIKI and CLANG effects. The fighter grips a railing tightly while the opponent watches from below. Narration questions WHEN IN THE WORLD DID HE LEARN THAT TECHNIQUE… The spiky-haired fighter is seen leaping between platforms as the long-haired figure looks up in shock.

Chrollo stands with his long hair flowing, calmly analyzing the situation. "THE SOUND THEY JUST MADE..." he notes. "I SEE. THE TRICK IS... THEY'RE MAGNETS," he concludes, pointing to the spade-marked card. In the next panels he continues explaining, "ALSO, THAT FEELING OF BEING CRUSHED BY SOMETHING YOU CANNOT SEE... YOU PROBABLY USE MAGNETIC FIELDS AND SOME METAL IMPLANTED IN YOUR OWN BODY TO FLOAT." A young woman with short hair watches in shock nearby. Chrollo leans in close to Hisoka, sweat on his face, and adds, "I'VE NOTICED THAT THE NECKLACES OF PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE STRANGELY BEGIN TO MOVE. EVERY TIME YOU'VE DONE YOUR AIRWALKING ROUTINE, MORITONIO..." Hisoka, seated and composed, replies, "LOOKS LIKE YOU'VE FIGURED OUT MY SECRET, HISOKA!" Chrollo presses on, "WAS TO FOOL ME INTO THINKING THAT ALL NEW POWERS ARE VISIBLE." Hisoka answers, "AFTER ALL, THE FIRST RULE IN MAGIC IS TO KEEP YOUR SECRETS HIDDEN. INDEED. MY, TRULY AN OMINOUS TALENT YOU HAVE." Chrollo finishes, "THE REASON YOU JUST SHOWED ME HOW ONE OF YOUR POWERS WORKS... YOUR MAGIC IS NOTHING BUT MAGNETIC PILLARS THAT STRONGLY ATTRACT EACH OTHER."

Chrollo stands amid swirling debris and shattered metal, arms outstretched as his power activates. "STEEL-PLATED DIPOLES: BLOOD MAGNET!" he declares. Large impact symbols and flying objects surround him while he explains, "REVEALING THE FULL MECHANICS OF A TRICK THAT'S ALREADY BEEN MORE OR LESS FIGURED OUT IS MY STYLE." His hand extends forward as he states, "MAGNETIC STEEL PILLARS! MY AURA INTO... IS TRANS-MUTING... MY POWER." The magnetic force erupts violently, sending chairs, metal fragments, and rubble hurtling through the air with heavy impact SFX. Hisoka is shown recoiling from the sudden destructive pull as the environment collapses around them.

A figure with long hair lies on the ground amid heavy rumbling sound effects. In the darkness, a small silhouette floats upward with motion lines. An intense close-up shows a bearded man with round glasses staring upward in shock, sweat flying, as he thinks 'WHERE IS HE...'. Below, a young fighter with star and teardrop facial marks looks down with a slight smile, a sweat drop on their cheek. A speech bubble reads 'HUH, IT'S EASIER THAN I EXPECTED.' Another bubble states 'YOUR "SWIM-MING."' with a heart symbol. The young fighter's eye is visible in a small panel with 'WH...' trailing off.

A bright flash panel shows text about secret steel boots and sky swimming being a Nen power. The bearded man reacts with disbelief, thinking it is impossible to copy another's Nen powers. A hand holds a card while 'TSK...' is uttered. A young man with short dark hair stands with his back turned, recalling the Hunter Exam. The scene erupts into chaos as multiple large structures and objects are violently destroyed and scattered, with a cloaked figure flung through the air amid impact SFX and debris.

A powerful impact sends a figure hurtling backward through the air amid flying debris and torn fragments, the sound effect SHHRTT ripping across the panel. In the next sequence, Hisoka appears in profile with a tense expression, remarking that the reveals seem finished. Nearby, a dark silhouette with glowing white eyes exhales FUU twice while fragments scatter. Hisoka's hands form a gesture as he declares with his magic. On the ground lies a crumpled body as a voice asks if they should end the performance, addressing Moritonio.

A massive explosion erupts across a ruined street, sending debris, structural fragments, and dust flying in all directions with intense motion lines. Hisoka is shown from behind, crouched low on the ground amid the destruction. The scene cuts to a close-up of Hisoka's face, partially shadowed, as he begins to say 'THIS IS...'.

Amid the shattered ruins of a devastated cityscape, a lone cloaked figure stands amid toppled pillars and debris. Speech bubbles emerge from the figure: "MY... BLOOD MAGNET ...DID HE...?" and "M..." A sudden black panel with Japanese SFX "シュウイ" interrupts the scene. The view shifts to Hisoka in close-up, his face marked by cross-shaped wounds, as he explains his ability. "OF BOTH MY POWER TRANSMUTES MY AURA TO HAVE THE PROPERTIES OF RUBBER AND GUM." A small bubble shows "..." followed by Hisoka continuing with a heart symbol, "MHM. MY NEN'S JUST PERFECT NOW. ♥" The narrative cuts to a dramatic explosion panel with radiating impact lines and debris flying outward. Hisoka's voice narrates the technique: "WAS TO CONTRACT. AND THEN THAT WAS LEFT AND THEN CONNECTED THE CENTRAL PORTION TO YOU YOUR-SELF. ♣" Smaller panels depict a figure leaping between pillars and a hand reaching out. "I FIRST STUCK IT TO THE PILLARS YOU'D MADE," he concludes as the sequence builds toward the ability's full reveal.

Hisoka stands with his back mostly to the viewer, head turned over his shoulder with a sharp, intense glare. His coat is torn and marked with dark slashes across the back. A large speech bubble on the right declares: "I CALL IT ELASTIC LOVE: BUNGEE GUM. ♠" Inset panels show a close-up of the cloaked figure reacting with "BUNGEE GUM ...?" and another bubble stating "THE CHILD'S CANDY, HUH... HOW VERY LIKE YOU TO..." Hisoka's posture remains dominant amid swirling black smoke and motion lines as the name of his signature ability is revealed.

A long-haired figure with an eerie, lifeless expression floats or is suspended amid shattered glass and structural debris, arms spread wide. The scene cuts to a close-up of the same figure's face, eyes half-closed in a moment of quiet release as a speech bubble reads 'SIGH'. Narration states that the entire episode 'WAS NAUGHT BUT A PASSING WHIMSY.' Below, the long-haired figure lies crumpled on the ground while a short-haired person stands with their back turned, observing. A text box declares 'WHAT HISOKA DID NEXT TO THE DEAD MORITONIO'.

A series of panels shows a hand holding a plain handkerchief while text explains 'A REGULAR, NORMAL HANDKERCHIEF, AND...' followed by 'HE IMITATED THE JUGGLING HE'D SEEN...' with motion lines and SFX 'ズ ズ'. The next panel reveals a short-haired young man with a focused expression juggling the cloth, surrounded by motion lines and SFX 'ズ'. A close-up shows a wide-eyed, sweating face with an open mouth and ellipsis speech bubble, reacting with shock as more SFX 'ズ ズ' appear nearby.

A lone figure stands atop a ruined overpass under a bright sky. In close-up, Hisoka turns his head with a satisfied expression, murmuring, "MM. MUCH BETTER." with a small heart. Below, a small group searches the devastated cityscape. A girl with pigtails calls out anxiously, "MORI-TONIO? HISOKA? HEEEY!" while another voice shouts, "MORI-TONIO! HISOKA!" From the side, a boy sighs in frustration, "SIGH... WHERE'D THEY BOTH GET TO?!" as the search continues among the rubble.

In the ruined plaza, the pigtail girl stands amid collapsed buildings and scattered debris, exclaiming, "THE FOOD'S GONNA RUN OUT!" A small empty speech bubble floats nearby. The scene cuts to a close-up of a sketchbook lying on the ground with the words "I...I..." and a simple smiley face drawn on the cover, next to a torn paper scrap. A final sigh bubble reads "SIGH..." followed by the word "end" and the date "2016.3.19".