Hunter x Hunter chapter 403: Halkenburg makes his mother proud amidst all the scheming

Hunter x Hunter chapter 403, titled Results, was released on Monday, October 21, 2024, in Japan. In this installment, readers get to see how desperate Prince Benjamin is to get Prince Halkenburg out of the way. But of course, there are challenges, and he is not the only one plotting. Such is the nature of the Succession War.

In the previous chapter, for instance, Kacho, Melody, and Kaiser devised a plan to take down Prince Luzurus, suspecting him to be responsible for Fugetsu’s condition. Kaiser then escorted Fugetsu to all the Princes, including Luzurus, enabling her to use her power to create a passage to Luzurus’ room later on.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Secrets about Prince Halkenburg come to light in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403

Balsamilco’s plan foiled

Halkenburg as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 (Image via Shueisha)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 begins on Wednesday, 6:45 am, with Balsamilco arriving at the Courthouse, plotting to assassinate Halkenburg, believing his personal guards will not be there. He plans to get within 100 meters of Halkenburg and infect him.

Just then, Vict appears, and Balsamilco suspects Halkenburg has used the Rumbling on him. Vict communicates to him in military sign language and indicates he has figured out Halkenburg’s ability. Halkenburg then shows up with a group and fires an arrow at Balsamilco.

Balsamilco’s resolve

Balsamilco as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 (Image via Shueisha)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 then shifts to Prince Benjamin who learns that the trial did not start due to technical issues with the plaintiff and Halkenburg feeling unwell. Benjamin deduces that Halkenburg’s assassination did not happen because Balsamilco was targeted first.

When Balsamilco reports to Benjamin, he is on high alert, suspecting his captain is being manipulated. He considers eliminating Balsamilco if he returns without completing his mission, but Balsamilco plans to finish off Halkenburg in the sick bay before returning, hoping to clear suspicion.

Halkenburg’s real mother revealed

Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 shows First Queen Unma on the phone, telling someone she will not be attending the banquet. It is revealed that she is talking to Halkenburg, telling him how proud she is of him, her son.

Meanwhile, Benjamin receives a letter from Kacho revealing the First Queen's attempts to protect Halkenburg from his older siblings by making it appear that he is the Second Queen's son.

But now that the Succession War is underway, she may be swaying things in his favor. Benjamin does not find this information helpful and Kaiser refrains from adding any potentially overwhelming information so as not to raise any doubts about the letter's authenticity.

It is revealed that all princes, except Tserriednich and Marayam, accepted Kacho’s letters. Kacho and Melody then decide to carry out their plan on Thursday.

Zhang Lei gets confused

Zhang Lei as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 (Image via Shueisha)

Meanwhile, Zhang Lei is puzzled when one of his ten coins, gifted by his Guardian Spirit Beast, changes value from one to ten. One of his men suggests that perhaps each coin changes denomination every tenth day. To test this theory, they need to observe future coins. Most other opinions Zhang Lei gets from his men are quite ordinary, leading him to consider seeking Kurapika’s help.

Kaiser gathers intel

Worio as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 (Image via Shueisha)

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 403, Kaiser shares that Halkenburg had informed him about mass syncope episodes, attributing them to the joy of seeing him and reduced anxiety as a consequence. Kaiser finds out that a staff member also passed out, similar to others in Halkenburg’s presence, but in a different place and time.

Kaiser interviews this staff member, Worio, and to reassure him reveals his knowledge of the Princes’ mysterious powers. Worio then discloses that Halkenburg will soon die. Halkenburg had himself asked Worio to convey this news if Kaiser were to mention Nen's abilities. Kaiser then visits Halkenburg in the sick bay.

Kurapika has an idea

Kurapika as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 (Image via Shueisha)

Meanwhile, in Room 1014, Kurapika tells Queen Oito that any Prince attempting to leave the ship would be killed due to the Nen barrier. He also observes how the ship is an urn for worm toxin.

However, Kurapika sees hope, suggesting that the fight need not end with just one Prince surviving. To protect Prince Woble, he asks Oito’s permission to make Kacho’s letter public, hoping to escalate the conflict and make higher-ranking Princes nervous.

Final thoughts

Kaiser, Melody, and Kacho as seen in Hunter x Hunter (Image via Shueisha)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 403 teases some fascinating developments on the horizon. The chapter kicks off with an assassination plot, ensuring it is not just dry dialogue. There also seems to be a secret plan at play involving Unma and Halkenburg.

Meanwhile, the plot to eliminate Luzurus is about to unfold. The Succession War is heating up, and it looks like things are only going to get more intense from here.