Chapter 1 · DAY OF THE DEPARTURE

00AI-written

A series of panels depicts bizarre and terrifying creatures: a multi-eyed beast with horns and claws, a round fluffy creature, a massive fanged monster with a spotted tongue, and other strange animals. Text reads: "MONSTROUS ANIMALS, RARE SPECIES..." The next panel shows glittering treasures, jewels, and artifacts scattered among ruins with the caption "BURIED RICHES, HIDDEN TREASURES..." A wide landscape follows, showing a vast canyon with waterfalls, floating islands, and bizarre trees under the words "WORLDS OF DEMONS, UNEXPLORED LANDS..." The final panel erupts with motion lines and debris as unseen figures reach toward shining objects, accompanied by the text "AND SOME MEN ARE ATTRACTED BY THIS FORCE..." and "THE WORD 'UNKNOWN' SEEMS MAGIC..."

A tall figure in a dark uniform and peaked cap stands in profile, long hair flowing wildly. The person grips a long sword upright in one hand while the other hand is extended. Scattered around are coins, jewels, a cross-shaped object, and a glowing device. A bold caption declares: "THEY ARE CALLED 'HUNTERS'!"

Hunter in uniform

A young boy with spiky black hair grins widely, eyes sparkling with excitement. He wears a sleeveless outfit with a studded collar, spotted pants, and boots, holding two wooden poles. Treasure spills from a tipped barrel above him—coins, jewels, and trinkets rain down amid motion lines and bubbles. In the background are bats, a volcano, and scattered relics. At the bottom the title reads "No.001 ◆ DAY OF THE DEPARTURE".

Gon

Far out at sea, the distinctive shape of Whale Island rises from the waves under a bright sky. A small plume of smoke drifts from its peak. Below, the forest interior of the island appears, showing a quiet path lined with trees and lily pads in a stream. A wooden signpost stands near the water. In the dense foliage on the right, a large spotted creature with a long snout and clawed feet perches on a branch, its mouth open wide.

A young boy wearing a camouflage suit made of leaves and branches sits on the forest floor beside the massive roots of an enormous tree. He grips a fishing rod with both hands, the line cast high into the air. Butterflies flutter nearby and small birds perch on the leaves covering his outfit. The dense woodland stretches behind him with hanging vines and thick undergrowth.

Gon

The boy casts his line with a powerful motion, the rod bending sharply as the lure flies. The hook hits the water with a splash. Suddenly the line goes taut. Close-up, the boy's wide eyes gleam with intense focus. He yanks back hard, shouting as the rod jerks. The boy leaps forward through the air, rod in hand, as leaves and debris fly around him. Below, his excited face fills the panel as he yells with joy, "GOT IT! GOT IT!"

Gon

The massive fish thrashes violently in the air, its skeletal body twisting as Gon clings to it. With a final burst of motion, the boy is flung upward while the creature's jaws gape below. Impact lines and debris fill the panel as the fish's form breaks apart. Someone shouts, "IT'S OVER" as two exclamation marks punctuate the scene.

Gonmaster of the pond

Gon lands triumphantly on the dock, arms raised, as the defeated fish carcass crashes down behind him. Onlookers react with shock and awe, some shouting "DON" repeatedly amid the chaos. Mito watches with wide eyes, hands clasped, murmuring "OOH!" and "AAH!" while a boy nearby says "WELL..." The crowd murmurs in amazement: "I'VE FISHED HERE FOR 10 YEARS, AND I THOUGHT WE'D NEVER SEE IT!" and "EVEN WITH FIVE MEN WE WEREN'T ABLE TO CATCH THE POND'S MASTER... VERY STRONG, THIS BOY..." Gon stands in the foreground, beaming, and declares, "YOUR TURN TO KEEP YOUR PROMISE, MITO-SAN! I FISHED THE POND'S MASTER LIKE I PROMISED!!!" In a smaller panel, Gon hops away with the fish, exclaiming "HOP!"

GonMitoonlookers

Gon extends his hand and receives the Hunter Exam inscription card from an unseen attendant. Mito watches silently from the side. Nearby townspeople react: one says "OOPS..." while another scolds, "HOW CARELESS! PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU SAY!" A man encourages, "YEAH! I'M SURE GON WILL BE A VERY GOOD HUNTER! COME ON! ACCEPT! LET HIM PASS THIS EXAM!" Gon turns with a confident smile, replying to Mito, "AND WASN'T IT YOU, MITO-SAN, THAT TAUGHT ME TO ALWAYS KEEP MY PROMISES? SHE'S RIGHT! WORDS ARE IMPORTANT!" He holds up the card as it registers with a "BIP" sound. A small panel shows Gon walking away with a bag, thinking "WASN'T IT?"

GonMitoonlookers

Gon smiles brightly and raises his hand in farewell. "THANKS!" he calls out. "ALRIGHT," he adds with determination. At the doorway of their home, Mito stands watching as Gon walks away down the path. "DO AS YOU WISH," she says quietly. In the next moment Gon is sprinting through the village at full speed, his backpack bouncing, feet pounding the ground with repeated "TAP TAP TAP" sounds. Villagers turn to stare at the running boy. In a side scene a man on a motorcycle looks after him and remarks, "IT'S IN HIS BLOOD." Another villager reacts with shock: "BAM" and "BUT HOW?!"

GonMitomotorcycle manvillagers

Mito stands at the window, her thoughts racing. "SOMEONE COULD HAVE TOLD HIM, OR HIS DECISION IS JUST A COINCIDENCE..." she wonders. "HE NEVER EVEN ASKED...!" "I NEVER TOLD HIM THAT HIS FATHER WAS A HUNTER!" "AT ANY RATE, I ALWAYS THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME..." A close-up shows Gon's intense eyes beneath his cap. Mito continues internally: "THE LIGHT IN HIS EYES, HIS FATHER WAS EXACTLY THE SAME..." "I DON'T HAVE THE WILL TO STOP HIM..." The final wide panel shows an empty landscape with radiating lines as a voice reflects, "IN FACT, I'VE KNOWN EVERYTHING FOR A LONG TIME..." and apologizes, "SORRY, MITO-SAN!"

MitoGon

Gon races through the forest, leaping with a loud "DOM!" and "DOMI" impact. He stops at a large mailbox and opens it. A cheerful "FWEEEEE!" whistle escapes his lips as he smiles and holds a finger to his mouth. Suddenly he stands before a massive, fluffy fox-like beast with sharp teeth and glowing eyes—the Kitsune-guma. The creature growls with "KRRRR" sounds. Gon turns and flees at top speed, the ground shaking with heavy "DADAM" footfalls as he dashes down the forest path.

GonKitsune-guma

A large fox-like creature rears up with its jaws open wide as Gon clings to its back amid flying water droplets. A vertical panel on the left reads SPLASH! in bold letters. Below, Gon sits on a rocky shore holding a fishing rod while a small fox-like animal stands nearby. In the background, laundry hangs on a line above a smoldering campfire. Close-up panels show Gon looking surprised with hands clasped, the small fox creature winking with a sweat drop, Gon holding up a small box with both hands, and Gon staring forward with a speech bubble containing only dots.

GonKitsune-guma

A massive, monstrous fox bear looms with jaws agape and claws raised, surrounded by black impact shapes. SFX: ROOOAAAR!!! A box states THREE YEARS BEFORE.... Gon stares upward in terror, sweat flying, and cries AAH... AAH.... The huge beast growls GRRR and WAAAH. Smaller panels show a tiny fox creature sitting in grass, the fox bear running away, and Gon sitting alone on the ground beside a small dark object.

GonKitsune-guma

Kite swings a long sword in a powerful slash, striking the fox bear across the face. Impact lines and flying debris fill the panel. SFX read SLASH and ROAR. The fox bear recoils with eyes shut and mouth open. Gon lies on the ground nearby, looking up. A small rectangular box with a chain floats in the air. The fox bear shows two exclamation marks in a speech bubble as the blade connects.

GonKiteKitsune-guma

Kite aims his rifle at the unseen threat while muttering, "I'M NOT HAPPY TO HAVE TO DO THIS, BUT SUCH A MONSTER CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HARM TO A MAN, SO..." A note reads "KITSUME-GUMA = BEAR-FOX". Gon stares in shock as Kite continues, "A KITSUNE-GUMA AND HER SON..." The rifle fires with a sharp "SSSHNK". Kite thinks, "I MUST GET RID OF THIS..." In the forest clearing, Gon helps the injured Kite, who asks, "CAN YOU STAND?" Gon replies, "UMM..." and Kite answers, "YES..."

KiteGon

Kite swings his rifle down hard with a resounding "WHAM!!" The impact sends debris flying. Gon is knocked back by the force. In a furious close-up, Kite's face twists with rage as he shouts, "NO ONE ENTERS SUCH A DENSE FOREST AT A TIME LIKE THIS! IDIOT!"

KiteGon

Gon points at a claw mark on a tree and yells, "DID YOUR PARENTS NEVER TEACH YOU THIS?!" Kite replies, "LOOK! THAT SIGN IS A TERRITORIAL MARK LEFT BY KITSUME-GUMA! YOU CAN SEE IT, CAN'T YOU?!" He adds, "KILLING THIS WAY REALLY MAKES ME FEEL BAD... IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE..." and mutters, "SHIT... THAT BIRD WHY DIDN'T I PRETEND NOT TO HEAR IT?" Kite explains, "ANY ANIMAL SEEING THAT WOULD RUN TO ANOTHER MOUNTAIN IN TWO SECONDS!" Gon says quietly, "I HAVE NO FATHER... NO MOTHER, EITHER..." Kite treats Gon's wound with salve, saying, "PUT THIS ON YOUR WOUND TO PREVENT GANGRENE." Gon responds, "I'M SORRY..." and explains, "MY AUNT IS TAKING CARE OF ME. THEY DIED IN AN ACCIDENT RIGHT AFTER I WAS BORN..." Kite gives a thoughtful "HMM HMM".

KiteGon

Kaito stands over the small creature and declares, "ELIMINATE IT." He asks Gon, "WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO WITH THE LITTLE KITSUNE-GUMA?" The frightened kitsune-guma hisses loudly, fur bristling. Gon stares in shock, a double exclamation mark flashing beside him. Kaito continues, "IF WE LET HIM LIVE, HE WILL SURELY FEED HIMSELF WITH A FEELING OF HATRED TOWARDS HUMANS, WHO KILLED HIS MOTHER. HE'LL BE A DANGER TO PEOPLE. HE'S NOT EVEN WEANED, HE'LL DIE OF HUNGER." Gon suddenly lunges forward with a loud "TCHAC," grabbing the struggling kitsune-guma as it bites and scratches him. The creature breaks free and flees across the clearing with Gon in pursuit, both figures leaving motion lines and impact marks in the grass.

GonKaitokitsune-guma

The kitsune-guma snarls and lunges again with another "TCHAC," but Gon refuses to let go, enduring bites and scratches while muttering "NNN..." Kaito watches from the trees and shouts, "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE! KITSUNE-GUMA DON'T LET THEMSELVES BE TAMED BY HUMANS! I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT!" Gon, covered in scratches and sweat, keeps wrestling the creature. Kaito steps closer and asks, "BUT... YOU ARE... TELL ME, IS YOUR FATHER NAMED JIN?" Gon freezes, eyes wide. Kaito presses, "YOU KNOW MY FATHER, SIR?" The kitsune-guma now sits calmly at their feet, watching the exchange.

GonKaitokitsune-guma

Kaito sits down and introduces himself: "I'M KAITO! I'M A HUNTER..." He explains, "THERE WAS SOMETHING I COULDN'T EXPLAIN, MYSELF, THAT'S WHY I CAME BACK TO JIN'S BIRTHLAND... FOR A SURPRISE, THAT'S QUITE A SURPRISE..." Kaito continues, "I'M A DISCIPLE OF JIN'S. JIN TAUGHT ME HUNTING FROM THE BEGINNING. THIS LAST TEST HE IMPOSED ON ME WAS TO FIND HIM, AND THIS IS MUCH HARDER THAN ANY OTHER HUNT!" He adds, "LOOKS LIKE MY TRIP WASN'T SO USELESS AFTER ALL." In the background, Gon sits with the now-tamed kitsune-guma as Kaito concludes, "AND IF I HADN'T MET HIM, I'D STILL BE LIVING ON THE STREETS OF A SHANTY TOWN. HE'S THE BEST HUNTER I KNOW!"

KaitoGonkitsune-guma

On a grassy hill, a long-haired man wearing a cap and carrying a sword sits on a log beside young Gon. The man speaks while looking at Gon: "BUT THERE'S NOTHING TO DO. I CAN SEE IN YOU THE TRAITS OF THE BEST HUNTERS." A close-up shows the man's face as he continues, "IF YOUR AUNT LIED TO YOU, IT'S BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T WANT YOU TO FOLLOW THE SAME PATH AS YOUR FATHER." Gon reacts with surprise, exclaiming, "JIN ISN'T DEAD!" Later, Gon kneels on the ground near a broken cage, looking at a small fox-like creature that appears before him. The long-haired man stands nearby, saying, "IS LIKED BY ANIMALS... A GOOD HUNTER..." Gon stares at the creature and murmurs, "HM."

Gonlong-haired manKon

Gon lies on the ground holding up the broken cage by its chain, staring at it in shock. A close-up of Kon the fox shows its face, followed by Gon looking back at the creature. In the distance, a massive fox-like beast looms over Gon, who sits on the ground looking up. The enormous creature speaks: "'CAUSE I'M GONNA BECOME A HUNTER!" Gon sits facing the giant fox, which towers over him with a determined expression.

GonKon

Large narration boxes explain: "THAT'S WHY AN ANIMAL THAT GETS ALONG WITH A HUNTER WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO REIGN IN A FOREST." and "A HUNTER MUST BE FEARED BY ANIMALS IN FORESTS, AND MUST DO WORK THAT OTHERS HATE THEM FOR." Kon walks away along a rocky path as Gon sits watching. Gon turns to the giant fox and says, "KON, YOU'RE THE LORD OF THE FOREST... I DON'T WANT TO CREATE ANY PROBLEMS FOR YOU... YOU UNDERSTAND?" Close-ups show Gon's serious face. In the final wide panel, Kon stands among a crowd of forest animals including foxes, birds, rabbits, and other creatures, all gathered together in the woods.

GonKon

Gon sprints forward at full speed, one arm thrust high in a wave and the other pumping. Motion lines and speed streaks radiate outward as he shouts with a wide grin, "BYE! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!" Behind him on the wooden pier, several fox-bear creatures and a small figure wave back. The next panel shows Gon tumbling across the ground in a blur of motion. A final wide shot reveals the animals standing together, watching him go.

Gon

Night falls over the quiet town. Inside the house, Gon stands with his back to Mito as she sits at the table. "BEGINNING OF NEXT WEEK..." Gon says. Mito asks, "WHEN DO YOU LEAVE?" A close-up shows her lowering her cup with a quiet "I SEE..." Gon answers simply, "YEAH." Mito continues, "WHAT YOUR FATHER DOES... YOU KNEW?" Gon stands silently by the window. Mito, hand to her face, reveals, "HE LEFT WHEN YOU WERE JUST A BABY..." and adds, "AND DESPITE THIS..."

GonMito

Mito continues, "READY TO ABANDON HIS SON TO CONTINUE BEING A HUNTER..." Gon stands listening. A small panel shows Mito's hand flicking a paper with a sharp "FWIP." Gon faces her directly. Mito says, ""HUNTER"" and Gon replies, "IT MUST BE INCREDIBLE WORK, TO DO THAT FOR IT." Mito looks at him with concern and says, "GON ..."

GonMito

Gon stands before a closed door and pushes it open with a sharp CLAC. From behind, Mito watches him and exclaims, "YOU REALLY ARE HIS SON! YOU..." Gon walks into the room lined with display cases. He stops at a table where Mito sits with a bottle and glass. "SORRY MITO-SAN..." Gon says, looking down. Mito replies, "I'M HIS SON. BUT YOU'RE RIGHT..." In a series of intense close-ups, a long-haired figure in a hat declares, "BECAUSE HE IS THE BEST HUNTER! THE LAST TEST CONSISTS OF FINDING HIM. AND THAT IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT THAN ANY OTHER HUNT!"

GonMito

Gon stands tall on a cliffside overlooking a vast landscape of mountains, a smoking volcano, and a distant city under a bright sun. He grips a long staff with a determined expression and declares, "I'M LEAVING TO FIND MY FATHER!" Below, at the bustling harbor, Gon walks along the docks carrying his backpack and staff, passing ships and onlookers as he heads toward his departure.

Gon

At the harbor, Gon faces Mito and the gathered townspeople. Mito says, "GON... TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!" The crowd cheers, "TAKE THIS! MY PRESENT FOR YOU LEAVING. THANK YOU! AH!" Gon leaps forward with his staff and bag, calling out "MITO-SAN!" Mito stands with a serious expression. In flashbacks and present moments, Jin appears and explains, "JIN NEVER ABANDONED YOU. IT WAS ME WHO TOOK YOU FROM YOUR FATHER, ASKING THE COURT FOR YOUR SUPERVISION." Gon responds, "I LIED... I'M SORRY... GON... THANKS FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ME." Mito embraces someone while saying, "YOU CAN'T LOOK DIRECTLY AT MY FACE! WHEN YOU LIE TO ME..." Gon looks back thoughtfully, replying, "I KNOW YOU LIED TO ME. HMM..."

GonMitoJin

From the deck of a large passenger ship, Gon waves goodbye to Mito standing on the pier. She calls out, "TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!" Gon shouts back with determination, "I PROMISE I'LL BECOME A SUPER-HUNTER AND BE BACK!!" The ship pulls away across the open sea. Later, Gon stands alone on the deck as other passengers discuss the Hunter Exam. A man in a captain's hat explains, "EVERY YEAR, FROM EVERYWHERE AROUND THE COUNTRY, THOUSANDS OF MEN, EACH ONE MORE SKILLED THAN ANOTHER WILL COME TO THE EXAMS... A LOT OF PEOPLE, BUT FEW BECOME HUNTERS. JUST ON THIS BOAT, WE'RE A TENTH OF THE PEOPLE HOPING TO BECOME HUNTERS." Another passenger laughs, "YOU'RE JOKING KID..." Gon grins confidently and replies, "HA HA HA A SUPER-HUNTER?"

GonMito

The captain continues speaking to Gon, "EACH ONE HAS HIS PRIORITIES, AND HERE, IT'S COMMON TO SEE PEOPLE KILLING THEIR OWN COMPANIONS... YOU SEE, KID, IT'S EASIER TO SAY THAN DO." Gon stands firm, listening intently. A large narration box reads, "THAT'S THE WAY GON'S TRIP BEGAN, WHO LEFT TO BECOME A HUNTER AND MEET HIS FATHER." Another box recalls, "'IT'S GONNA RUN WILD,' THIS IS WHAT THE CAPTAIN SAID, AND THIS IS WHAT GON KEPT IN MIND." The ship sails onward across the waves.

Gon

Colorful volume cover featuring a large illustration of Gon riding a green frog-like creature with red accents. Bold yellow and green lettering spells out "HUNTER HUNTER" across the top and bottom. The title "HUNTER × HUNTER" appears with a red X. An orange circle marks "NO. 1". Four red circles at the bottom contain Japanese characters. Author name "YOSHIHIRO TOGASHI" is printed below. A small "kana" logo is in the top right corner.

Gon

End of chapter33 pages

Discussion

00AI-written

Hunter in uniform

Gon

Gonmaster of the pond

GonMitoonlookers

GonMitomotorcycle manvillagers

MitoGon

GonKitsune-guma

GonKiteKitsune-guma

KiteGon

GonKaitokitsune-guma

KaitoGonkitsune-guma

Gonlong-haired manKon

GonKon

Gon

GonMito

Gon

GonMitoJin

GonMito

Gon

End of chapter33 pages