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Gon Freecss

Gon Freecss(ゴン゠フリークス,Gon Furīkusu) is the central protagonist ofHunter x Hunter. A determined and optimistic youth, Gon embarks on a journey to become a Hunter, a prestigious title given to elite members of society. His primary motivation is to find his estranged father, Ging Freecss, who is also a renowned Hunter.

Throughout the series, Gon assumes the role of the hero in multiple story arcs, such as theHunter Exam,Heavens Arena,Greed Island, and theChimera Antarcs. His journey showcases his growth, both in terms of combat skills and emotional maturity. During theYorknew Cityarc, he steps into the role of the deuteragonist as the narrative shifts focus slightly to other characters. Despite facing numerous challenges and dangerous opponents, Gon’s unwavering determination and innocent worldview drive him forward, making him one of the most iconic characters in theHunter x Hunterseries.

There’s Only One Reason I Can Focus Everything I’ve Got On Hitting The Ball. It’s Because I Know Killua’s The One Holding It.
— Gon Freecss

Appearance

Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

2011 Anime Adaptation Appearance

Gon Freecss is a young boy characterized by his distinct spiky black hair with green tips and large, expressive hazel-brown eyes. His usual attire consists of a green jacket with red-edged detailing over a black or white tank top, paired with matching green shorts and lace-up boots. This outfit, often associated with his adventurous spirit, is seen throughout many of the series’ arcs.

In later story arcs, such as Greed Island and the Chimera Ant arcs, Gon occasionally sheds the jacket and opts for a more minimal look, wearing just his tank top. During the Greed Island arc, he is also seen wearing the Paladin’s Necklace, a special item from the game that allows the wearer to negate any external effects on the card they are holding. This necklace becomes a key element in his strategy during this part of the series. Gon’s appearance, simple yet iconic, mirrors his straightforward and determined personality.

    Personality

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Gon’s curiosity outweighs his fear, highlighting his adventurous spirit.

    Gon Freecss is characterized by his athleticism, rustic nature, and deep love for adventure. He is friendly and open-hearted, with a natural curiosity about the world around him. Despite his impressive physical and Nen abilities, Gon struggles with academics, particularly math, which provides comedic relief throughout the series. Growing up in the wilderness, he developed a strong connection with nature and animals, reflecting his upbringing on Whale Island. Gon’s Nen category is Enhancement, which is fitting as Enhancers are known for being simple-minded, determined, and straightforward. His determination is a key trait that attracts both allies and enemies, often earning their trust or respect.

    One of Gon’s most distinguishing traits is his superhuman sensory perception. His heightened sense of smell, akin to that of a dog, combined with excellent vision and a keen sense of taste, gives him unique advantages, especially during hunts or battles. However, his primary motivation in becoming a Hunter is to understand why his father, Ging, chose his occupation over raising him. This search for his father drives much of Gon’s character development throughout the series.

    Despite his generally friendly and curious nature, Gon’s flaws are evident in his impulsiveness and occasional lack of foresight. When faced with challenges, Gon often rushes in without thoroughly considering the consequences, sometimes putting himself and others in danger. His impulsiveness is tempered by an unwavering determination to prove himself, especially when his abilities or beliefs are questioned.

    Gon’s personality shifts significantly when he is faced with intense emotions, especially anger. In situations where his loved ones are in danger or when he feels responsible for a failure, Gon’s anger can push him into reckless and dangerous behavior. This is particularly evident after the death of Kite, where Gon becomes singularly focused on revenge, almost to a self-destructive degree. During these moments, his usual kindness is replaced by a cold, ruthless determination, showing a stark contrast in his personality. His descent into rage during the Chimera Ant arc, when he threatens Neferpitou and almost sacrifices everything to defeat them, illustrates this darker side of his character.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    urapika helps Gon with his math, showcasing their supportive friendship.

    Gon’s morality is often described as complex or even juridical. He tends to separate his personal feelings from broader ethical judgments, such as when he thanked Binolt, a serial killer, for helping him get stronger. Similarly, he shows admiration for Hisoka’s strength, despite being aware of Hisoka’s dangerous nature. His admiration for strong opponents sometimes overshadows his understanding of the threat they pose to others, exemplified when he fails to warn Agon about the danger of encountering Hisoka.

    Gon’s unwavering confidence in his abilities often borders on arrogance. He has a tendency to engage in battles even when outmatched, driven by the belief that his willpower can overcome any obstacle. His refusal to accept inferiority is portrayed as a mix of naïveté and genuine self-assurance. However, this confidence sometimes blinds him to the reality of his weaknesses, leading to frustration and insecurity when he cannot protect those he cares about.

    A recurring comedic element in the series is Gon’s struggle with math and numbers. He frequently miscalculates, such as when he incorrectly assesses the weight of the challenge doors at the Zoldyck estate, or when he misunderstands large numbers during auctions. These moments often result in lighthearted corrections from his friends, such as Kurapika or Killua, and sometimes Gon’s brain appears to “overheat” when trying to understand complex calculations.

    Ultimately, Gon’s personality is a blend of simplicity, strength, and complexity. While his straightforwardness and love of adventure drive much of his actions, his deeper emotional struggles—especially his relationship with his father and his own internal conflicts—add layers to his character, making him one of the most dynamic and relatable protagonists in Hunter x Hunter.

    Background

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Ging holds baby Gon, illustrating their early bond and the beginnings of Gon’s journey.

    Gon Freecss was born to Ging Freecss, a renowned Hunter, who returned to his home on Whale Island after a ten-year absence, carrying his infant son. When asked about Gon’s mother, Ging vaguely mentioned that they had separated, without providing further details. Ging initially intended to leave Gon in the care of his grandmother, but his cousin, Mito, deeply disapproved of Ging’s parenting. Outraged by his neglect, Mito sought legal custody of Gon and won, raising him as her own. Ging then left Whale Island, never to return.

    For much of his early childhood, Gon was told that both of his parents had died in an accident. This was largely due to Mito’s dislike of Ging and her desire to protect Gon from the truth of his father’s abandonment. However, when Gon was nine years old, his perception of his father changed dramatically. He encountered Kite, a professional Hunter and former student of Ging. Kite saved Gon from a dangerous encounter with a mother Foxbear, though not before hitting him to prevent him from acting recklessly. Kite then attempted to kill the Foxbear cub, viewing it as a threat, but Gon protected the cub, insisting that it could still be saved. This interaction led to a deeper conversation where Kite revealed that he had been searching for Ging as a way to prove himself a true Hunter.

    Kite’s admiration for Ging deeply influenced Gon, igniting in him the desire to meet his father. Gon was captivated by the idea of a profession so important that Ging chose it over parenthood. From that point onward, Gon became determined to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a Hunter. His ultimate goal was to obtain a Hunter License and discover what made the life of a Hunter so compelling that it would drive Ging to abandon his own son.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    : Gon is saved by Kite, emphasizing the theme of mentorship and protection in their relationship.

    Gon’s upbringing on Whale Island was largely shaped by the rustic, natural environment. Raised in the wilderness, Gon developed keen senses and extraordinary physical abilities beyond those of most children his age. He was homeschooled and had little interaction with peers his age, with the exception of a friend named Noko . His childhood interactions with the island’s wildlife also helped him form strong bonds with animals, including the Foxbear cub he rescued. Gon later explained to Kite that he had raised the cub, exemplifying his close connection with nature.

    Occasionally, all-female ships would dock at Whale Island, and Gon would accompany the crew members into town. According to Gon, they taught him “a lot of stuff,” though the nature of this education is left somewhat ambiguous, adding a touch of humor to his upbringing . Despite his isolated and rustic childhood, these experiences shaped Gon into a resourceful, determined, and adventurous young boy, ultimately propelling him toward his goal of becoming a Hunter like his father.

    Equipment

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Gon’s fishing rod.

    Fishing Rod:Gon’s primary piece of equipment during his early adventures is a telescopic fishing rod, which he originally used for his angling hobby back on Whale Island. However, during the Hunter Exam, Gon demonstrated his ability to wield the rod as a versatile weapon, using it to strike opponents from a distance with its heavy float or to retrieve objects from far away with the hook. He used the fishing rod as a makeshift tool during various situations, including fighting and overcoming obstacles. For example, during the Hunter Exam, Gon was able to use his rod to lift and throw a 1-ton flagstone, showcasing its strength and durability. The rod’s flexibility and endurance were further proven when Gon struck Hisoka with the float, leaving a visible bruise on the latter’s face.

    For much of his early childhood, Gon was told that both of his parents had died in an accident. This was largely due to Mito’s dislike of Ging and her desire to protect Gon from the truth of his father’s abandonment. However, when Gon was nine years old, his perception of his father changed dramatically. He encountered Kite, a professional Hunter and former student of Ging. Kite saved Gon from a dangerous encounter with a mother Foxbear, though not before hitting him to prevent him from acting recklessly. Kite then attempted to kill the Foxbear cub, viewing it as a threat, but Gon protected the cub, insisting that it could still be saved. This interaction led to a deeper conversation where Kite revealed that he had been searching for Ging as a way to prove himself a true Hunter.

    Kite’s admiration for Ging deeply influenced Gon, igniting in him the desire to meet his father. Gon was captivated by the idea of a profession so important that Ging chose it over parenthood. From that point onward, Gon became determined to follow in his father’s footsteps by becoming a Hunter. His ultimate goal was to obtain a Hunter License and discover what made the life of a Hunter so compelling that it would drive Ging to abandon his own son.

    Gon’s upbringing on Whale Island was largely shaped by the rustic, natural environment. Raised in the wilderness, Gon developed keen senses and extraordinary physical abilities beyond those of most children his age. He was homeschooled and had little interaction with peers his age, with the exception of a friend named Noko . His childhood interactions with the island’s wildlife also helped him form strong bonds with animals, including the Foxbear cub he rescued. Gon later explained to Kite that he had raised the cub, exemplifying his close connection with nature.

    Occasionally, all-female ships would dock at Whale Island, and Gon would accompany the crew members into town. According to Gon, they taught him “a lot of stuff,” though the nature of this education is left somewhat ambiguous, adding a touch of humor to his upbringing . Despite his isolated and rustic childhood, these experiences shaped Gon into a resourceful, determined, and adventurous young boy, ultimately propelling him toward his goal of becoming a Hunter like his father.

    Abilities & Powers

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Frieza mercilessly tormenting Vegeta.

    Gon Freecss is endowed with numerous abilities as a Hunter, many of which derive from his exceptional physical and mental traits. Early in the series, Gon uses hisfishing rodwith surprising precision, effectively turning it into a weapon. For instance, during the Hunter Exam, he manages to snag Hisoka’s tag while Hisoka is moving at high speed. His exceptional powers of observation, agility, and stamina are frequently praised by his peers. However, what truly sets Gon apart is his immense potential, which astounds many powerful characters such as Hisoka, Wing, and Biscuit. This latent ability allows him to learn incredibly fast, particularly in the field of Nen, where his aptitude is considered rare and exceptional.

    His determination and willpower are among his strongest attributes, often catching more experienced fighters off guard. Gon’s mental strength allows him to take risks that others would avoid and persist even in life-threatening situations. His indomitable spirit and stubbornness push him to continue fighting until he is physically unable to do so, even when facing opponents far stronger than himself. As anEnhancer, Gon naturally possesses a balance of offensive and defensive capabilities, though he prefers aggressive combat. His experience and training in Shingen-ryu kung fu under Wing and Biscuit also make him an adept hand-to-hand combatant.

    Enhanced Senses and Physical Abilities

    • Enhanced Vision:Gon’s eyesight far surpasses that of a regular human. He can spot distant figures in the woods from the top of a tree, a feat Kurapika considered impossible for a normal person. He can also discern small details and spot enemies even in near-complete darkness.

    • Enhanced Hearing:Gon’s hearing is so acute that he can fight in pitch-black darkness, relying solely on sound. He can even hear the faint sound of a bat’s wings and accurately pinpoint its location.

    • Enhanced Smell:Gon possesses a highly advanced sense of smell, often compared to that of a dog. He once tracked Leorio by the scent of his cologne and could locate Ponzu despite never having met her.

    • Enhanced Strength:Even as a child, Gon’s strength was immense. Before taking the Hunter Exam, he carried a fish so heavy that it took five men to land it. After training at the Zoldyck estate, he was able to push open a 4-ton gate. His punches are powerful enough to shatter rock pillars, and he can send opponents flying with a single push.

    • Enhanced Speed and Reflexes:Gon is exceptionally fast and agile, with reflexes sharp enough to dodge many of Hisoka’s attacks. He has also shown the ability to track high-speed movements in battle and move faster than most of his peers.

    • Enhanced Stamina:Gon’s stamina is nearly boundless. He completed an 80-kilometer run during the Hunter Exam without showing signs of fatigue and fought Gido’s spinning tops for an hour while using Zetsu.

    • Enhanced Endurance:Gon’s resilience is notable, as he can withstand tremendous pain without giving up. This is mostly due to his obstinacy and determination more than to a physical predisposition. He refused to forfeit a match against Hanzo despite having his arm broken. His determination often allows him to push through physical pain.

    Sultan Abdulmejid (left) with Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Emperor Napoleon III of France

    Frieza mercilessly tormenting Vegeta.

    Nen and Combat Prowess

    Gon’s Nen category isEnhancement, which grants him greater physical strength and healing capabilities. After training under Wing and Biscuit, Gon honed his Nen abilities to become a formidable opponent in battle. His main Nen ability is calledJajanken, a technique based on the game rock-paper-scissors, which has three variations:

    • Rock:A devastating close-range punch that concentrates Gon’s aura into his fist.

    • Paper:A mid-range aura blast, where Gon emits a ball of aura from his palm.

    • Scissors:A transmuted aura blade, formed between his index and middle fingers, capable of cutting through opponents and objects.

    Despite the long charging time forJajanken, Gon can switch between the three attacks mid-charge, adapting to his opponent’s movements. He later developed the techniqueRound 2, which allows him to execute twoJajankenattacks in quick succession.

    Gon has mastered several advanced Nen techniques, includingTen,Ren,Zetsu,Gyo, andShu, among others. His ability to utilize Zetsu without prior instruction and his quick learning ofShumarks him as a Nen genius. His aura output is immense, often comparable to that of more experienced Hunters.

    Tactical and Strategic Intelligence

    Gon’s ingenuity and quick thinking have allowed him to survive and win battles against far superior opponents. During the Hunter Exam, he devised several clever strategies, such as blowing out Sedokan’s candle to win a challenge. In battle, Gon uses his environment to his advantage, as seen when he fought Gido at Heavens Arena by exploiting his surroundings to land a decisive blow.

    Gon is also able to think quickly under pressure, showing a remarkable ability to analyze and exploit his opponents’ weaknesses. Despite his impulsive nature, when focused, Gon can devise complex strategies that rival those of seasoned fighters.

    Transformations and Ultimate Sacrifice

    During the Chimera Ant Arc, Gon entered a state of uncontrollable rage after Kite’s death, pushing him into a dark and self-destructive mindset. In his desperation to defeat Neferpitou, he entered aContract, sacrificing all of his latent potential to attain immense power. This allowed him to defeat Pitou, one of the strongest Chimera Ants, but at the cost of his own life and abilities. After the battle, his body began to decay, and even after being healed, Gon lost the ability to use or sense Nen. It remains unclear if Gon will ever regain his former abilities.

    In conclusion, Gon’s incredible talent, determination, and unwavering resolve have made him one of the most powerful characters inHunter x Hunter, despite his eventual loss of Nen. His ability to grow exponentially, coupled with his boundless potential, makes him a formidable fighter, strategist, and Hunter.

    Trivia

    • Gon’s surnameis a play on the word “freaks,” emphasizing his extraordinary talents and unconventional nature.
    • Gon is left-handed,which is shown several times throughout the series, such as when he plays rock-paper-scissors (Jajanken) or wields his fishing rod.
    • Despite being gifted in Nen, Gon struggles with basic math and numbers, which becomes a recurring joke in the series. He often miscalculates weights or figures until his friends correct him.
    • Gon’s nameis a tribute to a character from a short manga series also created byHunter x Huntercreator Yoshihiro Togashi.
    • Gon shares a special bond with animals, something rarely seen among other Hunters. He can communicate with them in ways that suggest a deep understanding of nature.
    • In the Chimera Ant Arc, Gon sacrifices all his Nen abilities in exchange for the power to defeat Neferpitou, transforming into an adult-like version of himself with overwhelming strength. After the fight, he loses the ability to use or sense Nen.
    • Gon has a heightened sense of smell,so strong that it allows him to track people over long distances, often compared to that of a dog.
    • Gon was homeschooledon Whale Island, where he lived a rustic lifestyle that endowed him with greater physical abilities and keen survival instincts from a young age.
    • His emotional instabilitycan sometimes drive him to extreme measures, especially when provoked by anger or loss, such as when he risked his life to avenge Kite in the Chimera Ant Arc.
    • Gon’s strongest desireis to meet his father, Ging Freecss, which motivates him to become a Hunter. Despite his father’s abandonment, Gon holds no ill will toward him and sees it as a challenge to understand why Ging chose being a Hunter over raising him.