LONELINESS

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A young boy with wild spiky white hair stands in a barren rocky landscape under a bright sky. Purple lightning crackles and arcs around his body and limbs as he holds a tense, ready stance with clenched fists and a focused expression. Dust swirls at his feet from the energy radiating outward.

Close-up panels introduce the Kakin princes. First Prince Benjamin, labeled with Mother Umma, glares intensely. Second Prince Camilla, labeled with Mother Droisille, stares with wide eyes. Third Prince Chourai, labeled with Mother Touchoure, appears with a neutral expression. A servant in a suit holds an ancient-looking pot and instructs the princes on the ritual. He explains that if they accept the terms they must place a drop of blood into the pot, then insert their hand into its center. The remaining sole survivor will become the official successor to the throne. A bottom panel shows the King of Kakin with his eight legal wives and notes that all fourteen children are referred to as princes in birth order with no influence from gender.

Portraits of the Kakin princes and their mothers are displayed in sequence. The 11th Prince Fugetsu stands beside blooming flowers with his mother Seiko, while the 10th Prince Kacho smiles and gestures toward a jeweled necklace displayed in a glass case, also with mother Seiko. Below, the 13th Prince Marayam sits on the floor with a worried expression near a wooden ship's wheel and scattered toys, his mother Sevanchi visible behind him. Next to them, the 12th Prince Momoze points at a large ornate tapestry, accompanied by mother Sevanchi. At the bottom of the page, the 14th Prince Woble sleeps peacefully in the arms of his mother Oito, who stands with a somber expression in front of a large framed portrait of a massive, robed figure raising one finger.

A close-up shows a fingertip releasing a small droplet that falls into darkness. A grotesque, fleshy pot with multiple closed eyes and a wide open mouth is held by unseen hands. A man with long hair seated on a couch instructs a child in a striped hat: "INTO THE CENTER OF THE POT. NOW IF YOU WOULD PLEASE INSERT YOUR HAND..." The child reaches toward the pot as a sign reading "DRIP" hangs in the background. The child hesitates with a nervous expression as smoke and motion lines erupt from the pot. The man reassures, "PLEASE RELAX." The child replies, "IT'S NOT GONNA EAT MY HAND OR SOMETHING, RIGHT?" Close-ups show the child's hand approaching the pot's dark interior while the man watches.

The small girl with double-bun hair floats weightlessly in the air, her dark outfit billowing as she holds a large translucent orb in one hand while raising the other in a graceful gesture. She drifts closer to the enormous face of the long-haired man, whose eyes track her movements with quiet intensity. In a closer view, she extends both arms forward, pressing two dark orbs directly against the man's slightly parted lips. The man’s mouth opens wider to receive them as the girl leans in, her expression focused and intent. Wisps of smoke and cloud-like shapes drift around the figures, emphasizing the surreal closeness between the tiny girl and the giant face.

A man in a turban peers into a large ornate pot releasing thick smoke and crackling energy. In the next panel, the long-haired man with a goatee looks downward with a neutral expression while the small girl with double buns hovers near his chest, arms spread wide. Speech bubbles appear beside a seated figure: 'Yes... everything is in order.' and 'Are we done here?' The long-haired man replies with a question mark. Another exchange follows: 'That was the ceremony of the pot ovum passed down from generation to generation in the Kakin royal family.' 'Indeed.' 'Nothing's really happening... what was that? Some kind of ritual?' A close-up shows the dark pot as narration continues: 'It is believed that it will bless one with special powers.' and 'By proving the lineage of succession in your blood to the pot and by praying for the throne...'

A robed man with a topknot sits cross-legged before the ancient pot, gesturing as he speaks. Therefore, this battle for succession is tied to an ancient and honorable tradition with this pot hoi. According to ancient texts, the first king expressed his loneliness by embodying it into this pot. In a lower panel, the view shifts overhead to show the pot on a patterned floor surrounded by children and attendants. It brings forth a sacred beast to protect them hoi. The children are being granted powers from the pot, even though they are completely unaware of it. The final close-up reveals the man's stern face filling the frame. A frail and weak vessel has no chance of becoming king hoi. The guardian sacred beast is a vessel modeled after themselves hoi.

A massive multi-limbed guardian sacred beast looms over the seated topknotted man, its body a grotesque fusion of bulbous limbs, skeletal arms, and a central grotesque face with a long tongue. The creature's form towers behind him while he remains calm at its base. A large text box at the bottom details the beast's nature. Guardian sacred beast. A divine beast born from the strong prayers for one's offspring's prosperity. It haunts those with a strong affinity for the dead. It feeds on the aura of those that it haunts and those people have influence on its form and ability, but since it is not created from their own body, it is not bound to the will of its host.

In a bustling cafeteria, trays hold steaming soup, stacked plates, and golden breaded cutlets. A bearded man with a topknot sits at a table, aggressively biting into food with a loud CHOMP. Across from him, a figure in a black-and-white patterned helmet and cow-like jacket listens intently. The bearded man chews with intense focus, MUCH MUCH, as dialogue fills the air. The helmeted figure states, "IN 35 MORE DAYS." Nearby bubbles declare, "THE DEPARTURE DATE HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DECIDED. AUGUST 8TH." The helmeted figure continues, "I'M SURE IT WOULD BE AWFUL IF SUCH A HISTORICAL EVENT FOR THE BENEFACTOR TO BE MISSING." Another voice adds, "KING HUI GUO ROU HAS ALSO REQUESTED THAT YOU APPEAR AT THE VOYAGE CELEBRATION ON THE EVE OF THE DEPARTURE AND HAS DIRECTLY APPEALED THIS TO THE VS." In the background, another bearded man sits alone at a distant table, watching the exchange.

The bearded man with the topknot, now seen from behind, points across the table while speaking to the helmeted figure. He offers, "IF YOU DO, I'LL GIVE YOU PERMISSION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CEREMONY." He demands, "TELL ME WHO THE PERSON ON YOUR SIDE IS IN THE ZODIACS." The helmeted figure responds firmly, "I BELIEVE YOU ARE MISTAKEN ON." A close-up shows the bearded man's profile as he says, "THERE ARE TWO THINGS..." The bearded man then declares with emphasis, "AND I KNOW EVEN LESS ABOUT ANY CEREMONY." The helmeted figure counters, "I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT ANY SPY." Later panels show a porthole view of the sea as narration continues: "AND THEN FOR TWO MONTHS OF SAILING, I'LL ARRIVE AT THE NEW CONTINENT. AFTER ANOTHER MONTH OF EATING AND SLEEPING HERE, I'M GETTING ON A BOAT."

A scarred man with a topknot and beard speaks with intensity. "BUT MY INTEREST LIES IN WHAT COMES AFTER THAT. UNTIL THEN, I'LL BEHAVE IN FRONT OF HUI GUO ROU'S FACE." In smaller panels a metal ball hangs from a chain while voices discuss strategy. "AND YOU'LL PROBABLY ALL BOW YOUR HEADS DOWN TO ME, TOO. HE'S THE WHITE." "I THINK WHEN KAKIN, WHO PRIZES HONOR, PUTS THE PRESSURE ON, VS AND ALL YOU DOGS WILL END UP BRINGING ME OUT TO THE FESTIVAL ANYWAY..." A framed portrait is shown as narration continues: "TO THE WORLD, I'M STILL A LEGEND THAT'S GOING TO GUIDE THE WAY TO THE NEW WORLD. THEY'VE BEEN REQUESTING THESE BOTHERSOME FESTIVALS OF ME..." A stern man in a tall hat declares, "AND THEY PLAN TO RESCUE BEYOND...!" Nearby, a blond man in a suit reads documents and states, "BEYOND IS TELLING THE TRUTH. THERE'S NO FALSEHOODS IN WHAT HE SAID." The helmeted man adds, "PARISTON IS THE RINGLEADER AND SAIYUU IS HIS CONSPIRATOR." In the library setting the blond man continues, "BEYOND MAY HAVE NO INTENTIONS OF ESCAPING, BUT WE DON'T KNOW IF THOSE TWO WILL TRY TO BREAK HIM OUT. YOU'RE OPTIMISTIC, AREN'T YOU? BEYOND WAS SERIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING HE SAID, SO I SUPPOSE IT'S OKAY IF WE LEAVE HIM ALONE UNTIL WE LAND ON THE ISLAND." The helmeted man concludes, "HE DOESN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT SAIYUU... SO THEREFORE..."

The blond man raises a hand while speaking. "EVEN IF WE ERASED THOSE WHO BROKE THEIR PROMISE, IN THE WORST POSSIBLE SITUATION VS WOULD BE ANGERED AND DECIDE TO SEVER TIES WITH KAKIN, AND THEN WE'D END UP IN A SITUATION WHERE THEY'D BE TAKING BACK THE BOAT." He continues, "IN ORDER TO MAKE HUI GUO ROU'S EXPLOITS MORE PROMINENT, I'M SURE THERE WON'T BE ANY PROBLEMS OCCURRING DURING THE VOYAGE. WE'RE CONTRACTED WITH KAKIN TO TREAT BEYOND AS AN ORDINARY PERSON UNTIL WE ARRIVE AT THE NEW CONTINENT. I DON'T THINK SO." Turning slightly he adds, "IN OTHER WORDS, IT WOULDN'T BE A GOOD IDEA FOR US TO MOVE AGAINST SAIYUU RIGHT NOW, EITHER." The helmeted man replies, "SO BEYOND INTENTIONALLY DECLARED A TRUCE IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY PROBLEMS OR DISORDER. I SEE." In a room with stacked tapes a small figure answers "YEAH." The blond man asks, "DID SAIYUU REVEAL HIS OWN ABILITY? I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING APART FROM LOOKING AT THESE TAPES. DO WE HAVE ANY COUNTER-MEASURES? I JUST WANT TO AVOID US SITTING HERE FOOLISHLY DOING NOTHING WHILE THEY READY ALL THEIR PREPARATIONS FOR AN ESCAPE. I FEEL THE SAME." A close-up shows a man with headband and ear gauges declaring, "THEY'RE MIZARU, KIKAZARU, IWAZARU... EVEN AN IDIOT CAN PROBABLY FIGURE MOST OF THE REST OUT. I USE THREE MONKEYS."

A hand grips a cane as discussion turns to aura and abilities. Someone notes that enhancer types show the least effect until panic sets in, allowing their actions to be read from aura flow. When a healthy person suddenly loses three senses, maintaining composure or abilities becomes impossible. Their attacks hitting an opponent grants the ability to steal sight, hearing, and speech. It should work most definitely even on Beyond. At a table, a man with a headband warns that if this information leaks, everyone had better prepare themselves. He adds that after rendering garbage helpless, his priestess staff gives them a full thrashing, which is their style. A woman in black speaks of uncertainty whether an enemy is among them, noting she did not want to say that. In a dark panel, a pointing hand appears as thoughts conclude that contrary to how he sounds, he is relieved to be in a situation where he does not have to lie. The equilibrium when he was talking about his ability differs completely from right after the question. Kurapika reflects that they want to trust those around them, but the risk of their abilities being revealed to the conspirator makes them doubt everyone. Even without listening to the rest of the group's voices, the complex emotions are influencing their bodies' movements. Kurapika concludes without doubt that he is not lying regarding his ability and that he is the person on Beyond's side.

Kurapika states they need to make use of this advantage because the enemy does not know they have become aware. A laptop screen shows Saiyuu, leading to the conclusion that Saiyuu is the only conspirator. They are displaying the normal response of an innocent person. In a room, a helmeted man and a suited figure stand as the group decides it is safer not to force a tail on them at all times, so they will leave them be. They plan to check into Saiyuu's conversations and actions by recording phone calls and monitoring surveillance footage without changing their current routine. The helmeted man suggests restraining Saiyuu just before arriving at the continent because there is an incredibly high risk of their plan going off if they stop him there. From the enemy's standpoint, choosing to escape after arriving at the destination would be the easier option. Now that they know Saiyuu's power, they can narrow down predictions of the escape plan. A map shows the sea borderline to the dark continent and the new continent. They must capture Saiyuu before arriving without Beyond noticing, around the sea border. If they restrain him too early, the enemy can easily change plans. There is also a high probability they will carry out their escape plan immediately following the festival on the new continent.

In a room lined with bookshelves, Kurapika stands with a serious expression and says, "Without evidence, we'll have to tell them that you used me ...But then what will happen?" Nearby, Mizaistom replies, "I'm wondering that myself." The discussion continues as Mizaistom adds, "We need to have some reason to give that will stand when the other members ask us why we're arresting Saiyuu." Another voice notes, "It would be best if we find some evidence before restraining him." Mizaistom further states, "Without doubt, I'll be criticized. It's going to cause a more than substantial dispute. ...And if we have no evidence?" Kurapika reflects on the situation: "While I was going on about resolve and dedication, behind their backs I was secretly looking for the criminal. There's going to be a lot of them that won't be able to accept it. That too, but... Because you used a newcomer and acted independently?" The conversation turns to their mission: "...To our mission on the Dark Continent. Things might turn so sour and complicated that we'd have to change our entire approach... And there are those that value the means solely and could care less about results. They of course desire results, but there are also those who value the way we get those results." In a close-up, Kurapika sweats slightly as Mizaistom concludes, "Indeed...when they find out that the entire premise was all a farce, I can't imagine they'll react well. ...It truly feels like our bonds have been strengthened. To be honest, by revealing our powers to one another."

In a long hallway, Kurapika stands near a door and answers a phone call. "Did you see Kakin's government site?" the caller asks. Kurapika responds, "It's me. No..." Mizaistom appears in the doorway with a young girl behind him. The scene shifts to an office where someone works at a laptop. A large bubble states, "The Kakin princes are recruiting bodyguards." Details follow: "Their job details include protecting the prince during the voyage and removing any dangerous elements that arise." Kurapika leans in, saying, "Yeah, they're competing with what they're offering for compensation, constantly updating the amount. Do you know which princes made this request?!" Mizaistom, holding a pen, replies, "The Hunter applicants we'd finally managed to screen out might make their way onto the ship now as the prince's bodyguards... This is going to be a problem." At the bottom of the page, narration boxes read: "All expectations have become a complex tangled mess...!! Of six requests. In all, a total...!?" The page ends with the chapter footer indicating Chapter 349.

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