Balsamilco Might (バルサミルコ＝マイト, Barusamiruko Maito) is a Master Sergeant in the Royal Army of the Kakin Empire, and the Captain of the Guards for 1st Prince Benjamin Hui Guo Rou.[1]
Appearance[]
Balsamilco's full body appearance
Balsamilco is a bald, dark-skinned man with a stocky build and a large scar across his left temple and down to his cheek. He wears the uniform that all of Benjamin's private soldiers wear: a puffer jacket, tactical pants, and dark-colored combat boots.
Personality[]
Befitting his rank and Benjamin's high regard on him, Balsamilco is a logical and analytical person. He admires and respects Benjamin, whom he views as the ideal leader to help their country develop, showing patriotism.[1]
Background[]
As one of the First Prince's soldiers, Balsamilco graduated from Kakin's Royal Military Academy and became the captain of his guards.[4]
Plot[]
Succession Contest arc[]
Balsamilco Might, Captain of 1st Prince Benjamin's Guard[]
Balsamilco discusses Nen
On the eve of the Black Whale 1's departure, Balsamilco conducts a briefing for Benjamin's private soldiers. He gives them an overview of the five tiers of the Black Whale 1, specifically that only Tiers 1 and 2 are the "hunting grounds" for the upcoming succession contest between the Princes of Kakin for the throne. Balsamilco tells the men to exercise restraint on board and that the real party would begin after the disembarkation ceremony in two months, when the Black Whale is scheduled to land on the Dark Continent. Until then, the men are instructed to be guards and not soldiers. Balsamilco tells them to execute Operation Assault only if commanded to by Benjamin in exceptional circumstances. He also tells them of the systems put into place to ensure that Princes would have minimal contact with each other, though they would all attend dinner parties every Sunday.[5]
Benjamin departs from the banquet held on the first day of the voyage while incensed by 2nd Prince Camilla's conceited actions. He tells the soldiers who receive him to tell Balsamilco to bring 4th Prince Tserriednich alive for him to kill. Instead of doing so, Balsamilco meets him in Room 1001, his quarters, and explains the need to exercise restraint because of the large amount of unknown variables that make their situation risky to act in.[1]
Balsamilco tells Benjamin that parasitic Nen beasts are present, that possibly as a limitation, are unable to be seen by participants of the Seed Urn Ceremony, or possibly at least until an unknown condition was met. He also suggests that these Nen beasts have additional rules surrounding their behavior, since the Nen beast that attacked Room 1014 did not attempt to kill 14th Prince Woble directly. Balsamilco tells Benjamin that getting the information right before the other Princes was key to the survival battle, and that taking action prematurely could be fatal. He tells Benjamin to wait, for two reasons:[1]
- Firstly, since Nen beasts were the enemy, Benjamin going off on his own as long as he could not see them was dangerous, and Balsamilco mentions the need to significantly alter their escort plans as a result of that.[1]
- The second was the emergency call, which made Nen beasts and Nen itself common knowledge among all Princes and guards, effectively neutralizing their advantage.[1]
- Balsamilco explains that the Hunters all use Nen, have more history with it, and know Nen better than they do, though guarding the Princes is a secondary mission for them and they are ahead in information warfare since the Hunters do not know much about Kakin internal affairs.[1]
Balsamilco explains that because of one Hunter's announcement, the guards and Princes that can use Nen will be on alert, and the surprise factor of their planned Nen Operation Assault is nullified. Benjamin sighs and wonders why the Hunter would have informed the enemy Princes that they had discovered Nen beasts. Balsamilco compliments Benjamin's astuteness in observing that and suggests that it was a deterrent, to encourage a stalemate and avoid confrontation before making landfall to prevent losing power before their true mission to explore the Dark Continent. This coincides with the interests of Woble, the youngest Prince, likely reluctant to enter the battle due to lacking manpower, and likely as a result, the other Hunters have now expressed a desire to proactively share information. Benjamin reasons out that because the low-ranking Princes and the Hunter guards are colluding to drag the battle out, the situation would change depending on how they handle their Nen beasts. Balsamilco concurs, and adds that the unknown factors of the Nen beasts and Hunters' abilities could easily become threats. Balsamilco also adds that the other older Princes may have Nen users among their personal guard, and also adds the possibility that other Princes will seek to learn Nen.[1]
Benjamin ponders for a brief moment to process, and orders Balsamilco to summon all his private soldiers. Balsamilco smiles and acknowledges his superior's orders, while admiring Benjamin's ability to always make sound judgments when readily reasoned with and offered information, despite tending to be misunderstood due to being impulsive and preferring shortcuts. Balsamilco thinks about how Benjamin, being both flexible and stern, is the only one who can lead the still-developing Kakin into becoming a superpower.[1]
Balsamilco and Benjamin stand at opposite ends of a table that his private soldiers stand at the sides of. Benjamin orders his private soldiers to join the guards of his fellow Princes and spy on them for him. The soldiers acknowledge his orders, and Benjamin asks Balsamilco if he could see his Nen beast. Balsamilco sees his Nen beast, a caped figure squatting on his shoulders, and acknowledges he can, describing it as a valiant beast fit for the next king. Benjamin's Guardian Spirit Beast smiles.[1]
Camilla in Benjamin's room
Later that day, Balsamilco eavesdrops during the fight between Bill and Kurapika against Vincent, the royal bodyguard assigned to the 14th Prince Woble. After Vincent's suicide, Balsamilco concludes that Kurapika and Bill have troublesome abilities, though he praises Vincent for taking his own life. To replace Vincent, Balsamilco sends Babimyna.[6] Though Shimano, servant of Woble and her mother 8th Queen Oito was merely guessing, she correctly identified that "Master Sergeant Might" was on the phone instead of Benjamin when a call came from Room 1001 for them after Vincent's death.[2] Right after Kurapika rejects their call, Balsamilco and Benjamin plot on how they should deal with Kurapika with the help of Furykov.[7]
Later, Bill tells Kurapika that besides Camilla and Tyson, ten Princes want to send their guards to attend the Nen classes. Kurapika says that it's more than expected and asks if even Benjamin is sending someone. Bill confirms it and adds that it's more because Balsamilco wants to check up on them.[8]
In the evening on the second day, Camilla decides to personally confront Benjamin. Benjamin's soldiers let Camilla through without resistance. Camilla empties her cartridge at Benjamin, and Balsamilco (standing near Benjamin) is also hit once, but appears unaffected by the shots. Camilla panics after running out of bullets and is imprisoned. In front of her cage, he comments on her foolishness and declines Furykov's offer to watch over her as Secret Window is already in place. He later lifts weights with the First Prince.[4]
The following morning, he listens to the report of one of Benjamin's soldiers, who explains the massive surge of aura coming from Prince Halkenburg's room. He then invites the First Prince to wait before taking any action, insisting that there will be more who, like Camilla, will dig their own graves.[9]
Balsamilco as Benjamin's attorney
Balsamilco acts as Prince Benjamin's attorney during his and Camilla's trial before Cleapatro. He objects to the Second Prince's defender that emptying her gun at the First Prince, who was unarmed and not offering resistance, was excessive, and insists they are not sheltering Musse. The Supreme Magistrate orders that both princes' quarters shall be searched and places them under confinement in the VVIP area. Later, Balsamilco expresses his regret that Camilla was able to avoid imprisonment, but Benjamin replies that thanks to Secret Window, he will know everything she does.[10]
The morning of the following Monday, Balsamilco receives the news that Shikaku killed himself. He shares his suspicion with Benjamin that the soldier was manipulated by someone in Halkenburg's camp, and acknowledges that the prince has become a person of interest. At Benjamin's request, he summons Kanjidol to the room.[11] He and Benjamin also have Rihan moved to Prince Tubeppa's room. Balsamilco tells him to lay low for a while before taking out Halkenburg's Guardian Spirit Beast. He warns Rihan that he might be misinterpreting the Ninth Prince's ability, but cannot say anything more due to the conditions of Predator. As a hint, he reminds him that Shikaku was a Manipulator.[12]
After sharing his recollections, Kanjidol concludes that the rumbling aura is connected to Shikaku's death and that the guard killed himself in return for Halkenburg's camp not using the ability against Benjamin. Balsamilco rejects his second conclusion: Halkenburg's personality would not allow him to kill the younger princes between his room and the VVIP quarters; it would make more sense to request that Shikaku killed someone instead of committing suicide; and, since Guardian Spirit Beasts should be unable to directly attack the host of another, Halkenburg's ability should not enable him to do so. Kanjidol then reconsiders the possibility of Shikaku having been manipulated, but Balsamilco still has doubts, since, as a Manipulator himself, he should have been able to prevent the control. The Master Sergeant orders Kanjidol to return to Room 1007 and figure out why Shikaku was made to kill himself in front of it, which might shed light on the cause of his death.[13]
At 11:30 on the following day Halkenburg's rumbling aura can be felt for the fourth time. Vict, who was assigned to Room 1009, contacts them in a panic, warning them that Halkenburg is invulnerable and his bow is invincible. After screaming, he falls silent. Balsamilco speculates that such a powerful ability requires Halkenburg to be ready to risk his life with every use. He dissuades Benjamin from moving Secret Window from Camilla to Orzny since her unknown ability killed Musse on the spot. To cut Halkenburg off from his underlings and prevent him from using his ability again, Balsamilco has him arrested, although he admits that the circumstantial evidence is not enough to prevent his release. He resolves to make the most of the first hearing.[13]
While alone in an unknown location at 1:30 p.m. on the tenth day of the voyage, Balsamilco kneels onto his left knee and loads a cartridge into a small gap in the side of his right shoe. He clenches his fist, notes that gas was emitted from his shoe, and is happy to see that things were functioning as he intended. He reaches his left hand into a pocket in his uniform and pulls out a small box, pressing a sequence of buttons to get it to open and reveal three vials of TSK-17, a potent pathological weapon. Balsamilco loads a vial of it into his right shoe and looks at the activation button in his left hand, resolving to delete Halkenburg with it.[14]
9th Prince Balsamilco Might[]
At 6:45 a.m. on the eleventh day, Balsamilco turns up at the Tier 2 Ministry of Justice Prosecution and Courthouse Area entrance, where he mentally reviews the location of Halkenburg's guards as he gets checked. Since Halkenburg's closest men are under surveillance in the VVIP area, and the others were separated and reassigned to Tier 3 and below, Balsamilco concludes that Halkenburg does not have anyone beside him to produce the powerful rumbling.[3]
As he walks through the hallways of the Ministry of Justice, he mentally reviews the risks of his plan. He confirms that Halkenburg has no way to escape since he will be close enough to him during cross-examination to guarantee Halkenburg dies from TSK-17. He concludes that the risk of a pandemic is minimal, since despite the fact that the judges and lawyers will be breathing normally, they will be far enough away that the risk of their infection is <2%, and the courtroom itself is closed to the public; if the need arose, martial law would be able to suppress a pandemic.[3]
Balsamilco walks down a narrow corridor but senses something amiss and stops in the middle of the corridor. Ahead of him, he sees a couple of staff members talking to each other at the end of the corridor, and a man using a laptop next to them. He senses someone slowly step into the corridor behind him, and turns around slowly. Balsamilco sees Vict, who had been missing and uncontactable since Halkenburg used his ability on him the day before, staring intently at him. His eyes widen in surprise, and Balsamilco begins to notice a rumbling around him. Balsamilco begins to panic and be confused, unable to understand how the rumbling could be produced since Halkenburg had none of his guards with him. He calls out to Vict, and asks him what happened to him. Vict slowly begins to gesture, and Balsamilco recognizes his use of military sign language, frantically wondering if Vict was being prevented from talking. As the rumbling goes on, Balsamilco sees Vict communicate to him that he had figured out the secret to Halkenburg's ability. The couple at the end of the hallway turn their heads slightly and peer at Balsamilco. Around the corner, Halkenburg aims his bow through the wall at Balsamilco, his ability powered by the civilian supporters beside him. Halkenburg reads the signals from the man on the laptop, makes adjustments to his aim, and releases his bow.[3]
At roughly 7:50 a.m., in his residence in the VVIP area, Benjamin hears over the phone that the trial between Balsamilco and Halkenburg had not started, and that both sides had requested a change to the start time. He asks what the reasons were and begins to worry. Benjamin hears that Balsamilco was unprepared due to equipment issues but the judge had denied his request to change the start time because of this, though the judge had accepted Halkenburg's request to change the start time because Halkenburg himself was feeling ill, and the trial would begin when Halkenburg gets better. Benjamin tries to things out and wonders if Halkenburg's "equipment issues" imply that the mission was not executed. He dismisses this because Halkenburg's ability had gone off first, and concludes that the only reasonable explanation is that it was aimed at Balsamilco. He wonders how Halkenburg was able to use the ability himself, a seemingly-impossible solution, and wonders if they had both attacked each other with Balsamilco charging at Halkenburg to spray him with TSK-17 after noticing Halkenburg's ability, but also dismisses this explanation seeking another reason because it is too early for symptoms of TSK-17 to show. Benjamin turns his focus to answering the question of why Halkenburg fell ill if Balsamilco was the one attacked, and asks for more information on Halkenburg's condition. He hears that Halkenburg had suddenly fallen sick and collapsed on the spot, and was now resting in the sick bay in stable condition with ten or so of his supporters who had come to his aid. Benjamin guesses that Halkenburg can power his ability with supporters of any organization with sufficient loyalty, and hears that Balsamilco wishes to talk with him over the phone.[3]
Benjamin prepares for the call with Balsamilco to be a trap, guessing that Halkenburg's illness is faked and that Balsamilco was attacked and is not talking of his own volition. He deduces that Halkenburg's ability is a coercive manipulation ability and thinks back to Balsamilco's words about manipulation during the incident with Shikaku, but considers that it might not apply against a powerful Nen formed by a unified group working collectively, and wonders what Balsamilco would say to him.[3]
Balsamilco tells Benjamin that he had not yet executed his mission because of the trial being postponed as a result of trouble on Halkenburg's side, before asking Benjamin if he had noticed the rumbling earlier. He explains that a Nen arrow was fired at him but missed, and Halkenburg had lost consciousness on the spot, suggesting that it might have been because Halkenburg used his ability multiple times over a short period or because he used civilians instead of his personal guards. Benjamin deems the explanation possible, but still believes that Halkenburg is faking his illness to postpone the trial. He mentally prepares to institute martial law and purge both Balsamilco and Halkenburg if Balsamilco tries to return without executing his mission, an act that Benjamin considers a coup d'état in collusion with Halkenburg. Balsamilco points out that Halkenburg falling ill and the trial being postponed was their chance, and asks for permission to visit Halkenburg, despite the likely presence of his supporters. Benjamin wonders if Balsamilco would spray Halkenburg with TSK-17 in the sick bay, or pretend to, and use the time to find an opportunity to entrap him, but tells Balsamilco to make the call himself as long has he gets results. Balsamilco acknowledges this and brings up his awareness of the suspicious position he is in as a result of Halkenburg using his ability, then promises not to return until he can demonstrate that his mission is completed. He promises to get Benjamin the results he wants within the day.[3]
The call ends and Benjamin wonders if Balsamilco was telling the truth. He decides to suspect Balsamilco until he confirms that the mission is completed, wary of a trap to bait him into inaction. Benjamin summons Butch and notifies him that the rumbling was an attack on Balsamilco, and that they are on red alert until the truth is discovered. He instructs Butch to let Tiers 2 and 3 know that he will declare martial law if Balsamilco leaves the Justice Bureau without notifying them.[3]
Later that day, Benjamin receives a call from Balsamilco, notifying him that the mission has been completed and that results would be delivered that night as planned. Unbeknownst to him, Halkenburg's soul possesses Balsamilco.[3]
The condition of Halkenburg's body deteriorates and a team rushes him to the Tier 3 general hospital. Halkenburg in Balsamilco's body watches this and notes that Balsamilco's mind in his body would not awaken until he went to sleep in Balsamilco's body, and that the addition of a coma to the symptoms would conveniently delay the stomach flu diagnosis. "Balsamilco" thinks about getting his mother to refuse an autopsy, which would officially classify his "death" as unexplained organ failure. "Balsamilco" reports that Halkenburg has vomited and was taken to the hospital in a call to Benjamin. He adds that his mission would be complete in about 12 hours. Benjamin compliments his work and lets him know that he will send the royal and military medical teams there, and instructs "Balsamilco" to monitor progress.[15]
In Balsamilco's body, Halkenburg reviews his ability and his plan. Though the probability that he was the one chosen to swap with Balsamilco was low, he had prepared for it and had experimented with Vict in advance. Right after Halkenburg's body dies, Balsamilco's mind will return to his body and force Halkenburg's mind to sleep. In anticipation of this, Halkenburg plans to have Balsamilco's body take a sleeping pill right before Halkenburg's body dies, allowing him to control Balsamilco for roughly ten hours after his own body's death.[15]
In the wee hours of the twelfth day, Halkenburg's body dies, and "Balsamilco" calls Benjamin to report this. He lets Benjamin know that Halkenburg's last wishes were a ship-wide announcement, a send-off by his supporters, and his personal guards to be his pallbearers and transport his casket, which would be transferred at noon that day from Tier 3 to Tier 2 via the central staircase then to the morgue in Tier 1, and asks Benjamin for orders on how to proceed. Benjamin instructs "Balsamilco" to do as Halkenburg wished as it would show they honored his wishes, even if they don't outright say they were his wishes. He tells Balsamilco that everything should be done solemnly and with dignity so that his supporters' sorrow does not turn into anger, and instructs him to notify "Judge Clea" that they would drop all charges so that his guards can join him at once. "Balsamilco" acknowledge his orders and tells Benjamin that he would discuss funeral plans and the autopsy once Halkenburg's body and the medical team arrived, and monitor the process. He lets Benajmin know that he would return at the same time as Halkenburg's body. Benjamin reminds him to make sure the matter is handled respectfully, and congratulates him on a job well done. "Balsamilco" thanks Benjamin.[15]
Equipment[]
TSK-17: Balsamilco has a box containing three vials of TSK-17, and has loaded at least one vial into a device in his shoe that can spray the contents of the vial with the press of a button.[14]
Abilities & Powers[]
Balsamilco has authority over the rest of Benjamin's bodyguards and men. He appears to have received military training. He has shown excellent analytical abilities when he expounded to Benjamin the consequences and possible implications of Kurapika's announcement[1] and of Shikaku's ostensible suicide.[13] He has also proven to be capable of defending his prince in a court of law.[10]
Nen[]
Balsamilco is a Nen user.[1] He has demonstrated sufficient proficiency in Nen to guard against bullets that Camilla shot at him using Ken.[4] He has enough theoretical knowledge on the subject to know of the "first come, first served" rule of Manipulation, which, according to him, not many are aware of. He could also translate the volume of aura released by Halkenburg into an estimation of the power of his Nen ability, and was able to determine that it was granted to him by his Guardian Spirit Beast, as well as that said Nen beasts are unable to attack each other or the host of one.[13] He, however, believes himself to be less knowledgeable than Hunters in the field.[1]
Manga Appearances[]
| 340. Special Mission | Absent |
| 341. Threats | Absent |
| 342. Challenge | Absent |
| 343. Invitation | Absent |
| 344. Author | Absent |
| 345. Signature | Absent |
| 346. Options | Absent |
| 347. Inauguration | Absent |
| 348. Resolve | Absent |
| 349. Worm Toxin | Absent |
| 350. Prince | Absent |
| 351. Battle to the Death | Absent |
| 352. Troublesome | Absent |
| 353. Cold-Blooded | Absent |
| 354. Heat | Absent |
| 355. Detonation | Absent |
| 356. Unfortunate: Part 1 | Absent |
| 357. Unfortunate: Part 2 | Absent |
| 358. Eve | Debut |
| 359. Departure | Absent |
| 360. Parasite | Absent |
| 361. Withdraw | Absent |
| 362. Resolve | Absent |
| 363. Nen Beast | Appears |
| 364. Speculation | Appears |
| 365. Choice | Appears |
| 366. To Each His Own | Appears |
| 367. Synchronization | Absent |
| 368. Foul Play | Mentioned |
| 369. Limits | Absent |
| 370. Observation | Absent |
| 371. Mission | Absent |
| 372. Disappearance | Absent |
| 373. Inheritance | Appears |
| 374. Ability | Absent |
| 375. Persuasion | Appears |
| 376. Determination | Appears |
| 377. Scheme | Absent |
| 378. Balance | Absent |
| 379. Collaboration | Absent |
| 380. Alarm | Absent |
| 381. Predation | Absent |
| 382. Awakening | Absent |
| 383. Escape | Absent |
| 384. War | Absent |
| 385. Warning | Absent |
| 386. Hypothesis | Appears |
| 387. Recreation | Absent |
| 388. Reflection | Appears |
| 389. Curse | Appears |
| 390. Clash: Part 1 | Absent |
| 391. Clash: Part 2 | Absent |
| 392. Information | Absent |
| 393. Plea | Absent |
| 394. Hypothesis | Absent |
| 395. Founding: Part 1 | Absent |
| 396. Founding: Part 2 | Absent |
| 397. Founding: Part 3 | Absent |
| 398. Search | Absent |
| 399. Expulsion | Absent |
| 400. Secrecy | Absent |
| 401. Moonlight | Absent |
| 402. Letter | Appears |
| 403. Results | Appears |
| 404. Speculation | Impersonated |
| 405. Performance | Absent |
| 406. Regalia | Absent |
| 407. Negotiation | Absent |
| 408. Negotiation: Part 2 | Absent |
| 409. Negotiation: Part 3 | Absent |
| 410. Negotiation: Part 4 | Mentioned |
Battles[]
| Battles |
|---|
Trivia[]
- "Balsamico" is Italian for "balsamic". It is also a dark-colored vinegar.
Translations around the World[]
| Language | Name | |
|---|---|---|
 Arabic
|
بالساميلكو مايت | |
 Chinese
|
巴路沙米路可•麥特 | |
References[]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 363
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 365
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Hunter × Hunter, Chapter 403
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 373
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 34, Chapter 358
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 364
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 366
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 368
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 375
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 376
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 386
- ↑ Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 388
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 389
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Hunter × Hunter, Chapter 402
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Hunter × Hunter, Chapter 404
[]
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