21 pages · Succession War arc

Hunter × Hunter Chapter 397: Formation ③

What happens in chapter 397

The children locate a black sack containing Sarasa's body and react with grief and rage. Chrollo refuses to read the killers' message aloud. After the funeral Renko-san offers training in embalming.

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  1. p.0Chapter 397 is titled Formation ③.
  2. p.11The boy continues to refuse to speak about the paper.
  3. p.20Multiple characters are arranged in a loose circle around a central standing figure seen from behind.
397

Formation ③

00
The ornate theater fills with an excited crowd as an unseen announcer calls out, 'EVERYONE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR SEATS!' A dramatic voice-over declares, 'AND NOW, THE DARKNESS DESCENDS...' while another box proclaims, 'THIS WEEK'S SPECIAL SHOWING OF CLEAN-UP RANGERS IS ABOUT TO BEGIN!!' In the audience, a young boy with dark hair stares forward with wide eyes and a small sweat drop, reacting with a startled '…' A voice wonders, 'BUT NOT SARASA.' Another replies, 'FRANKLIN AND NOBUNAGA ALWAYS TURN UP AT THE LAST MINUTE...' Someone asks, 'THREE ARE STILL MISSING?' In a side corridor, a long-haired girl turns and says, 'WAIT, I'LL COME WITH YOU!' The boy answers, 'I'LL HAVE A LOOK AROUND.' A spiky-haired figure nods, 'YEAH.' Nearby, a muscular man with a sword stands with arms crossed while a child in a helmet practices swings; a comment notes, 'SHE'S ALWAYS HERE AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOW.' The girl asks the boy, 'CHROLLO, YOU NEVER MET SARASA'S NANNIES, RIGHT?' The scene shifts to a bustling indoor marketplace lined with stalls, hanging lanterns, and people sitting on mats or standing at counters. In a close-up, a man in a beanie looks surprised while an older man with a topknot states, 'I ASSUMED SHE WAS WITH YOU GUYS.' A woman beside him adds, 'I HAVEN'T SEEN HER SINCE YESTERDAY.'
young Chrollolong-haired girlspiky-haired childsword-wielding manhelmeted childbeanie-wearing mantopknotted older manmarket woman
01
A colorful beach illustration shows Gon shading his eyes while standing on rocks, with Killua holding a popsicle and Leorio lounging nearby amid flying fish and ocean waves. A NOTES section features a Togashi Yoshihiro quote: 'IT'S TANEHANA FROM THE STAFF.
GonKilluaLeorio
02
On a wooden stage before a packed crowd of children, a young girl with short dark hair holds a microphone and addresses the audience. "I KNOW EVERYONE IS EXCITED FOR THE SHOW..." she says, followed by "...BUT PLEASE BE PATIENT A LITTLE WHILE LONGER." The restless audience murmurs with excitement and impatience. In a side panel, several children discuss recent events, noting that based on yesterday's conversation they believe a girl went looking for some tapes. One boy with a striped beanie states she hasn't been back to her hamlet since they split up. Nearby, a boy with wild spiky hair exclaims "CHRO...LLO..." while others react with concern. A crowd member suddenly shouts "HEY!" as tension rises. The scene erupts when the audience spots something alarming: massive impact graphics explode across the bottom of the page with the cries "RED!!" and "HE'S HERE!!" The girl on stage stares forward in shock, a bead of sweat visible on her face.
short-haired girl with microphonespiky-haired boystriped beanie boyhorned-hair girlcrowd of children
03
The short-haired girl continues her announcement to the restless crowd. "TODAY'S SHOW IS POSTPONED," she states, adding "I'M SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT..." and "SO MANY OF YOU SHOWED UP TODAY, BUT..." She explains that Sarasa, who plays the clean-up orange, has been missing since yesterday. "SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO GO BACK TO HER HAMLET AFTER WE SPLIT UP, BUT NO ONE HAS SEEN HER SINCE." Turning to face the audience in the large hall, she takes responsibility: "I LET HER GO HOME ALONE, WITHOUT CONSIDERING COUNTER-MEASURES." She adds, "AND YET DESPITE KNOWING HOW DIRE THE SITUATION IS..." and "AS YOU KNOW, CHILD ABDUCTIONS HAVE BEEN INCREASING..." Finally she declares, "I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY." Rows of concerned children sit silently in the tiered seats, listening intently.
short-haired girl with microphoneaudience of children in tiered seats
04
In a packed auditorium, the audience erupts with shouts of "RED!" as a young girl with short dark hair stands on stage looking distressed. A boy with spiky hair bows deeply on the stage and announces they must postpone the show to focus on finding Sarasa. The crowd reacts with concern and volunteers, raising hands and signs. One man with wild hair suggests mentioning Chrollo to get the men's union's help, while others propose enlisting the whole hamlet and the nannies. The young girl on stage thanks them but warns it is dangerous. The crowd rallies, chanting to find her together, calling out "C'MON RED, LET'S FIND HER!" and "LET'S ALL FIND ORANGE!" In a close-up, the short-haired girl holds a microphone with teary eyes and says "YEAH... YOU'RE RIGHT!" Nearby, the spiky-haired boy shouts for everyone to stop crying and that they will find her, while someone yells for Chrollo to go with Uvo and offers a bike. The audience continues chanting "RED! RED!"
young Chrolloshort-haired girl with microphonewild-haired manauditorium crowd
05
A scooter speeds along a forest road carrying the spiky-haired boy driving and the short-haired girl riding behind him. In the background, a large group of children follows on foot through the trees. Earlier panels show the boy speaking with an adult man while the girl waits nearby, and signs point toward a forest path. The children spread out searching in the rain, calling out and looking worried. One child stares in shock with hands raised. The group reaches a large sinkhole in the forest clearing during heavy rain. The short-haired girl stares into the pit and says it might be the place, while the boy suggests maybe she is there. Close-ups show rain falling, concerned faces, and the girl standing at the edge of the hole. A final wide panel shows heavy vertical rain lines across the scene with a large sound effect at the bottom.
young Chrolloshort-haired girlwild-haired mangroup of searching children
06
A young boy with short dark hair and a white collar stares ahead with wide, unblinking eyes, sweat pouring down his face in heavy drops. Below him a small black pouch hangs from a thin string against a wooden surface. In a vast misty forest clearing ringed by enormous gnarled trees, a group of children and several older youths walk along a muddy path toward a massive trunk. A white paper is fixed to the tree. One spiky-haired figure sprints in the foreground while others proceed at a steady pace, some glancing toward the posted sheet.
young dark-haired boyspiky-haired youthgroup of children
07
The black pouch continues to hang against the wooden wall. A handwritten note is shown up close, its top line reading SHEILA. Nearby, a blonde girl with a headband and a spiky-haired boy react with alarm; the boy sweats heavily while covering his mouth. An older scarred man growls that someone has to check it. The dark-haired boy volunteers to look. The spiky-haired man questions what the hell they wrote on that paper. He approaches the note, reads it, and reacts with shock, shouting Chrollo’s name. He demands to know what they wrote while another voice calls for Uvo-san to lower the paper. The dark-haired boy watches from a distance.
spiky-haired mandark-haired boyblonde girlscarred older mangroup of children
08
In the rainy forest, a hand slices through a rope with a knife. High on a thick tree branch, a figure calls out 'READY?'. Below, a young boy with a bowl cut looks up and answers 'YEAH.' The rope snaps and a large black sack plummets. The boy catches it with a heavy 'THUD', the impact splashing water around him. Nearby, a muscular man with wild spiky hair sprints forward with a fierce expression, gripping a weapon. A group of children watches from the path. On the branch, another child shouts 'CATCH!' as the sack is secured on the ground.
young bowl-cut boyspiky-haired mangroup of childrenchild on branch
09
The young bowl-cut boy and another child tear open the soaked black sack, revealing a mutilated body inside. Close-up shows the corpse's face and hands. The spiky-haired man stares in shock, eyes wide and mouth open. The boy lifts a piece of cloth from the body's forehead bearing the handwritten message 'It's Sarasa, isn't it?'. In the background, the group of children stands silently in the rain. One child says 'UVO...', another whispers 'CHRO-LLO...', and a long-haired girl states 'IT'S SARASA, ISN'T IT?'.
young bowl-cut boyspiky-haired manlong-haired girlgroup of childrenmutilated body
10
Rain pours down as a young boy with a bowl cut stands with his back to the viewer, a strange glow emanating from his head. He declares firmly, "I WON'T SAY IT." In the forest clearing, a muscular man with wild spiky hair carries a limp figure while shouting, "WHAT'S ON THIS PAPER?! ANSWER ME, CHROLLO!" Nearby, a curly-haired woman and a small child react with shock: "WHAT'D YOU SAY?" and "HUH?" The spiky-haired man grabs the boy by the collar, his face twisted in rage, yelling, "WHAT DID THOSE MURDEROUS BASTARDS WRITE?!" and "DON'T MESS WITH ME!" The boy, tears streaking his face, repeats, "I WON'T SAY IT." In close-up, his wide eyes fill with determination as he finishes, "...TO MY GRAVE. I'LL TAKE THOSE WORDS..."
Young ChrolloSpiky-haired manCurly-haired womanSmall child
11
The spiky-haired man growls "GRR..." while the boy, now held by the collar, shouts back, "IF YOU REALLY WANNA KNOW, READ IT YOURSELF!!" In the background, a group of children and adults stand around a body on the ground; one yells, "YOU'RE JUST GONNA LEAVE SARASA, YOU BASTARD?!" Machi runs forward with motion lines, her spiky hair trailing. The group watches in silence as Machi approaches. Later, Machi hugs the boy tightly, saying, "IT MUST'VE HURT SO MUCH... IT WOULD BE SAD TO LEAVE HER... LET'S HURRY UP AND TAKE HER HOME..." The children break into anguished cries: "AAAAA AAAAAA AGGGH!!!", "UWA AAAA AH!!", "UNGh", "SOB", and "I'M SO SORRY. YOU MUST'VE BEEN SO SCARED..."
Young ChrolloSpiky-haired manMachiGroup of children and adultsSarasa (on ground)
12
Heavy rain pours down with a loud ザアアアアア sound effect. Distant views show a ruined cityscape, misty mountains with birds flying, and leafy branches. Inside a grand hall lined with pillars and flowers, people stand solemnly. Voices exclaim "SO PRETTY." and "WOW." A large panel reveals a young girl lying peacefully in an open coffin, wearing a frilly dress and flower crown, eyes closed as if asleep. Nearby dialogue notes "...LIKE SHE'S STILL ALIVE." and "SHE ALMOST LOOKS..." Lower panels show the silhouette of a tall figure in a wide-brimmed hat and mask, a spiky-haired boy turning to look, and the hatted figure waving from a doorway. An elderly man in ornate robes and a tall hat addresses the gathered crowd of adults and children: "EVERYONE, PLEASE THANK RENKO-SAN FOR HER HARD WORK." "IT'S A TECHNIQUE USED TO RESTORE A CORPSE TO ITS ORIGINAL APPEARANCE." "IT'S CALLED EMBALMING." "GIVEN SARASA'S CONDITION, WHAT SHE ACCOMPLISHED IS NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE." In the foreground, a hand holds up a VHS tape while children watch with flowers and a small box.
SarasaRenko-sanspiky-haired boyelderly man in robeshatted masked figurecrowd of children and adults
13
The hatted masked figure, Renko-san, stands in a long hallway and is addressed as "RENKO-SAN." A spiky-haired boy holding a small box smiles and says "WE'VE GOT IT MEMORIZED ANYWAY, RIGHT?" while a heart floats near him; beside him a short-haired girl watches. Another panel shows a curly-haired person holding the box saying "SARASA CAN KEEP THIS." Renko-san, eyes visible above her mask, states "IT'S NOT A SKILL I CAN TEACH, IT'S MY SPECIAL ABILITY." A young girl with pigtails asks "...HOW TO EMBALM LIKE THAT TOO?" and "CAN I LEARN..." Renko-san replies that the girl can see her aura, causing the girl's skin to crawl and her eyes to widen in shock. Renko-san offers: "GET ON THE LAST BUS. SHOW THEM THIS AND ASK FOR MISTY FOREST VALLEY. THEY'LL TAKE YOU FOR FREE." "IF YOU GET PERMISSION FROM YOUR NANNIES, YOU'RE WELCOME TO VISIT." The pigtail girl whispers "AURA..." while clutching her chest. A final small panel shows the hatted figure walking away down a long corridor with a ticket-like object dangling.
Renko-sanspiky-haired boyshort-haired girlpigtail girlcurly-haired person
14
In a quiet graveyard under a large tree, the Chrollo lookalike stands tall with hands on his hips, facing the short-haired boy. The boy asks, 'By the time I'm 14... Can I ask you to wait 3 years?' The Chrollo lookalike replies firmly, 'Livo-san.' He declares his intent: 'A proper system for the city, as well as my own power. I'll be able to sort everything out.' The short-haired boy watches from the path as the Chrollo lookalike continues, 'And didn't you promise to travel the world with me? Going now is pointless. I'm headin' out today to avenge Sarasa! I ain't waiting.' The short-haired boy responds, 'Once the infrastructure is in place, people around the world will be able to connect at the speed of light. We're on the cusp of a communication revolution. It will!' The Chrollo lookalike grips a tree and shouts, 'Waiting 3 years won't change a thing!' Later, the Chrollo lookalike stands in a forest path with arms outstretched, saying, 'Recorded what they did. I'm sure the killers... What're ya sayin'?' The short-haired boy stands nearby. A panel shows countless photographs scattered across a dark background with the narration, 'And people's information will be available for all the world to see. It'll be a major shift.'
Chrollo lookalikeshort-haired boy
15
Close-up of the Chrollo lookalike's intense face with wide eyes. The short-haired boy holds a small rectangular object and explains, 'It was just like our play! And those cigarette butts we were standing on... That crime scene was orchestrated to convey a message. Was probably the spot they filmed it from!' He continues, 'There's no way they could resist! If these people heard of a way to showcase their 'art' to the world...' A wide panel shows a dark cityscape with floating text fragments. The short-haired boy adds, 'But we'll create those loopholes! Meteor City will become a safe haven for criminals to pass through!' Another panel reads, 'But even in a world of instantaneous communication, there will be borders and regulations. So those guys will look for loopholes. Evil always lurks in the darkness, and this new environment will be no different...' The short-haired boy says 'Shal...' as the Chrollo lookalike reacts with surprise. A girl with curly hair appears, saying 'We'll help too!' while making a fist. The Chrollo lookalike and short-haired boy look on as the girl and another figure stand in the forest. The short-haired boy concludes, 'He wants to use this new technology to create a hideout for baddies so we can find the ones we're looking for. Actually, I don't.'
Chrollo lookalikeshort-haired boycurly-haired girl
16
In a sun-dappled forest path, a group of children stand together. A girl in a dark dress and a boy in a striped hat listen as another boy declares, "WE'VE GOT A LOT TO PREPARE..." Nearby, a tall boy in shorts states, "THREE YEARS CAN GO BY QUICKLY," while a girl in overalls walks past. A spiky-haired figure stands with their back to the viewer. In close-up panels, a boy in a fur-collared hat looks determined as a voice continues, "AND THE NECESSARY POWER AND SKILL TO DEAL WITH THEM ONCE WE DO." A dark-haired child stares seriously beside the words, "KNOWLEDGE AND TOOLS TO GET US CLOSE TO THE KILLERS..." A blonde girl with a high collar gazes sadly into the forest where distant figures walk. The scene shifts to a windswept graveyard lined with headstones. A boy with light hair stands among the graves and says, "...THAT WHAT HAPPENED TO SARASA NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN..." Another child replies, "IN ORDER TO ENSURE..." A surprised boy asks, "WHICH IS?" while a close-up shows a dark-haired boy answering, "BUT WE'LL ALSO NEED..." and a final voice confirms, "YES... SOMETHING EVEN MORE IMPORTANT."
young Chrolloyoung Pakuyoung Nobunagayoung Machiyoung Phinksyoung Feitanyoung Shalnark
17
A large tree stands against a dramatic sky as speech balloons declare, "OFFER UP OUR LIVES!" and "WE'LL NEED TO..." In a series of close-ups, a spiky-haired boy identified as CHRO... stares angrily, a wide-eyed child looks shocked, a boy with a striped hat glares, and a dark-haired boy in a collared shirt states, "I WILL KILL MANY PEOPLE." After these three years... he continues. The boy turns away, vowing, "I WILL BEG FOR FORGIVENESS." A voice adds, "SO IF I EVER SEE SARASA AGAIN SOMEDAY, SOMEWHERE..." and another finishes, "DEFINITELY WOULDN'T WANT THAT. SARA-SA..." A ruined cityscape appears with rubble and broken structures. Balloons read, "FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!" "I WILL NOT FORGIVE THOSE KILLERS..." and "IF SUCH A REUNION... ISN'T POSSIBLE... HOWEVER..." The final wide panel shows an array of bladed weapons laid out on cloth, accompanied by the lines, "...ACTUALLY REPENTING FOR WHAT THEY DID." "I CAN'T IMAGINE SEEING CRIMINALS LIKE THAT..." and "GIVEN OUR CURRENT LEGAL SYSTEM..."
young Chrolloyoung Pakuyoung Nobunagayoung Phinksyoung Feitan
18
In a quiet outdoor area near Meteor City, a young boy with short dark hair stands with his back to the viewer and declares, "...ONCE I'M DONE WITH THIS PLACE. THOSE THUGS WON'T COME NEAR METEOR CITY EVER AGAIN..." A second panel shows the same boy facing forward under dramatic lighting, continuing, "...WHO WILL MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD TREMBLE WITH FEAR. I'LL LIVE THE REST OF MY LIFE AS A VILLAIN..." Someone off-panel calls out "UVO-SAN..." A close-up reveals a wild-haired young man with a fierce expression asking, "AS THE LEADER OF OUR TROUPE? WILL YOU JOIN ME..." The boy looks up at him and replies "NAH." He raises one finger and adds, "I'LL FOLLOW YOU UNTIL I DIE... AND WITH YOU AS THE HEAD..." A small panel shows the boy’s intense face as he states, "YOU'RE THE LEADER, CHROLLO." In a wide final panel, the young Chrollo stands at the center of a group of children, all raising their hands in unison as he points upward.
young Chrollowild-haired young mangroup of Meteor City children
19
Two large close-up panels show the face of young Chrollo, first with a slightly open mouth and sweat drop, then with a neutral, serious expression. Below, a wide scene depicts a ruined, debris-filled area at night. Several figures stand or sit among broken wooden structures: a woman in a dark suit and skirt, a person with curly hair in light robes, a small child sitting on rubble, a man in a white shirt, a muscular man with an afro, and an older man in traditional robes. A silhouetted figure stands in the foreground with his back to the viewer. Text reads, "AND THUS THEY WERE REBORN... ...AS A SPIDER." The Phantom Troupe spider logo appears at the bottom with the series title.
young Chrollowoman in dark suitcurly-haired person in robeschild in light clothingman in white shirtmuscular afro-haired manolder man in traditional robessilhouetted figure
20
A young boy with short black hair and large dark eyes stares ahead, his face tense with worry and a single sweat drop sliding down his cheek. His expression shifts to a sharp, intense stare against a darker backdrop. In a wrecked, dimly lit space littered with broken beams and rubble, a loose circle of figures gathers. A woman in a dark suit stands with arms crossed on the left. Nearby, a purple-haired person slouches with hands in pockets while a spiky-haired figure in pale clothing watches from the side. A small child sits on a low crate in the foreground. A bald man sits on the debris, and a powerfully built person with a large afro stands with arms folded. Another figure in loose robes sits farther back. At the center, a suited man faces away from the viewer. A speech bubble declares "...AS A SPIDER."
Chrollo lookalikewoman in dark suitpurple-haired personspiky-haired figure in pale clothingsmall child in bluebald seated manmuscular afro-haired personrobed seated personcentral suited figure
End of chapter21 pages

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Hunter × Hunter Chapter 397: Formation ③

Chapter
397
Summarised
Pages
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Arc
Succession War
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Chapter 397 summary

The children locate a black sack containing Sarasa's body and react with grief and rage. Chrollo refuses to read the killers' message aloud. After the funeral Renko-san offers training in embalming. Over the following days the group debates a three-year plan to build power and infrastructure in Meteor City, ultimately vowing to form a troupe that will hunt the murderers and protect the city, with Uvo named leader and Chrollo declaring he will live as a villain.

20 key facts · 40 characters

Key facts in chapter 397

  • Chapter 397 is titled Formation ③. The page depicts a theater preparing for a Clean-Up Rangers showing. Young Chrollo is shown searching for Sarasa. Franklin and Nobunaga are noted as habitually late. The market scene shows daily life in the troupe's area.
  • The performance has not yet begun. A child is confirmed missing after splitting from the group. The audience consists entirely of children. Chrollo is mentioned by name in conversation. The stage features a large blank screen.
  • Sarasa plays the clean-up orange role. Sarasa has been missing since the previous day. Child abductions are noted as increasing. The girl takes personal responsibility for Sarasa's safety. The performance is officially postponed.
  • The show is being postponed to search for the missing Sarasa. Mentioning Chrollo is proposed to gain adult assistance. The crowd refers to the short-haired girl as Red. The spiky-haired boy is actively organizing the search.
  • The children are searching the forest for the missing girl. A large sinkhole is discovered during the rain. The search party travels by scooter and on foot.
  • A black pouch hangs from a string. A white paper is attached to a large tree. Multiple children are present in the forest clearing.
  • The note begins with the name SHEILA. The spiky-haired man reads the posted paper. The dark-haired boy offers to examine the note.
  • A black sack is dropped from a tree and caught by the young boy. The scene takes place in a rainy forest at night. A group of children observes the action.
  • The sack contains the body of a girl named Sarasa. A note on the forehead reads 'It's Sarasa, isn't it?'. The discovery causes visible shock among the children.
  • Young Chrollo is being physically confronted about a paper's contents. The spiky-haired man is carrying an unconscious person. The scene takes place in a rainy forest at night. Chrollo is addressed by name during the interrogation.
  • Sarasa's body is visible on the ground among the group. Machi is the one who runs toward the confrontation. The boy continues to refuse to speak about the paper. Multiple children are shown crying in the aftermath.
  • Sarasa lies in an open coffin appearing almost alive after embalming. Renko-san performed the embalming that restored Sarasa's original appearance. The scene takes place inside a formal hall with mourners present. A VHS tape is shown being held up in the foreground.
  • Renko-san's embalming is a special ability rather than a teachable skill. The spiky-haired boy and short-haired girl have memorized the relevant information. The pigtail girl can see Renko-san's aura and reacts with discomfort. Renko-san provides directions to Misty Forest Valley via the last bus.
  • Chrollo lookalike plans to avenge Sarasa immediately Short-haired boy proposes waiting three years to build city infrastructure Photographs are shown as a means to expose information worldwide The conversation takes place in a graveyard and later a forest path
  • The crime scene was deliberately orchestrated with cigarette butts Meteor City is planned as a loophole haven for criminals A small device is used to reference the filmed crime scene Additional allies join the discussion in the forest
  • The children discuss preparing over three years. Sarasa is referenced as having been killed. The group plans to acquire power, knowledge, and tools. The scene transitions from forest to graveyard.
  • Chrollo explicitly vows to kill many people. The children reference a possible reunion with Sarasa. Weapons are shown laid out for selection. The setting includes a destroyed urban area.
  • Young Chrollo is shown rejecting the role of Troupe leader. The wild-haired young man is addressed as Uvo-san in dialogue. A group of children raise their hands together in the final panel. Chrollo is explicitly named as the speaker in one panel.
  • Young Chrollo appears in two large portrait panels. The scene is set among ruins at night. Multiple figures are gathered in the debris-filled area. The phrase 'reborn as a spider' is displayed prominently. The Phantom Troupe spider logo is visible at the bottom.
  • The page shows two sequential close-ups of the same black-haired boy. The bottom scene takes place in a heavily damaged interior space. A speech bubble explicitly references being "a spider." Multiple characters are arranged in a loose circle around a central standing figure seen from behind.
Symbols and visual details20 · show
  • theater interior with domed architecture and ornate railings crowded audience seated in rows young boy with dark hair and neutral expression long-haired girl facing the boy muscular man with crossed arms and sword child swinging a wooden sword bustling market with hanging goods and seated vendors close-up of surprised man in beanie older man with topknot speaking woman with hair accessory replying
  • wooden stage with blank screen backdrop dense crowd of seated children in foreground speech bubbles positioned above audience heads close-up reaction faces showing worry and surprise large starburst impact graphics at bottom arrows and motion lines pointing toward stage girl holding microphone at center bottom sweat drop on girl's cheek indicating tension group of children standing in discussion panel empty stage screen emphasizing anticipation
  • tiered seating filled with children girl standing with back to viewer addressing crowd large hall interior with high ceiling close-up panel of multiple worried children's faces microphone held by speaker speech bubbles surrounding the speaker rows of attentive young listeners empty space on stage area implied
  • Raised hands and signs in the audience showing support Boy bowing on stage with head lowered Microphone held tightly by the girl Crowd silhouettes filling the background Speech bubbles radiating from the stage area Tear streaks visible on the girl's face Stage curtains and wooden backdrop
  • Scooter moving at speed with motion lines Forest path with directional signs Large sinkhole in the clearing Rain streaks and splashes throughout panels Children running and searching in the woods Shocked expression on a child's face Heart-shaped object hanging in one panel
  • Close-up of wide-eyed boy with sweat drops emphasizing shock Small black pouch suspended by string Massive ancient trees forming a natural corridor White paper posted on distant tree trunk Children walking in loose formation along forest path Spiky-haired figure leaning forward in motion Misty atmosphere with hanging vines and roots Foreground motion lines showing running movement Background figures receding toward the central tree
  • Hanging black pouch detail Handwritten note with SHEILA at top Blonde girl and spiky-haired boy in shocked huddle Scarred man’s angry expression Dark-haired boy viewed from behind with sweat Spiky-haired man reading the note up close Rain or water streaks falling in several panels Tree trunk with posted paper Child standing alone near the tree
  • black sack falling from tree knife cutting rope rain pouring down wet forest floor and puddles children standing in rain spiky-haired man running aggressively sack impacting with motion lines
  • opened black sack revealing corpse handwritten note on forehead rain streaking faces shocked expressions wet hair and clothing forest path at night
  • Glowing head silhouette on the boy Heavy vertical rain lines throughout Forest clearing with muddy ground Man carrying a limp body over his shoulder Close-up of furious wrinkled face Boy's tear-streaked face in extreme close-up Speech bubbles positioned above and beside speakers Motion lines emphasizing the grab
  • Machi running with speed lines Body lying on the forest floor Machi embracing the boy from behind Multiple crying children in final panels Rain continuing to fall Impact lines around Machi's run Speech bubbles showing group reactions
  • Rain streaks dominate the top panel with heavy vertical lines and large SFX. Coffin girl wears a flower crown and frilly layered dress, hands folded serenely. Hatted figure appears in silhouette with distinctive wide brim and mask. Spiky-haired boy has wide eyes and a surprised expression in close-up. Elderly man wears layered robes and a tall ornate hat while gesturing. VHS tape is held prominently in a hand at the bottom of the page. Background shows a formal hall with pillars, flowers, and bulletin boards. Children in the crowd hold flowers and wear formal or simple clothing. The coffin rests on a raised platform with draped fabric. Birds fly in the mountain panel suggesting open sky after rain.
  • Renko-san wears a long black dress and wide hat with a face mask. Spiky-haired boy holds a small rectangular box and smiles confidently. Pigtail girl has wide surprised eyes and clutches her shirt. Aura is referenced with a small flower-like visual effect near Renko-san. Long hallway perspective emphasizes distance and formal architecture. Ticket-like tag hangs from Renko-san's belt or accessory. Close-up shows Renko-san's eye with intense gaze above the mask. Heart symbol floats near the spiky-haired boy's dialogue. Multiple panels focus on facial reactions to the word 'aura'. The final panel shows a lone figure receding into a dark corridor.
  • Graveyard with multiple stone markers under a large tree at dusk Chrollo lookalike standing with hands on hips in confident posture Short-haired boy positioned at a distance on a forest path Close-up of clenched fist emphasizing determination Chrollo lookalike gripping a tree trunk in anger Scattered photographs covering the final panel background Motion lines and dramatic shading in action panels Silhouette of the short-haired boy against sunset sky Tree canopy framing the characters in multiple panels Dark forest path with dense foliage
  • Close-up of Chrollo lookalike's shocked wide eyes Short-haired boy holding a small rectangular device Floating text fragments and code-like symbols in dark background Curly-haired girl with fist raised in enthusiastic pose Forest path with multiple characters standing together Dramatic shading on faces during key dialogue moments Small rectangular object resembling a film or photo item Cityscape silhouette with scattered letters
  • forest path lined with tall trees and dappled sunlight group of children standing in a loose circle on the dirt road spiky-haired figure viewed from behind at center foreground close-up of boy in fur hat with serious expression close-up of dark-haired child with intense stare blonde girl with high collar looking left with downturned mouth distant small figures walking along a forest trail wind-blown graveyard with multiple stone markers boy with light messy hair standing among graves close-up profile of dark-haired boy speaking motion lines and wind effects around the graveyard panels
  • large solitary tree against streaked sky close-up of angry spiky-haired boy labeled CHRO... shocked wide-eyed child with open mouth stern boy with striped hat dark-haired boy in collared shirt facing right boy viewed from behind with windblown hair ruined cityscape with collapsed buildings and debris array of knives, daggers, and blades displayed on fabric dramatic sky with speed lines and smoke multiple overlapping speech balloons in upper panels
  • Young Chrollo stands with back turned in a tree-lined outdoor setting. Dramatic close-up of Chrollo facing forward with intense eyes. Wild-haired young man shown in sharp profile with furrowed brows. Chrollo looks upward with wide eyes at the taller figure. Chrollo raises one finger while speaking. Group of children seen from behind raising hands in a circle. Chrollo centered in the group with arm raised high. Speech bubbles positioned above and around the characters in standard manga layout. Small inset panels showing partial faces and reactions. Background trees and open sky in the opening panels. Dark shaded background behind Chrollo in the villain speech panel. Children of varying heights and hairstyles forming a loose circle.
  • Two stacked close-up portraits of young Chrollo’s face. Night scene filled with broken wooden planks and rubble. Woman standing with arms crossed on the left. Curly-haired figure with hands in sleeves. Small child sitting on debris in the lower left. Silhouetted man standing center foreground. Muscular man with arms crossed on the right. Older man seated with arms folded. Large text box stating rebirth as a spider. Phantom Troupe spider emblem at bottom center. Hunter × Hunter logo banner across the bottom. Scattered wooden debris creating a chaotic background.
  • Close-up of Chrollo lookalike's worried face with sweat drop against light blue sky. Second close-up of Chrollo lookalike with hardened serious expression on dark blue background. Large ruined interior filled with scattered wooden debris and broken structures. Woman in dark suit standing with arms crossed on the far left. Purple-haired person standing with hands in pockets near center-left. Spiky-haired figure seated cross-legged on the right side. Muscular afro-haired person standing with arms folded in the right foreground. Central figure in dark suit viewed strictly from behind. Small child seated on a low crate in the lower middle. Bald man seated on rubble between the central figure and the afro-haired person. Speech bubble positioned bottom-left containing the phrase about a spider. Hunter x Hunter logo banner at the very bottom of the page.

Succession War arc

  1. 394Plan
  2. 395Formation ①
  3. 396Formation 2
  4. 397Formation ③
  5. 398Search
  6. 399Eviction
  7. 400Concealed

Cite this chapter

Hunter × Hunter, ch. 397 — Formation ③https://loresquare.com/hunter-x-hunter/source/chapter/397

Every page of Hunter × Hunter chapter 397 has an address of its own. Add #page-11 to the link above and it opens on page 11 instead of at the top — so a comment that says “see chapter 397” can point at the panel it actually means. Or press Cite beside any page in the reader above and that link is copied ready to paste.