Summary
One of the most beloved series in the shōnen manga industry,Hunter X Hunter, is making its highly anticipated return to Shōnen Jump soon! Created by Yoshihiro Togashi, this iconic manga has been on multiple hiatuses due to the author’s ongoing health issues.
The mangaka’s worsening health has heavily influencedHunter X Hunterover the years, resulting in infrequent chapter releases that have kept fans on the edge of their seats for years. This unpredictable publication schedule has only intensified the passionate following of the series, with readers hanging onto every new development with no promises of the next chapter.
The wait has been long, but the payoff promises to be worth it for devoted readers who have stuck with the series through its extended breaks.
When Will The Hunter X Hunter Manga Return?
TheHunter x Huntermanga is set to return on October 7th, 2024, which is almost exactly 2 years since chapter 391 was released back in November 2022. As such, fans can expect the release ofHunter X Hunterchapter 401 to be on 7 October this year, with a new chapter following every week, unless breaks occur in Shōnen Jump.
The number of chapters for this return is not confirmed, but fans should expect, at the very least, 10 chapters, which would mean readers are likely to get to read chapters 401 to 410. It could also possibly be more than that. Perhaps, fans will get up to 20 chapters, but right now, everyone should keep their expectations to 10, until more information comes out.
With nearly two years having passed since the last chapter, it looks like it’s the perfect time for a recap.
Hunter X Hunter’s Epic Return: Which Chapters Will Release Next?
The world of manga is no stranger to breaks, but few series have mastered the art of the hiatus quite likeHunter X Hunter. Yoshihiro Togashi’s magnum opus has become as famous for its absences as for its intricate storytelling. The most recent return in 2022 came after a staggering four-year silence, a period that tested even the most devoted fans' patience. Yet, astonishingly, this wasn’t even the longest gap in the series' publication history.
Togashi’s recent efforts to increase chapter output have not gone unnoticed. The last run before the current hiatus delivered a solid ten chapters, from 391 to 400,all continuing the Succession Contest arc. This storyline, which kicked off back in chapter 349, has now sprawled across more than 50 chapters with no sign of reaching its climax. It’s a testament to Togashi’s expansive vision and the depth of the world he’s created.
Decoding the Succession Contest Arc
The upcoming Hunter X Hunter chapters will continue The Succession Contest arc, also known by its Japanese title Keishō-sen-hen.
In a nutshell, the Succession Contest pits the princes of the Kakin Empire against each other in a battle for the throne, a conflict that unfolds in the shadows while the ship sails towards uncharted territories. This setup allows Togashi to weave a complex tapestry of alliances, betrayals, and supernatural abilities that keep readers on the edge of their seats. But two of the major points to keep in mind during this arc are:
The Succession War Begins
The Voyage Preparations
The story begins with the preparations for a voyage to the Dark Continent, a mysterious and dangerous land. The voyage is undertaken by the royal family ofKakin, who are also engaged in a deadly succession war to determine the next king. Each of the princes is given a “seed urn” during a ritual, which hatches into a Guardian Spirit Beast that reflects their personality.
During his interview, Kurapika is surprised to meet Queen Oito, mother of 14th Prince Woble. She reveals the true nature of the succession war and offers Kurapika a deal: tenfold compensation in exchange for his help in getting close to Tserriednich. Kurapika agrees.
The employers of the other hunters Kurapika hired are revealed: Izunavi by 6th Prince Tyson; Biscuit by 13th Prince Marayam; Basho by 7th Prince Luzurus; Melody by 10th Prince Kacho; and Hanzo by 12th Prince Momoze.
Heavens Arena: Battle to the Death
For context: before the voyage,Hisoka engages in a deadly battle with Chrollo. Though he wins and proves himself to be one of the strongest Nen users in the world, the battle takes a toll on both fighters, with Hisoka sustaining severe injuries. The fight also has significant consequences for the Phantom Troupe, as Chrollo’s defeat weakens their power and influence.
What Is The Black Whale?
The Black Whale, a massive ship, sets sail for the Dark Continentwith the princes, their bodyguards, and other passengers. The journey takes several weeks, and along the way, the crew encounters various challenges, including storms, mechanical breakdowns, and encounters with strange creatures.
The fun part, though, is when, as the voyage progresses, the princes' Guardian Spirit Beasts begin to manifest. These powerful creatures possess unique abilities and can be dangerous to their hosts if not controlled. As the beasts take form, the princes soon realize the true nature of the succession war: it’s a free-kill match, and the last prince alive will take the throne. As expected, alliances are formed, betrayals occur, and the battle for the throne becomes a chess-game.
It’s soon revealed that The Guardian Spirit Beasts can exert their influence on the princes. These creatures can control their hosts, manipulate their emotions, and even influence their decisions. This does not help the already unstable environment between the princes. The power dynamics shift constantly, and the threat of death looms over everyone.
Long story short, here are the fates of each of the princes:
The Black Whale finally reaches the Dark Continent, and the survivors of the succession war must face the challenges of this mysterious land.
The Phantom Troupe’s Arrival & The Mafia Sub-Arc
While the princes play 3-D chess,the Phantom Troupe arrives on the Black Whale, with the sole purpose of finding Hisoka. After all, it’s not like Chrollo would accept defeat and let himself be humiliated.
Meanwhile, the Succession War continues to intensify, with alliances shifting and betrayals occurring. The princes and their bodyguards fight for their survival, while the Black Whale becomes a battleground for various factions. The Phantom Troupe’s presence further complicates the situation, as they could potentially become involved in the war.
Hunting the Heil-Ly Part
Hinrigh, the underboss of the Xi-Yi family receives authorization from his superior, Onior, to hunt down the Heil-Ly Family and their leader, Morena. Accompanied by allies Zakuro and Lynch, he begins a methodical sweep through the Black Whale’s lower tiers. The team’s pursuit leaves a trail of transformed objects and dispatched Heil-Ly members, showcasing creative uses of Nen in combat and espionage.
Meanwhile, the Phantom Troupe continues their relentless search for Hisoka, with little to no luck. However, Zakuro and Lynch manage to get a hold of him, and intrigued by their plan, Hisoka agrees to meet with Hinrigh. When the Troupe hears of this, they decide to take down Heil-Ly themselves while continuing their search for Hisoka.
Origins of the Phantom Troupe
The arc ends with a flashback ofChrollo and the early days of the Phantom Troupe.The chapters show a young Chrollo Lucilfer stealing a cassette tape, leading to a chase involving future Troupe members like Franklin, Shalnark, and Uvogin. The kids decide to dub the show (called Clean-Up Rangers) into their local language, and make money by a public screening event.
However, the lighthearted atmosphere takes a dark turn with the disappearance of Sarasa, one of the group’s members. The search for her ends in tragedy when they discover her dismembered body, a pivotal moment that shapes the Troupe’s future. In response to this brutal act, Chrollo outlines his vision for the Phantom Troupe. He expresses a desire to make Meteor City a safe haven for criminals while simultaneously becoming a force that instills fear in the outside world.
The flashback concludes with a significant moment of leadership determination. Despite Chrollo’s offer for Uvogin to lead the group, Uvogin insists that Chrollo should be the leader, pledging his unwavering loyalty. This decision solidifies Chrollo’s position at the helm of the Phantom Troupe and sets the stage for their future as a formidable criminal organization.
The Troupe’s investigation into the Heil-Ly Family’s trap in Room 3101 leads them to discover that the enemy’s base is likely on Tier 2 of the ship. Meanwhile, other subplots develop, including Melody’s involvement with the royal princes and her growing concern for Fugetsu’s well-being.
