Is Hylikov’s Loyalty Real? A 15-Year Hunter x Hunter Analysis Reveals Hidden Betrayal Theory

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After 15 years of analyzing Hunter x Hunter, a critical examination of Hylikov’s actions during the Succession War reveals a troubling possibility: his absolute loyalty to Prince Benjamin may actually conceal a calculated betrayal. The poisoning incident raises fundamental questions about the nature of devotion, control, and hidden agendas in the series’ complex power system.

What Happened

During the Succession War arc in Hunter x Hunter, Hylikov administers poison to Prince Benjamin, ostensibly to unlock the prince’s guardian spirit ability to its maximum potential. On the surface, this appears to be an act of ultimate loyalty—a willingness to risk everything for his master’s power. However, a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding this action reveals significant inconsistencies that challenge this interpretation.

The core issue centers on Hylikov’s decision to withhold advance notice of his plan from Prince Benjamin. If this were a genuine act of devotion rooted in trust, transparency would be expected. Instead, Hylikov acted unilaterally, raising questions about whether he truly believes in the prince’s judgment or whether he harbors hidden motives.

Why It Matters

This moment encapsulates one of Hunter x Hunter’s central themes: the blurred boundary between loyalty and manipulation. Understanding Hylikov’s true intentions is crucial to comprehending the broader Succession War narrative and the nature of the “Nen” power system itself. The ambiguity surrounding his actions reflects a larger pattern in contemporary manga where character motivations are deliberately complex rather than straightforward.

Furthermore, this analysis highlights how Togashi Yoshihiro’s creative approach—layering information and introducing “retroactive” plot elements—creates space for multiple valid interpretations. For readers and viewers, this ambiguity is both the source of deep engagement and ongoing debate within the fan community.

Background

Hunter x Hunter first aired in 2005 and has since become one of the most psychologically complex anime and manga series. The Succession War arc, in particular, introduces multiple princes competing for the throne, each with their own Nen abilities and loyal followers. Hylikov serves Prince Benjamin as a devoted attendant, making his actions during this arc particularly significant.

The series has long explored the relationship between power, control, and devotion through characters like Shaiapouf from the Chimera Ant arc, whose “fanatical loyalty” to the King similarly blurred the line between genuine devotion and psychological dependence. This parallel is essential to understanding Hylikov’s character.

Togashi is known for employing complex, layered storytelling with frequent “retroactive” additions to the established canon. This creative approach means that current interpretations of events may be recontextualized as new information emerges, leaving room for significant plot twists regarding Hylikov’s true motivations.

Key Points

• Two Competing Interpretations: Fans are divided between viewing Hylikov’s actions as absolute loyalty versus calculated betrayal.
• The Advance Notice Problem: Hylikov’s failure to inform Prince Benjamin in advance contradicts the transparency expected of a truly loyal servant.
• Technical Perfection: The precision with which Hylikov administers the poison—avoiding self-contamination while targeting only the prince—suggests deliberate planning rather than spontaneous devotion.
• Divine Manipulation Theory: Some analysts propose that Hylikov may be controlled by an external force, making his apparent loyalty illusory.
• Alternative Target Hypothesis: The possibility exists that Benjamin is not Hylikov’s true target; his real objective may involve manipulating other princes in the succession.
• Narrative Consistency Issues: The low serialization frequency and simultaneous multi-perspective storytelling create potential contradictions in the established continuity.

Comparative Analysis: Loyalty Across Anime

To contextualize Hylikov’s behavior, it is instructive to examine similar characters across other major anime series:

The Nen System and Conditional Loyalty

Within Hunter x Hunter’s Nen framework, powerful abilities require corresponding conditions and vows. The question arises: Is Hylikov’s poisoning of Prince Benjamin a necessary “condition” for unlocking the guardian spirit ability, or is it an independent action rooted in Hylikov’s own judgment?

If this were a true condition of the ability, Prince Benjamin would necessarily be aware of it. The fact that Hylikov acted without advance explanation suggests this is not a systemic requirement but rather Hylikov’s personal interpretation—or worse, a deliberate deception. This distinction is critical: it transforms the act from a necessary sacrifice into a potentially manipulative intervention.

The parallel to Light Yagami from Death Note is instructive. Light believes his actions represent justice, yet he is fundamentally driven by a desire for control. Similarly, Hylikov may genuinely believe he is serving Benjamin’s interests while actually pursuing his own agenda—whether that involves controlling Benjamin, eliminating rival princes, or achieving some other unstated objective.

Togashi’s Creative Patterns and Narrative Structure

Togashi Yoshihiro has consistently demonstrated a preference for complex, long-form worldbuilding. The Nen system itself exemplifies this approach: initially presented as straightforward, it has become increasingly intricate over time. The same pattern applies to character motivations and plot revelations.

Togashi frequently employs “retroactive” plot elements, introducing new information that recontextualizes previous events. The Chimera Ant arc’s revelation of the Queen’s Nen abilities serves as a precedent: what initially appeared simple later proved far more complex. Hylikov’s actions may follow this same pattern, with his true motivations revealed only at a critical narrative juncture.

The current serialization challenges—multiple simultaneous perspectives across the Succession War—create inherent difficulties in maintaining complete narrative consistency. This structural reality increases the likelihood that apparent contradictions in Hylikov’s characterization may be intentional setup for future revelations rather than authorial oversight.

Fan Interpretations and Online Discourse

The Hunter x Hunter fan community has fractured into two distinct camps regarding Hylikov’s true nature. The first maintains that his loyalty is genuine and his poisoning of Benjamin represents the ultimate sacrifice—a willingness to endure moral ambiguity for his master’s benefit. This interpretation emphasizes Hylikov’s “resolve” as evidence of authentic devotion.

The second camp argues for the “betrayal theory,” citing multiple pieces of evidence: the lack of advance notification, the technical precision of the poisoning, the absence of Benjamin’s informed consent, and the broader narrative pattern of complex character motivations in contemporary manga. This group points to discussions on Twitter and 5channel forums where the betrayal theory has gained increasing traction.

This interpretive divide reflects the fundamental ambiguity Togashi has created. Because the narrative does not yet provide definitive answers, fans are free to project their own readings onto the text—a phenomenon that speaks to both the work’s complexity and its current incompleteness.

Predictions for Future Revelations

Based on narrative patterns established in previous Hunter x Hunter arcs, particularly the Chimera Ant saga, major character secrets typically emerge immediately before or during the climactic sequence. Three potential scenarios for Hylikov’s revelation are plausible:

Scenario One: Benjamin’s Death. The poison’s effects prove fatal, forcing a reckoning with Hylikov’s true intentions and the consequences of his unilateral action.

Scenario Two: Confession. Following Benjamin’s death or at a critical juncture, Hylikov reveals his actual motivations—whether divine control, alternative objectives, or hidden allegiances.

Scenario Three: Cascading Consequences. The revelation of Hylikov’s true nature triggers strategic shifts among the other princes’ factions, fundamentally altering the Succession War’s trajectory.

Each scenario parallels the structural approach Togashi employed in the Chimera Ant arc, where critical revelations emerged in rapid succession near the narrative’s conclusion.

Deeper Implications: What Hylikov Reveals About Nen

Hylikov’s actions illuminate a troubling aspect of the Nen system: the ease with which control, manipulation, and devotion become indistinguishable. In a world where powerful individuals can impose their will on others through Nen abilities, the question of genuine consent becomes philosophically complex.

If Hylikov is indeed manipulating Benjamin—whether through direct Nen control, psychological conditioning, or strategic deception—it represents a darker interpretation of the power system. Nen would not merely be a tool for combat but a mechanism for subtle domination that operates beneath the surface of apparent loyalty.

This reading aligns with contemporary manga trends, where simplistic morality has given way to nuanced exploration of power dynamics. Series like Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia similarly present loyalty and devotion as complex phenomena intertwined with control, ambition, and hidden agendas. Hylikov’s character fits squarely within this modern narrative paradigm.

Insights and Conclusions

After extensive analysis, the evidence suggests a significant probability—conservatively estimated at 50% or higher—that Hylikov’s loyalty to Prince Benjamin is not what it appears. Three factors support this assessment:

First, the transparency deficit: Genuine loyalty demands honesty with one’s master. Hylikov’s failure to explain his plan in advance suggests either a lack of trust in Benjamin’s judgment or an unwillingness to risk Benjamin’s refusal—both indicators of hidden motives.

Second, technical precision: The flawless execution of the poisoning—avoiding self-contamination, targeting only Benjamin, maintaining exact timing—exceeds what spontaneous devotion would produce. This level of planning suggests premeditation and alternative objectives.

Third, Togashi’s established patterns: The author’s consistent use of retroactive plot elements and complex character revelations makes it highly probable that Hylikov’s true nature will be recontextualized as the narrative progresses.

However, it is crucial to emphasize that even if Hylikov is betraying Benjamin, this does not constitute a simple moral failing. Hunter x Hunter’s enduring appeal lies precisely in its refusal to reduce character actions to binary categories of good and evil. Hylikov’s motivations—whatever they may be—emerge from a complex psychological and strategic landscape that demands understanding rather than judgment.

The true value of analyzing Hylikov lies not in determining a definitive answer but in engaging with the work’s fundamental complexity. Hunter x Hunter has sustained fan engagement for over 15 years because it consistently resists simplification. The Succession War arc, with its ambiguous character motivations and layered power dynamics, represents the series at its most intellectually demanding.

For viewers seeking deeper engagement with the narrative, revisiting the Chimera Ant arc—particularly Shaiapouf’s relationship with the King—provides essential context. Comparing these two characters’ expressions of devotion reveals the series’ consistent exploration of loyalty’s darker dimensions. Additionally, examining each prince’s Nen ability as a reflection of their personality and values offers fresh interpretive angles on the entire Succession War.

Ultimately, Hylikov’s actions exemplify why Hunter x Hunter endures: the series provides sufficient ambiguity to sustain indefinite analysis while maintaining narrative coherence. Whether Hylikov proves loyal or treacherous, his character embodies the work’s central insight—that in a world governed by Nen, the boundary between devotion and domination remains eternally uncertain.

▶ Watch the original YouTube video

JP version (original article)