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"In battle, my people are the most graceful in the world. I swear upon the spirits and my tribe... you can never defeat me."

— Bonolenov to the Gun-toting Ant, in "10: Part 3"

Bonolenov Ndongo (ボノレノフ゠ンドンゴ, Bonorenofu Ndongo) is member #10 of the Phantom Troupe.[2] His physical strength ranked eighth among the group.[4]

Appearance[]

Bonolenov 2011 Design

Bonolenov's 2011 anime adaptation design

Bonolenov Ndongo 1999 Design

Bonolenov's 1999 anime adaptation design

Bonolenov 224

Bonolenov's manga appearance

Bonolenov is covered from head-to-toe in white bandages (reddish-brown in the 1999 anime adaptation). He wears red boxing gloves, orange shorts, and red knee-high boots. He also wears some sort of loincloth over his shorts at times.[5]

The bandages and gloves cover the countless holes in his body, including a large hole in his abdomen and a hole in each of his fingers.[6]

His spider tattoo has the number 10 on the spider's abdomen,[2] but the tattoo location has yet to be revealed.

Personality[]

Bonolenov Furious

Bonolenov taunting his enemy

Very little about Bonolenov's personality and reasons for joining the Troupe is known. However, during his brief fight against a Chimera Ant, Bonolenov presents himself as a graceful warrior. He speaks formally and regally and displays pride regarding his tribe. During battles, he calmly displays both power and confidence.[6]

Bonolenov has a good relationship with his fellow members, as seen when he competes with Phinks on who should fight Zazan next. Phinks and Shizuku also call him by the nickname "Bono", showcasing a familial bond between them.[1][2]

Like the other Troupe members, Bonolenov is cold-blooded, ruthless, and never hesitates to kill when provoked or ordered, only caring about the lives of his teammates, as seen by his unfazed reaction when the other Spiders were discussing torturing Gon and Killua.[7]

Background[]

Bonolenov was a member of the Gyudondond Tribe, a small tribe that was all but eradicated when they were forced from their land by modern development.[6] It is unknown when he left the tribe and joined the Troupe.[note 1] It is also unknown if he took part in the massacre of the Kurta Clan.

Plot[]

Yorknew City arc[]

Spiders Reunited

Bonolenov waiting for Hisoka

On August 31st, Bonolenov and the other Phantom Troupe members meet at an undisclosed location in Yorknew City. Their leader Chrollo announces that they will steal all the items at the Underground Auction.[8] The Troupe splits up, and Bonolenov is part of the group that stays behind at the hideout while the other group heads to the auction, eventually learning the items have already been taken.[9]

HxH2011 EP47 Shalnark and the others waiting for Uvogin

Bonolenov with the other Spiders

On September 3rd Pakunoda, Phinks, Nobunaga, and Machi return to the hideout with Gon and Killua as hostages. Bonolenov is seen sitting with the other members[10] and overhears Pakunoda's answer Franklin's question. That evening, Shalnark hands out pictures of the Nostrade bodyguards to Bonolenov and the rest of the Troupe.[11]

EP 51 OP Card

Bonolenov being ordered to kill

By nightfall, the Phantom Troupe (with the exception of Nobunaga) partake in a bloody massacre ordered by Chrollo,[12] slaughtering police and 2,000 heavily armed Mafia members all around the Cemetery Building.[13][14] The Troupe return to their hideout after they manage to acquire the auction items and stage a fake auction.[15] On September 4th, Bonolenov witnesses Nobunaga confront Chrollo on whether they should leave or not, which leads to Nobunaga having his fortune told by Chrollo.[16] After Shizuku has her fortune told, Chrollo tells the fortunes of all the other members besides Phinks, Feitan, and Kortopi (due to lack of information).[17] After Pakunoda reads Hisoka's fortune, she asks the others to read it as well.[18] Because of Hisoka's deception, Chrollo decides to stay in Yorknew City and splits the Troupe into three groups, telling Bonolenov, Franklin, and Hisoka stay at the hideout.[19]

Chap 116 - Kalluto providing a distraction for Hisoka and Illumi

Bonolenov seeing Kalluto

Chrollo then explains to everyone that he and Shalnark searched the Hunter Website the day before to get information on Neon Nostrade.[20] After Chrollo is taken hostage by Kurapika, Phinks contacts Franklin, Bonolenov, and Hisoka and informs them that all ten of them have to be at the hideout or Chrollo will die. Franklin says that the chain user is using the other hostages to get updates and describes him as smart, with Bonolenov adding that he's tough.[21] Soon afterward, as the three continue to wait for the others to return, they hear a sound in the distance and Hisoka suggests that they check it out. Once Hisoka turns the corner to leave the room, Bonolenov and Franklin spot a child standing on the ledge of a nearby window. After the child leaps down and escapes, Franklin wonders if it's one of them, and Bonolenov asks if they should follow. However, Franklin worries that it could be a trap and suggests that they wait until everyone returns. Hisoka, his eyes now entirely black, regroups with the other two Spiders.[22]

Chap 117 - Phinks refusing to agree to the hostage exchange

Bonolenov silent during the whole discussion

After the other members return to the hideout, they wait for Pakunoda to return from the meeting with the chain user.[23] Once she does, she refuses to tell Phinks where the chain user is and makes it clear that she will be left alone with the two kids. Bonolenov remains silent throughout the tense discussion, which concludes with Phinks agreeing to wait and see what happens after the hostage exchange.[24] After the hostage exchange is successful, Pakunoda returns to the hideout and sacrifices herself by transferring her memories to six of the Troupe's members (which doesn't include Bonolenov). Phinks then explains everything to the others.[25]

Greed Island arc[]

On September 10th, Bonolenov is seen talking with Machi near Pakunoda's grave as Shalnark convinces Shizuku and Kortopi to enter Greed Island.[26] Bonolenov is then seen with the other Troupe members on Greed Island as they locate an exorcist named Abengane and have Hisoka make a deal with him to remove Kurapika's Judgment Chain from Chrollo's heart.[27]

Chimera Ant arc[]

The Phantom Troupe arrive at Meteor City

Bonolenov and five other Troupe members making their way to Meteor City

During the Chimera Ant crisis, Bonolenov, Feitan, Shalnark, Phinks, Kalluto, and Shizuku all journey to Meteor City. On their way there, they discuss how the Chimera Ant invasion happened and why some of them came to Meteor City. The Troupe is met by some locals who tell them about the self-proclaimed Queen making a nest near the city and wreaking havoc amongst the people, and how the assembly is currently dealing with it. Seeing that no immediate progress is being made, the Troupe take it upon themselves to solve the Chimera Ant problem, with Phinks assuring the officials that they will exterminate the Queen by the end of the day. The Troupe members approach the enormous nest and walk right in through the front door.[5]

Bonolenov bandage 2011

Bonolenov fighting a Chimera Ant

With Kalluto surprised that they are going their separate ways, Phinks points out that he probably has abilities that he doesn't want the others to see. He also tells him that whoever kills the Queen first will become the acting leader. Bonolenov quickly encounters a spiky Chimera Ant who leaps toward him and tears off some of his bandages. Bonolenov dodges the attack, and the rest of his bandages unravel, revealing several holes in his body. He then dances around and uses the holes to create music. Bonolenov's tribe is revealed, and the significance of the holes is explained in detail.[6]

As the music plays, Bonolenov activates his Battle Cantabile: Prologue ability, suddenly wearing a large mask and different clothes and wielding a long spear, which he uses to stab the Ant in the chest. Once the attire and weapon vanish, Bonolenov's bandages reappear, and he wraps up his entire body again, wearing his usual boxing gloves. He boasts that his people are the most graceful in the world and that he won't be defeated, but the Ant quickly recovers and mocks the soul of his people. Bonolenov drops his boxing gloves and shrugs off his words, explaining that a beast's nonsense doesn't affect him. It's later revealed that Kalluto made a chain of paper dolls representing each of the Troupe members to eavesdrop on them all.[6] As Phinks decides which path he should take after defeating the Ant he encountered, the fight between Bonolenov and the spiky Ant continues.[28]

Kalluto perplexed by the Troupe's reaction toward Feitan fighting against Zazan

Bonolenov and the others waiting for their turn

The spiky Ant struggles against Bonolenov and is unable to land a single blow against him as Bonolenov continues to dance and taunt him. Becoming more and more agitated, the spiky ant lunges toward Bonolenov, who easily dodges out of the way. However, instead of continuing his attack, the spiky Ant threatens him with death while running away and telling himself that he will find Pike and have him tie up his opponent with silk. Bonolenov notes that while the Ant is quick, he is not faster than sound. He then activates his Battle Cantabile: Jupiter ability, causing an enormous explosion and crushing the Ant to death. Standing on top of his flattened corpse, Bonolenov says that being squashed is an appropriate death for a bug.[29] As the fight between Feitan and Zazan continues, Bonolenov, Phinks, Shalnark, and Kalluto all watch nearby and are confused when Shizuku arrives nearly stripped of all of her clothes. Zazan then transforms, and Shizuku asks who will fight next if Feitan loses. Bonolenov and Phinks argue about who arrived first, but Shalnark tells them to settle it with a coin toss.[30]

Shizuku & Shalnark & Bonolenov Run Away - Episode 97

Bonolenov escaping with Shalnark and Shizuku

Bonolenov wins the coin toss and says that he gets to fight Zazan next if Feitan is killed. The Troupe members continue to watch the fight until the transformed Zazan breaks Feitan's left arm. Phinks then jokingly asks Feitan if he wants to switch places with Bonolenov, but after realizing that Feitan is preparing to use his ability, they all start to run away. Kalluto is left confused, and the others explain how dangerous Feitan's ability is, with Bonolenov adding that he goes all out once he snaps. After Feitan kills Zazan with his ability, the Troupe members encounter the transformed Meteor City residents, who all beg to be killed. However, Phinks refuses to do so and orders them to show what spirit they still have left as Meteor City natives. The other members ready their weapons, including Bonolenov who tightens his boxing gloves, and the Troupe members easily take care of the transformed residents. After returning to the city, the members decide to stay and take care of any more Ants that appear, but Shalnark receives a text from Nobunaga asking for help, leaving Phinks disappointed that it wasn't Chrollo contacting them.[1]

Succession Contest arc[]

Chap 377 - Spiders moving out

The Spiders splitting up to find Hisoka

Bonolenov boards the Black Whale with the other Troupe members and begins searching for Hisoka in Tier 5. On the fourth day of the voyage, the Troupe gathers together in the crowded central dining hall and discusses the situation. When the Cha-R Family claims the table for themselves, the Troupe leaves without a fight. Chrollo states that they will meet again at that table and orders them to bring him Hisoka's head. Quickly after the group splits up, Bonolenov and Shizuku ask Chrollo if he wants to team up. Chrollo agrees to work with them, but stresses that he will be the one to kill Hisoka. Shizuku points out that both her and Bonolenov's abilities don't work well against Hisoka's Bungee Gum, and Chrollo replies that he plans to attack Hisoka as soon as he sees him. Shizuku says that she will look for Hisoka in disguise, and Bonolenov says that he will transform rather than disguise himself, explaining that he will use his Battle Cantabile: Metamorphosen. He adds that while he can take many forms, he isn't strategic enough to come up with a plan, asking Chrollo for help. Chrollo gives Bonolenov advice on how to use his ability, and after he reveals that Neon's ability disappeared from his book, Shizuku understands the implication and likens Chrollo's book to the Death Note. As Chrollo stays silent, Bonolenov tells Shizuku that she keeps thinking that.[2]

The three are last seen making their way from Tier 5 to Tier 4 through the central passage.[31] After Phinks, Nobunaga, and Feitan discuss the current situation with Ken'i and Tajao, Phinks asks them to verify Morena's location. At the same time, they contact the other Troupe members and hunt down the hit man.[32] After Onior confirms with Hinrigh that Hisoka isn't in Tier 4, he says that he can permit the Spiders to search that tier.[33]

Abilities & Powers[]

Bonolenov fights gracefully and playfully, dancing to music caused by the holes in his body and dodging enemy attacks.[29] His proficiency in combat without Nen is unknown, but since the Bap are known as "dancing warriors",[6] he must have some combat skills. In his fight against a Chimera Ant, he waited for his opponent to grow tired before finishing him off,[29] though this might have been just a product of the Ant's anger and not a tactic.[6] When the Phantom Troupe killed the humans mutated by Zazan, Bonolenov assumes a boxing stance, indicating that he might favor that style of combat when facing multiple and/or weaker enemies or when he doesn't want to reveal his abilities.[1] By his own admission, he does not have a mind for strategy.[2]

Enhanced Strength: Bonolenov ranked eighth in arm-wrestling among the Troupe.

Enhanced Speed and Reflexes: Bonolenov is quite fast, as he was able to avoid a sudden attack from a Chimera Ant soldier,[6] as well as all the creature's subsequent offensive attempts without the need to block them,[29] stripping off his bandages in mere moments. When equipped with his conjured lance, he stabbed the Ant before the latter had a chance to react.[6] Bonolenov was also able to casually watch Feitan and Zanan fight at such extreme speed that Kalluto couldn't even see what was happening.[30]

Enhanced Agility: Bonolenov's ability to dance in combat suggests excellent balance and acrobatic skills.[29]

Advanced Stamina: Bonolenov waited for a Chimera Ant to deplete all of his stamina, while he himself did not look tired in the least.[29]

Skilled Performer: He is an accomplished dancer (and music player, due to his peculiar body), having inherited this skill from his tribe and combining it with his Nen abilities.[6]

Nen[]

Bonolenov is a Conjurer*.[3] As a member of the Phantom Troupe, Bonolenov is a fearsome Nen user. He is skilled enough to have developed several Nen abilities, at least two of which appear to rely heavily on Conjuration, vouching for his proficiency in this category. They appear to be influenced by his Gyudondond heritage, as the warriors of his tribe transformed melody into battle strength. They appear to be strengthened by a condition which requires him to perform a certain dance before he can use them, if not also by his pride as a Gyudondond. It also seems that the more holes on his body he uncovers, the more powerful the ensuing technique.[6][29]

Bonolenov's Nen Type: Conjuration[3]
Type: Conjuration Battle Cantabile: Prologue
(戦闘演武曲(バト=レ・カンタービレ)序曲(プロローグ) Shadow War Fencing: The Prelude)
Battle Cantabile The Prologue
Bonolenov plays music through the holes on his body during battle, with different songs creating different effects, such as the transformation of his own body or the conjuration of objects. Two different effects of his ability have been shown: Prologue and Jupiter. Prologue allows him to conjure warrior attire as well as a spear.[6]
Type: Conjuration Battle Cantabile: Jupiter
(戦闘演武曲(バト=レ・カンタービレ)木星(ジュピター) Shadow War Fencing: Jupiter)
Battle Cantabile Jupiter
Jupiter allows Bonolenov to conjure a giant sphere with the appearance of the planet Jupiter around himself to crush his enemies. The opponent is not safe from this technique as long as they remain within earshot of Bonolenov's music. Once the required dance is completed, the sphere will keep chasing the target at tremendous speed.[29]
Type: Unknown Battle Cantabile: Metamorphosen
(戦闘演武曲(バト=レ・カンタービレ)変容(メタモルフォーゼン) Shadow War Fencing: Transformation)
Unseen Ability
This ability allows Bonolenov to transform himself in various ways depending on the conditions. However, its effectiveness is hampered by the user's self-proclaimed lack of proficiency in strategy.[2]

Battles[]

Battles
  • Yorknew City arc:
    • Bonolenov vs. Mafia Members (Not Seen) (Uvogin's Requiem)[13]
  • Chimera Ant arc:
    • Bonolenov vs. Gun-toting Ant[6][28][29]
    • Bonolenov, Phinks Magcub, Shalnark, Feitan Portor, Shizuku Murasaki, and Kalluto Zoldyck vs. Disfigured Meteor City Natives[1]

Quotes[]

  • (To the Gun-toting Ant) "Don't bother taking it back. Beasts spout gibberish. It doesn't affect me."[6]
  • (To the Gun-toting Ant) "Quick to escape. But you're not faster than sound."[29]
  • (To the Gun-toting Ant) "Squashed to death. Appropriate for a bug, isn't it?"[29]

Trivia[]

Anime and Manga Differences[]

  • Bonolenov never spoke in the 1999 anime adaptation.

Intertextuality and References[]

  • Bonolenov's Nen abilities are named after musical pieces or parts.
    • Present in the main name of his Nen abilities, cantabile is an Italian word and a musical term meaning literally "singable" or "songlike".
    • In the 2011 anime adaptation, "Battle Cantabile: Jupiter" is shown for the first time. The background music during this and other parts of the episode is an arrangement on "Jupiter" from "The Planets", composed by Gustav Holst.[35]
    • "Battle Cantabile: Metamorphosen" is named after the piece "Metamorphosen" by Richard Strauss.
  • Coincidence or not, Bonolenov has similarities to Uakti's legend. Both have holes in the body that produce sound and are associated with tribes.
  • Ndongo, formerly known as Angola or Dongo, was an early-modern African state located in what is now Angola.
SaikiK Chapter 120 Bonolenov Phantom Troupe Reference

Bonolenov referenced in The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

  • In chapter 120 of The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., while attending a Halloween party hosted at Shun Kaidou’s house, Aren dresses up as Bonolenov and quotes him, saying "Don't bother recanting those words. They are but a beast's ramblings." Kaidou then recognizes him as "the guy in the Phantom Troupe."

Miscellaneous[]

  • It is stated in his Huncyclopedia entry that his job was to guard the hideout in Yorknew City.

Translations around the World[]

Language Name
The Arab world Flag Arabic بونولينوڤ دونجو (Bunulinov Dunju)
Brazil Flag Brazilian Portuguese Bonorenoff
China Flag Chinese 剝落裂夫
France Flag French Bonorenof Ndongo
Greece Flag Greek Μπονολενόβ (Bonolenóv)
South Korea Flag Korean 보노레노프 은동고 (Bonorenopeu Eundonggo)
Russia Flag Russian Боноленов (Bonolenov)
Thailand Flag Thai โบโนเรนอฟ (Bo no re nxf)

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 229
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 377
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Hunter × Hunter: Battle Collection
  4. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 84
  5. 5.0 5.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 224
  6. 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 225
  7. Hunter × Hunter - Episode 50 (2011)
  8. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 8, Chapter 71
  9. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 9, Chapter 74
  10. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 91
  11. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 10, Chapter 92
  12. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 96
  13. 13.0 13.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 97
  14. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 98
  15. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 11, Chapter 101
  16. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 104
  17. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 105
  18. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 106
  19. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 108
  20. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 109
  21. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 12, Chapter 115
  22. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 13, Chapter 116
  23. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 13, Chapter 117
  24. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 13, Chapter 118
  25. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 13, Chapter 119
  26. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 14, Chapter 128
  27. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 17, Chapter 170
  28. 28.0 28.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 226
  29. 29.00 29.01 29.02 29.03 29.04 29.05 29.06 29.07 29.08 29.09 29.10 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 227
  30. 30.0 30.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 228
  31. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 36, Chapter 380
  32. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 384
  33. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 37, Chapter 390
  34. Hunter × Hunter Hunter Association Official Issue: Hunter's Guide; Character & World Official Databook (pg. 132)
  35. Hunter × Hunter - Episode 96 (2011)

Notes

  1. Feitan said in Chapter 71 that the only new members since the last meeting of all Phantom Troupe members 3 years and 2 months prior were Hisoka and Shizuku, meaning Bonolenov must have joined before that.

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