Here is a complete tour of Hunter X Hunter’s anime ending and its aftermath in Yoshihito Togashi’s ongoing manga.
After 148 episodes of adventures, battles, and development, Hunter X Hunter’s anime ended with what felt more like a new beginning than an end. The series follows Gon Freecss’s journey to become a Hunter and find his father. It wrapped up its run by bringing its protagonist face-to-face with the very goal that started the adventure—meeting Ging Freecss.
The Hunter X Hunter anime ending strikes a unique sense of completion while hinting at the vast unexplored territories ahead. Rather than delivering a traditional finale with all loose ends neatly tied up, the series chose to present its ending as a prologue to even greater adventures.
This approach to the Hunter X Hunter anime ending perfectly aligns with the series’ core message about the joy of the journey rather than the destination. The 2011 adaptation covers the manga up to Chapter 339, concluding with the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc.
How Does Hunter X Hunter Anime End
The Hunter X Hunter anime ending circles around a father-son reunion atop the World Tree. In episode 148, Gon finally meets his father, Ging, culminating in a meaningful conversation that brings clarity to both Gon’s journey and the true essence of being a Hunter.
At the World Tree’s summit, Ging shares his philosophy about what drives a true Hunter. He says it is the pursuit of that which cannot be seen or possessed. Through his own story about exploring an ancient burial ground, Ging reveals to Gon the real treasure of being a Hunter lies not in the achievements themselves. It is in the challenges faced and friendships created along the way,
The Hunter X Hunter anime ending takes a refreshingly understated approach to this long-awaited meeting. Instead of an emotional outburst, we see father and son discussing their adventures. With Gon returning Ging’s Hunter license. Their conversation sets up future storylines as Ging mentions exploring the mysterious Dark Continent.
While Gon achieves his initial goal of finding Ging, the Hunter X Hunter anime ending suggests that this accomplishment is just one milestone in a much longer journey. The final episode also shows various characters moving forward on their own paths.
Fates of the Main Characters as of Hunter X Hunter Anime Ending
The Hunter X Hunter ending provides distinct paths forward for each of its main characters. Each takes a different direction aligned with their personal growth and aspirations.
Gon Freecss
After his emotional reunion with Ging, Gon returns to Whale Island to reunite with Aunt Mito. The ending shows him facing a different kind of challenge—catching up on his schoolwork. This peaceful conclusion marks a shift from his intense adventures, allowing him to process his experiences and contemplate his next steps.
Killua Zoldyck
Killua’s story takes a touching turn in the Hunter X Hunter anime ending as he chooses to travel the world with his sister Alluka. After a heartfelt farewell with Gon, where both friends promise to meet again, Killua departs on a new journey. Finally free from his family’s control, he dedicates himself to protecting Alluka and Nanika from those who might exploit their powers.
Kurapika
By the end, Kurapika makes significant progress in his quest to recover the Scarlet Eyes of his clan. The finale shows him arranging a symbolic funeral for his fallen clan members after recovering several pairs of eyes. His story suggests a continuation of his mission, though with perhaps a more measured approach than before.
Leorio
Despite limited screen time in the final episodes, Leorio’s future takes an interesting turn in the Hunter X Hunter anime. His memorable moment of punching Ging during the Hunter Election earns him unexpected respect within the Hunter Association. The finale shows him attempting to contact Kurapika while continuing his medical studies.
None of these characters completely abandon their original goals or personalities, but rather grow into more mature versions of themselves.
What Happens in the Manga After the Hunter X Hunter Anime Ending
The manga continues well beyond the Hunter X Hunter anime ending, introducing two major arcs that expand the series’ scope and complexity.
Following the anime ending, the manga ventures into unexplored territory with the Dark Continent Arc. This mysterious region is the source of both the Chimera Ants and Nanika’s powers, promising dangers far beyond anything seen before. The arc introduces Beyond Netero, Isaac Netero’s son, who leads an expedition to this forbidden land. Kurapika and Leorio also join the Zodiacs for this journey, with Leorio working in the medical center while Kurapika pursues a separate mission.
However, the current manga storyline introduces a deadly competition among the 14 princes of the Kakin Empire in the Succession Contest Arc. Each prince receives a Guardian Spirit Beast and must participate in a battle of wit and strategy where direct confrontation is forbidden. The arc shows the series’ trademark psychological complexity. The stakes are raised further by the return of the Phantom Troupe and Hisoka, who continue their deadly game aboard the Black Whale ship.
Is There Room for Gon or Killua’s Return in the Manga
While Hunter X Hunter‘s anime ending marked a temporary farewell to Gon and Killua, their potential return remains an intriguing possibility. Notably, Gon has lost his ability to use Nen following his recovery, which Ging suggests might be for the best. It allows him to find a new direction in life.
Killua makes a brief appearance during the Succession Contest Arc, but only through a phone conversation with Kurapika where he recommends Biscuit Kruger as a bodyguard.
The absence of these protagonists from current manga arcs doesn’t necessarily mean their stories are over. Rather, it leaves the door open for their eventual return when new adventures call.
Furthermore, Yoshihiro Togashi revealed four potential endings for the series, including one that focuses on Gon’s granddaughter Jin. It suggests that Gon’s story remains significant to the overall narrative. So, fans hope to see Gon gearing up again in Hunter X Hunter.
Conclusion
The Hunter X Hunter anime ending concludes one chapter while setting the stage for countless others. While fans might miss seeing Gon and Killua’s adventures after the anime’s ending, their absence serves a greater narrative purpose. It also demonstrates how the series has matured beyond its original premise of a young boy seeking his father to humanity.
Hunter X Hunter‘s anime ending perfectly captures that every ending is just another beginning.
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