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"I, Benjamin, will personally prune the diseased branches!! I swear here and now to protect the great tree of Kakin!!"

— Benjamin Hui Guo Rou to his father in "Nen Beast"

Benjamin Hui Guo Rou (ベンジャミン=ホイコーロ, Benjamin Hoikōro) is the First Prince of the Kakin Empire, the eldest son of his father's first wife, Unma,[1] and the Deputy Military Adviser of the Royal Army of the Kakin Empire.[2]

Appearance[]

Benjamin

Benjamin's appearance

Benjamin is a large, heavily muscled man with spiky hair. He has a large nose and lines across his cheeks.

Personality[]

Benjamin is a very aggressive man, as seen when he easily becomes riled from his younger brother's taunting. He is also extremely self-confident, causing Tubeppa to view him as arrogant.[3] Despite that, he is sociable as he is seen having a courteous conversation with the formal party guests. He treats his soldiers with respect and honors the memory of the deceased ones.[4]

His ultimate goal is not only the throne of Kakin, but the unification of the world under Kakin rule.[4] To achieve it, he has no qualms about killing his own siblings, which he, in fact, sees as a duty in order to maintain the "tree" of the royal family.[2] In particular, he seems to hate Tserriednich, while also having a sort of rivalry with him,[5] and is determined to kill him with his own hands. Despite Tserriednich thinking lightly of Benjamin's intelligence, Balsamilco believes this to be a byproduct of his impulsiveness and tendency to take the shortest route to a goal but regards him as flexible and logical once he has been supplied the necessary information to act upon.[2]

Plot[]

Dark Continent Expedition arc[]

Chap 348 - Benjamin crushes throat

Benjamin crushes the lion

Benjamin contacts his biological younger brother Tserriednich while restraining a male lion with his bare arms and legs, to inform him that their father has accepted their deal. Their father was apparently quite clear when he said, "The sole survivor of this voyage will be the next King." Overcome with euphoria for a moment Tserriednich declares that he will wipe out all of the trash (other siblings) and for Benjamin to quake in his sleep as he will become king. Unfazed by the declaration, Benjamin taunts Tserriednich if he's high on something, but Tserriednich notes that it's natural high and inquires who else knows of their father's message. Benjamin replies that only they know of it, but the others will be informed soon. He then declares that he'll personally deal with Tserriednich by breaking every bone in his body with his bare hands. On the other hand, Tserriednich sarcastically claims that Benjamin is frightening him. He then requests that Benjamin not contact him ever again and hangs up. Furious by his younger brother's disparaging remark, Benjamin crushes the throat of the restrained lion's killing it.[5]

Succession Contest arc[]

Chap 358 - Beyond and the princes of Kakin

Beyond Netero and the princes of Kakin Empire

On the eve of the voyage, Benjamin participates in the ceremony and he waves to the crowd while wondering how many of his siblings will be left by the next ceremony. Later in the day, he participates in a formal party. Like the rest of his family, he will reside in the 1st deck of the Black Whale 1. He has also ordered his soldiers to begin an assault on his mark.[6] During the ceremony, he notes that all his siblings are present meaning they have all decided to partake in the succession contest, though he is confident that he will be the only one to survive.[7] Benjamin's Guardian Spirit Beast is revealed during the party he attends.[3] Minutes later, he ridicules Second Prince Camilla for inquiring about the exact meaning of "dropping out" from the Succession War. He vows to purge her and all other princes. After leaving the hall, he orders Coventoba to get in contact with Balsamilco and have him bring Tserriednich to him alive, so he can kill him with his own hands. However, when he meets with Balsamilco, he convinces the Prince to desist because of his inability to see the Guardian Spirit Beast despite being a Nen user. Another reason being since the other princes have learned about the Guardian Spirit Beasts thanks to Kurapika's announcement, while their Hunter bodyguards are bound to be better at Nen than Benjamin's men. Benjamin thus changes his plan, ordering his men to infiltrate the quarters of the other princes under official pretenses to study the abilities of their 'Guardian Spirit Beasts and the Hunters', and kill should they feel threatened in the slightest.[2]

After Vincent's confrontation with Prince Woble's bodyguards Kurapika and Bill and his subsequent death, Prince Benjamin sends Babimyna as Vincent's replacement, telling him failure would not be tolerated.[8] Instead of talking to Kurapika himself, Benjamin may have had Balsamilco talk with Kurapika as revealed by Shimano, one of Queen Oito's maids, who sees Benjamin as a cold-hearted and ruthless man.[9] Right after Kurapika rejects their call Balsamilco and Benjamin plot on how they should deal with Kurapika with the help of Furykov.[10] Benjamin sends him to Kurapika's lessons to keep tabs on him.[11]

Following Musse's death, Benjamin receives ownership of Secret Window,[4] through which he discovers that Camilla's own Nen ability killed Musse instantly.[12] When she approaches his quarters, he gives Furykov the order to let her through and to not attack her under any circumstances. He welcomes her while sitting in a chair, mocking her for her supposed decision to die honorably instead of surrendering, and commenting that patience was a virtue she always lacked. When she pretends to have come in pursuit of her assailant, Benjamin declares he has no intention of playing along and orders his guards to restrain her. She empties the clip into him, but he deflects all the bullets with Ken. Camilla is then arrested and imprisoned.[4]

While working out, Benjamin looks at the palm of his hand and thanks Musse and Vincent for their abilities, swearing to carry on their will and to ensure the prosperity of his nation.[4] The following morning, Benjamin feels a powerful aura and receives confirmation it comes from Room 1009. He asks Shikaku if he can kill Prince Halkenburg, to which the soldier replies he cannot and that he needs two more people to verify the information. Turning to Balsamilco, Benjamin lists his primary concerns: the assassin in Room 1014, the united force in Room 1009, and his hated brother in Room 1004. Balsamilco invites him to wait, reckoning there will be others who, like Camilla, will rush to their graves. The First Prince protests it is not his style, but Balsamilco insists it would be the wise move to make.[13]

Benjamin and Camilla stand trial before Supreme Magistrate Cleapatro. Their fate depending on what became of Musse, the judge sentences that the quarters of both princes be searched by the royal army, until which time the two will be confined to the VVIP area and placed under surveillance. The court is adjourned and Balsamilco expresses his regret that Camilla managed to avoid arrest, but Benjamin replies that with Secret Window he will know everything she does.[14]

On Friday morning, after Halkenburg's failed assassination attempt of Nasubi, Benjamin contacts Shikaku and wakes him up. He updates the soldier on the situation and warns him that Halkenburg is finally willing to participate in the succession battle with all his might. He declares that eliminating him is their top priority and orders Shikaku to take his ability.[15] On the day of the banquet, Prince Benjamin is briefly transfixed by the music of Melody's flute performance.[16]

The following morning, Balsamilco informs him that Shikaku committed suicide and shares his certainty that it was due to the ability from Halkenburg's room. Benjamin agrees that the Ninth Prince has become the greatest threat and has the Master Sergeant summon Kanjidol to his room so he can relay everything that led up to the incident.[17] Kanjidol states that Shikaku likely killed himself so that Halkenburg's camp would not turn their ability towards Benjamin, but Balsamilco disproves the theory. The two have Kanjidol return to Room 1007 and send Vict to Halkenburg's quarters.[12]

At 11:30 on Tuesday they feel Halkenburg's aura for the fourth time. Noticing that the interval between them is getting shorter, Benjamin contacts Vict. Through the garbled transmission, he manages to make out the sound of fighting, Vict's claim of Halkenburg's invincible guard and bow, and his final defeat. From the events and Balsamilco's deductions, Benjamin determines that Halkenburg must possess an ability that is impossible to defend against, unavoidable, and invincible once it hits and that therefore must be shared with his subordinates. Looking at the palm of his hand, he confirms that Vict is still alive. He proposes dispelling the owl attached to Camilla and create a new one for Orzny, but Balsamilco discourages him from giving up his only source of information on Camilla's Nen abilities. Benjamin asks him if he has a plan, and Balsamilco has Halkenburg arrested. Benjamin decrees that the first trial will be the site of their battle.[12]

Benjamin's Employees[]

Alive/Active
Deceased
Former/Arrested
Unknown

 Royalty  Personal Guards  Hunters  Provisional Hunters  Spies  Allies  Servants 

Royal Family
1st Prince 1st Queen
Benjamin Hui Guo Rou SC Portrait
Benjamin Hui Guo Rou
Prince Benjamin's Employees
Captain →2P →3P →5P
→6P →7P →8P→11P→5P →9P →10P
Benjamin's Personal Guard 14 SC Portrait
???
→11P→8P →12P→9P →13P →14P →14P
Benjamin's Personal Guard 15 SC Portrait
???
Queen Unma's Royal Guards (Replacements)
2P 3P? 5P*→ 6P? 7P?
Unseen Character Portrait
???
Unma's Royal Guard 1 SC Portrait
???
Unma's Royal Guard 2 SC Portrait
???
Unma's Royal Guard 3 SC Portrait
???
Unma's Royal Guard 4 SC Portrait
???
8P→ 9P→ 10P→ 11P→ 12 or 13P*→
Unseen Character Portrait
???
Unseen Character Portrait
???
Unseen Character Portrait
???
13P→
Unseen Character Portrait
???
Legend of Symbols
Symbol Meaning Example Meaning
P prince 1P The 1st Prince.
Q queen 5Q The 5th Queen.
... sent by 1Q→ X is sent by the 1st Queen.
... sent to →14P X is sent to the 14th Prince.
...... reassigned to 2Q→14P X is reassigned by the 2nd Queen to the 14th Prince.
...... was assigned to one or more princes →8P→11P X was assigned to the 8th and 11th Princes.
in charge of a prince's curse 4P♰ The guard is in charge of the 4th Prince's curse.
formerly in charge of a prince's curse 12P♰ The guard is formerly in charge of the 12th Prince's curse.
* Information found in Togashi's notes from "Jump Ryu! Vol. 21" interview 1Q*→ The guard's affiliation is revealed in the notes.
Servant* The employee's position is revealed in the notes.
[name]* The employee's name is revealed in the notes.
? Placeholder
(might hold another position)
Captain? The employee might not be the captain or a personal guard.
? The employee might not be a personal guard.
2Q? The employee might have been sent by another queen.
Placeholder
(might have initially belonged to either Prince Momoze or Prince Marayam)
This particular issue arose when their mother Queen Sevanti sent all of Momoze's Hunters and servants to Marayam. Since we only got to see 4/5 of Momoze's Hunters and 2/3 of her servants by that time, we can't say for certain which prince the marked characters initially belonged to.


Abilities & Powers[]

Benjamin's status as one of the Senior Princes of Kakin grants him significant political influences and assets that give him benefits to win the throne.[18] Being the Supreme Vice Counselor of the nation's military, he holds immense military power, which allowed him to override the decision made by other princes in regards to their own bodyguards. His rank suggests he received military training. He is also endowed with a squad of personal bodyguards, all of whom are Nen users.[2] His brother Tserriednich belittles his intellect, although this might be due to his own extraordinary intelligence,[5] and in fact, Balsamilco regards him as a good leader and tactician once he's provided with enough information.[2] He has tremendous charisma, inspiring undivided loyalty and even affection from his subordinates, to the point some even view him as their father figure.[4]

Enhanced Strength: Benjamin has superhuman levels of brawn. He has proven himself capable of restraining an adult male lion while casually speaking on the phone, and then tear off his head with no effort.[5] He can lift a dumbbell weighing at least a hundred kilos with only one hand and no apparent effort.[4]

Nen[]

Benjamin is capable of using Nen. His skin might be strengthened with Enhancement, due to the fact that it was apparently left intact despite a lion desperately attempting to scratch him.[5] He further proved his proficiency in this Nen type when his Ken allowed him to remain completely unscathed after being shot at several times, whereas a single bullet from the same gun drew blood from Furykov. Aside from Ken and, consequently, Ten and Ren, he is also capable of using Hatsu.[4]

Benjamin's Nen Abilities
Type: Unknown Benjamin Baton (星を継ぐもの(ベンジャミンバトン) Those Who Inherit The Stars)
Chap 373 - Benjamin Baton
When a Nen user who has sworn fealty to Benjamin dies, the First Prince receives their Nen ability. For him to inherit the ability, the Nen user must have graduated from Kakin's Royal Military Academy and be part of Benjamin's private army.[8] The ability manifests on the palm of his right hand as four stars, located under his index, middle, ring and small fingers.[12] Should the original user die while their ability is active, it will pass under Benjamin's control without it being rescinded. He can inherit an ability even if the original user lost control of it,[4] for example due to it being stolen.[8] It is unclear if Benjamin could come in possession of the Nen abilities of all the members in his army, or if he is limited to the number of stars on his hand.[4] The Nen type of this ability is unconfirmed, but it shares similarities with some Specialization techniques.

Inherited Abilities[]

Type: Unknown Air Blow (虚空拳(エアブロウ) Empty Air Fist)
Vincent Air blow
An ability Benjamin inherited from Vincent;[4] little is known about it. The original user attempted to activate it through his left palm in order to break the guard of a Nen user who was capable of stopping bullets with his aura. It does not seem to require direct contact with the target to work.[8]
Type: Unknown Secret Window (裏窓の鳥(シークレットウィンドウ) Rear Window Bird)
Chap 373 - Musse Horned Owl
This ability allows the user to create three owl-shaped constructs referred to as "birds" (念獣(トリ), tori; base kanji lit. "Nen beasts") to gather intelligence.[4] One of them can eavesdrop on conversations despite physical barriers, such as doors, and distance, while perched on Musse's shoulder.[10] Another can be applied directly to the target through physical contact: through telepathy, it transmits the target's actions and words to the user, who is the only person capable of seeing it. The first owl-shaped construct appears to be made out of pure aura, possibly implying the ability makes use of Emission.[4] Only one bird, either at all or of each type, can exist at any time.[12] Following Musse's death, this ability was inherited by Prince Benjamin.[4]
Type: Unknown Culdcept (遊戯王(カルドセプト) King of Games)
Chap 382 - Culdcept last phase
Culdcept allows the user to "procure" another Nen user's ability. Shikaku initiates it by joining his hands in front of himself, generating a flash of light, then he forms a rectangle with his thumbs and index fingers. As he spreads them out diagonally, a rectangle of aura is created between his fingers, becoming darker and darker in color. After the second change in shade, the preparations appear to be complete for him to turn the target's ability into a "card". The only time it was seen in action, Culdcept was activated while Halkenburg Hui Guo Rou was readying his own ability. Contrary to Shikaku's expectations, contact of the arrow with his aura screen did not result in him taking the Prince's ability due to its power to pierce all defenses.[15] Following Shikaku's death, this ability was inherited by Prince Benjamin.[12]

Guardian Spirit Beast[]

Benjamin's Sacred Beast

Benjamin's Guardian Spirit Beast

Like the rest of his siblings, Benjamin received an egg from which a Nen beast hatched to protect him.[1] Since it is a parasitic-type ability, he has no control over it, and despite being a Nen user, he is unable to see his Guardian Spirit Beast or anyone else's, while his bodyguards are able to. Balsamilco suspects this is due to a condition of the Guardian Spirit Beast themselves rather than Benjamin's lack of skill.[2] The Nen beast is subjected to two rule-like instincts: it is unable to fight other Guardian Spirit Beasts as well as to directly attack the host of one.[3] Its abilities are currently unknown. Balsamilco affirms it is worthy of the next king of Kakin.[2]

Manga Appearances[]

Dark Continent Expedition arc
340. Special Mission Absent
341. Threats Absent
342. Challenge Absent
343. Invitation Absent
344. Author Absent
345. Signature Absent
346. Options Absent
347. Inauguration Absent
348. Resolve Debut
Succession Contest arc
349. Worm Toxin Appears
350. Prince Pictured
351. Battle to the Death Absent
352. Troublesome Absent
353. Cold-Blooded Absent
354. Heat Absent
355. Detonation Absent
356. Unfortunate: Part 1 Absent
357. Unfortunate: Part 2 Absent
358. Eve Appears
359. Departure Appears
360. Parasite Absent
361. Withdraw Absent
362. Resolve Appears
363. Nen Beast Appears
364. Speculation Appears
365. Choice Appears
366. To Each His Own Appears
367. Synchronization Absent
368. Foul Play Absent
369. Limits Mentioned
370. Observation Mentioned
371. Mission Absent
372. Disappearance Mentioned
373. Inheritance Appears
374. Ability Pictured
375. Persuasion Appears
376. Determination Appears
377. Scheme Absent
378. Balance Absent
379. Collaboration Absent
380. Alarm Absent
381. Predation Mentioned
382. Awakening Appears
383. Escape Appears
384. War Absent
385. Warning Absent
386. Hypothesis Appears
387. Recreation Absent
388. Reflection Mentioned
389. Curse Appears
390. Clash: Part 1 Absent
391. Clash: Part 2 Absent
392. Information Absent
393. Plea Absent
394. Hypothesis Absent
395. Founding: Part 1 Absent
396. Founding: Part 2 Absent
397. Founding: Part 3 Absent
398. Search Absent
399. Expulsion Absent
400. Secrecy Absent

Battles[]

Battles
  • Succession Contest arc:
    • Benjamin, Balsamilco Might, and Furykov vs. Camilla Hui Guo Rou[4]

Quotes[]

  • "It's an act of folly to reach past me, the First Prince, for the crown! They must be put to death!!! If you end up killed by another prince... consider yourselves lucky!!"[7]
  • (To Camilla) "If you believe you will be king, there's no need to bother with how others define things!!"[2]
  • (To Camilla) "What conceit...!! Giving you the throne is like having a rabid dog for a babysitter!!"[2]
  • "I'll kill them!!!!! I'll kill them right now!!! I'll kill them all!!!! I can't wait until we disembark!!!!"[2]
  • (To Coventoba) "Bring Fourth Prince Tserriednich to me!! I don't care how!! But I want him alive!! I will kill him myself!! Tell him that!!"[2]
  • "Vincent. Musse. Live on through me...! I will carry out your purpose...!! I swear to unify the world under Kakin rule by my hands!!"[4]

Trivia[]

  • The katakana in the name of Benjamin's Nen ability can be romanized as either "Benjamin Baton" or "Benjamin Button", forming an obvious reference to the film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
    • In the Japanese original, the second name of the Nen ability is also the title of the first book in James P. Hogan's Giants series.

Intertextuality and References[]

Translations around the World[]

Language Name
The Arab world Flag Arabic بنيامين هوي گو رو
China Flag Chinese 班哲明·回可羅
France Flag French Benjamin Hoicoro
South Korea Flag Korean 벤자민 호이코오로 (Benjamin Hoikolo)

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 349
  2. 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 363
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 362
  4. 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 373
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 348
  6. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 34, Chapter 358
  7. 7.0 7.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 34, Chapter 359
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 364
  9. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 365
  10. 10.0 10.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 366
  11. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 35, Chapter 368
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 389
  13. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 375
  14. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 376
  15. 15.0 15.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 382
  16. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 383
  17. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 386
  18. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 350

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