Knuckle and Shoot attempt to ambush Cheetu, but at the last moment, Cheetu changes directions and vanishes. The two Hunters realize that someone must have warned Cheetu. Meanwhile, Killua and Gon are both being followed. The Chimera Ant following Gon decides to reveal himself.

Killua and Gon split up to stop the selection process, but Gon finds his path blocked by two new Chimera ants, an owl and a bat. Both are nocturnal hunters. Gon has a hard time coping with how loud the bat's wings are and how soft the owl's wings are.

Gon and Killua infiltrate the Republic of East Gorteau in an attempt to stop the selection process that is occurring. They arrive at a village, only to find it deserted. However, after discovering traces of blood on the floors and walls, they follow the trail outside to a mass grave that has been disturbed by wild dogs. Killua then realizes what the true purpose of the national celebration is.

Zazan has built a new Chimera Ant nest in Meteor City, home of the Phantom Troupe. The Phantom Troupe members head inside the nest to defeat Zazan. Inside, they split up to fight Zazan's underlings. The Phantom Troupe reveal their secret abilities, but will it be enough to exterminate the Chimera Ants?

Meteor City, home of the Phantom Troupe. Kalluto, Feitan, Shalnark, Phinks, Shizuku, and Bonolenov arrive after hearing that Chimera Ants have taken over. Upon arriving, they come across grotesquely disfigured bodies. It is the work of Zazan, who has built her nest atop the garbage of Meteor City.

Knuckle and Morel face off against Cheetu. The difference in physical strength between Chimera Ants and humans is immense, as the two Hunters appear to be overwhelmed by Cheetu's speed. However, Knuckle and Morel have a plan. Armed with wit and experience, they begin by having Morel cover the area with white smoke.

While Gon is on a date with Palm, Killua, who was tailing them, encounters Rammot in the forest. Killua does not want to let Gon, who can't use Nen, get in a fight, so he takes on Rammot alone. However, he cannot rid himself of his brother Illumi's voice in his head that keeps telling him to run.

The King is on the move. After invading the Republic of East Gorteau and eating a Nen user's aura, his own power grows. Meruem quickly takes control of the palace. Meanwhile, after losing to Knuckle and Shoot, Gon and Killua return to the inn to face Palm's wrath for breaking their promise to take her to NGL.

After surrendering, Colt requests that the Hunters save the dying Queen. Morel immediately dispatches a team of researchers to the castle. Inside, Knuckle and Shoot discover an incredible sight.

At long last, the Queen gives birth to the King. The Chimera Ants are cowed by the menancing aura emitted by the King. Pitou, Pouf, and Youpi kneel before the King to greet him, but with that gesture, they have abandoned the Queen.

Gon and Killua are finally facing off against Knuckle and Shoot. Killua takes Shoot while Gon's opponent is Knuckle. Gon succeeds in sensing Knuckle through his aura, but then LoanBoy pops up on his left arm. Meanwhile, Killua is struggling against Shoot.

Gon has finally forced Knuckle to use his full strength. However, Knuckle immediately identifies the weakness in Jajanken, Gon's special attack. Knuckle goes on the attack by exploiting those weaknesses. Gon finds myself unable to fight back. However, he continues to attempt to charge up his Nen for Jajanken.

Gon and Killua head back to their lodging, exhausted after the battle with Knuckle. That is when their second opponent, Shoot, attempts to finish them off. However, he leaves in a cold sweat without making a move. Palm is worried about the progress that Gon and Killua are making in their training, but Gon promises that they will win. Meanwhile in the Queen's castle, the growing King's fetus begins to pulse.

Gon and Killua are training to take the tokens from their targets. Immediately after finishing their training, they're sent exhausted by Bisky to fight Knuckle. Gon and Killua don't feel very good about their chances to win. Will they figure out a way to defeat the stronger Knuckle?

Kite, Gon, and Killua follow Hagya as they seek the Chimera Ant nest where the Queen awaits. However, as they are about to reach the Queen's castle, one of the Royal Guards, Pitou, appears before them. Pitou attacks Kite with ferocious speed. How do Gon and Killua react?