Hunter x Hunter: Gon and Kite’s relationship is exactly what it needs to be

As a beloved shonen anime, Hunter x Hunter is a constant topic of discussion among fans. While many of these conversations often speak positively of Togashi’s expansive world and complex writing, one of the aspects that divides most viewers is the relationship between Gon and Kite.

Gon and Kite’s bond is central to the events of the Chimera Ant Arc and directly leads up to the protagonist’s mental turmoil. However, anime-only watchers have the common complaint that it is simply not explored enough in the series. In particular, the Hunter x Hunter (2011) adaptation by Studio Madhouse does not show Kite until late into the series, when Gon meets him after teleporting from Greed Island.

Due to the recency of their meeting, Gon’s feelings of closeness to him may seem very unnatural. At the same time, manga readers and fans of the 1999 anime may have a drastically different view of this. This is because, in Togashi’s original vision, Kite and Gon were acquainted at the start of Hunter x Hunter.

Not only that, but Kite was one of the first interactions Gon had in the series. In the first chapter of the manga, Kite saved Gon’s life from a Foxbear. Soon after, he scolded the boy for carelessly wandering the forest and forcing him to kill the animal. When Kite decided to put the Foxbear's cub out of its misery, Gon stepped up to protect it, showcasing determination in his eyes.

Through this, Kite confirmed his suspicion that Gon was the child of Ging Freecss. After this realization, the two had a heart-to-heart conversation about Ging and the profession of being a Hunter. Soon after, Kite gave Ging’s Hunter License to Gon and left.

This early scene is one of the most important moments in the entire manga. Through his experiences with Kite, Gon discovered that his father was alive and that his aunt Mito had lied about him dying in an accident to protect the boy. Additionally, Gon was also fascinated by the world of Hunters that Ging had chosen to pursue. Hence, if it weren’t for Kite, the protagonist would have never begun admiring his father and found the determination to leave Whale Island.

The 2011 adaptation’s choice to omit this at the beginning and only reference it through a brief flashback during Kite’s later introduction makes it seem disjointed. Given that this is the most popular version of Hunter x Hunter, fans may understandably feel that Gon’s intense feelings for Kite are exaggerated.

While Madhouse chose a more subtle approach, Togashi’s manga and the 1999 adaptation by Nippon Animation make viewers properly understand the early influence Kite had on Gon’s life. That isn’t all, however, as the series further expands on Gon and Kite’s relationship during the Chimera Ant Arc.

Gon’s Rage Scene in Hunter x Hunter Makes Complete Sense

We have already seen how Gon would have likely faced a premature death and never aspired to become a Hunter without Kite. Some fans may still be thinking that the bond between Gon and Kite was still too brief to fully justify Gon’s descent into darkness.

However, it is important to read between the lines in any of Togashi’s writing and character dynamics. Gon is a protagonist who has never had any mentor in his life. He has a very black-and-white understanding of morality and there has been no figure to point him towards right and wrong.

Kite was the only one who came close to fulfilling this role. He was likely the first adult who not only strictly scolded Gon as a child but also acknowledged his determination to save the Foxbear cub. Kite was the first Hunter Gon ever saw in Hunter x Hunter and served as the protagonist’s only tangible connection to his father. Hence, while he may have been aiming to reach Ging, he was much closer to Kite.

Therefore, their short time together during the Chimera Ant Arc brought back all the fond memories from his childhood to Gon. Kite continued playing a stern yet supportive role in the protagonist’s life till he was eventually attacked and killed by Pitou.

Trending

While various other complex factors went into Gon’s rage scene, the main trigger was Kite’s death. As a young boy, the protagonist had never lost anyone significant before, and all his actions were made for the sake of his friends. As a result, even when it was obvious that his beloved mentor had died, he refused to believe it, since things had always worked out till then.

Thus, when the man who was Gon’s only link to his father—his savior, mentor, and inspiration to become a Hunter—was revealed to be truly gone, the protagonist could no longer hold on to his rationality.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback