Hunter × Hunter Chapter 2: In the Tempest

A man with a mustache closely examines a small, sparkling gem pinched between his fingers. Nearby, a masked figure in a black hood aims a large crossbow forward with intense focus. Behind them stand a bald man in a sleeveless outfit and a bizarre creature with a skull-like face and horns. Text boxes explain: "ONLY PEOPLE WHO PASS THE SEVERE EXAM CAN OBTAIN THIS TITLE. SOME SAY THAT ONLY 1 OUT OF 10,000 PEOPLE PASS." Another box reads: "A TERM DESIGNATING PEOPLE WHO ARE READY TO RISK THEIR LIVES TO FIND RARE AND PRECIOUS OBJECTS." A label identifies the profession as "HUNTER." The page header reads "N°002 IN THE TEMPEST."

Massive waves crash violently under a stormy sky lit by jagged lightning bolts. A wooden ship is tossed high on the raging sea. The sound effect "DODOM LO" explodes across the top of the panel. In the lower panel, the Captain lies on the deck, mouth open in a desperate shout, one hand gripping the railing as the ship pitches wildly.

Massive waves slam the ship as it pitches violently in the storm. The captain grips the wheel, barking orders while a crewman shouts from the doorway. "WHAT IF YOU USE THE ASSES OF OUR USELESS PASSENGERS TO CLOG THE HOLE?" "CAPTAIN! WE HAVE AN INFILTRATION IN THE HULL!" Another sailor yells, "HANG ON! WE'RE GONNA LIFT OFF!" "BAR TO PORT!" The vessel tilts sharply, water pouring across the deck. In the next moment the ship is nearly vertical, suspended against a towering black wave that curls over it like a living monster. Below deck the scene is pure chaos: passengers and barrels tumble through the air, furniture crashes, and bodies slam into walls as the hull groans under the strain.

The storm has passed. On deck Gon stands with the captain and a blond passenger in a hat as the sun breaks through the clouds. "AH! YEAH!" Gon exclaims. The captain notes, "WE HAD A LOT OF LITTLE WAVES." The blond passenger adds, "JUST LIKE THOSE IN PAST YEARS..." Below, the aftermath is grim: passengers lie sprawled across the floor, groaning "AAA... OOOOH... KOF KOF..." while Gon and others recover. The captain remarks, "THEY'RE ALMOST DEAD." In another room the captain watches Gon run off and says, "AND THEY WANT TO BE HUNTERS? WHAT A JOKE..." A crewman agrees, "THIS ISN'T TRAINING FOR WEAKLINGS."

Inside the cabin Gon taps on the wall while Kurapika hangs in a net and Leorio lounges with a magazine. Kurapika offers, "IF YOU CHEW THIS, YOU'LL FEEL BETTER. TAKE THIS, IT'S WATER." Gon accepts the items. Leorio smiles faintly from his hammock. Outside, seabirds wheel around the mast as the captain stands at the railing. He muses, "THIS YEAR, WILL WE HAVE SAILORS TOUGHER THAN THE OTHERS?" and adds, "WELL..."

On the deck of the ship, Gon stands at the railing gazing out over the ocean as seabirds wheel through the sky. The Captain, a burly bearded man in a striped hat and uniform, shouts encouragement to the crew. "HAI! GOOD WORK, BOYS! YOU HAVE TWO HOURS AHEAD OF YOU!" he bellows, then adds grimly, "THE WORST IS STILL TO COME!" Gon turns his head, watching the birds with a serious expression. In a closer view, the Captain leans in and asks, "ARE YOU SEA-SICK?" followed by "WHAT'S UP, BOY?" The scene widens to show Gon alone on the forward deck beneath a massive sky filled with flapping birds and dramatic motion lines. Large sound effects "HIAAA ヒュウウウ" fill the air as Gon thinks to himself, "THERE'LL BE ANOTHER STORM, EVEN BIGGER..."

Gon replies to the Captain, "NOT EVERYTHING, BUT..." The Captain's eyes widen as he asks, "YOU UNDERSTAND THE BIRD'S LANGUAGE?" He continues, "A HARSH WIND IS BLOWING, AND THE CURRENT IS QUITE STRONG." A small furry creature near the Captain makes a "Tic !!" sound and says, "SO THAT..." The Captain finishes, "AND THE GULLS TELL ME TO BE CAREFUL," while taking a swig from a bottle and muttering "HMM..." Gon stands in profile, looking thoughtful. In the lower panel the Captain stares up at Gon with a surprised expression, a sweat drop visible, while Gon remains on the deck near the railing.

Gon speaks while looking out to sea, "I'VE ONLY SEEN HIM IN PICTURES. BUT I ADMIRE HIM A LOT." "HUNTER!" The Captain asks, "WHAT DOES YOUR FATHER DO FOR A LIVING?" Gon answers simply, "THIS DAY HAS FINALLY COME." The Captain responds, "I SEE..." A crew member points at Gon and shouts, "YOU'RE THE ONE THAT EMBARKED FROM WHALE ISLAND, AREN'T YOU?" "BOY!" Gon replies, "YES." The Captain warns, "IF WE KEEP AT THIS SPEED, WE SHOULD BE IN THE HEART OF THE STORM IN ABOUT 3 HOURS. WAVES SHOULD BE TWO TIMES HIGHER THAN BEFORE." He then asks Gon, "CAN YOU TELL ME WHEN THE STORM WILL BE UPON US, AND HOW STRONG IT WILL BE?" Leading Gon toward a doorway he says, "FOLLOW ME! I'LL SHOW YOU A FEW THINGS ABOUT DRIVING A SHIP." Gon answers, "OKAY!" The Captain reflects, "ONLY SOMEONE WHO'S LIVED HIS ENTIRE LIFE BY THE SEASIDE IS ABLE TO MAKE SUCH PREDICTIONS." "THAT'S TRUE." He chuckles, "HE HE !!"

On the bridge, the Captain tells Gon, “IF YOU REALLY WANT TO BE ONE OF THE BEST HUNTERS, YOU HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO DO EVERYTHING.” He adds that from this moment on Gon will have to learn the basics of sailing. The bearded sailor warns that if the wind changes a little, the storm could be here in two and a half hours. Suddenly the ship lurches violently. A terrified passenger screams that those who fear for their lives can take rescue boats to the nearby island while others shout in panic. A man yells “WE’RE GOING TO ENTER INTO A TURBULENCE ZONE TWO TIMES MORE VIOLENT THAN THE LAST ONE!” as the ship pitches. Sound effects show the hull creaking and waves crashing. Finally the Captain turns to the remaining passengers and asks, “YOUR NAMES?” and states, “FINALLY, YOU’RE THE LAST THREE.”

Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio stand together with the blond boy in the black coat. Kurapika declares, “MY NAME IS KURAPIKA.” Gon smiles and says, “I’M GON.” Leorio announces, “I AM CALLED LEORIO.” The Captain immediately challenges them: “WHO TOLD YOU TO ANSWER?” Leorio snaps back, “HEY, NOT SO FAST, BRAT. DON’T YOU HAVE ANY TEAM SPIRIT?” Kurapika retorts that he does not think the Captain is an examiner and questions why they should answer. Leorio insists it is a matter of honor for him. The argument grows heated as the four stand on the swaying deck.

Kurapika explains, “THE REASONS THAT MAKE ME WISH TO BECOME A HUNTER ARE PERSONAL. THAT IS WHY IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO ANSWER YOU IN THIS PLACE.” Leorio mocks him, asking how old he is and claiming he was never told the elders’ reasons. The Captain listens, then declares that in that case they must get off his ship as soon as possible. He adds, “THE HUNTER EXAM HAS ALREADY BEGUN.” Leorio reacts with surprise while Kurapika and Gon stand silently, realizing the test has started.

A massive storm rages across the open sea. Towering waves twist into spirals and crash violently while the sky churns with dark clouds and flying spray. Two large, jagged white shapes loom in the foreground like broken landmasses or massive debris, one marked with the roaring sound “GOOOOOO”. Below, the small wooden sailing ship pitches on the turbulent water, its sails full and flags whipping. Distant motion lines and the onomatopoeia “OUUUH” emphasize the howling wind and the vessel’s struggle against the elements.

Inside the ship’s cabin the Captain, a large anthropomorphic bear-like man in a striped hat and scarf, addresses the three young applicants. “YOU CAN’T IGNORE THAT THERE ARE MANY APPLICANTS TO BE HUNTERS AS THERE ARE STARS IN THE SKY…” he growls. “BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF TIME AND SPACE, IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO JUDGE EVERYONE.” In the next panel he continues, “SO GUYS LIKE ME ARE USED TO DIMINISH THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES.” Turning to the group he demands, “SO PUT AWAY YOUR MISTRUST AND ANSWER MY QUESTION.” The Captain explains, “THE DECISION OF WHETHER OR NOT YOU GO TO THE EXAMS BELONGS TO ME. THEN, EXCEPT FOR YOU THREE, ALL THE OTHER PASSENGERS HAVE BEEN REGISTERED AS FAILURES FOR THE GRAND JURY. EVEN IF THEY CAN GET TO THE PLACE THE EXAMS ARE HELD, THE DOORS WILL STAY CLOSED FOR THEM.” Kurapika steps forward and answers, “I AM THE ONLY SURVIVOR OF THE KURATA CLAN. I…” while Leorio and Gon watch silently.

Kurapika stands tall and continues his explanation. “THE REASON I WANT TO BECOME A HUNTER IS BECAUSE I WANT TO CAPTURE THE GENEI RYODAN.* FOUR YEARS AGO, ALL OF MY RELATIVES WERE KILLED BY THIEVES.” He adds, “THE GENEI RYODAN BELONGS TO CLASS A. EVEN THE BEST HUNTERS WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE HELPING YOU. BECOMING A HUNTER OF THE BLACK LIST?” and “I DO NOT FEAR DEATH. WHAT I FEAR MOST IS THAT MY ANGER NEVER LEAVES.” The Captain listens intently. Turning to Leorio he asks, “WELL, WHAT ABOUT YOU, LEORIO?” Leorio explodes in anger: “IF I DO NOT BECOME A HUNTER, I WON’T HAVE ACCESS TO CERTAIN PLACES, INFORMATION, AND DISPLACEMENT. IT’S PROBABLY A DETAIL THAT YOUR LITTLE NEURONS MISSED. THAT, LEORIO, IS THE STUPIDEST QUESTION I’VE EVER BEEN ASKED. IN SHORT, YOU WANT TO AVENGE YOURSELF, AND YOU NEED TO BE A HUNTER FOR THAT?” Gon stands nearby, watching the exchange.

Leorio leans forward aggressively in his suit, pointing and shouting with a wide grin. "A GREAT HOUSE, A CLASSY CAR, THE BEST ALCOHOL ...! MONEY! WITH MONEY, WE CAN HAVE EVERYTHING! In fact, you have a good head, and I'm going to answer. I won't use four different ways, let's speak openly." Kurapika stares back coldly. "Unfortunately, manners can't be bought, Leorio." Leorio continues, "Let's spill a little 'noble' blood of the Kuruta clan, or something." Kurapika turns away. "Follow me to the deck." Leorio replies, "That's the third time." Below, Gon watches the confrontation with the Captain and other passengers. "WHAT?" "LET THEM FIGHT." "EH?! I'M NOT FINISHED!" "I'M RIGHT BEHIND YOU." "YOU DON'T WANT TO GO AND PASS THE EXAM?!" Leorio walks off as Kurapika warns, "TAKE BACK WHAT YOU JUST SAID, LEORIO."

The Captain sits with his hand on his chin, thinking. "From my point of view, both of them have good reasons to be angry. It's better to let them fight." Gon sits on the railing, recalling, "If you want to know someone, start by finding out what makes him mad. My aunt Mito often said this phrase, I liked it a lot." The wind suddenly picks up violently. "CAPTAIN! THE WIND IS BLOWING STRONGER THAN EXPECTED!" Massive waves and gusts slam the ship. "HUUUUU ZADAN P R R!!" Gon and Kurapika are thrown across the deck by the force of the storm as the boat rocks wildly.

The storm rages as sailors struggle with the sails. "COME ON! HURRY! THE MAST WON'T BE ABLE TO TAKE MUCH MORE! THE BOAT'S GONNA OVERTURN! BEND THE SAILS!" Leorio grips the railing. "I HAVE NO INTENTION OF TAKING BACK WHAT I SAID." Kurapika stands firm. "PRESENT ME WITH YOUR EXCUSES AND I'LL ACCEPT THEM." The Captain shouts orders while Gon looks on in alarm. "CAPTAIN! TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO!" "MY GOD! IF ONE OF THEM FALLS FROM THE BOAT, IT WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE TO SAVE HIM!" Below deck in a dramatic standoff, Leorio draws a knife and declares, "I'M WAITING FOR YOU!" Kurapika draws his weapons. "LET'S GO!"

The ship lurches violently in the raging storm. A massive wave slams the deck, sending passengers and crew flying. WHAM! Two men crash into the railing as another yells AAAH! ICHAA!!! A sailor tumbles past with a pained grimace. CRASH! The mast and rigging shatter under the impact, debris scattering everywhere. Leorio stands braced against the tilt, eyes wide behind his glasses, while Kurapika stares in shock nearby. Below, the captain grips the wheel, his face tense. SPLASH! BTAM! More bodies and barrels plunge into the churning water as the deck tilts sharply. Gon and the captain exchange startled glances amid the chaos, the sea roaring around them.

The deck slopes at a deadly angle as the storm rages on. Passengers slide helplessly across the wet planks toward the edge. Leorio stumbles, one hand outstretched for balance. Kurapika tumbles past him, hair whipping in the wind. From a lower angle, Gon sprints forward with determination, reaching out. ARGH! Leorio shouts as he fights to stay upright. Tap. Kurapika lands in a crouch, eyes alert, while Gon charges ahead. The ship groans under the strain, waves crashing over the sides.

Hands reach desperately from the tilting deck. TAC! TIC! A masked passenger and others tumble overboard, limbs flailing. Gon leaps forward with arms outstretched, eyes fierce, trying to grab anyone he can reach. Leorio and Kurapika look up in alarm from below as the boy stretches toward them. DOM!! The impact shakes the scene, motion lines radiating outward. Everyone struggles against the pull of gravity and the sea, the storm showing no mercy.

A large boot is caught mid-air by multiple hands as someone shouts "CATCH". Below, Gon rubs his banged nose with an "AiE...". The group works together to haul the fallen person up with ropes amid chaotic motion lines and cries of "HAUL HIM UP!", "IT'S OKAY?! CATCH THE ROPE!", and "HAUL THE WOUNDED UP!". Leorio laughs "Ha Ha" while Kurapika watches silently. In a large panel, Leorio points accusingly at Gon, sweat flying, and yells: "IF WE HADN'T CAUGHT YOUR FEET, IT'D HAVE BEEN OVER FOR YOU FOR SURE! YOU'D HAVE DROWNED FOR SURE!" He continues, "ARE YOU CRAZY, OR WHAT?! THE OCEAN IS WILD, THE CURRENTS ARE EXTREMELY STRONG, AND YOU... YOU... WELL, IT'S REALLY DANGEROUS!" An unseen narrator notes, "GIVING ME A LECTURE WHEN THEY WERE JUST FIGHTING A MOMENT AGO..."

Leorio and Kurapika stand together as Gon, sitting on the floor, replies "BUT YOU CAUGHT ME, DIDN'T YOU?" and adds "YES, MAYBE..." with an "OUF". The Captain watches from the wheelhouse. Leorio ponders with a "HM." while Gon stands and says "WELL, YES...". Kurapika sits nearby. Gon turns and addresses Leorio: "CALL ME LEORIO, KURAPIKA." Leorio smiles and continues, "HMM. I DON'T WANT SOMETHING LIKE THIS BETWEEN US! FORGIVE MY RUDENESS... LEORIO-SAN." The Captain laughs "HA!" from his post. In the final panels, Leorio and Kurapika react as the Captain bursts out laughing "HAHAHAHAHA!" and shouts "AAH! YOU GUYS PLEASE ME!"

The Captain declares with a wide grin, "I'VE DECIDED TO TAKE YOU TO THE PORT CLOSEST TO THE TESTING PLACE! I'M IN A GOOD MOOD TODAY!" Gon looks surprised. The Captain offers, "YOU'D RATHER COME WITH ME SO I CAN TEACH YOU SOME MORE THINGS ABOUT THE SHIP'S HANDLING! LET'S FORGET ABOUT ALL THAT. WHAT ABOUT YOUR TEST?" Gon answers "BUT...?" In the lower deck, the Captain stands proudly as Gon jumps up with a huge "YEAH!" Kurapika and Leorio watch from the side. The page number 61 appears at the bottom.