OuMugi

"Though I may not be worthy, allow me to go with you."

- Komugi to Meruem.

OuMugi is the het ship between Meruem and Komugi from the Hunter x Hunter fandom.

Canon
Meruem is the King of the Chimera ants and is stronger than all the Chimera Ants and humans when it comes to battle prowess. He is also often addressed as just "King" as he only learns his name much later. His appearance somewhat resembled that of a humanoid turtle with a long and strong tail. Komugi is a blind human girl from East Gorteau who is the current world champion of Gungi. She had white messy hair in two ponytails and thick eyebrows, she also often carried around a walking stick. At first, Meruem saw her as nothing more than a weak and stupid human that was good at Gungi and Komugi saw him as the leader of her nation. However during the 6 days they knew each other, they became very close and cared for each other greatly.

Chimera Ant Arc
They first interact in episode 102 after Meruem requests Komugi's presence in the castle 6 days before the selection, to play Gungi against him, as she is world champion. Meruem had been playing multiple board games against national champions and beating them eventually to quell his boredom. When she is first shown, the narrator says that Meruem has no idea how much this girl is about to influence his fate. Komugi walks in and kneels before Meruem and thanks him. Meruem tells her that there's no need for small talk and informs her of why she's been summoned her, but that she needs to wait because he's currently learning the rules. Komugi says that he doesn't sound like the Supreme Leader at all. Meruem informs her that he's dead and he's the King now. Komugi hastily apologizes and asks for forgiveness, saying that she's only a fool who knows nothing of the outside world and can't even talk normally. Meruem tells her to be quiet since she's distracting him or else he'll kill her. Komugi motions that she'll be silent and keeps her mouth shut. After he's done reading, Meruem says that he basically understands and to let them begin. However, he is surprised when he sees Komugi who's laying on the ground, unconscious. He asks what's wrong and Shaiapouf informs him that she's appears to be unconscious because after Meruem told her to shut up, Komugi shut her mouth but was unable to breathe due to her stuffy nose. Meruem says that this is an uncommonly stupid girl. After Komugi regains consciousness, she says that that was embarrassing and she can't even do things a baby can and her parents are always yelling at her. Meruem just tells her to play the game, Komugi says she's honored to play against him. Meruem becomes very surprised when Komugi opens her eyes. He asks her if she can see with her eyes, but Komugi says she can't see a thing so if he would please tell her his moves. She continues by saying she only opens her eyes when she plays and if it bothers him, she could try to keep them closed. Meruem says that he doesn't care. Meruem notes that the atmosphere has changed. They start the game.

Meruem loses the game and analyzes the match. He notes that Komugi used textbook execution moves and beginner moves, which means that he is not yet good enough for her to show her true skill. Meruem calls for another match, Komugi enthusiastically replies with: "Yes, absolutely!" Time passes into evening and Komugi beats Meruem again. Komugi calls Meruem "Supreme Leader" and says that he's such a fast learner and she'll need to step up her game otherwise he'll get the jump on her. Meruem says that this is enough and for her to get some rest, she shakes her head and says that isn't necessary and that she's just fine. She says that she can play Gungi for 3 days without sleep. He says that he has another guest and once he's finished with him, it'll be her turn. Komugi says that she'll get a little rest in that case and she walks out of the room. Shaiapouf asks what Meruem thinks, to which he replies that it's but a matter of time. There are more options but Gungi is essentially no different from the rest. In 4 or 5 more games she'll have to use her real ability and he'll be able to observe her rhythm, nothing had changed. Menthuthuyoupi walks in and informs Meruem that the Go player hung himself. Meruem laughs and tells him to bring that idiot (Komugi) back. They continue playing. Later, Shaiapouf talks to Neferpitou and says that he's becoming worried, Meruem and Komugi have played many times and Meruem is nowhere near victory. He says that Komugi is a real master. The scene focuses on Meruem and Komugi's match. Meruem thinks to himself that he should've been able to break her defenses but she used a peculiar move sequence to turn the tables. Komugi makes a move that surprises Meruem and destroys his right flank. Meruem says he's done and that's checkmate. Meruem thinks to himself that this is impossible and this could've only happened if she foresaw each of his moves. Meruem calls for another game and Komugi happily agrees. Meruem thinks to himself that this is utterly impossible while looking and sounding more agitated. The narrator ends this episode with saying that the girl's (Komugi's) strength upsets Meruem.

Welfin and Bolster are later shown to be talking about Meruem. When they talk about how there are a fifth of the food they were expecting, Bolster says Meruem must be angry about that, but Welfin he isn't at all since apparently he's been playing board games the entire time. He's been so obsessed with Gungi that he's even skipping meals. A bit later, Meruem and Komugi are shown to be starting another game. Meruem introduces a new strategy, which Komugi notices. Meruem informs her of the name of the strategy and thinks inside his head about how he expects her moves go. They begin and Meruem thinks that it's time disrupt her rhythem. During the match, Meruem thinks it's in his favor and he'll be able to make his move now and places his piece with passion. Komugi freezes for a bit and Shaiapouf notes to himself that her moves had followed a set rhythm until just now, when she froze. Meruem thinks that he has the upper hand now since there's no best move for her and mentally thinks: "Now, let me hear you squeal!". However, Komugi makes an unexpected move, greatly surprising him. He moves the match of the table, Meruem says that Komugi knew his strategy was a dead end, which Komugi confirms. He asks why she hesitated since she could've just made that move at once. Shaiapouf thinks that Meruem moves the match off the table, so a wrong answer could mean her death instantly. Komugi informs him that his strategy was actually called "kokoriko" and she came up with it 10 years ago, she also came up with the move he made when he placed his lieutenant general in the middle to counter a three-prolonged attack. At the time she came up with them, they both drew a lot of attention and tested the players' ability to read their opponents. She further explains she was pretty happy that a fool like her could figure out a smart strategy, but then she saw how to defeat it. A year after she came up with the strategy, her opponent used it against her in the national tournament and she saw how to counter it. She won the match but the strategy disappeared from the matches and textbooks. She continues while Meruem listens to her, she says that when the Supreme Leader thought of the same strategy as her, she was so honored and touched, her heart trembled. It felt like seeing her child be brought back to life, so it was hard taking that life again. That was why she hesitated. Meruem stands and calls it foolishness, says that he has had enough and for her to get some rest. He informs her that once they start again, she won't get anymore breaks so she should be prepared. She bows to his back as he leaves. Shaiapouf believes that that was the longest time Meruem has ever listened to anyone.

While Meruem sits on his throne, he says that this is upsetting. During his and Komugi's matches, he's the one getting flustered. He expected that this would be humiliating on a whole new level. However at the same time, he's enjoying the matches, but he doesn't understand why. The fact that he doesn't understand his own mind, upsets him more than words can describe. When he returns to the room, he's surprised to see Komugi already sitting. He asks Shaiapouf if she choose not to rest, but Shaiapouf denies. Then he sees that Komugi is sleeping while sitting, with her mouth open and drool falling out of her mouth. He thinks it's unsightly and there's no sign of intelligence or dignity. He asks how such a being could boast a Gungi record so stellar it could be called the ultimate in game theory. He stares a bit longer and his facial expression tightens. He tells her to wake up since they're going to start again. Meruem says that for this match, they should make a wager. Komugi questions this and Meruem says that if she wins, he'll grant her any wish she requests, however if she loses, he'll take her left arm. Meruem thinks to himself that desire and fear hold the powers to disrupt one's rhythm, desire clouds vision and fear stills one's step. Komugi struggles to decide if she'll accept his wager. Meruem asks why she hesitates, Komugi asks if she could bet the thing she usually bets instead of her left arm. Meruem asks her what that is. Komugi answers that it's her life, surprising Meruem. Komugi further explains that if she loses, she'll give him her life, but he might consider that an insult. Meruem says he doesn't understand and for her to explain herself. Komugi explains that the only thing she can really do is Gungi and in other words, Gungi is the reason why she's alive. However Gungi players don't make a lot of money even as national champions, only after becoming the world champion and a nation's representative, will you receive any meaningful rewards. To become a representative you cannot lose a single match. She comes from a family of 12 and she's the breadwinner, if she loses a match she'll become the biggest burden on her family. Gungi players have a saying, that a Gungi master becomes a normal person after they lose once. If she loses, she'll be garbage. She quickly says it doesn't bother her though, it's just what her parents always said. So the moment she set her sights on becoming a professional player, she decided if she lost a match once, she'll take her own life. However that could pose a problem. Meruem asks her why that is. Komugi says that if she loses, she'll become garbage and then he'll only receive garbage for winning, which would be a terrible insult. Meruem says it doesn't bother him, he's more interested in learning what she'd want if she wins. She struggles to answer, since she spend all her time thinking about Gungi. She says she'll think about it later, after she wins. Meruem agrees and thinks that she holds neither desire, nor fear. Meruem starts laughing and says that it appears he was the one lacking in resolve. He says he never imagined that if she won, she would ask for his life. Shaiapouf calls his name in surprise and protest, but Meruem silences him. Komugi quickly denies this and says she would never do that and the thought hadn't even crossed her mind. Meruem says he knows that and the fault was his own. He says the wager is off and it was a petty tactic. Meruem then rips his left arm off, to the surprise of both Shaiapouf and Komugi, who doesn't understand what happened at first. Meruem holds his arm and tells her to accept this apology. Shaiapouf immediately tries help him and stop the bleeding. Komugi is still confused and asks Meruem what happened. Meruem tells her to start the match and it's her turn now. Shaiapouf interrupts and says that they must stop the bleeding. Meruem hits him with his tail, smashing him against the wall. He tells Komugi to continue the match again and then turns to Shaiapouf and says that it was him that said that there would be no more breaks or if he insists that he should embarrass himself again. Shaiapouf says that he'll summon Neferpitou and that he's sure Meruem can continue to play as his arm is reattached, which is the best compromise he can offer, if he refuses to accept it, Meruem may take his head right now. Meruem agrees to taking his head and tells him to come closer, which he does. Komugi is still shocked. Meruem tells her it's her turn and to make her move. Komugi refuses and says she refuses to move before he has his injury treated. Meruem holds his tail to her neck and tells her to not make him repeat himself and to make her move. Komugi refuses again and tells him if he wishes to kill her, he should use Gungi and she starts trembling unlike how she refused to move while not showing any fear. Meruem gets angry but Komugi refuses to budge. Meruem relents and tells Shaiapouf to summon Neferpitou. Komugi continues to tremble and has tears in her eyes. They continue playing while Neferpitou operates on Meruem. Meruem injuring himself allows Knov to place the exits which would later allow the Chimera Ant Extermination Team to invade the palace.

It is revealed that Komugi is one of the 3 humans that are not intended as food, the other two being Diego and the secretary Bizeff, who ruled the country behind the scenes. It's 3 days until the selection and the continue playing Gungi without rest. Komugi wins and is looking exhausted. Shaiapouf observes that her mind and body are at a limit and it'll take 2 or 3 more matches for Meruem to win. Meruem sits up and walks away, calling for a break of a half a day even when he said there wouldn't be anymore breaks. Komugi says she can still keep going. Meruem says the victory won't satisfy him if she can barely sit straight and tells her to recover her strength. Shaiapouf mentally thinks that Meruem never stopped playing when his arm was treated, but now he changed his mind. He thinks that Komugi is dangerous and if this continues, it'll be troublesome. Shaiapouf goes to reach out, but stops himself. He thinks to himself that he must not be too hasty, Meruem chose to retract his decree, in order to stay true to his convictions and to defeat Komugi at her best, demonstrating his power. If he kills Komugi now, Meruem will remain a loser at Gungi forever, her death will cement her status as someone Meruem could never defeat, his hasty impulse could've scarred Meruem forever. 2 days until the selection, Komugi and Meruem are shown to be playing again. Meruem questions what move he should've made instead, which Komugi tells him. Komugi says that sometimes you must accept the risk and move foreword, he won't be able to make her hesitate otherwise. Meruem chuckles a bit and says he's unaccustomed to playing a waiting game. Shaiapouf approaches Meruem and proposes they should go outside as he has sensitive information. Meruem says it's fine to speak here. Shaiapouf explains the situation with the selection, but Meruem interrupts and tells him to get to the point. Shaiapouf proposes his plan and Meruem asks him if that's all and tells him to do as he wants. Shaiapouf informs him what will happen then, but gets interrupt by an angry Meruem, who tells him not to repeat himself, to do as he pleases and not return until he summons him, even though Shaiapouf has been there since the beginning. Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi sit next to each other afterwards and Menthuthuyoupi asks if he got chased out too. Though Menthuthuyoupi says they only need to wait until Meruem defeats her and according to Shaiapouf it'll only take a few more games, but Shaiapouf denies. Menthuthuyoupi says that that was what he said a while ago. Shaiapouf says that Meruem is improving at a remarkable rate, but Komugi is evolving too and he's no longer able to predict the outcome. Menthuthuyoupi says it's only a matter of time though, Shaiapouf answers he hopes he's right to which Menthuthuyoupi replies he is and there's nothing to worry about.

Komugi and Meruem continue playing and Meruem observes that Komugi continues to attack where he's weak without hesitation and she's getting sharper as they play. However this does not pain Meruem, he actually finds it enjoyable because the board dictates his every move. It indicates she's still several levels above him and he asks himself how strong she can become. Komugi says she feels strange, she can't stop and marvelous moves keep flooding her mind. This is all while bubbles start floating around her and she appears to have a bubbly aura. Meruem asks himself if she has awakened, which means she has only just begun to grow. Komugi defeats Meruem and Komugi asks for a break. Meruem notes that this is the first she's asked for a break and he asks if something is wrong. She denies this and says she would like to return to her room and record the moves that are in her mind. Meruem says she cannot see though. Komugi explains she'll just move the pieces around the board, when she touched the pieces after they're placed, she'll never forget them. Meruem asks himself if she can remember every placement she's ever experienced. Meruem excuses her and she thanks him. Meruem thinks: "A foolish question..." and then widens his eyes a bit and thinks of her name. He asks her what her name is and Komugi asks if he's talking to her to which he replies by asking her if there's anyone else around. Komugi stutters and tells her and he repeats her name. Komugi then asks Meruem for his name, greatly surprising him. He asks himself what he is called. Later, he asks the Royal Guard what he is called. When he hears all there answers, he looks outside. When Shaiapouf asks if there's something wrong, he says that Komugi's entire body was glowing. Shaiapouf repeats her name in confusion, to which Meruem informs him it's "the girl with the closed eyes" and Shaiapouf takes note of the fact her remembered her name. Meruem continues by saying she experienced an awakening and she'll become much stronger, although only at Gungi. He asks Neferpitou what would happen if Komugi would be put through the selection, Neferpitou informs him she would die as only humans with the best combat abilities will be selected. Meruem says that after meeting Komugi, he realized that strength can manifest in different ways. He gives an example of the child he killed while they were on the trip to the palace, who could've had the potential to beat him in a specific field, but he destroyed that potential for no reason. He then goes on a rant on how he's the King an the strongest and how brute force is the strongest power on the world. Shaiapouf cries afterwards because he thought Meruem might've regretted his words. Neferpitou says Meruem has changed since Komugi arrived, which Shaiapouf confirms. Menthuthuyoupi says they should kill her if she impedes Meruem.

Meruem on his way to Komugi, while thinking about how all other strengths are nothing in the face of his own and Komugi is no different. Her skill is in Gungi, a simple board game so he could turn her into a source of meat with the slightest touch. Her life depends on his mood and he can kill her if he changes his mind. But he questions himself on why he is so hesitant. The selection is tomorrow and the goal was to kill time and he asks himself if he hasn't had enough. He says that he had his fun and he longer needs her. He asks himself if he should kill her right now. He bursts the room in and is surprised when he sees Komugi being attacked by an eagle. He immediately kills the eagle and she thanks him. Meruem asks why she didn't call for help and goes to her. He kneels beside her and takes his hand near he face and then holds her hand while saying: "Here.. and here... you're covered in blood!" His face tightens while he thinks that he doesn't believe that she's such a fragile creature. She says since it's still early, she doesn't want to bother anyone. Meruem says she isn't bothering anyone and that she's an important guest, while questioning himself on what he is saying. He asks himself if he didn't come her to kill her. Komugi starts wailing and Meruem asks her why she's crying while standing up and asks himself why he can't bring himself to do it. Komugi apologizes and but explains no one has ever been this nice to her and she starts wailing more. Meruem stands before the wailing Komugi with a confused face, questioning himself on what creature she is and what he wants to do with her. A day before the selection, the Royal Guard is talking about the Chimera Ant Extermination Team and Shaiapouf says that one person must stay at Meruem's side during the selection. Menthuthuyoupi says Meruem won't allow that, he's already upset by how close they've been staying to him. Later, Meruem asks if Neferpitou was aware of Komugi being attack, which is confirmed but Neferpitou didn't act on it since it was determined there was no threat to Meruem. Meruem tells Neferpitou to monitor Komugi's surroundings and to deal with all threats at once. Just before the selection begins, Meruem looks from the balcony and thinks back on when he saved Komugi and while thinking of who he is and why he was brought into this world. Komugi on the other hand is in the room with a Gungi board in front of her, which has both the black and white on the board. She thinks back on the time she asked for his name and imagines a faceless man in front of her. She thinks to herself she didn't get to learn his name and tears drop from her eyes. She can't wait to play against him again. After Meruem says Neferpitou's En is annoying him, Neferpitou explains attacks from underground or enemies that are already inside can't be detected by Neferpitou's En. When that is said, Meruem asks if Neferpitou means Komugi. After being chased off by Meruem, the Royal Guard talk about it, Menthuthuyoupi says Meruem has been in a bad mood lately and asks if he's upset about losing all those Gungi matches. Shaiapouf has an idea of what the cause is, but is afraid of the answer. Just before the operation starts, Killua is very worried about the third party and the reason why Meruem injured himself, which is still unknown to them and he thinks they have the potential to ruin their plans.

The attack begins and Neferpitou uses En to locate Meruem, who is with Komugi in her room, while Shaiapouf rushed to the throne room, where he believed the King was. From Neferpitou's vision, Meruem appears to be holding Komugi. Neferpitou tried to reach Meruem before the enemy could, but the wave of negative energy coming from Neferpitou's destination, made Neferpitou regret the decision. The aura coming from Meruem was so unmasked, his current state of mind was plain for everyone to read. Neferpitou could only conclude the situation had grown more dire than previously thought. When Neferpitou reaches the room, an unconscious Komugi is shown being held on Meruem's lap with lots of care, while she is bleeding from her mouth and heavily from her stomach with a white Gungi piece in her hand and Meruem's face is entirely blackened. Meruem looks down and starts carrying Komugi bridal style, while Neferpitou, Netero and Zeno are standing frozen, because, according to the narrator: "...because of the girl covered in blood. And because the grotesque creature holding her body was clearly treating her with tenderness and care." Meruem gently places Komugi near Neferpitou and looks at Komugi's body. Meruem addresses Neferpitou and his face returns to normal. Meruem tells Neferpitou to heal Komugi and that he's counting on Neferpitou. This is something that Meruem has never said before, especially towards the Royal Guard and it is enough to make Neferpitou cry. Meruem gently wipes the blood from Komugi's mouth and the narrator says that this is an act of love for a life. Meruem looks at Komugi some more and then takes her hand in his. Interfering with this act would be seen as inhumane and would defeat the purpose of why Netero and Zeno came here. Meruem lets Komugi's hand go and says that they should not battle here, most likely mostly to not harm Komugi any further, as he appears to have no other real reason.

Shaiapouf is still in the throne room and thinks to himself that he doesn't want Meruem to spend time with Komugi. In his mind, an absolute king feeling concern for a lowly human and visiting the room of a lowly human by choice is unforgivable. However he realized that is probably where Meruem is even before he arrived in the room. A bit later, after Meruem, Netero and Zeno left and Gon and Killua arrive in Komugi's room, Killua realizes Komugi is the third party no one knew anything about and the reason Meruem hurt himself because she is someone special to Meruem and Neferpitou was ordered to heal her by Meruem. After Gon asks what it is that Neferpitou must save, the answer is that Komugi is someone who's important to someone who is important to Neferpitou. Komugi is the reason why Meruem is the person he is and if she dies he will cease to be who he is, she's that important. As a result Neferpitou only cares about saving her. When Meruem and Netero are alone and are in the place where they'll fight, Meruem says that he has changed his mind about humans just being livestock. He has learned there are a few humans worth keeping alive, like Komugi. While Neferpitou explains what happened after the attack, the part where Meruem held Komugi is left out, because Neferpitou does not now how to describe it. Back to where Netero and Meruem talk, Meruem says that he has learned what power is needed for. It is to protect the weak that deserve to live, as he thinks back on Komugi. During the fight, Meruem thinks of his strategy and thinks of a Gungi board. After Meruem takes one of Netero's legs, he says that after playing against Komugi, he has learned to anticipate an enemy's movements. This would mean Komugi made Meruem stronger without realizing (as he did for her as well although this was at Gungi) and it would allow Meruem to take Netero's limbs and even defeat him. If he didn't learn this from Komugi, it would be unknown if he would've been able to defeat Netero. While Komugi is used as a hostage, she is very confused and mentally asks where Meruem is.

As Meruem gets caught in the nuclear bomb that Netero set off, he manages to survive with Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi's help, however loses his memory, Komugi included. However his memories will return when he sees the people or objects his memories are linked with and he realizes the answer he seeks is in the palace. Shaiapouf sees the memory loss as his chance to kill Komugi and get her out of the way. His clones rush towards the castle with the objective of killing Komugi and he thinks everything will be fine as long as he doesn't see Komugi. Komugi is still wondering where Meruem is in the meantime. Shaiapouf is still focused on killing Komugi and decides to reveal his true objective is Komugi to the enemy. While Killua is running away with Komugi, she realizes the King and the Supreme Leader are the same person. Shaiapouf is meanwhile still trying to kill her and as Meruem arrives he realizes he is still forgetting something while remembering Komugi's silhouette and they go towards the throne room. Shaiapouf realizes that the Gungi board in the throne room might trigger his memory again, so he rushes to remove them. While in the throne room, Meruem is still missing something which he voices towards Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi. Menthuthuyoupi and Shaiapouf share a look and Menthuthuyoupi agrees that they shouldn't let Meruem see Komugi at the moment. Meruem continues to remember little things as they deal with the situation. Desperate when Meruem is seconds from finding out who Komugi is, Shaiapouf proposes a contest with Meruem. The contest is between finding their targets first and also includes a handicap for Meruem as he is so powerful. If Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi win they get a wish each and if Meruem wins, they will tell him what they are hiding from him. While Meruem waits until he can start searching his targets, he looks around the room while still missing something and finds a white Gungi piece. He remembers that he battled someone he has yet to ever defeat and imagines the Gungi board and a single hand. He makes a Gungi board and pieces by gauging the floor. Meanwhile Palm and Ikalgo are hiding Komugi from Meruem because she is important to him. When Welfin realizes he's about to be eaten, his brain cells work harder than ever and he ends up uttering Komugi's name. Upon hearing her name, the background turns into a galaxy, glowing golden butterflies appear, paintings appear in the background and white roses appear, which are physical representations of his feelings for Komugi. All while Meruem is frozen and remembering Komugi. In his mind, him and Komugi are happily playing Gungi in a beautiful grassland with hills and trees. Meruem is looking at the sun in awe and most likely because Shaiapouf is connected with Meruem's mind he understands how deeply he values her. Shaiapouf realizes he values her more than he had feared and he never even stood a chance. As he prepares to search for Komugi, he thanks Welfin as he helped him remember something very important. Meruem arrives at Palm's location and tells her to speak if she has any conditions for turning over Komugi. After informing her that they've won, he says that his only motive is seeing Komugi, which is all he wants, all he really wants, he desires nothing else. He reveals he knows he's about to die and only wishes to spend his remaining time with Komugi. As he speaks with Palm he asks her to tell her Komugi's location because he can only ask for her help at the moment and he kneels in front of her. Palm relents and asks him if she can watch his final moments with her. He says that if that's what it takes to be with Komugi, she certainly may.

When Meruem finds the sleeping Komugi, he smiles. He tells her to wake up because it's time to play. As they prepare the board, Komugi says it feels like they haven't played in ages and playing in real life is way different from in her dreams, to which Meruem agrees. Komugi tells him about her experiences from her injury to her kidnapping, but says that Meruem must've saved her. However Meruem informs her it was his subordinates and thinks to himself he was unworthy of their loyalty. Komugi says that she must thank them when they stop by. Meruem says he'll relay her gratitude as he will be seeing them soon. Komugi begins fidgeting while smiling in excitement and Meruem says he knows and to let them begin. Meruem says that once she asked for his name and now informs her of his name. Komugi repeats his name with "-sama" behind it and then bows and tells him her name and that it's an honor to know him, to which he responds he knows. However he then thinks to himself that he didn't know or understand anything, he didn't understand what truly mattered. Komugi addresses him again and Meruem insists for her to not use the honorific. But Komugi says she could never do that. Meruem then says that if he wins at Gungi, she'll address him without honorific. Komugi asks if she dies after she addresses him without honorific. Meruem says there is no need for her to die and smiles while saying he's not the same person as before so she should prepare to lose. Komugi smiles at that and Meruem asks what she wants after she wins. She replies she would like another math and Meruem smiles and thinks to himself that it was a foolish question. They start the match. Meruem realizes that she using kokoriko and he angrily asks if she means to mock him and he won't allow her to fool around, which Komugi denies and says she has never fooled around while playing Gungi. Meruem says she'll die if she loses and breaks the piece he's holding. After Meruem makes the same move she did when she defeated him when he uses kokoriko, he wants to see where this goes. The bubbles appear again and Komugi makes a move which allows her to find a way out. Komugi smiles and says she realized something that night, but Meruem silences her and tells her to let him think. Komugi continues to smile while waiting and Meruem makes a move which he believes will allow him to checkmate her. Komugi starts trembling and crying while asking if she's allowed to be so happy and if so many wonderful things can happen to someone like her. Meruem says that he supposes he must tell her the truth and tells her he's been poisoned and wanted to spend his final moments playing against her. When Meruem informs her the poison is contagious, she smiles with tears in her eyes. Meruem starts saying that if she stays near him too long, she'll also die, but she interrupts by placing a piece on the board, reversing his reversal. She says she is very happy right now and she may not be worthy, but to please allow her to join him (this is an old-fashioned way for Japanese women to accept a marriage proposal). She says she believes she was born to be here today and Meruem realizes that he too, was born for this moment. Previously he struggled with his purpose, but now he's found it. 2 Gungi pieces are shown to float around each other, a white one and a black one. Then, bubbles are shown that showcase Komugi and Meruem's moments with a space background. They continue playing in the darkness and Meruem asks if she's still there (as he's lost his vision from the poison), which she confirms and she's not going anywhere. She checkmates him and he asks if she's still there again, which she confirms. She tells him they should play another match and the loser goes first. Every time he addresses her, he uses her name again. He calls her name again and says it appears he has never defeated Komugi a single time. She asks him what he's saying, as they are just getting started. This all happens while the scene shows light orbs floating around until the last one goes out and then the 2 of them are shown playing with a black background. They each place 2 pieces on the board, when Meruem asks her if she's still there, Komugi answers that she is of course. When Komugi says it's his turn, Meruem says he's a little tired and will need to take a short nap. He asks her if she'll hold his hand. Meruem repeats her name twice and asks if she's still there, which Komugi confirms and she says she understands. She holds his hand asks if he wants it like this. Meruem says he'll wake up shortly and if she'll stay by his side until he wakes. Komugi says she never left and she'll always be here. Meruem calls her name again and thanks here. A light orb reappears and she is shown touching Meruem's face and she says she's welcome. Meruem asks her if she'll call him by his name one last time while she holds his cheek. She goes back to holding his hand. She wishes him good night and calls him by his name without the honorific. She is shown to be holding his head on her lap while holding his head and neck while smiling and bleeding from her mouth and nose. She also says she'll be joining him soon. He went blind like her and she died like him. Palm informs Ikalgo of Meruem's death. In the final episode, they are shown to be holding hands in death, but the marshal and spy Gungi pieces next to them, white and black respectively.

The 2 of them went from strangers to people who care for each other more than anyone else to the point where they believe the were born to be playing Gungi together just before they die. Even if Meruem saw her as no different than other humans at first, he comes to care for her a lot, greatly influencing his actions and beliefs (like how he started believing power should be used to protect the weak that deserve to live) although he doesn't understand why at first. Komugi too comes to care for him greatly and playing against Meruem makes her extremely happy. They become this close by playing Gungi together for just 6 days and they end up dying together as they wanted.

Ending 5
The ending song, includes Mereum and Komugi playing Gungi with Mereum losing and what appears to be an infinity symbol or DNA-string. Then Gungi pieces are seen floating, with one black one showing a smiling Mereum and a white one showing a smiling Komugi. Later in the ending, the two are also shown as a pair right after one another, with Mereum with a yellow background and Komugi with a green background. Yellow is often shown to be associated with Komugi, while green is associated with Mereum. A bit later, Mereum and Komugi are shown back to back, with a black Gungi piece and a white Gungi piece. In the final art shown in the ending, the are seen together on the in the top part, striking similar poses and standing with their backs to each other.The ending song, includes Mereum and Komugi playing Gungi with Mereum losing and what appears to be an infinity symbol or DNA-string. Then Gungi pieces are seen floating, with one black one showing a smiling Mereum and a white one showing a smiling Komugi. Later in the ending, the two are also shown as a pair right after one another, with Mereum with a yellow background and Komugi with a green background. Yellow is often shown to be associated with Komugi, while green is associated with Mereum. A bit later, Mereum and Komugi are shown back to back, with a black Gungi piece and a white Gungi piece. In the final art shown in the ending, the are seen together on the in the top part, striking similar poses and standing with their backs to each other.

Fanon
OuMugi is one of the most popular het pairings of the fanbase, on AO3 they are only beated by HisoMachi (not by much), if you do not include the self-insert fanfics. It is the most written ship of both Meruem and Komugi by a large margin. However HisoMachi is disliked by quite a large part of the fanbase and is much more unpopular than HisoIllu. OuMugi on the other hand is very loved by the entire fanbase and even if there are not many fanfics, a large part of the fandom ships them in some degree. No other ship involving either character is seen as significant enough to be rival ship of OuMugi.

OuMugi are quite praised for the way their relationship is written. Many people consider the way their relationship was written and Mereum's redemption to be a genius part of Hunter X Hunter and this does not come from just the fans. Since they were never officially together or did things like kissing, some fans consider their relationship platonic. However the largest part of the fandom considers their relationship romantic and these 2 sides clash sometimes.

Before their deaths, Komugi says to Meruem "I may not be much, but please, let me accompany you". This is an old-fashioned way for Japanese women to accept a marriage proposal. The fact that Komugi used it, leads some shippers to believe they were an official couple or even that they got married.

Fandom
FAN FICTION
 * Komugi/King Meryem on FanFiction.Net
 * Komugi/King Meryem on FanFiction.Net

TUMBLR

TWITTER
 * OuMugi tag on Twitter
 * 王ムギ tag on Twitter

PIXIV
 * 王ムギ tag on Pixiv

Trivia

 * Komugi's kokoriko strategy involves isolating the King, as the Chimera Ant Extermination Team planned to do with Mereum, however Komugi develops a counter, meaning Mereum did not die. However Komugi develops a counter to the counter, meaning Mereum would die after all.
 * Mereum dies first, as in their last unfinished game, he places his piece first and Komugi places hers afterwards as she dies after him.
 * Mereum's name means "the light that illuminates all", however during their final finished match, Komugi seems to be glowing to Mereum and before that, when he remembered Komugi, he was also staring into the light.
 * When Mereum remembers Komugi, white roses appear, which mean purity, young love and loyalty. Butterflies appear and butterflies generally mean accoriding to Google "Butterflies are beautiful and have mystery, symbolism, and meaning and are a metaphor representing spiritual rebirth, transformation, change, hope, and life. The magnificent, yet short life of the butterfly closely mirrors the process of spiritual transformation and serves to remind us that life is short."
 * The OST played during their death scene is called "Understanding", quite fitting for them.