Hunter X Hunter will continue without Gon as the MC, and Togashi always planned it this way

Modified Oct 14, 2024 08:00 GMT

Hunter X Hunter will continue without Gon as the MC, and Togashi always planned it this way (Image via Studio MADHOUSE)

Hunter X Hunter has been a story with multiple main character candidates, with the stories of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio progressing simultaneously. Although Gon Freecss served as the main protagonist alongside his partner Killua, he has been absent from the story recently, with his last appearance being toward the end of the Chimera Ant arc.

The story's current driver is Kurapika, who is now serving as the main protagonist. Gon's departure from the story, along with the minimal issues it causes, and Kurapika's seamless transition into the main role suggest that Togashi may have always planned for Hunter X Hunter to revolve around multiple characters in different phases.

Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for the Hunter X Hunter series.

Hunter X Hunter: Kurapika matches the manga's overall setting

Gon as shown in the anime (Image via Studio MADHOUSE)

Gon was the first character introduced in the series with a simple and direct motivation: to meet his father, Ging, who had abandoned him at a young age. The entire Hunter Licensing Exam, which Gon undertook to meet Ging, led him to form a team with Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua.

While Leorio's purpose in the story was to portray a simple man with a relatively realistic goal, Gon, Killua, and Kurapika had more intriguing characters and backstories. Killua later accompanied Gon throughout his journey, which eventually ended in their separation after the Chimera Ant arc.

Gon's story and character arc concluded with him meeting his father at the end of the Chimera Ant arc, and Killua's journey ended with him and Alluka going on a world tour.

Hunter X Hunter main character: Killua Zoldyck (Image via Studio MADHOUSE)

Kurapika's goal of seeking revenge on the Phantom Troupe and retrieving all the Crimson Eyes of his clan is a singular mission with multiple steps, with his actions directly following these steps. Kurapika's Nen training was a direct buildup to his confrontation with the Phantom Troupe, and his current voyage to the Dark Continent results from his pursuit of the remaining Crimson Eyes.

The only character motivations left unresolved are Kurapika's and Leorio's, while Killua's and Gon's journeys have effectively concluded. Given that Hunter X Hunter took a sudden dark turn during the Yorknew arc with the introduction of the Phantom Troupe, it seems likely that Togashi always intended for the story to take on a darker tone.

Kurapika is the only protagonist who aligns with that tone. Gon's character was rather selfish, pursuing goals and motivations primarily focused on himself or his close friends. Since his goal has already been realized, and his best friend is not involved in the Succession Contest arc, along with his own lack of interest in any aspect of this arc, it suggests that Gon will no longer be involved in the main story.

The manga will likely continue with Kurapika as the main character, fitting the current darker tone of the series. Togashi might have intended for Gon to be the protagonist as the manga transitioned from a lighthearted to a darker tone. However, Kurapika's character and backstory could have been reserved to drive the story after that transition.

Final thoughts

Hunter X Hunter chapter 403 will be released on October 20, 2024. It will depict Kurapika's plan to ensure the safety of all the succession candidates while attempting to retrieve the Crimson Eyes that Prince Tserriednich possesses.

Almost every prominent character, except for Gon and Killua, is currently aboard the Black Whale. However, it is still possible that Gon will return along with Killua as part of some mission, especially since Ging has already teased the possibility of Gon regaining his Nen.

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Edited by Shreya Das