September 3rd: Part 1 (9月(がつ)()()()()()()()()()3日(か)()()()()()()()()()①, Kugatsu Mikka (Ichi)) is the 85^th chapter of the Hunter × Hunter manga, written and illustrated by Yoshihiro Togashi.

Synopsis

After receiving a 100 million loan for Gon's Hunter License, Gon, Killua, and Leorio decide to purchase a catalog to the Southernpiece Auction. Leorio explains that it's the leading auction house in Yorknew City and that the catalog (which costs 12 million) acts as the admission ticket. He adds that while the auctions happen between September 6-10, they will need the catalog to know when specific items are being auctioned. As they walk through the building, he reminds Gon and Killua to look things up before they get there.

A receptionist welcomes them, and another receptionist asks how they plan to pay for the catalog, surprised to see that Gon is the one signing the bank transfer. The first receptionist hands him the large catalog and explains where to find the items being auctioned, also showing him his admission ticket which allows up to five people to enter during the five days. However, she clarifies that the card can only be registered under one name, and Gon happily tells her to register it under Gon Freecss.

The three immediately flip to the "G" section and find Greed Island, learning basic information about the game and that the auction house has acquired and authenticated seven copies through multiple means. The entry also includes a scan of the game's instruction manual, which explains that play cannot be interrupted once the start games and that players should only start playing if they can do so for at least a week. It adds that death is a real danger and that players could become trapped in the game world indefinitely (with the creators not responsible for any resulting problems). Finally, it mentions that while the number of players isn't limited, the game is only for Hunters and is accessed by putting the disc into a JoyStation and performing Ren with one's hands beside the console.

Leorio reads that a copy is being auctioned every day between September 6-8, and then two on September 10. He says that now they just need to raise the money to reach the minimum bid of 8.9 billion. Gon replies that they only have 90 million, including the diamond ring, and Killua coyly adds that they still have Leorio's Hunter License. The three decide to put an ad on a message board with a 15 million reward for the whereabouts of a member of the Phantom Troupe, hoping to force them to reveal where the rest of the members are. Gon says that they should call it Operation Lemming, and Killua reminds him that they need to be wary of fake information. Leorio points out that they can ask the people exactly where they caught sight of the Spiders. Killua worries that the Troupe may not even be in the city anymore, but Leorio is confident that the Mafia is watching every transportation route so that the Troupe can't escape with the stolen auction items.

After returning to their hotel and posting the ad, the three head to the Bull Market and Gon catches sight of items on display with pieces of paper next to them. Leorio explains that it's a silent auction stand where buyers write down their offers and the person with the highest bid before the time limit wins the item. He adds that the vendors will sell the item before the time limit if the two agree on a price, likening the process to garage sales and flea markets.

However, as Leorio says that these types of places are filled with mostly junk, Gon suddenly spots an odd-looking knife and the vendor says that he will sell it if there are no other buyers by noon. Killua is reminded of Leorio's haggling skills and asks him if he can acquire it right now. Leorio is confident in his ability and says that he will offer 100 since the knife looks old. The seller refuses, and Leorio immediately begins to walk away, with the seller urgently asking if 500 works.

Leorio then offers 300, and after they buy the item, Killua confirms that it's a genuine Ben's knife. Gon has never heard the term before, and Killua explains that a serial murderer named Benny Delon from 100 years ago would forge a numbered knife every time he killed someone. He adds that the swordsmith made 288 in total and sold them along with his regular weapons, but explains that they are undervalued because of their criminal connection. He says that there are many people who collect them and that his father likes them. Leorio asks how much they usually cost, and Killua says that they sell for at least 5 million.

They ask Gon how he knew about the knife, and he replies that he used Gyo to see a slight aura around it. Killua explains Gyo to Leorio and then uses it to look at the knife. Leorio is unable to see it, and Gon tells him that he needs to practice his Ren. Killua then realizes that they can use Nen to spot hidden deals, remembering Wing's words about geniuses unknowingly using it. Gon agrees and says that they should call it Operation "Easy Money with Nen". Leorio tells them that he will watch the bulletin board and call them if they receive any tips. Gon and Killua say that they will go look for more items, and the three go their separate ways. Back at the auction house, Milluki approaches the receptionist and asks for a catalog.

Characters in Order of Appearance

Trivia

• On page 12, dolls of Togashi and his wife Takeuchi's mascots can be seen among the items hanging on a fence up for auction at the silent auction stand.

Intertextuality and References

• On page 12, a doll of Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho, one of Togashi's earlier works, can be seen among the items hanging on a fence up for auction at the silent auction stand.

Navigation

v • e Yorknew City arc Chapters 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 Anime List of Episodes (1999 series) List of Episodes (2011 series)