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"When? When did I start waiting for my opponent to make the first move? When, indeed? It became a routine. The loser held out his hands in gratitude for the lesson and I graciously accepted without skipping a beat. As if that was what I wanted!! That's not how it should be!! For so long, I sought the height of perfection. I dreamed of giving my heart and soul to battle an unstoppable adversary!! I'm a lucky man. I'm thankful for everything that led me to this point... that led me to you!!"

— Isaac Netero about Meruem in "Soliloquy"

Isaac Netero (アイザック゠ネテロ, Aizakku Netero) was the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association[6] and the Head of the Exam Commission.[7] In his youth, he was extolled as the most powerful Nen user in the world, and retained dreadful strength even in his old age.[8]

Appearance

NeteroFullbody

Netero's 2011 anime adaptation design

Netero 1999 Design

Netero's 1999 anime adaptation design

Isaac Netero appeared to be a helpless old man, but was surprisingly fit and muscular for his age. He had a ponytail, a thick beard, and stretched earlobes with two piercings in both ears. Netero was commonly seen wearing a traditional man's kimono and pair of geta with one ha (tooth).

During the Chimera Ant arc, he changed his appearance for his upcoming fight with Meruem by trimming his beard, mustache, and ponytail. When in combat, Netero preferred to wear a t-shirt with the Japanese kanji character for the word "heart/mind", 「心」(kokoro), printed on the front and track shorts.

Some of his physical characteristics are similar to those of buddhas and their buddharupas in Buddhist art, like large protruding ears, exaggerated eyebrows that curve upward, half-closed eyes, thin lips and a hair bun that points to the top, and even the mustache.

During both his expedition within the Dark Continent and in his youth, he was shown to have long spiky hair.

Personality

19 - Netero and Killua

Netero teases Killua

Netero was energetic, playful to the point of being mischievous, and, at times, seemingly absentminded. Although he was capable of acting professionally when called to intervene as Chairman of the Hunter Association, on all other occasions, he proved himself to be so extravagant he was sometimes called insane. There were clear discrepancies between his words and his thoughts during the 287th Hunter Exam. However, he was a true martial artist who was nothing but earnest during fights. He enjoyed challenges, and was thrilled by the prospect of a formidable enemy.[9] This strange passion affected the way in which he governed the Hunter Association, frequently testing the physical limits of those attempting to become Hunters. Biscuit Krueger even called Netero a "twisted individual", as he often enjoyed giving Hunters he trusted impossible assignments, sometimes with deadlines of only a few months, that should take years to complete.[10] He himself liked challenges, to the point of wanting his Vice-Chairman to be someone he just could not get along with.[11] He apparently made a name for himself as a lustful man in the Hunter Association, since many Hunters left risqué magazines under his effigy as a tribute.[6] Additionally, he gave a quick glance at Menchi's cleavage during the 287th Hunter Exam.

Netero had dedicated his life to the martial arts and prayer, intended as a form of appreciation. He displayed a great deal of pride in his own abilities and had no respect for the weak. However, he was not arrogant, as he presented the possibility of Gon threatening him without saying the boy would stand no chance against him. His goal in life was to find a worthy adversary against whom he could fight with his all. His strength of mind and selflessness were beyond unwavering, and he did not hesitate to end his own life in a last attempt to kill Meruem.

Despite his tendency to act as he pleased, Netero was not amoral. He banned expeditions to the Dark Continent as a response to cases of Hunters trying to imitate him and ultimately dying in the process,[12] and in spite of his fondness for challenges, he preferred to avoid fighting both Neferpitou[8] and Meruem,[13][note 2] hoping to end the conflict with the fewest casualties. Nonetheless, in certain occasions he prioritized results over sacrifices, as shown when he was willing to let as many as five million people die if that ensured the end of the Chimera Ant kingdom and saving humanity as a whole.[14]

Background

The circumstances in which Netero became a Hunter and learned Nen are unknown. His proficiency was such that it earned him the title of most powerful Nen user in the world. At some point in his life, he fought Maha Zoldyck, supposedly being the only person to fight him and live to tell the tale, becoming an acquaintance of the Zoldyck Family in the process.[15]

Netero - Episode 111

Netero training in the mountains

Netero was trained in martial arts and, at the age of 46, during the winter, he believed that he had reached the pinnacle of his physical potential and went up into the mountains to reflect. During his time there, he came to the realization that he was infinitely grateful to the martial arts for making him the man he was and vowed that he would show his gratitude in his own unique way, by doing a set of ten thousand punches and prayers daily. He would focus his chi, put his hands together, say a prayer, and then punch. On the first day, this sequence took five to six seconds, and it took him over eighteen hours to complete the ten thousand punches. After completing the ritual, he would collapse from exhaustion and fall into a deep sleep, only to awaken and repeat the ten thousand punches the next day. This would become Netero's daily routine for the next two years.[2]

One day, after those two years, he realized that although he had completed his ten thousand punches, the sun had not yet set. Two years later, at the age of fifty, Netero had become capable of completing the daily ritual in under an hour. As a result, he spent the extra time in prayer, a development that led him to enlightenment.[2]

HxH2011 EP111 Netero demonstrates his skills

Netero's demonstration

Sometime later, Netero descended from the mountain, returning to the dojo he had originally begun his training in and demonstrated his new strength. His time on the mountain had allowed him the ability to strike faster than the speed of sound, to the astonishment and amazement of his onlookers. Among his audience was the grandmaster of the dojo, who was moved to tears by the raw power and grace brought about by Netero's training. The man broke down at Netero's feet, begging to be trained and offering the title of Grand Master in his stead. Netero accepted, under the lighthearted condition that he would be brought some food first. The dojo thus began teaching Shingen-ryu kung fu.[2]

After becoming a Hunter, Netero joined the Pure Paladin Squad.[16] He took part in two expeditions to the Dark Continent, one of which was unofficial, and returned alive both times. Two friends of his, Zigg Zoldyck and Linne Horsdoeuvre, joined him for the unofficial expedition. However, the experience left him unsatisfied, as he wished for a strength that would allow him to triumph against his opponents, while there was no victory in the Dark Continent, only survival. After his son Beyond, whose existence he kept secret, embarked on a similar expedition, Netero ordered him to never venture into the Dark Continent again and convinced the V5 to make it a forbidden area even for the Hunter Association to venture in.[17]

125 - Young Netero

Netero in his "youth"

Years later, Netero sought challengers possibly at his dojo,[note 3] fighters from places far and wide, determined to defeat him. Each challenger was defeated, but all showed respect.[19] Eventually, he was elected 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association.[7] At some point, he witnessed Ging Freecss' aptitude at Nen and told Biscuit he was one of the five best Nen users in the world.[20] He also selected Pariston Hill as his Vice Chairman on the grounds that he had a very hard time getting along with him.[11] At some point prior to his last mission,[17] Netero recorded a DVD in which he told the Zodiacs how to proceed should someone claiming to be his son come forward, and entrusted it to Beans.[21]

Plot

Hunter Exam arc

Second Phase

HxH2011 EP6 Netero Page 2nd Phase IMG

Netero watches the applicants in the second phase

Netero first appears during the Second Phase of the 287th Hunter Exam when Satotz calls to tell him that Menchi has lapsed back into her old bad habits again. When Beans asks him what they should do, he replies that he has no other choice and that he will come in person. He then jumps from the airship landing on the ground with tremendous force, without receiving any injuries, making everyone wonder who he is. Netero criticizes Menchi's attitude as an examiner and orders her to have a new test, in which she must participate in. This time Menchi asks them to make boiled Spider Eagle's eggs, which hang on the spider's web between two sides of a ravine. Netero watches as the participants start to take the eggs, impressed that many of them were able to obtain the eggs and make it back up.[7]

A Game at Midnight

HxH2011 EP7 Gon and Killua try to take Netero's ball

Gon and Killua attempt to take Netero's ball

As the applicants and examiners board the airship, Netero formally introduces himself as the Chairman of Hunter Exam Selection Committee, followed by Beans who announces that the airship will arrive at their destination at 8 a.m. After that short briefing, everyone is allowed to do as they pleased. While Gon and Killua were talking together, he made a little trick to make them feel like they're being watched from the other side of the corridor and then comes from the opposite side. Killua who realizes this giving him a suspicious look. Netero then invites both of them to play a game with the reward is becoming a Hunter directly. They only have to take a ball from Netero. The boys have made their best effort to take the ball, but to no avail.[22] Killua, realizing Netero's skill, says that they have no chance against him, as he does not use his right arm or left leg all this time, and refuses to play any longer. Gon, however, still continues to play until Netero finally uses his right arm, much to the latter's amusement.[23]

Fourth Phase

After the Third Phase is finished, Netero is seen inside the airship with the other examiners talking about the rookies in this year's exam. He is very impressed seeing 6 rookies of 9 applicants are able to pass the Third Phase. Satotz then asks about the Final Phase, since Buhara mentions that Netero hasn't told them yet. Netero replies that he intends to have them participate in a rather peculiar fight. He then says that he wants to talk to the 9 remaining applicants first, leaving the other examiner confused.[1]

HxH2011 EP18 Netero interviews Hisoka

Netero interviews Hisoka

Netero first interviews Hisoka. He asks him why he wants to be a Hunter, who he keeps an eye on, and who he doesn't want to fight. Hisoka answers all the questions while adding that he wants to fight Netero the most, and his malice seeps out. Netero has no reaction to it and casually dismisses him. The interview continues until the last applicant. Netero then returns to where the other examiners are waiting and shows them the bracket he has made. They are very surprised to see the result and asks the Chairman if he is really serious, to which he replies that he is deadly serious.[1]

Final Phase

HxH2011 EP19 Netero Page Final Phase IMG

Netero explaining the rules

When they arrive at a hotel owned by the Hunter Exam Selection Committee, Netero greets the remaining applicants and shows them the bracket he made which leads into everyone's confusion. He explains that their placement is based on their performance during the exam. After he explains the rules of the battle, they begin the exam's Final Phase.[24] Netero and the other examiners watch in silent from the first until the very last match. When the Final Phase ends, they gathered in a room to have an orientation,[25] until Gon suddenly comes and confronts Illumi. Upon asking Illumi where Killua is, Netero interrupts their conversation to discuss it. He says that the committee has been discussing the topic about Killua's disqualification, which Kurapika denies by defending Killua. Leorio denies it too by saying that Killua is trying to help him. But Netero does not agree and says that it is only mere speculation. He returns what has Kurapika and Leorio said, but none of them could deny it anymore. He then clears the situation and asks Beans to continue the orientation.[26]

Heavens Arena arc

During Gon and Killua's training in the Heavens Arena, it is revealed by Wing that he was the master of the Shingen-ryu kung fu dojo.[27]

Greed Island arc

Netero appears again in this arc to tell the 288th Hunter Exam's 1st Phase Examiner that Killua passes the 288th Hunter Exam by default.[28]

Chimera Ant arc

Morel Netero and Knov arrive

Morel, Netero, and Knov arrive in NGL

Following Spinner Clow's report, Netero formed an Extermination Team to deal with the threat of a giant colony of Chimera Ants. Due to Pariston's manipulation of the Review Board, however, he had trouble bringing even Knov and Morel Mackernasey along.[14] The three of them meet a distraught Killua as soon as they reach the border of NGL. Noting his state of agitation, Netero asks him if his opponent was truly that powerful, then inquires about Gon's condition. He tells Killua it is imperative they act as quickly as possible, with only a few select Hunters to prevent assimilation. Before departing, he gives Killua two halves of two shogi tiles (rook and bishop), inviting him to fight the two assassins they have left in the nearest town for the other pieces if they want to live as Hunters and join them.[29]

HxH2011 EP86 Netero sees Pitou

Netero spots Neferpitou

When the Chimera Ant nest is in sight, Netero spots Neferpitou and wonders if the Royal Guard is stronger than him, prompting a quick exchange among the three in which the chairman downplays his own strength. When asked if he wants to fight the ant nonetheless, Netero replies that he'd rather not fight at all and only take out the Queen before she can give birth to the King, although Neferpitou's En makes it unlikely. He asks for advice on how to proceed, to which Knov responds Netero had already opted for gradually eroding the enemy's numbers with guerrilla tactics when he chose the two of them.[8] The Extermination Team soon takes out at least four squadrons of Chimera Ants, and then more by resorting to the same strategy: Morel creates a curtain of smoke and Knov transports the ants to his pocket dimension where Netero takes them out one by one[30] starting from the Squadron Leader,[31] with the added benefit of allowing Netero to recover some of his strength.[30] When it is almost time for Morel's disciples to join them, the Chimera Ants hole themselves up in the nest. Netero begins to suspect it will be impossible to complete the mission without sacrificing someone.[32]

HxH2011 EP92 Netero's Aura

Netero's aura

Shortly after the King's birth, Colt reaches the Hunters with a white flag, explaining the new situation to them.[33] The four leave NGL and Netero starts making calls, sending Dr. Lee to heal the Queen.[9] He then cuts off his ponytail and changes into his "heart" T-shirt, asking Colt to compare his aura to the King's. Colt replies Netero will not even get to him, as he will be killed by the Royal Guards first. Netero leaves matters in Morel's hands and heads off to see an old friend,[9] whom he hires him to pick him up and separate the King from the Royal Guards when the time comes.[34] Around that time, the V5 order Netero to exterminate the Chimera Ants with any means, implying the Hunter Association will take all the fallout,[35] and he records a DVD in which he announces he has quit his position as Chairman and gives instructions for the next election,[36] and has a bomb implanted in his chest, which is programmed so as to go off when his heartbeat stops.[37]

Netero infiltrates East Gorteau on his own and then texts the other members of the Extermination Team, implying he knows about Gon and Killua. He orders the Hunters to split up in groups of two with each pair luring a Royal Guard away from the King. The plan will commence at midnight sharp on the night before the rally.[38] He proceeds to meditate until then,[39] readying Zero Hand.[40]

111 - Neferpitou vs Netero

Netero faces Neferpitou

On the night of the attack, Netero and Zeno are flown above the palace by Silva Zoldyck. Roughly two minutes before midnight, they jump off the dragon's back,[41] only for Zeno to create one made out of Nen. They are detected by Neferpitou, but as soon as they come in contact with their En, Zeno activates Dragon Dive.[42] Nonetheless, the Royal Guard manages to locate Netero and jumps towards him. They activate Terpsichora, but, in the 0.1 seconds, before they can attack, they hear Netero criticize their tactic and elegantly join his hands together. They are then blasted away by Netero's 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, with Netero stating he'd appreciate it if Neferpitou just let themself disappear into the distance.[15] After landing, either Zeno or Netero use En to locate the King, and start heading towards him.[43] They remain petrified upon seeing him holding Komugi's grievously injured body, taken aback by the show of affection. When Pitou reaches them and is asked by the King to heal Komugi, Netero motions Zeno not to intervene and accepts the latter's rebuke, as neither had anticipated Komugi would be there or was prepared for the King's actions. The King suggests they head somewhere else to fight, which, despite it being Netero's plan all along, makes the chairman feels as though the initiative has been taken from him. Zeno and he are startled by the activation of Neferpitou's Doctor Blythe, a moment's distraction during which the King leisurely crosses between them, leading to them realizing the extent of his power.[44] Upon reaching the balcony, Netero spots Gon and points him towards Neferpitou.[45] The King accepts to be taken away, resulting in Zeno activating his Dragon Head and the King and Netero riding it to another location.[34]

HxH2011 EP122 Netero First Hand

Netero using First Hand

The aura dragon dissolves upon reaching an area previously chosen by Netero: a test site for military weapons, so neither of them has to hold back. The King asks why Netero wants to fight despite knowing he'll die. Netero replies he cannot know without trying and tells the King not to judge him by his looks, to which Meruem responds that his first statement was due to the fact he was not underestimating the chairman and knew he could assess the situation as well as him. The King offers to spare Netero, claiming he has learned there are humans who deserve living as more than livestock, but the chairman answers he is in no condition to accept those terms.[46] The King insists on talking instead of fighting, but Netero, realizing that his target has not yet understood he has to choose between his insect and human sides, and remembering the outcome of the mission will decide the Hunter Association's fate, dismisses the invitation before he starts to second-guess himself, and strikes with First Hand.[35] When the attack, despite being a direct hit, only causes the King to spit some blood, Netero takes note of Meruem's frightening durability. He is surprised when the King invites him to sit down and talk again and retaliates with Third Hand. However, the King blocks the attack and discharges his anger through Ren, which, despite being only a fraction of his power, causes Netero to double the distance. He feels insulted that his determination was brushed off so casually, and is frustrated the King cannot understand he is in no position to negotiate. Suddenly remembering that the King does not know his own name, he suggests they fight and if the King can make him admit defeat, Netero will reveal it, as one of his underlings had heard it from the Queen before her death. Much to Netero's elation, the King accepts.[13]

125 - Netero waits

Netero prepares to use Ninety-Ninth Hand

Pleased with the formal acceptance of his challenge, Netero takes to the air and activates Ninety-Ninth Hand. As the technique unleashes a barrage of blows on the King, Netero wonders when he started waiting for the opponent to make the first move and when it became automatic for him to accept the gratitude of a defeated challenger. He vehemently tells himself that is not what he wanted but that he dreamed of giving his heart and soul to battle an unstoppable adversary. The ground caves, and the two fighters find themselves in an underground structure, which Netero claims to be a tomb; "Yours", he adds before striking the King again. As the opponent is launched into a pillar, the chairman silently thanks him and the forces that led to their encounter.[19]

The two begin to exchange blows, with Netero repelling the King every time he attempts to get close. When the King pauses to praise him, Netero observes none of his attacks had any effect, adding that he expected as much. The King's accolade, however, enrages Netero, who resumes his attack. This leads to the King relentlessly attempting to engage Netero in close quarters combat, only to be smacked away, recover, and try again. The chairman notices his opponent is enjoying himself and admits he is, too. He realizes that the King believes a single mistake or running out of stamina will signal his defeat, but he smiles to himself, saying to himself he is ready to counter with Zero Hand.[47]

126 - Meruem vs Netero 2

Meruem attacks Netero

Just when the attacks begin to give the King a dull internal ache, he manages to slip through the aura construct's arms and sever Netero's right leg.[48] The King tells him to stop the bleeding and disclose his name, but Netero tightens his leg muscles, closing the wound. However, his spirit impresses the King, who declares what happened was inevitable and that Netero will lose his left arm next. As the assault resumes, Netero realizes those are the last moments of his life. This awareness and the adrenaline combined causes him to strike thousands of times in under a minute, at which point one of Netero's attacks fall short, and the King chops off his left arm. The King demands to know his name, but Netero, smirking despite the pain, asks him if he thinks he needs two arms to pray. Netero then activates Zero Hand, which causes the aura statue to appear behind the King and restrain him in its hands before firing all of Netero's remaining aura from its mouth. However, not even that ability manages to injure the King significantly. After the latter shares his self-centered views on evolution and demands the chairman reveal his name again, Netero, whose strength and aura have been drained completely by Zero Hand, chuckles and states he is not alone. He suggests Meruem not underestimate humans, finally disclosing his name.[40] Despite his withered state and vulnerability, Netero manages to strike fear in Meruem's heart, claiming the latter knows nothing about humanity's endless potential for evolution and malice.[note 4] Netero then pierces his own heart with a finger and detonates the Rose in a last attempt to put an end to Meruem's reign of terror.[37]

Although gruesomely maimed by the bomb, the near-death Meruem is soon revived by Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi.[49] Unbeknownst to the Ants, however, the Poor Man's Rose also contained a lethal poison.[50] This poison eventually kills not only Meruem,[36] but Shaiapouf, Menthuthuyoupi,[51] and the innocent civilian Komugi,[36] although, unlike the former three, she willingly chose to submit to the poison in exchange for playing Gungi with Meruem in his final hours.[52]

13th Hunter Chairman Election arc

Netero's portrait

Netero's picture in his office

Before his death, Netero asked that the next chairman of the Hunter Association be decided by an election, with the Zodiacs overseeing and assisting with the process. To win the election and thus become the new chairman, one must receive a majority of the votes (50% or higher) with over 95% Hunter participation.[36] After the election, Morel and Knov used the money they had waged on their past bet to buy a bottle of expensive wine and toast glasses in his office, placing a full one in front of his photo as a form of libation.[53]

Dark Continent Expedition arc

Netero in Dark Continent

Netero in his youth during the expedition in the Dark Continent

Netero makes a couple of appearances via video recordings shown to the Zodiacs. The first being as a still image used by King Nasubi Hui Guo Rou to help introduce his son Beyond Netero. This comes to a surprise as the Zodiacs believed Isaac Netero did not have any living relatives.[21] The second being Isaac Netero explaining his few ventures to the Dark Continent and how he forbid his son to go back until his death. He informs the Zodiacs that there aren't battles that can be physically won or lost in the "new world": only a harsh losing journey against nature. He wants a group of people to lead a more successful venture than his son in the Dark Continent, but a great risk will be sure to follow as he marks this task as an "A" level difficulty. Though not "ordering" the Zodiacs to be this group of people, he heavily implies that he thinks they should go as it will benefit mankind.[17]

Equipment

Heart Shirt: When Netero intended on fighting seriously, he would wear a special white t-shirt with blue sleeves, a blue collar, and the Japanese kanji for "heart" written in red on the front. It was never explicitly stated that this shirt serves any functional purpose, but given the rules of Nen, he likely becomes stronger when he wears it.

Poor Man's Rose: At some point before the palace invasion, Netero had this bomb implanted in his body.[37] It is immensely powerful, severely maiming Meruem and leaving him on the brink of death[49] despite Netero's most powerful attack only moderately injuring him.[37] In addition, the bomb releases a deadly poison that turns its victims into poisonous agents themselves, leading to a chain reaction of casualties.[50] The chemical was potent enough to kill two weakened Royal Guards[54][55] and eventually Meruem himself.[36] The bomb was rigged to go off when Netero's heart stopped.[37]

Abilities & Powers

Isaac Netero had the greatest authority in the Hunter Association due to his status as chairman.

In his youth, Netero was revered as the world's most powerful Nen user.[8] Although the survival rate of the official expeditions to the Dark Continent is a mere 0.04%, Netero set foot on it twice and returned alive with no signs of lasting injury both times.[17] Even in his old age, Netero remains extremely powerful, with Morel asserting that if Netero cannot defeat an opponent, then no one in the entire Hunter Association can. To this, the chairman objected that in his old age, his strength was half what it used to be, putting himself on Morel and Knov's level;[8] however, the sincerity of his statement is dubious, with Knov stating how Netero is prone to exaggerating and that he is still much stronger than the two of them. While fighting Chimera Ants, the Chairman remarked that he was getting his strength back,[30] suggesting that some of his lost strength had returned to him. Netero displayed incredible strength and stamina for his age, shown when he made a 60-foot free-fall jump from the Judging Committee's blimp without a parachute and landed without incurring any harm.[7] He is also a very powerful hand-to-hand combatant, capable of unleashing punches that far exceed the speed of sound.[2] Furthermore, he is extremely knowledgeable in martial arts, recognizing Killua's Rhythm Echo at a glance.[22]

Netero appears to be capable of hiding his true strength, as even a good judge of strength like Killua reckoned he could kill him during their ball game;[23] however, Hisoka immediately recognized him as a worthy opponent, and one way more interesting than any applicant or examiner.[1] Netero also has superhuman control over his muscles,[40] as well as the ability to enhance his vision by forming a circle with his index finger and thumb and peeking through it, a skill with which Neferpitou, who was a few kilometers away, appeared to be only meters away from him,[10] demonstrating his superior mastery compared to Hisoka.[56] It is unknown if this technique is achieved with Nen or if Netero is merely improving his vision by concentrating.

Immense Strength: Netero has incredible physical strength, first shown when he free-fell for 60 feet and landed without incurring any physical harm.[7] When he repeated the same action from a starting height of over 2,000 meters,[42] he still suffered no injury. He was able to slaughter several squadrons of Chimera Ants single-handedly, in spite of the tough exoskeleton that many of them possess, while still warming up.[30] He is able to leap several meters into the air from a standing position.[19] He could easily pierce his own chest to puncture his heart with one finger despite having depleted all his aura and stamina.[37]

Unfathomable Speed and Reflexes: Netero's speed is considered to be among the greatest of any character seen thus far in the series. He was able to run by Gon and Killua with only the latter barely catching sight of him. When Killua praised his speed, Netero stated he was merely "strolling along".[22] During their ball game, he was able to dodge most of their attacks[22][23] despite standing only on one leg as well as to tire them out quickly.[23] When they were about to catch the ball, Netero beat them to it by covering the meters that separated them in the blink of an eye.[23] It is, however, during the extermination of the Chimera Ants that the full extent of his speed was revealed. He managed to out-speed both Neferpitou and, even more remarkably, Meruem. This is due to Netero being able to deliver punches faster than the speed of sound: his attack against Neferpitou was known to last less than one-tenth of a second.[15] Netero's real attack speed, however, is much higher: by the time he completed his mountain training, he could complete his set of readying his aura, joining his hands in prayer, getting into position and throwing a punch 10,000 times in under an hour,[2] meaning he repeated the cycle nearly 3 times every second. Meruem admitted that the only instance in which he loses to Netero in terms of speed is when the latter executes the motion to activate his 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva.[47] In the last part of their duel, with his senses at their absolute sharpest, Netero launched well over a thousand attacks in under a minute:[40] at the very least, this means that he could carry out his praying motion and strike, while also locating Meruem and selecting the best move to counter him with, more than 16 times per second. That he managed to react to Meruem's movements means Netero's reflexes are on par with his punching speed.

Immense Agility: Netero has an astounding sense of balance, balancing a glass on his toes[7] and landing gracefully from a 60-foot jump while wearing a pair of geta.[22] He was also donning them when he surprised Gon and Killua with his speed.[23] His agility assisted him in dodging or repelling Gon and Killua's attempts to catch the ball during their game despite his using only one leg and one arm until the very end.[22][23]

Immense Stamina: When Netero was younger, he was able to perform 10,000 punches while using Ren for 18 hours straight, collapsing from exhaustion right after, before re-starting the following morning. When he compressed that time to under an hour, he expended the remaining time by praying.[2] It is unclear if, while training on the mountains, he ate anything at all. Despite being able to pass the First Phase of the Hunter Exam with no effort, Gon and Killua started sweating profusely and tiring minutes after starting their ball game with Netero, while the latter was unaffected by the end.[23] He attacked Meruem thousands of times without showing any sign of fatigue,[48] breaking into a sweat only after his opponent severed his leg without his speed being affected.[40] He was able to remain conscious and speak normally even after exhausting his aura,[37] which would normally cause a human to faint instantaneously,[57] and despite the extent of his injuries.

Enhanced Durability: Netero has a very sturdy body. Even when not using Nen, his abdominals are so hard that Gon hurt his head trying to headbutt him in the stomach, and Netero worried that the boy might break his head if he tried to do it again. It was implied that this level of durability was achieved through Netero contracting his muscles,[23] thus without resorting to Ten. His bones are also unbelievably resilient, so much so that a kick from Killua caused the assassin to nearly break his own leg, whereas Netero took the blow without trying to block and still took no damage.[22]

NeteroBleeding

Netero stops his right leg's bleeding

Immense Endurance: With the sole exception of an increase in perspiration, Netero did not appear to be affected by the loss of two limbs. Indeed, it is after the first mutilation occurred that he fought best. His arm being severed one minute after his leg did not prevent him from unleashing his ultimate attack[40] or to talk to Meruem.[37]

Muscle Control: Netero can prevent blood loss from a severed leg by contracting the muscles around the wound. However, he did not do so after losing his arm, possibly because he was about to use Zero Hand, and in fact, he was unable to keep the bleeding in check after using the last of his strength.[40]

Genius-Level Intellect: Netero's seemingly nonsensical, whimsical behavior belies an astounding intellect.[4] When preparing to exterminate the Chimera Ants, he had already prepared a way for Gon and Killua to participate before meeting them;[29] indeed, he had already predicted the two of them and Palm Siberia would join the mission.[32] He confirmed it later on when he sent Morel a text that included instructions for the boys, while also using the same words Morel had used to describe him a moment before.[38] Since Palm was not mentioned, it seems he had also predicted she would not take part in the assault. Upon reaching NGL, he implied he had already considered the possibility of Nen users being "assimilated" by the enemy.[29] If Netero has been shown to be able to perfectly anticipate other people's actions, he has, on the contrary, proven time and time again to be completely unpredictable. Zeno Zoldyck described him as having the mind of a plant.[15] In spite of his position, he was able to hide the existence of a son even to the Zodiacs, seemingly with the sole exception of Pariston.[21] However, it is in battle that he shows his full mental prowess: also thanks to his experience, his battle instincts are so honed that Meruem described his selection of offensive moves as "flawless", and specified that it is only through having acquired a pattern-recognition ability similar to foresight that he managed to slip through Netero's attacks.[40]

Master Hand-to-Hand Combatant: Being the grandmaster of the Shingen-ryu school of kung fu,[27] Netero is a figure of high standing in the world of martial arts. At the age of 46, he had supposedly reached its pinnacle, only for his abilities to improve unexpectedly. When he descended from the mountain, a dojo master relinquished his title upon witnessing his supersonic punch,[2] and from that moment on, Netero defeated countless opponents, including armed ones, but never meeting an adversary he could give his all against.[19] He demonstrated the full extent of his mastery of combat when he exchanged thousands of blows with Meruem, selecting the best possible move in a fraction of a second each time until the King identified and exploited his unconscious bias.[47]

Nen

Netero is an extremely powerful practitioner of Nen, holding the title of the most powerful Nen master in his prime. Although Morel keeps regarding him as unmatched within the Hunter Association,[8] and Knov acknowledged he is still far above the two of them,[30] Netero stated that his time at the top has passed.[8]

Despite being an Enhancer, Netero's most dangerous Nen ability[15] draws on at least two other Nen types: Manipulation and either Emission or Conjuration, with the probable inclusion of Transmutation as well, at least in his strongest technique.[note 5][40] It is possible that Netero used In when attacking Neferpitou, since, despite seeing his movement, the Chimera Ant failed to notice the aura construct.[15] Netero also had an excellent understanding of the influence of conditions on Nen, creating Nen abilities that fit his own skills perfectly. He was implied to possess other abilities aside from 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva, which is regarded as his most powerful one.[15]

Netero's polished aura impressed a seasoned Hunter like Morel, who commented that his Ren gave him the impression of being pierced by needles. Zeno listed Netero's extremely quiet aura as one of his strongest points, as it is impossible to read his next move from it.[15] While meditating to prepare his Zero Hand ability, Netero gave off such a strong, frightening aura that Killua, despite being several miles away, could perceive the danger, although only as an omen.[40] Before his "metamorphosis", Netero could maintain his Ren for 18 hours straight while performing his punching routine (possibly with a brief pause after each blow),[2] which vouches for a tremendous amount of aura. Although Colt stated Netero's aura output is incomparable to that of the three Royal Guards,[9] the chairman managed to dispose of Neferpitou in an instant[15] and injure Meruem himself,[13] demonstrating his superior mastery; however, despite holding his own against the King and earning his praise, Netero was eventually defeated without managing to inflict serious injuries.[40]

Netero has also been seen to be a master of "the other Nen". His hostile "Ren" (commonly known as "bloodlust") was so powerful that it made Meruem, who managed to defeat the chairman without suffering much damage himself, experience fear for the first time in his life.[37] A much milder version was also aimed at Gon and Killua before their ball game, when he projected his bloodlust at them before dashing between them almost instantaneously. This show of "Ren" was strong enough to put them on edge for a short while, changing the atmosphere completely.[22]

Isaac Netero's Nen Type: Enhancement
Type: Manipulation, Emission, Enhancement 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva ((ひゃく)(しき)(かん)(のん)()()()()()(), Hyakushiki Kannon)[note 6]
Netero's Guanyin Bodhisattva
Netero repels Neferpitou EP111 IMG
Netero summons a multi-armed Nen construct behind himself which takes the form of a gigantic statue of Guanyin. To execute an attack, Netero clasps his hands together in a fluid motion, as if in prayer, after which one of the arms on the statue strikes down upon his target in conjunction with Netero's hand motion. The procedure is repeated before every attack.[47] Due to Netero’s immense speed, the whole process can be carried out in far less than 0.1 seconds,[42] up to thousands of times per minute.[40] A single palm strike from the bodhisattva was enough to push Neferpitou a considerable distance away without the Chimera Ant fully understanding what had happened.[15] The sheer number of arms makes it so that the possible combinations are so numerous Meruem regarded them as being practically infinite,[47] and it is only by detecting Netero's unconscious bias for one move over another that he managed to best the ability.[40] Due to this its extreme speed and power, Zeno Zoldyck considers the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva the chairman’s most dangerous ability.[15]
It is unknown if the construct is conjured or emitted; it's likely that the statue is made using Emission type Nen and then strengthened using Enhancement Nen. Finally, Manipulation Nen is also in play via hand gestures and stances to control/channel his attacks.
Type: Manipulation, Emission, Enhancement First Hand ((いち)()()()()()()()()(), Ichi no Te)
FirstHand
After clasping his hands together, Netero performs a chopping motion, causing the bodhisattva to strike the target with a chop.[35] When used against Meruem, it caused the King to spit out blood and comment that he could not see the attack coming, creating a deep fissure into the ground.[13]
Type: Manipulation, Emission, Enhancement Third Hand ((さん)()()()()()()()()(), San no Te)
ThirdHand
After clasping his hands together, Netero performs a clapping motion, causing the bodhisattva to attack the target with a clap, crushing them between two of its hands. However, Meruem came out of the attack unscathed, pushing the palms apart after an instant.[13]
Type: Manipulation, Emission, Enhancement Ninety-Ninth Hand (九十九(つくも)()()()()()()()()(), Tsukumo no Te)
Tsukumo no Te
After clasping his hands together and resting his right ankle on his left calf, Netero joins his thumbs and index fingers together, making a sign with his hands that looks like the number ninety-nine. The bodhisattva unleashes a barrage of palm strikes with all its arms, resulting in a massively powerful attack that can dig deep into the ground. Netero does not need to "pray" in-between blows and instead maintains the pose that started the technique.[19]
Type: Manipulation, Emission, Enhancement Zero Hand ((ゼロ)()()()()()()()()(), Zero no Te)
ZeroHand
This is Netero's last resort, meant to be used only when he cannot utilize any of Guanyin's abilities. Netero first prays with all his heart, raising only one hand. The bodhisattva then appears behind his enemy and tenderly clasps them within its palms. Then, it focuses every last ounce of Netero's aura in its mouth before mercilessly firing it as an enormous flare of unparalleled destructive power. This single attack injured Meruem more than the thousands of palm strikes that preceded it, although the damage was ultimately only superficial. Netero meditated for days to prepare for this technique. After executing it, he ages rapidly as a result of his aura being completely drained.[40] Regardless of how the statue is created, Emission is likely used to cause it to appear away from Netero himself, or in the beam itself.

Manga Appearances

Hunter Exam arc
1. The Day of Departure Absent
2. An Encounter in the Storm Absent
3. The Ultimate Choice Absent
4. Kiriko: Wicked Magical Vulpes Absent
5. The First Phase Begins, Part 1 Absent
6. The First Phase Begins, Part 2 Absent
7. Respective Reasons Absent
8. The Other Enemy Absent
9. A Struggle in the Mist Absent
10. An Unexpected Task Absent
11. The Inevitable Outcome Absent
12. The Chairman Awaits Debut
13. A Game at Midnight, Part 1 Appears
14. A Game at Midnight, Part 2 Appears
15. The Path of Majority Rules Absent
16. Enter the Taskmasters Absent
17. Disparate Choice Absent
18. The Two Aces in the Hole Absent
19. The Trap of Majority Rules Absent
20. Gambling Time Absent
21. Resolution Absent
22. The Last Question Absent
23. Two Enemies Absent
24. Crash Course Absent
25. The Second Day Absent
26. The Night Before the Showdown Absent
27. A Volatile Situation Absent
28. A Huge Favor Absent
29. Killua's Case Absent
30. The Slithering Trap Absent
31. By the Skin of Their Teeth... Absent
32. And the Final Test...? Appears
33. The Final Test Begins! Appears
34. The First Candidate Accepted?! Appears
35. Light and Darkness, Part 1 Appears
36. Light and Darkness, Part 2 Appears
37. Light and Darkness, Part 3 Appears
38. Ging Freecss Appears
Heavens Arena arc
44. The Heavens Arena Absent
45. "Ren" Absent
46. "Nen" Absent
47. The Invisible Wall Absent
48. Hisoka's Terms Absent
49. The Battle Begins!! Absent
50. "Zetsu" Absent
51. "Ten" Absent
52. Kastro Absent
53. Double Absent
54. Cause of Defeat Absent
55. As for Hisoka... Absent
56. Training Resumes Absent
57. Promise Absent
58. Rematch Absent
59. Making the Grade Absent
60. Passing the Exam Pictured
61. Showdown Absent
62. Like You Mean It Absent
63. Next Absent
Greed Island arc
120. September 6th: Part 1 Absent
121. September 6th: Part 2 Absent
122. September 6th: Part 3 Absent
123. September 6th: Part 4 Absent
124. September 7th: Part 1 to September 10th: Part 1 Absent
125. September 10th: Part 2 Absent
126. September 10th: Part 3 Absent
127. September 10th: Part 4 Absent
128. September 10th: Part 5 Absent
129. Antokiba, Town of Prizes Absent
130. The Reason for the Recruitment Absent
131. The Answer Absent
132. The Forty Spells Absent
133. How to Defend Yourself Without Spells Absent
134. The Island's Secret Absent
135. To Masadora! Part 1 Absent
136. To Masadora! Part 2 Absent
137. To Masadora! Part 3 Absent
138. To Masadora...? Pictured
139. Are They Really Going to Masadora? Absent
140. They Got to Masadora, But... Absent
141. They Went to Masadora Already, So I'll Go With a Different Title Now Absent
142. The Bomber Absent
143. Countdown Absent
144. Release Absent
145. Janken Absent
146. Abengane: Part 1 Absent
147. Abengane: Part 2 Absent
148. The Exam Begins Appears
149. Encounter Absent
150. Embarkment Absent
151. Progress Absent
152. Contact Absent
153. Success Absent
154. Common Cause Absent
155. The Captain and His 14 Devils Absent
156. Face-Off: Part 1 Absent
157. Face-Off: Part 2 Absent
158. Two of a Kind +1 Absent
159. Aiai, the City of Love Absent
160. Face-Off: Part 3 Absent
161. Face-Off: Part 4 Absent
162. Face-Off: Part 5 Absent
163. Face-Off: Part 6 Absent
164. Face-Off: Part 7 Absent
165. Face-Off: Part 8 Absent
166. Face-Off: Part 9 Absent
167. Face-Off: Part 10 Absent
168. Face-Off: Part 11 Absent
169. Declaration of War Absent
170. Three-Way Struggle: Part 1 Absent
171. Three-Way Struggle: Part 2 Absent
172. Three-Way Struggle: Part 3 Absent
173. Three-Way Struggle: Part 4 Absent
174. Three-Way Struggle: Part 5 Absent
175. Three-Way Struggle: Part 6 Absent
176. Three-Way Struggle: Part 7 Absent
177. Three-Way Struggle: Part 8 Absent
178. Three-Way Struggle: Part 9 Absent
179. Three-Way Struggle: Part 10 Absent
180. Three-Way Struggle: Part 11 Absent
181. Three-Way Struggle: Part 12 Absent
182. Three-Way Struggle: Part 13 Absent
183. Three-Way Struggle: Part 14 Absent
184. The Choice of Three Cards Absent
185. Chance Encounter Absent
Chimera Ant arc
186. The Queen Absent
187. The Beast Fodder Absent
188. NGL Absent
189. Infiltration Absent
190. The Hunt Absent
191. Pros Absent
192. Human Dog Absent
193. Scissors Absent
194. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 1 Absent
195. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 2 Absent
196. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 3 Absent
197. vs. Hagya's Squad: Part 4 Absent
198. Sudden Attack Absent
199. Light and Shadow Appears
200. Stipulation Mentioned
201. Reunion Appears
202. Duel Appears
203. Gyro Absent
204. Gyro's Story Appears
205. Time Remaining Appears
206. A Real Fight Appears
207. Weakness: Part 1 Absent
208. Weakness: Part 2 Absent
209. ? Absent
210. Weakness: Part 3 Absent
211. Loan Shark Absent
212. Water Breaking Absent
213. Birth Absent
214. Results Mentioned
215. Last Words Appears
216. Republic of East Gorteau Absent
217. Meat Orchard Absent
218. Confession Absent
219. Awakening Absent
220. Reunion: Part 1 Absent
221. Reunion: Part 2 Absent
222. Reunion: Part 3 Absent
223. 10: Part 1 Pictured
224. 10: Part 2 Absent
225. 10: Part 3 Absent
226. 10: Part 4 Absent
227. 10: Part 5 Absent
228. 10: Part 6 Absent
229. 10: Part 7 Absent
230. 9: Part 1 Mentioned
231. 9: Part 2 Mentioned
232. 9: Part 3 Absent
233. 9: Part 4 Absent
234. 9: Part 5 Mentioned
235. 8: Part 1 Absent
236. 8: Part 2 Absent
237. 8: Part 3 Absent
238. 8: Part 4 Absent
239. 8: Part 5 Absent
240. 8: Part 6 Absent
241. 8: Part 7 Absent
242. 7: Part 1 Absent
243. 7: Part 2 Appears
244. 6: Part 1 Absent
245. 6: Part 2 Absent
246. 6: Part 3 Absent
247. 6: Part 4 Absent
248. 6: Part 5 Absent
249. 6: Part 6 Absent
250. 6: Part 7 Pictured
251. 6: Part 8 Absent
252. 6: Part 9 Absent
253. 6: Part 10 Absent
254. 6: Part 11 Absent
255. 5: Part 1 to 2: Part 1 Absent
256. 2: Part 2 Mentioned
257. 1: Part 1 Absent
258. 1: Part 2 Absent
259. 1: Part 3 Absent
260. 1: Part 4 Absent
261. Charge: Part 1 Absent
262. Charge: Part 2 Appears
263. Charge: Part 3 Appears
264. Charge: Part 4 Appears
265. Charge: Part 5 Appears
266. "In the Unlikely Event Of..." Mentioned
267. Activation Vision
268. The King Appears
269. Adversity Is a Good Thing Pictured
270. Indebted To Appears
271. Separation Appears
272. Error Absent
273. We Meet Again Absent
274. Solution Absent
275. Promise Absent
276. Missileman Absent
277. Insult Mentioned
278. Destruction Absent
279. Escape Absent
280. Direct Hit Absent
281. Godspeed Absent
282. Sealed Area Absent
283. Determination Absent
284. Fifteen Minutes Absent
285. Doubles Absent
286. Core Absent
287. Present State Appears
288. Accolade Appears
289. Terms Absent
290. Name Appears
291. Soliloquy Appears
292. Hidden Agenda Appears
293. Metamorphosis Absent
294. Breakdown Absent
295. Determination Absent
296. Admission Appears
297. The Last Appears
298. Rose Death
299. Regeneration Absent
300. Insurance Mentioned
301. Memory Mentioned
302. Target Mentioned
303. Pain Absent
304. Magic Absent
305. Sorry Absent
306. Relief Absent
307. Loss Absent
308. Flash Mentioned
309. Game Absent
310. Action Absent
311. Deadline Absent
312. Resolve Absent
313. One Word Absent
314. Persuasion Absent
315. Home Mentioned
316. Real Name Mentioned
317. Answer Absent
318. Final Will Screen
13th Hunter Chairman Election arc
319. Lottery Pictured
320. Voting Pictured
321. Monster Flashback
322. Siblings Absent
323. Job Offer Mentioned
324. Butler Absent
325. Joining the Fray Mentioned
326. Open Hostilities Absent
327. Riddle Absent
328. Arrangements Absent
329. Spy Pictured
330. Confession Mentioned
331. Day of Reckoning Pictured
332. Applause Mentioned
333. Rumble Pictured
334. Total Defeat Mentioned
335. Decision Mentioned
336. Release Absent
337. Repentance Absent
338. Atop a Tree Flashback
339. Stillness Pictured
Dark Continent Expedition arc
340. Special Mission Pictured
341. Threats Screen
342. Challenge Mentioned
343. Invitation Mentioned
344. Author Flashback
345. Signature Mentioned
346. Options Pictured
347. Inauguration Mentioned
348. Resolve Mentioned

Battles & Competitions

Battles
  • Chimera Ant arc:
    • Isaac vs. Maha Zoldyck (Past)[15]
    • Isaac vs. Dojo martial artists (Flashback)[19]
    • Isaac vs. 16 Chimera Ant Squadrons[31][30]
    • Isaac vs. Neferpitou[15][2]
    • Isaac vs. Meruem*[58][59][36]
Competitions
  • Hunter Exam arc:
    • Isaac vs. Gon Freecss and Killua Zoldyck (midnight ball game)[22][23]

Quotes

  • (To Menchi) "Did you fail them because after testing their will to challenge the unknown, you found they lacked the desire?"[7]
  • (To Hunter Exam applicants) "To accept your limits is no shame. You're welcome to take the exam another time."[7]
  • (To Killua) "We placed two assassins in the nearest city!! Whether you fight them or not is up to you. However... if you want to live as Hunters, take them down and come find us."[29]
  • (To Killua) "We don't need just any help. Only the strong!!"[29]
  • (Written to Gon and Killua) "Will you fight or not?"[29]
  • (To Morel and Knov) "Not good. That one looks stronger than me."[10]
  • (To Morel and Knov) "It's been more than half a century when I was the most powerful Nen master."[8]
  • (To Morel) "It would be best if we didn't have to fight at all. Our only target is the Queen."[8]
  • (To Morel and Knov) "Keep sending 'em down. I'm getting my groove back."[30]
  • "We might not be able to complete this mission without sacrificing someone..."[32]
  • (To Colt) "I hear you use Nen. Considering you've seen the King up close... I want you to give me your honest opinion."[9]
  • "A challenger at my age? What a thrill!"[9]
  • (To the Extermination Team) "Split up in three teams of two and lure the Royal Guards away from the King. Commence at midnight sharp, the night before the rally. From: The old man with satellite ears"[38]
  • (To Neferpitou) "I anticipated several offensive and defensive patterns, but that was a bad move, little Ant."[15]
  • (To Neferpitou) "I'd appreciate it if you disappeared into the distance."[15]
  • (To Meruem) "Don't judge a book by its cover, kid."[46]
  • (To Meruem) "That's not a deal I'm in a position to accept."[46]
  • "This is quite the situation. He is wavering between ants and humans!! And he hasn't realized yet that he has to choose between them!!"[35]
  • "This doesn't really change things. I'd better get it over with before I start to second-guess myself."[35]
  • (To Meruem) "We've all got problems, kid."[35]
  • (To Meruem) "King. Don't you want to know what your name is?"[13]
  • (To a challenger) "Any time. Come on."[19]
  • (To Meruem) "This is a grave. Yours."[19]
  • "Why, you little... You think you're so far above the rest of us? Smug little insect!!"[47]
  • "Just try me. Checkmate me if you can. I'll show you... the Zero Hand."[47]
  • "This is it. The last time in my life."[40]
  • (To Meruem) "King of ants. You think I need two arms to pray?"[40]
  • "What is prayer? It's an action of the heart."[40]
  • (To Meruem) "I am not alone. Don't underestimate humans. Meruem!!"[40]
  • (To Meruem) "Meruem, king of ants. You have no idea, do you? You know nothing of the bottomless malice within the human heart!!"[37]
  • "See you in hell, if there is one."[37]
  • (Epitaph) "It's the heart that's important."}[6][note 7]
  • (To Beans) "As long as I can pick 'em myself, it'd be boring to have a yes man. I want the Hunter who's the most difficult for me to deal with. That's the kind of right-hand man I want."[11]
  • (To the Zodiacs) "I've set foot there just twice when I was young, but the strength required there was not what I sought. I needed an opponent. I sought strength as an individual, with either victory or defeat as an outcome. But in the New World, it was a harsh battle against Mother Nature, where no victor exists."[17]
  • (To the Zodiacs) "This is not an order!! Think of it as the fleeting dream of a dead man... I repeat, this is not an order!! I repeat... This is not an order!!"[17]

Trivia

  • Netero's Nen proficiency was at the highest rank: Extreme.[5]
  • In Chapter 344, his name is written as "Aizack Neterro".[12] The Viz version has the character's regular name in its publication, Isaac Netero, edited over the alternate one.
  • During the Hunter Exam, when he tested Gon and Killua on the airship, Netero was able to fend them both off while using only his right arm and left leg.[23] In his final battle against Meruem and prior to activating the Miniature Rose, he is left with only his right arm and left leg after Meruem's assault.[40]
    • During the Hunter Exam arc, Netero also used his Ren to put Gon and Killua on edge and slip past them.[22] The same occurred to him and Zeno when Neferpitou's activation of Doctor Blythe momentarily distracted them, allowing Meruem to walk between them more swiftly than they could react.[44]
  • One of Netero's most memorable quotes reads "I dreamed of giving my heart and soul to battle an unstoppable adversary".[19] In the final moments in his battle with Meruem, he uses Zero Hand, a Nen ability that focuses ones entire aura (or soul) into a final attack, completely draining it,[40] and when he died, he did so by thrusting his fingers into his heart,[37] a turn of events that almost exactly matches the quote just given.
  • Although Netero's 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva is considered his most powerful technique, his natural Nen type (Enhancement) does not seem to contribute to the ability. It is possible, although never hinted at, that Netero uses Enhancement to accelerate his speed, reflexes, and in particular his hand motions to such a pinnacle that it is outright incomprehensible to all but one of the characters that witnessed it, that being Meruem; even then, Meruem was also unable to keep up with the speed at first but managed to grow accustomed to it over the conflict.
  • If so, and if 100-Type Guanyin Bodhsisattva is created through Emission and possibly Transmutation, this would mean that Netero uses all accessible types (therefore excluding Specialization) in his Nen ability except Conjuration/Materialization. This could have some minimal relation with the character's Buddhist-like theme and the concept of detachment from the desire for things present in some religions including Buddhism, although not always literally or exclusively material things but greatly linked to it.
  • When he was introduced, Isaac Netero displayed an incredible sense of balance by drinking with a straw from a glass on a plate he was holding up with his foot;[7] when talking to the Zodiacs, his son, Beyond Netero, accomplished a similar feat, keeping a pen standing on its tip without touching it.[60]
  • According to the "Hunter × Hunter Manual" section found in the Yu ☆ Yu ☆ Hakusho official character book (Shueisha Jump remix),* Isaac Netero's stats are:
Story Arcs Mind Skill Body Nen Ingenuity Intelligence
Hunter Exam arc 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Chimera Ant arc: NGL 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
Chimera Ant arc: Palace Invasion 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 4/5 5/5
5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5 5/5

Intertextuality and References

  • 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva is explicitly based off the figure of Guanyin, a Bodhisattva that is associated with compassion as venerated by East Asian Buddhists.
    • The constant shedding of tears by the Bodhisattva statue could be something representative of the implicit contradiction between the goddess' merciful nature and the violent use of her figure. Aside from some mere illustrative depictions, the only time Guanyin appears not "crying tears of blood" is when Netero performs the Zero Hand—which does not involve a direct or explicit type of violence like the common "strikes".
  • Netero's Nen ability is similar to the "Stand" power of the JoJo's Bizarre Adventure manga series, in which the user conjures and controls a spiritual being as a means of combat.
  • 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva could have been the source of inspiration for Chiriku's anime-only technique "Welcoming Approach: Thousand Armed Murder Jutsu" from Naruto, which summons a spiritual Guanyin Bodhisattva that attacks with spirit fists. Later, in the same manga, a similar canon technique ("Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands") was used by Hashirama Senju.
  • The Shingen-ryu kung fu style of Netero and the activation of the bomb (Miniature Rose) he was carrying in his body, which was activated piercing his own chest with two fingers, is a reminiscence of the style Hokuto Shinken practiced by the protagonist of Hokuto no Ken, Kenshiro; one of the Hokuto Shinken uses is to explode a person, like the Hokuto Kaikotsu Ken technique—a two-fingered strike which causes the victim's skeleton to explode.
  • In Chapter 199, Vishvarupa is seen standing behind Netero. This may be a form of foreshadowing, as his Nen ability is based off another multi-armed deity.
  • Netero's 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva appears briefly in Mitsutoshi Shimabukuro's Chingiri, a one-shot comedy manga.
  • In Chapter 107 of the Me & Roboco manga, Roboco is shown meditating the same way Netero did during his development toward enlightenment.

Translations around the World

Language Name
The Arab world Flag Arabic إسحاق نيتيرو ('Ishaq Nitiru)
China Flag Chinese 艾札克•尼特罗/艾札克•尼特羅* (Ài zhá kè Ní tè luó)
艾萨克•尼特罗/艾薩克•尼特羅 (Ài sà kè Ní tè luó)
France Flag French Isaac Netero or Nétéro
Greece Flag Greek Ισαάκ Νέτερο (Isaák Nétero)
South Korea Flag Korean 아이작 네테로 (Aijak Netero)
Russia Flag Russian Айзек Нетеро (Ayzek Netero)
Thailand Flag Thai ไอแซก เนเทโล่ (Xị sæk Ne the lò)

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 4, Chapter 32
  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 25, Chapter 265
  3. Hunter × Hunter - Omnibus Version: Treasure [?] (pg. 86 Treasure X page 86)
  4. 4.0 4.1 Yu ★ Yu ★ Hakusho Official Characters Book Reikaishinshiroku, Hunter × Hunter Manual (section)
  5. 5.0 5.1 Exhibition: Togashi Yoshihiro -Puzzle-
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 320
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 7.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 2, Chapter 12
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 202
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 9.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 21, Chapter 215
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 201
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 321
  12. 12.0 12.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 344
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 27, Chapter 290
  14. 14.0 14.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 22, Chapter 234
  15. 15.00 15.01 15.02 15.03 15.04 15.05 15.06 15.07 15.08 15.09 15.10 15.11 15.12 15.13 15.14 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 264
  16. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 31, Chapter 329
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 341
  18. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, page 9, Chapter 291 (page 3-5)
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 19.5 19.6 19.7 19.8 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 291
  20. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 14, Chapter 138
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 32, Chapter 340
  22. 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 22.4 22.5 22.6 22.7 22.8 22.9 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 2, Chapter 13
  23. 23.00 23.01 23.02 23.03 23.04 23.05 23.06 23.07 23.08 23.09 23.10 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 2, Chapter 14
  24. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 4, Chapter 33
  25. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 5, Chapter 36
  26. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 5, Chapter 37
  27. 27.0 27.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 7, Chapter 60
  28. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 15, Chapter 148
  29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 29.4 29.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 19, Chapter 199
  30. 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 205
  31. 31.0 31.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 204
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 206
  33. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 21, Chapter 214
  34. 34.0 34.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 26, Chapter 271
  35. 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 27, Chapter 288
  36. 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 318
  37. 37.00 37.01 37.02 37.03 37.04 37.05 37.06 37.07 37.08 37.09 37.10 37.11 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 298
  38. 38.0 38.1 38.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 21, Chapter 223
  39. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 23, Chapter 243
  40. 40.00 40.01 40.02 40.03 40.04 40.05 40.06 40.07 40.08 40.09 40.10 40.11 40.12 40.13 40.14 40.15 40.16 40.17 40.18 40.19 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 297
  41. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 262
  42. 42.0 42.1 42.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 263
  43. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 267
  44. 44.0 44.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 268
  45. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 25, Chapter 270
  46. 46.0 46.1 46.2 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 27, Chapter 287
  47. 47.0 47.1 47.2 47.3 47.4 47.5 47.6 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 292
  48. 48.0 48.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 296
  49. 49.0 49.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapter 299
  50. 50.0 50.1 Hunter × Hunter - Volume 29, Chapter 311
  51. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 29, Chapter 310
  52. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 30, Chapter 317
  53. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 32, Chapter 339
  54. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 29, Chapter 312
  55. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 29, Chapter 314
  56. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 3, Chapter 26
  57. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 20, Chapter 209
  58. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 27, Chapters 288 - 289
  59. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 28, Chapters 291 - 292, 296 - 298
  60. Hunter × Hunter - Volume 33, Chapter 345

Notes

  1. According to Beans in Chapter 32, Netero has been saying that he is 100 years old for about 20 years. In Chapter 265 it is revealed that at the age of 50, he became able to complete his punching routine in less than an hour. It is unknown how long he remained in the mountains after that, but Chapter 265 confirms that he descended over 60 years before his death, which puts Netero's age at 110 or over.
  2. The lines from Chapter 290 which Viz mistranslated as "Wet Behind the ears! If only I could teach him a lesson" are in fact closer in meaning to "If I could do that [talk rather than fight], I would not be going to all this trouble!"
  3. Based on the students' uniform type matching more Netero's outfit than his swordsman challenger's garb in the flashback, it is possible that the place is in fact Netero's dojo; although the dojo's signboard probably shows the name 赤[18] (possibly read as Akaguruma-ryū, translatable as "Red Prawn Style" or "Red Wheel Style") and not Netero's "Shingen-ryu" or the name of the other dojo he accepted previously.
  4. When Netero talks about the "bottomless malice within the human heart", the word "malice" could have been replaced by "evolution". In the original Japanese version the term used is 悪意(進化) (akui(shinka), lit. equivalent to "malice(evolution)"), with the base kanji and furigana having different readings and meanings; the Viz translation omitted the double meaning in the phrase.
  5. It is unclear if Zero Hand actually entails Transmutation to turn Netero's aura into light, or if this part of the description of the ability (worded: "Fired in a flare like a dazzling star.") was metaphorical. Since the 2011 anime adaptation appears to have opted for a literal reading, this is the version that is reported on this page.
  6. The Viz translation adds the "Bodhisattva" part to the name of Netero's main Nen ability; the goddess "Guanyin" is indeed a bodhisattva (see trivia).
  7. Netero's untranslated epitaph, 心が大事[6] (Kokoro ga daiji) in the original Japanese text and literally meaning "Heart is valuable", can also be found in a previous volume of the manga.

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