Understanding the Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter

Understanding the Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter

Essential Insights

  • The Chimera Ant arc stands out as the most extensive and profound narrative within Hunter x Hunter, pushing characters’ philosophies to their limits.
  • In this arc, Gon and Killua team up with exterminators to confront the Chimera Ant menace, resulting in intense character development and powerful Nen abilities.
  • The story delves into the Chimera Ants’ extraordinary powers, culminating in unforeseen transformations and poignant sacrifices.

Following the compelling Greed Island arc, the Chimera Ant storyline emerges as the longest and most fully realized arc in Hunter x Hunter, crafted by Yoshihiro Togashi. This arc brilliantly encapsulates a series of unforgettable moments, blending Togashi’s artistic prowess and storytelling skills into a memorable saga within the anime and manga realms.

During the Chimera Ant saga, Gon and Killua embark on a mission with an extermination team to confront the ominous Chimera Ants. The narrative is packed with intense reunions, exceptional Nen feats, and deep existential challenges that enrich the viewing experience.

Anime Episodes 76-136
Manga Chapters 186-318

This overview pertains specifically to the 2011 adaptation of Hunter x Hunter and may display some variances compared to the earlier 1999 series.

Gon Reconnects with an Old Ally

Kite Makes a Surprise Appearance

Kite, Gon and Killua

After conquering the challenges of Greed Island, Gon and Killua harness a unique ability to exit the game, setting their sights on finding Ging. Instead, they encounter Kite, who appears aggressive initially but is, in fact, shielding them from the dangerous Chimera Ants. Through the unfolding narrative, Kite reveals that Ging had orchestrated this meeting by instructing the boys to connect with him upon exiting the game, as Ging desires a deeper engagement with Gon.

As they gather their thoughts, Kite shares intriguing accounts of Ging’s recent activities and his ongoing mission. The trio discusses the astonishing nature of the Chimera Ants, noting their extraordinary growth and alarming reproductive methods that involve consuming various species. Recognizing the imminent danger, they head to Yorknew City to track down the Ant Queen’s whereabouts.

Emergence of the Ant Colonies

The Ant Queen’s New Habitat

Hunter x Hunter Chimera Ant Queen with King

As Kite and the duo ponder the Ant Queen’s location, we see a wounded Ant Queen regaining her strength in seclusion. Initially feeding on fish and crustaceans, her diet rapidly shifts to include humans after giving birth to soldier ants that start bringing her human prey.

The Ant colony swiftly expands, resulting in a grim fate for nearby humans who are relentlessly hunted. As the colony’s presence grows, it catches the eye of a local Hunter, who ultimately succumbs to an ambush by the Chimera Ants. Among the hunters, Pokkle is captured alive, while the fate of fellow hunter Ponzu leads to her demise after sending signals to nearby Hunters. Fortunately, the information relayed reaches Kite, who is shocked by the severity of the situation and rallies Gon and Killua to face the looming Ant threat.

During their encounters, they confront an Ant leader named Rammot. Kite encourages Gon and Killua to test their abilities against Rammot, leading to their initial success. However, just as they prepare to finish Rammot, another leader, Colt intervenes, revealing the dangerous capabilities and resilience of the Chimera Ants, emphasizing the need for strategic planning against these formidable foes.

“This…. ..is delicious!! It is highly nutritious. The best fodder! I need…. ..more of them!!”
– The Chimera Ant Queen, after consuming humans for the first time

Dissecting the Nature of the Ants

Rammot Awakens His Nen

Rammot Laughing After Awakening His Nen

Within the confines of the Chimera Ant colony, Rammot begins unveiling his Nen abilities, a development that remains enigmatic to the other Ants. To uncover the mystery of Nen, Neferpitou, a member of the Royal Guard born to serve the impending Ant King, takes it upon himself to interrogate an unfortunate captive, Pokkle.

In a cruel turn of events, a fierce skirmish erupts in which Pitou severes Kite’s arm, pushing Gon into a frenzy of uncontrollable rage. In a split second, Killua intervenes, dragging Gon away to save him, leaving Kite vulnerable in the conflict.

Gon and Killua’s Trials of Worthiness

Upon their return alongside Killua to where Kite’s group is stationed, they encounter an extermination team, including Netero, who demands Gon and Killua prove their worth to join the formidable ranks against the Chimera Ants.

The hunters introduce them to the four fundamental principles of Nen:

  • Ten
  • Ren
  • In
  • Zetsu

Ren serves as an offensive enhancer, increasing strength and resilience, proving essential as both young hunters engage in combat training against established Hunter apprentices. Despite their newfound skills, both Gon and Killua struggle, leading to Gon’s significant drawback, placed in a state of “Zetsu”for a full month, rendering him unable to access his Nen abilities.

The Hunters Launch Their Offensive

The Extermination Team Encroaches on the Colony

Hunter x Hunter Extermination Team

The extermination team gradually reduces the Ant population. Meanwhile, Pitou grapples with the decision to protect the Ant Queen or engage the Hunters directly. In tandem, the Ant Queen goes through the birthing process, producing two Royal Guards, paving the way for the imminent birth of the Ant King.

This new Ant King is ruthless, establishing dominance by exterminating those who dare challenge him and seeking a new territory. Following the demise of the naive Ant leaders loyal to the Queen, Meruem’s ascendance leads to a new battle against the Hunters helmed by Netero, who prepares to confront the Ant King.

The extermination team eventually returns to Gon and Killua, having rescued Kite. However, this Kite carries the weight of his previous encounters, emerging as a mere shadow of his former self, inciting Gon’s resolve to recuperate Kite’s full essence.

Meruem’s Rise to Power

Plan to “Initiate” Nen Stuns

Meruem using his power

After seizing a palace in East Gorteau, Meruem contrives a sinister holiday plan dubbed Selection Day, designed to forcibly awaken Nen in the citizens by subjecting them to violent trauma. This unprecedented strategy bypasses the typical gradual process of Nen awakening.

Concurrently, the extermination squad formulates a strategy to counter Meruem and his royal guards. With Gon and Killua now part of this mission following their arduous trials, Netero resolves to face Meruem alone while assigning the remaining members to handle other threats as they arise. Gon and Killua prepare for their own confrontation with Pitou.

Unexpected Defeat of Meruem

Leading up to Selection Day, Meruem passes his time challenging East Gorteau’s champions at board games. Eventually, he meets an unexpected adversary in Komugi—a blind girl whose remarkable skill bewilders even Meruem. Their interactions prompt a profound transformation in Meruem’s character as he realizes the depth of human value through this seemingly trivial game.

After an agonizing series of games, Meruem proposes a wager, offering Komugi anything she desires if she wins. Remarkably, Komugi counters with a gamble on her life. Feeling a surge of guilt, Meruem forfeits his arm to signify respect towards her passion, sparking jealousy among his guards, who perceive any emotional ties as a weakening of his resolve.

This shift prompts Meruem to extend kindness toward Komugi, challenging his previous perception of human inferiority:

  • He suggests she rest after an extensive gaming session.
  • Upon awakening her Nen, he grants her the freedom to take time for herself.
  • In an effort to protect her, he kills a crow that threatens her.

Meruem reflects on his evolving emotions, considering why he feels compelled to act gently towards Komugi, revealing cracks in his once stoic facade.

“I learned from Komugi that different kinds of ‘strengths’ exist. On my way here… I killed a child. She perhaps could have one day been superior to me in some aspect. And I plucked off that bud. For no reason. Just like that.”
– Meruem speaking to the Royal Guards

Assault on the Palace

Hunters Mobilize

Netero laughing

Netero and Zeno dramatically descend upon Meruem’s Palace, triggering alarm among Pitou and other royal guards. A fierce confrontation ensues, resulting in Netero nearly incapacitating Pitou, who eventually retreats to the safety of the palace.

The remaining members of the extermination squad infiltrate through different entry points, engaging in fierce battles where several Hunters find themselves in grave danger. A pivotal moment occurs when Pitou returns to Meruem, holding an injured Komugi, which disrupts the Hunters’ offensive and alters the tide of the assault.

Komugi’s Determination

Meruem orders Pitou to heal Komugi as a form of leverage, leading to a temporary ceasefire in hostilities. Meruem suggests relocating the battle for greater focus on their objectives. Zeno then facilitates transport for Netero and Meruem away from the action. Simultaneously, Gon and Killua witness Pitou healing Komugi and feeling immense rage, compelling them to confront Pitou directly.

In the ensuing conflict, Gon’s emotions lead Pitou to break his arm to distract him long enough to heal Komugi, ultimately softening Gon’s rage as he assents to the healing process. The chaotic battles persist amidst the palace, with Killua showcasing his newly honed Nen abilities.

The Confrontation of Netero and Meruem

Upon reaching a remote location, Meruem tries to sway Netero from combat, preaching about a new world he envisions—a society devoid of inequality, even at the cost of human life. Netero stands resolutely against Meruem’s ambitions and initiates the battle. Surprisingly, even with Netero’s esteemed power, he struggles to land a decisive blow on Meruem.

In a climactic twist, Netero activates a hidden bomb, the “Poor Man’s Rose,”resulting in an explosion that gravely injures Meruem. However, the royal guards reinforce him, feeding their bodies to restore his strength and trigger an unexpected transformation, one that includes amnesia and the emergence of wings, enabling Meruem to return to his palace.

“You Believe I Cannot Pray With A Single Arm? A Prayer Comes From The Heart.”
– Netero to Meruem

The Fall of Meruem

Downfall of the Chimera Ant Takeover

Meruem's death

Unbeknownst to Meruem and his guards, the detonation of the Poor Man’s Rose releases a deadly poison, even as Meruem appears physically healed. As he becomes aware of his diminishing strength, Gon confronts Pitou, mandating that they either accompany him to heal Kite, or face severe consequences. Pitou complies, but the plan spirals into chaos when another guard misleads Pitou into believing Komugi is out of Killua’s custody, backtracking on her commitment to heal Kite. Enraged, Gon transforms into an overwhelmingly powerful adult version of himself, resulting in a brutal defeat for Pitou but at a great cost to himself, ending the arc with him in a coma within the hospital.

Ultimately, Meruem seeks out Komugi, fully aware that staying together will be their demise due to the poison that plagues him. Together, they embrace fate: Meruem passes away in her arms, and Komugi soon follows, marking the end of Meruem’s reign and the Chimera Ant crisis.

The Chimera Ant arc in Hunter x Hunter is a monumental narrative that no single article can encapsulate. This saga is rich with awe-inspiring battles, deep philosophical dialogues, and significant character arcs, all of which affirm its position as a classic. While the series continues with its next arc following Togashi’s return to health, the Chimera Ant arc will remain a cornerstone in the annals of animanga.

Watch Hunter x Hunter on platforms like Crunchyroll, Netflix, and Hulu where available.

Hunter x Hunter Artwork
Netero vs. Meruem Fight
Gon Transformation
Palm and Siberia
Emotional Farewell
Moment of Truth
Netero's Determination
Netero vs. Meruem

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