Hunter × Hunter Chapter 400: Concealed

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In a crowded indoor plaza filled with people walking and sitting at tables, a tall man with slicked-back hair stands facing a small figure in a dark coat and hood. The man keeps his hands in his pockets while the smaller figure looks up at him. A voice from off-panel reads: "FINDING THE ENEMY'S LAIR!" The man and the small figure discuss their En search. The man says, "IT'S EITHER RIGHT ABOVE OR BELOW." A hand holds up a small electronic device with a grid display and range settings from 0 to 1000. A speech bubble states, "IT'S ONE TO TWO HUNDRED METERS AWAY, BUT SINCE IT'S NOT SETTLING ON A DIRECTION..." The man continues, "MY EN ALWAYS BREAKS WHEN I'M DISTRACTED BY SOMEONE TALKING OR MOVING. AND OBVIOUSLY, I CAN'T USE IT WHILE MOVING EITHER..." He adds, "...THINK FOR A SEC, WILL YA? IT'D BE SENSORY OVERLOAD IN A CROWD LIKE THIS. NOT TO MENTION, I'M LOUSY AT PICKING UP SUBTLE STRATEGIC STUFF WITH IT. WOULD BE EASIER IF YOU USE EN, PHINKS." The man suggests, "BEST I CAN DO IS SCOPE OUT A SMALLER AREA LIKE THAT STOREHOUSE FROM BEFORE. USING IT AROUND SO MANY POSSIBLE HOSTILES WOULD LEAVE ME VULNERABLE TOO. IT'D BE LIKE WALKIN' INTO A SLUM WEARIN' NOTHIN' BUT A SIGN THAT SAYS 'SHOOT ME.'" He concludes, "LET'S TRY GOING DOWN FIRST. DISTANCE MEANS IT'S EITHER ON TIER TWO OR FOUR. ONCE WE START MAKING OUR WAY DOWN TO TIER 4, IT'LL BE PRETTY OBVIOUS IF WE'RE GETTING HOTTER OR COLDER."

The group continues their conversation in the same busy area. A man with a topknot says, "YOU REALIZE IT HASN'T EVEN BEEN 10 MINS SINCE YOU LEFT, RIGHT?" Another replies, "OH? FEELS LIKE IT WAS LONGER." The topknot man asks, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING BACK ALREADY?" and "...THAT'S OUR LINE." A tall man in a robe states, "YOU GUYS ARE STILL LOITERING ABOUT?" Hinrigh responds, "WE'RE HEADIN' DOWN TO RULE OUT THE OTHER OPTION, FROM THERE WE CAN JUST USE THE CHA-R'S HIDDEN PASSAGE TO GET BACK UP." Someone asks, "WE'RE GUESSIN' IT'S MOST LIKELY UP ON TIER 2, BUT FIRST... DID THE TRANSMITTER MOVE?" A voice answers, "I'LL TELL YOU LATER." From a lower level, a figure reports, "IF HINRIGH DROPS IN, TELL HIM THAT WE WENT TO THE CHA-R OFFICE." The reply comes, "...TIER 2. WE GOT WORD TO LET YOU PASS FROM THE R AND YU FAMILIES." A man with a ponytail says, "DON'T HAVE A CLUE. SEEMED LIKE THEIR HEAD FORMED A NEW SPACE." Another character notes, "COULDN'T YOU TELL WHERE ON THE SHIP YOU WERE? THIS IS BUGGING ME..." A close-up shows a serious face as someone says, "HARDLY SURPRISING SINCE WE'RE DEALING WITH THE MAFIA, BUT SOMETHING FEELS OFF... LIKE WE DON'T HAVE THE WHOLE PICTURE... UP OR DOWN..." The group looks at the device again as one says, "SEE THIS?" and another reacts, "OH! LOOK."

A hand holds a small electronic device displaying the number 500 on its screen. "They've gotta be on tier 2 then," someone concludes. "It says we've gotten further!" another voice adds. In a library-like room, Hinrigh stands with his back to the viewer while a short-haired man gestures animatedly. "But the Heil-ly are likely abusing an old pact or something here," Hinrigh says. The short-haired man replies, "Not only that, but it just doesn't add up for all their members to be out killing while their boss was hiding away somewhere remote. This isn't any of our business... With the Heil-ly boss already on one of the higher floors, there's no 'just cause' for their war! Ah! That's why I was so uneasy!" Hinrigh suggests, "Let's go straight to the Cha-R office." A young woman with dark hair stands nearby. Hinrigh turns, saying, "Hey, let's not forget, this is just a sideshow till we find Hisoka. I know that." The short-haired man counters, "Even if they're a rag-tag group of punks, it'd be a pain if their top brass turn out to have troublesome abilities." Another man adds, "Abusing an ancient pact... that just might be it. We don't know how many men the Heil-ly have. More importantly, we may have underestimated their power." Hinrigh responds, "No... we should swing by and grab Franklin first." The scene shifts to a chaotic spread filled with motion lines and debris. A small creature with a spiky head exclaims, "Nobunaga is a sucker for a good enemy." A tiny figure adds, "We're up against some pretty interesting looking characters." An older man says, "Well, I won't deny it." A bespectacled man declares, "Ladies and Gentlemen, we bring you grave news... Whatever, I think you're just fixating on those guys." A voice announces, "This is an emergency announcement." Another states, "But fetching Franklin would be safer, especially if Hisoka shows up during this little 'sideshow.' True, we'd have an easier time cornering Hisoka if we used the passage to the top."

A close-up shows a long-haired man with a scar touching his face. "The only thing I can remember is how to wield a gun, but Prince Tyson still hired me... Meet Madovich! The Amnesiac Hitman ♡" A small chibi figure floats nearby. A door labeled 1006 with a skull motif is visible. Enzel, a boy with half-black half-white hair, waves and says, "But that's a secret only he and I know about. I'm Enzel. I'm actually Prince Tyson's little brother!" Himanse, a smiling woman with light hair, declares, "The prince is the only girl I've ever met who I was 'I wasn't her type! Nobody's ever said that to me before!' I'm Himanse, the world-wide super-star!!☆" A stern woman with glasses and a third eye symbol on her forehead states, "I came to earth in search of a wife. I am the Prince of Planet Muni in the SR Nebula. Under my supervision, even a mud eating ignoramus is guaranteed to get into their dream school. Not to toot my own horn, but I'm the renowned tutor, Hyuga." A young man in a suit looks surprised, saying, "I see. Ah..." In a luxurious room with hearts and a teddy bear, a girl in a frilly dress shouts, "Riii-suuu!! They're not roleplaying! They've all been reborn! You're gonna be here too while you're here on the ship, Giuliano!" A man in a suit protests, "Saying that kinda thing is sacrilege here!" Another man adds, "Hey, don't spoil it!" The girl continues, "The prince has all her employees roleplay as different characters, huh?"

A dark-haired man with a scar on his cheek ponders the calm expressions of those who read the bible. At a glance, Gilliano and the other guy don't seem any different. Someone exclaims that it's reincarnation time. From now on, the bodyguard who looks cold but deep down is really sweet. The man wonders if the power propagates devotion. There's no doubt about it—the sixth prince's Nen beast's power and that bible are linked. A young girl in a frilly dress asks the suited man if he has handed out his bible to the other princes. She wonders if it would be possible to envelop the king himself and just order him to end the fighting. The suited man stands silently as the girl explains she needs her mama's permission to see papa and that it was mostly her job to hand them out. She gave all the lower princes and their mommies a copy but probably never read it. A woman with a ponytail smiles and recalls telling her mama she'd never dream of forcing her kids into a succession war if she were her, which really upset her. She wanted to turn them down at first but that was the condition to join the war. The girl waves and says wow, you're being so kind, offering to try and talk to mama soon. The suited man suggests speaking to her dear mother and asking the king to read the bible at the next banquet, as it could change the fate of everyone onboard. The girl raises her hand, noting her only weapons are love and devotion, and it seems she really wanted to win this war.

At the entrance marked 1010, the queen mother shouts that she is the queen mother for heaven's sake and demands to meet Fugetsu, insisting the restrictions can wait. Kacho reflects that she hated how her sister always looked through her but played an important role as a shield. She declares Kacho falling so soon hurts and that it's unbelievable. Kacho resolves to do her best to convince everyone that Kacho is still alive. Fugetsu stands in a hallway, thinking she will follow every word but is not strong enough to win the war. A woman in a robe holds a phone, distressed about keeping a mother away from her child. In the Ministry of Justice interrogation room, a figure wonders if being the source of weakness means telling the truth would lighten the burden. Fugetsu does not want to cause trouble by draining her aura and thinks she returned as a ghost to protect Foo-Foo. Melody shouts for Kacho to pull herself together. Kacho exclaims she has done something unforgivable while a bald man with long hair sweats and asks what he has done.

Kacho stands in the library with arms crossed, declaring her plan. "I'll capitalize on the fact that everyone thinks I'm dead," she says, "and the surrounding panic when they think I'm not." She adds that fighting is her only option and she will make Fugetsu the monarch, bringing the matter upon herself with no regrets. The man with glasses listens while a small figure sits nearby. Kacho continues that keeping her death a secret from Foo-foo is her current wish. The man responds that when the time comes they will leave it to Kacho to convince her little sister that everyone was mistaken about the death. Kacho acknowledges the situation. The man notes that just sitting and moping will not help anyone and that he must concur with Kacho-kun, finding it funny that even in this hateful situation her heart's tune remains calm as ever. He accepts the army's report and her current condition, though he can hardly believe it resolves any ghost or Nen business. In the lower panels new figures appear, one asking if they are in or out and warning that a girl half their age has steeled her resolve while counting on them.

The man with glasses questions what amnesty means in this context. He explains that princes one, five, and seven have offered amnesty provided a show is put on, while princes three and four want a performance in their private quarters. A total of five princes have requested a visit with Melody. He warns that charging Melody with aiding a crime could mean the death penalty and that they are basically saying perform the escape or see you in court. The man notes that targeting the wrong person may tighten the noose around their own neck. Kacho wonders about lowering the amount of princes around as a bad thing. The man considers a bidding war between higher-ranking princes and an information war. He suggests fooling all the princes who requested visits and prioritizes Prince Fugetsu. The final panel shows the group reacting with shock as the man proposes a massacre through performance.

A close-up shows a stern man with glasses declaring, "If we want to do this properly, then I'll prepare all the necessary items." He continues, "I think we could have success if we administered a slow acting poison orally whilst the princes are unconscious." In smaller panels, the man with glasses ponders with hand to chin as someone mutters "Hm...?" Nearby, a girl with pigtails and a bald girl react with surprise. The pigtail girl asks, "Why... would you go that far for us?" while the bald girl adds, "That would mean your head too, if we fail..." A separate scene shows a short-haired woman standing apart as the man with glasses kneels before Melody, saying "I like you." Melody responds with "Melody-kun..." In the library, the man with glasses continues passionately, "Hey... I've never felt such throbbing in my chest before... It was, to say the least, bewildering." He adds, "You and your performance have been on my mind non-stop. I've been struggling to sleep recently... when I think about what's keeping me up, I think of you. I cherished those moments of wonder." The bald girl and pigtail girl watch with shocked expressions while the man with glasses sweats nervously in the background.

The man with glasses stands before bookshelves, hands clasped, insisting "But I assure you, I'm a bonafide romantic." He continues, "People assume I'm married to my job, doesn't he realize his metronome-like heart beat is a give away?! It's too consistent and calm..." In the next panels, the bald girl and others discuss, with the man noting "Assuming that's true of him and he's trying to trick us, he must have an ulterior motive." The group debates whether he is a spy or hired hitman for a prince, noting many manipulators present themselves as non-power users. The bald girl covers her mouth in shock as the man with glasses suggests gathering tools and encouraging princes to attend the next banquet. The short-haired woman agrees to use the door since she cannot slip through walls. The pigtail girl states she needs to convince her sister that the top four princes must be defeated at all costs, while the bald girl mentions flexing her right to remain silent.

A man in a dark suit stands with his back to the viewer inside a secure corridor of the VIP detention facility on the ship. Guards in uniform flank the reinforced doors while a receptionist sits at a desk. Text declares the safest place on the ship is here at the VIP detention facility; as long as they remain, even the First Prince won't be able to touch them. In smaller panels, the suited man speaks with staff. Two men in suits converse nearby; one with round glasses says 'OKAY.' while the other replies 'BUT...'. A larger panel shows the round-glasses man reacting with shock, eyes wide, as he processes the situation: 'YOU MEAN... A SITUATION WHERE THE ARMY HAS TO TAKE TEMPORARY CUSTODY OF THE THREE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT FOR SECURITY REASONS?' Another man explains that in the 1 in 10,000 chance the First Prince's personal soldiers or the royal army reach this area, he needs an outsider he can trust. 'STEINER-KUN, THIS WAY PLEASE.' The round-glasses man continues, noting the Ministry of Justice's crucial neutral status on the ship, requiring unilateral action if martial law is declared. The conversation turns grim as one man admits the precautions feel like a death flag, yet insists a safe return is guaranteed no matter what. 'I'M NOT PRIVY TO ALL THE DETAILS ON THE SUCCESSION CRISIS, BUT IS IT REALLY THAT INTENSE?' 'YOU'RE SAYING IT'LL BE UP TO THIS PLACE TO PREVENT THE ARMY FROM GOING ROGUE...?' The worst-case scenario of the royal army swarming with soldiers and awarding the death sentence is discussed while two figures stand in the background.

A short-haired girl enters a luxurious room and calls out 'I'M BAAACK.' She walks down a long ornate hallway with arms raised. In a spacious chamber with chandelier and dining table, another girl in a dress stands with her back turned. The short-haired girl turns with a surprised expression, shouting 'FUU-CHAN?!' and 'FUU-CHAN?' A sudden sequence shows the girl in the dress vanishing from beside the bed; the short-haired girl clutches the empty sheets in panic, crying 'DID SOMETHING HAPPEN?!' and 'I KNEW IT!!' while impact lines and motion effects fill the panels. Text questions whether the vanished girl used her power to escape and notes there should be no way out for persons of interest. The short-haired girl's face fills the final panel with wide, alarmed eyes.

A close-up shows Fugetsu's alarmed face as she wonders if the Caesar guy from the Ministry of Justice is actually their enemy and whether Kacho could be using her power to hide from an attacker. She questions if the exit will disappear into a one-way tunnel once they leave and if Kacho is still inside the door. In a flashback panel, Kacho excitedly grabs Fugetsu's hands and announces massive game-changing news. Fugetsu reacts with relief, asking if Kacho is okay. Kacho explains she can only return to where she started but can now keep investigating alone while Fugetsu rests, and that she can still manifest a return door. She reveals her magic can now be used as much as she likes after previously being limited to once a day. Fugetsu worries about the power growing stronger with use and urges Kacho not to push herself. Kacho stands triumphantly on a bed, declaring she can scout places better with more use and that she feels overflowing with power, while Fugetsu notes her face has lost color.

Kacho holds Fugetsu's hands and declares it is now her turn to do whatever she wants. She smiles and says she has always known Fugetsu has been protecting her. Fugetsu looks worried and suggests they rest for a bit. Kacho agrees they can sleep and start again after waking. A large thud sound effect appears. In a new scene on a boat at sea, a shadowy figure plans to have Caesar organize meetings with the other princes to match collection times. The figure notes they cannot come near Fugetsu and wants to check for themselves. Two small faces appear in thought bubbles, one commenting that the situation is definitely not normal and the other observing that she has not been sleeping and just passed out right away.

In a sterile institutional hallway lined with numbered doors, armed guards in uniform march forward. Two guards escort a bald figure with long side hair down the corridor while additional guards wait ahead. The bald figure glances sideways with a tense expression as a sharp "Z!! BZZ..." sound effect crackles nearby. A young woman with short black hair stands in the hallway, smiling with a musical note floating beside her. Close-up panels capture the bald figure's alarmed eyes and a hand gripping an object amid intensifying "BZZ..." vibrations and particle effects. The sequence culminates in a large panel showing the smiling young woman in profile against a turbulent, smoky backdrop filled with debris and repeated "BZZ..." sound effects, her expression remaining calm and cheerful despite the disturbance.

Fugetsu's face appears in close-up, eyes wide with panic as he exclaims "NOT GOOD....!" Narration explains that Fugetsu's aura is dwindling rapidly, likening it to Zetsu and noting evil spirits drawn to her unstable heartbeat. The short-haired girl walks calmly through swirling dark masses and floating particles representing the spirits. In an interrogation room, a guard informs a kneeling figure that everything said will be recorded and that they have ten minutes. Another guard tells someone to enter. A suited man sits behind a glass partition while a woman in a lab coat works at a desk. Additional narration questions why the heartbeat is so debilitated and notes the suspicious timing of the meeting, suggesting the possibility of using the hostage for negotiation.

In a secure visitation room divided by thick glass, a bald man with dotted facial markings sits calmly with hands clasped, facing the visitor. A guard stands nearby while a suited man with styled hair watches from the side. The long-haired bald man inside reacts with shock upon recognizing the visitor. "THE THIRD PRINCE ....!!!" he exclaims. The Third Prince, seated across, speaks with composed authority. "I wanted to treat you with the respect you deserve. Last night's recital was absolutely splendid." The surprised man replies, "I'm surprised a prince would visit me in person..." The Third Prince raises two fingers and states his purpose. "I have two requests... First, I wish to hear that performance once more. Second, as a token of my admiration, I wish for you to hold onto something for me." He slides a small wrapped item through the slot. The recipient unwraps it to reveal a coin. "It's just a little something I made," the Third Prince adds. An attendant asks, "Do you wish to accept his gift?" The man stares at the coin in disbelief. "A coin..."

The long-haired bald man stares in confusion at the sudden negotiation. "A negotiation...?" Baintan, captain of the Fourth Prince's private guard, appears and declares he has come in the Fourth Prince's stead. He asks if the man is willing to accept the invitation to the Fourth Prince's room. The man refuses to discuss contract details because he is a bodyguard for Prince Kacho. Baintan insists it is an absolute honor but leaves the decision to him. The man then changes the topic, asking if the Fourth Prince would like to hear him perform again. Baintan responds positively that the Fourth Prince will be thrilled. On a personal level the man admits he is happy to play for anyone who wishes to hear him. A thought bubble reveals his internal count: "That rules out Princes Three and Four... Two down, three to go...!!!" His heartbeat races in bewilderment as he questions the meaning of the offer while the negotiations continue.

In a book-lined room, a man with glasses clasps his hands and tells the blonde woman across from him that as long as they are not sure who is behind Prince Fugetsu's strange condition, it is best not to make any careless moves. The woman agrees with a simple 'Yeah.' The man continues that even if she is able to perform at the next banquet, they cannot afford to carry out their plan. In a lower panel, the blonde woman urges someone to hurry because there is no time for subterfuge. Nearby, two men converse about going to Kurapika in room 1014 and telling him everything, noting he is the only one they can rely on. Another speaker warns that lifting the level of restriction would mean losing the ability to refuse a prince's summons, which would be equivalent to handing over the first prince's private guards. A small figure stresses the urgent need to find out exactly what is eating away at her before it is too late. A large close-up shows the blonde woman's intense face as she thinks that in that case she really cannot rule out any of the princes as suspects. She wonders if not a single one of their heartbeats faltered when she brought up the idea of negotiating, questioning whether the one behind it is elsewhere or if they never intended to talk. The final wide panel shows the hallway outside room 1014. A short-haired boy with a worried expression stands on the left while a scarred man with slicked-back hair stands on the right. In the center, three figures stand before the door: one says they can skip the water divination, another consents, and a third states he can already use Nen. A small flame burns on the table between them. The page ends with the Hunter × Hunter logo and the note 'NO. 400 / END'.