Hunter X Hunter delivers a shocking revelation that unveils the true and unsettling reason behind the Phantom Troupe’s descent into evil. This revelation is undeniably one of the most disturbing and twisted aspects ever witnessed in the series. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the journey of the Phantom Troupe members from innocent individuals to feared thieves and murderers is rooted in a deeply tragic event—the murder of their childhood friend, Sarasa. However, the methods they employed to seek justice turned them into monsters as well.
The Phantom Troupe is first introduced in Hunter X Hunter as a group of infamous criminals, feared and reviled worldwide. The series later reveals that they were responsible for the genocide of Kurapika’s clan, further cementing their reputation as merciless antagonists. Yet, as the characters develop and are explored in-depth, they exhibit a distinctive human side that distinguishes them from typical villains. It is through a recent flashback in Hunter X Hunter that the origins of the Phantom Troupe and the complex dichotomy of their ruthless brutality and unwavering loyalty to each other become apparent.
The recent chapter, #397, delves into the tragedy that led to the formation of the Phantom Troupe. It is revealed that Chrollo, the enigmatic leader, and the other original members of the future Troupe had come together as a close-knit group in Meteor City. In an attempt to bring joy to the children of this lawless territory, they formed an actual actors’ troupe to reenact episodes from a popular television show. However, the happiness and innocence of their endeavor are brutally shattered when Sarasa, a young girl among them, is kidnapped, tortured, and ruthlessly murdered by criminals who exploit the lawlessness of Meteor City.
Driven by grief and an insatiable desire for justice, Chrollo and the rest of the group make a fateful decision. They resolve to utilize a developing technology within the Hunter X Hunter world—essentially their version of the internet—to catch the culprits responsible for Sarasa’s heinous demise. Chrollo understands that these depraved individuals would inevitably share the photographs of their sickening acts in the darkest corners of the web.
However, the consequences of Chrollo’s choice are more harrowing than anticipated. For years, the members of the Phantom Troupe would scour the depths of the dark web, subjected to an endless barrage of the most disturbing and graphic images imaginable—snuff videos, gruesome photographs, and unspeakable acts of violence. Their relentless search for the murderers of Sarasa amidst this ocean of depravity would ultimately take a toll on their sanity. No individual can remain unscathed and emotionally intact after being exposed to such horrors for an extended period. As a result, the members of the Troupe become desensitized to violence, calloused to the suffering of others, and devoid of empathy. They willingly perpetrate acts of extreme violence and have no qualms about killing innocent individuals because they have been exposed to the worst crimes imaginable, even before committing any of their own.
However, it is essential to note that the members of the Phantom Troupe did not start as inherently evil individuals. The flashback reveals their human side, which is still present and visible. It manifests through the deep bonds they share with one another, showcasing their capacity for loyalty and camaraderie. It is this duality—the juxtaposition of their past innocence and their present malevolence—that makes them such complex and compelling characters.
This tragic revelation sheds light on how the Phantom Troupe could commit the extermination of Kurapika’s clan without a trace of remorse. In their relentless pursuit of vengeance for the murder of their dear friend, Chrollo and the other members of the Phantom Troupe willingly descended into a world of violence and unfathomable depravity. It was a tragic decision that ultimately transformed them into the most feared and ruthless criminals in the world of Hunter X Hunter.
We bring out some of the most well-known Hunter x Hunter collection, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the Hunter x Hunter collection
Pyon, Saiyu, Ging, Morel, Biscuit, Linne