What is The Phantom Troupe in Hunter x Hunter?

The Genei Ryodan, known as the Phantom Troupe, is an infamous criminal organization and renowned group of thieves in the anime/manga series Hunter X Hunter. They play a prominent role as one of the primary antagonistic factions within the series. Their actions serve as a significant source of conflict in various story arcs, including the Yorknew City Arc, where they emerge as the central antagonistic force. In the Greed Island Arc, they assume a supporting antagonist role, while during the Chimera Ant Arc, they serve as minor anti-villains. Furthermore, they reprise their position as a major antagonistic faction during the Succession Contest Arc.

The Phantom Troupe holds a deep connection to the protagonist Kurapika, as they are his archenemies. This is due to their direct involvement in the brutal annihilation of his entire clan, a tragic event that occurred five years prior to the series' beginning.

Comprised of thirteen members in total, the Phantom Troupe consists of individuals who possess extraordinary abilities in Nen, a powerful technique within the Hunter X Hunter universe. Each member bears a distinctive tattoo of a spider on their body, denoting their affiliation with the group. Leading the organization and serving as its most formidable member is Chrollo Lucilfer.

Biography

In the backstory of the series, the origins of the Phantom Troupe and its founding members are revealed. Chrollo Lucilfer, the central figure of the group, established the organization in Meteor City, an isolated junkyard city populated by societal outcasts. Meteor City, known for its lack of official records, remains a hidden place known only to a select few individuals. Chrollo, along with Feitan, Machi, Pakunoda, Uvogin, and Franklin, were the founding members of the Phantom Troupe.

Interestingly, the initial formation of the Troupe was not rooted in criminal activities but rather in the pursuit of their shared interest in films. As children, the founding members stumbled upon discarded movies in the junkyard and began dubbing the films together. Due to the numerical order of their names, they simply adopted the name "Troupe" without giving much thought to a complete name for their group. It was a casual and spontaneous decision.

However, their innocent pastime took a tragic turn when one of their fellow cast members, Sarasa, mysteriously disappeared. This event deeply affected the Troupe, leading Chrollo to postpone their next film screening, which was scheduled to be held in a church within Meteor City. Eventually, the Troupe discovered Sarasa's lifeless body in a forest, leaving them devastated and mourning her untimely demise.

This incident profoundly impacted Chrollo's perspective and aspirations. He developed a strong desire to reshape both himself and the city he called home. His goal was to transform into a figure embodying the archetype of a "villain" while simultaneously safeguarding Meteor City and its residents from the exploitation of other criminals who sought to manipulate them for their own nefarious purposes.

In the course of their activities, the Phantom Troupe encountered a formidable opponent in Silva Zoldyck, a member of the renowned Zoldyck family of assassins. During a clash between Silva and the No. 8 member of the Troupe, a confrontation ensued, signifying the conflicts and threats the Troupe faced as they grew in notoriety and power.

Members of the Phantom Troupe

The Phantom Troupe, a notorious criminal organization, consists of both current and former members. Here is a breakdown of the members:

Current Members

• Chrollo Lucilfer - Known as No. 0, Chrollo is the leader of the Phantom Troupe and a highly skilled Nen user.

• Nobunaga Hazama - Designated as No. 1, Nobunaga is a fierce warrior and proficient in swordsmanship.

• Feitan Portor - Referred to as No. 2, Feitan is a formidable combatant with a sadistic nature and mastery over his Nen ability.

• Machi Komacine - Holding the title of No. 3, Machi possesses exceptional skill in using Nen threads and is adept at medical techniques.

• Kalluto Zoldyck - Ranked as No. 4, Kalluto is a member who joined the Phantom Troupe after his older brother, Illumi. He specializes in manipulating paper through Nen.

• Phinks Magcub - Identified as No. 5, Phinks is known for his incredible physical strength and his ability to enhance his Nen-infused punches.

• Franklin Bordeau - Holding the position of No. 7, Franklin is an expert manipulator of Nen and can unleash devastating attacks through his ability.

• Shizuku Murasaki - Designated as No. 8, Shizuku possesses the power to suction objects using her vacuum-like Nen ability.

• Bonolenov Ndongo - Referred to as No. 10, Bonolenov is a skilled performer who utilizes a variety of unique dances and abilities in battle.

• Illumi Zoldyck - Known as No. 11, Illumi is a skilled assassin and a member of the infamous Zoldyck family. He joined the Phantom Troupe as a double agent.

Former Members

• Omokage - Once designated as No. 4, Omokage is a deceased member of the Phantom Troupe. However, it should be noted that this character is non-canon, meaning they are not part of the official Hunter x Hunter storyline.

• Hisoka Morow - Previously recognized as No. 4, Hisoka was a former member of the Phantom Troupe. He later defected from the group and became their sworn enemy.

• Shalnark - Formerly referred to as No. 6, Shalnark was a skilled manipulator of Nen who tragically met his demise.

• Unknown Member - Formerly identified as No. 8, this member's identity remains undisclosed. They are deceased.

• Pakunoda - Previously recognized as No. 9, Pakunoda possessed the unique ability to read memories through physical contact. She sacrificed herself during the Yorknew City Arc to reveal Kurapika's powers to the rest of the Troupe.

• Uvogin - Once known as No. 11, Uvogin was a physically powerful member of the Phantom Troupe. He met his end during the events of the Yorknew City Arc.

• Kortopi - Formerly designated as No. 12, Kortopi possessed the ability to conjure and manipulate objects. He, too, met his demise during the events of the Phantom Troupe's conflict with Hisoka.

Yorknew City Arc

During the Yorknew City Arc, the Phantom Troupe assumes the role of the primary antagonists, although their actions also display shades of being anti-villains due to their commitment to protecting their comrades. Initially, their objective is to disrupt the Yorknew City auction. However, when Kurapika successfully eliminates Uvogin, one of the Troupe's members, their focus shifts towards seeking revenge against Kurapika, the one responsible for Uvogin's death. This leads to a violent rampage through Yorknew City, resulting in the slaughter of numerous members of the Mafia community.

Amidst the chaos, a confrontation between Chrollo and the formidable assassins Silva and Zeno Zoldyck takes place within the Cemetery Building. However, the battle is interrupted when Chrollo realizes that he has hired Illumi, Kalluto, and Maha Zoldyck to assassinate the Ten Dons of the Mafia community, coincidentally the same individuals who have employed Silva and Zeno to eliminate Chrollo. This realization prompts a temporary cessation of hostilities between the two parties.

Gon, one of the main protagonists, openly criticizes the Phantom Troupe for their hypocrisy. He points out that despite their deep care for one another, they show no mercy in ruthlessly killing innocent people. As events unfold, the Troupe discovers that it was Kurapika who was responsible for Uvogin's demise and they subsequently set their sights on capturing him. However, in a twist of fate, they end up capturing Gon and Killua instead.

Using her unique Nen ability, Pakunoda reads the memories of Gon and Killua, uncovering crucial information about Kurapika's vulnerability. Yet, Kurapika seizes an opportunity to gain the upper hand by capturing Chrollo and threatening to kill him if Pakunoda reveals anything about Gon or Killua. In a high-stakes maneuver, a hostage exchange is arranged, where Gon and Killua will be returned in exchange for Chrollo's release. To ensure compliance, Kurapika places a blade against Chrollo's heart, preventing him from utilizing his Nen abilities or contacting his fellow Troupe members. Likewise, Pakunoda has a blade pressed against her own heart, restricting her from disclosing any information about Kurapika.

As the arc reaches its climax, Pakunoda selflessly sacrifices herself by utilizing her Nen ability to transmit Kurapika's powers to the rest of the Troupe members before succumbing to her wounds.

Green Island Arc

During the auction in Yorknew City, Phinks and Feitan encounter Gon and Killua and attempt to escape from them. However, the young duo effortlessly pursues them. Phinks takes the opportunity to clarify that they have no intentions of causing harm to Gon and Killua, as they understand that killing Kurapika would only make him stronger. He also reveals that Pakunoda had met her demise and expressed gratitude towards Gon and Killua before her passing. With this exchange concluded, Phinks and Feitan take their leave.

Following the auction, Gon and Killua manage to steal a copy of the rare game called Greed Island and bring it back to the Phantom Troupe's hideout. Concurrently, several members of the Troupe decide to enter the game themselves, suspecting that Chrollo might be searching for an exorcist to lift Kurapika's Nen restrictions. However, to their surprise, they encounter Hisoka in the game. Hisoka, in need of a Nen exorcist, had employed the services of one and subsequently enlisted the Troupe members to aid in healing Chrollo.

Meanwhile, Kalluto, a member of the Troupe, assumes the position vacated by Hisoka, becoming the new replacement member of the group. This development showcases the ever-evolving dynamics within the Phantom Troupe as they adapt to changing circumstances and fill the gaps left by departing members.

Chimera Ant Arc

In the Chimera Ant Arc, a group of Phantom Troupe members consisting of Feitan, Phinks, Shizuku, Bonolenov, Shalnark, and Kalluto embark on a mission to reclaim their hometown, Meteor City, which has been overrun and its residents enslaved by the Chimera Ants.

With the goal of liberating their fellow citizens and eliminating the Chimera Ant threat, the Troupe members journey to Meteor City. Their combined efforts and formidable abilities enable them to engage in intense battles against the Chimera Ants, showcasing their individual strengths.

Feitan, in particular, emerges as a pivotal figure in this conflict. He confronts Zazan, one of the high-ranking Chimera Ants responsible for the invasion of Meteor City. In a fierce battle, Feitan displays his immense prowess and eventually manages to defeat Zazan, effectively halting the Chimera Ants' advance into their beloved hometown.

By triumphing over Zazan, Feitan and the rest of the Phantom Troupe members succeed in protecting Meteor City from the threat of the Chimera Ants and reclaiming their freedom. Their valiant efforts reflect their unwavering commitment to defending their home and the people they hold dear.

Succession Contest Arc

In the Succession Contest Arc, a dramatic confrontation unfolds between Chrollo, the leader of the Phantom Troupe, and Hisoka, a former member of the group. Chrollo, having undergone an exorcism to remove his Nen curse, engages in a fierce battle against Hisoka in the renowned Heaven's Arena.

During their deadly clash, it initially appears that Chrollo emerges victorious, seemingly killing Hisoka. However, to everyone's surprise, Hisoka manages to survive the encounter and swears to exact revenge by eliminating all members of the Phantom Troupe. Driven by his thirst for vengeance, Hisoka swiftly executes his plan by assassinating Shalnark and Kortopi, two prominent members of the Troupe.

Aware that the remaining Troupe members would be hunting him down, Hisoka anticipates that they suspect him to be hiding on the ship en route to the perilous Dark Continent. Taking advantage of their pursuit, Hisoka deliberately makes himself a target and enlists the assistance of Illumi, a highly skilled assassin and associate of the Phantom Troupe, in his quest to eliminate his former comrades.

The Succession Contest Arc showcases the escalating conflict between Hisoka and the Phantom Troupe as they engage in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Hisoka's determination to wipe out the Troupe and the Troupe's resolve to hunt him down intensifies the tension and sets the stage for a high-stakes battle between former allies-turned-archenemies.