Hunter x Hunter No. 416: Proclamation

Benjamin lays out exactly what he needs and how much time he has: 10 hours before he is incapacitated. He confronts Camilla in her quarters. As Camilla’s bodyguard is shot, her ability activates, cursing Benjamin. Benjamin is confident in surviving it. Camilla’s ability relies on her ability revenge-killing her murderer in order to revive, however if the deadly disease infecting Benjamin gets her first, who exactly would the target be? It has become clear that a lot of this storyline revolves around abilities that activate upon death, either the users or someone close to them. Just how loyal one is to a leader seems to be the main theme being explored, the feverish devotion some of the bodyguards display is chilling, embracing death with a smile for their Prince.

Tserreidnich is in his room with his bodyguard. He seems to be aware that he will be targeted soon, and will ‘appear’ to die. Indeed he can conjure some kind of illusion, however the fulfillment of his ability will require his bodyguard to witness and understand his ability, before explaining what he saw and putting him in a coffin. Tserreidnich emphasises that Salkov must not expose what his ability is, however on the next page, we see his resolve to expose the Prince’s ability, and thwart his bid for the throne, for the sake of Theta. Benjamin enters, asking where people are being taught Nen. Benjamin thinks to himself that he wants Kurapika on his side, teaching Nen to his soldiers. I seriously doubt Kurapika would go for this, unless it put him in an advantageous position. After exchanging a few words, Benjamin guns down Tserreidnich, presumably killing him in the way he alluded to Salkov.

This chapter was super brisk, I suppose making up for the wordiness of last time, with a proper head-on confrontation between several princes. If Benjamin really is making his way towards Kurapika, it will both give Kurapika time to understand the true nature of Benjamin’s powers, but also put him and his allies in grave danger. Benjamin is on an all-out offensive now. He has no way to truly know if he’ll survive, so he can pursue his goals, consequences be damned. The panelling conveys this really well, you can feel the push of his assault, the action and expressions are really strong too.

I absolutely love how things are starting to pay off. I know that’s pretty basic storytelling, but it’s been so many years in the making, a very intricately woven plot that I personally have never been able to predict, or really know where it’s all headed. The action is properly here now, the intrigue is still high but the time for discussion is over, Benjamin has made sure of that, ready to kill anyone who gets in his way. I can’t help but feel there is some serious death flags for the likes of Bill and Oito. I can’t believe Kurapika will be able to protect everyone, though I’m sure he’ll do his best. In regards to Tserreidnich, I’m really not sure what he’ll be able to pull off, though I think he may have the best chance at stopping or at least delaying Benjamin’s schemes and doing some real damage.