Hunter × Hunter Chapter 393: Plea

The topknot swordsman lunges forward across the wooden floor, sword flashing with motion lines and impact effects labeled "THOR K!" and "SKUNK." The blade strikes directly at the scarred man's forehead. The scarred man reacts with a close-up, eyes narrowed and mouth open, muttering "UH..." In the background, the ponytail man and the long-haired figure stand near furniture. The final panel shows the topknot swordsman lying prone on the floor, sweat drops visible, saying, "I DON'T UNDERSTAND A WORD YOU'RE SAYING." The scarred man's sword remains pressed against his head from off-panel.

A bald man in a striped shirt is slammed against a heavy metal door, eyes wide with shock as a blade flashes past his face. Nobunaga strides away with his back turned, sword still drawn. "ABOUT THE WAREHOUSE... IF YOU DID THAT WITHOUT WANTING TO PICK A FIGHT..." he says coldly. The bald man stammers back, "...THEN YOU'RE JUST AN IDIOT." Nobunaga continues walking, the tip of his blade trailing. In a sudden close-up, Nobunaga's intense face fills the frame, sword raised, as he declares, "IF YOU'RE GOING TO TALK ABOUT DESTROYING THE WORLD... ...THEN I'LL DESTROY YOU." His hand grips the hilt tightly while motion lines and impact effects emphasize the threat.

A group bursts into a hallway, one member shouting "HEY, WE'RE BACK!" while another notes "NOBUNAGA HIMSELF OPENED THE DOOR FOR ME...!" Nobunaga stands among the arrivals, sword sheathed. In the next area, he calmly states "I'LL EXPLAIN." A crew member asks "WHERE ARE OUR UNDERLINGS?" while another declares "HE KILLED THEM ALL." The group reacts with shock. They move to another room where they discover a body lying in a pool of blood, head severed. "WE FOUND THE GUY WHO KILLED THE GUARDS IN THE WAREHOUSE," someone reports. "AND THIS IS HIS HEAD," another adds as the group stares in horror at the gruesome sight, with one person screaming "W-WHAT IS THIS?!" and another letting out a long wail.

A stern man with a topknot and goatee declares the group's resolve. "IT'S BEEN DECIDED," he states firmly. "WE'LL CRUSH THE HEIL-LY OURSELVES." Beside him looms a close-up of a heavily scarred, grinning face with wild hair. A composed man with slicked-back hair and facial marks adds, "IT WAS FUN WHILE IT LASTED," as a small "Zzz" and "snore" effect floats near his head. Another panel shows a spiky-haired man announcing, "WE'RE GOING BACK TO LOOKING FOR HISOKA..." A blond man in a high-collared jacket reacts with fierce excitement, shouting, "BUT IT MAKES ME HAPPY!" while a bandaged figure with a skull-patterned mask points and suggests, "TELL US ANYTHING ON HEIL-LY, LIKE WHERE THEIR BOSS IS—WE CAN DO THAT FIRST." The masked man notes, "SLEEPING GUY WAS LUCKY..." and "WE GET STUFF BEHIND DOOR ON RIGHT LATER." The blond continues, "OUR INTERESTS JUST HAPPENED TO ALIGN...I KNOW THAT." The page ends on a wide splash of a massive whale-like creature surfacing in choppy waters under a cloudy sky. A small speech bubble from the creature reads, "I'LL BEG THE UNDERBOSS FOR ACCESS TO THE GENERAL STORE THE BROKER MENTIONED." On the right, a determined voice declares, "...FROM EACH OF THEM!" and "I'VE DECIDED... I SWEAR I'LL GET AN AUTOGRAPH..."

In a briefing room, a young girl named Gelato warns that hunting outside is now too dangerous. A tall man labeled Daemon notes security has tightened. A panel shows a defeated figure collapsed against a cracked wall with debris raining down. Bille, an arcade employee, states he already knows what he wants. Perigord questions if someone could manifest the same ability as Luini. In a bloodied corridor filled with bodies, several standing figures discuss strategy. One asks if Luini was an emitter. Another wonders how to reach level 21. Morena's earlier words about innate emitter powers are recalled. A group debates using an existing ability or inviting more people. Voconte, an emitter mercenary transporter, smiles and raises his hand, suggesting they could invite them or wait until they come to the group.

In a crowded hallway, several people debate Nen types. A man with short hair asks if Emitters are popular, while another insists they need something like a firearm. A voice from the group shouts "YES! ME!" as a young man with spiky hair agrees to open the door. Nearby, the Matvere College student level 18 smiles confidently and declares he wants to be an Emitter to turn handcuffs into pigeons and make a firearm. Others discuss getting rid of Padaille and Xi-Yu abilities. The student continues explaining that experience, technique, and total aura affect offense and defense. A woman with curly hair and a short-haired girl listen as someone asks what Morena thinks about Nen pigeons versus Nen firearms. The short-haired girl ponders whether she is a Conjurer while the curly-haired woman states she wants it to be a surprise. In the background, a figure sits on a stage as narration notes that ingenuity can create situations where one can fire more than once, and adding an ability to find out how many shots are required could make it a game.

Lynch Fullbocco's eyes snap open as someone shouts "HEY! WAKE UP!" She sits up groggily, realizing the attacker was Hisoka. Hinrigh stands nearby as Lynch confirms she is alive and asks if he is okay. She explains that Hisoka knocked her out after asking what she wanted to see. Hinrigh notes that Hisoka is more dangerous than anyone they have ever met. The group decides they will have to let Hinrigh know right away. The scene shifts to a bustling shopping mall interior with multiple storefronts including a theater and various shops. People walk through the open atrium as the characters continue their conversation about the threat.

In the hallway of the cineplex, the group debates their next move. The long-haired man with sharp features says, "We check each room as a group." Another replies, "If we split up, he may slip away." A voice adds, "All right... we don't want him to assume this is revenge and resist. You go back. He's somewhere in the cineplex." A woman with curly hair confirms, "Sure. You got this?" Another states, "I'll join Lynch to find the Phantom Troupe leader." The group walks down the corridor past numbered doors. Later, the same man affirms, "Right." A new speaker suggests, "I think if we explain the need for balance and ask for Heil-ly's annihilation in exchange for Hisoka's whereabouts, they'll take the deal." The scene shifts to the darkened theater where several figures sit facing a blank screen marked with Japanese characters.

Inside the theater, a short-haired person sits beside the curly-haired woman who checks her phone as a "THMP!" sound effect appears. Close-ups show the short-haired person's neutral face and the curly-haired woman's intense expression as she asks, "Hisoka, right?" In another row, a mustached man in a vest reacts with surprise, "WHAT?" while a voice states, "I'll get straight to the point... I have a favor to ask." The curly-haired woman explains, "We Xi-yu have also teamed up with Cha-r to target Heil-ly. Cha-r and the troupe have joined forces against Heil-ly." She continues, "If you pick a fight with the troupe now... we would have to consider you an enemy." The short-haired person responds, "Why?" The curly-haired woman adds, "Until the dispute between Heil-ly and Cha-r is over, keep yourself entertained in the tier 1 recreation area. I also have a room for you in the VIP area."

A woman with short hair and earrings faces a curly-haired woman in profile. The short-haired woman states, "I know we wouldn't stand a chance against you or the Troupe." The curly-haired woman replies calmly, "Chaos doesn't bother me. I don't mind..." and adds, "Yeah, I'm not surprised... but frankly... we—or rather—I don't want to fight you." Close-up panels focus on intense eyes staring forward. In a chaotic action panel, several Troupe members clash mid-air with weapons and debris flying as speech bubbles declare, "But the Troupe can easily wipe them out," "It's anybody's game even if we and Cha-r team up," and "We consider balance to be important... but Hei-ly is trying to destroy that balance." Below, in a theater-like hall with people on stairs, the curly-haired woman asks, "Can I ask a question?" The short-haired woman responds with a slight smile, "I don't want the opportunity to see a showdown between the two greats of our generation up close. We have no intention of getting in your way. We have no intention of interfering with your beef with the Troupe. Will you do that?" Someone off-panel exclaims, "What?"

The short-haired woman leans close to the curly-haired woman's ear and whispers. The curly-haired woman reacts with wide eyes and declares, "Sorry, but I'm a Spiders fan." The short-haired woman asks, "Who do you think will win, me or the Troupe?" Close-ups show the curly-haired woman's surprised expression and the short-haired woman's profile as she inquires, "All of them. You? Who's your fave?" A hand holding a small card appears with the short-haired woman saying, "I don't dislike honest people." The curly-haired woman reacts with shock, "What?" In a theater seating area the two sit side by side; the short-haired woman holds up a card while the curly-haired woman leans in. The short-haired woman continues, "But..." A wide exterior shot of a multi-level building labeled "CINEMA" shows various people on balconies and walkways. The curly-haired woman says, "Yes... understood." The short-haired woman concludes, "If they pick a fight, I can't refuse..."

In a long arched hallway of the building, armed guards in uniform patrol while a mustached man in tactical gear holds a rifle and wonders aloud why Hinrigh is late. Further down the corridor, a large man in a white shirt walks away with his back turned, accompanied by another armed figure in a head covering. A suited man with glasses stands in shadow, his eyes narrowing sharply as he observes the scene. Outside near a brick wall and windows, the suited man faces the mustached guard and two other men in casual clothes. The guard questions the suited man about security protocols and bribes, asking if that would get him in trouble. The suited man replies that he does not have time for useless small talk either. They discuss a small incident involving Hinrigh and a civilian, noting that if charges had been pressed they could have handed Hinrigh to the cops. The suited man insists they cut the crap and leave.

The mustached guard in the beanie continues speaking with the suited man with glasses in the hallway. The guard suggests turning the situation into an auction by selling the location of the Heil-ly secret hideout to Xi-Yu’s Hinrigh. The suited man warns that the deal is done once Hinrigh returns with the money and urges haste if a bid is wanted. The guard notes it is odd for a corporal to stand guard alone and asks what the suited man is plotting with Hinrigh. The suited man replies he will not compete and will pay the same as Xi-Yu. In a wider view of the corridor, the suited man tells the guard they will tag along when Hinrigh arrives and asks how much. The guard demands they prepare the perpetrator and pay five million to the finder and corporal if anyone spots the rogue in Heil-ly. The suited man states they have approval from the Fourth Prince to crush Heil-ly and maintain balance. He orders the guard to bring a paper bag with a fifty million total and thirty million deposit, then hurries away with the others.

A sharply dressed man with glasses smiles confidently in close-up, declaring, "WE'LL GET EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM." He adds, "TRUST ME," with a small "HEH" chuckle. In a long hallway, two figures stand at a distance as someone notes, "OH. THEY'RE HERE." Nearby, the man with glasses remarks, "EVERYONE DIES EVENTUALLY. I KNOW. IT'S NOT A NICE RUMOR." A soldier-like man with a mustache stares forward, his expression described as "A GRIN AS COLD AS ICE..." Another panel shows a figure pleading, "P-PLEASE DON'T, MR. WANG!" while the glasses man responds, "I HEARD EVERYONE YOU SMILE AT DIES... P-PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT THE WRONG WAY, UM..." and "R-RIGHT." In a wider view, hooded figures discuss, "THE CHA-R UNDER-BOSS." A man replies, "WELL, WELL." At the bottom, Connelly, the Xi-Yu lieutenant, stands with a large bag and states, "WHEN YOUR MONEY AND HINRIGH GET HERE, WE CAN GET GOING." He continues, "THAT SAVES TIME," while asking, "DID THE CORPORAL GIVE YOU THE STORY?" and noting, "BY AND LARGE." Background figures mill about in the tiled corridor.

In a long ship corridor, a man and woman walk while narration explains, "IN THIS AREA, THE NOUVEAU RICHE AND ALL SORTS OF DEPLORABLES CAN BLEND IN." An older bald man in a coat notes, "TIER THREE FIRST-CLASS CABINS..." A group of armed men stands near doors marked with crosses. A mustached man in uniform says, "HERE." The glasses man stands beside him. A floor plan diagram of Tier Three First-Class is shown, labeling WC, BED, CLOSET areas. Discussion continues: "IF THE WALL IS THERE NOW, THERE'S DEFINITELY A HIDDEN ROOM." Someone confirms, "YES. THEY SAID THIS IS THE ONLY ROOM WITHOUT A BATHROOM WALL." Another adds, "ALL FIRST-CLASS CABINS ARE BUILT THE SAME, RIGHT?" and notes the access panel location. At the doors, a woman with curly hair warns, "MAKE SURE YOUR SAFETY'S OFF JUST IN CASE. THEY PROBABLY WON'T ATTACK MILITARY." A man replies, "GO ON." Narration states, "IT'S AGAINST THE OUTER HULL OF THE SHIP, SO ANYTHING COULD BE BACK THERE." A small panel shows a surprised face with "..." as knocks sound on the door: "NOK NOK."

Kakin soldiers in dark uniforms approach door 3101. One in a bowler hat knocks and calls out, "OPEN UP. THIS IS THE KAKIN ARMY." A nervous voice from inside answers, "YES...?" The old man inside the room sweats heavily, muttering, "SUU... SURE... THAT'S FINE..." and "I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG, SOOO..." as the door is forced. The soldiers announce, "WE NEED TO SEARCH YOUR ROOM. WE RECEIVED A TIP." The old man pleads, "PLEASE, DON'T SHOOT," but the lead soldier demands, "IS ANYONE ELSE IN THERE WITH YOU? OPEN THE DOOR AND STAND BACK! SLOWLY!!" The old man stumbles backward into the room, knees buckling as he is ordered, "GET BACK. SIT DOWN ON THE BED!!" He sits on the lower bunk with hands raised, saying, "I KNOW," while the soldiers keep their rifles ready. Additional figures enter the hallway behind the team as one soldier says, "OKAY, LET'S GO."

Two observers with glasses and wavy hair peer into the room from the sides, reacting with surprise. The elderly man sits on the upper bunk with hands raised, a question mark floating above his head. Below, the same man now sits on the floor facing the closet with both hands up. Two men stand in the open doorway: one with long wavy hair and a striped jacket, the other in a dark suit. The elderly man looks up and says, "OH, THERE WERE MORE OF YOU...? YOU DON'T LOOK TO BE MILITARY...?" Heavy sound effects rumble through the scene as the confrontation continues inside the small room.

A terrified older man with slicked-back graying hair stands in a narrow hallway, hands raised defensively as he pleads, "PLEASE... COME IN..." and "ANYWAAAY... I HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING WRONG, SOOO..." His eyes are wide with fear. In the next panels his expression grows more desperate as he repeats "ANYWAAAY... COME ON IN..." and nervously suggests "MAYBE THE BATHROOM...?" while an unseen voice mutters "UM..." From the doorway behind him, a woman with long curly hair and a man in glasses and a dark suit appear; the suited man asks, "WHERE'S CORPORAL MAIZAN?" Suddenly a violent impact strikes the older man—sound effects "THOK," "ZAK," and "BISH" explode across the panel as his face twists in shock, eyes rolling and mouth open. In the bottom tier the man continues begging while the curly-haired woman, now holding a large knife, declares "ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT... I WON'T MISS NEXT TIME." She points the blade and orders, "YOU, COME OVER HERE." The suited man adds, "THE KNIFE AT LEAST DIDN'T VANISH." The page ends with a black banner reading "To be continued!"