#chapter 392

Chapter 392 is entitled “Information”. Turns out, the “Clash” sequence of chapters didn’t run that long. It seems they were centered around the initial conflict between the Xi-Yu and Hei-Ly, while 392 shifts to broader strokes. I still get the sense that everything is building up to a major chaotic outbreak between the mafia families.

On the first page, similar to “Clash: Part 2”, emphasis is placed on the panic brewing belowdecks. I probably sound like a broken record here, but this all relates back to Mizaistom’s speech in Chapter 380.

Amidst the confusion, a guard approaches Hinrigh and offers him information on Morena’s hideout. This is likely the information referred to in the title. The guard in question is extremely suspicious, and not just because of his appearance. He uses knowledge of the Xi-Yu hideout as leverage.

He also accepts Hinrigh’s request that he personally escort him to Morena’s hideout.

Why would this self-serving guard offer to take part in the police raid? I’m not sure if he’s working for Morena, but his actions certainly don’t add up.

After this conversation, we learn the identity of the mysterious “Misha”, who was name-dropped at the end of 391. She is, in fact, a member of the Xi-Yu. Less expectedly, she is dead, and we get to see yet another instance of post-mortem Nen.

Post-mortem Nen has become extremely common since the Dark Continent Expedition Arc—a trend I’ve discussed in many of my posts.

From here, we jump once again to Zakuro and Lynch. We get to see their search strategy at work as Lynch knocks the wind out of some poor guy. Soon after, they make a fortunate (or unfortunate) discovery.

It’s Hisoka! All those theories about him being other people and he ended up being hidden in plain sight. I do want to acknowledge the possibility this is Illumi or maybe even a Troupe member in disguise.

Lynch’s question never actually goes through, which should at least make us question whether this guy is really Hisoka.

For now, however, I’m going to assume it’s actually Hisoka, since anything else would require considerable mental gymnastics.

Lynch is knocked out, and we’re left not knowing if Hisoka will cooperate with the Xi-Yu and listen to Zakuro. I suspect he will, since the Cha-R underboss, Ken’i Wang, remarks on Hisoka’s tendency to “put himself in unfavorable situations” almost immediately after.

From here, we cut to Tsudonke, the Cha-R’s supervisor, in conversation with a shopkeeper. There are a few takeaways from this conversation. For one, there isn’t perfect communication between the Xi-Yu and Cha-R. This shouldn’t come as a surprise if you’ve been following how they operate. The Cha-R isn’t really sure what exactly happened in Chapter 391, and I doubt that information would be readily shared by the Xi-Yu.

Next, the shopkeeper makes a comment that is eerily relevant to Hinrigh’s action’s at the beginning of the chapter.

It seems like Hinrigh might not be making the best bet.

The shopkeeper goes on to explain the predatory nature of her business, further reinforcing the idea that the lowest tiers of the boat have it the worst. They’re being heavily exploited by the Kakin royalty and merchant class. The class divide is a major theme of this arc with major implications regarding the Phantom Troupe.

Maybe this discussion about addictive substances could tie into Luzurus and Basho's?

The last takeaway in this conversation is a motivation for Tsudonke. He wants an autograph board, but perhaps more importantly, he wants an item only available through a high-class delivery system.

It seems important that we learn about this system, not just with regards to Tsudonke’s quest. Kacho and Fugetsu’s failed escape attempt can make it feel as though the ship is closed off from the outside world. That isn’t the case, however; it’s only the princes who are trapped. This allows for the retrieval of Kacho’s body. So, if somebody wanted to return to the mainland (such as a Zodiac or high-ranking official), I’m certain they could.

Next, we get a glimpse into the thoughts of the Cha-R underboss, Ken’i. As previously mentioned, he notes Hisoka’s tendency to put himself in unfavorable situations, then commends the Phantom Troup’s decision to stay at the Cha-R hideout instead of splitting up.

Hisoka, he claims, is the key to this whole situation and will enable the mafia families to destroy the Hei-Ly and the Spider, maintaining balance.

I’m not sure how Ken’i plans to negotiate with Hisoka, but the alliance between the Xi-Yu and Cha-R is sketchy at best. I expect things to go downhill very quickly.

In the last scene of the Chapter, we get to see Phinks, Nobunaga, and Feitan completing their rotation at the Cha-R hideout. Funnily enough, they’re discussing the exact thing Ken’i was commending them for not doing.

I don’t have much to offer in the way of analysis here other than I absolutely love how Luini is portrayed.

He trolls the hell out of the Troupe, then follows it up with a panel that is pure horror fuel.