Hunter X Hunterhas a wide cast of characterswith unique abilities and personalities, and each one of them gets their time in the spotlight. However, the story’s most important and central character is Gon Freecs, a young boy who dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and becoming a Hunter. The story portrays his journey and tribulations, which grow more difficult the further he goes.
As with many shonen protagonists, Gon grows throughout his journey in terms of his physical strength and mental fortitude. His idealistic outlook is often challenged by powerful and merciless foes, some of which leave a lasting impact on him. However, Gon is notable for always picking himself up and being willing to face any challenge. His dedication and resolve stand out even among his hunter peers.
8Stole Hisoka’s Badge
Seized A Rare Opportunity
The Hunter Exam wasn’t kind to Gon, as he often faced the most difficult of challenges. When the remaining candidates were sent to an isle where they had to steal a badge from their competitor, Gon’s target was Hisoka, the strongest candidate at the time with no hope of defeating him upfront.
Nevertheless, Gon caught Hisoka by surprise after masking himself in Hisoka’s aura and tracing him. When his target was distracted, Gon launched a fishing rod and took the badge from under Hisoka’s nose. It was an honest victory, and even though Hisoka had a chance to reclaim it, he allowed Gon to keep the badge.
7Endured Hanzo’s Beating
Stood Up For His Principles
The final phase of the Hunter Exam saw participants face off against each other in a contest where one had to make the other admit their defeat to win, with everything allowed except for killing the opponent. Gon faced off againstHanzo, a talented warriorwho easily outmatched the kid in battle, but Gon didn’t want to admit defeat.
This put Hanzo in a difficult spot as he had no choice but to torment Gon further. Nevertheless, Gon maintained his resilience by doing everything he could to keep his ground and refused to surrender to Hanzo. This led to the latter breaking Gon’s arm, which was insufficient to deter him from fighting for victory.
6Mastered His Nen Abilities
Became An Enchanter
Heaven’s Arena is a place in theHunter x Hunteruniverse where dedicated warriors can test the limits of their strength and face off against incredibly strong opponents. Gon sought to perfect his skills there, but he and Killua quickly realized that theywouldn’t get far without Nen. This almost caused them to lose their place, but luckily, they had a mentor.
A man named Wing helped the two boys realize their potential and control their new abilities. Gon mastered the power of enchantment, which he frequently used in the coming battles. They had no time to learn slowly, so Gon and Killua agreed to use a quicker way to master Nen, which was extremely dangerous, yet they survived.
5Landed a punch on Hisoka
Returned The Favor
Since Hisoka humiliated Gon during the Hunter Exam, the kid sought revenge. He remembered Hisoka’s words and that he could give him the badge back when Gon landed a punch on Hisoka. This loss made Gon feel inadequate during the rest of the exam, but it added to his determination and led him to the Heaven’s Arena.
He meets Hisoka among the combatants and gets him to agree to a match after Gon has done sufficient training and defeated enough opponents in the Arena. Eventually, the two faced off, and though it was an incredibly challenging battle for Gon, he managed to succeed and strike Hisoka, much to the latter’s joy.
4Escaped The Phantom Troupe
Survived Dangerous Criminals
The Phantom Troupe is one of the most dangerous organizations in the universe ofHunter x Hunter. They are known to be ruthless bounty hunters and murderers, and they are responsible for exterminating the Kurta clan. Nevertheless, Kurapika isn’t the only one who deals with them, as Gon and Killua had to deal with multiple members simultaneously.
Gon and Killua happened to be in New City, reunited with Leorio, searching for the game of Greed Island. They spy after the Phantom Troupe and get captured and interrogated. At the time, Killua and Gon don’t know about Kurapika’s recent activity against them, but they manage to escape the Phantom Troupe and later help their friend against the group.
3Defeated The Bomber
Triumphed In The Game Of Greed Island
During the Greed Island arc, Gon truly felt like he was getting close to finally meeting his father, which made him all the more dedicated to his pursuit. He and Killua end up training under the watch of Biscuit Kruger, a very harsh yet talented teacher. They also faced a villain who would do anything to win the game: the Bomber.
The Bomber would manipulate and threaten countless game participants to collect as many cards as possible, but he underestimated Gon. While Biscuit and Killua took on the Bomber’s accomplices, Gon faced the villain himself. He triumphed, giving the Bomber a severe beating but sparing his life and refusing to become a killer.
2Stood On His Own In A War
Battled Against The Chimera Ants
The Chimera ant arc is undoubtedly the most challenging period for Gon and many other characters. Instead of discovering his father, Gon meets up with Kite, who is about to launch awar against the Chimera ants that are spreading through the continent. Gon and Killua agree to help him, although they are soon faced with the harsh realities of the conflict.
Despite his initial failure, Gon passed the test with Knuckle and Shoot, earning his place in the battle against the Chimera Ant King and his royal guards, who were among the strongest creatures on the continent. Gon played a part in infiltrating the palace and fighting the royal guards, repeatedly risking his life.
1Defeated Neferpitou
Killed A Royal Guard
Arguably, his most impressive and simultaneously ruthless achievement is how he dealt with Neferpitou, a royal guard who killed Kite. First, Gon forces her to attempt to heal his friend, but after both of them realize that it is impossible and that he is doomed, Gon enters a state of primal and uncontrollable rage,
This led to Gon dominating Pitou in a battle as he used all his powers to become a stronger version of himself. Neferpitou was a powerful opponent who once stroked fear in Gon’s heart, and triumphing over her shows how much of a warrior he has become. However, it also demonstrates his recklessness and desperation, as after all the energy he used up, Gon fell into a prolonged coma.
