The Phantom Troupe (Genei Ryodan)
- Who are they? A notorious and ruthless band of criminals from Meteor City, a marginalized area that legally does not exist. It consists of 13 members (the legs) led by Chrollo Lucilfer (the head), who bear a tattoo of a twelve-legged spider with their member number. [1, 2]
- What do they do? They are elite thieves and assassins who operate globally. They steal priceless treasures and artworks, and carry out massacres (like the Kurta Clan one) without mercy. Everything collected is usually auctioned or discarded, as theft itself is the true reward for them. They also act as unofficial protectors of Meteor City when it is threatened.
The Past of the Phantom Troupe Members##
They were born in Meteor City, a massive junkyard not found on official maps, whose inhabitants legally do not exist. Chrollo, Pakunoda, Machi, Nobunaga, Phinks, Feitan, and Uvogin grew up together as orphans. Originally, they founded the Troupe as a theater group for the area's children. However, after the brutal kidnapping and murder of their childhood friend, Sarasa, Chrollo swore revenge. He decided to turn the group into a ruthless criminal organization to instill terror in the world and hunt down the culprits, using evil as a shield to protect their home.
The Troupe's Enemies:
- Kurapika: The sole survivor of the Kurta Clan, an isolated tribe whose eyes turn scarlet red when feeling intense emotions. The Phantom Troupe massacred them all to steal and sell their valuable eyes. Kurapika lives tormented, seeking revenge and recovering the remains of his people.
- Killua: Grew up under the yoke of the Zoldycks, the world's most famous family of assassins. He was tortured from infancy to withstand poison, electricity, and pain, molded as the perfect heir. He escaped home looking for a normal life and friends.
- Gon: Raised by his Aunt Mito on Whale Island. His father, Ging, abandoned him as a baby to continue being a Hunter. Gon decided to become a Hunter to understand what made the profession so great that his father chose it over him.
- Leorio: Grew up in extreme poverty and saw his best friend, Pietro, die from a curable disease because they didn't have money for the surgery. He vowed to become a millionaire and a doctor to treat the needy for free.
Are they enemies?
Yes, but primarily between Kurapika and the Troupe. Kurapika hates them with a passion for exterminating his clan. During the Yorknew City arc, Kurapika killed Uvogin and Pakunoda, and temporarily sealed Chrollo's Nen. Gon and Killua were involved in this conflict to help Kurapika; although the Troupe captured them and came to respect their potential, they remain on opposing sides. Leorio supports Kurapika, but has stayed further away from direct combat.
"Good" enemies of the Phantom Troupe (Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio)
- Who are they? The story's main group, formed by chance and friendship during the 287th Hunter Exam. Although they constantly separate to follow their individual goals, they share an unbreakable bond of loyalty and support each other in critical moments.
- What do they do? They are all licensed professional Hunters, but their actual occupations vary based on their personal goals:
- Gon: Traveled the world to find his father, Ging Freecss. Currently seeking to recover his Nen.
- Killua: Former assassin who dedicated himself to accompanying Gon; now travels protecting his younger sister, Alluka.
- Kurapika: Became a Blacklist Hunter and mafia bodyguard to recover his clan's eyes and hunt the Phantom Troupe.
- Leorio: Studies medicine to become a doctor who treats the poor for free, while also collaborating with the Hunter Association. [3]
The Zoldyck Family
- Who are they? The world's most famous, lethal, and respected dynasty of professional assassins. They inhabit a massive mansion atop Kukuroo Mountain, a private property surrounded by gigantic stone walls and protected by beasts and militarily trained servants. [1, 2]
- What do they do? They operate as a family assassination business. They charge multimillion-dollar sums to eliminate any target, be it mafia, politicians, or hunters. From birth, the children are subjected to extreme torture (poison, whips, electricity) to become immune to pain and master the art of assassination. [3]
Family Members (From Oldest to Youngest)
- Maha Zoldyck / Zzigg Zoldyck: The oldest living member (Killua’s great-great-grandfather). A legendary short-statured assassin who fought Isaac Netero in his prime.
- Zeno Zoldyck (Grandfather): An ingenious, pragmatic, and extremely powerful elder (Transmuter). Transforms his aura into energy dragons (Dragon Head). Unlike other criminals, he kills strictly for business, never for pleasure.
- Silva Zoldyck (Father): The current family leader. A massive, imposing, muscular man (Transmuter). Fights using destructive energy aura spheres. A strict father who trusts that Killua will return sooner or later to lead the dynasty.
- Kikyo Zoldyck (Mother): Originally from Meteor City. Always keeps her face covered with bandages and an electronic visor due to a wound inflicted by Killua. Extremely overprotective, hysterical, and prides herself on her children's cruelty.
- Illumi Zoldyck (Eldest Son): Cold and manipulative (Manipulator). Uses body needles to control minds. Has an unhealthy obsession with Killua; implanted a needle in his brain to force him.