Departure

The massive Black Whale #1, a colossal black vessel shaped like a whale with a single white eye, launches from the shore into turbulent waters. The ship towers over the landscape as it sets sail, displacing waves and debris. Small flying creatures and onlookers scatter around its hull. Text declares: SETS SAIL!!! and BLACK WHALE #1. In lower panels, a speaker announces that the ship's journey will take 2 months as it heads for the Dark Continent. Another message addresses all passengers: TO ALL OUR PASSENGERS ON BOARD!! THE BLACK WHALE IS NOW SETTING OFF SAFELY ON ITS VOYAGE TO THE SEA!! A cheering crowd fills the dock, waving flags and raising hands in excitement as the vessel departs.

A map outlines the route: the ship will sail through Human Territorial Waters then enter Untamed Waters around the Dark Continent, with a refuel stop. A female announcer on stage in Deck 2 Theater Venue explains the itinerary using a microphone and gestures. She describes the first 3 weeks in territorial waters used by normal vessels, followed by refueling and a final ship check. She warns that the untamed waters have savage seas, fierce storms, tornadoes, lightning, thunder, and flying creatures. The skies are a battleground, making the top deck dome unsafe to open. The voyage will then brave stormy seas for another 5 weeks until reaching the Dark Continent. The audience sits in the theater watching her presentation.

A detailed map of the seas divides the page. HUMAN TERRITORIAL WATERS surround the known continents while UNTAMED WATERS and DARK WATERS lie beyond a dashed BORDER WATERS line. A circular inset labels BLACK WHALE, NEW CONTINENT (FAKE), and RELAY BASE. A large speech bubble states the public goal of the voyage is the New Continent for passengers and the Kakin royals. Below, in DECK 3 - FIRST CLASS CABIN, several characters gather around a table covered in maps. A girl with a nurse cap and mask sits left, a girl with a large flower in her hair leans over the maps, a boy with bunny ears points at the chart, and a muscular man with a topknot watches. A long-haired girl and a boy with striped sleeves sit opposite. Speech bubbles explain the transfer to Morel’s ship at the gate where the Keeper waits. A boy with a bowl cut and striped shirt stands with arms crossed, admitting his teleportation ability is poor. Other bubbles detail Tokyarine handling transport from the Dark Continent to the relay point and the plan to establish a small island relay base for goods and personnel. A bottom strip shows a distant ship on the water and close-ups of the long-haired girl and bowl-cut boy discussing the search for more helpers with transportation abilities.

The page opens on DECK 1 - BEYOND'S CELL. Beyond Netero lies on a bed inside a reinforced cell, reading a book with one foot propped up and a soda can nearby. The heavy door bears a complex locking mechanism. In the corridor outside, three guards stand watch. A spiky-haired man in a robe complains that guarding Beyond is a waste of personnel. A masked figure with a star emblem laughs and suggests ditching the dead weight. A woman with a topknot sits on the floor while another guard leans against the bars. In a larger panel a stern man with slicked-back hair and a scar proposes rotating the guard detail so one Zodiac member supports the royal troops on the upper decks, arguing three guards on Beyond is excessive. Speech bubbles note that in an emergency multiple Zodiac members would be wanted on the 1st and 2nd decks.

A composed man with glasses rests his hand near his mouth while gazing forward. In the room below, he addresses the group: "If I die, one of you is going to have to step up and take my place as the head under-secretary." He continues, "You should all read up on this labyrinth city that we're heading to." A woman with short hair asks, "Haven't you memorized it all by now?" while a child sits on the floor. Another voice questions, "You still reading?" The man with glasses replies calmly. A spiky-haired woman leans in and says, "Besides, if you died, it'd be way after all of us do." A drowsy boy mutters, "As if that'd ever happen." In a wider view of the room, the man with glasses sits on the bed reviewing papers as the group gathers around. He states, "The director told you the same thing already, didn't he?" The spiky-haired woman adds, "You're a total shoe-in for success, don't go screwing it up now." A child on the floor exclaims, "We'll be counting on you, too." The man continues, "And besides, you're pretty much a living endorsement in backing up beyond's accomplishments, so we're totally safe." He concludes, "Not to mention, there's full-scale support and security from the Hunter Association, so there won't be any problems. Although not included officially, the current head of the International Sea Travel Permission Bureau is one of the 'sole survivors.'"

Inside Deck 3 Center Medical Care Facility, staff bustle among shelves of medicine. A soldier shouts orders while a nurse in a cap points at inventory lists and directs refills. Signs label the area clearly. Nearby on Deck 3 Central Courthouse, a large imposing man sits on a raised chair flanked by guards, addressing a kneeling figure. On Deck 4 Kakin Royal Troops Meeting Room, soldiers and officials gather as one uniformed man reviews documents. The scene shifts to a close-up of a young person with light hair and wide eyes staring forward with a neutral expression.

In a tiled bathroom stall, a man's body slumps lifelessly against a toilet, head tilted back with spiky hair standing on end, eyes half-open and mouth slack. His suit is disheveled, one hand reduced to a skeletal claw. A speech bubble declares, "IT'S WOODY." Investigators gather outside the open stall. One man reports, "THE STALL WASN'T LOCKED, BUT TO BE HONEST, I DON'T REALLY KNOW THE BATHROOM STALL BEHIND MYSELF EITHER." Another states, "THE TIME OF DEATH IS ESTIMATED BETWEEN 12:15 AND 12:30." A third man with arms crossed adds, "ALL HIS BLOOD HAS BEEN DRAINED OUT. HE DIDN'T REPORT IN AT HIS REGULAR TIME, SO WE WENT TO CHECK ON HIM AND FOUND HIM LIKE THIS." In a close panel, a bearded man questions, "THERE'S STILL SOMETHING ELSE IT COULD BE," while a blond figure replies, "WHICH UNFORTUNATELY MEANS THE SUSPECT IS SOMEONE FROM INSIDE THIS AREA." Another voice answers, "NOPE, NONE AT ALL." A final statement reads, "THERE WASN'T ANY TRACE OR EVIDENCE OF ANY INTRUDERS, WAS THERE?"

A bald man states, "I'M GOING TO TAKE OFF HIS CLOTHES," as the blond investigator reaches toward the body. A close-up shows Woody's face with mouth agape and eyes rolled back. The body lies exposed on the floor, covered in numerous circular holes across the torso, chest, and limbs, skin stretched tight over visible muscles and ribs. A large speech bubble exclaims, "WOAH..." Investigators react in shock. One man asks, "USE IT? THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I'VE EVER EVEN HEARD OF IT. YOU ARE YOU SURE THIS ISN'T THE WORK OF SOME STRANGE CREATURE?!" Another questions, "NEN...? IS THAT SOME KIND OF SUPER-POWER?" A third declares, "IF ANYONE OF YOU HERE CAN USE NEN, SPEAK UP NOW." A voice continues, "THERE'S A HIGH PROBABILITY THAT THE ASSAILANT WAS A NEN USER FROM THE OUTSIDE." The blond investigator thinks, "FOR WHAT I'M ABOUT TO DO NEXT, I WANT ALL OF YOU TO ANSWER ME TRUTHFULLY." Finally, "JUST FROM LOOKING AT THE SITUATION, IT SEEMS LIKE SOME KIND OF NEN ATTACK WAS USED."

Kurapika stands in profile, sweat on his cheek, his thoughts heavy. "I can understand the royal guards feigning ignorance here, but it's just incomprehensible for these hunters to be acting this way...! If they had taken the initiative and started working together here, the royal guards might have given us their support..." A second thought follows: "The situation is even worse than I'd thought... Using my chains here would be risky..." In the hallway, a group of suited men stand together. One with spiky hair glares while another with a beard looks weary. A soldier in uniform gestures toward a covered corpse on a stretcher and says, "The corpse will now be handed over to the royal army." Another soldier adds, "From now on, try to always move together with people around you, never alone." A third voice states, "It's almost time for you two to head for the ceremony hall." The spiky-haired man leans in and asks the blond figure, "Why didn't you speak up?" Nearby, a young blond replies to a question with, "What did you say?" The bearded man continues, "Why would you bring up the topic of Nen among those people?" The blond answers, "...Conversely, I'd like to ask you something now. If we aren't quick to respond, then we won't be able to get through what's ahead." Kurapika thinks, "Although it's true Nen is a confidential matter for the association, you know very well that this is an emergency situation that comes before that secrecy." The spiky-haired man, bearded man, and another suited figure stand together. The spiky-haired man declares, "That there was clearly an internal matter for the Kakin army, wasn't it?" The bearded man states, "Our mission is limited to the protection of the queen and the prince."

The spiky-haired man and the bearded man walk ahead while the blond figure trails behind. A large speech bubble explains, "It would have been tantamount to us declaring our intent to stick our necks into the private disputes and affairs of Kakin." Another bubble adds, "If there were any Nen users present among the troops, then us speaking up would have had an opposite effect." Kurapika's eyes widen in shock, a question mark floating above his head. He thinks, "It can't be..." The blond figure says, "They haven't been informed... about the succession war...!!!" The bearded man replies, "If we just focus on our mission, we won't get wrapped up in any of that." The spiky-haired man asks, "We were exempted from that. You're talking about the face-to-face interview?" The bearded man confirms, "HRM? Of course. We applied and entered through the site." Another suited man repeats the same confirmation. The spiky-haired man then questions, "You all... didn't you apply for these positions at the official Kakin site?" The blond figure explains, "Which means through Pariston... and he didn't tell them about the succession war... which means it's safe to assume Pariston himself doesn't know about it either." The bearded man adds, "That's why we know much more about the complex situation between the royal family and the troops than you do! It seems the queen may have taken a bit of a liking to you, but that doesn't mean you can just do whatever you want." The spiky-haired man concludes, "Unlike you, after the voyage was announced we got in touch with Kakin about everything. We went through the entry process just for formality's sake." Kurapika stares forward with wide eyes, sweat visible, thinking, "So then the only one who knows about the whole situation that's been recruited here... Is me...!"

In the grand ceremony hall on Deck 1, elegantly dressed guests mingle at tables under chandeliers while waitstaff move among them. A large sign reads DECK 1 - CEREMONY HALL. In a side view, a crowd stands in formation as an attendant gestures toward the seating area. Queen Oito, holding her infant prince, is addressed by an elderly man in profile: "QUEEN OITO, IT'S YOUR TURN TO LEAVE YOUR SEAT." In the largest panel, the first prince, spiky-haired with a star emblem on his tie, stands holding a glass and speaks his thoughts aloud. He declares that any princes who wind up getting killed will be met with execution, adding that if other princes fall he can consider it his own good luck. His inner monologue continues: although the king and royal guard watch over the event they are underestimating him, and with everyone participating in the departure ceremony it will become a 14-man battle royale. He concludes it would be foolish for anyone to try removing him, the first prince, from contention to become king.

A dramatic full-page silhouette shows the first prince from behind, his back emblazoned with a white handprint, surrounded by explosive black ink splatters and motion lines. Bold text declares "BE KILLED SO EASILY...!!" and "I WILL NOT..." In the following row, two older men grin widely with clenched fists and sweat drops, one holding a small cake. A wide shot reveals a raised throne where a large seated figure in ornate robes addresses a gathered assembly of suited men on a staircase. In the bottom row, well-dressed guests converse and smile while holding drinks; the first prince stands among them in the foreground, his expression serious as he glances sideways, hair slightly tousled.

In the opulent ballroom, elegantly dressed guests mingle under chandeliers as a young woman with a tiara raises her hand in farewell. A voice calls, "LET'S GO, FUU." "ALL RIGHT." Another announces, "LADY KACHOU, IT'S YOUR TURN TO LEAVE YOUR SEAT." Two girls stand close together near the tables. The short-haired girl in a dark outfit says, "YEAH!" while her companion insists, "COME ON... SHE'S JUST SEEING ME OFF TO THE CONNECTING CORRIDOR." An older man with slicked-back hair replies sternly, "BUT WE HAD ALL AGREED TO LEAVE OUR SEATS ONE AT A TIME." He exhales, "AHH..." The view widens to a grand multi-level atrium where armed guards stand watch on walkways and staircases as guests descend. The short-haired girl affirms, "THAT'S RIGHT!!" Her friend adds with a smile, "BESIDES, THE TWO OF US HAVE SOME GIRL TALK TO GO OVER..." An older woman chuckles warmly, "WE MIGHT EVEN END UP WITH TWO KINGS!" Another voice laughs, "HOHOHO... THOSE TWO REALLY DO GET ALONG SO WELL..."

The short-haired girl leans in and whispers, "YOU KNOW... I WAS THINKING ...ABOUT THIS SUCCESSION WAR..." Her companion responds hesitantly, "UMMM... KAA..." In a tense close-up, the short-haired girl continues with a fierce expression, "LET'S WORK TOGETHER AND KILL OFF ALL THE OTHER PRINCES.....!" The light-haired girl reacts sharply, grabbing her, "DON'T GO SAYING MY FUCKING NAME SO CASUALLY, IDIOT!! NOW LISTEN UP!" The short-haired girl smiles confidently, "YOU UNDERSTAND?! SMILE, SHIT FOR BRAINS!! THE CAMERAS ARE WATCHING US!!" The light-haired girl whispers urgently, "WHEN WE'RE DONE AND IT'S JUST THE TWO OF US LEFT, I'LL ASK PAPA TO LET YOU LIVE! TELL YOUR GUARDS TO COOPERATE WITH MINE." The short-haired girl glances aside with a slight smirk.

In an ornate hall with checkered floors and grand doors, a woman in a dark dress stands between two armed guards and raises her hand in greeting. Through the open doorway, a young woman in a frilly ballet-style dress strikes a playful pose while two suited men stand behind her. One man says, "IT'S A PROMISE, KAY?" while the other replies, "ALRIGHTY, FUU FUU ♥". In the next panel the ballet-dressed girl complains loudly about an old man giving her pervy stares, demanding her father move the old geezer's seat away from hers. A suited man with a scar answers, "YES, M'LADY," while another man sweats nervously and mutters that he heard everything and finds her terrifying. The scene cuts to a close-up of the girl clutching her head in anguish as bold text declares, "HER ENTIRE SELF... IS A LIE...?!" A bald man stares up at her in shock, and a final panel shows a wide-eyed, open-mouthed face reacting with disbelief.

A wide shot reveals a chaotic corridor where several suited men lie motionless on the checkered floor. Two older men sit slumped against the wall, appearing injured or dead. A blonde woman in a dark suit with an "H" emblem stands in the foreground, eyes wide with alarm. Behind her a woman clutches a baby while another figure looks on in fear. Large black impact graphics dominate the center. An inset panel shows a panicked crowd fleeing down stairs with guards and civilians running. In a lower panel a suited man grips the blonde woman's arm and reports that the scheduled fifteen-minute check-in has passed with no word. The blonde woman demands to know what happened and who last saw the victims. Other bystanders react with shock and confusion.

Kurapika stands in a tense confrontation, his right hand extended with chains wrapped around his fingers and a gun gripped tightly in his left. His eyes are sharp and focused as he aims the weapon forward. In a series of panels, he holds a baby close while addressing a group of people in a spacious room with checkered flooring. He declares he will ask questions next. A man in a suit holding the baby is told to step back. Kurapika announces he is going to tell everything he knows now. Several suited men are ordered to move to the living room. In the final large panel, Kurapika points the gun directly ahead with intense focus, the chain on his hand visible. A caption reads that the steam whistle of the departure was the starting gun for the killing game. Kurapika states that if the chain spins he will shoot, and if anyone lies the chain will spin.