Hunter × Hunter chapter 404: Speculation — what is in it
Succession War arc · 20 pages · 40 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter 404 is titled Speculation. The scene takes place ten days after a prior event. Coins are being used to test changes based on ownership. Kurapika is actively directing the testing of the coins. A '0' coin is being transferred as part of the experiment.
The coin changes design when ownership transfers. The ability appears to be a pseudo-coercive manipulation type. Kurapika is examining the coin in a formal room setting. The coin's Nen value is estimated at roughly ten days.
Prince Chorai's guardian spirit beast is an accumulation-type conjuration ability. Coins can exponentially increase Nen when held long-term. The ability may open aura nodes after roughly half a year. Kurapika suspects someone present is concealing a coin.
The war is on its 11th day, Wednesday. Choraï’s coins first appeared on Sunday and are marked with numbers. Coventoba is First Prince Benjamin’s personal soldier. Choraï’s guardian spirit beast produces one coin daily at 1:00 PM. Security records can verify who was with Choraï at coin appearance time. Kurapika withholds information about Choraï’s ability as potential leverage.
Coventoba seeks assurance of Prince Woble’s safety in return for information. Choraï is connected to the mafia with over 200 members aboard the ship. Benjamin could use special martial law to manipulate the mafia situation. The mafia families have maintained a fragile balance for years. Disrupting the balance risks escalation to open war or covert assassinations.
Discussion centers on safety of room 1014 versus risk from Benjamin in room 1003 Queen Oito is holding Prince Woble during the conversation Prince Fugetsu expresses concern about every available option
Ten days later, several coins marked with question marks lie scattered across a table. A large speech bubble explains that conjuring objects typically caps their limit by choosing public ownership, dispersing the cost for mass materialization. Another bubble states they can confirm the hypothesis that the coin changes after ten days. In the next panel, a suited man with glasses points to his chest while exclaiming about Prince Mine differing from the one on the desk. Nearby, a young blonde girl with wide eyes suggests starting verifiable tests and assumes the coin changes depending on ownership, requiring tests of those changes. Below, the suited man says 'Alright...' as a figure in a dark suit stands with back turned, proposing to transfer the coin on the table to the guard to confirm the effect varies by owner. Coins are shown with identical fronts but different backs. The blonde girl reacts with surprise. A bald man with a dot on his forehead then says, 'Then, Kurapika... I gift you the '0' coin.' In the lower section, the group acknowledges 'Understood' while a central bald man in ornate robes declares he will bestow a '0' coin to test both potential changes to the number and design, noting things are never simple. Close-ups show the suited man, a stern bald figure, and a woman with dark hair looking on. A small inset shows a hand holding a coin.
KurapikaBalsamilcounidentified suited manunidentified bald man with forehead markunidentified robed man
01
A colorful beach illustration shows Gon in green swim trunks shielding his eyes while standing on rocks, with Killua in green trunks holding a popsicle and Leorio in red trunks sitting nearby. Flying fish-like creatures soar in the blue sky above the ocean. Text at top left reads 'PLEASE SUPPORT THE OFFICIAL RELEASE WHEN AVAILABLE IN YOUR REGION.' On the right side, credits list TCB SCANS with roles: MEEK & JIRO (TRANSLATOR), YASSER & JIRO & BAILEY (PROOFREADER), NOCER (CLEANER), KEITX (REDRAWER), NOCER (TYPESETTER), YASSER & JIRO (TL QUALITY), BAILEY (EDITOR). A NOTES section at bottom contains a small drawing of a dog-like creature and a quote from Togashi Yoshihiro: 'I'M DEEPLY GRATEFUL FOR THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT I'VE RECEIVED FROM THE NOGIZAKA 46'S SAILOR MOON MUSICAL AND THE HUNTER X HUNTER STAGE PLAY. - (TOGASHI YOSHIHIRO)'
GonKilluaLeorio
02
A hand wearing ornate shackles holds a small coin between two fingers while narration discusses its limits. Being limited to one coin a day, with a change on the tenth day, suggests that this ability's true value will become clear once Chorai is crowned king. This seems to reflect his forward-looking nature. It should be fine. Another voice warns that refusing the coin risks suspicion, and even accepting it activates a pseudo-coercive manipulation ability worth only about ten days of Nen, insufficient for a kill order. Kurapika examines the coin closely, noting its design. A voice asks ...AND? Kurapika replies that the number and design have both changed. The design matches the one on Tenfory's coin. It seems that when the owner changes, both the days and its effect are reset. Kurapika says I SEE. In the next panels Kurapika continues analyzing while an unseen speaker remarks OH? DO TELL ME. Kurapika states I THINK I HAVE A ROUGH GRASP ON HOW IT WORKS. OKAY, I GET IT NOW... The design has changed back... HM... VERY WELL... ...AND SEE WHETHER IT CHANGES AGAIN. I'LL RETURN OWNERSHIP OF THIS COIN TO THE PRINCE... A bald man with glasses interjects I ASSURE YOU IT'S NOT ANY ABILITY BENJAMIN WILL FEEL THREATENED BY. Kurapika answers I DON'T MIND. CAN WE TALK FREELY HERE? The bald man notes ...BUT THE '0' REMAINS '1.'
Kurapikabald man with glassesunidentified suited man
03
Kurapika's face is shown in close-up as narration continues. That means concealing information about 'weapons' and 'threats.' The coins can be traded, and the Nen will increase exponentially within them if held for a long period of time, thus unlocking unique abilities within the wielder. As long as I understand his intentions and respect the hierarchy, he's an ally! As the third prince he's proficient in strategy and subtle diplomacy. As expected... It can be inferred that Prince Chorai's guardian spirit beast has an accumulation-type conjuration ability. In the wider room, several men stand while Kurapika gestures. This method is the most efficient way to acquire Nen, which usually requires rigorous training with minimum effort and no risk. The prince's estimate of 10 to 64 may represent the number of days that are required for a wielder to use mysterious Nen abilities. After about half a year, when the coin is in the quintillions, the user's aura nodes will open, thus allowing them to use Nen. A form of half-compulsory loyalty toward Chorai... In other words, this is an ability that'll bear its fruit after you've taken the throne. Accumulation-based abilities are often found in individuals who are highly strategic and rational. That prince is likely a pseudo-coercive manipulation type. While it carries almost no risk or cost, the guardian spirit beast will demand an even price... A man in a suit states IT'S BEST TO KEEP THE POSSIBILITY OF IT BEING A PSEUDO-COERCIVE MANIPULATION TYPE HIDDEN FOR NOW... I TOLD YOU THIS POWER SUITED ME. SEE? HAHAHA... Another figure warns IT'LL ONLY CREATE UNNECESSARY TROUBLE. I'D LIKE TO OBSERVE THE COINS WITHOUT ANY NEW DEVELOPMENTS. At the bottom of the page Kurapika thinks ...MUST BE SECRETLY HOLDING ONTO THE COIN THAT APPEARED ON THE FIRST DAY!! and concludes SOMEONE HERE...
Kurapikabald man with glassesman in suitunidentified standing men
04
Kurapika and Coventoba continue their tense exchange inside the room. The discussion centers on the hidden mechanics of Choraï’s coins and the ongoing war. “Today is Wednesday, the 11th day of the war. Most Nen abilities with time-based conditions begin at ‘1.’ If the coins first appeared on Sunday, there should be at least two coins marked ‘10’ by now.” Coventoba stands with a serious expression, light radiating from behind him. “He’s the only Nen user here who doesn’t serve Choraï.” Kurapika listens intently, his eyes narrowed. “First Prince Benjamin’s personal soldier, Coventoba.” The conversation deepens as Kurapika considers the implications. “Someone who saw a coin emerge from Choraï’s guardian spirit beast picked it up and benefits from keeping information hidden…” He reflects further, “And in the event that it’s discovered I’ve been withholding information about Choraï’s ability, I can use Coventoba as insurance. The coin appears every day at 1:00 PM. We can easily verify who was with Choraï at that time by reviewing security records.” Coventoba speaks with a slight smile, “Right, this has been rather insightful, Kurapika.” Kurapika replies, “So it’d be in my best interest to secure the majority. Just one thing, it’s also possible that the number of coins owned could influence the ability’s effects.” Coventoba adds, “Now, I can focus entirely on contemplating my siblings’ futures.” Kurapika thanks him, “Thank you very much.” Coventoba offers, “And keep the rest with me for the time being. I’ll hand you the one that appeared today…” as he extends his hand. Kurapika nods, “Understood.”
KurapikaCoventoba
05
Coventoba continues speaking to Kurapika, stressing the unequal nature of their exchange. “It’s likely that others were using the first session for recon. It’d be wise to devise countermeasures immediately.” He adds, “We’re not equal. I understand the price for my information is the assurance of Woble’s safety.” Kurapika responds, “Thanks for your consideration. I’m more worried about you and Prince Woble’s safety.” Coventoba replies, “Very well. Please hold off a little longer on the other matter; completing the second training session is very important to me.” The scene shifts to a large panel showing a dense crowd of suited men, likely mafia members connected to the princes. Text overlays explain the fragile balance of power and the risk that Choraï’s ties to the mafia could trigger special martial law if conflict escalates. Close-ups reveal stern faces of several mafia figures. Further narration warns that severing the “rope” holding the mafia families together could lead to open war and covert assassinations. The discussion underscores how Benjamin might exploit any incident to justify martial law.
KurapikaCoventobaunidentified mafia membersunidentified suited men
06
Several figures stand together in tense discussion. A tall bald man in a puffy jacket listens as narration explains that the snake ability user remains a mystery and that one of the princes' guards may be plotting something. A suited man with his back turned stands silently beside a shorter bald man in a light jacket. On the right, a woman with curly hair suggests it may be safer to stay in room 1014 where the prince's guards constantly monitor each other rather than risk being targeted by Benjamin in room 1003. In the lower panels, a bespectacled man and the bald jacketed man confer quietly. Queen Oito holds Prince Woble wrapped in a blanket, her expression serious. Nearby, Prince Fugetsu stares forward with wide eyes and declares that no matter which path they choose they are walking on thin ice. A wheeled cart rolls across the foreground accompanied by loud rattling sound effects.
In a hospital corridor a cat-eared nurse with glasses issues urgent orders to prepare a blood test and GT scan immediately, contact Halkenburg's guards about the prince's condition, and send vomit samples for examination. Medical staff rush a gurney carrying the collapsed curly-haired patient whose body temperature is 36.6°C with no convulsions or shortness of breath; he is completely unresponsive after hitting his head. A young boy with spiky hair watches anxiously. In a side hallway guards and staff move about. A close-up shows a long-haired man sweating heavily as he thinks that if the mother refuses an autopsy his death will be dismissed as unexplained organ failure and that the pierced soul will not awaken unless he falls asleep, adding coma to the diagnosis and delaying identification of infectious gastroenteritis.
SenritsuPrince Halkenburgunidentified medical staffunidentified spiky-haired boyunidentified long-haired man
08
A stern man with spiky hair speaks into a phone. "GOOD WORK. I'LL SEND A TEAM OF ROYAL DOCTORS AND MILITARY DOCTORS TO YOUR LOCATION." Narration explains the timeline: "IT TAKES APPROXIMATELY 12 HOURS FROM THE ONSET OF VOMITING FOR THE TARGET TO PASS. THINGS MAY GET COMPLICATED IF THE HUNTER ASSOCIATION IS INVOLVED." In a hospital corridor a subordinate reports, "THE MISSION WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN HALF A DAY." Another voice adds, "HALKANBURG VOMITED AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE ADJACENT GENERAL HOSPITAL." The bald subordinate answers, "YES, SIR!" and is ordered, "MONITOR HIS PROGRESS." Close-ups show the wavy-haired man and the bald man reacting with heavy sound effects as the explanation continues. A long block of text details the soul-transfer mechanics: "AS LONG AS SUMIDORI'S SOUL IS ACTIVE, SHIKAKU WON'T AWAKEN! IF SUMIDORI WAKES UP, SHIKAKU WILL FORCIBLY LOSE CONSCIOUSNESS. HOWEVER, EVEN IF YOU TRY TO AWAKEN SHIKAKU, HE WON'T BE ABLE TO REGAIN CONSCIOUSNESS AS LONG AS SUMIDORI IS ACTIVE. THIS CONDITION IS GAINED THROUGH A RESTRICTION ROOTED IN THE RESOLVE FOR SELF-SACRIFICE. THE INITIATOR'S PRIORITY IS ABSOLUTE! SHIKAKU AND SUMIDORI'S TRANSFER CONFIRMED SEVERAL HYPOTHESES. UPON AWAKENING, SUMIDORI'S BODY CORRECTLY IDENTIFIED SHIKAKU'S RECOGNITION NUMBER, PROVING THAT ONLY ONE SOUL CAN REMAIN CONSCIOUS AT A TIME. PRIORITY GOES TO THE ONE WHO ACTIVATED THE ABILITY."
spiky-haired manbald scarred subordinatewavy-haired man
09
The wavy-haired man continues his internal reasoning. "BUT IT WAS NECESSARY TO INVESTIGATE WHAT EFFECT THE BODY'S DEATH WOULD HAVE ON THE EXCHANGED SOUL." Flashback panels show the ability activation with silhouettes and an arrow. The ability is named: "MY ABILITY IS 'FORCED SOUL EXCHANGE'! ONE PERSON IS CHOSEN AT RANDOM FROM THE INITIATING GROUP, AND THEIR SOUL IS SWAPPED WITH THE ARROW'S TARGET!" A large close-up of the wavy-haired man's face details the first test: what happens to the soul inside the pierced body, and what happens if the target soul's new body dies. He concludes that because the ability was activated with the Guardian Spirit Beast's assistance, the death of the target body does not necessarily return the soul. The bottom panel shows a battlefield of armored warriors with the man declaring his resolve: "TO ESTABLISH AN IDEAL NATION, I MUST CONTINUE THE FIGHT AND HONOR THESE NOBLE SACRIFICES! FOR PARTICIPATION, IT'S LIKELY THAT MY ABILITY REQUIRES PEOPLE WHO ARE WILLING TO SACRIFICE THEMSELVES FOR THE GREATER GOOD. THEREFORE, THE ANSWER IS SELF-EVIDENT! AS FOR (1)... IF I IGNORE MY EMOTIONS AND FOCUS SOLELY ON ACHIEVING MY GOAL, IT ISN'T A SIGNIFICANT ISSUE."
wavy-haired mansilhouetted figures in flashback
10
A stern man in a puffy jacket stands centered between two massive flanking faces, his posture rigid as internal monologue bubbles expand around him. The left bubbles detail the mechanics: if the initiating side dies first the target's soul returns to its original body allowing both souls to coexist, and in that case priority shifts so the target soul regains full control over their original body. The right bubbles explain that the odds of his soul switching with Balsamilco were slim but accounted for, a scenario already tested on the First Prince's personal soldier victim. Lower bubbles continue the plan: because of that before time runs out he cannot control Balsamilco's soul when it awakens so this should give him around ten hours after his body's death to maintain control, that's why just before his body dies he will have this body ingest a sedative, and therefore if his body dies Balsamilco's soul will return to his own body and his soul will be forcibly put to rest. The page ends on a black splash with radiating lines showing a pair of glasses and the bold declaration to win the succession war while vowing to make the right move.
Balsamilco
11
A multi-panel sequence depicts a tense medical facility. The top panel shows an overhead view of an operating room with a body on the table surrounded by medical staff and armed soldiers. Adjacent panel reveals a corridor lined with masked and armed personnel standing at attention. Middle panels show a hospital hallway with doctors, nurses, and guards near doorways, followed by a wide view of a patient room where a bandaged man sits upright in bed surrounded by medical equipment and personnel in protective gear. Close-up panels focus on the wide eyes of masked medical staff, then cut to the injured patient's face covered by an oxygen mask, sweat dripping, eyes closed, with motion lines and symbols indicating labored breathing or distress.
injured male patientmasked medical staffarmed soldiersdoctors and nurses
12
In a high-tech control room, a tall muscular man in a light-colored jumpsuit stands with arms crossed beside a seated man with spiky hair who holds a dark tablet and rests his chin on his hand while staring forward intently. Below, in an opulent sitting room, a woman with her hair in a ponytail leans over a small table writing on a tablet device while a blonde woman reclines on a couch holding a glass and looking toward her. Several maids in uniform stand in the background near ornate furniture and a fireplace. In a close-up panel, a bald man with a mustache and three dots on his forehead sits in an ornate chair and holds up a small round coin between his fingers for examination.
muscular man in jumpsuitspiky-haired seated manponytailed woman writingblonde woman on couchbald mustached man with coin
13
A man with spiky hair sweats while staring at a small device in his hand as a large timer on a phone screen displays 0:00:03:496. Nearby, a man with a ponytail stands with hands clasped and speaks while a suited man holds a phone. Speech bubbles convey: "I WAS SO FRUSTRATED THAT MY TIME WASN'T IMPROVING THAT I ALMOST GAVE UP..." and "'LEVELING UP IS A STAIRCASE, NOT A SLOPE.' AND BOY IS THAT TRUE." The suited man says "SOME-ONE ONCE SAID..." Close-ups show intense expressions as the ponytail man continues: "DAMN. IT MIGHT TAKE A WEEK, TEN DAYS, OR WORST-CASE SCENARIO, TWO WEEKS..." and "OPTIMISM ISN'T ENOUGH. BREAKING THE ONE-SECOND BARRIER ISN'T GOING TO BE EASY..." A voice questions "THETA, WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT ME TO DO WITH HIM?!" while another states "REACHING THIS LEVEL IN JUST THREE DAYS IS UNHEARD OF..." The spiky-haired man declares "I GET IT NOW..." and "I'LL SHAVE OFF EVERY LAST SECOND!" followed by "BUT I'LL FREAKING DO IT!!" Narration reads: "HE MANIFESTS HIS OWN DESTINY. HE TALKS THE TALK AND WALKS THE WALK. I HAVE NO DOUBT HE'LL SUCCEED. THEN HE MENTIONED MOVING ON TO THE 'REAL THING,' RIGHT? WHAT'S HE GOT IN STORE FOR ME?" and "IT'S SO FAR REMOVED FROM WHAT AN AVERAGE GUY LIKE ME CAN COMPREHEND..." ending with "THE EXPECTATIONS HE SETS FOR HIMSELF... HIS WHOLE ATTITUDE..."
spiky-haired man in suitponytailed man in tank topsuited man with phone
14
A powerful silhouette erupts against a black background as a tall, muscular man with spiky hair and a stern expression extends both hands forward, cradling a bright glowing orb that illuminates his scarred chest and athletic build. Below, a television screen shows a crowned, robed figure standing triumphantly before an open book on a pedestal while an excited crowd raises their hands in celebration. Beside the TV, a serious man with slicked-back hair and glasses sits at a desk, hand resting on his chin as he watches a laptop screen intently. In a dimly lit living room, a man with a pompadour hairstyle leans forward on a couch, chin on his hand, watching the broadcast, while a woman with large puffy pigtails sits beside him with her back to the viewer. A suited man stands nearby observing the scene.
muscular spiky-haired manman with glasses watching laptoppompadour-haired manpigtail-haired womansuited standing man
15
In a dark bedroom, a woman with short light hair stands with her back to the viewer, gazing at a figure lying in bed under heavy blankets. In a bright playroom, a girl with a ponytail kneels and points at a large model train set while two children and a man in a sweater vest watch nearby; a woman with glasses stands holding papers. In a grand hallway, a young boy with spiky hair carrying a bundle turns and speaks, while a woman holding a baby sits in a chair and another child stands nearby. Several guards and attendants line the corridor in the background. A foreground boy with spiky hair says "YEAH." A speech bubble reads "WILL YOU AND FURYKOV STILL REPRESENT PRINCE BENJAMIN?" Another states "THE SECOND TRAINING SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW, THURSDAY, AT 9 AM. THE ONLY CHANGE IS THE ATTENDANCE OF PRINCE CAMILLA'S GUARD THIS TIME."
short-haired woman standing by bedponytail girl pointing at train setwoman with glasses holding papersspiky-haired boy carrying bundlewoman holding babyyoung boy with spiky hair in foreground
16
A stern-faced man with slicked-back hair wonders if Camilla's have-not guards could be Nen users, noting their uncertain abilities keep piling up. Nearby, a blonde woman recalls that Senritsu's letter made no mention of Camilla. In a spacious corridor, several figures discuss the training session that confirmed their claims, suggesting Camilla now sees it as a worthwhile investment. One asks what to make of Prince Camilla's change of heart. Another speculates the visitors might be after training, information, assassination, negotiation, or persuasion, with the list of possibilities endless. Kurapika, pointer in hand, stresses they must keep Shimano close to the Queen and Prince Woble even at the cost of cleaning duties. He and the blonde woman agree they cannot let the visitors near Prince Woble, though the two of them will have to handle it themselves. A woman with a bun replies simply, 'Okay.' At the bottom of the page, masked guards in the hallway react with sharp sound effects as tension rises.
slicked-back haired manSenritsuKurapikablonde woman in suitwoman with bunmasked guards
17
In a brightly lit operating room, a bloodied man lies on a table surrounded by masked medical staff. His shirt reads 'GUARDS.' Vital signs spike at 47 then flatline to 0 as the heart monitor emits a long continuous tone. The man convulses slightly before going still. A surgeon in full scrubs gives a thumbs-up gesture to a colleague. The final panel shows a close-up of the man's bruised, lifeless face with eyes closed and mouth open.
bloodied guard on tablesurgeon giving thumbs-upmasked medical staff
18
In a spacious office, several figures discuss recent events. "Those were the prince's final words... What do you think?" one asks. "Yes," comes the reply. A large narration box details the prince's final three wishes: a public announcement, a farewell from his supporters, and personal handling of his coffin transportation. Another voice states, "It seems the body will be transported at midday, moving up the central stairway from tier three to the morgue on tier one." A spiky-haired man seated in a swivel chair speaks into a phone: "Let them proceed." Nearby, a bald man in a puffy jacket reports, "Yes, sir! Tell Supreme Magistrate Alea to drop the case and release his private soldiers so they can go to him." The spiky-haired man continues, "We'll respect his wishes, even though he didn't write them down. We can't let his supporters' grief turn into anger. We must act carefully and with respect." The bald man adds, "And then return with his remains!" Another man on the phone says, "I'll discuss the autopsy results when they arrive and oversee the memorial service..." In close-up, two stern men face each other. One says, "Yes, sir! You've done an excellent job." The other replies, "Thank you, brother. Make sure everything is handled with the utmost care."
spiky-haired manbald man in puffy jacketmustached manscarred man
19
A large public screen in a bustling city plaza displays Prince Halkenburg. Narration announces: "The ninth prince Halkenburg tragically passed away earlier today." A voice continues, "Ladies and gentlemen, we have some very sad and unfortunate news to share..." The crowd is instructed to gather at the central stairway plaza for the final farewell. "The funeral procession will proceed today at noon and proceed up the central stairway towards the first tier." In side panels, several figures discuss the situation. One says, "Anyway, I wanna straighten some things with the two families before we head to the Heil-ly hideout." Another notes, "There's no rush. Hinrigh did a great job hiding the transmitter." A man with slicked hair remarks, "Then who cares. Let's hurry on down to tier four." A woman asks, "Was he the head of a family?" Others reply, "No, not connected." "Well, obviously, it's about how to crush them." "Pointless. We crush them regardless." "Yeah. What? About Heil-ly?" At night under stars, small floating heads converse: "I hope I'm wrong, but if my hunch is right I'm gonna beat the shit out of you guys." "You got a hard-on for the enemy or something? How lame. It's all in your head." "Not only pointless, also nonsense." "Depending on their response, we might have to go all out on this." The page ends with the Hunter × Hunter logo and chapter number.
Prince Halkenburg (on screen)crowd of onlookersslick-haired manwoman with dark hairshort-haired manfloating head with glassesfloating head with cap
End of chapter20 pages
Discussion
Patient collapsed after hitting his head and remains unresponsive Medical team is rushing the patient through hospital corridors Long-haired man plans to use coma and gastroenteritis diagnosis to mask his actions
Halkenburg was moved to the adjacent general hospital after vomiting. The mission is expected to finish within half a day. Only one soul can remain conscious at a time after the transfer. The initiator's priority is absolute due to a self-sacrifice restriction.
The ability is called Forced Soul Exchange. One person is chosen at random from the initiating group for the swap. The Guardian Spirit Beast assisted in activating the ability. Participants are likely those willing to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.
Balsamilco has tested soul switch scenario on First Prince's personal soldier Plan requires ingesting sedative in target body before death Soul control window after body death is approximately ten hours Succession war is the overarching objective
Medical facility contains armed soldiers alongside staff Patient is bandaged and connected to life support equipment Multiple medical personnel wear masks and protective gear
A bald man examines a coin in close-up. Two women interact in a luxurious room with maids present. Two men occupy a room filled with electronic equipment.
A digital timer counts 0:00:03:496 on a phone screen. Dialogue focuses on breaking a one-second barrier through training. Spiky-haired man commits to shaving time off his performance.
A glowing orb is held by the central muscular figure. The television displays a coronation-like scene. Multiple characters are watching the broadcast together.
The second training session is scheduled for Thursday at 9 AM. Prince Camilla's guard will attend the session. Furykov is mentioned in connection with representing Prince Benjamin.
Senritsu sent a letter that did not mention Camilla Training session has been confirmed Shimano is assigned to stay near Queen and Prince Woble Prince Woble is mentioned as a target to protect Masked guards react with visible startlement
The man wears a shirt labeled GUARDS Heart rate drops from 47 to 0 Medical staff surround the patient Surgeon signals with a thumbs-up
The prince's body will be moved at midday via central stairway. Three final wishes of the deceased prince are publicly listed. Autopsy results will be discussed upon arrival.
Prince Halkenburg is confirmed dead. Funeral procession scheduled for noon via central stairway. Characters plan to visit Heil-ly hideout on tier four.
What is said, page by page
Large narration bubble explains conjuring limits and public ownership (unattributed) Right bubble: 'I think we can confirm the hypothesis that the coin changes after ten days.' (Kurapika) Man with glasses: 'PRINCE, MINE IS DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE ON THE DESK!' Kurapika: 'DOES THE DESIGN DIFFER BETWEEN THE COINS IN AND OUT OF YOUR POSSESSION? LET'S START WITH EASILY VERIFIABLE TESTS.' Kurapika: 'ASSUMING THAT THE COIN CHANGES DEPENDING ON WHETHER IT BELONGS TO YOU OR OTHER PEOPLE, WE'LL NEED TO TEST THESE CHANGES.' Suited man: 'ALRIGHT...' Dark-suited figure: 'TO CONFIRM THIS, COULD YOU TRANSFER THE COIN ON THE TABLE TO YOUR GUARD?' Narration: 'BASED ON THIS, I POSIT THAT THE EFFECT MUST VARY DEPENDING ON THE OWNER.' Voice: 'INDEED. THE FRONT IS THE SAME, BUT THE BACK IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.' Bald man with mark: 'THEN, KURAPIKA... I GIFT YOU THE '0' COIN.' Group: 'UNDERSTOOD.' Robed man: '...AS WELL AS ANY EFFECT FROM ME BESTOWING A '0' COIN TO SOMEONE. TWO BIRDS, ONE STONE. THIS WILL TEST BOTH POTENTIAL CHANGES TO THE NUMBER AND DESIGN...'
Kurapika analyzes the coin's changing design and value after ownership transfer. Unseen speaker warns about the coin's limited ten-day Nen worth and pseudo-coercive nature. Kurapika confirms the design now matches Tenfory's coin. Bald man with glasses reassures that Benjamin will not feel threatened.
Kurapika deduces the coins function as an accumulation-type conjuration ability. Man in suit claims the power suits him and laughs. Unseen speaker advises hiding the possibility of pseudo-coercive manipulation. Kurapika realizes someone is secretly holding the first day's coin.
Coventoba explains the coin numbering system and its implications for identifying the hidden observer. Coventoba identifies himself as Benjamin’s soldier while discussing Choraï’s ability. Kurapika considers using Coventoba as insurance if his information withholding is discovered. Coventoba notes the daily 1:00 PM coin appearance and security record verification method. Kurapika decides securing the majority of coins is in his best interest. Coventoba offers to keep the remaining coins and hands over today’s coin to Kurapika.
Coventoba warns that reconnaissance was likely occurring and countermeasures are needed. Coventoba demands assurance of Woble’s safety in exchange for information. Kurapika expresses concern for Coventoba and Prince Woble’s safety. Coventoba asks to delay the other matter until after the second training session.
Narration notes the snake ability user remains a mystery and one of the princes' guards may be plotting Curly-haired woman states it may be safer to stay in room 1014 where the prince's guards monitor each other Prince Fugetsu warns that no matter which path they choose they are walking on thin ice
Cat-eared nurse orders blood test and GT scan immediately Cat-eared nurse instructs to contact Halkenburg's guards about the prince's condition Cat-eared nurse calls for vomit samples to be sent for examination Staff report body temperature 36.6°C and that the patient is completely unresponsive Long-haired man thinks that refusal of autopsy will dismiss his death as unexplained organ failure
spiky-haired man orders medical team deployment subordinate confirms mission timeline hospital report on Halkenburg's condition bald man acknowledges order to monitor progress
wavy-haired man explains necessity of death-effect investigation ability name and mechanics stated reasoning on soul behavior after target death declaration of resolve to continue the fight
Internal monologue explaining soul return and coexistence rules if initiating body dies first Internal monologue noting the low odds of switching with Balsamilco but confirming prior testing on First Prince's soldier Internal monologue describing the need to ingest sedative before body death to maintain control for ten hours Internal monologue concluding that Balsamilco's soul returns to original body while his own is put to rest Dramatic declaration to win the succession war and make the right move
Spiky-haired man sweats while viewing a timer: internal frustration about time improvement. Ponytail man states someone once said leveling up is a staircase not a slope. Suited man references a past statement about leveling up. Ponytail man notes it might take a week or two to break the barrier. Ponytail man says optimism alone will not break the one-second barrier. Unseen speaker asks Theta what to do with him. Voice notes reaching the level in three days is unheard of. Spiky-haired man realizes he gets it now and will shave off every second. Spiky-haired man vows he will freaking do it. Narration describes the man manifesting his own destiny and setting high expectations.
Spiky-haired boy affirms with "YEAH." Question about whether Furykov and the listener will continue representing Prince Benjamin Announcement that the second training session occurs tomorrow at 9 AM with Prince Camilla's guard attending
Slicked-back haired man questions if Camilla's guards possess Nen abilities Senritsu notes her letter omitted any mention of Camilla Unseen speaker confirms the training session validated their claims Someone asks about Prince Camilla's change of heart Kurapika warns they must keep Shimano near the Queen and Prince Blonde woman states they cannot allow visitors near Prince Woble Woman with bun answers 'Okay'
Spiky-haired man on phone agrees to respect the prince's wishes and proceed with transport. Bald man relays orders to release private soldiers and handle remains. Two close-up men exchange approval about handling the situation carefully.
Public announcement declares Prince Halkenburg's death and funeral details. Group discusses heading to Heil-ly hideout and crushing opposition. Nighttime floating heads debate whether to attack based on a hunch.