Chapter 13

A Game at Midnight: Part 1 (真(ま)夜(よ)中(なか)()()()()()()()のゲーム①, Mayonaka no Gēmu (Ichi)) is the 13^th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Synopsis[]

Aboard the airship at night, Netero introduces himself to the 42 remaining examinees, explaining that he is the chairman of the selection committee for the year's Hunter Exam and that he will happily accompany them during the trip. Also present, the small official tells them that they will reach their destination at 8 a.m. the next day and that they can relax until then. While Gon and Killua eagerly run off to explore the airship, Leorio and Kurapika are both ready to rest after the long, exhausting day. Kurapika then wonders how many phases are left, and as Leorio mentions that they still don't know, Tonpa arrives to say that it changes every year depending on the examiners and tests involved, adding that it has averaged five or six phases during his attempts.

Leorio realizes that the exam isn't even halfway done, and Kurapika adds that they really need to get rest. However, Tonpa warns them that the airship may be the site of the Third Phase and that it could possibly start at any moment, telling them not to let their guard down if they want to pass. With Leorio and Kurapika left giving each other a look, Tonpa walks away chuckling to himself and hopes that they become too nervous to sleep. As the examinees are seen eating food and resting, the three examiners are eating at the same table and wonder how many examinees will pass. Buhara mentions that it depends on what the subsequent phases are, and Menchi adds that she noted a few examinees with powerful auras. She then asks Satotz what he thinks, and he replies that he is impressed by the current rookies.

Menchi quickly agrees with his assessment and praises Hanzo in particular, adding that he also knew sushi. Satotz says that his favorite so far is Killua, but Menchi calls him obnoxious and guesses that his blood type is B. When asked what he thinks, Buhara says that he believes Hisoka has the best chance, even though he isn't a rookie. He also points out the bloodlust shown by Hisoka when Todo was upset during the Second Phase. Menchi replies that she noticed it as well and that he could barely contain it, adding that he seems to be putting it out there as a subtle threat to the examiners. She continues by describing it as a constant undercurrent of provocation and says that it's one of the reasons why she was on edge.

Satotz agrees with Menchi's assessment and says that they definitely need to keep an eye on Hisoka since his talent is in the same league as their own. Satotz continues his analysis and says that while Hunters all seek the hunt that fulfills their desires, Hisoka is an anomaly that appears occasionally, explaining that the exam is only one way he seeks satisfaction and that he would do the opposite of what they would deem wise. In a corner of the airship, Hisoka is seen to have built a tower of playing cards before deliberately knocking it down. He seems to feel pleasure from the moment and chuckles out loud, causing the nearby examinees to stay clear of him.

Looking out a window on the airship, Killua energetically points to the bright city below and describes it as a web of jewels. Gon asks about Killua's parents, but before he can finish the question, Killua guesses that he plans to ask if they're alive, replying that he's pretty sure they are. Gon then asks what they do for a living, and Killua nonchalantly replies with mass murder. Instead of appearing surprised, Gon simply asks if both his parents are mass murderers, causing Killua to laugh and pretend that it was all a joke. However, Gon is sure that he was telling the truth, and Killua is again left surprised by Gon's intuition, noting that his "cute kid" act is about making people wonder whether he's being serious or not.

Killua then reveals that every member of his family is an assassin and that while his parents have focused on his extraordinary potential, he doesn't think he should have to live up to their expectations. He explains that they got upset when he told them that he would decide his own future, causing his mother to cry and tell him that he was throwing his life away. He then reveals that he slashed his mother in the face and stabbed his older brother in the side before running away from home, joyously adding that he plans to hunt them all down and collect the bounties after he gets a Hunter License.

Netero spots the two boys talking and widens his eyes, causing both to turn around and leaving them confused when they find no one there. However, Netero suddenly appears behind them and asks what's going on. Gon points in the other direction and asks Netero if he saw anyone down the hallway, but Killua realizes Netero's trick and calls him fast. Netero replies that he was just off on a stroll, but Killua becomes annoyed at his game and wonders if he's trying to kill time before the final phase. Netero clarifies that he's just passing the time and asks the two youngest rookies what they think of the exam so far. Gon says that it's fun because it has action and no written test, but Killua calls it disappointing and says that he hoped it would be more challenging, asking if there are any on the way. Netero gives a nonanswer, and Killua realizes that it most likely means no, telling Gon that it's time for them to leave. However, Netero quickly gets their attention and asks if they want to play a game, revealing that he will issue both of them licenses if they are able to beat him two against one.

In a new room, Netero has taken off his jacket and is seen wearing a black tank top as he holds a ball in his hand. He explains to Gon and Killua that they simply need to take the ball away from him before the airship arrives at its destination, adding that they can use any tactics they want and he will only be defensive. Killua offers to try first and suddenly creates multiple images of himself that walk around Netero, leaving both him and Gon surprised. Impressed that Killua knows it at such a young age, Netero recognizes it as "Rhythm Echo", which is stated to be an assassination art used to entrance an enemy with afterimages. With Gon still left confused by the technique, the real Killua suddenly leaps forward from the group and tries to grab the ball multiple times, but Netero expertly dodges his attempts as he balances the ball on various parts of his body.

After being left in disbelief by how quick Netero is and noting that he can't even touch his body, Killua decides to perform a leg strike to undercut him, swinging his leg to strike the shin on Netero's pivot leg. Although Killua expects it to be successful, Netero is left unfazed while Killua suddenly feels the pain in his own leg, with Netero telling himself that it would have shattered a normal leg. Killua tells Gon that it felt like hitting an iron post, and the two then swap places. Gon quickly stretches and then darts toward Netero, who is impressed by Gon's speed but notes that he is charging forward too foolishly. Gon suddenly leaps up into the air right in front of Netero, leaving him surprised, but jumps too high and hits his head on the ceiling. Killua tells him that he needs to gauge the distance better and points out that he had Netero off guard, with Netero nervously confirming the observation to himself. The Chairman then adds that while Gon may seem mature, he has a sound mind and may be a viable playmate. Elsewhere on the airship, Tonpa finds Leorio and Kurapika sleeping soundly beside each other, disappointed that they ignored his fake warning.

Characters in Order of Appearance[]

Translations around the World[]

Language		Name
Brazilian Portuguese		Um Jogo à Meia-Noite (1)

Navigation[]

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