HxH: What Great Power Lurks In Kurapika's Index Finger? [UPDATED 2020]

A few years ago, the older version of this blog posted some fan theories on Kurapika's index finger's ability. For a long time, we've seen the most dreaded chain jail (middle finger), the ever-reliable dowsing chain (ring finger), the binding judgment chain (pinky finger), and the holy chain of enhancement (thumb). The remaining finger's ability was a huge puzzle for Hunter x Hunter followers, which brought clever speculations from the fandom. 

Kurapika's Steal Chain and Stealth Chain

SPOILER WARNING:

After a period of hiatus, we finally saw the steal chain and the stealth dolphin (index finger) in the manga, which we previously thought was a manipulative ability.

Although the technique was far from the assumption of our best theories, this chain is insanely useful and, surprisingly, OP. The steal chain is in the shape of a syringe.  It allows Kurapika to extract/steal a nen ability from his target. To use or transfer the stolen power, he must activate Emperor time, and the syringe would take the shape of a dolphin with a smaller syringe on each pectoral fin. He can use the ability himself or transfer it to another person, whether or not that individual has learned or can use nen.  The borrowed ability can only be used once.

However, being a versatile weapon and a skill type outside of his nature, there is an immense drawback to utilizing this Hatsu. Kurapika needs to maintain Emperor time until the skill has been used. 

Moreover, one of the biggest revelations about this is that Kurapika has to pay one hour of his lifespan every second that Emperor time is active. Given this bargain, we could say that Kurapika's plot armor has worn out and that his fans, as well as his friends in the story, must prepare themselves for his likely demise.

The only thing that could save him is the plant of life, found in the Dark Continent. It is rumored to have extended the life of Don Freeccss, who is currently exploring the unknown part of this dangerous world.

We did not remove our old post. Feel free to scroll down and read the fan theories about Kurapika's ability on his index finger. These speculations are from Reddit threads.

What Great Power Lurks In Kurapika's Index Finger? 2017

The discussion continues and fires up as the next chapter release of the much awaited Hunter x Hunter manga series dawns closer to us. With the last scenes revolving around Kurapika and the Dark Continent Expedition, talks about his abilities scatter almost everywhere. One forum topic caught my eye though — a speculation about the ability that lurks in the chain user's index finger.

Kurapika and his nen ability - conjured chains.

Reddit users have been posting questions about Kurapika's ability for a long time now. The oldest post I extracted dates back to three years ago.

We also found this interesting post. The reddit user deduced that the final power could be a Transmutation skill as other nen types were already given.

But this deduction of ostam92 raised some eyebrows and probably earned a fair share of nods, too.

He wants everyone to look at these scenes from the manga. The first is from Chapter 345, a conversation with Mizaistom Nana when he recruited the Kurta to become a member of the Zodiac. The second is from Chapter 350, when Kurapika tasked Bisky, Basho, Izunavi, Hanzo and Melody to be hired as body guards for 6 Kakin princes.

From chapter 345 - Dark Continent Expedition

From chapter 350 - Dark Continent Expedition

According to the Hunter x Hunter manga and anime adaptation, each finger wears a different Nen ability:

Thumb - Holy Chain (Enhancement)
Middle Finger - Chain Jail (Conjuration, others classify it as Manipulation due to the fact that it forces the target to enter Zetsu state)
Ring Finger - Dowsing Chain (Conjuration)
Pinky Finger - Judgment Chain (Conjuration, Emission, Manipulation)

Kurapika was confident that the prince of Kakin would "follow suit". And that if the target is close, he could use his abilities more effectively. In addition, Kurapika also mentioned in the same chapter that even if he could just shake hands with the 4th Prince, that marks the end of the recruited team's job.

If this means that Kurapika can coerce someone to undergo a "change of heart" using his Hatsu, does it sound like another skill of the manipulation type? Or is he just a torture or a blackmail champ?

Well, that's a good way to wake up Hunter x Hunter fans. Scourge the manga series again and maybe we can find more clues. What do you think about the Reddit user's deduction?

And speaking of Hunter x Hunter and Kurapika's fans. Most of you might want to have those chains embedded in your fingers and hand. Luckily, these chain items are still in stock. Buy Kurapika's Chains now while it lasts!

Kurapika's Chain