Facebook
Reddit
Email
Togashi’s decision to remove Gon from Hunter x Hunter elevated the series and paved the way for Kurapika’s story.
Hunter x Hunter’s Gon Freecss is known for his innocent smile and unbreakable determination. But when Togashi decided to sideline the protagonist after the Chairman Election arc, fans were left stunned. Was this really the end for Gon in Hunter x Hunter?
Looking back now, this creative decision might just be one of the brilliant moves in Shonen manga.
The truth is that Gon’s story reached its natural conclusion. Forcing him back into the spotlight would’ve undermined everything his character stood for. Let’s look into why keeping Gon out of Hunter x Hunter’s current arc is actually a masterstroke.
Gon’s Journey in Hunter x Hunter
When we first met Gon in Hunter x Hunter, he was just a bright-eyed kid from Whale Island with a simple dream – finding his father.
Let’s be real – Gon in Hunter x Hunter was never your typical Shonen protagonist. Sure, he had that infectious smile and superhuman determination, but his journey was something else entirely. From the moment he stepped off Whale Island, Gon wasn’t dreaming of becoming the strongest or saving the world. He just wanted to understand why being a Hunter was so important to his dad that he’d choose it over raising his own son.
Gon’s journey was special because it subverted expectations at every turn. His transformation during the fight against Pitou was not just another power-up – it was the blending of his character arc.
When faced with Kite’s death, we didn’t see a hero who overcame adversity through pure heart. Instead, we saw a kid break down completely, sacrificing everything in a moment of pure rage and vengeance.
His moment in Hunter x Hunter shows us a side of Gon that proves he was not a typical “power of friendship” hero.
Gon’s Goal in Hunter X Hunter
Gon’s goal in Hunter x Hunter was incredibly straightforward. He was not trying to become the King of the Pirates or the strongest ninja in the village, Gon just wanted to meet his dad. That’s it. No grand ambitions of world domination, no desire to be the strongest Hunter ever.
His goal lies in his personal nature. Everything he did, from taking the Hunter exam to fighting the Chimera Ants, was connected to this simple desire. Even his friendship with Killua, as deep as it became, started because he needed a friend to help him navigate his journey of finding Ging Freecss.
When Gon finally meets Ging at the World Tree, it’s not some epic confrontation or tearful reunion. It’s just a simple conversation between a father and his son, with Ging being characteristically distant yet somehow giving Gon exactly what he needs – closure. His goal in Hunter x Hunter was never about destination, but about what he learned about himself along the way.
Why It’s Difficult for Gon To Come Back in Hunter X Hunter
The loss of Nen is arguably the most significant obstacle for Gon to return in Hunter x Hunter. After Gon’s transformation to defeat Neferpitou, which was basically a suicide move powered by rage and grief, he lost access to his Nen abilities. Even though Nanika, the “alter ego” of Alluka Zoldyck, healed his body, his Nen remained sealed.
Yes, technically he could relearn Nen from scratch since he still has his aura that all living beings do, but this limitation provides a deeper purpose. It represents the cost of his actions and the consequences of his emotional instability during the Chimera Ant arc.
His story is concluded after he achieves his goal of finding his father, Ging, and understanding why being a Hunter is more important than being a father. The way he and Ging finally connected, with Ging challenging him to find his own path forward, felt like a natural conclusion rather than a stepping stone to something bigger.
Perhaps another reason for Gon’s return being difficult is because he and Killua went on separate ways. Killua found his purpose in protecting Alluka, while Gon needed to learn who he was without his powers and without his best friend constantly supporting him. Their separation, while heartbreaking, was necessary for both.
Also, looking at the current arc of Hunter x Hunter, the power levels and complexity of abilities have escalated rigorously. Even if Gon regained his Nen, his straightforward enhancement abilities might feel out of place in this new landscape.
As such, if Gon does return, it would need to be in a way that honors this development rather than simply powering him back up to rejoin the action.
Why Kurapika Is the Best Fit for the Current Hunter X Hunter Arc
In the Succession War arc, Kurapika emerges as the ideal protagonist to navigate its intricacies. His role as Prince Woble’s protector adds another layer to his character development.
The arc’s complex nature demands a protagonist with versatile abilities, and Kurapika’s Nen power fits perfectly. His Emperor Time ability and chain-based powers allow for combat and utility applications, making him effective in direct confrontations and more subtle situations.
Also, the presence of both Tserriednich (who possesses the last pair of Scarlet Eyes) and the Phantom Troupe on the Black Whale creates personal stakes for Kurapika. These elements naturally make him connected to multiple plot threads rather than feeling like an outsider to the main conflict.
By placing Kurapika at the center of this narrative, the story gains a protagonist who naturally interfaces with the arc’s multiple layers. His presence elevates the narrative far from a simple battle succession into a rich texture.
Conclusion
While some fans might still miss seeing Gon in the current arc, Togashi’s decision to step away from him has allowed Hunter x Hunter to evolve in fascinating ways. And honestly, giving Kurapika the spotlight is perfectly okay. Sometimes the best thing one can do for a character is to let their story end naturally rather than forcing them to keep going.
Gon found what he was looking for – not just his father, but also himself. Now it’s time for other characters to find their own paths.
Looking For More?
Thank you for reading the article. We provide the latest news and create guides for Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, ARK Survival Ascended, and more. Also, watch Deltia play games on Twitch or visit his YouTube channel!
