Netero, the legendary Chairman of the Hunter Association, meets his tragic end in episode 135 of the 2011 Hunter x Hunter anime adaptation. This pivotal episode marks the culmination of his intense battle against Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants, and signifies a turning point in the arc’s narrative.
The Fall of a Legend: Examining Episode 135
Episode 135, titled “This Day x And x This Moment,” serves as the dramatic conclusion to Netero’s final stand against Meruem. After unleashing his devastating Hyakushiki Kannon: Bodhisattva Zero technique, which proved insufficient to defeat the Chimera Ant King, Netero resorts to a desperate measure: a Poor Man’s Rose, a miniaturized nuclear bomb implanted within his body. This act of self-sacrifice, while ultimately failing to kill Meruem outright, has profound consequences for the story and the characters involved.
The episode meticulously portrays the desperation and futility of Netero’s struggle. The animation captures the sheer power of Meruem, highlighting the insurmountable gap between human and Chimera Ant King. Furthermore, the emotional weight of Netero’s decision is palpable, as he acknowledges the limits of his strength and embraces his demise for the sake of humanity. The episode also delves into the initial effects of the Poor Man’s Rose, demonstrating its devastating impact and foreshadowing the lingering threat it poses. In essence, Episode 135 is a masterclass in storytelling, delivering a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion to Netero’s arc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Netero’s Death
Here are some commonly asked questions concerning Netero’s death and its broader implications within the Hunter x Hunter universe.
The Battle and Its Context
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Why did Netero fight Meruem alone?
Netero volunteered to fight Meruem one-on-one to buy time for the Hunter Association to formulate a strategy to deal with the Chimera Ant threat. He recognized Meruem as the greatest danger and believed that a direct confrontation was necessary to assess the King’s power and potentially weaken him before reinforcements arrived. He considered it his duty and perhaps his last test.
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Did Netero know he couldn’t win against Meruem?
Yes, Netero was likely aware that defeating Meruem was an improbable feat. During the battle, he repeatedly acknowledged Meruem’s overwhelming strength and the limitations of his own abilities. His primary goal shifted from outright victory to gathering intel and buying time, ultimately leading to the use of the Poor Man’s Rose.
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What is Hyakushiki Kannon, and how effective was it against Meruem?
The Hyakushiki Kannon is Netero’s Nen ability, manifested as a giant, multi-armed Bodhisattva statue that attacks with incredible speed and power. While it posed a significant challenge to Meruem, it proved insufficient to inflict lasting damage or overwhelm him. Meruem was able to adapt and eventually exploit weaknesses in Netero’s technique.
The Poor Man’s Rose and its Aftermath
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What exactly is the Poor Man’s Rose?
The Poor Man’s Rose is a highly toxic and radioactive bomb, disguised as a flower. It’s an incredibly dangerous weapon of mass destruction, developed independently of any government or organization. It was designed as a last resort weapon.
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Why is it called the “Poor Man’s Rose”?
The name “Poor Man’s Rose” is likely a cynical commentary on the weapon’s indiscriminate nature and the fact that it can be produced relatively easily, making it accessible even to those without significant resources. It represents a desperate and destructive solution for those who lack the power to achieve their goals through conventional means.
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Did the Poor Man’s Rose actually kill Meruem?
Initially, the Poor Man’s Rose did not directly kill Meruem. However, the radiation from the bomb severely weakened him and his royal guards, Shaiapouf and Youpi. Ultimately, it was the lingering radiation poisoning that caused their demise later on in the arc.
Character Implications and Lore
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How did Netero’s death affect the Hunter Association?
Netero’s death left a significant void in the Hunter Association. It triggered a contentious election process to determine his successor, leading to internal conflicts and power struggles. It also forced the remaining hunters to confront the implications of humanity’s vulnerability in the face of powerful Nen users and creatures like the Chimera Ants.
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What was Netero’s ultimate goal in life?
Throughout his life, Netero pursued enlightenment and constantly sought to test his limits. His fight against Meruem can be seen as the culmination of this pursuit, a final challenge that pushed him to his absolute peak. He believed that true strength came from humility and self-awareness.
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How did Netero prepare for his fight against Meruem?
Netero’s years of training and meditation, particularly his arduous ritual of 10,000 punches and prayers each day, honed his Nen abilities to an extraordinary level. He sought to reach a state of “nothingness,” allowing him to react instantaneously to any threat.
Fan Theories and Debates
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Could Netero have won if he had help?
While the presence of other powerful hunters might have altered the dynamics of the battle, it’s highly unlikely they could have secured a victory. Meruem’s power was simply on a different scale. Netero’s sacrifice was deemed the only plausible solution at that point.
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Is there any chance Netero could be revived or brought back?
Given the narrative’s generally grounded approach to death and the devastating nature of the Poor Man’s Rose, it’s highly improbable that Netero will be resurrected. His death serves as a pivotal moment in the story, emphasizing the gravity of the Chimera Ant threat and the sacrifices made to overcome it.
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What is Netero’s legacy in the Hunter x Hunter universe?
Netero’s legacy is one of immense power, unwavering determination, and profound self-sacrifice. He is remembered as one of the greatest hunters of all time, a symbol of human resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. His actions inspired others and shaped the future of the Hunter Association. He demonstrated that even in defeat, one could leave a lasting impact.