Hunter × Hunter Chapter 346: Selection

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In a large conference room dominated by a massive world map, a woman with cat ears, glasses, and a detailed maid-style uniform stands at the front holding a pointer and documents. She addresses the seated group, explaining the updated danger rankings. "So in other words, the danger ranks of all 5 have been raised to B+, all exceeding the B rank of the Chimera Ants," she states. She continues, "Capturing any of these and returning with them to benefit mankind is our current mission." Speech bubbles on the map detail the geopolitical situation: "They were originally the V5, but from the recent turmoil Kakin has had its status raised as the 6th." "These are the countries that represent the six main continents, known as the V6." "In the past, the V5 tried to challenge the Dark Continent but all of their efforts resulted in failure." At the long table, a spiky-haired man, a long-haired woman, a small child, and other hunters and officials listen intently. A man with an afro and star-emblazoned hat speaks up: "And we've come to call the disease and dangerous beasts that caused those failures the 'Five Calamities'." From the front, the cat-eared woman adds, "From the details of the documents we have on hand, I will explain to you the first 7 pages on 'Hellbell'."

Close-up panels show reactions around the table. A suited man with glasses exclaims in shock, "SERI-OUSLY?!" Another panel depicts a tense discussion about holding the reins on the president's own son while facing a calamity worse than the Chimera Ants. The cat-eared presenter continues, "Additionally, we also have the issue of dealing with the currently restrained master Beyond. It has been decided that we are to take him to the virtual new continent." She asks, "Now, are there any questions so far? → Everyone" A young man with light hair replies, "I've got plenty, but..." while another character says, "Go ahead." The cat-eared woman responds, "To start, there's one I would like answered." A large dramatic panel focuses on the light-haired young man with intense shading and motion lines as he asks, "Have you been able to identify about how many?" A final row of reaction portraits shows varied expressions from the attendees. The young man adds, "Beyond most definitely has allies within the organization..."

A bearded man with a stern profile speaks firmly. "So there's no way that he hadn't been carefully preparing for this voyage all along, right?" Beside him, another voice continues, "From the previous President Netero's will, I surmised that Beyond had always been waiting for his father's demise." The spiky-haired young man reacts sharply, "Why do you know about that? What did you say...?" A young girl with wide eyes responds with a simple question mark. The bearded man presses on, "Why wouldn't I know?" A wide panel shows a man lying bound on a tiled floor surrounded by scattered papers and a small table, while narration explains, "Without a doubt, he had the utmost confidence that he would be able to control a project of this grand a scope and scale even after being restrained. That's why he turned himself in." The narration continues, "Coming to the organization himself and getting involved with the organization makes it clear that was his plan from the very start..." In smaller panels, a fox-like figure with glasses says "Yes," while another character asks, "I'm assuming this all rings a bell?" Further dialogue states, "The successor that took over after the previous President died must have made some kind of movements," "And a great number of comrades to support him would also be necessary," and "The existence of a capable right-hand man that he can rely on..." The final large panel shows Pariston standing alone under a grand arched ceiling before rows of silhouetted figures. A voice declares, "And the mediator hunters ...!!!" Pariston replies simply, "Pariston..."

In a modern building interior, a character in a patterned outfit asks, "Can I have a second?" while addressing Kurapika by name. Kurapika leans in slightly. Another panel shows the same character continuing, "After that, we start filling in hypothetical questions with yes, and then we end up with even more questions." A long-haired figure replies, "...I see, up until the election campaign, things are easily understood..." Cheadle and the speaker have begun investigating internal departments. Concern is expressed about a traitor in their midst, just like the listener. The character in the patterned outfit asks, "Why didn't you share this with the zodiacs?" because both have come to the same conclusion. A close-up shows the long-haired character stating, "There is a traitor even within the zodiacs." The patterned-outfit character responds, "Yeah," while another voice questions, "Can it?" and adds, "That possibility just can't be excluded now..." The scene remains inside the building corridor with visible stairs and doors.

In a modern office overlooking city buildings, three large speech bubbles recount the history: 'If that plan was when this plan was put into motion, then most of the organization's members are possible suspects.' 'The eldest of the Zodiacs, Botobai, was still just a child.' 'This was all put into motion half a century ago.' Below, a man in a hat and glasses speaks with a blonde woman nearby. He says, 'I think Pariston's job is to mislead us and draw our attention.' She replies about the kind of person he is. Another man with glasses adds, 'I see...' A voice notes that the former president designated Pariston as vice president despite opposition. The blonde woman asks if the Zodiacs were chosen individually by the previous president. A close-up shows the man in the hat and glasses stating he thinks Beyond realized the former president would be after his life, and after putting a restriction on Beyond. In a hallway, the man in the hat tells the blonde woman he wants to keep everything a secret between them. She wonders if there might still be a traitor that the former president allowed to slip into the midst of the Zodiacs. The man in the hat notes that may have been part of his charm, while another voice calls the ex-president crazy for dealing with a difficult situation by laughing it off. The blonde woman concludes that is why they needed to involve him, who had no relations or connections. The man in the hat responds, 'Understood.'

Cheadle, the dog-like character with glasses, stands beside a man in a hat holding a can. Text boxes list their divisions: Mizaistom in private security and intelligence, Cheadle as doctor and lawyer in science division. Speech bubbles explain they are scouting candidates, selecting from those screened by the council, extending offers to outstanding talent, and forming an elite medical team. Negotiations have begun between VS and Kakin. They are in communication with Botobai to acquire the black whale's passenger list. Botobai, a large stern-faced man, appears in a dramatic panel, warning that after landing they will be in secret communication with the intelligence division to make defenses impenetrable and deploy countermeasures to keep Beyond from escaping. He adds that as long as Kakin keeps their open pipeline with the Sahelta and Bergerose military, they will find a way to work anything out. Below, Cluck, a woman with a headwrap holding a bird, discusses her biology division and collection of intelligence on plantlife. Piyon, a small girl with pigtails, states that after getting the passenger list she is programmed to prioritize reconstructing data on the ancient language, and if they make contact with the dark continent's civilization she will integrate the data into their software.

Saiyuu stands with a hand to his ear, declaring he has nothing for the listener though he believes he is more than capable on his own to guard beyond. Beside him, Saccho holds a steaming cup and explains that the chemistry and biology divisions' support members have cleared the candidate screening, adding they are fully prepared for a possible one-way trip with no conflicting desires or connections to Kakin. Below, Ginta eats heartily from a bowl while noting that since Morel has given consent they could leave the navigation from the new continent until the gate is up to his team. He adds that as expected Knov will not make it any further than the new continent and they are seeking similar ability-level people but it has been tough. Geru and Sanbica discuss drafting a communicable disease countermeasure manual while Geru states her main job is to be free for the voyage after they land. Kanzai sits with chin on hand and vows that if anyone attacks them on the continent he will beat the snot out of them, leaving the hard stuff to the others until they land.

Leorio speaks on the phone with an intense expression, declaring it may be a harsh mission but this is the road to achieving his goals and that although inexperienced he will do his absolute best. He adds he is planning on supporting Cheadle's medical team. A voice replies that they are glad recruitment from the organization has gone smoother after joining. Kurapika stands with hand on chest, apologizing for earlier rude questions and noting he was unaware of the organization's complexity. He states that regarding beyond and Kakin he may be able to supply information that government sources would not furnish due to his connections with outlaws. Below, a young girl with dog ears and glasses announces that this year they are changing the usual system and schedule to get the necessary talent for the voyage and that the Hunter Exam is finally almost ready to begin.

Around a cluttered conference table covered in scattered papers, empty food containers, and drinks, a diverse group convenes. At the head stands a woman in a frilly maid uniform, hands clasped before her as she addresses the room. "TO ASCERTAIN THEIR APTITUDE AND SELECT THE VERY BEST, WE ARE GOING TO NEED ALL OF YOUR STRENGTHS." Seated figures lean in with varying expressions: a suited man with glasses reviews documents, a blonde figure extends an arm across the table, and a police-uniformed man sits with arms crossed. A spiky-haired man reclines dramatically while a rabbit-eared character types rapidly on a laptop amid the mess. A bald, bearded man stares upward intensely as a curly-haired figure slumps forward. In the center, a voice rises with fervor: "LET US WORK TOGETHER AS ONE AND COMPLETE THIS MISSION SUCCESSFULLY!! →EVERYONE!!" Motion lines and debris emphasize the chaotic yet focused atmosphere of the strategy session.

ONE MONTH LATER. Against a city skyline under cloudy skies, close-ups show a pair of hands demonstrating aura manipulation. "AND THEN BY LITTLE, MOVE IT AROUND." Small dots labeled ジワ appear near the fingers. The next panel continues: "TAKE A SMALL PART OF THE SURROUNDING AURA, AND TURN IT INTO A LITTLE WART." Below, two wide-eyed observers react with surprise. "WHOA" and "SERIOUSLY?! FOR REALS?!" erupt as hands now display multiple small warts on both palms. "AND NOW ON BOTH HANDS." A dramatic panel shows swirling aura and motion: "WHOAAAAA!!!" The instructor's voice instructs further: "AND THEN, AS YOU CREATE MORE WARTS, KEEP THEM MOVING." The hands remain open with warts multiplying amid dynamic background effects.

A muscular man with wild spiky hair intently manipulates the warty hands of a wide-eyed character wearing a striped hat, directing the growth and movement of the strange growths. "MAKE THE WARTS BIGGER, OR TURN THEM INTO DIFFERENT SHAPES," he instructs while demonstrating. "MOVE THEM BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS, LEFT AND RIGHT." The wart-covered character looks shocked, exclaiming "SERIOUSLY YY?!!" In the next panel the same character calms down, saying "OKAY, OKAY, I GET IT. ENOUGH ALREADY. I'VE GOT TO LET MY HEART GET USED TO THIS." while small speech bubbles note the warts moving at different speeds. A spiky-haired boy watches with wide eyes and sweat drops. Nearby, a boy with face paint concentrates as one finger begins to move, thinking "I'VE FINALLY GOT ONE SINGLE FINGER TO START MOVING..." A man in traditional robes points accusingly at the seated boy, shouting "THAT'S WHAT MAKES IT SO COOL!! IT DOESN'T HAVE A POINT!" and "YOU BAS-TARD !!" The boy replies calmly while a woman with hair buns and another masked figure observe the television screen nearby.

A chaotic panel filled with speech bubbles shouting variations of "N-DA!" and ancient-sounding words like "NDANDA!" "NDABE!" and "NDANYA!!" A spiky-haired boy stands before a television, practicing words that start with "N" in an ancient folk language. A woman with glasses stands and calls out "GING-SAN!" while a chef-hatted character asks if there is any trick. The boy continues practicing as a long-haired woman asks if he gives up. The boy replies he still has a billion more to go. In a later panel the boy admits he did not go to school much and just wanted to play Mario. The woman with glasses dramatically clutches her head, shouting "I'LL TAKE YOUR MONEY !!!" and "FINE!! I ACCEPT DEFEAT!! YOU WIN !!!" as the boy wins the match.

In a bustling hall, a woman with glasses clasps her hands and thanks Ging profusely while a small creature sits nearby. Ging sits with arms crossed as a long-haired figure pleads for money to donate to the educational system. A spiky-haired boy nearby suggests they could match at the Nankirui language next, but Ging declines. The scene shifts to a dramatic close-up of a smiling blond young man framed by ornate patterns, declaring that all of their side's assassins failed and that the Hunter Exam has just concluded. In the following panels, the blond young man speaks with Ging, noting he was impressed by the layered traps set for those who cleared the personal inspection. Ging agrees the mediators' defense was stronger than expected and confirms the mediators were weeded out in the aptitude screening. Ging then asks if that is so, while the blond young man states that someone befitting the position joined the Zodiacs in his place.

Close panels show Ging and the blond young man exchanging glances while other figures stand in the background. The blond young man confirms he knows Ging is acquainted with Mulher-san. A tall figure in a dark uniform states he heard the blond reads minds, while another notes the blond returned rather quickly. The blond young man explains he did not need to look at the results. In a seated scene, the blond young man recounts that he and others passed the lie detector test thanks to one person but ultimately failed. He then smiles and says that after reaching the Beyond-san continent, Ging will escape on his own and join them later. In the large lower panel, Ging stands in a crowded hall filled with guards and civilians, telling the group they will not have to hide inside the organization or deal with troublesome fights and bargains, making things much easier. A voice calls for Pecotero to get out of there while another asks why the hell they should.

Ging faces a light-haired companion with a leopard-print collar and declares his stance. "THEN I HAVE A PREFERENCE FOR BEYOND'S SIDE." The companion replies, "THAT'S A MISUNDERSTANDING... IF WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE FREEDOM TO DO AS I PLEASE DURING THE JOURNEY..." and presses, "YOU'RE ON THE ORGANIZATION'S SIDE, AREN'T YOU? HURRY UP AND GET LOST." In the hall below, Ging squats on the floor surrounded by standing figures in robes and cloaks. He explains, "THAT IS THE ONLY DIFFERENCE I HAVE FROM BEYOND, WHO HAS THE POSITION OF 'THE ADVENTURE GOES UNTIL WE BRING BACK RESULTS'." Nearby voices add, "SO AT THE LEAST, I'M CHOOSING TO FOLLOW THEIR PROTOCOL... AT THE VERY WORST, IT'S FINE IF I DON'T MAKE IT HOME." and "I UNDERSTAND VS BEING CAUTIOUS ON THIS VOYAGE FOR ANY OUTRAGEOUS RISKS." The light-haired companion turns away, saying, "I SUPPOSE I CAN'T." In a smaller panel the same figure continues, "HE'S USING HIS FACADE OF PERVERSE LOVE AS A MEANS FOR DESTRUCTION. BUT I CAN'T OVERLOOK PARISTON. SO IN OTHER WORDS, IF IT'S TO FREE BEYOND, I'LL HAPPILY COOPERATE." Ging looks up sharply and asks, "ARE YOU ABLE TO ACCEPT THAT?" while stating, "MY PREROGATIVE IS GIVING MY HELP TO BEYOND AND KEEPING PARISTON RESTRAINED."

The light-haired companion turns and asks the group, "SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU ALL BEEN SO BUDDY-BUDDY?" and demands, "WHAT'S THAT? WHAT THE HELL GOING ON HERE? WHAT'S HAPPENING?!" A background figure answers, "WEREN'T YOU ALL OPPOSED TO HIM BEFORE?" while another states, "IT'S TRUE THAT GING-SAN ISN'T ON THE ORGANIZATION'S SIDE." Someone calls out, "COME ON NOW, SETTLE DOWN." In a lower scene a large man with a pompadour hairstyle gestures and says, "YOU'LL UNDERSTAND HOW MUCH WE NEED A MAN OF HIS TALENT." A bald man beside him adds, "BUT GIVE AT FEW DAYS AND YOU'LL SEE FOR YOURSELF..." and "FROM THAT TERRIBLE MEETING UNTIL NOW, I STILL HATE HIS GUTS..." while another replies, "YEAH." A massive bald man in the foreground growls, "WE COULD CARE LESS ABOUT WHO THE NO. 2 IS... THE NUMBER 2 DOESN'T INFLUENCE THE CHAIN OF COMMAND ANYWAYS." and declares, "OUR FORMER BOSS WAS BEYOND." Several men in matching jackets stand behind him with stern expressions; one mutters, "I'M NOT WAITING FOR SHIT..."

In a tense standoff, two imposing men stand in the background while Ging and another figure face forward. A booming voice demands, "DECIDE RIGHT NOW WHICH ONE OF YOU TWO IS LEAVING...!!" The atmosphere crackles with pressure as the group confronts the ultimatum. In the lower panels, a suited man with sunglasses smirks and declares, "SO I WOULD REALLY LIKE IT IF YOU DIDN'T INTERFERE... AND AT LAST, GING-SAN, YOU'VE FINALLY GOTTEN IN THE MOOD..." The spiky-haired man and the blond youth react with surprise. One says, "I'LL GO WITH (4)." Another counters, "NO... I'LL TAKE CHOICE (3)." "WHAT?" "AH?" A large vertical text reads "STUBBORN PUNKS!!" The blond youth questions, "RIGHT?" as a massive declaration erupts: "4) ALL OF YOU WILL DIE!!" In the final close-up, Ging's intense glare fills the frame with motion lines as he shouts, "(3) ALL OF YOU WILL LEAVE!!" The page ends with the chapter number and "END" mark.