Hunter x Hunter chapter 401: Longhi's big reveal kicks off the search for Beyond Netero's special offspring

Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, titled Moonlight, was released on Monday, October 7, 2024, in Japan. This chapter continues the Succession War arc and follows the conversation between Kurapika and Longhi, where Longhi reveals crucial information about Beyond Netero's plan to seize control of the Succession War.

This battle manga is extremely popular among readers, especially given the dedication of mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi, who has continued to publish the series despite health issues. Thus, fans have been eagerly waiting for this installment to release for a long time.

The previous chapter, released in December 2022, depicted Phinks, Feitan, and Nobunaga searching for the Heil-Ly hideout. Meanwhile, Izunavi considered having Prince Tyson's book read by the king to end the Succession War.

Kacho's Guardian Spirit Beast sought Melody's help to protect Fugetsu and make her the King, but Fugetsu's condition worsened as evil spirits appeared. Finally, it was revealed that Kurapika had decided to collaborate with the Fifth Prince Tubeppa.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, Kurapika agrees to collaborate with Longhi after hearing her account

Longhi reveals her identity

Bill, Longhi, and Kurapika as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 (Image via Shueisha/Yoshihiro Togashi)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 starts on a Tuesday, the tenth day, at 11:45 AM. Prince Tubeppa’s guard, Longhi, is brought into room 1014. Furykov, who is on guard, curiously wonders if she will admit to being a Nen user of her own accord.

Longhi confirms she is a Nen user and denies involvement in the snake incident. She then reveals her ability, the Transparent Words-Moonlight Act, which can grant or restrict power to those who sign a limited-time contract with her willingly and with full understanding.

Longhi proposes an alliance between Kurapika and Fifth Prince Tubeppa, stating the contract will help her achieve her true goal. Kurapika, frustrated by her half-truths, points a gun at her and threatens to shoot.

Unfazed, Longhi explains that as a Nen user, she would not be harmed by a bullet and anyway she must reveal the whole truth due to her ability's conditions. Agreeing with her would also grant Kurapika some powers.

She then reveals a major secret: she is Beyond Netero’s daughter.

Beyond Netero’s plan

Kurapika as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 (Image via Shueisha/Yoshihiro Togashi)

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, Longhi exposes Beyond’s carefully crafted plan. Thirty years ago, Beyond convinced young officers like Kakin to enter sham marriages and raise his children, who were then enrolled in the Royal Military Academy. This occurred each time a new Prince was born, as Beyond wanted for his children to become the Princes’ Royal Guards.

Longhi became suspicious when she noticed she did not inherit her adoptive father’s traits. Her doubts were confirmed after overhearing a conversation between Beyond and her father.

Longhi also found out that Beyond's children, who had their Nen abilities awakened at birth, were victims of his Nen attack. With the help of her half-sister Mahako, Longhi learned that they were cursed with a powerful and sinister Nen that activates posthumously.

Beyond created these children to neutralize the Princes and end the Succession War. While Longhi is unsure which of Beyond's children is meant to assassinate which Prince, it is clear that one of the Princes is Beyond's child, and Beyond wants the Prince to ascend the throne.

As everyone reacts in shock, Kurapika asks Queen Oito about the rules for joining the Succession War. Oito explains that only King Nasubi’s legitimate children can participate, but they do not necessarily have to be fathered by Nasubi.

Longhi reveals her true goal

Longhi makes a startling confession in Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 (Image via Shueisha/Yoshihiro Togashi)

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, Longhi reveals that Prince Tubeppa’s contract will be a peace treaty with Queen Oito and Prince Woble. This contract forbids any attacks between the Queens, Princes, and Royal Guards, and will be renewed every Sunday by Tubeppa’s representative. Violating the contract will result in one week of forced Zetsu.

Longhi also adds that before Tubeppa retires from the Succession War or only two successors remain, they must find Beyond’s offspring. If none of the Princes are Beyond’s children or other criteria set by Longhi are not met, the contract will terminate, and Kurapika will gain a one-time use of her ability. This stipulation will of course expire if Tubeppa cancels the truce, but Kurapika can always collaborate with Longhi to to draw up a new contract.

Longhi then reveals her true goal: to find and kill Beyond’s child if it is a Prince. She admits she would not have reached this point if Beyond had not kept his plan a secret from her.

As they leave the room, Furykov is surprised that there was no physical or Nen battle and notices tears in Longhi’s eyes. He also senses a slight change in Kurapika’s aura but cannot determine the reason. Furykov doubts the treaty with Tubeppa has not been finalized and considers exposing them but refrains as the situation is not in his favor.

Beyond Netero appears

Beyond Netero as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 (Image via Shueisha/Yoshihiro Togashi)

In the final section of Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, fans see Beyond depicted in handcuffs, with Kanzai keeping a close watch on him. Beyond requests a book, but Kanzai refuses and instead suggests that Beyond either reread the book he already has or write one himself.

However, Beyond cannot be given pen and paper for safety reasons, though he could always use his long beard and blood to write. Beyond then remarks that he could easily bash Kanzai's skull with the book in his hand. Following this, Beyond expresses a desire to speak with someone and asks if that person could be brought to him.

Final thoughts

Longhi and Beyond Netero as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 401 (Image via Shueisha/Yoshihiro Togashi)

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 401, the narrative is pretty much static, with most of the content being a back-and-forth conversation. However, Togashi uses this dialogue to move the plot along with some big reveals that will affect the Succession War arc. One of the big takeaways from Longhi is that Beyond has successfully made his way into the Kakin Royal Family.

Readers also learn that the offspring of Nasubi's legal wives, who might not be Nasubi's biological children, are eligible to take part in the Succession War. This raises some interesting questions about the identity of the Prince who is Beyond's child and whether there could be more Princes who are Beyond's sons or daughters, given his cunning nature.