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..."
01
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
02
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
03
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.
04
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
05
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
06
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
07
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
08
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
09
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
10
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
11
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
12
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
13
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
14
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
15
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
16
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
17
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
18
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
19
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
20
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
21
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
22
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
23
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
24
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
25
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
26
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
27
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
28
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
29
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
30
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
31
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
32
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
Fox bear emits a loud roar with visual impact effects. Gon shows clear terror reaction to the creature.
Kite intervenes with a sword strike against the fox bear. Gon is positioned on the ground during the attack.
Kite carries a rifle and wears a cap with long hair. Gon is present and reacts with shock to Kite's actions. Kitsune-guma is identified as bear-fox creature.
Kite physically strikes Gon with rifle to stop him. Gon is sent flying by the impact. Kite displays intense rage in close-up.
Claw mark on tree is identified as Kitsune-guma territorial sign. Gon has no parents and is raised by his aunt. Kite treats Gon's wound after the confrontation.
Kaito orders elimination of the small kitsune-guma. Gon is asked directly by Kaito about the creature's fate. The kitsune-guma reacts with visible fear and hissing.
Gon endures repeated bites and scratches from the kitsune-guma without letting go. Kaito observes the event from the trees and reacts with disbelief. Kitsune-guma continues aggressive lunging attacks.
Kaito identifies himself as a Hunter and disciple of Jin. Kaito returned to Jin's birthland seeking an unexplained answer. Kaito praises Jin as the best hunter he knows.
Kite reveals to Gon that Jin is alive. Kite sits with Gon on a log in a grassy area during their conversation.
Gon encounters a massive fox-like beast after the cage breaks. Kon the fox reacts to Gon's statement about becoming a hunter.
Narration explains why hunters must be feared by animals. Gon speaks directly to Kon about not wanting to cause forest problems.
Gon is leaving the area and calling out a goodbye to unseen people or animals.
Conversation occurs at night inside Mito's house. Gon confirms his departure date to Mito.
Mito reveals information about Gon's father leaving to pursue being a Hunter. A paper is flicked during the conversation between Mito and Gon.
Gon enters a room containing display cases after opening a door. Mito observes Gon from outside the doorway. Gon sits at a table with a bottle and plant visible.
Gon stands on a cliff overlooking mountains, volcano, and city. Harbor scene shows ship and crowd below the cliff.
Gon departs from harbor amid townspeople and Mito. Mito reveals she took Gon from his father and asked for supervision. Gon and Mito exchange final words at the harbor.
Gon departs by ship from the pier where Mito stands waving. The ship carries multiple passengers heading toward the hunter exam. Captain discusses survival dangers with Gon on deck.
Captain advises Gon about dangers and priorities aboard the ship. The ship sails across open water toward the hunter exam location. Gon begins his journey to meet his father by becoming a hunter.
What is said, page by page
Narrative text introduces monstrous animals and rare species as lure for adventure. Text describes buried riches and hidden treasures as attraction points. Text refers to worlds of demons and unexplored lands as mysterious destinations. Text states some men are drawn by this unknown force. Text equates the word unknown with magic.
Text declares they are called Hunters.
Location label 'WHALE ISLAND' identifies the setting of the island and forest path.
Boy shouts triumphantly 'GOT IT! GOT IT!!' with joyful expression after the hook sets. Boy calls out 'THERE IT IS!' upon spotting the fish reaction.
Dramatic text 'IT'S OVER' declares the apparent end of the struggle with intense finality.
Crowd repeatedly shouts 'DON' to express shock at the fish's fall. Mito reacts silently with wide-eyed surprise at Gon's landing. Onlookers comment on the strength of the catch and the boy's feat.
Townspeople exclaim 'OOPS...' and scold 'HOW CARELESS! PAY ATTENTION!' about the card handling. Man encourages Gon to accept the exam inscription card. Gon affirms he will keep his promise to Mito-san.
Gon cheerfully calls out thanks and determination while waving farewell to Mito at the house. Mito grants permission for Gon to leave and follow his own path from the doorway.
Mito internally questions whether Gon's choice was coincidence or if someone revealed his father's identity. Mito recalls never telling Gon that his father was a Hunter. Mito notes the same light in Gon's eyes as his father and admits she cannot stop him. Gon apologizes to Mito while running away into open space.
Gon produces loud whistling sound while smiling at the mailbox.
Empty speech bubble with dots indicates silence or hesitation from Gon while facing the fox bear.
Gon cries out in fear with repeated AAH sounds while facing the roaring fox bear. Text box marks the scene as occurring three years prior to present events.
No spoken dialogue visible; action conveyed through SFX and impact visuals.
Kite states he is not happy to act but must stop the monster from harming people, conveying reluctant resolve. Kite notes presence of a Kitsune-guma and her son while aiming weapon, indicating awareness of threat. Gon reacts with visible shock to the situation and Kite's words.
Kite yells that no one enters such a dense forest at a time like this, expressing anger and warning. Kite calls Gon an idiot while striking, showing frustration and protective intent.
Gon accuses Kite of not being taught by parents, pointing at the mark. Kite explains the claw mark is a territorial sign left by Kitsune-guma and warns of danger. Kite states killing the animal would feel bad after long time without doing so. Gon reveals he has no father or mother and lives with aunt who cares for him. Kite apologizes and treats Gon's wound to prevent gangrene.
Kaito declares intent to eliminate the kitsune-guma with cold decisive tone while standing over it. Kaito questions Gon about what he plans to do with the little kitsune-guma seeking his response. Kitsune-guma hisses loudly in fear with bristled fur showing defensive reaction.
Kaito shouts that it is impossible for Gon to hold the kitsune-guma and that they cannot be tamed by humans. Gon mutters in pain while refusing to release the biting kitsune-guma. Kaito declares he will take care of the creature himself from the trees.
Kaito introduces himself as a Hunter and explains his return to Jin's birthland due to an unexplained matter. Kaito notes the surprise of meeting Gon and states his trip was not useless after all. Kaito reveals he is a disciple of Jin and that Jin taught him hunting from the beginning. Kaito describes Jin's final test as harder than any other hunt and calls Jin the best hunter he knows.
Kite tells Gon his aunt lied to stop him following the same hunter path as his father Jin who is not dead. Kite states there is nothing to do and he sees the traits of the best hunters in Gon.
Gon declares he will become a hunter so he and Kon will no longer see each other.
Narration states an animal that gets along with a hunter will never reign in a forest. Narration states a hunter must be feared by animals and do work others hate them for. Gon asks Kon if he understands that he does not want to create problems for the forest lord.
Gon shouts a cheerful farewell while running away at full speed, conveying excitement and departure.
Gon states he will leave at the beginning of next week. Mito asks when Gon plans to depart. Mito acknowledges the information with a quiet response. Mito questions what Gon's father knew about abandoning his son. Gon gives a short affirmative reply. Mito recalls that Gon's father left when Gon was a baby and still continues as a Hunter.
Mito states that Gon's father was ready to abandon his son to continue being a Hunter. Mito says the word Hunter while looking at Gon. Mito suggests it must be incredible work to do that for it. Gon begins to say his own name in response.
Mito exclaims Gon is his son with surprised tone from behind. Gon apologizes to Mito-san while seated at table with downcast expression. Gon affirms he is his son with serious face at table. Gon states his father is the best hunter with determined look. Unknown long-haired character explains the last test is finding him with serious expression. Unknown character notes finding him is far more difficult than other hunts.
Gon declares he is leaving to find his father with resolute expression on cliff.
Mito tells Gon to take care of himself with concerned tone. Crowd cheers and offers presents for Gon’s departure. Gon calls out to Mito-san while leaping away. Long-haired character admits never abandoning Gon and taking him from his father. Gon thanks Mito for everything done for him. Mito states Gon cannot look directly at her face when lying. Gon acknowledges Mito lied to him with thoughtful expression.
Mito shouts farewell from the pier with worried intent, urging Gon to stay safe during departure. Gon replies with determined shout from the deck, promising to become a top hunter and return. Captain warns Gon about harsh realities on the ship, noting how common it is for companions to kill each other. Captain states that priorities differ and actions are harder than words while addressing Gon directly. Gon reacts with surprise and laughter at the mention of becoming a super hunter.
Captain explains that each person has different priorities and killing companions is common on the journey. Captain tells Gon that words are easier than actions in this environment. Narrative text states this is how Gon's trip to become a hunter and meet his father began. Narrative text notes that Gon kept the captain's words in mind about the wild journey ahead.