Episode 79 is widely considered a "setup" episode that establishes the rules of the NGL and the internal politics of the Ant colony before the birth of the King. It emphasizes that the true danger lies not just in the Ants' power, but in their ability to mirror the best and worst traits of .
Episode 79 begins with Kite, Gon, and Killua arriving at the . The episode highlights the extreme isolationist policies of the NGL, which prohibits all modern technology, including metal, plastic, and even dental implants. This "back to nature" philosophy is starkly contrasted with the modern information hub located just outside the border, illustrating the paradox of a nation that rejects the world while still relying on its systems for external relations. II. The Evolution of Individuality
: The brutal encounter between Pokkle’s team and the Ants signals a shift from the more adventurous tone of the Greed Island arc to the survival-horror elements of the Chimera Ant arc . IV. Narrative Function Hunter X Hunter 2011 Episode 79
: The Ants start seeking names and developing unique personalities, such as the Koala Ant who wears a suit and displays a philosophical, detached attitude toward killing.
A central theme of the episode is the burgeoning of the Chimera Ants, triggered by their consumption of human DNA. Episode 79 is widely considered a "setup" episode
: While Pokkle uses his Nen-based "Rainbow" arrows, the Ants' rapid evolution and inherent physical superiority make them a "quarantine-level" threat that traditional weaponry and basic Nen mastery cannot easily handle.
: The choice of clothing by some Ants reinforces their growing sentience and individual preferences, which eventually leads to conflict and rebellion within their own ranks. III. The Heightened Stakes: Pokkle and Ponzu The episode highlights the extreme isolationist policies of
The episode reintroduced and Ponzu , characters from the original Hunter Exam arc, to demonstrate how outmatched even experienced Hunters are against this new threat.