Gon Freecsis the main protagonist in Yoshihiro Togashi’s manga and anime series,Hunter X Hunter. Gon grew up on Whale Island under his Aunt Mito’s care, but one day he meets Kite, a student of Gon’s father, Ging. Inspired by Kite’s deep admiration of his teacher, Gon vows to earn a Hunter’s license and find his father. He enters the 287th Hunter Exam, where he meets Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio. After barely surviving the exam, Gon enters a tournament in the 251-floor battle tower, Heaven’s Arena, where he learns to channel his aura into Nen.
At Heaven’s Arena, Gon and Killua meet Wing, who teaches them about Nen, its basic principles, advanced techniques, and the six types of Nen.Gon learns that he is an Enhancer-type,meaning he can use his aura to enhance his strength or power up objects. After reaching the 200th floor, Gon finally faces Hisoka, his rival from the Hunter Exam. While he doesn’t defeat the clown, Gon is satisfied with the goal he set for himself. Now understanding Nen basics and having benchmarked his strength against Hisoka’s, Gon feels confident enough to find his father.
Strengthening themselves or objects
Changing the quality or aura to match something else
Creating objects from aura
Unique effect; varies by user
Controlling animate and inanimate things
Detaching aura from the body
Initially, Gon is Hunting His Father
He Finds Ging, but Not How He Pictured
Gon uses his abilities and connections within the Hunter Association to obtain a copy of the mysterious video game, Greed Island, a clue to his father’s location. Gon and Killua aretransported inside the gameand are quickly outmatched by other players until they meet their next sensei, Biscuit Kruger. The girlish blonde pushes the boys far beyond their limits andhelps Gon develop a signature move based on Rock, Paper, Scissors, called Jajanken.Gon beats the game and expects to be taken to Ging, but finds Kite instead.
In an isolated country called the NGL, a gigantic Chimera Ant Queen from the Dark Continent births a colony of hybrid beasts.The Ant King’s Royal Guard kills Kite, and Gon becomes obsessed with setting things right. Gon makes a Nen contract with conditions to supernaturally develop his body to an age where he can defeat Neferpitou. After depleting all of his life energy,Gon lies in a state of living deathuntil Killua pulls off a miracle to restore his friend. Gon finally fins his father during the elections for the next Chairman of the Hunters Association, and spends time with Ging atop the World Tree, then returns to Whale Island to figure out his next adventure.
Gon’s Priority is Friendship
No One Messes with Gon’s Friends
Gon is a sweet, open-minded young man who always tries to do the honorable thing, no matter the cost. Despite his usual happy-go-lucky demeanor,Gon is capable of deep rage and hatred of his enemies, lashing out at any perceived injustice against his friends. His defiant attitude and impulsive nature get him into trouble withthe Phantom Troupemultiple times, leading to his capture, interrogation, and torture by arm-wrestling the #2 Spider. He’s disgusted by the Chimera Ants' wanton disregard for their fellow Ants' lives, immediately deeming them worthy of extermination.
Gon is capable of unimaginable power when his friends are on the line.Killua is held captive by his own family, and Gon defies the notorious assassins and barges into their home. To defeat the Mad Bomber and avenge all the lives he stole, Gon sacrifices his limbs and has his throat crushed. Facing Kite’s killer, an opponent far beyond his weight class, Gon essentially makes a deal with the Devil to reach the apex of his power, and is reduced to a rotten living corpse. That stubborn dedication and tunnel vision is as much a curse as a gift.
What Happens to Gon After the Anime?
Gon’s Journey Will Continue
Warning: The following contains spoilers for Hunter x Hunter beyond the ending of the 2011 anime.
The story continues in the ongoingHunter x Huntermanga, althoughGon is largely absentfrom the main plot after his resurrection leaves him powerless. He returns to Whale Island, where Aunt Mito insists Gon catches up on his missed schoolwork. Ging says Gon can still produce aura, he just can’t see it, and he will have to start at square one learning Nen over again. However, this remains to be seen as the focus shifts to Hisoka’s rematch with Chrollo, then the journey to the Dark Continent led by the Zodiacs and the former Chairman’s son, Beyond Netero.
Every Hunter x Hunter Anime Arc, Ranked
Hunter x Hunter has produced a timeless collection of arcs that will surely entertain a wide range of audiences for decades to come.
One hanging plot thread could bring Gon back into focus.Gyro, the NGL leader, was reborn as a Chimera Ant with complete autonomy and immediate access to his memories. He is the antithesis of Gon, having grown up with an abusive father and wishing only to spread evil across the world. Having lost the nation he ruled over, Gyro heads to Meteor City to start his empire over. TheHunter X Huntermanga mentions thatGon and Gyro are destined to meet, but what happens when they do, and how Gon regains his power, is yet to be seen.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter × Hunteris a Japanese manga and anime franchise created by Yoshihiro Togashi. The story follows Gon Freecss, a boy who discovers his father is a legendary Hunter, and embarks on a journey to become one himself. Along the way, he encounters friends and foes in a world filled with martial arts, adventure, and paranormal elements. The franchise spans manga, multiple anime adaptations, films, OVAs, and video games.
