Hunter x Hunter: Pitou’s Post-Mortem Nen – A Lost Chance!

Neferpitou, one of Chimera Ant King Meruem’s three Royal Guards, is widely regarded as one of the most powerful characters in the series’ history.

Gon’s loss of Nen ability was a direct result of Pitou’s prodding him into his adult form. It was thrilling to see Pitou take on Netero, who was no match for his superior strength and fighting prowess.

Despite their infinite Hatsu, impressive Nen abilities, and knowledge of Nen after death, Pitou was decapitated and killed by Adult Gon’s punches.

Camilla, the second prince of the Kakin Empire, employs Cat’s Name, a form of Nen used after death, in chapter 373. It has the power to restore her from the dead, making her immune to harm. Cat’s Name, as a cat humanoid, would have been Neferpitou’s ideal Hatsu, far more useful than Terpsichora.

What exactly is Nen after death?

Post-mortem When a person uses Nen, their abilities continue to function even after death. This is known as “Nen” or “Nen after death.” More than that, the powers end up being even more potent than they were when the user was still alive.

Post-mortem Nen was first mentioned at the end of the Yorknew City arc in the third arc, with Phinks explaining that the most common cause of the phenomenon was if the dying user harbored a strong emotion, like hatred. The Nen of the user would be drawn to the hated target and become fixated on it.

As we will see in subsequent chapters, however, hate isn’t the only feeling that can bring about Nen after death.

There are cases of postmortem Nen where no overt emotions seem to be playing a role. Hisoka, for instance, can reanimate himself by instructing his Bungee Gum to start up his vital organs after death.

Hisoka’s underlying motivation appears to be tenacity, or the determination to keep going even when the going gets tough, to keep improving, and to never give up.

Pitou’s Post-Mortem Nen

As of chapter 307, Terpsichora, Pitou’s Hatsu, has taken command of his or her decomposing body. Pitou’s strongest offensive Nen ability takes over after they die in an effort to kill Gon, showing how much they cared for Meruem even in death.

Terpsichora manipulating Neferpitou’s headless corpse
Terpsichora manipulating Neferpitou’s headless corpse

Even in death, Pitou’s intense loyalty to protecting Meruem remained a driving force.

The power of the Pitou was amplified after they died, and if Killua hadn’t pulled Gon away, the Pitou would have consumed more than just Gon’s arm.

Camilla’s Post-Mortem Nen

Camilla is given a second chance in Chapter 373 thanks to her Hatsu, Cat’s Name, which is essentially a counteractive Nen ability that activates after the user takes damage and returns that damage to the assailant. In this case, however, the damage is fatal.

The counteractive Nen Beast, also known as “the can who lived a million times,” was probably activated by Camilla using her knowledge of post-mortem Nen.

Camilla’s Post-Mortem Hatsu
Camilla’s Post-Mortem Hatsu

This Hatsu is activated upon her death and brings her back to life at the cost of her assailant’s. Musse knows Camilla is in a Zetsu and has a countering ability when he confronts her.

Most counter-type abilities don’t kick in until the user takes damage, making it possible to win with a single, killing blow.

Musse does this, but unfortunately for him, Camilla’s counteractive ability is only activated after her death, not after she is severely injured.

Cat Squeeze extracts Musse’s vitality and channels it into Camilla’s resurrection.

Why Cat’s Name should have been given to Pitou?

Cat’s Name
Cat’s Name

Since Pitou is a cat, he has 9 lives. Name of Cat in the Millions. Cat’s Name would have been a great Hatsu for Pitou because it often reflects the user’s personality and character.

Two of Shaiapouf’s four Nen powers directly reflected the fact that he was a butterfly humanoid.

If you encased someone in a cocoon using the Cocoon echnique, you could give them Nen powers. Cocoon, if used on humans, could cause them to transform into chimeras of humans and Chimera Ants. Pouf’s other power, Spiritual Message, gave him the power to hypnotize his foes using his body’s scales and butterfly wings.

The same is true for Menthuthuyoupi. It was innate for Youpi to be able to change his body into different shapes. His Hatsu was Metamorphosis, which gave him complete control over the size and shape of any of his body parts.

Only Pitou’s Hatsu failed to adequately reflect her character. Dr. Blythe, Puppeteering, and Terpsichora aren’t exactly cat-like.

The giant doll surgeon, Doctor Blythe, could heal any wound, but while it was in operation, Pitou were defenseless against attacks because they couldn’t use En or any of the other Nen abilities. Doctor Blythe not only hampered their mobility but also left it open to attack.

While Puppeteering and Terpsichore were useful, Cat’s Name would have been even better if Pitou had it.

Pitou’s command of Nen, as evidenced by her huge En, would have given them an unfair advantage against the Cat’s Name Hatsu. Absolutely a wasted chance.

Hunter x Hunter

The Hunter x Hunter anime is based on the same-named manga.

Gon, a young boy, embarks on a series of adventures after learning that his long-thought-dead father was, in fact, a legendary Hunter. Gon, instead of being disheartened, resolves to become a great Hunter like his father.

Gon must demonstrate his proficiency in hunting in order to earn his Hunter’s badge. On his travels, he meets interesting people who must band together to help him succeed.