Hunter x Hunter chapter 404: Kurapika learns about Zhang Lei's Guardian Spirit Beast while Halkenburg puts his plan into action

Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, titled Speculation, was released on Monday, October 28, 2024, in Japan. This chapter highlights Halkenburg's growing desperation to achieve his goals. Driven by his dreams, he is willing to go to extreme lengths, even risking his own life. His shrewdness is evident as he uses the loopholes within the Succession War.

In the previous chapter, readers witnessed Benjamin sending Balsamilco to carry out an assassination attempt on Halkenburg, which ultimately failed. Additionally, it was revealed that Halkenburg is the child of Queen Unma, who tried to protect him from his siblings by concealing his true identity.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.

Halkenburg dies to make his plan a success in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404

Kurapika begins to understand Zhang Lei’s ability

Zhang Lei as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

In Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, Kurapika is called to examine the coins produced by Zhang Lei's Guardian Spirit Beast. He notes that currency is meant for circulation, suggesting that the coins may change as they are passed around. He is proven to be right when one of the coins Zhang Lei gave to his men has a different design on it.

Zhang Lei presents him with a coin that has mysteriously changed its value from one to ten. He wants to test if it will change further. Although Kurapika feels obliged to accept the coin, he knows that doing so activates a semi-coercive manipulation ability. He figures that since the Nen in the coin has been stored for only ten days, it will not be able to force him into killing someone.

Kurapika observes that coins produced daily change after ten days, indicating Zhang Lei's tendency to plan strategically. This ability could prove valuable once Zhang Lei ascends to the throne.

Kurapika and Zhang Lei as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

After receiving the coin, Kurapika notices another design change and deduces that changing hands resets the coins. He returns the coin, which changes again but does not revert to its previous denomination.

Kurapika concludes that Zhang Lei's Guardian Spirit Beast possesses a cumulative conjuration ability, allowing the accumulation of Nen over time. He realizes that when the coins reach a quintillion in six months, they can be used for Nen. However, he refrains from mentioning that the Guardian Spirit Beast will require compensation in the form of pseudo-coercive loyalty to Zhang Lei. Kurapika is also aware that there should have been two ten-denomination coins, but one was taken by Coventoba.

Next, in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, Zhang Lei expresses concern for Kurapika and Woble’s safety, although his real goal is to gather intel. Kurapika also knows that while their alliance is useful, it is risky. After all, Zhang Lei is one of the princes connected to a mafia family. He maintains the balance of power alongside Luzurus and Tserriednich.

Kurapika notes that Benjamin could take advantage of any conflict between the three by using martial law to gain control. He might even try to assassinate one of them and blame it on one of their mafia families.

Halkenburg’s plan

Halkenburg as Balsamilco in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 then turns to Prince Halkenburg, who is currently in a comatose state. It is revealed that his consciousness has actually transferred into Balsamilco's body. Halkenburg plans to remain awake until he achieves his goal of winning the Succession War. He then reports to Benjamin as Balsamilco, declaring that Halkenburg's demise is imminent.

Halkenburg recalls a past experiment involving Shikaku and Sumidori in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, where Shikaku's mind was transplanted into Sumidori's body. This experiment revealed that only one consciousness can be active at a time, with a hierarchical order determining which mind takes precedence. However, upon the body's death, the victim’s consciousness returns to their body and reasserts control.

Thus, once Halkenburg's body dies, Balsamilco's mind will revert to his original body. Halkenburg intends to ensure that Balsamilco's mind remains asleep by taking sleeping pills. He will get about ten hours to become the victor in the Succession War before relinquishing control over Balsamilco’s body.

Halkenburg’s death

Halkenburg on his deathbed as seen in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 (Image via Shueisha)

Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 then shows all the princes. Zhang Lei is seen closely examining his coins, while Camilla appears to be relaxing. In contrast, Tserriednich is intensely training, striving to enter Zetsu in under a second.

Kurapika is then depicted conversing with Bill, Babimyna, Furykov, and others. He has discovered that Camilla will be attending class the following day accompanied by her guards. There is a concern that she may attempt to assassinate Woble, prompting Kurapika to emphasize the need to keep Woble away from her guards.

Meanwhile, Halkenburg’s body passes away. His final wishes include a public announcement of his death, a farewell from his supporters, and a request for his personal guards to transport his coffin. Upon learning of these wishes, Benjamin instructs Balsamilco to fulfill them to prevent his supporters from turning against him.

As the public announcement takes place in Hunter x Hunter chapter 404, Feitan, Phinks, and Nobunaga are shown. They show little regard for Halkenburg's death and are en route to the Heil-Ly hideout to eliminate the mafia family. However, before proceeding, they need to discuss their plans with the other two families.

Final thoughts

Hunter x Hunter chapter 404 effectively illustrates the lengths to which a character like Halkenburg, despite appearing to have a just cause, will go to achieve his goal. The chapter is filled with tension, keeping readers eagerly waiting for the next installment, especially with the numerous assassination plots hinted at throughout.

Halkenburg has gained considerable favor among readers, and his storyline stands out as one of the most compelling, particularly as he faces the pressure of completing his mission within a tight timeframe of ten hours.