Hunter × Hunter chapter 198: Assault — what is in it
Ngl arc · 17 pages · 31 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter 198 is titled ASSAULT The page contains exposition about the six Nen categories and individual talents
The water visualization technique is shown as the simplest method to determine Nen category Personal desires can influence Nen category development even against natural compatibility
Ramotto is addressed by name in dialogue. Calira is labeled near the one-eyed character. The liquid causes visible vibration inside the glass. The cat-eared character identifies Ramotto's category.
Neferupitoo is the name granted by the queen. The term 'ARMY COMMANDER' appears in dialogue. The leaf test confirms a category via withering. Neferupitoo addresses the masked figure directly.
Commander Neferpitou addresses all division leaders and squad captains. An award ceremony is scheduled at the first auditorium. Power is granted in exchange for pain during the ceremony. The power must be used solely for the Queen.
Ordinary soldiers struggle to manifest power without external aid. Peggy is instructed to handle remaining matters. The curly-haired character is addressed as Commander.
Kite warns Gon and Killua to flee A powerful explosion occurs in the forest Kite identifies the opponent as a monster
A large creature has located its target Intense physical force is being exerted on the cliff
The scene takes place in a desert with a prominent cactus. Kite is shown leaping and pushing the spiky-haired boy away. Sound effects include PA, HYUU, and WHOOOSH.
A vast desert landscape stretches under a bright sky, dominated by a massive, twisted rock formation that rises like a grotesque hand from the cracked earth. Text explains the fundamentals of Nen: '... ARE THE SIX CATEGORIES OF NEN. EVERYBODY FALLS UNDER ONE OF THEM. BASIC TRAINING FOCUSES MAINLY ON TWO ASPECTS: INCREASING THE SIZE OF ONE'S AURA, AND SPEEDING UP THE FLOW OF THIS AURA. THIS IS BECAUSE IN A BATTLE BETWEEN NEN-USERS, BOTH OF THESE HAVE A GREAT IMPACT ON DETERMINING WHO WINS.' Additional text on the left reads: 'BESIDES THE TWO BASIC SKILLS, ZETSU AND REN, THERE ARE ALSO WHAT ARE CALLED INDIVIDUAL TALENTS WHICH ARE HEAVILY AFFECTED BY ONE'S PERSONALITY. AN INDIVIDUAL'S PREFERENCES AND DESIRES HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT, AND THUS SOMEONE WITH AN AGGRESSIVE PERSONALITY IS QUITE LIKELY TO DEVELOP A MORE POWERFUL NEN.' Bold overlaid text declares: 'HEADING TOWARDS NGL'S MOST DANGEROUS AREA! A DECISIVE BATTLE AGAINST THE QUEEN'S ARMY!' At the bottom, the HUNTER x HUNTER logo appears beside 'No.198 ASSAULT'.
01
Inside a cavern with ribbed stone walls, a cloaked figure stands with a tall companion while a small creature perches nearby. A large speech bubble explains: 'FOR INSTANCE, IF SOMEONE BELONGS TO THE TRANSFORMATION GROUP, BUT HAS A DESIRE FOR MANIPULATION, HE MIGHT DEVELOP POWERS FROM MANIPULATION, THE GROUP HE IS LEAST COMPATIBLE WITH.' Another bubble adds: 'THE COMPATIBILITY BETWEEN A SPECIFIC POWER AND THE CATEGORY ONE BELONGS TO IS ALSO IMPORTANT.' In a close-up, a spiky-haired character with a needle tool says 'HMM, I SEE.' while examining a paper marked 'SUICHI'. Nearby text continues: 'IF YOU'RE LUCKY, AND YOUR PERSONAL DESIRES AND THE CATEGORY YOU BELONG TO ARE COMPATIBLE, THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING STRONG POWERS IS HIGHER.' The bottom panel shows the same spiky-haired character leaning over a dark-haired figure lying on the ground, surrounded by impact lines and repeated 'AH' sounds. The standing character holds thin rods and declares: 'A METHOD CALLED THE "WATER VISUALIZATION TECHNIQUE" IS AH ... THE SIMPLEST AND AH ... MOST POPULAR METHOD AH ...' while asking 'HOW DOES ONE IDENTIFY WHICH OF THE SIX CATEGORIES ONE BELONGS TO?' Sound effects 'FUCHI' and 'FUCHI' punctuate the action.
spiky-haired Nen instructordark-haired figure on the groundcloaked figure in cavetall companion in cavesmall creature in cave
02
In a dim rocky chamber, a long-haired figure in dark clothing watches intently as a hulking masked man named Ramotto grips a glass of liquid. Ramotto answers, "YES." A voice commands, "TRY IT, RAMOTTO." The glass vibrates with repeated "zu zu" sounds as the liquid inside reacts. Water flows slowly over the rim while a one-eyed, long-haired character labeled Calira holds the glass close, reacting with "OOH" and examining the slow overflow. In a lower panel, a spiky-haired youth drinks from a bottle on the ground. Nearby, a cat-eared character with glasses smiles and says, "LET ME TRY IT TOO." The same character adds, "I SEE, SO RAMOTTO FALLS UNDER THE REINFORCEMENT CATEGORY."
long-haired observer (Calira)masked muscular man (Ramotto)one-eyed long-haired characterspiky-haired youthcat-eared character with glasses
03
A close-up shows a leaf drying and crumbling inside a spherical frame labeled 'BORO' with the note '(LEAF DRYING)'. The one-eyed character reacts with "AH." as the leaf withers away completely. In the next panel the cat-eared character named Neferupitoo holds a small withered leaf and speaks with a "HMM" while a spiky-haired figure watches. A translator note states the term 'ARMY COMMANDER' was used. Neferupitoo declares, "THAT MEANS ... YOU MUST BE OF THE SPECIALIZATION CATEGORY, ARMY COMMANDER." The spiky-haired youth lies on the ground in the background. Neferupitoo continues, "IT'S THE NAME I WAS GRANTED BY THE QUEEN." and tells the masked figure, "JUST CALL ME NEFERUPITOO FROM NOW ON." The masked figure reacts with surprise, "HUH?" A hand discards the leaf while another panel shows the masked figure's shocked expression.
one-eyed long-haired charactercat-eared character (Neferupitoo)spiky-haired youthmasked figure with headband
04
A character with curly light hair, glasses, cat-like ears, and a sailor-style uniform stands with one hand on their hip, glancing back over their shoulder. In the background, a figure in a chef's hat is violently butchered against a wall with the sound effect BUCHYA as blood sprays. A voice confirms, "YES." Another orders, "TAKE IT TO THE QUEEN RIGHT AWAY." Large circular panels display proclamations: "THERE YOU WILL RECEIVE ENORMOUS POWER IN EXCHANGE FOR A LITTLE PAIN!!" "REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE FIRST AUDITORIUM FOR AN AWARD CEREMONY." "THIS IS COMMANDER NEFERPITOO: TO ALL DIVISION LEADERS AND SQUAD CAPTAINS!!" A final emphatic circle states, "YOU MUST USE THAT POWER SOLELY FOR THE QUEEN!!" Below, a stern character with a topknot, pointed ears, and striped clothing reacts with intense focus, hands raised amid sharp motion lines and repeated SFX "ZU" labeled (CALURA).
curly-haired character in sailor uniformbutchered figuretopknotted character
05
In a forested area with rocky terrain and trees, numerous humanoid ant-like figures stand gathered while several are sent flying by explosions and impacts with SFX DOGAN and FUGAA. A small winged figure labeled (EARS TWITCHING) reacts with PIKU. The curly-haired character in the sailor uniform stands with arms crossed, commenting, "THESE ORDINARY ONES SURE HAVE IT TOUGH..." and "THEY CAN'T EVEN DRAW OUT THEIR POWER WITHOUT RESORTING TO TROUBLESOME STUFF LIKE THIS." labeled (PUNCH). In a lower panel, a character with spiky hair asks, "WHERE ARE YOU GOING, COMMANDER?" while another replies, "PEGGY, TAKE CARE OF THE REST, OK?" A close-up shows the curly-haired character's face in profile with flowing hair and boots visible.
curly-haired character in sailor uniformspiky-haired characterPeggywinged figuregroup of ant-like soldiers
06
A winged female figure with spiky hair stands beside a dark silhouette. Close-up on a face with narrowed eyes as a voice declares intent to confirm something. The same face contorts with realization, sweat flying, as narration states the extent of my strength. A wide-brimmed hat casts shadow over a sweating face marked by three drops; thought bubbles read a monster. The hatted figure shouts Get away from here!! Go now!! while another panel shows Gon and Killua in the forest as a voice urges Gon, Killua, run away, now. A distant explosion erupts among the trees. Someone exclaims Totally unbelievable... A small Huh!? escapes from one of the boys as they stare toward the blast.
ZazanKiteGonKillua
07
A massive rocky cliff face dominates the frame as a huge clawed hand grips the edge. A small figure clings desperately to the rock wall while intense speed lines and a bright flash radiate from the right, suggesting a powerful impact or movement. Below, a close-up shows a thick, muscular arm with a ring on the finger; the arm flexes with visible muscle definition as BIKI BIKI sound effects appear. A speech bubble states Found you. Small dots indicate surprise or motion on the right side of the panel.
unidentified muscular chimera ant
08
In a barren desert landscape, a small figure leaps across the dunes toward a lone cactus. A sharp PA sound effect marks the distant jump. Suddenly the view shifts to a close-up of wide, intense eyes and a spiky-haired head turning sharply as a powerful HYUU whoosh fills the air. Kite, long hair streaming and hat low, lunges forward with an outstretched hand. His face twisted in fury, he shouts at the spiky-haired boy below him. GET AWAY! FROM ME!! The boy recoils from the forceful gesture as motion lines emphasize Kite's desperate push.
KiteGon
09
Kite continues his leap through the air, body angled sharply as his long hair and coat stream behind him. Below, a hand reaches upward with fingers curled. In a narrow panel at the bottom, two boys look up in stunned silence. The boy on the left has wide eyes and an open mouth, sweat drops visible on his face. The boy on the right has narrowed eyes and a tense expression, both reacting to the sudden rejection from above.
KiteGonKillua
10
A massive winged chimera ant perches on the left side of the battlefield while Gon and Killua stand ready in the center. A large, indistinct figure looms on the right amid swirling smoke and debris. In a narrow horizontal strip, three close-up faces react in sequence: Gon’s intense, focused profile on the left, a girl with pigtails showing a worried expression in the middle, and a small creature’s wide-eyed, startled face on the right. In the large bottom panel, Gon crouches in a fighting stance with fists clenched and Killua leans forward with hands raised, both staring at a massive, stylized nen aura erupting between them. The aura forms a thick, cloud-like shape with bold circular outlines and jagged edges, radiating powerful energy across the rocky ground.
GonKilluaunidentified girlsmall creaturewinged chimera ant
11
The top wide panel repeats the battlefield setup with the winged chimera ant on the left and the large figure on the right. An editor’s note appears beside the middle reaction strip. The three close-up faces remain: Gon’s focused profile, the girl’s worried look, and the small creature’s startled expression. In the large bottom panel the nen aura has changed shape, now forming a tall, star-like silhouette with flowing tendrils that stretch downward like a living figure. Gon maintains his low stance while Killua watches the evolving energy with a tense posture, the rocky ground marked by heavy motion lines and impact shading.
GonKilluaunidentified girlsmall creaturewinged chimera ant
12
A powerful arm swings through the air with heavy motion lines. In the next panel a figure in a white hat and cloak is sent flying backward while a spiky-haired boy crouches low. The view shifts to a close-up of a clenched fist and a rapidly turning head marked (TURNING FAST). Below, Gon leans forward with a strained expression, mouth open in a shout as a massive AARGH erupts beside him. A large-breasted female Chimera Ant looms in the foreground, her body partially visible, and she speaks with a speech bubble reading IDIOT....
GonZazan
13
A massive impact strikes Killua, sending his body twisting violently with a huge G sound effect. The panel shows his limbs flailing and hair flying. Below, smaller panels capture slight movement: a figure labeled JIRI, another GA, and close-ups of an eye and Killua's face. Kite appears in the lower section, long hair and cloak flowing, one hand extended. Kite says TAKE GON AND RUN. and then GOOD JUDGMENT, KILLUA. A final BON (PUFF) effect marks Kite's movement.
KilluaKite
14
A massive "BON" sound effect explodes across the upper left panel with radiating impact lines and a puff effect below. In the top right, a grinning figure wearing a hat marked with a bold 3 looms forward, eyes wide and mouth open in manic laughter. "LOOK'S LIKE A GOOD NUMBER IS COMING! TWURURURU!" the figure declares, followed by "HYAHAHAHAHA! YOU SEEM TO BE IN ONE HELL OF A PINCH NOW, SUCKER!" Below, a small panel shows a curly-haired girl with wide, surprised eyes reacting to the scene. "SO EVEN SOMETHING OF THAT SORT IS POSSIBLE ... OOH ..." she murmurs. The lower half of the page shifts to a wide action shot labeled "MEANWHILE." A long-haired fighter in a cap and sleeveless outfit lunges dynamically, gripping multiple ornate club-like weapons that extend in all directions. "I'LL HAVE TO BUY THEM TIME!!" the fighter shouts while holding the weapons steady against unseen opponents.
number-3 hatted figurecurly-haired girllong-haired fighter in cap
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Large text at the top reads "CONCEITED. WE WERE ..." A panel of narration continues: "IF KAITO HAD BEEN ALONE ... THINGS PROBABLY WOULDN'T HAVE ENDED UP LIKE THIS." Another block states "EVEN AFTER HE HAD LOST AN ARM, BOTH OF US WERE MUCH WEAKER THAN KAITO." A close-up shows a spiky-haired character with wide eyes and visible sweat drops, conveying distress. The narration concludes "THAT WAS HIS CONCLUSION. THAT'S REALITY." At the bottom, bold lettering declares "TOTAL IDIOTS. WE WERE ..." followed by a dramatic angled caption: "THE UNCOMPROMISING REALITY!! A CRISIS HAS SUDDENLY ERUPTED!"
spiky-haired character with sweat
16
A dramatic black-and-white illustration fills the left side of the page, showing a figure in dark clothing and boots dynamically scaling a steep, jagged rocky cliff face with one arm extended upward and legs braced against the stone. On the right side, bold text announces the chapter presentation and credits. The page displays the chapter title prominently at the top.
End of chapter17 pages
Discussion
Kite is airborne after leaping away. Gon and Killua are shown looking up in shock from below. No dialogue appears on this page.
The page shows Gon and Killua reacting to a powerful nen release. A three-panel close-up strip captures immediate facial reactions. The central aura effect is rendered with thick, stylized outlines.
An editor’s note is printed on this page regarding the original art. The nen aura has evolved from a cloud shape into a star-like form. Gon and Killua maintain their positions while observing the change.
Gon is shown mid-action with a pained expression. Zazan appears partially undressed in the lower panel. The page contains multiple speed and impact lines indicating fast movement.
Kite directly addresses Killua by name. Killua is shown being struck and reacting with wide eyes. Kite's posture indicates he is moving quickly toward or past Killua.
A character wearing a hat marked 3 appears and laughs triumphantly. A curly-haired girl reacts with visible surprise to events. A long-haired fighter takes a combat stance holding multiple weapons. The word MEANWHILE appears as a scene transition.
Narration reflects that Kaito alone might have changed the outcome. Both the narrator and another person were weaker than Kaito even after he lost an arm. The conclusion is labeled as Kaito's own and accepted as reality. The page ends with the phrase THE UNCOMPROMISING REALITY!! A CRISIS HAS SUDDENLY ERUPTED!
What is said, page by page
Cloaked figure explains compatibility between desires and Nen categories Spiky-haired character says 'HMM, I SEE.' while examining the paper Spiky-haired character describes the water visualization technique and asks how to identify Nen categories
masked man (Ramotto) affirms with 'YES.' off-panel voice orders Ramotto to try the liquid cat-eared character requests to test the effect too cat-eared character concludes Ramotto belongs to reinforcement category
one-eyed character reacts 'AH.' to the withered leaf Neferupitoo notes the leaf withered away Neferupitoo identifies the listener as army commander of specialization category Neferupitoo states the name was granted by the queen Neferupitoo instructs to call them Neferupitoo from now on masked figure exclaims 'HUH?' in surprise
curly-haired character confirms with "YES." unseen speaker orders to take the item to the Queen immediately Commander Neferpitou announces the award ceremony for division leaders and squad captains voice promises enormous power in exchange for a little pain final command to use the power only for the Queen
curly-haired character notes ordinary ones have it tough curly-haired character observes they cannot draw power without trouble spiky-haired character asks where the commander is going curly-haired character tells Peggy to take care of the rest
Zazan voice: intent to confirm power Kite internal: extent of strength and monster realization Kite shouts: Get away from here!! Go now!! Kite voice: Gon, Killua, run away, now Unseen voice: Totally unbelievable... Gon or Killua: Huh!?
Muscular arm speaker: Found you.
Kite shouts 'GET AWAY! FROM ME!!' with intense anger while lunging at the spiky-haired boy.
Zazan calls Gon an idiot in a dismissive tone while looming over him.
Kite orders Killua to take Gon and run. Kite praises Killua's good judgment.
Number-3 hatted figure boasts about an incoming good number and mocks the opponent being in a pinch. Curly-haired girl expresses surprise that something unusual is possible. Long-haired fighter in cap resolves to buy time for others while brandishing weapons.