Hunter × Hunter Chapter 402: Letter

A bald man in a crisp uniform holds a small coin between his fingers while speaking with a serious expression. He wonders aloud about the coin's purpose, noting that he expected something to occur after the tenth day yet it remains inactive in his possession. He acknowledges the inclusion of a surrender clause as progress in the ongoing war but questions whether surrender itself offers any real advantage. He then advises that keeping the coin on one's person at all times will bring good luck. In the next panel a sharp-featured man with glasses addresses an unseen listener, instructing them to emphasize their proximity to Prince Chora's side during the upcoming meeting with the First Prince's guard. He explains that he cannot afford to waste time while Benjamin's soldiers target him and must redirect their focus toward Chora instead. He adds that Tserriednich's absence from the banquet means an alliance with him is no longer a priority. A large grotesque creature looms in the background as a ponytail-wearing figure stands with hands clasped behind their back and a young person works at a computer terminal marked REBOOT. The glasses-wearing man reacts with visible shock, sweat flying as impact lines and sound effects erupt around him. In the final panel a stern man with slicked-back hair glares intensely, declaring that the timing of a Nen beast's appearance right after the peace treaty signing cannot be mere coincidence and must indicate a conditional-type ability.

A heavy boot labeled PSHUUU stomps down with visible force while a bald man in a white jumpsuit crouches nearby, examining the ground and his own footwear. Close-up panels show gloved hands manipulating small rectangular devices marked PEP PEP and a switch being flipped with a sharp SMIRK sound. The bald man continues his inspection, sweat visible on his face. A large open case labeled TSK-17 is held in gloved hands, revealing rows of glowing cylindrical vials inside. Text explains that when used properly the device acts as a silent killer whose initial symptoms mimic gastroenteritis, leading to misdiagnosis as an infectious disease; proper deployment allows the user to avoid unnecessary quarantines. A flaw in the original design was discovered and corrected. Another panel details the device's effective range in meters from a central hot spot, noting rapid potency loss beyond three meters and its suitability for the current task. A final close-up shows a wide-eyed face reacting in horror to a document while additional text describes how the agent causes rapid body decomposition, masks the true cause of death, and spreads via airborne viral bodies that remain viable for half a day, resulting in multiple organ failure.

Close-up panels show hands carefully assembling a small mechanical device. A cylindrical component labeled TWS is inserted and clicked into place with precise movements. The scarred man stares intensely forward, sweat on his face, and declares with a clenched fist, "...I'LL ERASE HALKENBURG! WITH THIS..." In the training room, a digital timer displays 09:61 and flashes 9.67! A suited man checks his phone while a woman runs on a treadmill. A spiky-haired man in a suit sweats and thinks, "I HAD MASTERED ZETSU FROM BIRTH AND IT STILL TOOK ME AN ENTIRE YEAR OF TRAINING TO REACH THIS LEVEL... THEY EVEN CALL IT THE 10 SECOND WALL... AND YET..." Nearby, a long-haired man holds up a phone and remarks, "DAWN. FINALLY BEAT 10 SECONDS, HUH." A small robot-like figure stands beside the treadmill as the suited man notes the time.

The spiky-haired man continues thinking, "THETA WAS RIGHT. JUDGING FROM HIS PERSONALITY, THIS GUY WILL JUST USE POLITICS OR NEN TO SATISFY HIS OWN DESIRES... I'VE GOT TO DO SOMETHING... THIS GROWTH IS UNPRECEDENTED. NO, IT'S EXCELLENT PROGRESS. HALF A YEAR FOR ME IS ONE DAY FOR HIM... WHAT A MONSTER." In another area, the woman stands by a door while the spiky-haired man watches from behind. A large panel shows a destroyed room with rubble. Dialogue reveals theories about a Nen beast that activates when entering Zetsu. The long-haired man advises keeping the woman close to gather information. An older man with a stern expression discusses Prince Benjamin's actions and the Justice Bureau. The spiky-haired man feels insecure watching the long-haired man interact with the woman.

A tablet screen displays the bare back of a woman bearing a small dark circular mark near her shoulder blade. In close-up panels, two characters examine the image closely. "THIS LOOKS LIKE INJECTION MARKS." "THIS..." "LOOKS LIKE A BAD BUG BITE. DEFINITELY WASN'T THERE WHEN SHE TRIED TO ESCAPE." "I SAW IT WHEN SHE WAS GETTING CHANGED." Inside a dimly lit room, a long-haired woman sits on the floor holding a small device while a man hangs upside down from the ceiling. "I KNOW THAT. IT'S LIKELY A NEW MARK." "AFTER WE TRIED TO ESCAPE, SHE RETURNED TO HER ROOM AND THEN GOT BROUGHT STRAIGHT HERE. THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE!" A caption reads "ELEVENTH DAY (WEDNESDAY) 6:00 AM". In the bottom panels a bald man with a scar speaks to the long-haired woman. "REMEMBER HOW STRANGE SHE WAS ACTING YESTERDAY?" "SHE LIKELY STEPPED ON A TRAP AND ACCIDENTALLY CLEARED ONE OF THEM..." "SOME NEW USERS HAVE SEVERAL CONDITIONS IN ORDER TO USE THEIR ABILITIES." "A MARK?"

The long-haired woman reacts with shock. "SO A NEN USER HAS TRICKED HER INTO THINKING SHE CAN USE IT AS MANY TIMES AS SHE LIKES?" "WAIT..." A close-up shows another character sweating. "IT'S MY MAGIC!! I COULD ONLY USE IT ONCE A DAY BEFORE, BUT ALL OF A SUDDEN, I'M ABLE TO USE IT AS MUCH AS I LIKE!!" In the next row the long-haired woman and bald man continue discussing. "JUDGING BY HER ACTIONS, SHE MAY BE ADDICTED." "THAT'D BE NICE..." "CONVINCE HER? SHE'LL QUIT THE SECOND SHE REALIZES IT'S AN ATTACK..." "ONE OF THEM WILL BE THE ENEMY'S TRAP! WE HAVE TO SHOW HER AND CONVINCE HER!" "WE HAVE TO TEST HER ABILITY! I'M SURE TWO DOORS WILL APPEAR!" The long-haired woman leans forward gripping a surface. "IT'S ALL I CAN THINK OF THAT WOULD EXPLAIN SUCH A CHANGE..." "HOW AWFUL!" "YOU'RE TELLING ME IT'S LIKE A DRUG?!" Further panels show the bald man and the upside-down man. "FINDING THEM WITHOUT ANY LEADS IS HIGH IMPOSSIBLE..." "WELL, WE HAVE TO STOP THE USER. BUT..." "WHAT CAN WE DO?" "AT THIS RATE, HER BODY AND SOUL WON'T LAST MORE THAN A FEW DAYS!" "AT FIRST, I THOUGHT ONE OF THE PRINCES WHO REQUESTED A VISIT WANTED TO NEGOTIATE, BUT I WAS MISTAKEN!" The long-haired woman has an idea. "I'VE GOT AN IDEA!" The bald man exclaims "IT MUST BE A NON-DISCRIMINATORY TYPE ATTACK THAT AFFECTS ALL WHO GET CAUGHT IN THE TRAP!"

A stern man with pigtails and a scar sits smoking, two large clouds of smoke billowing beside his head as he considers the situation. Nearby, a group discusses the Seventh Prince Luzurus. One character notes that even if the prince himself might be unaware of the attack, stopping him would be almost impossible. Another adds that it would not be strange if that was his Nen beast. The group agrees the prince is likely using the mafia to flip drugs. A woman with glasses states there is no time to waste and they must beat him or his Nen beast. On a couch, a bald man in a robe sits with a small creature beside him while another figure remarks that the idea makes sense. In another panel, characters debate whether a barrier seals the ship and whether Full-Chin did tests to check how far she can go with her power. A suited man with glasses says he understands their feelings but they need a plan. The woman with glasses points at Senritsu and explains that until they enter, others are free to use the doors, and the condition is that the outgoing door shuts if someone enters it while the return door shuts if she enters it. Senritsu agrees to test it.

The group continues planning. Senritsu is told the next target is someone to poison or restrain the prince. She firmly refuses. A long-haired woman listens silently from the side. The plan involves carrying the unconscious prince to the lifeboat while keeping him under with a flute. Kacho insists they need more personnel. The story they will tell is that the prince overdosed on drugs, made plans to flee the ship, and died of a sudden heart attack. A suited man with glasses explains that the private guard will claim the prince was hypnotized by sound but that will not be a problem. The group debates who will carry the prince and where the door should be used. Fugetsu needs to reach the area where she wants to use her ability, and the prince's private chambers must be accessed. The suited man confirms that Prince Luzurus's room is the correct target.

In a book-lined office, a suited man with glasses stands and gestures as he speaks. "As well as hiding our true objective," he says. "It's a good opportunity to increase the amount of locations she can use." A seated bald figure in a dark suit replies, "Other princes? Not just Prince Luzurus?" The standing man continues, "Leave that to me as well. Just think of a reason why Prince Fugetsu would need to meet the other princes. The Justice Bureau is monitoring her, so, naturally, we'll accompany her. There should be no risk of assassination." A young woman with light hair in a jacket asks, "How about this?" and adds, "So..." The bald figure notes, "You're right. It's cleaner that way." The man with glasses elaborates, "Especially Luzurus. I'm sure he has a ton of things in his room he doesn't want the Justice Bureau seeing. But I'm not sure they'll let a younger prince hand it to them directly. As a precaution, it'll allow us direct access without informing them about our visit." He adds, "Claiming the letter is your dying message will intrigue the princes, and they'll likely accept it if we vouch that it's safe." "Not bad," he concludes. In a lower panel the man continues, "Worse case scenario, I'll file for a warrant and enter by force. Inform Prince Fugetsu." The woman responds, "Well, that depends on my negotiation skills." A small figure peeks from behind shelves. Later the woman exclaims, "There's something else I'd like to confirm." while a bald man shouts, "N-no! It's fine! We get it!" The suited man says, "Ah... I believe I've already made my feelings clear, but..."

The man with glasses continues speaking intensely. "But it's not my feelings for you... Of course." A close-up shows a wide-eyed figure asking, "Are you really okay betting everything on us?" and warning, "If you assist us further, you won't be able to return." The man replies, "I can't hear even the faintest change to his heartbeat... Especially with Kacho by her side, which will appease her mother as well. I support Fugetsu's claim because I believe it'll lead to the radical change this system needs." The bald figure states, "For now, we still have value to him or whoever's manipulating him. It was to make this world a better, kinder place. I didn't join the Justice Bureau to blindly uphold old laws. As long as I can't determine if he's lying, I have to be prudent and think of him as an enemy." In a lower panel the suited man adjusts his glasses and declares, "...For Prince Fugetsu's sake! Even if that new world rejects me in the end... And if that means dirtying my hands, I'll gladly shoulder that burden... I must maintain this relationship..." The final wide panel shows an empty long corridor with armed guards standing at attention on both sides, rifles ready.

In a grand hallway lined with ornate walls and chandeliers, a tall man in a dark suit and glasses strides forward with authority, gripping a handgun at his side. Flanking him are several armed guards in uniform and a group of civilians including a short-haired girl in a dress who stares ahead with wide eyes, a young man with glasses and a patterned jacket, and a boy with short hair. Dramatic motion lines and large exclamation SFX emphasize the tense atmosphere. Close-up panels show the girl's surprised expression, the young man's serious face, and the tall man's stern profile. On the stairs below, the group faces armed soldiers. One soldier demands, "STATE YOUR BUSINESS." The tall man replies firmly, "I REQUEST A MEETING WITH THE FIRST PRINCE." A large speech bubble from the group states, "WE WOULD LIKE TO DELIVER A LETTER PENNED BY THE 10TH PRINCE KACHO FOR THE FIRST PRINCE." In the background, an investigator sits at a desk marked "WARNING" on the floor mat, with a sign reading "INVESTIGATOR!" visible on the wall.

The tall man in the suit continues explaining the situation, stating that the Justice Bureau will stand responsible for any hazardous materials in the letters and that Prince Fugetsu must be allowed to deliver them before Prince Kacho passed away. Nearby, a bald man in a robe holds up a small paper while speaking on a phone, with another man in a suit facing him. Additional panels show tense exchanges among officials, one saying "PLEASE CONFIRM WITH THE PRINCE," another noting the letter's importance to the succession war, and warnings about credibility if they go against the departed prince's wish. In a separate elegant room, a spiky-haired young man in a jacket sits in a chair and says, "I SEE... THIS IS VERY BAD, AND IT'S ONLY THE PRELIMINARY SYMPTOMS." A girl in a robe holding a letter thanks him for permission to visit, calling him "BIG BROTHER." The spiky-haired man responds "OF COURSE" while clenching his fist, and the girl asks, "DO I HAVE PERMISSION TO CROSS THE ROOM?" with a worried expression as dark aura-like effects surround her.

A young girl with short dark hair stands holding a letter as a grotesque, multi-eyed Nen beast looms behind her. She reacts with shock, sweat drops flying as SFX crackle around her. Narration explains the beast does not appear to be Fugetsu's Guardian Nen beast nor part of any plan, but rather a low-ranking curse born from despair at losing her sister. The spiky-haired man crouches and mutters "HM..." while examining the letter. He states it is nothing political, just a standard letter with no reason to show further. A suited man with glasses offers to act as Justice Bureau witness if the information relates to the succession war. The spiky-haired man replies they can still search all the princes' bases by force if needed. Another man notes they have not yet found anything despite searching critical locations after the First Prince froze communications. The spiky-haired man concludes it is not yet time to impose martial law.

A close-up shows the glasses-suited man analyzing the situation. He confirms Prince Benjamin abused his powers by jumping straight to martial law considerations after reading the letter, revealing his true thoughts. Armed soldiers escort a group of people down a hallway after the princes read the letters. A young girl wearing a small crown hands a letter to the short-haired girl. In an office, the spiky-haired man sits at a desk covered in documents while the glasses-suited man stands nearby. Outside a door labeled 1007, two suited men discuss facilitating communication between princes as a priority and express gratitude for cooperation with the Justice Bureau.

In a dimly lit room, a young woman in a light dress extends a tray and says, 'THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONDOLENCES.' A suited man nearby replies, 'INDEED.' On the couch, a large man with an afro and a bearded man lounge while another voice remarks, 'REALLY SUCKS ABOUT YA BIG SIS, EH?' The bearded man later states, 'NO, SHE DIDN'T MENTION A THING.' The group discusses the letters: 'LIKE Y'ALL RECEIVE THE SAME LETTER TOO?' 'SHE MENTION ANYTHIN' BOUT THESE LETTERS TO YA?' 'SHE WENT OUT WITH A BANG, HUH.' The man with glasses confirms, 'EVEN THOUGH I'M THE ONE WHO LEAKED IT AND HAD KACHO WRITE THEM...' while another adds, 'I'LL CONFIRM ITS CONTENTS.' The bearded man concludes, 'IT DON'T RELATE DIRECTLY TO THE WAR, BUT BEST LET ONE OF THE BUREAU BIGWIGS READ THIS.' 'GUESS SHE WOULDN'T WANT HER LIL SIS GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THIS.'

The man with glasses reflects on the bureau's confidential files on each prince. He questions the intent behind shaking up prince dynamics and notes that young Prince Kacho might be more scrupulous than expected. He vows to protect Fugetsu if people start looking into her. The group debates whether the letter is a rumor or real, with one voice wondering if the sender lost the plot. A large panel shows the man with glasses pondering the snakes eating each other metaphor and the need to protect his dear little sister. In the background, two children stand before a large window overlooking the city while another figure watches. The final lines state, 'THAT'S THE BUREAU'S JOB, BUT THIS LETTER'S SUS.' 'WHAT'S RIGHT AND WRONG AIN'T FOR ME TO DECIDE.' 'NOT THAT I SHOULD BE TALKIN'.'

A short-haired girl stands amid floating rocks and debris, clutching her arm as she insists, "NO, I'M FINE!" A voice replies that if she is tired they can claim she is unwell and pass on the other princes. She answers firmly, "I WANT TO HELP IN ANY WAY I CAN!" In a grand hallway lined with officials and guards, a mustached man in a suit turns toward her and asks, "PRINCE FUIGETSU, GOT A MINUTE?" Another man offers help if she feels under the weather. The mustached man, identified as Prince Fuigetsu’s colleague, introduces himself as Basho. Fuigetsu examines the girl closely, noting that nothing will change if she does not deal with what is eating away at her. He hands her a small card, saying it is a good luck charm and to hang onto it. The card bears the haiku: "Pure, innocent light, Along the frosted roadway, Shimmering so bright." A caption explains that including divine terms in the haiku activates the Nen ability, with greater effect when seasonal words are used.

At 8:50 AM on the eleventh day, two small figures discuss moving the injured person to a doctor’s room for an alibi while planning to catch the culprit. A man with glasses states that either the ability or the guardian beast caused the earlier rumblings. Another speaker insists they need to determine whether the letter was a side-effect or intended. A bald man with wide eyes declares it is enough to fix this war and that they have given the ninth prince all the information. In a dramatic close-up, a light-haired girl clutches papers and shouts that she is sure a plan exists that will not spill any more royal blood. The final caption reads "FIND THE HIDDEN PATH OUT OF THIS WAR!" The page ends with the Hunter × Hunter logo and "CH.402 /END".