Hunter × Hunter chapter 308: A Flash — what is in it
Chimera Ant arc · 18 pages · 34 characters
Key facts in this chapter
Chapter number 308 is displayed. The page includes the Hunter x Hunter logo. The tall figure has black and white striped limbs.
The room appears abandoned after a confrontation. Speech bubbles are placed in the upper half of the panel.
Helmeted figure has a long striped tail. Dialogue occurs across multiple panels showing internal conflict. Small chibi depictions of the two main figures appear twice.
Selection is stated to begin at 12 o'clock. Field in front of the palace is expected to be full by 9. Spiky-haired girl mentions her scales and hypnotic copies.
Meruem suddenly recalls Pitou after previously being unable to. Pouf clone refers to Meruem as Meryem-sama. Pitou is identified as one of Meruem's guards. A small cat-like creature is present on a pedestal.
Killua identifies Pitou as crucial to their plan. Meruem's memories can be triggered by names and images. Komugi's name must not be spoken aloud.
Meruem is actively searching for Pitou. Meruem remains surrounded by enemies according to his own statement. Subordinates respond with 'Yes, sir' to Meruem's commands.
Meruem directly questions Pouf about the possibility of defeat. Meruem's subordinates discuss potential information from enemies. Pouf is addressed by name during Meruem's interrogation.
Meruem's aura is depicted as far stronger than anything Pouf or Yupi previously encountered. Palm and an ally react with visible disbelief to the displayed power. A Pouf clone kneels while addressing Meruem directly.
Massive striped feet slam down onto cracked stone, sending shockwaves and debris flying as bold text declares the return of the king and the pinnacle of all life. Below, three small reaction panels show a wide-eyed girl with dark hair, a tiny winged creature with a startled expression, and another girl looking tense. In the large central panel inside a ruined stone chamber, a tall striped chimera ant figure stands with its back to the viewer, a long segmented tail and a cylindrical device on its back. Three small figures react in shock: a winged creature floating, a small white animal-like being, and a tiny spiky-haired child, all surrounded by impact marks and motion lines. At the bottom, a close-up shows Gon looking upward with a determined yet strained expression as he thinks, 'IF WE CAN JUST GET THROUGH THIS... THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE WEST TOWER ......'
GonPouf clonesmall winged creaturesmall white creaturespiky-haired child
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An empty ruined stone room shows multiple impact craters and scattered debris on the floor. Two large speech bubbles dominate the space: one states 'THE KING WON'T REMEMBER !!' while the other reads 'AS LONG AS HE DOESN'T HAVE A CHANCE TO SEE HER HIMSELF!!'. Small inset panels depict a dark doorway and a damaged floor section with a metal grate. At the bottom, a close-up reveals a character wearing a cap and goggles with a shocked expression, mouth slightly open and a small ellipsis bubble nearby.
goggled character in cap
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The helmeted figure stares ahead, sweat visible on their face. "BUT WHAT...?" they think, followed by "SOMETHING IS MISSING...". A speech bubble nearby reads "I DON'T KNOW." In the next row of panels the figure continues internally: "I DON'T WANT HIM TO SEE HER, EITHER." Another voice answers "I KNOW. I WON'T SAY ANYTHING." Small chibi versions of the helmeted person and a wide-eyed girl appear side by side. Below, the full figure stands with a long striped tail raised, thinking "HIM TO STAY AS HE IS..." while "I WANT" floats to the right. At the bottom of the page a black strip shows the helmeted chibi and the girl again; a bubble states "IT APPEARS...".
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A bright panel shows a character declaring that all necessary memories will return eventually. The helmeted figure replies that their memory is returning with what they see. In a dark panel the figure adds "I FEEL... THAT SOMETHING IS MISSING." and suggests it may be a side effect of memory loss. The scene shifts to a wide view of a palace under a cloudy sky; speech bubbles discuss the field in front of the palace filling by 9, that it may be sooner, and that the selection begins at 12 o'clock. In the lower panels a spiky-haired girl speaks about not wanting a disturbance and using copies to hypnotize people who have not yet been exposed to her scales. A final panel shows a dark doorway with a feathered figure; a voice exclaims "OH...!".
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A helmeted figure addresses Meruem with deference, stating he is unfit to guard him in his current state and will search for Pitou, then asks Yupi what he plans to do. A small figure stands amid rocky terrain. A sudden bright flash erupts from a weapon-like object. A curly-haired girl stares in wide-eyed surprise. The helmeted Pouf clone asks Meruem if he knows who Pitou is; Meruem confirms they have not yet spoken of Pitou. The clone presses whether Meruem has remembered something. Meruem replies that Pitou is one of his guards and that he can picture him clearly now, noting it is strange he could not remember him moments ago. A small cat-like creature perches on a pedestal nearby.
Killua reacts with intense focus, declaring they must not say Komugi's name because images and words can restore Meruem's memories. He stresses they must keep Meruem silent and that Pitou will be the key. A close-up shows an eye with sharp motion lines and the repeated sound effect 'ズキ' as the memory surfaces again. On a black background, the name 'PITOU...' appears followed by the declaration 'I AM COUNTING ON YOU.' accompanied by more 'ズキ' effects and falling droplets.
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A tense exchange unfolds as a small figure with curly hair clutches their head and declares they asked Pitou to do something. Another voice affirms, 'THAT'S RIGHT....!! I...' In the next panels a wide-eyed character in a hat states urgently, 'IT'S URGENT. BRING PITOU TO ME.' A striped-tail chimera ant responds, 'YES, SIR. YUPI.' A small white creature echoes, 'YES, SIR.' The hat-wearing figure continues, 'I WILL SEARCH FOR PITOU AS WELL...' while a blonde girl asks, 'MERYEM-SAMA, WHAT WILL YOU DO?' Meruem's intense close-up fills the lower panel as he growls, 'WE ARE STILL SURROUNDED BY ENEMIES...' and declares, 'AND HUNT THEM DOWN.'
The blonde girl warns that they do not know who might be out there, but the striped-tail ant replies they may have some information and that it will just be a bonus. Meruem's eyes widen dramatically as he calls out 'POUF...' Black silhouette figures lunge forward while Meruem demands, 'ANSWER ME TRUTHFULLY.' He continues pressing, 'DO YOU REALLY THINK THERE IS ANY CHANCE THEY COULD GET THE BETTER OF ME?' The silhouettes answer, 'THEY SAY...'
MeruemPouf cloneblonde girlstriped-tail chimera ant
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A massive silhouette stands amid violent bursts of aura that tear through the air like black flames. Narration states a battle between Nen users cannot be determined by aura alone, yet his aura was so powerful and so far beyond anything Yupi and Pouf had experienced that it left them speechless. In the lower panels, Palm stares upward with wide, trembling eyes while a companion in a beanie and glasses looks equally stunned. A figure kneels with hands clasped, crying out 'My King...!!!' as another voice insists 'That would be absurd. No... I... I had no idea...!!!' The air is filled with jagged aura fragments and heavy motion lines emphasizing the crushing pressure.
A close-up reveals a long-haired figure in a wide hat with intense eyes, declaring 'There is no one your equal!!! There is no doubt!!!' The background shows a shattered palace courtyard with debris flying. Narration notes that Knuckle and the others are filled with despair at the overwhelming aura. Smaller panels capture multiple horrified reactions: 'No... this...' 'Far beyond our ability to deal with...!!!' 'This is...' accompanied by sweat drops, wide eyes, and clenched expressions as the crushing presence continues to dominate the scene.
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In a chaotic crowd, voices shout in alarm. "SERIOUSLY!? BUT WHAT ABOUT KILLUA AND IKALGO AND THE OTHERS!?" someone yells. Meleoron urgently calls out, "MELEORON! RUN!! WE HAVE TO SLIP THROUGH THE CROWD AND GET BACK TO PEIJIN!!" A massive speech bubble declares, "WILL TAKE AN ARMY TO FIGHT!!"
Close-up panels show panicked faces. "THAT'S... TOTALLY BEYOND US!!" one exclaims. Another adds, "THEY'LL RUN, TOO. THAT'S ALL WE CAN DO!!" A third voice insists, "THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO!!" and "DON'T YOU GET IT!?"
Knuckle appears with a determined glare. "I COULD PROBABLY SET POT CLEAN ON HIM!" he says. Meleoron replies, "MAYBE WE COULD GET ONE HIT IN!" but warns, "BUT...!!! IF WE WORK TOGETHER..."
The scene shifts to a tense discussion. "THEY KNOW OUR POWERS!!" "THEY CAN COUNTER ANYTHING!!" voices cry. "EVERYTHING'S CHANGED!! THE CAT'S OUT OF THE BAG!!" Another warns, "WITHIN 50 METERS... OF HIM!? HE COULD JUMP THAT DISTANCE BEFORE WE COULD EVEN ATTACK!" and "YOU'D HAVE TO HAVE THE BOSS'S LUNG CAPACITY TO EVEN STAND A CHANCE!!" Knuckle concludes, "BUT POT CLEAN WON'T COUNT DOWN UNLESS I'M WITHIN 50 METERS!!"
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Knuckle's face fills the panel with intense resolve. "IS TELL THE ASSOCIATION OF THE BOSS'S DEFEAT AND HAVE THEM COME UP WITH AN EMERGENCY PLAN!" he shouts. "I WAS A FOOL!! WHAT WE NEED TO DO..." he continues.
Small panels show figures running through a forest. "REVENGE AND DUTY." is written prominently. "HURRY !!" is called out. Meleoron sweats heavily with wide eyes.
A narration box states, "MELEORON AND KNUCKLE HAD DIFFERENT MOTIVES," as the two run side by side. Another box reads, "BUT THEY BOTH QUICKENED THEIR PACE."
The page ends with a small centered box: "JUST THEN..."
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A massive burst of energy erupts across the page as Meruem's En expands outward in a brilliant flash. In the upper right, a lone figure stands within a glowing circle, arm raised as the aura radiates outward. Below, reaction panels capture shocked faces: one character stares with wide, startled eyes, another grimaces in tension, and a third looks on with concern. A small rectangular device floats at the center amid crackling lightning effects. Text reads 'IN A FLASH...' and 'MERYEM'S "EN" ILLUMINATED THE AREA SURROUNDING THE PALACE.' The En's power illuminates the entire surrounding region of the palace in an instant.
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In a dark setting, a muscular man with a pompadour hairstyle stands in profile, hands raised defensively as he faces left. Behind him, a chimera ant-like figure with a helmet, segmented tail, and furry collar looms with a surprised expression and an exclamation mark above its head. The muscular man glances back with intense focus. Close-up panels follow: the helmeted figure's face shows alarm, a gloved hand reaches forward, and the muscular man's eyes narrow with determination as he stares ahead.
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In the darkness, a helmeted figure points toward two nearby presences. "THERE ARE TWO NEARBY," states one of the armored men. Knuckle stands with his back turned, tail coiled, unaware as a small striped figure materializes beside him. Before he can notice the shadow that suddenly appeared beside them, Knuckle fell. And before Meleoron could even think to activate his power, Knuckle collapses forward. Meleoron, wide-eyed and sweating, stares in shock. "OH..."
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Knuckle lies fallen as the attacker strikes again. "HE FELL, TOO," notes a helmeted observer. The striped Pouf clone delivers a powerful blow, sending Knuckle reeling. In another area, two small figures react in panic. "WHERE IS THE KING!?" one cries. "IT DISAPPEARED...?" wonders the other. The Pouf clone stands over the fallen pair and declares, "DO WHAT YOU LIKE WITH THEM AFTER THAT. I WILL TALK TO THEM LATER." Two bound figures lie on the ground. Small characters watch silently from below as the scene settles.
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A stern figure wearing a large segmented helmet with goggles stares sharply to the side, sweat visible on their face. They declare, "WHEN I USED MY "EN"....!" and continue, "THERE ARE TWO MORE WHO REGISTERED AS NEN USERS." Vertical text along the left edge reads "KOMUGI IS THE KEY TO THEIR SURVIVAL!!!" In the next panels, a small round creature with wide panicked eyes and a flowing scarf tumbles through the air amid heavy speed lines. Beside it, a woman with long dark hair, glasses, and intricate tattoos on her legs and arms runs desperately forward, also surrounded by motion lines. The final large panel shows a close-up of a boy with messy spiky hair and wide, terrified eyes, sweat flying from his face as he clutches his chin. He cries out in distress, "WHAT SHOULD I DO...? WHAT SHOULD I DO!?" and "ONE OF THEM MUST HAVE KOMUGI....!!!" The page ends with the Hunter x Hunter logo and "No.308 /END."
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End of chapter18 pages
Discussion
Pouf directly addresses Meruem about having no equal. Knuckle and allies display visible despair from the aura's intensity. The palace courtyard is shown in ruins from the aura's force.
Characters discuss needing an army to fight the boss. Pot Clean requires Knuckle to stay within 50 meters. The boss can close 50 meters instantly. Killua, Ikalgo and others are mentioned as missing. Meleoron and Knuckle plan to return to Peijin.
Knuckle wants to contact the Association for an emergency plan. Meleoron and Knuckle have different motives. Both characters quicken their pace while running. The scene transitions with "JUST THEN..."
Meruem's En expands to cover the palace surroundings Multiple characters react to the sudden En activation
Two characters stand in close proximity during a tense moment The helmeted figure shows a surprised reaction
Knuckle is struck down by an unseen attacker Meleoron fails to activate his ability before the attack A small striped figure appears suddenly beside the targets
The Pouf clone attacks and subdues Knuckle The king has disappeared according to the small characters Two figures are left bound on the ground
The page is marked as the end of chapter 308. Komugi is referenced as a critical figure whose capture is feared.
What is said, page by page
Narration text announces the return of the king and pinnacle of all life. Gon's internal thought expresses hope of getting through the second floor of the west tower.
A voice declares the king won't remember. A voice adds that the king must not see her himself.
helmeted figure wonders aloud that something is missing unseen voice admits uncertainty with "I DON'T KNOW." helmeted figure internally refuses to let someone see her second voice promises not to reveal anything helmeted figure expresses desire for him to remain unchanged bottom panel states "IT APPEARS..."
voice states all necessary memories will return eventually helmeted figure confirms memory returning with what they see helmeted figure feels something is missing as possible side effect voices discuss field filling by 9 and selection at 12 o'clock spiky-haired girl suggests using copies to hypnotize people unseen voice reacts with "OH...!" at the doorway
Pouf clone states he will look for Pitou and asks Yupi his plans, formal tone. Meruem confirms he now remembers Pitou as one of his guards. Pouf clone asks if Meruem has remembered something about Pitou.
Killua warns that saying Komugi's name risks restoring Meruem's memories. Killua insists they must keep Meruem silent and that Pitou is the key. Unseen voice states 'I AM COUNTING ON YOU.' directed at Pitou.
Small curly-haired figure claims they asked Pitou to do something, voice filled with realization. Wide-eyed hatted figure urgently orders Pitou brought to him. Striped-tail ant confirms the order and mentions Yupi. Blonde girl asks Meruem what he intends to do next. Meruem states they are still surrounded by enemies and orders them hunted down.
Blonde girl cautions that unknown threats may be outside. Striped-tail ant suggests the enemies might possess useful information. Meruem calls Pouf's name and demands a truthful answer. Meruem asks whether the enemies could possibly defeat him. Silhouetted figures reply that 'they say' something about the odds.
Narration explains aura alone cannot decide Nen battles but notes Meruem's power exceeds prior experience Pouf clone expresses shock and loyalty with 'My King...!!!' Pouf clone denies possibility saying 'That would be absurd' Pouf clone admits ignorance with 'I... I had no idea...!!!'
Pouf asserts 'There is no one your equal!!!' Pouf confirms 'There is no doubt!!!' Narration states Knuckle and others are filled with despair Multiple voices react with 'No... this...' and 'Far beyond our ability to deal with...!!!'
Crowd member questions the fate of Killua, Ikalgo and others with alarm Meleoron urges immediate escape through the crowd toward Peijin Large declaration that defeating the boss requires an army Knuckle proposes landing Pot Clean despite the risks Meleoron suggests a coordinated strike but hesitates Group realizes their abilities are now known and countered Knuckle explains the 50-meter limit for Pot Clean activation
Knuckle declares they must inform the Association of the boss's defeat and request an emergency plan Knuckle admits he was a fool about their next move Voice urges to hurry during the forest run Narration notes Meleoron and Knuckle share different motives yet both accelerate
Narration states Meruem's En illuminated the area surrounding the palace Text box declares the event happened 'IN A FLASH...'
Helmeted figure reacts with visible surprise
helmeted soldier states there are two nearby presences narration states Knuckle fell before noticing the shadow narration states Meleoron could not activate his power in time Meleoron reacts with a stunned "OH..."
helmeted soldier notes the second target fell small creature asks where the king is small chibi girl wonders if it disappeared Pouf clone tells the soldier to do what they like with the fallen after he talks to them later
Helmeted figure states they detected two additional Nen users after using En. Spiky-haired boy panics over what action to take next, fearing one of the detected users has taken Komugi.