Hunter × Hunter Chapter 70: To York Shin

A computer screen displays the 'HUNTER'S TAVERN' website header with the text 'HUNTER ONLY SITE' and an image of an old wooden town. A hand inserts a Hunter License into a slot on a terminal. On-screen prompts read 'INSERT HUNTER LICENSE' and 'ENTER LICENSE NUMBER' as hands type on a keyboard. A wanted poster on a wooden wall shows a man's face with the number 'J 1500000' and reward 'J 1500'. Double doors swing open with a large 'CLAP' sound effect and motion lines as someone enters the tavern.

Inside Hunter's Tavern, patrons sit at tables while the bartender works behind the counter. A hand clicks a mouse with a sharp CLIK. The bartender clasps his hands and states he is the informant, asking what they want to know. Gon and Killua watch as the suggestion is made to try putting a cursor on things. At the computer terminal, another CLIK sounds as a hand operates the mouse and requests good information. Lines of symbols scroll across the screen. Killua sits at the keyboard while the display shows Greed Island. The game category is selected amid rapid BIP BIP BIP sounds. Gon reacts with OOH!!! as the entry is confirmed.

A confirmation screen states the information requires 20 million and asks if this is okay. Gon and Killua stare at the display in surprise. The bartender remarks that Greed Island will cost 20 million. A man in a suit comments that though the price is high the numbers are not very good. Another person notes that nothing is free. A hand inserts a SLAT card into a reader beside an old computer. A close-up shows intense eyes as a voice begins to explain that Greed Island is...

Gon and Killua examine a dense wall of information about the mysterious game. A small panel shows their shocked reaction with an exclamation mark. Large text boxes explain that the game was MADE BY A NEN-SPECIALIST. The purpose of the creators remains unknown, though it seems many unique-type specialists were involved. Creators put Nen into 100 copies of the game; when it starts, the Nen activates and IT SUCKS THE PLAYERS... into the game. One owner revealed they hired 50 Hunters, three with licenses, to finish the game, but NOT EVEN ONE returned. The game can only be played by Nen-specialists. As long as the players stay alive inside the game, it continues; if they die, it stops. If a save point is found, players can return.

Gon and Killua stare intently at a computer screen. Gon places a hand on Killua's shoulder as they read. Gon says, "IT'S THE INFO FROM THE HUNTER SITE, SO IT MUST BE." Killua asks, "IS IT TRUE?" A close-up shows a hand clicking a mouse with the sound effect "Clik". Both boys react with shock, eyes wide and hair standing on end, as two exclamation marks appear beside them.

A large text box states that seven copies of the game are registered for the auction in York Shin as of August 14th, with a minimum expected price of 8.9 billion. Gon reacts with shock, arms raised, exclaiming that the price increased by three billion. Killua stares at the figure in disbelief. In a wide cityscape panel, Gon shouts that there is no way they can participate, while Killua questions the price. Gon then declares they will not join as buyers but as sellers, suggesting they hunt treasures to auction off and make a fortune. Killua listens thoughtfully, replying that he sees the plan.

Gon sits at a computer, chin resting on his hand, while Killua stands nearby. They agree to increase their 800 million budget. A large text box explains that Greed Island has an overall obtaining difficulty of level G (easy) from the public viewpoint, though it is level H (very easy) since it has appeared in auctions; with the price considered, the conclusion is level G, meaning one in every six pro-hunters can obtain a copy. Gon turns to address Jin, stating that without this he has no chance of finding him. Killua smirks and calls the situation interesting as they continue working at the computers.

Gon and Killua sit excitedly before a computer in a bright room. Gon pumps his fist and shouts "YEAH!!" while Killua leans forward, pointing at the screen and yelling "LET'S GET IT!!" with a loud "DAMN!!" and motion lines. In smaller panels they continue working at the desk, Gon writing notes and both reacting with excitement. Gon declares their plan: "FIRST GO TO PUBLIC FLEA MARKET AND AUCTION SITES. WE LOOK FOR TREASURES THERE." The final wide panel shows a nighttime cityscape with illuminated buildings, a clock tower, and a starry sky.

A wide nighttime view shows a grand public square with a large fountain, wide stone steps, and a crowd of people gathered under streetlights and a domed building. In the lower panels Killua and Gon review their failed purchase. Killua realizes "THE VASE WE BOUGHT FIRST SOLD FOR DOUBLE!" and exclaims "THAT OLD HAG TRICKED US!!" They lament that after eight hours they only earned 985 jeni instead of the expected billions. Gon warns that it is dangerous to buy from strangers online and that one should not trust what is seen on the screen.

Gon and Killua stand face to face as they finalize their wager. Killua states that the one who makes more money during the next weeks wins. Gon agrees it is a competition. They confirm both will start with 5.42 million and decide the winner at 9pm on August 31. If one loses, the winner can ask the loser to do anything. Killua grins and declares he will leave Gon in the dust. Gon replies all right. The two boys take their positions against a cloudy sky backdrop. A voice calls out 'GET SET.' Another says 'ON YOUR MARK...' In a dramatic wide panel, Gon and Killua sprint forward at full speed with motion lines radiating outward as a large starburst announces 'GO!!'

A dramatic full-page splash shows a tall muscular man with slicked-back hair and a stern expression appearing with impact lines. Beside him stand a blonde girl with a ponytail and a silver-haired girl. In front, a bald child-like figure with a wide grin sticks out their tongue. The word 'TADAN' appears near the muscular man. Below, four small panels display rare items being presented. The blonde girl holds a skull labeled 'SKULL OF UNICORN TRIBE.' The bald figure holds a piece of skin labeled 'DRAGON SKIN, DISEASE INFECTED SKIN.' The muscular man holds a wrapped mummy hand labeled 'MUMMY'S RIGHT HAND IN EGYPTIAN TOMB.' The silver-haired girl holds a small box labeled 'ACTRESS SARAH'S HAIR WITH DNA VERIFICATION.'

Daltzorne leans in close with a sharp grin. "I'M THE LEADER OF BODYGUARDS, DALTZORNE. NICE TO MEET YOU." In the room behind him, the four new bodyguards stand at attention as he continues, "ALL FOUR OF YOU ARE NOW... FORMALLY HIRED." One of them replies simply, "OK." Daltzorne suddenly springs forward in an energetic pose, motion lines radiating outward as he points and issues orders. "THAT IS TO ACCOMPANY AND GUARD THE BOSS ON THE WAY TO YORK SHIN. I WANT YOU TO GET ONTO YOUR FIRST MISSION IMMEDIATELY! ESCORT THE BOSS SAFELY TO THE HOTEL ROOM." His foot taps the floor with a sharp "TAP" sound effect.

A detailed map of York Shin City is shown on the left. The group gathers around a table as plans are laid out. "MOVING TIME : 35 HOURS. WE'LL FLY IN OUR PRIVATE FLOATER TO RINGOAN AIRPORT, NEAR YORK SHIN." Another note adds, "MOVING TIME : 90 MINUTES. FROM THERE WE DRIVE TO THE HOTEL." Daltzorne asks, "ANY QUESTIONS ?" He then addresses the newcomers: "YOU, THE NEW COMERS, WILL TAKE THE MOST OUTER PART OF THE FORMATION." A swordsman with a cigarette replies, "I'LL JUST SAY THERE'S WAY TOO MANY." Daltzorne laughs, "HA HA HA, IT'S NOT EVEN WORTH ANSWERING." Killua, with wide eyes, asks, "ANY IDEA OF WHO MIGHT ATTACK THE BOSS?"

A grand, multi-spired building stands beneath a cloudy sky. There are people who feel antagonism towards him. Boss is a VIP in the black society. Close-up on narrowed eyes and a tense face. With or without animosity, I want to have an idea of the people that might make a move towards the boss. You don't seem to understand my question. A hand adorned with rings clutches a chain-like object while another panel shows the same hand gripping it tightly. If we have a plan, then the safety of the boss increases. If we can reduce the possibilities, then we can plan ahead. The light-haired figure leans in as the spiky-haired man holds the chain. We protect boss from "whoever," "wherever," and "however." Just remember that. You're the one that doesn't understand. The spiky-haired man points a thin object forward with a stern glare.

The spiky-haired man's face fills the frame as fragments explode outward with repeated Go sound effects. Do not make any assumptions. All who come close are the enemy. The light-haired person is shown being pushed back amid the shattering pieces. Gratch SFX marks the breaking object. I'll introduce you to boss. Come. The spiky-haired man extends a hand forward. The scene shifts to a long arched hallway lined with pillars and framed pictures where several small figures walk in the distance.

A scarred man with black hair stands in profile, staring at an ornate picture frame on the wall. Inside the frame, a grotesque, muscular creature with wild hair and an open maw begins to tear free, roaring violently as it bursts outward in a spray of debris. Nearby, a blonde woman with her hair in a high bun turns sharply, eyes wide. A small child with light hair peeks out and exclaims in surprise. The scarred man speaks calmly: "THAT'S REAL." He continues, "HE USED TO BE ONE OF OUR PARTNERS." The creature's massive clawed hand reaches forward as the frame shatters around it.

The scarred black-haired man continues speaking with a serious expression, eyes half-closed. Flashback panels show the same grotesque creature roaring and the group of four watching. He explains that the former partner ignored warnings, relied on false enemy information, and endangered the team. Therefore he was terminated. The four present are replacements. The scene shifts to a long ornate hallway with chandeliers and curtains. At a double door, the scarred man knocks and announces to the boss that he has brought the new arrivals. Bold sound effects mark the knocking.

A young girl sits on the ground with her knees drawn up, arms resting across them. She wears a large decorative bow headband, long flowing hair, a necklace, and striped arm coverings. Her gaze is directed downward with a calm expression. An open book lies on the floor beside her. Bold white text on a black bar at the bottom of the page reads "THE DAY OF THE AUCTION." followed by "AND...".