Hunter x Hunter has introduced a new character via chapter 397, whose tragic backstories shape the narrative in the way it is now. She is Sarasa, and her story ignites the most devastating makeover in the series' universe despite her brief appearance.
Sarasa represents the innocent heart that once beat within what would become the infamous Phantom Troupe. Her murder becomes the defining moment that transformed a group of cheerful children into one of the most feared criminal organizations in Hunter x Hunter.
Sarasa was a young girl from Meteor City, the dystopian junkyard metropolis where society's outcasts had gathered. She possessed a vibrant personality that radiated positivity and enthusiasm despite the harsh environment surrounding her. Her distinctive appearance in Hunter x Hunter was marked by long hair styled in pigtails and a characteristic heart-shaped purse she carried everywhere.

Before the Phantom Troupe existed as a criminal organization, Sarasa belonged to an innocent acting group. These children from Meteor City had formed a makeshift performance troupe to entertain other young residents. The group featured several future Phantom Troupe members, including Chrollo Lucilfer, Pakunoda, Uvogin, Phinks, Feitan, and Machi.
Their primary activity in the Hunter x Hunter series involved dubbing episodes of Mighty Sweepin' Power Cleaners, a show that was popular among children. Sarasa particularly enjoyed voicing a character named Orange during the dubbing sessions. The group performed their shows at the local church, bringing moments of happiness.
The devastating discovery of Sarasa in Hunter x Hunter

The pivotal moment in Hunter x Hunter's dark history occurred when Sarasa ventured alone into the junkyard searching for videotapes. She hoped to find additional episodes of Power Cleaners for the troupe to dub and perform. However, her innocent trek led her into the path of dangerous child traffickers operating in the area.
When Sarasa did not appear for their performance the next day, her friends feared something might have happened to her. Chrollo and the group mobilized a search for their missing friend.
The search for Sarasa ended in the most horrific way possible in Hunter x Hunter. Chrollo and Uvogin discovered her mutilated remains in a forest, deliberately cut up in a cruel manner by her killers. Sarasa was murdered by a child trafficker during a so-called “hunt,” and since she came from Meteor City, her death was ignored. The killer staged the scene as a cruel warning.
The group arranged for Sarasa's funeral with the help of Renko, a skilled embalmer who restored her body to its original appearance. This miraculous reconstruction allowed her friends to say proper goodbyes to her in the Hunter x Hunter series.
The Birth of the Phantom Troupe

The funeral scene revealed crucial information about the future Phantom Troupe members in Hunter x Hunter. Machi's interaction with Renko showed her early awareness of Nen abilities, as she could see the aura surrounding the embalmer.
Sarasa’s tragic end was the catalyst that led to the formation of the Phantom Troupe, and her memory still haunts the members, most of all, Chrollo Lucilfer. At her graveside, Chrollo made a chilling declaration that would define the rest of his life. He announced his intention to become a villain who would make the world tremble.
Rather than being only evil, they become anguished figures whose criminal actions derive from a desire to protect others from experiencing similar losses. This subtle portrayal exalts the series beyond simple good versus evil narratives.
In short, Sarasa's brief but impactful reality in Hunter x Hunter establishes the series' ability to establish a deeper context via tragedy. Her character depicts the innocent heart that once lived within the Phantom Troupe.