Weakness And Strength

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Gon and Killua are completely exhausted after their fight with Knuckle. They can barely move, battered and bruised, even while using walking sticks. From the shadows behind a tree, Shoot watches them struggle ahead. As Gon and Killua wonder how they can defeat Knuckle, Shoot contemplates attacking them, then and there. He thinks to himself about being a Beast Hunter and how he attacks swiftly and accurately. Now with their backs to him, Shoot begins to tense up and sweat. He shakes, unable to move his body and strike, realizing he's missed his opportunity as the boys walk farther away. It is revealed Shoot is a coward, crying to himself about his faults.

The next morning, Gon and Killua continue to practice their Ren, while talking about Knuckle. Gon wonders why Knuckle wasn't allowed to go to NGL and Killua replies Knuckle is too soft. He's physically on par with Kite, but mentally, he cares too much about who he's fighting. Gon remembers how much he's helped them and Killua brings up the pack of dogs that he feeds. Biscuit sits and watches, pleased the two can hold their Ren for two hours without even concentrating. At the third hour, she'll finally allow them to fight at full strength. She figures it'll take another 10 days for them to be fully ready to fight, which will only leave 1 day before the deadline. She looks over her shoulder at Palm, who's cutting something and checks the sharpness of a butcher's knife. She looks back at Biscuit with her demon red eyes, giving off a black, spine-tingling aura. Biscuit considers her escape.

The four sit around with a huge meal in front of them prepared by Palm. She asks how much longer until they can beat Knuckle. She knows they're training isn't done, surprising Gon after hearing this. He assures her, but Palm isn't convinced they've made any progress at all. She worries they'll never beat Knuckle and she'll end up killing them. Gon makes a pinky swear with her as a promise to beat Knuckle or he'll swallow a thousand needles. He seals it with a "kiss" by touching thumbs together and Palm begins to feel attracted to him. Killua and Biscuit are pleased with how Gon can control Palm.

Elsewhere, the Chimera Ants continue their search to look for [Name] (without knowing she has already been captured by Neferpitou) and they walk through the forest filled with smoke. One squad leader tries to telepathically communicate with another, but there's no reply. Others answer, but suddenly they all start screaming about disappearing Ants and holes coming from nowhere. More begin traversing inside the smoke as the commanding officer notices the number of soldiers keeps dropping. He finds himself alone until he vanishes in a puff of smoke, Morel directing when to do so. Another Ant is then dropped into a black vortex, leading to a white basement-like room with Netero sitting in the middle. On a cliff, Morel and Knov talk about their ongoing strategy. Knov mentions how Netero isn't as weak as he said he was and just then Netero calls the two to send more in the room filled with dead Chimera Ant bodies. He's just warming up and reminds them to keep an eye on the Queen.

In the nest, Peggy and Colt discuss the depleting squadrons. They wonder what kind of powers humans possess and how they can obtain it. They hope The King will change the tide of battle, who still grows inside the Queen's womb.

Back with Gon and Killua, they have just finished their Ren training and can now rest before fighting Knuckle. Biscuit tells them to defeat Knuckle and Shoot, knowing there isn't much time left and it will help in their training. Palm has now resorted to drawing pictures of Killua and Gon dead. Biscuit plans her escape if the fight doesn't go well. Gon and Killua confront Knuckle in the forest.

At the same time, in the nest, Menthuthuyoupi hatches from his cocoon, the last of the Royal Guards. Shaiapouf plays his violin as zombie Kite can be seen in a silhouette, fighting various Ants, the puppet master being Neferpitou. The two greet Youpi, after he has smashed through a wall.

Meanwhile, Gon asks Knuckle about Shoot, since they need both tokens. He refuses to answer, prompting Gon to charge up and attack. Knuckle takes a swing, but Gon dodges, appearing behind him. Gon also punches, but Knuckle does the same, appearing behind Gon, punching again with Gon just barely able to block. Gon can't drop his Ken, for fear of being knocked out and Knuckle claims he's just warming up.

Morel and Knov, still scouting the nest, tell Netero there's no more Ants coming out. Netero says they should wait for the disciples to finish their fight, but Knov still wants to take more out. Morel thinks the disciple match is a waste of time since Gon and Killua are too inexperienced. They bet which side will win; Morel bets 100,000 Jenny on Knuckle and Shoot, Knov bets 1,000,000 on Gon and Knuckle. Morel thinks he's out of his mind. During the fight, Knuckle punches Gon back and forth in midair like a rag doll. Gon wonders if he's holding back and Knuckle wonders when Gon will use will "Rock" attack. He tells him, however, there are two major weaknesses in it.

Netero thinks too himself that someone might be sacrificed during this mission.
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After telling Gon that he has flaws in his attack, Knuckle asks for the name of the ability. Gon stutters, and says "Ja-Janken." Knuckle is impressed nonetheless, and Gon excepts the name, confusing Killua. Knuckle explains the two weaknesses: it takes too long to charge and when Gon charges Nen to his fist, it lowers his defenses. These are things the enemy can take advantage of easily. Gon knows these facts and increases his Nen to demonstrate. It amazes Knuckle, ranking Gon at a mid-level pro. Gon attacks and Knuckle is easily able to knock him back since Gon still lacks experience in real fighting. Gon has a lot more training to do in his aura and strategy. In just a brief exchange of punches, Knuckle is able to make Gon look like a complete amateur. Even Killua can tell Gon's aura gives away his moves. Knuckle warns Gon his next punch might kill him, but at the same time Gon thinks how much Knuckle has been helping him during the sparring match. Gon charges up another Jajanken, but Knuckle kicks him away. Knuckle is being too gentle still, angering Gon, and making Knuckle nervous.

Just then, Gon charges another Jajanken. Knuckle takes a swing, but suddenly Gon is behind him, causing Knuckle to take another swing. Gon ducks, trips Knuckle and gets a solid shot to his face. Gon tries Jajanken while Knuckle is dazed, but he kicks Gon in the head, sending him flying. Knuckle is surprised by the fake out, and Killua surmises Gon used Jajanken's weakness to an advantage. It is apparent Gon is very good at learning on the fly, but as a fight goes longer, the enemy may be able to predict his next moves. Gon is getting tired, however, and realizes if his Kendepletes, he'll lose for sure. He leaps furiously at Knuckle, engaging in a lightning speed melee. Still, Knuckle's hits are landing, but Killua is able to see Gon adapting to Knuckle's speed and blocking better. Even he knows though, soon Gon will run out of energy.

Eventually, Knuckle punches Gon away once again, realizing he still doesn't need to use his full strength. 20 feet away now, Gon spontaneously charges a Jajanken, confusing both Killua and Knuckle. Gon's final attack: he screams, "Paper!" His Emitter ability shoots towards Knuckle who effortlessly knocks away the attack. Knuckle hears Gon's voice, behind him now, charging his last Jajanken. He's been fooled a second time, "Rock!" Knuckle screams! However, Gon collapses, completely exhausted. Knuckle is perfectly fine. Killua picks up Gon and carries him away. He says he'll fight Shoot, and Knuckle replies he'll fight for real tomorrow. Killua warns him he better. Once Killua leaves, Shoot enters from the shadows. He tells Knuckle he is too soft and Knuckle screams back that he is at least doing some fighting.

Biscuit promises to massage Gon back to tip top shape, but is worried Killua hasn't fought this whole time. She challenges Killua to a fight then and there, changing into her overly muscular form. The next day, Gon feels better, while Killua's face is still swollen from the brawl with Bisky. Looking back, Killua remembers Biscuit telling him he's too quick to give up, just because the opponent might be stronger. This might lead to him leaving Gon to die. She shows him a graph that explains even someone with "D" strength can fight someone with "B" strength, for example, but Killua always looks to the negative. There are many ways to win a fight, but his is only to run. She tells him if he can't beat Shoot, he'll have to leave Gon's side forever. While Gon and Killua leave, Biscuit waves goodbye as Palm opens the door, more insane looking than usual. Biscuit figures this is a good time to run herself.

Knuckle vs. Gon; Shoot vs. Killua: their final battles.

Ms.Killer Freecss 【Hunter X Hunter】Where stories live. Discover now