Gelman

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Gelman (杰尔曼) 1
Alias(es)	“Fastest One-Star Hunter”; “Rat” of the Zodiac; “Killer of the Phantom Troupe and Shadow Beasts”; “Greatest Contributor to the Chimera Ant Extermination War” 258 327 417
Species/Race	Human 1
Gender	Male 1
Affiliation	Phantom Troupe No. 8 at one point; later the Hunter Association, the Zodiac, and Greed Island’s upper authority tier 71 283 332
Occupation/Role	Beast Hunter; former professional assassin; Nen instructor and expedition leader 3 27 123 372
Nen Ability	Hunter’s Badge, an ability that absorbs Grudge and creates “Grudge bestowals” 1
Status	Alive 539
First Appearance	Chapter 1: Gelman Awakens Before the Bell Tower

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Hunter’s Badge / initial Projection	4	His visible Projection records Vitality Constitution 10, Stamina Aura 12, and Spiritual Vision Pressure 1; he possesses the Meat Saw, Blunderbuss, and two Lanterns. 4
First month of Grudge growth	12	Repeated assassination attempts raise his Projection to Vitality Constitution 20, Stamina Aura 17, and Spiritual Vision Pressure 26. 12
Sky Arena gains	75	Defeating Sodam, Rikudou, and Zushi raises both Physique and Pressure by 3 and grants the Left Arm Guard. 75
Qi Slot	79	Following over a month of training, Gelman develops the visible Qi Slot system, which operates under restraints and vows. 79
Master threshold	110	After Feitan and Franklin’s deaths, his Constitution reaches 53 and Qi Amount reaches 57, both surpassing the stated Master threshold. 110
One-Star Hunter	114	Receives One-Star Hunter recognition, though he declines to submit his license for physical modification. 114
High-level Emission user	201	Reports Physique 88, Qi Amount 94, an En radius of 65 meters, four Qi Slots, and ten materializable tool types. 201
Chaos Fusion Form	258–261	Absorbing the Dark Crown transforms Gelman; he learns to cycle between Virtue and Torment states and defeats Menthuthuyoupi. 258 261
Champion Aura and Physique	310	His Champion Aura lets him ignore Pressure below 7 points; his accumulated Buster Traits include all four known categories. 310
Legendary Grade	403–404	After defeating two Greater Species Abnormal Demons, Gelman gains a silver-white halo and wings; Champion Aura and Physique are replaced by Legendary Aura and Legendary Physique. 403 404
Flesh Badge and enhanced Hunting Badge	522	Returns from the Demigod battlefield with the Flesh Badge and an enhanced Hunting Badge. 522

Background

Gelman was born in Meteor City and lost both parents while young. He survived through theft and robbery before awakening Nen out of necessity. The original Gelman became a professional assassin whose history in Meteor City and the Dark World was verifiable. 1 3

After awakening with fragmented memories, Gelman inherited the original body’s Hunter’s Badge and Grudge artifacts. The original owner had used the Badge during a merchant’s death, producing the Meat Saw from that merchant’s Grudge. 1

He was associated with the Phantom Troupe as its No. 8 member, but his altered behavior and wish to leave made the Troupe suspect memory manipulation or infiltration. Rather than submit to a likely interrogation led by Feitan, Gelman sought a path out of their control. 3 71

His long-term ambition became exploration of the Dark Continent. After verifying the Lantern’s teleportation function, he resolved to grow beyond the Phantom Troupe’s reach and surpass Don Freecss’s achievements. 6

Appearance

Gelman is a young, leanly built man with black hair. After completing his mountain training, shaving his beard revealed a notably youthful and delicate face. 73 216 221

• Often wears a black Hunter robe. 74 249
• Uses the Crow Hunter Robe, gray-and-black gloves, boots, and a bird-beak mask to conceal his face. 114
• His combat body is marked by glowing rune paths after absorbing powerful Grudge. 261 264
• In Legendary Grade, he manifests a silver-white halo, silver-white wings, and a black energy outfit. 403 404

Personality

Gelman is calm, observant, and highly adaptive under pressure. Even immediately after awakening in an unfamiliar world, he focuses on assessing his capabilities, threats, and available options rather than panicking. 1

He approaches combat analytically. Gelman judges opponents from first impressions, initially suppresses part of his strength, then increases it incrementally until he identifies a decisive opening. This habit is effective against overconfident opponents, though it can become dangerous against enemies beyond his initial estimate. 271

Despite his Meteor City origins and former criminal ties, he refuses to exploit moral superiority over its residents or use their suffering to gain favor elsewhere. He does not excuse cruelty, but chooses to forge his own path rather than deepen existing divisions. 70

Gelman values preparation over rapid advancement. He deliberately chose extended foundation training and sustainable restraints rather than the extreme vows used by people driven by revenge or desperation. 60 70

Abilities & Skills

Hunter’s Badge

The Hunter’s Badge is a palm-sized, rusty, incomplete fragment manifested through Gelman’s Nen. By participating in a killing shortly before the target dies, Gelman can absorb that life’s residual Grudge and condense it into a Grudge bestowal. 1

Early descriptions label the ability Conjurer-type and Enhancer-type, while Gelman later identifies it as an Emission-type ability and develops it toward Transmutation. 1 4 60 201

• Produces a private Projection displaying his attributes, items, Runes, Traits, and other changes. 4 404
• The quality and quantity of absorbed Grudge influence the quality of a resulting bestowal. 1
• Can absorb hostile Grudge after an enemy’s death, preventing it from continuing to threaten others. 265 274
• By Legendary Grade, the Projection’s Rune, Trait, and Disease categories disappear under Legendary Physique. 404

Grudge Bestowals and Weapon Manifestation

Gelman can materialize weapons, armor, shields, and specialized tools formed from absorbed Grudge. By Chapter 201, he can manifest ten distinct types of Treasure Tools. 201

• His weapons can appear around him without being held directly, linked instead through near-invisible Nen connections originating from the Badge fragment on his body. 249
• He can control multiple manifested weapons simultaneously through Nen Qi hands. 399
• His materialization eventually reaches the point where he can reproduce objects he has seen, provided he understands their structure and operation well enough. 452
• The Greedy Antler Helmet can convert absorbed destructive force into nourishment for his Nen Qi, but requires the permanent sacrifice of another Grudge bestowal to activate. 99 216

Qi Slots

Gelman developed the Qi Slot system during solo training as a restraint-and-vow-based method of strengthening his Nen. 70 79

• Each attack and defense consumes slightly more Qi than normal. 70
• Once the extra expenditure reaches a chosen threshold, a subsequent ability can return to normal cost while gaining substantially increased power or effect. 70
• Qi Slots must activate after the Hunter’s Badge and remain visible to both allies and enemies. 79

En, Perception, and Combat Analysis

Gelman is proficient in advanced Nen fundamentals, including Gyo, En, Ryu, Ken, and rapid aura circulation. 4 70 131

• His En had reached an 11-meter radius by his meeting with Hisoka near the Sky Arena. 74
• Continued training expands his En to 65 meters by Chapter 201. 201
• He uses observation, enemy habits, weapon design, personality, and range assessment to infer opponents’ Nen categories and tactics. 161
• His stable breathing and steady heartbeat make it difficult for opponents such as Meruem to predict his thoughts through respiratory rhythm. 269 312

Chaos Fusion Form

After absorbing the Dark Crown, Gelman develops Chaos Fusion Form, combining the opposing states of Virtue and Torment. 258 261

• Switching between Virtue and Torment grants enhanced combat power and Holy Aura. 261
• The form lets him absorb Grudge to strengthen resistances; Menthuthuyoupi’s Grudge grants the Deep Sea of Greatness rune. 261
• The power damages Gelman’s body and mind when disengaged. 261
• He manages its risks by deliberately raising and lowering Pressure, using Torment and Virtue in controlled cycles. 256

Contempt Armor

Contempt Armor is a black-and-white armor that substantially enhances Gelman’s combat power. 271 399

• Functions as an Enhancement-like combat boost. 271
• Continuously inflicts physical and mental torment while worn. 271
• The pain returns when Gelman stops fighting, creating an urge to continue battle. 271

Legendary Aura and Physique

Gelman’s Legendary Grade grants a new aura and body state after his victory over two Greater Species Abnormal Demons. 403 404

• Legendary Aura reduces Pressure by 10 points with each trigger. 404
• Legendary Physique renders ordinary Nen abilities, Runes, Traits, and Diseases ineffective against him. 404
• He gains mental communication and can hear others’ thoughts. 404
• His silver-white wings allow sustained flight. 403 535

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Meat Saw — His first documented Grudge bestowal; a shapeshifting killing weapon formed from a murdered merchant’s Grudge. 1
• Blunderbuss / short-barreled hand cannon — One of his initial manifested weapons. 4
• Teleport Lanterns — Enable travel to and from the Dark Continent; Gelman possesses seven unused Lanterns after reaching Legendary Grade. 6 404
• Crow Shield — A broad, heavy shield capable of blocking simultaneous fire from Feitan and Franklin. 104
• Lord of Swarm’s Shield — A sturdy, heavy black-feathered shield. 33
• Left Arm Guard — Armor gained after the Sky Arena battle. 75
• Greedy Antler Helmet — A sacrificial bestowal that converts absorbed destructive power into Nen nourishment. 99 216
• Sacred Moonlight Greatsword — A major weapon capable of releasing blue, arrow-like holy attacks. 399
• Thunder Hammer, Ring of Darkness, and Ring of Lightning — Tools used for lightning attacks, concealment, and large-scale combat. 399
• Flesh Badge — Acquired after the Demigod battlefield. 522
• Gu Yuan Badge — Used alongside the Hunter’s Badge to absorb Grudge and receive boons. 503

Relationships

• Machi — Initially leads Gelman to meet Chrollo; their interaction is tense, and they later block and delete each other’s contact information after his break with the Phantom Troupe. 1 100
• Biscuit Krueger — Mentor, traveling companion, and trusted adviser on Nen development; she helps Gelman register for the Hunter Exam and advises his Transmutation training. 12 60
• Shizuku — Teammate from Meteor City and fellow Dark Continent traveler; Gelman supports her charitable donation to Meteor City and leads their expedition group. 60 70
• Hisoka — Rival and occasional tactical partner against the Phantom Troupe; their relationship remains cautious and hostile, culminating in later conflict around the Coastal Fortress. 74 100 425
• Isaac Netero — Hunter Association chairman who recognizes Gelman’s potential, recruits him for the Chimera Ant operation, and later relies on his cooperation for Dark Continent planning. 27 258 372
• Morel Mackernasey — Senior Hunter and mentor figure who respects Gelman’s unconventional status and provides his Crow Hunter Robe. 101 114
• Knuckle, Shoto, and Pam — Gelman’s disciples; they admire his rapid rise and continue training despite feeling overshadowed by his achievements. 114
• Kurapika — Gelman’s disciple in Nen; Gelman teaches him under conditions intended to prevent revenge from overwhelming his judgment. 123 304
• Abengane — Nen remover and later a member of Gelman’s team; his work clears several of Gelman’s Negative Traits. 73 246 376
• Ging Freecss — Fellow Dark Continent explorer and collaborator in team training, Nen analysis, and Greed Island affairs. 201 404
• Silva and Zeno Zoldyck — Respected combat counterparts; Gelman defeats both in exhibition matches, with Zeno later fighting beside him during the Chimera Ant operation. 250 252 258

Story Role / Major Arcs

Departure from the Phantom Troupe

After awakening with the original Gelman’s memories and abilities, Gelman recognizes that the Phantom Troupe will not permit his quiet withdrawal. He begins strengthening himself through Grudge absorption, Dark Continent excursions, and resistance to the assassins drawn to a new Troupe member. 3 6 12

Hunter Exam and Beast Hunter Career

Gelman becomes the sole passer of the 286th Hunter Exam after casualties and withdrawals eliminate the other candidates. He receives his Hunter License, declares beasts as his Hunting Target, and begins operating as a Beast Hunter. 26 27

Conflict with the Phantom Troupe

Gelman fights Hisoka during the Hunter Exam, later works with Hisoka and Illumi to isolate Phantom Troupe members, and kills Phinks. He subsequently defeats Feitan and Franklin, a result that publicly establishes him as a major threat to the Troupe. 25 84 110 143

One-Star Recognition and Mentorship

His actions against Shadow Beasts and Phantom Troupe members earn Gelman One-Star Hunter status. Rather than focus on public honors, he trains, develops Qi Slots, accepts disciples, and begins teaching Kurapika. 114 123

Chimera Ant Extermination War

Netero recruits Gelman as one of the operation’s hidden assets. Gelman defeats Menthuthuyoupi in Chaos Fusion Form, absorbs the Royal Guard’s residual Grudge, confronts Meruem, and becomes recognized as the war’s decisive contributor. 258 261 265 281 304

Zodiac and Dark Continent Leadership

Gelman becomes the Zodiac’s Rat and a central figure linking Greed Island, the Hunter Association, Meteor City, and the Zoldyck Family. He participates in preparations for renewed Dark Continent exploration and supports Kurapika’s eventual entry into the expedition team. 283 332 372 376

Legendary Grade and Coastal Fortress Crisis

During later Dark Continent expeditions, Gelman defeats two Greater Species Abnormal Demons and reaches Legendary Grade. He rescues survivors around the Coastal Fortress, joins Meleoron and Illumi against Hisoka, and returns from the Demigod battlefield with expanded Badge abilities. 404 425 522

Deep Sea City

Gelman travels to the submerged Deep Sea City using teleportation, flies toward its highest platform amid an ongoing battle, and later fights Blood Moon alongside Deep Sea after part of his artifact power is stolen. 535 536

Notable Quotes

“My ‘Hunting Target’ should be beasts, right?” 27

“I think it's time to slow down, solidify my foundation, and allow my ‘Nen ability’ to undergo further transformation.” 70

Trivia

• Gelman created his own informal hierarchy for Nen users: Traveler, Apprentice, Brave, Elite, Master, Champion, Legend, and Unknown. 55
• He later reaches Legendary Grade, a classification originally established through his own understanding of Nen progression. 404
• Gelman’s Hunter’s Badge Projection is visible only to him. 4 404
• He does not update the physical appearance of his Hunter License after becoming a One-Star Hunter, since the Association’s records still recognize the honor. 114