Episode 86: Gon is convinced that Kite is still alive and would never let a Chimera Ant beat him. He tells Killua they should hurry back once they are stronger in order to save Kite. As they walk around the place, Killua holds two tokens. Netero had hired two assassins and they need to take the same wooden tokens from them. They arrive at the station and an eccentric young woman approaches them. Her displeasing aura prompts Gon and Killua to take defensive stances. The woman introduces herself as Palm Siberia and invites Gon and Killua to have tea outside.
She tells them she is Knov's student and Gon questions Killua who Knov is. Killua suggests that Knov is probably one of the men accompanying Netero. Palm confirms this and starts to compliment and praise him. While she rambles, Palm absentmindedly adds too much sugar in her tea. She begins talking about love and tells them that Knov doesn't know about her feelings for him. She then drinks her cup of tea which greatly disgusts Gon and Killua.
Killua interrupts her babbling, wondering if she is the one they should fight. Palm apologizes and says Netero and Knov insisted she shouldn't come, but Palm wants them to acknowledge her determination. She begins talking on her own again, mentioning how Knov is such a gentle person. Killua interrupts her again and asks the condition Netero told her. The ones to defeat are Knuckle Bine and Shoot McMahon. She tightens her grip on her tea cup and releases a small amount of Hatsu, causing the tea to overflow whilst she calls Knuckle and Shoot "unmannerly brats." Gon wipes off the tea from the table warily and realizes that Palm is an Enhancer like him.
Palm continues, saying that she can't fight Knuckle and Shoot, but Gon and Killua must. She explains Knuckle and Shoot are Morel's students and they received a condition too. Only one group will enter NGL, either the team of Knuckle and Shoot, or Gon, Killua and Palm. The deadline is one month.
Elsewhere, Shoot worries about his own wooden tokens. He dissolves the token in his right palm and asks Knuckle what they should do. Knuckle is determined to find and kill them. He parades around town using a megaphone, loudly challenging the other token holders. Killua passes as Knuckle continues ranting. Killua confusingly states that even if Knuckle said a location to fight, he wouldn't go.
Later, Killua tells Gon that Knuckle is only a decoy for Shoot who is expected to observe from the shadows if anyone reacts suspiciously. Moreover, Palm told them before that neither Knuckle nor Shoot knows their names. Gon asks Killua whether Knuckle is strong, and he replies Knuckle is indeed strong and he has no idea how to defeat him. He suggests that they work on their fundamentals and learn more about their opponent's abilities. Gon disagrees, saying that their goal isn't to defeat Knuckle and Shoot, but to become stronger and save Kite. In other words, they should be strong enough to defeat enemies they know nothing about.
They return to their place, and upon opening the door, Gon is punched. Biscuit emerges, with Palm standing behind her. She asked Biscuit to come with her. Gon and Killua ask Palm how she knows Biscuit, and she replies she used her ability. They begin training and Biscuit punches Gon again. She tells them that Netero is famous for his nasty nature. Whenever Netero gives someone a one month task, it usually takes an entire year so defeating Knuckle and Shoot in a week is impossible. Gon insists they be quick and save Kite.
In the Chimera Ant lair, Kite's body is sealed within a Nen block beside Neferpitou, her wanting to fight Kite once more. Back to Gon and Killua, Biscuit tells them to train their Ren and maintain it for three hours. Killua's maximum capacity is only 55 minutes in his top condition. Gon surrenders a few seconds before Killua. Biscuit is dissatisfied and orders them to train once more. That night, Knuckle waits for his opponents, but none arrive. He sees a puppy nearby and befriends it.
The boys are allowed to rest for a while, but training will resume within half an hour. Seeing how tired they are, Biscuit uses her ability, Cookie, to refresh her students. Palm suggests a way to train them, using her power. She then threatens to kill everyone if the training fails and can't go to NGL. Once they're awake, Gon assures Palm of success. Biscuit asks Palm what Netero's team will do for the next month and Palm replies they will identify the opponent's strengths and weaken their forces. Their deadline is two months, when it is believed the King will be born.
Meanwhile, Netero amuses himself about Neferpitou's strength, asking whether or not the Chimera Ant is stronger than him. Morel and Knov doubt its strength as Netero is considered one of the strongest Nen users. Netero disagrees, yet Knov still believes in Netero's capabilities. The chairman confirms that their target is the Chimera Ant Queen, but with Pitou's incredible En, it'll be impossible to get close to her. Netero asks for an opinion, and Knov suggests that they should exterminate the Ants one by one in silence. He opens up a portal beneath him and takes out a large clothed object. Morel takes it and removes the cloth, revealing a human-sized pipe. He blows smoke from it and the smoke forms into small rabbits. He sends the rabbits to learn about the enemy's numbers.
Neferpitou awakens and quickly identifies the oncoming smoke rabbits. She anticipates the enemy's power, but someone else appears and tells Pitou to wait. When asked about his identity, the new Ant emerges from the shadows and introduces himself as Shaiapouf, one of the Queen's Royal Guards. He tells Neferpitou that Menthuthuyoupi will soon awaken. Pitou realizes that Shaiapouf can read the thoughts of others. He mentions he still can't decide what power to develop. Later, Pitou decides to "fix" Kite to train with.
Episode 87: The Chimera Ant Queen prepares for the King's birth and consumes 250 human meatballs per day. Meanwhile, Gon and Killua continue their thorough training to defeat Knuckle and Shoot. Palm watches them train and when their three hours of training is done, Gon and Killua collapse on the floor. Biscuit immediately tells them to stand up. They ask why and Biscuit replies that they are going out to challenge Knuckle, much to their surprise. Biscuit tells them that they only have to take Knuckle and Shoot's tokens and if the situation gets worse, they can run. They will have to train Ren for three hours from now on.
It is now past twelve and Knuckle is still in the park, still accompanied by the puppy. He begins to talk to the puppy and play with it until Gon and Killua arrive. He pushes the puppy aside and faces his challengers. He is surprised that they are kids and thinks that they are underestimating him. Knuckle intimidates Gon and Killua and challenges them to a battle to the death. He demands them to take the battle seriously and is completely convinced that Gon and Killua cannot defeat him. As they both prepare for battle. Knuckle begins to tear up. Gon asks him why and Knuckle denies crying, saying that those are the tears from laughing too much.
Knuckle orders them to punch him in order to show how strong he really is. They are allowed to punch Knuckle many times and if he doesn't move from his post, Gon and Killua will have to leave their tokens behind. Gon knows that they are no match for Knuckle but still steps forward to accept his challenge. He immediately starts off with his Jajanken. Sensing his intense aura, Knuckle begins to doubt himself and panic. He strains himself on which body part to protect and comes into a conclusion to protect his belly. Gon launches his attack and Knuckle is seen lying on the ground a few meters away from where he stood. Knuckle loses consciousness and Killua calls him an idiot.
The next day, Knuckle wakes up on a bed. He sees Gon and Killua training beside him and apologizes for underestimating Gon. Knuckle reaches out to his pocket and asks why didn't Gon take his token. Gon replies that they want the strength to defeat Knuckle in a straight-up fight. Gon asks Knuckle why he became a Beast Hunter, and Knuckle replies that it is a long story and brings back old memories. He calls Gon a good kid and Gon returns the favor. It is revealed that the puppy that Knuckle befriended before wouldn't leave his side. Knuckle tears up again. They proceed to eat and Palm peeks by the doorway, glaring at Knuckle. She is surprised that Knuckle absentmindedly complimented her cooking. Knuckle insists again that Gon and Killua won't be able to defeat him within the twenty days left.
In NGL, Morel and Knov execute their plan on reducing the population of the Chimera Ants by sending them off to Knov's portal one by one and being killed off by Netero. Colt and Peggy discuss this problem. Colt deduces that the humans are fighting back and Peggy suggests that they should move the castle. Colt says no as the Chimera Ant Queen should not be troubled. Peggy then suggests Neferpitou who is currently busy reviving Kite's body. Pitou lets Colt and Peggy handle things outside while they protect the castle from the inside. Colt and Peggy leave Pitou on his experiment, and they proceed to determine their troops' current strength. Twenty-eight squadrons remain and those who are aggressive will be used as a trap.
Meanwhile, the Hunters conclude that they should stick to their current plan as it would take out another three or four squadrons. Back to the inn, Gon and Killua's daily training has finished. Knuckle is once again in the park and is accompanied by three dogs. Gon and Killua arrive to challenge him again. The battle commences with Knuckle on the upper hand. In the shadows, Shoot watches closely.
Episode 88: Gon and Killua are completely exhausted after their fight with Knuckle. They can barely move, battered and bruised, even while using walking sticks. From the shadows behind a tree, Shoot watches them struggle ahead. As Gon and Killua wonder how they can defeat Knuckle, Shoot contemplates attacking them, then and there. He thinks to himself about being a Beast Hunter and how he attacks swiftly and accurately. Now with their backs to him, Shoot begins to tense up and sweat. He shakes, unable to move his body and strike, realizing he's missed his opportunity as the boys walk farther away. It is revealed Shoot is a coward, crying to himself about his faults.
The next morning, Gon and Killua continue to practice their Ren, while talking about Knuckle. Gon wonders why Knuckle wasn't allowed to go to NGL and Killua replies Knuckle is too soft. He's physically on par with Kite, but mentally, he cares too much about who he's fighting. Gon remembers how much he's helped them and Killua brings up the pack of dogs that he feeds. Biscuit sits and watches, pleased the two can hold their Ren for two hours without even concentrating. At the third hour, she'll finally allow them to fight at full strength. She figures it'll take another 10 days for them to be fully ready to fight, which will only leave 1 day before the deadline. She looks over her shoulder at Palm, who's cutting something and checks the sharpness of a butcher's knife. She looks back at Biscuit with her demon red eyes, giving off a black, spine-tingling aura. Biscuit considers her escape.
The four sit around with a huge meal in front of them prepared by Palm. She asks how much longer until they can beat Knuckle. She knows they're training isn't done, surprising Gon after hearing this. He assures her, but Palm isn't convinced they've made any progress at all. She worries they'll never beat Knuckle and she'll end up killing them. Gon makes a pinky swear with her as a promise to beat Knuckle or he'll swallow a thousand needles. He seals it with a "kiss" by touching thumbs together and Palm begins to feel attracted to him. Killua and Biscuit are pleased with how Gon can control Palm.
Elsewhere, the Chimera Ants walk through the forest filled with smoke. One squad leader tries to telepathically communicate with another, but there's no reply. Others answer, but suddenly they all start screaming about disappearing Ants and holes coming from nowhere. More begin traversing inside the smoke as the commanding officer notices the number of soldiers keeps dropping. He finds himself alone until he vanishes in a puff of smoke, Morel directing when to do so. Another Ant is then dropped into a black vortex, leading to a white basement-like room with Netero sitting in the middle. On a cliff, Morel and Knov talk about their ongoing strategy. Knov mentions how Netero isn't as weak as he said he was and just then Netero calls the two to send more in the room filled with dead Chimera Ant bodies. He's just warming up and reminds them to keep an eye on the Chimera Ant Queen.
In the nest, Peggy and Colt discuss the depleting squadrons. They wonder what kind of powers humans possess and how they can obtain it. They hope The King will change the tide of battle, who still grows inside the Queen's womb.
Back with Gon and Killua, they have just finished their Ren training and can now rest before fighting Knuckle. Biscuit tells them to defeat Knuckle and Shoot, knowing there isn't much time left and it will help in their training. Palm has now resorted to drawing pictures of Killua and Gon dead. Biscuit plans her escape if the fight doesn't go well. Gon and Killua confront Knuckle in the forest. At the same time, in the nest, Menthuthuyoupi hatches from his cocoon, the last of the Royal Guards. Shaiapouf plays his violin as zombie Kite can be seen in a silhouette, fighting various Ants, the puppet master being Neferpitou. The two greet Youpi, after he has smashed through a wall.
Meanwhile, Gon asks Knuckle about Shoot, since they need both tokens. He refuses to answer, prompting Gon to charge up and attack. Knuckle takes a swing, but Gon dodges, appearing behind him. Gon also punches, but Knuckle does the same, appearing behind Gon, punching again with Gon just barely able to block. Gon can't drop his Ken, for fear of being knocked out and Knuckle claims he's just warming up.
Morel and Knov, still scouting the nest, tell Netero there's no more Ants coming out. Netero says they should wait for the disciples to finish their fight, but Knov still wants to take more out. Morel thinks the disciple match is a waste of time since Gon and Killua are too inexperienced. They bet which side will win; Morel bets 100,000 Jenny Currency Symbol on Knuckle and Shoot, Knov bets 1,000,000 on Gon and Knuckle. Morel thinks he's out of his mind. During the fight, Knuckle punches Gon back and forth in midair like a rag doll. Gon wonders if he's holding back and Knuckle wonders when Gon will use his Rock attack; Knuckle tells Gon, however, that the Rock attack has currently two major weaknesses in it.
Netero thinks to himself that someone might be sacrificed during this mission.
Episode 89: After Knuckle tells Gon that he has flaws in his attack, he asks for the name of the Nen ability. Gon stutters, and says Ja-Janken. Knuckle is impressed nonetheless, and Gon accepts the name, confusing Killua. Knuckle explains the two weaknesses: it takes too long to charge and when Gon charges Nen to his fist, it lowers his defenses. These are things the enemy can take advantage of easily. Gon knows these facts and increases his Nen to demonstrate. It amazes Knuckle, ranking Gon at a mid-level pro. Gon attacks and Knuckle is easily able to knock him back since Gon still lacks experience in real fighting. Gon has a lot more training to do in his aura and strategy. In just a brief exchange of punches, Knuckle is able to make Gon look like a complete amateur. Even Killua can tell that Gon's aura gives away his moves. Knuckle warns Gon that his next punch might kill him, but at the same time Gon ponders how much Knuckle has been helping him during the sparring match. Gon charges up another Jajanken, but Knuckle kicks him away. Knuckle is being too gentle still, angering Gon, and making Knuckle nervous.
Just then, Gon charges another Jajanken. Knuckle takes a swing, but suddenly Gon is behind him, causing Knuckle to take another swing. Gon ducks, trips Knuckle and gets a solid shot to his face. Gon tries Jajanken while Knuckle is dazed, but he kicks Gon in the head, sending him flying. Knuckle is surprised by the fake out, and Killua surmises that Gon used his Jajanken's weakness to an advantage. It is apparent that Gon is very good at learning on the fly, but as a fight goes longer, the enemy may be able to predict his next moves. Gon is getting tired, however, and realizes if his Ken depletes, he'll lose for sure. He leaps furiously at Knuckle, engaging in a lightning speed melee. Still, Knuckle's hits are landing, but Killua is able to see Gon adapting to Knuckle's speed and blocking better. Even he knows though, soon Gon will run out of energy.
Eventually, Knuckle punches Gon away once again, realizing he still doesn't need to use his full strength. 20 feet away now, Gon spontaneously charges a Jajanken, confusing both Killua and Knuckle. Gon's final attack: he screams, Paper! His Emitter ability shoots towards Knuckle who considers the attack too weak and effortlessly knocks it away. Knuckle hears Gon's voice, behind him now, charging his last Jajanken. He's been fooled a second time, "Rock!" Knuckle screams! However, Gon collapses, completely exhausted. Knuckle is perfectly fine. Killua picks up Gon and carries him away. He says he'll fight Shoot, and Knuckle replies he'll fight for real tomorrow. Killua warns him he better. Once Killua leaves, Shoot enters from the shadows. He tells Knuckle that he is too soft and Knuckle screams back that he is at least doing some fighting.
Biscuit promises to massage Gon back to tip top shape, but is worried Killua hasn't fought this whole time. She challenges Killua to a fight then and there, changing into her overly muscular form. The next day, Gon feels 100%, while Killua's face is still swollen from the brawl with Bisky. Looking back, Killua remembers Biscuit telling him he's too quick to give up, just because the opponent might be stronger. This might lead to him leaving Gon to die. She shows him a graph that explains even someone with "D" strength can fight someone with "B" strength, for example, but Killua always looks to the negative. There are many ways to win a fight, but his is only to run. She tells him if he can't beat Shoot, he'll have to leave Gon's side forever. While Gon and Killua leave, Biscuit waves goodbye as Palm opens the door, more insane looking than usual. Biscuit figures this as a good time to run herself. Knuckle vs. Gon; Shoot vs. Killua: their final battles are round the corner.
Episode 90: Gon and Killua meet Shoot and Knuckle in the forest to battle. The winner this time will go to NGL, the loser stays. Knuckle and Gon waste no time charging up. Knuckle dashes towards Gon in a zig-zag formation, while Gon tries to keep up. He expands his Nen to form En, but to no avail, as Knuckle strikes with a direct shot across his face. Despite that, Gon feels power rushing through him, confused he is also uninjured. He looks to his left and sees a little marshmallow creature with 210 on its forehead. It quickly moves to 231, stating it's adding interest, and grows about 10% larger.
Knuckle explains he lent Gon some aura, but in doing so, expects interest every ten seconds. As the number adds to 254, Knuckle names his Nen ability Hakoware. If the debt is not paid, the afflicted party busts. The little marshmallow with wings keeping track of the interest is called Amortizing Power Re-director, or A.P.R. for short. It can't be injured and only goes away when the person busts, or Knuckle stops the ability. Distracted by A.P.R., Gon is punched by Knuckle, again uninjured and feeling more aura flow through his body. This time the number goes from 279 to 505. Knuckle lent Gon 180 aura, confusing him about how he knows the exact number.
Knuckle explains every person has a certain amount of aura in their body called Maximum aura Output Potential, or MOP. People have limits to their aura, which increases with training, meaning someone with 1000 aura is much stronger than someone with 200. Knuckle continues by saying every attack, every defensive move, costs and uses some amount of aura, all while Gon's brain begins to steam. Gyo, Ken, depending on the amount and extent of the ability used, a fighter can run out of Nen easier than they think.
Gon being inexperienced, Knuckle calculates he uses 10 aura points a second, 600 a minute and 12,000 in only 20 minutes! Adding the four Jajankens from the day before, each one costs around 2,000, so after computing they add up to 5,500, Gon's AOP, or Actual aura Output Power is 17,500. At this point, Gon's brain is completely fried. However, this explains why Gon collapsed before being able to use his last Jajanken. He used Paper, an Emitter attack, which used up 4,000 of his aura since he's an Enhancer, depleting what little was left. Adding this, Knuckle's final estimation on Gon's POP, or Potential aura Output Power, is 21,500! Gon explodes, completely confused after the overly complicated explanation.
Gon thinks the suffering is over, but Knuckle goes on to say him lending Gon his aura exceeds Gon's POP. In other words, the more Gon spends his aura, the more interest he'll owe Knuckle, the faster he'll bust. In only a couple minutes, A.P.R. counts 1,586 interest, and is three times the size as before. Knuckle figures in just 4 minutes Gon will bust. Once busted, A.P.R. will become Individual Ren Suppressor, or IRS, putting Gon in a forced Zetsu state for 30 days. Gon realizes this is why Knuckle wasn't using his abilities and thanks him. Gon attacks, both punching each other at the same time. Knuckle just smiles, figuring Gon's punch was around 150, while he lent Gon another 180. Knuckle reveals another advantage to his ability. He won't be injured until all the debt has been paid, while A.P.R. changes to 2,356. In no time, A.P.R.'s debt counter reaches over 2,700.
Meanwhile, Killua walks with Shoot side by side through the forest. Shoot releases an eerie green Nen as Killua begins to get the old feeling of running away. He forces himself not to, realizing Shoot doesn't know his powers either. Shoot tells Killua he doesn't want to hurt him and even has a power that does just that. He disrobes revealing a missing left arm and three dismembered, floating hands; one holding a bird cage-like device. Killua is stunned, but stands his ground and uses Gyo. He figures Shoot is a Manipulator due to his Nen abilities. Killua takes out his yo-yos and Shoot forwards his hands. He knocks the hands away with the yo-yos, in a defensive stance and Shoot is impressed. He jumps towards Killua, in his face in only a second. Killua thinks of Illumi, but quickly thinks of Biscuit's words to stand his ground. He tries to use electricity, but Shoot hits him in the face. He's completely paralyzed from the thoughts of Illumi and Shoot could tell. Shoot tries not to think about it, revealing his own drawbacks with fighting. Killua begins to run; Illumi and Biscuit echoing in his mind about what to do.
Suddenly Killua notices his left eye has gone dark. As if a black hole were swirling around where it used to be. He's barely able to dodge Shoot's attack, still able to sense his presence. Killua once again defends himself against Shoot's levitating hands, but one gets through and hits him on his left side. His vanished eye proves to be a hindrance. After another attack from Shoot, Killua realizes all he's been doing is running away the entire time. He throws away his yo-yos, charges at Shoot and... stops. Shoot predicted his next move, causing him to freeze in terror, knees shaking, Illumi still controlling every action. Elsewhere, The King grows ever larger inside the Queen.
Rating: 9.5/10(Average)
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