19 pages · Chimera Ant arc

Hunter × Hunter Chapter 255: The Third HxH Hunter Exam

What happens in chapter 255

p.4Gon has just woken up in a hospital room.
p.12The conversation centers on the gap between ideal and real worlds.
p.18A caption references the Kingdom beginning to crack.

A vibrant Weekly Shonen Jump cover celebrates Hunter x Hunter reaching its 250th chapter. In the center, Gon Freecss leans forward dynamically in a white tank top and shorts, his spiky green hair glowing with yellow energy as he clenches his fist. Behind him, a fiery red silhouette of a Chimera Ant looms with an open mouth. Smaller inset panels show other characters: one in a blue jacket holding a phone-like device, another with a panda-like mask, and a brown-haired man shouting into a cell phone at the bottom right. Large bold text reads 'HUNTER x HUNTER' and '250' in celebration, with Japanese promotional text surrounding the artwork.

Gon Freecssunidentified blue-jacketed characterunidentified panda-masked characterunidentified brown-haired man

A dark, atmospheric color page commemorates the 250th episode of Hunter x Hunter. Meruem, the Chimera Ant King, stands tall in the center wearing ornate green and white armor with a helmet-like headpiece. His tail extends behind him. Glowing green Japanese text frames the image, including 'The Tyrant Meruem' and phrases about ruling the Kingdom of Despair. English text reads 'Ruling over the Kingdom of Despair' and 'All of those in existence simply obey'. The Hunter x Hunter logo appears at the bottom right. The background is a shadowy, dripping cavern in teal and black tones.

Meruem

A vibrant color illustration celebrates the 250th episode of Hunter × Hunter. Killua stands on the left with white spiky hair, blue eyes, and a surprised expression, wearing a white outfit with blue scarf. Below him, Kurapika in a dark suit raises a fist angrily. In the center looms a massive red spiky monster with yellow eyes and an open mouth full of large teeth, its body wrapped in chains. Gon poses energetically on the right with green spiky hair, green eyes, and a determined face, wearing a white and green tracksuit. Kurapika's blond form in blue and yellow outfit stands in front of the monster looking surprised. Large Japanese and English text proclaims the 250th episode commemorative color page, special playing card giveaway, and volume 20 cover illustration. The Hunter × Hunter logo appears at the bottom left with 'No.255 6-12' and the author's name '冨樫義博' at bottom right.

Killua Gon Kurapika Leoriored monster

A black-and-white page titled 'The Third HxH Hunter Exam' presents a reader contest. Two chibi characters, one resembling Gon and one Killua, appear at the top with speech bubbles explaining the contest rules. The page lists four necessary skills: Power, Speed, Jump, Timing. A list of ten events includes Beach Flag, Arm Wrestling, High Jump, Javelin Throw, Long Jump, Knuckle Power, Survival Dash, and Triple Muscle. A small table for recording Hunter Name, Timing, Jump, Speed, and Power shows a total of 15 points. Rules instruct participants to write their Hunter name and points, paste the chart on a postcard, and mail it to the Tokyo address by 10/31. Special edition HxH playing cards are offered as prizes for non-qualifiers.

chibi Gon-like characterchibi Killua-like characterchibi dog-like character

In a dimly lit hospital room, Gon sits up in bed with a dazed expression. A small figure in a striped beanie sits nearby on a stool, holding an open book. The figure asks, "HOW ARE YOU FEELING?" Gon suddenly clutches his head in shock as multiple speech bubbles erupt around him: "WHERE AM I!? HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN ASLEEP!?" and "OCTOPUS!?" He shouts, "DON'T CALL ME OCTOPUS!!" while sweat drops and motion lines emphasize his panic. An IV stand stands beside the bed, and another patient lies covered in the background.

Gonbeanie-wearing child

In a secret underground hospital, a nurse points toward a group of injured men sitting on a bench. One man explains that this facility specializes in treating people involved with organized crime or anti-government activities. Gon, still in his hospital gown, stands with the beanie-wearing child and declares he must continue the plan. The child warns him not to be stupid and risk aggravating his wounds. Gon looks determined despite his injuries. Later, the beanie-wearing child tells Gon he was on the brink of death, while another voice notes he has been sleeping for two whole days. Gon replies that he needs at least a few more days to recover.

Gonbeanie-wearing childnursedark-haired man with glassesinjured men on bench

In the hospital room a stern nurse confronts the injured Gon. She states that only after receiving the medical fees will she process his release. Gon thanks her and says he appreciates it. The nurse warns that if he cannot pay they will take a body part instead, listing expenses for the bed, medicine, blood, IV, disinfection and stitches adding up to 1,800,000 jeni. She adds that his skin, bones, organs and everything else would be sold and that there would be nothing left to put in the coffin. Gon replies that he does not have his wallet with him and will wire the money once he gets back. The nurse insists he must remain hospitalized until someone brings the money. Gon snaps that no one is stupid enough to say that and tells her to shut up or go away. The nurse explains the exchange rate is ten thousand jeni per minute and offers to exchange at one jeni per five hundred thousand bel. Gon grabs the phone and shouts that he does not have that kind of time, then yells into the receiver 'Killua!?'

Gonnurse

On the phone Gon frantically asks Killua if he is all right after being beaten up by a tough opponent and promises to tell him everything when they meet. Killua replies that he is relieved and asks how things are over there. Gon says he got the money and will be back soon. In a forest Knuckle laughs loudly while a man in a cap remarks that Knuckle is totally hitting it off with someone. Elsewhere a suited man at a public phone tells Gon he will deposit the money soon and that they might be able to defeat the King if all goes well. Gon stands at the phone booth looking concerned as the man mentions meeting within the day.

Gon Killua Knuckleman in capsuited man

A close-up reveals a wide eye staring in shock as a thought bubble reads, 'HIS WOUNDS... HAVE HEALED...!? ALREADY...!?' Nearby, a figure in a knitted hat gapes with an open mouth while Gon stands tall, his spiky hair prominent and torso heavily bandaged with crisscross tape across his abdomen. Gon extends his bandaged arm, testing movement with motion lines and a grunt of '!' as he bends and stretches his leg. 'NO PROBLEM.' appears beside his focused profile. In a wider view, the knitted-hat figure runs toward a distant glowing figure while shouting 'OKAY!' A voice declares, 'OKAY, WE'VE CONFIRMED THE DEPOSIT. YOU CAN GO NOW.' The knitted-hat person turns with a surprised expression marked by '.....' as Gon walks away barefoot on the tiled floor.

Gonknitted-hat person

The small beanie-wearing character hesitates with a flustered expression. "AH... ER... AH, BUT..." Gon stands nearby and offers, "TO WHERE MY FRIENDS ARE. I'LL INTRODUCE YOU." A tiny surprised figure blurts "EH?" while in the background a group of people runs forward, one shouting "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? LET'S GO." Gon appears in a stark black panel with a neutral, thoughtful face. In close-up profile Gon continues, "I'LL JUST THANK YOU THEN. THANKS." The other voice replies, "WELL... IF YOU'RE NOT GONNA COME, THAT'S FINE." Gon looks down, thinking hard: "SO I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO THOUGHT THAT WE WERE ALREADY FRIENDS? ...WHAT THE HECK." The beanie-wearing character turns with wide eyes and asks, "IS IT OKAY IF I COME?" then stammers, "AH... NO, UM... WHAT I MEAN IS... YOU KNOW..." In the final black panel the beanie character stands beside Gon, who looks back over his shoulder as the small figure finishes, "SOMEONE LIKE ME..."

Gonbeanie-wearing boy

The beanie-wearing boy stares upward with wide, watery eyes and asks, "REALLY... I CAN COME?" A single tear forms at the corner of his eye. In the next sequence the boy's bandaged legs are shown stepping forward as he shouts with excitement, "YE... YES!! I'M COMING!!" while Gon reacts with surprise. The boy continues, "IT'S NOT A MATTER OF WHETHER YOU CAN COME OR NOT, ARE YOU GONNA COME!?" Gon, standing with arms at his sides, tells the boy, "YOU SHOULDN'T SAY THANKS TO ME EITHER." The boy replies, "SO THE NEXT TIME, IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO YOU AND I SAVE YOU..." Gon cuts in firmly, "I'M NOT GOING TO STOP AND EXPRESS GRATITUDE AGAIN." He adds, "NEXT TIME SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAPPENS... JUST ONE THING THOUGH." The final panel shows Gon looking serious while the boy listens attentively.

Gonbeanie-wearing boy

Two hands clasp in a gesture of mutual support. "SUPPORTING EACH OTHER ISN'T THAT BIG OF A DEAL," one voice states. "WE WILL PROBABLY RUN INTO ALL KINDS OF SITUATIONS WHERE WE'LL NEED TO HELP EACH OTHER..." A dramatic panel shows Gon with spiky hair, eyes closed, declaring, "FRIENDS ARE SUPPOSED TO SAVE EACH OTHER WHEN NEEDED." Large eyes stare forward as a thought continues: "ISN'T COOL, RIGHT? HAVING TO EXPRESS GRATITUDE FOR SUCH A REGULAR THING..." Scribbled circles represent inner turmoil. "THE WORLD I'D BEEN ADMIRING AND DREAMING OF. THIS IS IT... AHH..." The scribble expands. "THE WORLD I'D BEEN DESIRING AND SEARCHING FOR... BUT SOMEWHERE IN MY HEART HAD GIVEN UP ON, THINKING IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE, THAT I WAS NOT WORTHY OF IT, THAT I HAD UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS..." At the bottom, Gon stands with his back to the viewer beside a seated Killua. Gon says, "I..." Killua replies, "KILLUA..." A final panel shows a dripping shape: "WOULD NEVER REACH... A WORLD THAT SOMEONE LIKE ME..."

Gon Killua

Killua, wearing a checkered hat, trembles with tears. "FOR SOMEONE LIKE ME..." he mutters, sweat drops flying. "BUT THIS..." Gon leans in with a serious expression. "WHAT ARE YOU CRYING FOR!?" he demands. "HUH!?" Killua reacts in surprise. "I... CAN GO AND DIE NOW~~" Killua continues crying. Gon leans closer and says firmly, "I'LL TELL YOU ONE MORE THING. YOU." A close-up of Gon's intense eyes follows: "WILL BE EVEN HARSHER THAN THE WORLD OF THE ANTS!! THE WORLD YOU WILL BE STEPPING INTO FROM NOW ON..." Lower panels show bandaged legs and an eye. "WILL NEVER THINK THAT THEY CAN GO AND DIE NOW. THOSE WHO LIVE ON THE LINE BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH... MAY SEEM THE SAME, BUT THEY'RE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT. PUTTING YOUR LIFE AT RISK AND TREATING YOUR LIFE LIGHTLY..." The final wide panel shows Killua standing in a coat facing a glowing Gon from behind. "THAT'S THE KIND OF WORLD IT IS," Killua states. "THE ONES WHO GO THROUGH A COMPLETE PHYSICAL CONDITIONING REGIMEN EVERY DAY AND DRINK A NEAR-FATAL AMOUNT OF POISON WITHOUT HESITATION AT ANY TIME ARE THE ONES WHO SURVIVE."

Gon Killua

A small figure in a knit cap sits on the ground and declares, "It's paradise before my eyes." Nearby, a spiky-haired boy stands with his back turned. The boy says, "I've... already seen it." The knit-cap figure turns with wide eyes and asks, "To this side? Can you come?" The boy replies, "How is it that... you know exactly the words I want to hear most right now...?" The knit-cap figure leans forward intensely, stating, "That 'it really exists'!!! Even if I have to leave behind everything!! I'll go... By meeting you I've confirmed it." In a dramatic full-body pose, the knit-cap figure leaps forward shouting, "CAN GO THERE!!!" while the spiky-haired boy watches from a distance. The final panel emphasizes the words "THAT 'EVEN I'..."

Palm Gon

Morel, Killua, and Gon stand together outside. Morel wonders if Palm's presence has already been detected by Pitou's 'En'. Killua notes they still cannot get a hold of her. Gon confirms Palm is probably still inside the palace. A close-up shows Killua explaining that both the entrance and exits are located inside the palace, so Palm may be stuck inside without being able to escape. He adds that she is probably in the hangar area in the basement with a five-kilometer-long passageway beyond the range of even Neferpitou's 'En'. Elsewhere, a long-haired character leans against a wall and thinks, "He's..." while gazing toward distant palace domes and asking how Novu's condition is. In a final panel, the same character sits on the ground with head bowed, thinking, "Probably retired."

Morel Killua Gon Palm Kite

Gon listens intently on his phone, eyes wide with concern. A voice explains the situation: 'THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE OR HINDRANCE TO THE PLAN.' Another voice adds, 'BUT THE "EXITS" HAVE BEEN INSTALLED PROPERLY.' Far away, a lone figure stands before a massive stone wall. On a crowded bridge packed with vehicles and people, the narration notes 'THREE DAYS...' and 'REMAINING...!!!' A sweeping view shows an ornate cityscape with domed rooftops under a vast sky. A hand reaches down and presses a small round device, displaying '1° F...'. In a grand hall, the chessboard sits between players as someone declares 'CHECKMATE.'

Gonlong-haired figurehand pressing devicechess players in hall

Killua sits with his back turned, looking exhausted. A close-up reveals Komugi's bandaged face, sweat dripping as she reaches her limit. Narration states the King will most likely be victorious in the next match. Morel, wearing his helmet and armor, stares intensely. Killua protests, 'HUH!? NO, I CAN STILL...' Morel replies, 'WE WILL RECOMMENCE IN HALF A DAY. REST.' He continues, 'JUST REVITALIZE YOUR CONDITION.' A small figure of Killua sits alone on the floor. The final panel shows a close-up of a woman's eyes as she says, '...THE KING HAS WILLINGLY... GONE BACK ON HIS OWN WORD...!?'

Killua Komugi Morel

Killua's sharp profile fills the first panel, eyes narrowed in focus. Beside it, a lone silhouetted figure stands against the white space. In the large central panel Killua's face dominates the right side as his thoughts erupt across the page: "THIS WOMAN... IS DANGEROUS...!" To the left, Gon crouches low, spiky hair bristling, watching the scene with a tense expression. Below, a close-up reveals a different character with closed eyes, sweat drops trailing down their face, and strange mechanical or armored fragments framing the head. A caption box declares: "★An unexpected turn—!? The Kingdom is beginning to crack...!!"

Killua Gon

End of chapter19 pages

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About this chapter

Hunter × Hunter Chapter 255: The Third HxH Hunter Exam

Chapter: 255
Summarised: 22 Aug 2026
Pages: 19
Arc: Chimera Ant
Previous: Chapter 254
Next: Chapter 256

Chapter 255 summary

Gon panics upon waking, learns the hospital's rules for patients tied to organized crime, and faces a massive bill from the nurse before calling Killua for money. His rapid recovery surprises the staff and the beanie-wearing child; the two affirm they are already friends who support each other without needing thanks. Killua reveals his identity during an emotional exchange about the harsh world ahead. The group notes Palm remains inside the palace and that the King is likely winning the current match. Killua is ordered to rest while an unexpected shift in the Kingdom is observed.

14 key facts · 29 characters

Key facts in chapter 255

Gon has just woken up in a hospital room. A beanie-wearing child is present at Gon's bedside. Gon reacts strongly to being called octopus.
The hospital treats people involved in organized crime or anti-government activities. Gon has been unconscious for two days. Gon insists on continuing his plan despite injuries.
Hospital bill totals 1,800,000 jeni. Exchange rate offered is 1 jeni per 500,000 bel. Gon is currently hospitalized and injured.
Gon obtained money for the hospital bill. Knuckle is interacting with an ally in the forest. A plan to defeat the King is mentioned.
Gon's wounds appear fully healed despite prior bandaging Gon is testing mobility through stretches A deposit confirmation occurs in the scene Multiple characters are present in a medical-like setting
Gon is shown with spiky hair and a serious expression in multiple panels. The beanie-wearing boy has large round eyes and wears a striped knit cap. Dialogue centers on whether the boy will accompany Gon to meet his friends.
The beanie-wearing boy shows visible tears and emotional reaction. Gon maintains a stern demeanor while setting boundaries on thanks. The exchange occurs in an outdoor or ruined setting with visible debris.
Gon and Killua are alone in a quiet setting during this exchange. The conversation centers on the gap between ideal and real worlds. Killua is seated while Gon stands with his back partially turned.
Gon directly addresses Killua's self-deprecating statements. The dialogue contrasts the ants' world with the even harsher human world ahead. Killua's emotional state shifts from tears to quiet acceptance by the end.
Palm wears a knit cap and scarf-like clothing Gon has visible scars on his back Palm directly addresses Gon about going to paradise
Morel, Killua, and Gon are grouped together outside the palace Killua references a five-kilometer passageway inside the palace Kite is shown separately near palace architecture Palm is confirmed to be inside the palace
Gon is shown speaking on a phone. A bridge scene depicts heavy traffic and crowds. A hand activates a device showing 1° F. The word CHECKMATE is spoken in the hall.
Killua protests continuing despite exhaustion. Morel decides on a half-day rest period. Komugi is shown reaching mental and physical limits. The King has returned on his own accord.
Killua is shown in profile and large close-up expressing alarm Gon is depicted crouching and observing A caption references the Kingdom beginning to crack

Symbols and visual details14 · show

Gon sits upright in a hospital bed with messy hair and wide eyes. Beanie-wearing child holds an open book while seated on a stool. IV drip stand with bag positioned next to Gon's bed. Speech bubble with "OH." floating near the top panel. Large spiky hair silhouette in the upper black panel. Motion lines and impact shapes around Gon's outburst. Sweat drops flying from Gon's head. Covered patient visible in the left background bed. Medical monitor device on the wall behind Gon. Gon's hands gripping his head in distress.
Nurse pointing with arm extended in the hospital corridor. Group of bandaged and bruised men seated on a bench. Gon with spiky hair looking down with a serious expression. Beanie-wearing child running after Gon with a worried face. Speech bubbles with large text about the hospital's purpose. Gon standing beside a large rock-like structure. Motion lines indicating sudden movement. Hospital windows and doors visible in the background. Beanie-wearing child with wide eyes and sweat drops. Gon clenching his fist while speaking.
hospital room interior with medical equipment nurse wearing cap with cross symbol and stethoscope Gon holding telephone receiver with determined expression speech bubbles positioned around nurse and Gon impact lines around Gon when he grabs the phone small panel showing distant figures in hallway
forest background with large tree Knuckle laughing with wide open mouth public phone booth suited man dialing or holding phone Gon holding phone with worried face speech bubbles with emphasis lines
Close-up eye with sweat drop showing surprise at healing Gon shirtless with abdominal bandages and tape Knitted-hat person with wide eyes and open mouth Gon performing arm and leg stretches with motion lines Speech bubble 'NO PROBLEM.' next to Gon's profile Knitted-hat person running toward distant glowing figure Large standing Gon figure towering over smaller characters Tiled floor with scattered debris and shadows Glowing effect around distant running figure Knitted-hat person pointing forward in final panel
motion lines indicating running figures in background sweat drop on small surprised figure black silhouette panels emphasizing close-up faces spiky hair detail on Gon striped beanie and scarf on the small character goggles or eyewear on the beanie character impact lines around dialogue bubbles
large close-up of the boy's face with tear bandages on the boy's legs motion and impact lines during excited outburst Gon's serious expression with sweat drop background figure in final panel
Clasped hands symbolize mutual support between friends. Spiky-haired silhouette with closed eyes conveys emotional resolve. Large staring eyes emphasize internal conflict and realization. Scribbled circles represent idealized yet unattainable dreams. Expanding scribble panel shows growing awareness of harsh reality. Dripping shape at bottom evokes despair and unreachable goals. Gon facing away from viewer highlights his emotional distance. Killua seated on the ground shows vulnerability. Speech bubbles positioned above and around characters indicate inner thoughts. Black background panel isolates Gon's declaration about friendship.
Killua's trembling figure and tears indicate emotional breakdown. Gon's leaning posture and sharp gaze convey intensity and resolve. Close-up of Gon's eyes emphasizes the weight of his warning. Bandaged legs symbolize the physical toll of their training. Glowing aura around Gon in the final panel highlights his determination. Killua's coat and hat suggest a change in appearance or disguise. Sweat drops and motion lines around Killua show distress. Dark background in the last panel isolates the two figures. Speech bubbles with jagged edges indicate raised voices or strong emotion.
Knit cap figure sits small and grounded before rising Spiky-haired boy stands with back exposed showing scars Close-up of knit-cap face with sweat drop and intense eyes Dramatic speed lines radiating from large close-up face Knit-cap figure lunges forward with arms outstretched Small distant silhouette of spiky-haired boy watching the leap Bold sound-effect style text at bottom of page Dark background panels contrasting with bright action panels
Morel stands with arms crossed behind Gon and Killua Killua points at a small 'PI' sign on the ground Long-haired character rests hand near face while observing palace Close-up of long-haired character's eye with sweat drop Sitting figure hunched forward with arms wrapped around knees Palace domes and towers visible in background Dark silhouette of bushes at top of page
Gon holds a phone to his ear with a serious expression. A solitary figure faces a cracked stone wall from behind. Heavy traffic fills a long bridge leading into a city. Domed architecture dominates the distant city skyline. A fingertip activates a small circular control. The word CHECKMATE appears in a large speech bubble inside the hall. Small figures sit around a low table in the background of the hall. Curtains and pillars frame the interior room. Motion lines emphasize the bridge's crowded flow. The temperature display reads 1° F near the hand.
Killua's spiky hair is shown from behind in a small panel. Komugi's face is covered in bandages and sweat. Morel wears a distinctive helmet and segmented armor. Killua's eyes are half-closed with fatigue. Morel points upward while speaking. Killua sits cross-legged on the floor looking small. A woman's intense eyes fill the final panel. Sound effect 'zzt' appears near Morel. Sweat drops and motion lines indicate exhaustion. The King is referenced in multiple narration boxes.
Close-up profile of spiky-haired boy with intense gaze Silhouetted standing figure in upper right panel Large face close-up with motion lines and sweat Crouching spiky-haired boy in vest on left side Distressed character with closed eyes and sweat drops Mechanical or armored fragments around lower character's head Text "THIS WOMAN..." placed beside large face Text "IS DANGEROUS...!" on left of central panel Caption box with star symbol in bottom panel Motion lines and impact shapes around lower face

Chimera Ant arc

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Hunter × Hunter, ch. 255 — The Third HxH Hunter Examhttps://loresquare.com/hunter-x-hunter/source/chapter/255

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