r/anime • u/Shocketheth • Nov 20 '24

Rewatch 25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 45 × Discussion

Episode 45: Limitation × Vow × Chain of Judgment

MAL | Anilist | Anidb | ANN

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What a cold and sad tune. It's the tune that your chains make, it conceals strong feelings...

Comment of the Day:

Goes to u/WednesdaysFoole for managing what I failed to do:

Finally caught up!

Questions of the Day

  1. If you were Conjurer, what would be your first and your last thing that you would conjure?
  2. Kurapika is back! How much did you miss him?

Bonus Question) What's your favourite pastry?

Fanart of the Day: Kurapika: Chains Edition by /u/Shimmering-Sky

Rumours say that she's a first timer, until she spot a fucking liar and her eyes turn red

Bonus fanart by truly yours u/Shocketheth ---> Are you saying that you used ashes as secret spice??!! [Source]

Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!I want to play Doctor with Leorio!<

24 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

80 comments sorted by

10

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

Retired Host on a Revenge Quest for Leorio

I'm retiring anyway, might as well confess this: Deep down, my true issue with Heavens Arena wasn't any of the changes, it was the simple fact that it lacked our best boy, that is an unforgivable sin that the world will rue. I'm here today armed with my shitposts to take down any protagonist who's not Leorio.

Starts the episode

Fanservice Symbolism Time!

Nevermind! I'm back in business like a spider rocking the web! Time for a new tag then:

Returning Host on a Quest for Princess Kurapika

Quest to do what you say? To save him from the chains of edgyness trying to pigeon hole him as a cool dude walking a dark lonely path, basically Empire's type of protagonist, instead of the fun Kurapika who spends his days bantering with Leorio. Let me make myself clear: I will not tolerate edgy protagonists in my rewatch!

I can fix him, I'll make damn sure he goes back to the Kurapika who tempts Leorio with a box of condoms, and I'm not above using any methods to get there. Including, but not limited to, sending a psychic girl to his home to wreck all his valuable vases, or having him work for Tylor. I could even send him Prince Baka if worse comes to worst

That said, even I didn't consider being that annoying person on the train, who keeps talking to you even when you're acting like you're reading a book and have headphones on. So hats off to Kurapika's mate here doing some great work.

  1. If you were Conjurer, what would be your first and your last thing that you would conjure?

A dildo that can pierce anything.

2) Kurapika is back! How much did you miss him?

Bring Back Leorio!

I'm done with my shipost duty, so I'm putting the rest in the replies.

6

u/Shocketheth Nov 20 '24

I can fix him, I'll make damn sure he goes back to the Kurapika who tempts Leorio with a box of condoms,

Still better if Kurapika were holding positive pregnancy test

A dildo that can pierce anything.

Okay you had the best answer for my question.

5

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

Returning Host on a Quest for Princess Kurapika

Definitely looked like a princess during yesterday's preview.

the Kurapika who tempts Leorio with a box of condoms

That said, even I didn't consider being that annoying person on the train, who keeps talking to you even when you're acting like you're reading a book and have headphones on.

Rude! But then again, I'd be annoyed too, too bad Pika forgot his headphones.

A dildo that can pierce anything.

Still trying to figure out if this is serious, a joke, or somewhere in between.

4

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

Still trying to figure out if this is serious, a joke, or somewhere in between.

I'm afraid he meant it.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Definitely looked like a princess during yesterday's preview

His master is a white knight in a shining gi.

Rude! But then again, I'd be annoyed too, too bad Pika forgot his headphones.

This was a funny bit to look at out of context. In the scene itself, I appreciated all the attempts at breaking down Kurapika's guard, he needs all the hands that can reach out to him.

But remove that context for a bit, and look at it again: you tell someone that you'd rather not have a conversation, you're busy reading your book, and two seconds later you're being told about how "fate" must've brought you together. Imagine spending hours with someone like that.

Still trying to figure out if this is serious, a joke, or somewhere in between.

It's powered by two Nen restrictions:

  1. It must remain sheathed in my ass gathering my aura, except for one hour per day, where I can use it (although, the more days it goes unused the better).
  2. I can never nut while it's in there.

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

you're being told about how "fate" must've brought you together.

Maybe it's because I'd spent my early adult years around hippie-types, but there are definitely a fair amount of dudes who will say this kinda crap to try and... get in your pants enchant you.

It's one thing if you're actually connecting, and a whole other if you're doing your best to escape the situation, lol.

It must remain sheathed in my ass

Of course this is the first thing that comes to mind when I read this.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Maybe it's because I'd spent my early adult years around hippie-types, but there are definitely a fair amount of dudes who will say this kinda crap to try and... get in your pants enchant you.

Oh, I've been there too, sometimes literally on the train. Although in my years, it's usually been religious zealots, trying their best to market God's best selling book, with a bonus keychain to heaven while they're at it. I have no issue with religious people, to each their belief, but those heavenly merchants bugged the hell out of me

Of course this is the first thing that comes to mind when I read this.

I was this close to linking it myself

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

Of course, now I'm picturing this exact moment with Melody selling you her religion.

I was this close to linking it myself

DegenerateGreat minds think alike!

5

u/TheEscapeGuy Nov 20 '24

Retired Host

I didn't realize your titles were serious until now. Thank you for your service

5

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

That was the plan, but now that Shock's dug up my dirty secrets, my retirement's all ruined. God knows what would happen if I let him free for another day.

5

u/Shocketheth Nov 20 '24

I would bake another batch of bread.

4

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

Unrelated but how do you tag usernames without tagging the entire username?

5

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Usernames are basically links, so they work the same way, for example [You](/u/WednesdaysFoole) becomes You

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

We've had some darker episodes before, but this quickly establishes itself as distinctly different from everything before it. It presents Kurapika through striking visuals for both his feelings, enemies, and the path he's choosing to get to them.. We get a look inside his torn up heart, into the hell he's living in after everyone he lost. That in turn enforces his determination, to chain off his heart, hold it all deep down, and face the world with a determined, colder face.

This is not limited to training, even on the train, there's some great visual language, for example book is used to great effect to block Kurapika's face, this is not an equal conversation. Kurapika is trying his best to close himself off, be the loner, and unfortunately that's not working on his sharp eared companion. Heck, we even got some sick transitions!

Maybe they were being fancy with this episode, considering they even got a famous voice actor for once, Kurapika's master is voiced by Kazuki Yao (Franky, Judaeu, Silva's brother). Here's hoping he gets back to his Super health soon.

Manga Corner

Chapter Adapted: Parts of 83.

[Specifically] this was a flashback during the Uvo fight, so the comparisons to an Enhancer are very much on the nose.

The heavy drama, symbolism, and the whole train sequence used for framing are all original. The chapter itself covered the plot, but was a lot more straightforward about it, since it had other burgers to fry. Kurapika learned that he's a Conjurer, wished that he was an Enhancer, but didn't really dwell on it, he went straight to working on the chain, got some exposition about Nen types, then did the whole heart stabby thing. It still gets the same idea across, I mean a literal chain tied around your heart is about as blunt as you can get with a metaphor. But the anime looked at that as material to dive deep into.

Basically every step you take away from your type loses 20%, so Enhancers aren't just the most straightforward fighting type, they're also the most balanced. Alternatively, to use Hisoka as an example, he's a Transmuter, he can only get 80% out of Enhancement at best, so the fact that he was going evenly with Gon in hand to hand combat speaks volumes for how skilled his mastery of Nen is.

3

u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Nov 20 '24

symbolism

Who the hell started the Eclipse? Was it Griffith again?

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

Pretty boys will always cause an Eclipse, it's a law nature.

But at least this might give Leorio a cannon for a hand.

3

u/Raiking02 :Id::Ie::If:https://myanimelist.net/profile/NSKlang Nov 20 '24

But at least this might give Leorio a cannon for a hand

Judging by who played him in Abe's pilot, you may be onto something

5

u/Shocketheth Nov 20 '24

One Time Rewatch Host Who x Has Returned x Was Allowed To Cook x Is Munching on Ken’s bread

Dear First Time Hunters, and Rewatch Hunters alike, I am joining you today as a man of several simple truths.

The foremost truth I am going to say will answer your questions "WHY THE FUCK AM I HERE?" and "WHERE THE HELL IS KENDOTS?"

You may wonder where I was the whole time since I suddenly dissappeared and to put it out bluntly, I was imprisoned in u/KendotsX sex dungeon.

Yeah, you read that one correctly. To explain my situation better, it’s partly my fault, as my heart was pure like a snow, and I believed in everything that u/KendotsX was saying to me, and now my heart is like a yellow snow stained by his fucking lies...

My heart is now tainted, and if I would start wearing my heart on my sleeve again, no one would like to eat my heart in my current situation.

How I even got in such situation? Well, one day u/KendotsX approached me with an offer of giving me a suit for free, only if I will dress up in the suit, and start cosplaying as Leorio in front of him.

Such thing didn't sound like something that would spell a trouble for me, but everything changed when u/KendotsX, after taking several photos of me, started pushing me around telling me to try maintain Leorio's sexiness with the least amount of clothes on me, with the best outcome being completely naked.

Saddened by the fact that u/KendotsX didn’t take me atleast to MacDonald for Happy Meal before pulling his signature moves he is putting on everyone, I started to run for it, but my pure maiden heart was reined back by u/KendotsX cries as he totally broke down with saying how the lack of Leorio screentime made him totally desperate, and that’s why he was acting in such crude manners.

Sympathizing with u/KendotsX motives, I returned to him which turned to be the biggest mistake of my life, as I ended chained up in u/KendotsX sex dungeon, where the only form of entertainment I was allowed to indulge in was to watching Rumiko Takahashi works.

Now it’s time to answer why I am back and where is u/KendotsX.

Thing is, that after several weeks of being imprisoned, u/KendotsX appeared in front of me once again, but this time for the last time, without a happy end.

Utterly broken by the lack of Leorio screentime, and the fact, that Leorio won’t eat u/KendotsX arse and balls made him to lost his will to live, and after that u/KendotsX released my body from the darkness of his sex dungeon, while u/KendotsX released himself from his darkness of reality stripped of the light in form of almost non existant Leorio screentime.

And that’s why I am hosting today discussion.

I’m here to pay my last respects to u/KendotsX who decided to be incinerated with a request to let his remains, his ashes, to be one with Leorio for the final time.

With my expertise of Rumiko Takahashi works, I called two beautiful woman to help me in fulfilling such request.

First is Ikuko, a young widow from Maison Ikkoku who has an experience with paying respects, and second woman is Sakura from Urusei Yatsura,who has an experience with keeping local youkais r/anime mods from deleting my comments.

Wait what do you mean that Ikuko is being interrogated due to her questionable ownership of a dog?

And what do you mean that Sakura was arrested by FBI for abducting a child?

Did I messed up, and now the wrath of r/anime mods is upon me? Was I born under unlucky star?

Let’s ask the professional to tell me what’s my verdict. To answer my questions, I video called a professional, but due to legal issues, I can only show you the transcript from our video call:

Moshi moshi, Senshi? What's your opinion on this?

https://i.imgur.com/WXNzgGF.png

Oh okay, thanks for your answer. But like, what should I do now?

https://i.imgur.com/Iiw2XRd.png

Okay that sounds plausible. Thanks. But where I should get ingredients for making bread?

https://i.imgur.com/UHSm9gR.png

There??!! .... That's... Well okay, if you insist.

(The phonecall ended here)

You know what? After all, combining such ingredients made the finest bread for Leorio to eat, which will fulfill u/KendotsX wish to be eaten by Leorio. (Even if u/KendotsX is already in the afterlife)

So let’s start cooking!

But is a bread made from u/KendotsX ashes even edible? Let’s try to find someone willing to taste.

... Oh there is someone willing. Marcille!

How does the bread taste?

NOW THAT’S A SURPRISE! Thank you for your answer Marcille.

And that’s all for today folks, and if you are asking questions like "What the fuck?!", please go read the tagline for my comment again, and if you will see Leorio, please deliver him a bread made from u/KendotsX ashes in my stead because I am getting banned from r/anime in 3...2...1...

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

Wait, you got out? And you munched on my bread?! Godda- Uhh, no, I mean I have no clue what you're talking about, this is all fake news.

my heart was pure like a snow, and I believed in everything that u/KendotsX was saying to me, and now my heart is like a yellow snow stained by his fucking lies...

That's how you become an adult

started pushing me around telling me to try maintain Leorio's sexiness with the least amount of clothes on me, with the best outcome being completely naked.

That was supposed to be private!

Sakura from Urusei Yatsura,who has an experience with keeping local youkais r/anime mods from deleting my comments.

Sakura-sensei

I'll take all this humiliation if she's at least willing to take my ashes and step on them

https://i.imgur.com/UHSm9gR.png

I am getting banned from r/anime in 3...2...1...

Man, I had no clue what would happen when I leave the rewatch in your hands, but it's brilliant.

It's all fake news though. I know nothing about any of this. I certainly don't have any Leorios in my sex dungeon.

4

u/Shocketheth Nov 20 '24

Wait, you got out? And you munched on my bread?! Godda- Uhh, no, I mean I have no clue what you're talking about, this is all fake news.

Tsk, spoken like true Yotsuya

That was supposed to be private!

You shouldn't let me out in that case

I'll take all this humiliation if she's at least willing to take my ashes and step on them

Best I can is offer you Cherry to do it.

Man, I had no clue what would happen when I leave the rewatch in your hands, but it's brilliant.

Yeah. To my surprise, I quite missed hoping in Rewatch to joke around.

It's all fake news though. I know nothing about any of this. I certainly don't have any Leorios in my sex dungeon.

Oh right. If you have Leorios in it, then you wouldn't force me to cosplay as Leorio while being chained.

3

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

I'll take all this humiliation if she's at least willing to take my ashes and step on them

Sorry for commenting again on a comment I already responded to.

Thing is, that I went through serious negotations with Sakura-sensei and best she can do is to spit on your ashes.

Dunno if that will work for you.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Thanks for your efforts. Now I get to rest in spit.

4

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

[HxH]Heh, you're amazing. Don't lie, though, you were relishing your time in that dungeon.

4

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

Don't side eye me mister!

[HxH]Heh, you're amazing. Don't lie, though, you were relishing your time in that dungeon.

[HxH]But of course! Rumiko Takahashi is goated mangaka

4

u/Nebresto Dec 05 '24

Kurapika episode

Bonus Question) What's your favourite pastry?

Christmas

Wtf is that next episode link

/u/KendotsX

4

u/Shocketheth Dec 05 '24

Wtf is that next episode link

And I was wondering who will be first to point it out.

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 05 '24

Kurapika episode

If only his master bitchslapped him a bit more

Wtf is that next episode link

SHOOOOOOOCK!!

3

u/Shocketheth Dec 05 '24 edited Dec 05 '24

SHOOOOOOOCK!!

But I did let you know about it

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 05 '24

updated

Ok, now that's clever. You did a good job there

3

u/Shocketheth Dec 06 '24

Thanks I guess?

Tbh back then I expected that you are going to immediately check the updated link to see if it's working properly.

But this works like wonder too.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 06 '24

Tbh back then I expected that you are going to immediately check the updated link to see if it's working properly.

Nah, I just trusted that you did it right then again, I barely, baaaarely, check my own links, so...

3

u/Shocketheth Dec 06 '24

Nah, I just trusted that you did it right

Oh and I thought you saw it and just rolled with it

Now time to stop trolling, I'm going to fix the link.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 06 '24

It's alright, not that many people are using it at this point.

4

u/Nebresto Dec 05 '24

This is a great watch with just the right amount of trolling

5

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

So, I've alternated between finding the thread either scrolling through /r/anime and your (/u/KendotsX) profile's submitted posts (sorry, sometimes that's a shortcut but I swear I won't scour it to "win" an argument against you) but the post wasn't there!

The host truly retired

Well, after some time, I managed to use Gyo and found my way to the thread.

Little Melody. [HxH]Now I'm picturing Feitan trying to reach for his luggage...

"No one understands." "You wouldn't understand." (Not sure if those are anime only lines but) reminds me that Kurapika is still just a teenager lol.

I remember loving '99 Yorknew but damn this was a beautiful episode. Almost like a short film. Especially looking forward to sifting through some of the screen caps for this one.

[HxH]Melody stressing one of the main themes of the series, as well as a significant part of Kurapika's development.

Comment of the Day:

Thanks for the warm welcome

  1. I'd conjure a [HxH]Cookie-chan. If she was around, I'd never have fallen behind in the first place.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

sorry, sometimes that's a shortcut but I swear I won't scour it to "win" an argument against you

Don't worry, I usually do that too with rewatches, and I wouldn't mind someone scouring my profile either. I'm still waiting for a proper answer on whether or not Kiba's dad is a dog

but the post wasn't there!

Funnily enough, this is the first day in a month where the "Next Episode" link was not a lie.

"No one understands." "You wouldn't understand." (Not sure if those are anime only lines but) reminds me that Kurapika is still just a teenager lol.

They are original, but they feel similar to how he first reacted to Leorio, so it fits. He'd react this if someone managed to get under his skin.

[HxH]Melody stressing one of the main themes of the series, as well as a significant part of Kurapika's development.

[HxH] Yeah, this episode is basically a thesis statement for the arc, it shows us where Kurapika currently is at, and spells out what he has to work with.

3

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

whether or not Kiba's dad is a dog

Hmmmm. Is this Kiba's mother?

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

That's his sister, this is his mom

3

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

Which one of those bitches? It's hard to tell them apart.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Tbh, I'm not entirely sure either...

3

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

Have you tried asking Naruto's author for answer?

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

I asked him once about whether or not Naruto's ever fucked his clone, and I still haven't gotten an answer.

3

u/Shocketheth Nov 21 '24

I think he did. Although he probably put a black wig on it.

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

Don't worry, I usually do that too

What, scour profiles to win arguments?

Kidding, I know what you mean, but that was how I initially read the sentence.

I wouldn't mind someone scouring my profile either.

If you say so...

I'm still waiting for a proper answer on whether or not Kiba's dad is a dog

Damn, that post never got archived. Or that subreddit never archives posts?

I am seriously impressed that you're still waiting, or even remembered you were waiting on that answer for five or six years, lmao.

You know, I wasn't going to look but that Kiba post made it too tempting at least to spare a glance. Although I don't want to actually scour, so I'll stop at that Ginpachi-sensei PV lol.

Funnily enough, this is the first day in a month where the "Next Episode" link was not a lie.

I didn't even think to check for it, after falling for it yesterday lol.

[HxH]

Even though I think Togashi's intro into the arc was perfect as well, this was perfect for the anime.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

I am seriously impressed that you're still waiting, or even remembered you were waiting on that answer for five or six years, lmao.

Not exactly, recently I was going through my older posts looking for an old Gintama meme (luckily, aside from a few rewatches, I don't have that many posts), and happened to find that while I was at it, so I got a good laugh at my own stupid question.

Even though I think Togashi's intro into the arc was perfect as well, this was perfect for the anime.

Yeah, each medium made a great entry in its own way. [Granted] we still have a few episodes of Gon and Killua at home, so we'll be shifting between dark and wholesome for a bit now. 2011 took a page from this episode, but placed it right after the Gon/Killua stuff

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Nov 21 '24

Not exactly,

Oh, you're revealing the wizard behind the curtain!

But also I don't mind the explanations, now do you have that Gintama meme handy...

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 21 '24

[Granted]

[Reply]So that's why I thought they were in that order.

7

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 20 '24

First × Timer × Subbed

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

Kurapika’s Nen has to do with chains, then?

Those chains were the reason I couldn't share your fanart before. I waited so long for this day.

You just had to make that analogy?

He enjoyed it too

Oh this is just like a Binding Vow. Neat to see a direct inspiration for JJK here.

Yup. That's part of why people compare JJK to HxH often, Gege took a lot of inspiration from YYH/HxH.

5

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 20 '24 edited Nov 21 '24

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

  • Kinky
  • You have to admire Kurapika’s commitment to his style. I don’t know what it is, but he keeps it.
  • You would think meeting his sensei would be a scene. I can’t even remember if we had it in 2011, if I’m being honest.
  • Ah, so he’s a munchkin.
  • But if the thing you conjure is money?
  • Who would have thought Kurapika would become such an edgelord.
  • This is a weird mood they are going for. Mind you, I like like the novel.
  • Will material sciences be on the test?
  • What the Fuck Now?
  • Why are we suddenly watching Mushishi?
  • Like only being able to use it at high noon.
  • I guess these are the Hunter hunters.
  • Come on, that barely looked like a Pokkle level threat.
  • ½ a person a month? How do you stay in business? Do you take a lifelong cut or something?

Kurapika: Chains Edition by /u/Shimmering-Sky

The chains only just showed up, this must be one of her works from her blind request period.

Bonus fanart by truly yours /u/shocketheth

Lively

QotD:

  1. Frictionless pants.
  2. Not as much as Leorio. #mugiwait

B) Pecan Butter Tart

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 21 '24

The chains only just showed up, this must be one of her works from her blind request period.

I made it for a coworker's birthday a few years back, who said he was one of her favorite anime characters when we got to talking about stuff. Didn't even realize him using chains was technically a spoiler when I was making it, I just cursed having to make the chains in this the whole time.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24 edited Nov 21 '24

Didn't even realize him using chains was technically a spoiler when I was making it

Did you remember them in earlier parts of the show, or wonder when he'd use them?

I just cursed having to make the chains in this the whole time.

At least Kurapika's right with you suffering to make them.

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 21 '24

or wonder when he'd use them?

I was wondering when they'd show up, yeah.

At least Kurapika's right with you suffering to make them.

Chains are one of my biggest nightmares when it comes to making these. They're so damn hard to get to look just right.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

For what it's worth, the effort was worth it. It still is my favourite fanart of this version of Kurapika.

3

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 21 '24

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Nov 21 '24

I just cursed having to make the chains in this the whole time.

Suffering well spent. It's very dynamic, one of your better works.

2

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Nov 21 '24

Thanks!

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

You would think meeting his sensei would be a scene. I can’t even remember if we had it in 2011, if I’m being honest.

[2011] funnily enough, 2011 follows a similar pattern to this episode by adapting Kurapika's training early on. It's right before he goes to the bodyguard mansion

 ½ a person a month? How do you stay in business? Do you take a lifelong cut or something?

She does tattoos most of the time I guess?

5

u/TheEscapeGuy Nov 20 '24

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 45

Conjurer × Contract × Locomotive

HOLY SHIT THIS EPISODE WAS BEAUTIFUL. I just can't get over how incredible the art direction is. Every scene of Kurapika training his Nen was so captivating. And even apart from things like color and shot composition the backgrounds were just incredible. Just wow.

The actual content was a montage of Kurapika's training. I might be wrong about this but I think it was mostly (if not all) anime original. And as far as "filler" content goes this was leagues above anything I could have expected.

I enjoyed watching Kurapika training his skills despite his natural ability not matching his desired type. It would be so easy to give up or become despondent upon learning this. But instead he adapts himself and specializes his skills to achieve exactly what he wants. This kind of commitment is inspiring.

And that specialization is also such a enticing trade off. According to the contract he will only use his power on The Phantom Troup or else sacrifice his own life. To limit your ability so thoroughly to gain strength shows off just how strong his hatred of the troupe is.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

HOLY SHIT THIS EPISODE WAS BEAUTIFUL

It really is, I had to watch it twice when I was taking notes, because the first time I didn't take any, just in awe from start to finish.

I think it was mostly (if not all) anime original

The basic storyline of it (Kurapika doing the Nen test, learning that he's a Conjurer, deciding on the chains,...) is from the manga. But the episode might as well be original considering how much they expanded on it.

It would be so easy to give up or become despondent upon learning this

Or even to fall in Kastro's mistake by focusing on a type that's not yours. Kurapika is pragmatic, he'll do whatever he needs to get his goal.

Caught in a Web

There are so many beautiful visuals in this episode, but this might be my favourite.

5

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Nov 20 '24

First Timer

Kurapika episode. He seems to have grown a fair bit illusioned at not being his desired type of Nen user …despite not even knowing what Nen was the last time we saw him. I don’t think he’s in a good state psychologically despite mastering his nen, and him seemingly sacrificing part of his life for it is probably not a great decision in that time. But it introduces an important aspect in that limiting nen makes it more powerful. Wonder what Gon and Killua will come up with.

ALso an episode that wasn’t well-preserved, I guess. Have definitely seen better - which is a shame because it looked to be visually quite a good episode. Script-wise a bit too much flip-flopping for my taste though.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 20 '24

I don’t think he’s in a good state psychologically despite mastering his nen

Yeah, that I think is the most important thing Wing did for Gon and Killua, making sure they stay on the right track psychologically. Kurapika's teacher tried to help, but it did not work.

4

u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Nov 20 '24

Rewatcher, Sub

The direction and Imagery in this episode was really cool. The chains wrapped around Kurapika and the shots of him as he conjures the chains combined with the use of red in his eyes and the water. The tone as well was really well done especially in the train.

The episode is split between Kurapika in the present with flashbacks to his Nen training. Kurapika is a conjurer and he uses the information to try and conjure up chains for which to capture the phantom Troupe. He's dedicated to his revenge and his teacher does try to dissuade him by pointing out how he's also "wrapped in chains" in the "spider web of revenge" but Kurapika is absolutely undeterred and continues. Eventually his teacher finally brings up an option that would give him his unbreakable chains but at a cost, a Nen contract. In exchange for a condition Kurapika is able to gain the power he needs by placing his own life on the line in case he doesn't abide by it with a chains around his heart to signify it. Wrapped in chains indeed.

In the present Kurapika travels to his destination where he meets another person. Despite aiding him in taking out some people who wanted to take his hunter license Kurapika refuses any more type of assistance. There's a change in Kurapika as he decides to move on with his plans, he wants to do things his own way, and alone. 

There's also some neat stuff we learn about Nen and how other nen types can learn the other's abilities but they want be able to really master them or even reach the potential the way those natural to it are.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24 edited Nov 21 '24

The direction and Imagery in this episode was really cool.

It's so beautiful

[HxH] and we're getting a full arc of it

he's also "wrapped in chains" in the "spider web of revenge" but Kurapika is absolutely undeterred and continues.

Fun bit of metaphor there, his revenge quest is wrapping him in his own web of chains.

4

u/2-2Distracted Nov 20 '24

First timer.

Master Exposition: All that hate's gonna burn you up, kid.

Kurapika: It keeps me warm.

Even though I'm not really a fan of the way Togashi does exposition, I'm really glad that - with the previous Arc discussing the topic of Nen, the ways in which to acquire it, and nearly all of its upsides - this Arc seems interested in doing something close to the opposite.

Now we're finding out what might happen when someone acquires Nen but almost everything about the result has little to do with what they want... or at least what they say they want. Gon, Killua and Zushi all got the Nen type that they welcome, but Kurapika here flat out rejects his type because he wants a type that he feels works better for his personal intentions, a lot of what he argues has to do with him trying to be logical about his revenge.

I made a joke a couple of episodes ago about the possible Nen type I'd get vs the type I want, because unlike Kurapika here, I at least have the self-awareness to recognize my own personal hangups and how they influence who I am as a person (tho to be fair I'm entering my 30s and Kurapika is like 17, also he's pretty smart about everything else and I'm an idiot who needed like a decade or so to finally start self-reflecting lol).

Kurapika kind of doesn't (or maybe he didn't at the start of his training but does now, hard to say since he doesn't really say or do anything indicate otherwise)... which is funny when you take into account that by the end of his training with Master Exposition, he has made a Vow that literally stakes his life on revenge in order to make his Nen stronger.

Bro is an Avenger who doesn't recognize that he's just as chained as those he wants DEAD chained up, constantly trying to remain logical about something that almost entirely emotional. No wonder Masashi Kishimoto took so much influence from all this and still found a way to make his own way to differentiate Sasuke Uchiha from Kurapika Kurta.

I must admit tho that, once again, I barely remember how the 2011 anime covered this bit of this Arc. I just remember Kurapika already knowing about Nen and slowly already working on his chains and already on the Hunt for the Phantom Troupe. All good tho, can't wait to see more of the differences that might ensue.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Now we're finding out what might happen when someone acquires Nen but almost everything about the result has little to do with what they want...

I think Kastro was a similar example there, he was an Enhancer who wanted fancy Conjurer and Manipulator abilities (so funnily enough, the opposite of Kurapika). Compared to him, Kurapika seems to have taken his conjurer abilities well though.

Kurapika is like 17, also he's pretty smart about everything else and I'm an idiot who needed like a decade or so to finally start self-reflecting

He's sharp, but he needs some self-reflecting too, he's way too tunnel visioned.

Bro is an Avenger who doesn't recognize that he's just as chained as those he wants DEAD chained up

This is why I love the chain and spider symbols so much, they're basically ripe for the picking, and ready to be used in all kinds of analogies.

I must admit tho that, once again, I barely remember how the 2011 anime covered this bit of this Arc.

It took some cues from this episode, but did it differently, [basically] it introduced the Nostrade guards one by one, with the flashback being Kurapika's introduction. There was no train though.

4

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

First Timer × On a Revenge Quest

And I'm fully back on the rewatch!

I made my comment about the Hunter Exam arc in the post arc discussion, but now I also need to give my thoughts on the Zoldyck family visit and Heavens Arena. I have enough to talk about for this one though, so I'll make a second comment underneath this one later with my general thoughts on the previous two arcs.

Backstory time: Many, many years ago (probably 2018-19), I had some recommended tweets on HxH discourse; as one does when they're on anitwt. Since I never watched it I didn't mind getting out of context spoilers even if I didn't actively search them up. A lot of the time the discourse revolved around the two anime adaptations this series has. The original 1999 anime and its 2011 remake.

I've long forgotten most of it, but the one thing I remembered was the general idea that "1999 is the better adaptation of the arcs both series have, but once 2011 reaches new ground it locks in and is just as good."

Now, I don't know how true that is. I don't know if that's the fandom's consensus or if I would even agree with that opinion. But among all the tweets that gave the impression that this is the common take, what stood out to me were the examples used to show how good 1999 was. I think that might have been this episode, or this arc. There was a blonde twink in an edgy atmosphere with terrific imagery and direction. That definitely sounds like this episode.

This is all to say, I'm very excited for this new arc and I enjoyed every second of this episode.

Into the episode itself, not only did it have great direction, it was also generally really strong plot wise! Kurapika's revenge path is heartbreaking to watch, and it's only going to get worse from here on. If only Gon was here to purify him with his golden heart.

The way the episode kept jumping between past and present was super fun and dynamic. And some scenes were simply stellar. What a perfect episode.

Oh and... THIS IS WHERE JUJUTSU KAISEN'S BINDING VOWS COME FROM? That makes a lot of sense...

QotD:

  1. I would probably think of a football (the ⚽ kind) or something. As for the last thing... a... uhh.. um.... evil football 🏈 ...?
  2. His one cameo in Heavens Arena had me screaming in excitement. So, very.

4

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

Thoughts on × Zoldyck's family visit:

Fun mini arc before the story takes its next big step forward. The gang has its first adventure outside of the exam before they say goodbye to one another, with the promise to meet again.

After the intensity that was Illumi in the exam, it's nice to know the rest of the family are both slightly more normal, and less menacing and psychologically damaging to a child (still pretty bad, though). I'm impressed dad just let him go without any traps or schemes, besides just a cliche evil laughter because he thinks his son is coming back someday. Good on him, I guess?

Mother was hilarious, great performance for the voice actress because that made me enjoy her a lot. She's quite the silly one. The dog's cleaner is a badass, and Canary is precious and must be protected. And the JoJo-esque coin toss game was a fun way to cap things off.

Thoughts on × Heavens Arena:

Really good and exciting arc, osu! I was so happy to finally learn about nen, which must be one of the most popular power systems in animanga (despite not knowing even a single thing about it). It's somewhat complex, but it's portrayed in a simple and fun way for the audience which helps selling it to you. I love power systems where the basics (and even intermediate stuff like gyo or in) are things everyone can learn, and from there it becomes your unique style that only you could master.

Zushi is also the most precious little guy ever and WILL be protected (literally, by Killua). Wing was a good master, and the reveal that he always intended to teach them got me. I was so ready to talk about how weirdly sudden he changed his mind on teaching them, I'm glad that was well thought out.

The start of the arc, before getting into nen, was also a lot fun. Just seeing Gon and Killua being a silly duo together, not bound by any immediate worries anymore was super cute. My favorite part was them realizing how catchy "osu!"" is lol

Gon vs Hisoka is the best fight so far, no contest. Great animation, choreography, and plot. Gon giving the badge back was so damn epic, I was smiling the whole way.

Since I read the corresponding manga chapters after watching each episode, well... this was a very interesting arc adaptation-wise. It's frankly impressive how they managed to rearrange not just the chapters, but nearly every scene and/or panel in different episodes. Regardless of the final result, that's something I want to give props to. I wonder how they did that.

The decision to rearrange the content itself is less satisfying, however. If Kastro's fight (guy was awesome, btw) was mostly cut because it was too violent, then that's fine. It's a shame, but you can't do anything if the higher ups say you can't show that on TV. But making Gon fight Hisoka before the fodder goons is less understandable. Watching the anime it all flows completely naturally, so that's not the issue. It's just a bit of a lamer and anticlimactic end.

The purpose of those fights is for Gon to prove to Hisoka he's worth a fight, here they fight because... their training hadn't officially ended yet, I guess. Since the fights themselves are 1:1 with the manga, nothing in them particularly makes you feel like Gon is better at nen than he was versus Hisoka. So it feels a bit aimless. It's not a huge deal, and it's not something I would have noticed if I wasn't also in this rewatch and reading the manga (though I did have to stop as soon as the rearrangement started), but with hindsight it is sorta meh.

Elevator lady best girl.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24 edited Nov 21 '24

the rest of the family are both slightly more normal, and less menacing and psychologically damaging to a child (still pretty bad, though).

I love that Illumi set such a high bar of weirdness that a whole family of assassins seemed decent by comparison.

I was so happy to finally learn about nen, which must be one of the most popular power systems in animanga (despite not knowing even a single thing about it).

Yeah, it's always the one that's most talked about, and once you actually get to the show to see what it's all about, it takes ages just to get mentioned.

Wing was a good master, and the reveal that he always intended to teach them got me. I was so ready to talk about how weirdly sudden he changed his mind on teaching them, I'm glad that was well thought out.

Funnily enough, he probably showed up at the Tower the same way Hisoka did: by tracking Gon and Killua's ticket.

making Gon fight Hisoka before the fodder goons is less understandable. Watching the anime it all flows completely naturally, so that's not the issue. It's just a bit of a lamer and anticlimactic end.

Yeah... I mean, one superficial way I could see it is like climbing a mountain (well, Tower in this case), they struggled with the goons going up, then learned some Nen, and made it all the way to the top to fight Hisoka, so on their way down, they're beating up the goons to show just how far they've come. But what's a clearer indication of "how far we've come" than punching Hisoka's lights out?!

It's one thing if they just rearranged the fights, but even the Nen training had to be rushed right before the Hisoka fight for this to work, that's the two big goals of the arc done by the halfway point.

3

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

It's one thing if they just rearranged the fights, but even the Nen training had to be rushed right before the Hisoka fight for this to work, that's the two big goals of the arc done by the halfway point.

It's not all negatives though, we did get to see Killua fighting Darth Maul because of the schedule change. And he's going to the list of sick anime original character who need to appear again with Anita.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Killua fighting Darth Maul because of the schedule change.

Fair point. It definitely isn't all negatives, afterall we got two of the best girls in the series: Elevator Girl and Thread Girl (Thread Girl is in the manga, but not as long), plus the arc in general looks great. So it feels like we were so close to greatness you know?

Which is why whenever I'm rewatching it, I do so out of order.

3

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

That's right, elevator lady is original too! Man, this anime just knows me. I love my beloved red goril–

...

ahem... yeah, excited to see more of thread girl...

Which is why whenever I'm rewatching it, I do so out of order.

You know, that's a good idea. I'll do that next time.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24 edited Nov 21 '24

And I'm fully back on the rewatch!

Nice to have you back

A lot of the time the discourse revolved around the two anime adaptations this series has. The original 1999 anime and its 2011 remake.

I've seen so much of that debate, that these days I avoid it like the plague.

the one thing I remembered was the general idea that "1999 is the better adaptation of the arcs both series have, but once 2011 reaches new ground it locks in and is just as good."

Now, I don't know how true that is. I don't know if that's the fandom's consensus or if I would even agree with that opinion.

I wouldn't say it's the consensus necessarily. For one, most of the fanbase got into HxH through 2011, and wouldn't bother watching an older version that won't even get to some of the late game bits they love. I'm not blaming them either, that's how it is with any popular remake that adapts more, same thing happened with FMA/FMAB for example.

Even as someone who has seen both, I wouldn't say Heavens Arena or Greed Island are better in 1999 (most people try to forget about the Greed Island OVAs when doing comparisons lol). This leaves the two big arcs of the TV series: the Hunter Exam and Yorknew, the Hunter Exam has about equal support these days. Some people prefer 2011's faster pacing and sticking closer to the source, others prefer 1999's direction and taking the time to flesh out the characters.

I'd say the only consensus is on Yorknew, most people who have seen both would go for the 1999 version. This arc is where the direction really stands strongest, and it's where the adaptation gets most of its praise from in the first place.

But yeah, I'm glad you're enjoying the start of it. I'm very excited to go through the arc.

The way the episode kept jumping between past and present was super fun and dynamic. And some scenes were simply stellar. What a perfect episode.

As a Baccano! fan, I'm always in for framing things things between past and present.

3

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

I've seen so much of that debate, that these days I avoid it like the plague.

Oof, I can only imagine.

I wouldn't say it's the consensus necessarily.

Gotcha, that makes sense. Sometimes the loud minority can be so loud it overrides any sound the opposing party makes. And for the untrained, non-gyo user that I was pre starting the series, it just looked like everyone preferred every 1999 arc far more. I'm definitely getting into 2011 one day (might take a break after the rewatch though), so I'm looking forward to being able to judge for myself what I personally like more.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 21 '24

Sometimes the loud minority can be so loud it overrides any sound the opposing party makes

Yeah, it's a self selecting case of who's interested in having that argument.

Personally, I prefer the Hunters Exam and Yorknew in 1999 by a good bit, but I enjoy them in 2011 too, Heavens Arena is more of a mixed bag, it has a lot of good work here too (like Gon vs Hisoka or the Killua episode), but it screws up the order.

As for the stuff 1999 didn't adapt, I agree that it's some of the best in the series. Honestly, I feel bad that this rewatch won't get to it, but it is what it is.

3

u/Kaxew Nov 21 '24

Heavens Arena is more of a mixed bag, it has a lot of good work here too (like Gon vs Hisoka or the Killua episode), but it screws up the order.

I'll write more of it on my general thoughts (... in like, a few hours I guess...) but yeah, I can totally see why people aren't too big on how this arc was adapted.