The Power Struggle of the Kakin Empire in Hunter x Hunter
The Succession War in Hunter x Hunter presents a fierce competition among the 14 Princes of the Kakin Empire, each striving to claim the throne. At the heart of this brutal battle are the eight Queens, whose motivations encompass power, survival, and protection for their offspring. Each Queen’s background is uniquely diverse, reflecting different social standings, and they wield significant influence throughout the war. Intriguingly, the naming conventions often reference numbers, a practice that diminishes their individuality and amplifies the underlying tensions between them, setting the stage for hostility before the conflict even begins.
After a prolonged hiatus, Yoshihiro Togashi’s Hunter x Hunter is set to return, continuing one of its most elaborate arcs. Each Queen possesses distinct motivations, strengths, and weaknesses, engaging in strategic maneuvers that can include alliances, espionage, or outright aggression. This shift in focus from a father’s quest to the intricate dynamics of motherhood exemplifies Togashi’s storytelling genius, making this arc particularly compelling.
First Queen: Unma Hui Guo Rou
First Queen Unma Hui Guo Rou stands as a stoic figure and commands great respect as the mother of First Prince Benjamin and Fourth Prince Tserriednich. Her influential presence within the Kakin court showcases her ruthless determination. Benjamin embodies her militaristic ideals, while Tserriednich’s mastery over Nen makes him exceptionally formidable.
Despite her prominent status, Unma harbors secrets that could threaten her ambitions. Notably, in Chapter #403, letters reveal that Halkenburg is her child, secretly raised by Second Queen Duazul. This revelation fosters distrust among the Princes, yet Unma confirms it, indicating a covert plot against Benjamin.
Second Queen: Duazul Hui Guo Rou
Second Queen Duazul Hui Guo Rou is the mother of multiple Princes, including Second Prince Camilla and Fifth Prince Tubeppa. Known for her tactful nature, she manipulates court dynamics to maintain influence while grooming Camilla as a potential successor. However, her most substantial alliance lies with her daughter, whom she supports unwaveringly.
Although she wields power over four children, her lack of decisive advancement for them makes her vulnerable. The potential unraveling of her strategies regarding Halkenburg’s parentage could spell disaster for her, especially since her other children’s passivity puts them at risk in this deadly tournament.
Third Queen: Tang Zhao Li Hui Guo Rou
Third Queen Tang Zhao Li, relatively enigmatic due to her minimal presence aboard the Black Whale, is the mother of Third Prince Zhang Lei, a strategic player in the competition. She forgoes aggression for a low-profile strategy, opting for a limited roster of agents.
Zhang Lei has fortified his position through alliances, and Tang Zhao advocates for a careful diplomatic approach, a method that reflects her adaptations to her role. However, her limited political clout compared to more dominant Queens challenges her ability to protect her son effectively.
Fourth Queen: Katrono Hui Guo Rou
Fourth Queen Katrono, the mother of Sixth Prince Tyson, takes an unconventional approach to the war. Her character is marked by a hint of selfishness and a desire for revenge, raising concerns about her son’s future. Despite her machinations, she doubts Tyson’s success and may even sabotage him through intentional withholding of crucial resources.
“Mummy was disappointed I turned out like this. She doesn’t expect any grandchildren. She used to say she hated the pitying glances from the other queens. She really wanted to be able to retaliate. Unfortunately, I only fight with the power of love!” Sixth Prince Tyson, Chapter #400
Tyson’s experiences of marginalization due to his mother’s expectations represent a complex narrative of identity and acceptance, particularly as Katrono seeks to reclaim traditional power structures rather than champion transformative change.
Fifth Queen: Swinko-Swinko Hui Guo Rou
Fifth Queen Swinko-swinko is closely tied to Eighth Prince Salé-salé, whose hedonistic tendencies lead to a sheltered upbringing. Swinko-swinko indulges her son while simultaneously demanding his participation in the Succession War.
Tragically, Salé-salé becomes the second Prince to be assassinated, a brutal act that marks a poignant loss for Swinko-swinko, now the only Queen without children left to participate in the battle for the throne.
Sixth Queen: Seiko Hui Guo Rou
Sixth Queen Seiko is the proud mother of twins, Tenth Prince Kacho and Eleventh Prince Fugetsu. While she displays affection toward her daughters, favoritism becomes evident, stressing her nurturing approach. However, tragedy strikes when Kacho falls victim to assassination during an escape attempt.
Following this devastating loss, Seiko becomes increasingly proactive in ensuring Fugetsu’s survival. Her decision to confine her daughter within the Justice Bureau for protection highlights both her vulnerabilities and determination to adapt to the escalating threats of the Succession War.
Seventh Queen: Sevanti Hui Guo Rou
Seventh Queen Sevanti mothers the youngest contestants—Twelfth Prince Momoze and Thirteenth Prince Marayam. She exhibits a nurturing demeanor towards her son while failing to shield her daughter adequately, leading to Momoze’s tragic assassination.
With newfound resolve after the loss, Sevanti embarks on a course of action to safeguard Maryam, leveraging their defensive Nen ability to enhance their security significantly. This shift towards active participation illustrates her growth amid the chaos.
Eighth Queen: Oito Hui Guo Rou
Eighth Queen Oito stands out as the mother of the youngest contestant, baby Fourteenth Prince Woble. Though initially underestimated, she quickly capitalizes on her connections, notably to Kurapika, elevating her position substantially within the war.
Oito’s increasing resourcefulness, coupled with Kurapika’s influence and training in Nen, revitalizes her strategy. Rather than fixate purely on the throne, she views the conflict primarily as a battle for her child’s survival, embodying the spirit of an underdog destined to navigate the treacherous waters of the Succession War.
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