Hunter x Hunter Episode 23: The x Guard`s x Duty

At Kukuroo Mountain, Zebro asks Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio how long they plan to stay. Gon firmly states they won’t leave until they meet Killua. After the group finishes their duties, Zebro leads them to the servants' quarters and introduces them to Seaquant, who cautiously invites them to make themselves comfortable and gives a subtle warning.

As they settle in, Seaquant scoffs at their goal of meeting Killua, suggesting their efforts are pointless. Leorio insists they mean every word, but Seaquant remains unbothered. He advises them to give up and return home, warning of dangers beyond the Testing Gate and the grueling path ahead. Gon confidently assures Seaquant they are aware of the risks and are resolved to proceed. He expresses his desire to make amends for not being there when Killua was in trouble, emphasizing their friendship. Zebro then invites them to train, proposing they combine efforts to open the Testing Gate. Despite Gon’s aversion to being tested, the trio accepts Zebro’s offer.

Zebro equips each of them with a fifty-kilogram vest, instructing them to wear it at all times except during sleep. The trio trains while wearing the vests, facing challenges like drinking from twenty-kilogram cups. Zebro explains that everything in the quarters shares this peculiar weight. Seaquant, convinced they will surrender, derides their efforts, irritating Leorio. As Seaquant leaves, Zebro apologizes for his colleague's demeanor, assuring them Seaquant is not a bad person.

Inside the mansion, Kikyo and Kalluto enter a room where Killua is restrained in handcuffs, his body marked by a whip as Milluki continues his torment. Milluki informs Kikyo that Killua remains unrepentant, prompting her to plead with Killua to comply. Killua shouts at her, but Milluki swiftly retaliates with the whip, warning him not to raise his voice at their mother. Kikyo then commands Milluki to stop. Milluki remarks that Gon will attempt to open the Testing Gate, and Kikyo confidently asserts he will fail. However, now aware of Gon’s presence, Killua states that Gon will succeed and go even further beyond the gate.

Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio stand before the Testing Gate as Zebro and Seaquant watch. As Gon is about to test the door, Leorio and Kurapika step forward, urging him to rest his injured hand while they try. Leorio and Kurapika press against the door with all their might, but it doesn’t budge. Afterward, Kurapika and Leorio engage in various training exercises to enhance their physical prowess. Although Gon is sidelined by his injury, he quietly practices whenever the others are asleep or unaware.

Days pass, and their efforts remain in vain. Seaquant urges them to abandon their efforts. Leorio snaps back, telling Seaquant to stop watching if he cannot bear to see them succeed. Kurapika interjects, explaining their determination to help Gon reach Killua. Seaquant then unexpectedly provides tips on opening the door as he walks away. Taking Seaquant's advice, the two successfully make the door budge, much to their astonishment. The door quickly rebounds, causing them to lose balance, but they feel a sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile, Seaquant updates Gotoh on their visitors' presence.

Kurapika and Leorio are set to test the door again, and Zebro suggests they remove their vests. With this alteration, Leorio feels confident. They push, creating a small opening, but the door remains immobile. Suddenly, Gon removes the cloth supporting his injured hand and joins the effort. When Leorio and Kurapika question him, he reassures them his hand feels significantly better. United, the three exert their collective strength, finally forcing the door open.

Zebro and Seaquant gesture toward the mountain. Zebro admits that despite two decades of service, he is ashamed he never ventured there. Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio exchange farewells. As they journey, Zebro believes the trio will prevail, while Seaquant expresses skepticism. He recalls an incident from three years prior when an apprentice butler fended off him and his allies, noting that the Zoldycks and their staff are monsters.

In a gazebo on the mountain, Gotoh briefs Kikyo on Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio's progress, emphasizing their success in overcoming the Testing Door. Concerned, Kikyo commands Gotoh to prevent the group from advancing further, stating she doesn't want them near her son.

On their way to Killua, a butler named Canary stands in their path. She instructs them to leave, asserting they are trespassing and cannot pass without permission. Gon informs Canary they called ahead and entered the Testing Gate. Canary points out they lack permission from the butlers. Gon asks how to obtain a permit, emphasizing they are Killua's friends. Canary replies she doesn't know, as no one has ever secured a permit. Undeterred, Gon insists they will proceed without authorization.

Canary draws a line, warning that anyone who crosses it will face her wrath. As Leorio and Kurapika prepare to act, Gon signals them to hold. He strides toward Canary, stepping over the line. She swiftly brandishes her weapon, striking Gon and sending him backward. This prompts Kurapika and Leorio to ready their weapons, but Gon intervenes, commanding them not to interfere, insisting he will manage.

While on the ground, Gon tells Canary they don't intend to fight; they merely seek to see Killua. Canary clarifies she has no interest in their motives, stating she is following orders. Rising, Gon attempts to cross the line again, but Canary retaliates, sending him sprawling. Kalluto hides in the bushes, observing. Canary repeats her warning that she will not allow them to pass. Undaunted, Gon slowly rises and declares his determination to see Killua. Hearing his words, Canary has a brief flashback to greeting Killua upon his return home. As Killua walks past her in a defeated state, he utters words in a hushed tone, apparently conveying to Canary that he has made a friend. After a short pause, Gon steadily approaches Canary again, only to be struck again. This cycle continues as the day wears on.

Gon, visibly beaten with one eye swollen shut, persists and again approaches Canary. Losing her composure, Canary angrily shouts at Gon to stop and strikes him again. Infuriated, she demands to know why Kurapika and Leorio aren’t intervening. Both Leorio and Kurapika regard her with serious expressions, unsettling Canary further. Undeterred, Gon steps closer, eager to see his friend. Suddenly, he throws a punch that shatters a nearby block. For a moment, Canary is surprised by Gon’s determination. He reminds Canary that he crossed the line but asks why she isn’t hitting him, leaving her confused. He tells her she is not like Mike, suggesting she has a heart even though she tries to hide her feelings. Gon also notices that when he mentions Killua, her eyes soften. Hearing this, Canary lowers her guard, tears streaming down her face. She pleads with the group to help Killua. Suddenly, a bullet strikes her in the head, causing her to collapse unconscious. Standing off to the side, Kikyo fires the shot in disappointment at Canary's actions and then relays a message from Killua, stating that he does not wish to see them.