A Clear Explanation of the Dark Continent Arc of Hunter x Hunter | Organizing Complex Settings

The Dark Continent Arc of Hunter x Hunter is particularly complicated among the works drawn by Yoshihiro Togashi, making it a challenging chapter for beginners to understand. With many new elements like the Royal Succession War, the Nen Beast System, and the Five Great Calamities unfolding simultaneously, and the irregular serialization, there are not a few voices saying they cannot keep up with the developments. In this article, I will systematically organize and explain the overall picture of the Dark Continent Arc, the main settings, and character trends in a way that even beginners can understand. While waiting for the serialization to resume, let’s deepen our understanding of the Dark Continent Arc with this article.

What is the Dark Continent Arc? Overview of the Story

The Dark Continent Arc is the latest long-form episode in Hunter x Hunter. Gon and Killua, who played significant roles in the Chimera Ant Arc, temporarily step away from the center of the story, and the new chapter focuses on Kurapika as the protagonist. The stage of the story is aboard the gigantic ship Black Whale, heading toward the "Dark Continent," a land unexplored by humanity. There, a bloody power struggle known as the "Royal Succession War" unfolds to determine the next king of the Kakin Empire.

The biggest feature of this arc is that two narrative axes, the "Royal Succession War" and "Dark Continent Exploration," proceed simultaneously. On the ship, the 14 princes target each other's lives, and behind them, a new Nen ability system called Nen Beasts intricately intertwines. Meanwhile, at the destination of the ship, the Dark Continent, an unknown threat known as the "Five Great Calamities" awaits, capable of potentially annihilating humanity. Furthermore, past characters like Kurapika, Leorio, Hisoka, the Phantom Troupe, and the Zodiacs board the ship, each with their own objectives, making the story even more intricate and captivating.

• Positioning and Background of the Dark Continent Arc
• Two Story Axes: The Royal Succession War and Dark Continent Exploration
• Introduction of Main Characters

Positioning and Background of the Dark Continent Arc

The Dark Continent Arc begins immediately after the Chairman Election Arc. In the Chairman Election Arc, Chidore is elected as the new chairman of the Hunter Association, and Gon is revived from near death by the ability of Killua's sister, Alluka. He then reunites with his father, Jin, at the top of the World Tree and achieves his long-term goal.

However, what Gon learns during his conversation with Jin is the fact that the world they live in is a very small place. Jin states, "The world that humanity knows is just a small part of the vast land known as the Dark Continent." This Dark Continent is the place that Isaac Netero, the former chairman of the Hunter Association, devoted his life to exploring, and it is also an unknown territory that Jin himself is very interested in.

On the other hand, a newly emerging nation called the Kakin Empire declares a voyage to the Dark Continent in violation of international prohibition treaties. The central figure of this plan is Beyond Netero, the son of Netero. In order to thwart Beyond's ambitions and take control of the exploration of the Dark Continent, the Hunter Association organizes an investigative team centered around the Zodiacs. Thus, on the Kakin Empire's exploration ship, the Black Whale, members of the royalty, ordinary citizens, hunters, and various individuals with their own motives board the ship.

Two Story Axes: The Royal Succession War and Dark Continent Exploration

The story of the Dark Continent Arc progresses largely along two axes. One is the "Royal Succession War" that unfolds aboard the ship, and the other is the exploration to the destination, the "Dark Continent."

The Royal Succession War is a traditional ritual established by King Nasir of the Kakin Empire, where 14 princes must kill each other until only one remains. Through the ritual of the jars, each prince is...

Called "guardian spirit beasts", these beasts of nen reside within them, protecting the princes while simultaneously accelerating the battle. The princes are forced to participate in this ritual against their will, only the ones who survive can become the next king**.

In this battle for the throne, many professional hunters and nen users have been hired as bodyguards for each prince, and Kurapika is one of them. While serving as the bodyguard for the 14th prince Waburu, Kurapika also carries personal goals of confronting the Phantom Troupe and recovering Prince Chrollo's Scarlet Eyes. The ship is divided into levels, with higher-ranking princes placed on the upper floors and lower-ranking princes on the lower floors. Within this enclosed space, psychological warfare and assassinations using nen abilities unfold day and night.

On the other hand, the destination of the Dark Continent is also an important element of the story. The Dark Continent is an unexplored realm for humanity, and numerous explorations have been attempted in the past, all of which ended in failure. There exists a presence known as the "Five Great Calamities" which poses a threat to humanity, and Beyond Netero is attempting to explore this land in accordance with his father Netero's will. The Hunter Association aims to monitor Beyond while securing precious resources called "Hope" brought back from the Dark Continent.

Introduction of Major Characters

The Dark Continent Arc reintroduces characters who played significant roles in previous series, now taking on new responsibilities.

First and foremost is Kurapika. He is participating in the battle for the throne as the bodyguard of the 14th prince Waburu Hoiko-ro, protecting the young Waburu and his mother Oito while preparing for confrontations with the Phantom Troupe and Prince Chrollo. Kurapika's nen abilities ** "Emperor Time" and "Steel Chain" ** play a crucial role in the battle for the throne, but they also come at the cost of shortening his lifespan. 【Related article】: A Thorough Explanation of Hunter x Hunter Nen Abilities for Beginners

Leorio has boarded the ship as a member of the Hunter Association. Aiming to be a doctor, he gets involved in various incidents and treatments aboard the ship while cooperating with the Zodiacs Chidore and Mizaistom. He gained attention during the chairman election arc for his speech and continues to show growth in this chapter.

The rivalry between Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe is also one of the highlights of this arc. Hisoka fulfills his long-awaited battle with Chrollo in the Heaven's Arena but is defeated and dies once. However, he revives by his nen ability, declaring war and vowing to kill all the members of the Troupe. On the ship, while Hisoka hunts down the Troupe members, they, in turn, are wary of Hisoka while acting for their own purposes.

Related Articles: A Complete Explanation of the Members of the Phantom Troupe in Hunter x Hunter | List of 13 Members' Abilities and Survival Status

The Zodiacs play an important role as well. In particular, Chidore (Year of the Rat), Mizaistom (Year of the Ox), and leorio (Year of the Boar) are busy preparing for the exploration of the Dark Continent under the surveillance of Beyond Netero. Additionally, Pariston (Year of the Rat) is in cooperation with Beyond and acts according to his own intentions.

Thus, the Dark Continent arc has become a very complex and densely woven story where numerous characters intertwine with their own objectives.

Thorough Explanation of the Succession War of the Kakin Kingdom

The Succession War is the core story of the Dark Continent arc. The King of the Kakin Empire, Hoikoro Hoikoro, has 14 princes from 8 wives. All 14 of them will be forced to participate in a life-or-death battle for the throne of the next king.

• Basic Rules of the Succession War and the Ceremonial Jar
• List of 14 Princes and Their Characteristics
• Current Status of the Succession War and Future Predictions

Basic Rules of the Succession War and the Ceremonial Jar

The Succession War is a traditional ceremony passed down through generations in the Kakin Empire. When the king becomes elderly, a succession war involving all princes begins, and only the last one surviving will gain the right to become the next king. This ceremony is compulsory, and all princes must participate regardless of their own will.

Simultaneously with the start of the succession war is the **"Ceremony of the Jar". Each prince has a special jar placed in their room, from which a nen beast known as "Guardian Beast" is born. This nen beast serves to protect the prince but also has the potential to attack other princes, making it a double-edged sword.

What is important is that, the prince himself who does not know about Nen cannot see his guardian beast**. In other words, a prince who does not possess Nen will engage in a life-and-death struggle without being able to recognize even the existence that is supposed to be protecting him.

There are strict rules in the succession war. First, the princes cannot leave the designated floors on the ship. Higher-ranking princes are placed on higher levels, while lower-ranking princes are positioned on lower levels. Additionally, direct fighting between princes is prohibited, and they essentially fight indirectly using their subordinate soldiers and hired hunters. However, guardian beasts are an exception, as they may act independently of the prince's will.

The guardian beasts born from the pot ritual are one per prince. These Nen beasts are said to possess abilities that reflect the prince's character and essence. Good-hearted princes tend to be granted defensive abilities, while aggressive princes are given offensive capabilities. However, the abilities of the Nen beasts are not fully understood, and they may exhibit unexpected powers.

List of 14 Princes and Their Characteristics

The 14 princes of the Kakin Empire each have different personalities and abilities. Due to having different mothers, the relationships among the princes are complex, with some being in a cooperative relationship while others are in fierce opposition.

Higher Ranking Princes (1st to 4th Princes)

The 1st Prince Benjamin = Hoikoro is the leading candidate with achievements as a military man. He is also a user of Nen, possessing the powerful ability "Heir of the Stars (Benjamin Baton)", which allows him to inherit the abilities of his subordinates. He has a cold and rational personality, striving to win the succession war head-on. His private soldiers, "Benjamin's Private Soldiers", possess high loyalty and are prepared to sacrifice their lives for Benjamin. His guardian beast is also believed to possess offensive capabilities.

The 2nd Prince Camila = Hoikoro is a woman who combines beauty and cunning. Although she has a self-centered and arrogant personality, she actually has the powerful Nen ability "The Cat That Lived a Million Times (Neko no Namae)", which allows her to kill the person who killed her in a counter-type ability, effectively granting her a form of immortality. She believes she is the most suited for the throne and looks down on the other princes.

The 3rd Prince Chourai = Hoikoro is characterized by a mild and compassionate nature. He is an idealist who puts the welfare of the populace first and is passive about the succession war. However, his guardian beast is very special, with a complicated system that allows him to distribute "coins" to others, activating abilities through those coinsone of the most important characters in the Dark Continent arc. On the surface, he is an art lover, but in reality, he is a psychopath with a hobby of collecting human body parts. He also possesses multiple crimson eyes of the Kurta tribe, which creates a connection with Kurapika. Although he learns about Nen later, his talent is extraordinary, and he acquires advanced techniques in just a few weeks. His Nen ability is related to 'future prediction,' and it has been revealed that he has the ability to see 10 seconds into the future.

Middle & Lower Princes (5th to 14th Princes)

Prince Tubepa = Hoikouro, the 5th prince, is a calm woman with a scientific temperament. She takes a research-based approach to Nen and tries to learn systematically. Prince Tyson = Hoikouro, the 6th prince, is like a founder of a new religious movement and is enthusiastic about spreading his ideology. Prince Ruzurusu = Hoikouro, the 7th prince, has a hedonistic personality and seems not very interested in the throne.

Prince Salesale = Hoikouro, the 8th prince, is a charismatic person and iscalled the "Prince of Happiness". His guardian beast had the ability to instill happiness in people, but it dies during the succession war. Prince Halukenburg = Hoikouro, the 9th prince, is an idealist with democratic thoughts and has many supporters. The ability of his guardian beast is extremely powerful, **a terrifying one that can transfer the consciousness of subordinates into other bodies**.

Prince Kachou and Prince Fugetsu, the 10th and 11th princes, are **twin sisters** who try to cooperate to survive. However, Kachou dies during the succession war, and her aura becomes even stronger after her death, continuing to protect Fugetsu. Prince Momose = Hoikouro, the 12th prince, was a pure girl, but she was assassinated early on.

Prince Marayam = Hoikouro, the 13th prince, is still a young prince, protected by his mother, Queen Sevanchi. Prince Waburu = Hoikouro, the 14th prince, is ababy just a few months old and is being guarded by Kurapika. However, Waburu's guardian beast seems to have a very powerful abilityto nullify all attacks**.

Current Status and Future Developments of the Succession War

The succession war began at the same time as the ship's departure. So far, **The 8th Prince Salasare, the 10th Prince Kachou, and the 12th Prince Momoze have died** and the remaining number is down to 11. In particular, Momoze's death was a symbolic event indicating that the succession war has begun in earnest.

In the current situation, **the 1st Prince Benjamin and the 4th Prince Tseridonih are seen as the strongest candidates**. Benjamin has an advantage with military power and organizational strength, while Tseridonih holds the upper hand with his incredible Nen talent. On the other hand, the 3rd Prince Chourai and the 9th Prince Hulkenburg are also significant figures due to the abilities of their powerful guardian beasts.

Among the lower princes, the 14th Prince Waburu is showing unexpectedly strong abilities. He is protected by Kurapika's escort and a top-class guardian beast, which gives him a high survival rate despite being a baby. The 11th Prince Fuugetsu is also in a situation where, protected by the Nen after the death of his sister Kachou, he cannot be easily defeated.

As for future developments, **a direct confrontation between Benjamin and Tseridonih is inevitable. Furthermore, a showdown between Kurapika and Tseridonih over the Scarlet Eyes is also expected to happen**. Additionally, as the abilities of Hulkenburg's guardian beast become apparent, there is a possibility that he will emerge as a dark horse.

The succession war is not just a test of strength; it is a complex battle of wits involving the uncertain factors of Nen beasts, the personalities and judgments of each prince, and the maneuvers of their respective ability users**. It is currently difficult to predict which prince will ultimately survive.

An Easy-to-Understand Explanation of the Nen Beast System

Nen beasts are a new concept of Nen ability introduced in the Dark Continent Arc. They have different characteristics from regular Nen abilities and play a crucial role in influencing the developments of the succession war.

• What are Nen Beasts (Guardian Beasts)?
• List of Major Princes' Nen Beast Abilities
• The Impact of the Nen Beast System on the Story

What is a Nen Beast (Guardian Spirit Beast)?

A Nen Beast, officially known as ** "Guardian Spirit Beast" is a special nen ability that resides in each prince through a ritual involving a vaseUnlike normal nen abilities, it is not something created by the individual's will, but is automatically generated through a ritual passed down in the Kakin royal family**.

The most characteristic aspect is that **the guardian spirit beast is not visible to the prince themselves, who does not know about nen**. While it can be seen by nen users, princes who have not acquired nen cannot even recognize the existence that protects them. This leads the princes to be placed in an unstable situation where they are protected by an invisible force while simultaneously exposed to invisible threats.

It is believed that the guardian spirit beast possesses abilities that reflect the prince's personality, essence, or potential desires. Good princes tend to have the ability to protect others, while aggressive princes are given the ability to eliminate enemies. However, they may also act regardless of the prince's intentions, creating unpredictable developments.

Additionally, the guardian spirit beast is directly linked to the prince's life; if the prince dies, the guardian spirit beast also disappears. However, as seen in the cases of Kachou and Fuugetsu, guardian spirit beasts imbued with strong feelings may continue to exist as nen even after death. This phenomenon is referred to as ** "Posthumous Nen"** and may become more powerful than during their lifetime.

List of Major Princes' Nen Beast Abilities

Each prince's guardian spirit beast possesses unique abilities. Let's take a closer look at the known major guardian spirit beast abilities.

The guardian spirit beast of the First Prince Benjamin has the form of ** a massive beast with an aggressive appearance**.

The specific abilities are not yet fully revealed, but it is believed that they function in conjunction with Benjamin's own ability known as "the one who inherits the stars." This guardian beast has also been observed actively attacking the guardian beasts of other princes.

The guardian beast of the 3rd prince, Chourai, is one of the most complex systems. This guardian beast distributes "coins" to others, and through those coins, various effects are triggered. There is a restriction that those who hold the coins cannot attack each other, which ultimately serves to protect Chourai. Due to Chourai himself not being familiar with nen, he does not understand this system and unwittingly incorporates many people into his camp.

The guardian beast of the 4th prince, Zeligdonik, has a **horse-like appearance. Because Zeligdonik himself learned nen later on, he is in a special situation where he possesses both the guardian beast and his nen ability. His nen ability, "future prediction," allows him to see 10 seconds into the future, and when combined with the guardian beast, it constructs a very powerful defense and attack system**.

The guardian beast of the 9th prince, Halckenburg, takes the form of a bow and arrow. The ability of this guardian beast is extremely powerful, allowing **the consciousness of Halckenburg's subordinates to be transferred to the bodies of others**. This ability enables infiltration into enemy camps and unexpected attacks. Although Halckenburg himself is not aware of nen, his strong will and the loyalty of his subordinates maximize this ability.

The guardian beasts of the 10th prince, Kachou, and the 11th prince, Fugetsu, have a **special relationship because they are twins. After Kachou's death, her guardian beast has become a "posthumous nen" that continues to protect Fugetsu. This nen beast is called "2, Saison" and possesses abilities that symbolize the bond of sisterhood**. Fugetsu's own guardian beast also possesses abilities related to spatial movement, functioning as a means to escape danger.

The guardian beast of the 14th prince, Waburu, has **an ability specifically designed to protect a baby. Anyone who tries to harm Waburu is eliminated, neutralizing all attacks. The defensive power of this guardian beast is extremely high, making it difficult for even professional hunters to break through. It is believed that it has been granted top-class defensive abilities to protect the powerless existence of a baby.

The Impact of the Nen Beast System on the Story

The introduction of the Nen Beast System dramatically increases the complexity of the throne succession battle. In traditional Nen ability battles, there was a structure where ability users understood each other's abilities and strategized accordingly. However, guardian beasts cannot be recognized by the user, and their abilities are difficult to predict, creating a situation where no one can grasp the overall picture.

This uncertainty brings multilayered maneuvering to the story. The prince's guards must speculate on the abilities of the invisible guardian beasts while considering methods of attack against the other princes. Moreover, a prince unaware of Nen cannot understand why he is being protected or why his attacks are failing, forcing him to make decisions in a state of confusion.

Furthermore, because guardian beasts reflect the character of the prince, an element of character analysis is added. By predicting what abilities each prince possesses, readers can engage more deeply in the story. Ethical questions are raised as to whether more virtuous princes are more likely to survive or if ruthless princes have the advantage.

The Nen Beast System functions not merely as a tool for combat, but as a device that deeply explores the theme of the throne succession battle. It structure raises questions not only about who should become king but also about personality and qualities.

What is the Dark Continent? The Five Great Calamities and the Unknown World

The Dark Continent is a presence that fundamentally overturns the worldview of Hunter x Hunter. It has been revealed that the world where humanity has lived is actually just a small part of the vast Dark Continent.

• Basic Setting of the Dark Continent
• What are the Five Great Calamities? Their Characteristics
• History of Past Expeditions and Failures

Basic Setting of the Dark Continent

The Dark Continent is an unknown continent spreading outside the world where humanity resides. The place that humanity has recognized as the "world" has turned out to be merely an island located in the middle of a massive lake called the ** **This is said to be the case. The dark continent that spreads outside of this is believed to be several times larger than Lake Möbius.

Travel to this dark continent is strictly prohibited by ** international treaties because, every exploration team that has ventured there in the past has ended in disastrous results, with hardly any survivors . Even those who returned were afflicted by unknown diseases and parasitic organisms, causing catastrophic damage to human society.

The dark continent is home to creatures and phenomena that exceed human common sense. It is filled with threats that humanity has never experienced before, such as gigantic creatures, unknown pathogens, and supernatural phenomena. Even Chairman Netero, while making the exploration of the dark continent his life's goal, was unable to achieve it.

However, the dark continent is said to hold not only ** "disasters" but also "hope" . The elixir of immortality, universal cures, and unlimited energy sources, are resources that hold the potential to change the future of humanity . In search of this "hope," Beyond and the Kakin Empire are risking everything to aim for the dark continent.

What are the Five Major Disasters? Their Characteristics

Among the "disasters" brought back from or confirmed on the dark continent, the five that are particularly dangerous are referred to as the "Five Major Disasters." These are threats that have the potential to lead humanity to extinction.

**Ai (official name: Ai=Family) is a being also known as a gas life form. It parasitizes humans and infinitely amplifies the host's desires . Infected individuals act according to their desires, ultimately leading to self-destruction. This disaster is particularly terrifying as it exploits the inner weaknesses of humanity, and cannot be dealt with through physical attacks.

**Brion is a spherical organism that possesses the ability to petrify humans. Unlike normal petrification, this petrification leaves only consciousness intact while the body cannot move, resulting in an extremely cruel condition . Petrified humans will be trapped forever with their consciousness intact.

**Helbel is,A monster that reacts to killing intent**. When someone harbors killing intent, it appears in that location and begins to attack indiscriminately. Even the strongest nen users find it difficult to defend against Helbel's attacks. This calamity is particularly dangerous in battlefields and conflict zones, as it is triggered by human negative emotions.

**Pap is a parasitic organism that steals human intelligence**. Once infected, intelligence gradually declines, and eventually, thought ability is completely lost. This disaster spreads quietly, so by the time one notices the infection, it is often already too late.

**Zobaei disease is an extremely contagious disease**. When infected with this disease, the body gradually mutates and eventually takes on a form that can no longer be called human. There is no established treatment, and the only measure is isolation. Survivors of past exploration teams brought this disease back, resulting in many casualties.

These five major disasters are all **threats that are difficult for humanity's science or nen abilities to deal with**. The greatest risk of exploring the Dark Continent is the possibility of bringing these disasters back into the human world.

History and Examples of Past Explorations and Failures

Exploration of the Dark Continent has been attempted many times in the past. However, all such attempts have ended in failure.

One of the most famous explorations was a massive expedition conducted 300 years ago. An exploration team was formed, gathering the strongest nen users of the time, but only a few returned. Moreover, the survivors brought back one of the five major disasters, resulting in casualties numbering in the tens of thousands.

Isaac Netero also participated in an exploration of the Dark Continent when he was young. However, that exploration also ended in failure, and Netero came to personally experience the horrors of the Dark Continent. Nevertheless, Netero never gave up on exploring the Dark Continent throughout his life and continued to challenge it until the end.

It is said that Beyond Netero's mother also lost her life in relation to the exploration of the Dark Continent. This personal connection is believed to be part of the reason why Beyond is so obsessed with the Dark Continent.

From this history of failures, the V5 (the five major countries of the world) prohibited travel to the Dark Continent through international treaties. However, after the Kakin Empire declared an exploration that violated this treaty, the V5 decided to conduct a managed exploration in cooperation with the Hunter Association. This voyage is being conducted under more cautious planning, taking the lessons from past failures into account, but there is still no guarantee of success.

Beyond Netero's Goals and Identity

Beyond Netero is one of the key figures in the Dark Continent arc. His existence and actions are the driving force that propels the entire story.

• Who is Beyond=Netero?
• Beyond's true purpose
• Relationship with Pariston

Who is Beyond=Netero?

Beyond=Netero is the ** son of Isaac=Netero, the former president of the Hunter Association . However, the father-son relationship was not made public, and his existence was only revealed after Netero's death **.

Beyond is ** presumed to have Nen abilities that rival or exceed those of his father, Netero **. He is one of the few individuals who have successfully traveled to the Dark Continent, possessing knowledge and experience from this achievement. This success is why the Kakin Empire has placed him at the center of their exploration plans.

He appears to be a man in his 50s with a muscular build. His personality is boisterous and full of confidence, with an adventurous spirit that fears no danger. While he carries on the will of his father, Netero, he acts with his unique purpose.

Currently, Beyond is in a state of ** surveillance and confinement by the Hunter Association **. However, he seems to accept this situation and is even attempting to use the Association's power to reach the Dark Continent. This relaxed attitude reflects his confidence and the depth of his plans.

Beyond's true purpose

Beyond's ostensible purpose is the exploration of the Dark Continent and the acquisition of "hope." However, it is believed that his true purpose lies deeper.

The most important factor is ** the promise made with his father, Netero . Netero instructed Beyond during his lifetime, "Do not go to the Dark Continent until I die." This was a promise that encompassed both a parent's desire not to put his son in danger while he was alive and his own ambition to achieve exploration of the Dark Continent. With Netero's death, this promise was lifted, and Beyond has begun to take actionIt seems that Beyond is not just exploring, but is trying to reveal the "true secrets" of the Dark Continent. He believes that he discovered something during past explorations that has the potential to change the future of humanity. What this secret is, has yet to be revealed.

Furthermore, it seems that Beyond is seeking a battle against a being that transcends himself. This is akin to his father Netero, reflecting the very essence of a Hunter who finds joy in battling the strongest enemies. It is said that there are existences in the Dark Continent that even the strongest Nen users of humanity cannot contend with, and Beyond may be desiring a confrontation with them.

Relationship with Pariston

Pariston Hill is the former vice president of the Hunter Association and is currently acting as Beyond's right-hand man. Their relationship goes beyond mere employment and finds itself in a strange partnership.

As demonstrated in the chairman election arc, Pariston has a personality that enjoys chaos and unpredictable situations. For him, Beyond's exploration of the Dark Continent is the ultimate "playground," and he genuinely enjoys the unpredictable circumstances that unfold.

On the other hand, Beyond also treats Pariston as a key piece, understanding his abilities and personality. Pariston's negotiation skills, information-gathering abilities, and unpredictable behavior patterns are valuable assets in the complex exploration of the Dark Continent.

However, there is not complete trust between the two. Pariston may prioritize his own enjoyment and might even take pleasure in hindering Beyond's plans. Beyond is aware of this and prepares for Pariston's potential betrayal while utilizing him.

This cooperative relationship and the potential for conflict between the two is one of the significant elements that will greatly impact the developments of the Dark Continent arc. It attracts the readers' attention as to when and how their relationship will change.

Kurapika's Role and Contribution in the Dark Continent Arc

Kurapika is the de facto protagonist of the Dark Continent arc. Through his perspective, the complex developments of the Succession War are depicted.

• Why Kurapika participated in the royal succession war
• The mission as Prince Wabule's bodyguard
• Kurapika's Nen abilities and their restrictions

Why Kurapika participated in the royal succession war

Kurapika's involvement in the royal succession war is the result of several overlapping reasons. The most direct reason is receiving a request to guard the 14th prince, Wabule. However, behind that, there are Kurapika's personal goals and his entanglement with the Phantom Troupe.

First, Kurapika's primary goal is to retrieve the "Scarlet Eyes" of his fellow Kurta tribe. The Scarlet Eyes were taken by the Phantom Troupe and have flowed into the black market. Kurapika vows to retrieve the scattered Scarlet Eyes one by one and mourn his fallen kin.

Investigation revealed that **the 4th prince, Zepileldh, possesses multiple Scarlet Eyes**. This became Kurapika's greatest motivation for getting involved in the royal succession war. To reclaim the Scarlet Eyes from Zepileldh, he needed to get close to the prince, and boarding the ship as a bodyguard for another prince was the most assured way to do that.

Furthermore, the information that the Phantom Troupe is also boarding the ship was a factor that influenced Kurapika's actions. **It was also an opportunity to settle the score with the troupe he had been pursuing for years**.

The mission as Prince Wabule's bodyguard

Kurapika serves as the bodyguard for the 14th prince Wabule Hoikoro and his mother Oito Hoikoro. This role takes on meaning beyond just a job.

Wabule is a baby just a few months old and is the youngest and most powerless among the princes participating in the royal succession war. However, that is precisely why Kurapika believes he is worth protecting. The fact that a baby, who cannot even discern right from wrong, is caught in a power struggle and targeted for assassination strongly stirred Kurapika's sense of justice.

His mother, Oito, was originally an ordinary person and is unfamiliar with the world of royalty.

She desperately tries to protect Waburu, but since she has neither nen abilities nor combat skills, she is completely dependent on Kurapika. Moved by the love of Oito as a mother and Waburu's innocence, Kurapika resolves to seriously protect the two.

Moreover, Waburu's guardian spirit beast is extremely powerful and has excellent defensive capabilities. Kurapika analyzes the abilities of this guardian spirit beast and protects the two from attacks using nen abilities while making the most of its powers. Protecting Waburu may also hold the meaning for Kurapika of having found a being to protect in place of his lost comrades.

Kurapika's Nen Ability and Its Restrictions

Kurapika's nen ability plays an extremely important role in the succession war for the throne. His ability is powerful, but it also comes at the cost of his life.

**Emperor Time is an ability that Kurapika can use when he manifests the Scarlet Eyes. Normally, nen users specialize in one of the six categories, but when activating Emperor Time, Kurapika can use all categories with 100% accuracy**. This grants him versatility to respond to any situation.

However, Emperor Time has **significant restrictions associated with it. Each second Kurapika uses this ability shortens his life by one hour**. In a prolonged battle like the succession war, continuously using Emperor Time means death. Kurapika must carefully judge when and how much to use this ability.

**Steel Chain is the ability to steal an opponent's nen ability and make it usable by Kurapika himself**. This ability is particularly effective in situations where many nen users are intertwined, such as in the succession war. Kurapika can "steal" the ability by stabbing an opponent with a nen shaped like a syringe.

Additionally, Kurapika can use **"Judgment Chain"** to impose forced rules. With this ability, he conducts nen ability training for the prince's bodyguards, strengthening the faction protecting Waburu.

Kurapika's abilities are powerful, but due to the restrictions, there are limits to their use. He must simultaneously achieve three objectives: protecting Waburu, recovering the Scarlet Eyes, and confronting the Phantom Troupe, while sacrificing his own life. This sense of tension deepens Kurapika's drama in the Dark Continent arc.

Hisoka VS Phantom Troupe's Conclusion

The enmity between Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe is a significant theme throughout Hunter x Hunter. In the Dark Continent arc, this enmity reaches a new phase.

• The conclusion of the duel between Hisoka and Chrollo
• Hisoka's revival and declaration of war on the Troupe
• Current state of the Troupe hunt on the ship

The conclusion of the duel between Hisoka and Chrollo

For many years, Hisoka has wished for a one-on-one battle with Phantom Troupe leader Chrollo Lucilfer. That wish was finally granted in their duel at the Heaven's Arena.

Chrollo had prepared by "stealing" multiple Nen abilities in advance. The tactics he used were a combination of several powers, including the ability to control humans, the ability to copy abilities, and the ability to create bombs. Chrollo maintained the promise of a one-on-one battle with Hisoka while gaining an overwhelming advantage through his prior preparations.

The fight ended in Chrollo's complete victory. Hisoka was entirely obliterated by the multitude of puppets controlled by Chrollo and the bombs that exploded at point-blank range. His heart stopped, and Hisoka literally "died".

However, this death was not the end of Hisoka's story. Hisoka predicted the possibility of his own death and had given the order "continue moving even after death" to his Nen ability in advance. Even after his heart stopped, his Nen automatically performed CPR and artificial respiration, reviving Hisoka.

Hisoka's revival and declaration of war on the Troupe

The revived Hisoka... Realizing that the battle with Chrollo was not truly a one-on-one fight**. It is highly likely that Chrollo was borrowing abilities from other members of the Phantom Troupe to fight. This was an unforgivable betrayal for Hisoka.

Fired up with anger, Hisoka makes a significant change in strategy. Until now, he had avoided direct confrontation with the Troupe, but after his **resurrection, he declared the intent to kill all Troupe members**. Moreover, this time he shifted to a policy that does not shy away from ambushes and assassinations, instead of fighting openly and honorably.

Hisoka puts this declaration of war into action by killing Troupe members Shalnark and Korutopi. The two were left defenseless with their nen abilities released, and they died from Hisoka's surprise attack. This brutal method of killing **illustrates Hisoka's seriousness and anger**.

Hisoka left a message for the Troupe members: "I will kill everyone as soon as I find you. If you want to fight Chrollo first, then you protect him". This is a declaration to divide the Troupe members from Chrollo and pick them off one by one.

Current Status of the Troupe Hunt on the Ship

In response to Hisoka's declaration of war, the Phantom Troupe also boarded the ship. They have two objectives: one is to find and defeat Hisoka, and the other is to steal the treasures said to be loaded on the ship.

Onboard, **a tense game of cat and mouse is unfolding between Hisoka and the Troupe**. Hisoka is hiding somewhere on the ship, targeting the Troupe members one by one. Meanwhile, the Troupe is also exploring the ship to locate Hisoka.

As of now, **the two victims, Shalnark and Korutopi, have fallen**. The remaining Troupe members are Chrollo, Feitan, Phinks, Nobunaga, Franklin, Machi, Bonolenov, Illumi (new member), and Kalluto (new member).

The Troupe is **acting in pairs to prepare for Hisoka's ambush**. However, the interior of the ship is vast and complex, making it difficult to determine where Hisoka may be hiding. Additionally, the ongoing danger of the throne succession war presents another threat the Troupe must deal with.

The battle between Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe is still in its early stages. How this enmity will be resolved is one of the major highlights of the Dark Continent arc.

Trends of Other Notable Characters

The Dark Continent arc features many important characters other than Kurapika and Hisoka, each acting for their own purposes.

Leorio and the Roles of the Zodiacs

Leorio = Paradinnight has been recognized for his achievements in the chairman election arc and has boarded the ship as a member of the Zodiacs. His designation is "Boar (Inoshishi)," and he also serves as the head of the medical team.

On the ship, casualties and sick individuals related to the succession war are continuously arising, making Leorio's medical knowledge crucial. As a student aiming to become a doctor, he is gaining practical experience while trying to save many people. Additionally, as an old friend of Kurapika, he also supports him in various situations.

Other members of the Zodiacs also play important roles. Chidore = Yorkshire, as the new president of the Hunter Association, oversees the monitoring of Beyond and the management of the Dark Continent exploration. She excels in political negotiations and organization management, evaluating complex situations with calm judgment.

Mizaistom = Nana = Black, as a legal expert, is responsible for negotiations and the interpretation of treaties with the Kakin Empire. He is very cautious and systematic, prioritizing risk management. In the unprecedented endeavor of exploring the Dark Continent, his legal knowledge is indispensable.

Other Zodiac members like Botobai = Gigante and Gel = Gain also contribute in their respective areas of expertise. They are carrying out a wide range of tasks, including monitoring Beyond, maintaining order on the ship, and preparing for exploration after reaching the Dark Continent.

The Phantom Troupe's Objectives and Response to Hisoka

The reason the Phantom Troupe boarded the ship is not solely for revenge against Hisoka. They have another significant objective.

The Troupe is targeting the rumored "Kakin Royal Family's Treasure" that is said to be on board the ship. In particular, the valuable items claimed to have been brought back from the Dark Continent are enticing targets for the Troupe. As a band of thieves, they do not intend to miss this opportunity.

Moreover, some members of the Troupe have connections with Kurapika. The Phantom Troupe is responsible for the destruction of the Kurta Clan, and Kurapika has sworn revenge against the Troupe. If Kurapika and the Troupe encounter each other on the ship, there is a possibility that a new battle will begin.

Regarding their response to Hisoka, the Troupe is employing a cautious strategy. Centered around Chrollo, they are strictly operating in pairs to prevent surprise attacks. Additionally, they have strengthened their combat power by adding new members, Illumi = Zoldyck (an old acquaintance of Hisoka) and Kalluto = Zoldyck.

Illumi's addition is particularly noteworthy. He has a complicated relationship with Hisoka and has volunteered to take on the role of hunting him down. It remains unclear what Illumi's true intentions are—whether he really intends to kill Hisoka or if he has other motives.

The Phantom Troupe faces three challenges: a battle with Hisoka, the theft of treasures, and a potential confrontation with Kurapika. Attention is focused on how they will navigate this complex situation.

Conclusion: The Appeal of the Dark Continent Arc and Future Developments

The Dark Continent arc is one of the most complex and densely packed episodes in Hunter x Hunter. **The succession war, Nen beasts system, the Five Great Calamities, Hisoka VS the Troupe, and other multiple stories are progressing simultaneously, each deeply intertwined**.

The greatest appeal of this chapter lies in its **complexity itself**. It is not a simple conflict of good and evil; each character has different goals and sense of justice, and their clashes drive the story. In the battle for the throne, each prince has a reason to survive, and who to support depends on the reader's values.

The new setting of the nen beast system also brings unpredictability to the story. The **invisible guardian beast that cannot be seen by the owner acts independently while reflecting the essence of the prince, setting it apart from conventional nen battles**. This uncertainty keeps readers constantly on edge and provides the joy of predicting the next developments.

Additionally, the grand setting of the Dark Continent has greatly expanded the worldview of Hunter x Hunter. The fact that previous adventures were actually just a small part of a vast world brings new surprises and expectations to readers. The five great disasters threatening humanity are a significant concern regarding how they will be depicted in future developments.

As advice for beginner fans, it is important not to try to understand everything from the start. The Dark Continent arc is very complex, and it cannot be fully grasped with just one read. It is recommended to focus on characters or settings that pique your interest and gradually work towards understanding the overall picture. Also, since the serialization is irregular, reviewing past developments when it resumes can enhance enjoyment.

In the future, a key point of interest is the **conclusion of the battle for the throne. What will happen to the fates of major princes like Benjamin, Cheadle, Harkenburg, and Woble, andwho will ultimately inherit the throne is the main focus**.

The confrontation between Kurapika and Cheadle is also unavoidable. Their battle over the Scarlet Eyes will likely be intense both emotionally and in terms of abilities. It will be interesting to see how far Kurapika can fight while sacrificing his lifespan, and how to counter Cheadle’s precognition ability.

**The rivalry between Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe will also need to be resolved at some point**. Many mysteries remain about how Hisoka will hunt down the troupe members, whether there will be a rematch with Chrollo, and what Ilumi's true intentions are.

Most importantly, **when the ship reaches the Dark Continent, what developments await is the biggest concern**. Encounters with the five great disasters, the moment when Beyond's true purpose is revealed, and what the

Many voices are eagerly awaiting the resumption of the series, and fans are looking forward to the next developments while being concerned for Yoshihiro Togashi's health. The Dark Continent arc is still in the early to mid-stage. Expectations are only rising for how grand the story will unfold from here.

Once you understand the basics of the Dark Continent arc in this article, be sure to reread the original work and enjoy the intricate foreshadowing and psychological depictions. The Dark Continent arc in Hunter x Hunter is a profound work that offers new discoveries the more you read it.