Episode 3: Pride × Stormy Water × Duel
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Call me "Mr. Leorio!"
Comment of the Day:
Sky showing us why Leorio is best boy:
Sad broke man with his stomach growling… I think I have a best boy on my hands.
Questions of the Day
1) We've been hearing a lot about this Hunter business. If you were in the HxH world, would you give it a shot?
2) Have you ever gotten sea sick?
3) Kurapika vs Leorio? Who'd be on top? Whose side are you on? "Both of them are morons" is a perfectly sane answer, therefore we do not accept it around here.
Fanart of the Day: It's finally Kurapika's time to join in (source)
Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<
by KendotsX
15 Comments
**Hunter Exam Host Sailing a Rough Ship**
* We’ve finally set sail, it’s time for the journey proper to start, and for that we need our [three musketeers.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjsDeEN4mCs)
* The first half of the episode has a nice and calm atmosphere, [Gon’s fishing for Crocodines](https://i.imgur.com/SXn7KKh.jpeg), the ship’s crew are messing around, and [fucking with Leorio](https://i.imgur.com/vj1f7By.jpeg), meanwhile [Kurapika here is too cool to even bother waking up.](https://i.imgur.com/Fh1y8jT.jpeg)
* Oh yeah, and the [Captain’s being a dandy dude](https://i.imgur.com/kALdEPm.jpeg), I’d like to go on an adventure with this guy and hunt Moby Dick or something.
* The storm flips everything to a darker atmosphere, Kurapika goes from sleeping mode to [Shounen Commentary mode](https://i.imgur.com/Le7oTVQ.jpeg) ([Crocodine is *not* pleased](https://www.pixiv.net/en/artworks/86105209)), and the [Captain’s still having a bangin’ good time!](https://i.imgur.com/3yzxRvK.jpeg) Who doesn’t like some sea shanties?
* [More Naruto similarities](https://i.imgur.com/xFxwzaJ.jpeg), although according to Kishimoto, Sasuke was actually inspired by Hiei (from Yu Yu Hakusho).
* The rest of the episode serves a very straightforward purpose: [getting to know the characters through what makes them angry](https://i.imgur.com/0re6f2s.jpeg), and it’s a 2-in-1, since Kurapika and Leorio are doing a great job of pissing each other off.
* The answer at the end: they’re prideful, stubborn, and willing to put all that aside [to save someone](https://i.imgur.com/BzHesGQ.jpeg)
* [Leorio will fight for his right to be lazy dammit!](https://i.imgur.com/dzbRIlm.jpeg)
* Someone’s having a lot of [fun](https://i.imgur.com/CZpMRIl.jpeg) with Leorio’s [expressions.](https://i.imgur.com/ILouyb5.jpeg)
***
#Manga Corner:
**Chapter adapted**: 2
Which gives us [this definition of Hunters](https://i.imgur.com/ktczQw3.png)
Since last episode was an original, this was Leorio and Kurapika’s first introduction in the manga, the whole “see what pisses them off” was basically Gon stating Togashi’s idea for introducing them out loud. On that note though, this has one of the funniest manga pages in the series: I present you [Leorio and Kurapika](https://i.imgur.com/fN4e3iu.jpeg). It’s just that panel being weird mind you, they’re [drawn](https://i.imgur.com/dGtr4Vo.jpeg) with [proper proportions](https://i.imgur.com/im7mAPe.png) just a few pages later (although big wolf Leorio is funny in his own way), so I assume it was a perspective issue?
This episode made its own changes too, aside from Gon noticing the storm, the first half (before the storm hits) is entirely original, it makes for a good setup though.
Lastly, and this is more of a translation thing, but the Viz didn’t bother with the whole “Leorio-san” thing, instead it turned the joke into [Kurapika getting his name wrong](https://i.imgur.com/QXK7CIW.jpeg), or in the words of the mighty Mayoi Hachikuji, he stuttered.
[Kurapika’s sketch](https://i.imgur.com/YQiGi5Z.jpeg)
***
#Voice Actor
Kurapika is voiced [Yuki Kaida](https://myanimelist.net/people/688/Yuki_Kaida) who I mainly know as young Zura from Gintama, Fuji Shuusuke from Prince of Tennis, and Angela from Genshiken Nidaime. She also voiced Gomamon in Digimon Frontier when Junko Takeuchi was voicing a main character, and I guess Toei didn’t want an overlap there? Her other roles include China in Hetalia, Garcia Alexandra in Kuroko, and [this lovely lolita](https://i.imgur.com/V4NJpQA.png) in Umineko, who if you twist your head enough, looks just like Kurapika.
Yeah, aside from the first two, most of the VAs in this series aren’t exactly prolific, although that might’ve been a silver lining, considering I’d be here all day if we were talking about my goddess Sawashiro. [](#feelsgoodman)
**First × Timer × Subbed**
– [I see not everyone aboard the boat handles the sea very well.](https://i.imgur.com/MJp8pWg.png) [](#therethere)
– [Literally meeeeeeeee](https://i.imgur.com/pz3gZPv.png) [](#azusalaugh)
– […does the captain know Ging?](https://i.imgur.com/xMTzu2J.png)
– [Looks like he might.](https://i.imgur.com/BAZ51lY.png) [](#harukathink)
– [That’s my boy lmao.](https://i.imgur.com/XCIsVvq.png) [](#pointandlaugh)
– [Bruhhhhhh, yeah, Leorio is the best.](https://i.imgur.com/ebZzdl4.png) [](#laughter)
– I’m not sure what I like most, [Gon casually walking on a barrel](https://i.imgur.com/4t9q0o2.png), [blond boy just fuckin’ *sleeping* through everything](https://i.imgur.com/zTP3byK.png), [Leorio completely unfazed as he eats an apple](https://i.imgur.com/FeQMsmy.png), or [the captain wanting to plug leaks in the ship using some of the passengers.](https://i.imgur.com/ZNHtnkp.png) [](#sobright)
– [Oooooooooooh!](https://i.imgur.com/UpzM6m7.png) [](#seasonalshock)
– [Well that is certainly a backstory.](https://i.imgur.com/0R5ahm9.png) [](#hahahawhat)
– [That is a name I recognize.](https://i.imgur.com/kzjS7TB.png)
– [Incredibly based.](https://i.imgur.com/uQAALr8.png) [](#trololol)
– The brief fight between Kurapika and Leorio was fun.
– [Teamwork!](https://i.imgur.com/OVdP0g9.png)
– [I *cannot* with Leorio deciding to still wear his damn tie when he’s otherwise only wearing his underwear.](https://i.imgur.com/5QKzb49.png) [](#laughter)[](#laughter)[](#laughter)
**Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs**
* Are you gonna eat that bird? No? Just killing for the pleasure of it. Lovely.
* Seasickness isn’t a matter of toughness.
* Killing people too, while we’re at it.
* Well I guess it’s a good thing the ocean is famously stable and predictable.
* Didn’t take long for the cost cutting animation to start.
* I know I shouldn’t read anything into Saint Elmo also existing in this universe, but I can’t help it!
* [Barrel Swag](#seasonalcool)
* Sure is nice of them to just tell us their backstories.
* Hey, if it’s a good enough motivation to be a CEO…
* Human chains are fun.
* What *ever* could be the reason for only Leorio to be shirtless?
[](#ero)
**QotD:**
1) I’m very risk adverse, so I think I will pass.
2) I’ve not. Not that I’ve spent much time on the sea in the first place.
3) [Let’s Go!](#protest)
[](#happyclap)
[**Leorio!**](#protest)
**Rewatcher, Sub**
We are now introduced to Kurapika who we saw in the previous episode already. It’s here that we learn their motivations for the hunter exam, Kurapika’s clan was wiped out and he wants to take down the ones who did it the Phantom Troupe. Leorio on the other hand sees this as a way to gain a lot of money. Some tension develops with him and Kurapika since he views the Hunters in more noble light or rather expectation and it’s enough for insults and a near fight to break out before the Storm lets them team up to save a near capsized applicant which reconciles them.
On another note, we learn of how the ship is another part of the exam that serves as screening test for applicants that are impressive enough to continue. There’s also the fact that the captain knew Ging and is able to see him in Gon. I do love all these moments that showcase his intelligence like figuring out the storm.
### H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer
## Hunter × Hunter 1999 – [Episode 3](https://imgur.com/U6aTlSB)
_Boat × Storm × Kurta_
Continuing right from the end of last episode we follow Gon and Leorio on the boat, and the newly introduced Kurapika. We also learn his reason for being a hunter: He’s the last member of the Kurta clan and is seeking to capture the Phantom Troupe who massacred them.
This is a _heavy_ backstory. While Gon’s reasons for becoming a hunter are self-focused and fairly low stakes, Kurapika is the exact opposite. He is motivated by a deep desire for revenge. In addition, I like how this introduces the Phantom Troupe as a mysterious and deadly force in the world. Looking forward to learning more about them.
Something else fun about Kurapika is his (maybe one-sided) bickering with Leorio. Kurapika could be considered haughty in the way he refused to refer to Leorio with the “-san” suffix (condolences to the translators who have to use the awkward “mister” as a replacement). I like how after they worked together to save the one passenger who fell off he finally gains the respect for Leorio to change that. For Kurapika, respect is earned.
Jumping back a bit, some of the most interesting parts of this episode revolved around the captain. First, he is ALSO a hunter. On top of that, the test has already begun. I like this reveal. It makes sense how they need to filter out applicants at stages as early as this because of how many people apply. It works exceptionally well to show off how prestigious being a hunter is.
The other great moment with the captain came at the beginning of the episode when Gon correctly predicted the weather. Well I say predicted, but Gon (claims he) understood the sea cranes and overheard them talking about it. This is a really fun part of Gon’s character. It shows how in-touch he was with nature and animals in particular from his up bringing.
But the best part of that scene was seeing the captains memory of how Ging was only other hunter to correctly predict the storm (or at least that’s _heavily_ implied). It shows a connection between Ging and Gon runs deep. [2011] >!The 2011 series was actually very careful to never show Ging (until the final episodes) IIRC. They would sometimes mention him, but we only saw him as a vague silhouette. I think both choices work well, but give different impressions of him with 2011 being more mysterious. Of course the reveal in 2011 is incredibly satisfying when it happens.!<
### Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches
* [One Other Hunter](https://imgur.com/0sxDnPF), I ADORE the instrumental OP melody here.
* [Balance](https://imgur.com/XSvSTHx)
* [Kurapika and Gon](https://imgur.com/hz5d0hj)
See you all tomorrow
**First timer, manga reader**
The third episode adapts the second chapter.
* There were actually two different storms in the manga. The first one in the chapter opening, and then there was a bigger one. All of the Hunter adaptations combined them into one major storm, which actually works much better. Although I like how the [storm in the manga](https://files.catbox.moe/ppjgfr.webp) was drawn somewhat in the [Hokusai style](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Tsunami_by_hokusai_19th_century.jpg/1200px-Tsunami_by_hokusai_19th_century.jpg).
* Appropriately, the beginning of the episode with life on the ship is original anime content. In the manga, there’s only the scene with the Captain and Gon. Also, the Captain in this version is *~~a bigger jerk~~* tougher than in the manga, with his rule that he can throw anyone he wants overboard.
* For the same reason, the scene where the Captain turns his attention to Leorio and Kurapika is slightly altered. In the manga, he notices them because [only the main trio is okay during the storm](https://files.catbox.moe/wolw8h.webp) (as shown later in the episode). Here he notices them because of their reaction to the fallen bucket.
* The St. Elmo’s lights scene is also original. In the manga, the captain simply announces a major storm over the loudspeaker. But also in the manga, [all the other passengers leave the ship in a hurry after this announcement.](https://files.catbox.moe/vgm9ng.webp)
* I don’t know if it’s a translation or a change in the anime itself, but in the manga, Leorio insults Kurapika’s clan in a more… let’s say, [brutal way](https://files.catbox.moe/lsqc3s.webp)…
* In the manga, [the sailor is knocked overboard by a piece of mast](https://files.catbox.moe/y1015h.webp). In the anime, he falls off it when it is struck by lightning. Just an observation.
* It makes me a little sad that all the adaptations downplay Leorio and Kurapika’s reactions to Gon’s jump a bit. Both here and in the 2011 remake, they do a bit of lecturing to him (mostly leorio) already after the storm ends. In the manga, on the other hand, [they both instantly go into “concerned parent” mode, yelling at him about how dangerous it was](https://files.catbox.moe/oyb25k.webp), which always amused me.
* Also, it was in this episode that I finally decided I wasn’t going to watch the fan restorations. No offense to them, they did a great job. But I’ve been bothered by the oversaturated colors in their versions before, but in this episode some scenes just turned into a [black blur](https://files.catbox.moe/a61u8c.png) for my taste (And apparently it was [worse before](https://files.catbox.moe/31byty.png)?)
* And I want to mention the pilot episode again. I mentioned before that its first ten minutes were, for me, the best adaptation of the first chapter. Well, it also adapted the second one. And there the characters are fighting a pseudo-kraken while all the other passengers are suffering from lewd hallucinations caused by an army of jellyfish. I realize the creators of the pilot wanted more action, but it was still weird.
Anyway. yeah, good episode. Naturally expanded short chapter and serves as great showcase of main trio dynamics.
**First x Timer/semi-Manga Reader**
This episode feels like much more of a setup one, so there isn’t really as much for me to talk about. Aside from revealing just how tricky & slippery the Hunter Exam really is and kicking off some character dynamics, the episode generally functions to generate intrigue from the audience. Mostly in terms of the mysterious yet intriguing details of Kurapika’s backstory, which seriously hint at a lot of shit going on in the world that we aren’t yet privy to, and in making us question just how tough or tricky the next stages of the Hunter Exam will be.
Kurapika is interesting so far. The charming mystique of his stoic demeanor and mysterious past makes him a nice addition to our growing cast.
**[10x 2011 Rewatcher, 1st time 1999 Rewatcher, Source Reader]**
The captain is a really interesting and fun character, isn’t he? I like that it’s implied he purposely sails to the storm on the trip as part of his segment of the exam, and the anime’s additions to him are really fun too. [Hunter X Hunter manga spoilers]>!I really don’t get why he never shows up again. Like pretty much every other hunter gets at least a cameo during the election arc, but I don’t think he does, and then what with this current arc being on a boat you’d think *maybe* he’d show up again, but still, no! [](#seasonalpout)!<
QotD:
1. Almost certainly. I’m equally certain I wouldn’t qualify what with my litany of bodily malfunctions, but like Leorio says, I could really use the kind of crazy money being a Hunter gets you to fix my body and help me achieve other dreams!
2. Nope. I’m quite prone to getting carsick, but I’ve actually got supremely great natural sea-legs. On a similar note, I have historically suffered from terrible insomnia, but train rides are uniquely good at lulling me to sleep.
3. Leorio is definitely the top. [](#absolutely)
I confess, every time I heard the name ‘Kurapika’, I had to wonder just why anyone would come up with a name that sounds like something that came out of the south end of a northbound chicken.
Please forgive me, but I just have to wonder if anyone else was annoyed with the name like I was?
**First-timer**
So Gon can tell the weather better than a sailor, nice. I guess the captain also gave the same ride to Gon’s dad?
It’s hilarious how full grown men are crying for mom, while Gon is just chilling walking on a barrel. And Kurapika is just sleeping like nothing’s happening.
So Kurapika is practically Sasuke except his lcan wasn’t slaughtered by his own brother.
Leorio is trying to be a Hunter for the shallowest reason ever, Gon and Kurapika have such heavy background stories.
**Questions of the Day**
> 1) We’ve been hearing a lot about this Hunter business. If you were in the HxH world, would you give it a shot?
I’d LIKE to, but I’m probably too damn lazy to make that effort to be worth a damn.
> 2) Have you ever gotten sea sick?
Nope! Never been on a cruise, but I’ve been on enough ferries.
> 3) Kurapika vs Leorio? Who’d be on top? Whose side are you on? “Both of them are morons” is a perfectly sane answer, therefore we do not accept it around here.
Leorio simply because of age and experience. Kurapika will probably blow him away down the road, but it’s still the beginning.
Lying is despicable. [HxH]>!Someone had a nice observation that this is reflected in and influences his Dowsing Chain ability.!<
Pika’s intro is so dramatic, made me instantly love the guy.
1. If a stronger, buffer version of me was in the world, sure.
2. I used to love rides at theme parks, and boat rides. Then I went through some health mishaps, or maybe it’s just a part of getting older, but I now have motion sickness. Even shaky CGI will make me nauseous.
> Who’d be on top?
aaaahhhhh I don’t want to know, let them keep it behind closed doors.
Since I started with the 2011 anime it took me longer to warm up to Leorio, but now? Don’t make me choose! I will say that the first time around, Pika being utterly dramatic and overly serious was kind of funny and he was the first character I warmed up to.
Honestly my “favorite” character is a list of, idk, maybe over 20, and shifts around in order depending on mood or what I’m rereading/rewatching at the moment.
**3rd Time Taking the Hunter Exam (rewatcher)**
Back to adapting the manga! Though we do get some anime-original content here, like Katzo being an actual badass (instead of the wimp he is in the manga) and the captain seeing [St. Elmo’s Fire](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx7vNdAb5e4) on the ship (Yes, I shoehorned that in. Deal with it). Still better than the attack of the jellyfish we saw in the pilot OVA.
And hey, the blond bitch who can use Sharingan can talk! His (yes, HIS!) name is Kurapika, he has dual wielded *bokken* as a weapon ([spoiler]>!though they reveal later, in an anime-original change, that the wooden swords have actual swords and they’re just sheathed for now. This is the worst change in the history of manga-to-anime adaptations!<), his speech is super formal and stiff (he just like me fr), and his reason for becoming a hunter is…his entire clan was murdered. Yo, Kishimoto, what are you doing in the corner? Taking notes for your upcoming manga?
Leorio wants to become a Hunter because money, which is almost as commendable. [spoiler]>!SIKE! He has an actual motivation, which we’ll be seeing soon!<
And with that, Phase 1 (or 0?) of the Hunter Exam has been completed!
**first timer**
The journey on the shop sure is peaceful. Getting kicked out is rough even after paying
Gon carefree and starts fishing
Gon’s father must spark a great resemblance to him, must be the hair.
Leorio mocking the person informing people was unexpected especially with the whole sticking his tongue out.
Kurapika sure is a pretty person.
Kurapika’s the only survivor, Gon to meet his father and Leorio
A very short fight, thankfully nothing serious happened. The only causality was Leorio’s suit
QOTD: hell no
QOTD: never been to a ship, but I do get carsick often so it will be way worst on ship
QOTD: kurapika’s prettier so I go for them
**First Timer**
Probably about caught up to where the pilot left off now. I’d say this was another pretty decent episode; this time with a somewhat proper introduction to Kurapika, though it feels like most of his characterization other than “stern” is more things to write in some cliff notes. The viewer has no idea yet who his clan is, what their standing was, who really killed them or why. So far it’s just bad guys killed relatives, but I assume if that is his main motivation for doing what he’s doing then we will get significantly more expansion on that.
The hunter exam having a lot of takers is also interesting as it seems to suggest that hunters do have somewhat of a standing in the world, yet I guess comparing it to the last episode it also means they aren’t always upstanding citizens or really all do the same for regular people to know the difference. Unless that was just filler weirdness. Looking forward to meeting this hunter association and presumably having an infodump on hunters or so. Gon probably doesn’t really know what they do either yet, right?
Also not sure if Leorio’s reason to get angry was really all that noble… feels like he has confidence issues more than anything. But I’m enjoying all the characters so far.
**First Timer × On the Exam’s First Trial**
The instrumental version of the opening is really nice. I’m not if it’s a harmonica or what, but it’s gorgeous.
Something I don’t see anime do much nowadays, and I really appreciate here, is that the color scheme of characters change depending on if it’s day or nighttime. Especially in the case of Kurapika, who’s hair goes from yellow to brown. I think it’s awesome, a high contrasting color such as yellow could tear apart the art direction of a show so this works really well.
Speaking of Kurapika, I supposed the allegations I’ve heard about were right. He *is* Sasuke (and you might say “actually Sasuke is Kurapika” but since I watched Naruto 15 years before that means Sasuke definitely came before I don’t make the rules).
The ship captain is a total badass by the way, and given he knew Ging I hope we see this man again. Although he definitely feels more like a one off character.
QotD:
1. … I’ll pass. I could handle being a bartender with Mito. Actually; she’s single, isn’t she? Yeah, I’m choosing the bartender life.
2. Never traveled by sea, so no. I don’t tend to get too sick on car either but there might not be a correlation at all.
3. Kurapika didn’t call him “-san” (despite respect being something you earn and not deserve) meanwhile Leorio talked shit about his dead family, so the answer is clear. I pick Leorio because I’m more attached already.