Machi Komacine is a prominent antagonist and recurring character in the popular anime/manga series Hunter × Hunter. As a member of the notorious Phantom Troupe, she stands out as the physically strongest female member. Her unique Nen ability revolves around manipulating and controlling enemies using strings, making her a formidable adversary.
Early Life of Machi Komacine
Born in Meteor City, Machi's childhood was filled with encounters involving the Phantom Troupe. During her youth, she witnessed Chrollo, Franklin, and Shalnark trespassing into Uvogin's territory and promptly reported their actions. Later, when a fellow child named Sarasa went missing, Machi joined the search party. Tragically, they discovered Sarasa's mutilated body, leading to mourning and preparations for her funeral. It was during this time that Machi learned Nen from an embalmer named Renko, who utilized her abilities to arrange Sarasa's funeral.
Machi Komacine’s Appearance
Unlike other Phantom Troupe members, Machi favors traditional Japanese-style clothing. Resembling a modern-day kunoichi or female ninja, her typical attire includes cycling shorts paired with a short-sleeved uwagi, an obi sash around her waist with an obijime tied over it, fingerless gloves, tabi boots or socks with zōri, and knee-length leg warmers. Her hair, usually tied in an updo, is pink and reaches her mid-back. It is worth noting that in the 1999 anime adaptation, her hair color is depicted as dark purple rather than pink.
Machi Komacine’s Personality
Machi exudes a cold and composed demeanor, rarely displaying her emotions. However, behind this façade lies a softer side, as acknowledged by Shalnark. She exhibits a caring nature toward Pakunoda, mourning her death and tending to her grave. Machi's loyalty to Chrollo is unwavering, demonstrated through her readiness to challenge fellow Troupe members on his behalf. She goes as far as vowing to hunt down Hisoka if he dares harm Chrollo. Confident in her strength, Machi responds decisively when faced with threats.
Machi possesses sharp intuitions, often proven to be accurate and earning the trust of her comrades, including Nobunaga and Chrollo. Hisoka, despite being considered a nuisance or potential enemy of Chrollo, holds high regard for Machi and her abilities. While she initially treats him with indifference, her actions after his supposed death suggest a level of concern. Upon his revival, she merely expresses hope that he has learned his lesson, though her primary duty was to confirm his demise. When confronted and restrained by Hisoka, Machi's untamed fury is unleashed, resulting in a scream of rage.
Phantom Troupe Involvement
As one of the original members of the Phantom Troupe, Machi actively participated in the massacre of the Kurta Clan, a pivotal event in the series.
Heaven's Arena Arc
In the Heaven's Arena Arc, Machi observed Hisoka's intense battle against Castro. After the fight, she criticized Hisoka's reckless fighting style. Hisoka paid her to heal his injured arms, which she effortlessly accomplished using her Nen abilities. Following this encounter, she urged him to join the Troupe in Yorknew City, warning him of the potential consequences if he refused. Hisoka, intrigued, invited her to dinner, but Machi ignored his advances.
Yorknew City Arc
During the Yorknew City Arc, Machi convened with the other Troupe members in the city. Under Chrollo's instructions, their mission involved stealing all the items for sale at the Mafia auction and causing chaos. However, upon arriving at the auction, they discovered that the items had been relocated.
Machi and the Troupe witnessed Uvogin's brutal slaying of several members of the Shadow Beasts. When Kurapika managed to capture Uvogin, Machi employed her needle to track him. They pursued Kurapika but were obstructed by other Shadow Beasts. Despite this setback, the Troupe effortlessly dispatched the Shadow Beasts, except for Owl, whom they tortured for information. Eventually, Machi and the others located and rescued Uvogin.
After Uvogin's demise, Machi and Nobunaga posed as a couple in an attempt to find Kurapika. Their investigation led them to the realization that Gon and Killua were tailing them, leading to the duo's swift capture.
Machi and the other Troupe members orchestrated a bloody massacre of the mafia. Following their gruesome act, they stole all the auction items. Chrollo, utilizing Neon's prophetic ability, foresaw the potential deaths of many Troupe members if they returned to Meteor City. However, Hisoka manipulated the prophecy to deceive them into staying.
Machi and the Troupe subsequently recaptured Gon and Killua, bringing them to a hotel. In a tense encounter, Killua attempted to strike Machi, but she effortlessly absorbed the attack, displaying her superior skills.
During the capture of Chrollo, the Troupe engaged in a heated debate regarding their next course of action. Machi advocated for complying with Kurapika's demands to ensure Chrollo's safety. When Pakunoda returned with valuable information, she sacrificed her life to provide Machi and the other original Troupe members with vital details about Kurapika.
Greed Island Arc
Initially reluctant to participate in the Greed Island game, Machi eventually joined after realizing the opportunity to locate a Nen exorcist. She expressed her unwillingness to work with Hisoka due to his intentions to kill Chrollo, warning him that any harm inflicted on their leader would result in dire consequences.
Succession War Arc
In the Succession War Arc, Machi confirmed Hisoka's apparent death. Despite previously healing his wounds, Hisoka managed to revive himself. He immobilized Machi using his Bungee Gum, issuing a chilling threat that he would eliminate every member of the Troupe, provoking a furious reaction from her.
Machi boarded the Black Whale alongside other Troupe members, embarking on a mission to find and confront Hisoka. In her determination, she separated from the group, setting off on her own path.
Summary
Machi Komacine, the physically strongest female member of the Phantom Troupe, is a fascinating character in the Hunter × Hunter series. Her journey is filled with significant events and encounters, from her early life in Meteor City to her involvement with the Troupe's heinous acts. With her mastery of string-based Nen abilities, traditional attire, and unyielding loyalty, Machi remains an intriguing presence in the anime/manga landscape.
FAQs
A. Machi Komacine is a recurring antagonist in the anime/manga series Hunter × Hunter. She is a member of the Phantom Troupe and is known as the physically strongest female member.
A. Machi's Nen ability revolves around using strings. She can manipulate and control enemies using her string-based techniques.
A. In the 1999 anime adaptation of Hunter × Hunter, Machi's hair color is depicted as dark purple instead of pink, unlike in the original manga and the 2011 anime adaptation.
