For more than two decades, “Hunter x Hunter” has been winning over a legion of admirers with its unique approach to the art of storytelling. The series, known for challenging narrative norms, is also famous for its intriguing riddles, which still await resolution. Its universe, full of multifaceted characters, offers a deep reflection on the different facets of humanity, set in a fantasy context. This narrative, rich in twists and turns, stands out for challenging and transforming many clichés typical of Shōnen manga.
However, even with some of the most elaborate world-building in the anime genre, “Hunter x Hunter” leaves certain aspects unexplored, which has incited fascinating debate and speculation over the years. Yoshihiro Togashi, the series’ creator, is known for revisiting and expanding previously introduced ideas, but the series’ prolonged hiatus has left fans anxious, questioning whether the plot’s deeper mysteries will ever be solved.
10. The Enigma of the Dark Sonata
A Macabre Musical Mystery
One of these enigmas is the “Sonata of Darkness”, a composition shrouded in mystery and supposedly cursed. According to legend, the score was created by the Devil himself and has supernatural powers. Melody, a character in the series, reveals to Kurapika that her appearance was drastically changed after hearing a flute solo from the Sonata and that her friend, who played her, died tragically. Initially skeptical, Kurapika is faced with the physical consequences of Sonata’s power upon seeing Melody’s deformed arm. The true origin and nature of the Sonata’s curse, however, remains a mystery, and the piece of music is no longer mentioned in the series, leaving its whereabouts and history shrouded in mystery.
9. Gon’s Nen Dilemma
The Price of Revenge
In one of the most intense arcs of “Hunter x Hunter”, Gon Freecss faces a crucial dilemma. In the fight against Neferpitou, he opts for a dangerous trade: all his Nen potential for a surge of power. This near-fatal act leaves Gon in critical condition, until he is miraculously cured by Nanika. His father suggests that Gon still has Nen, but is unable to access it, as he has returned to his “normal” state. Thus, to regain his abilities, he would need to reopen his aura nodes and train again. Still recovering on Whale Island, the future of Gon’s Nen abilities remains uncertain.
8. Gyro’s Role in the Story
The Enigma of the Ancient King
Gyro, an intriguing character from “Hunter x Hunter,” is introduced via flashback as the king of the Neo-Green Autonomous Region of Life (NGL). After murdering his abusive father, he becomes involved in the world of crime, spreading a dangerous drug and fueling his desire to spread evil. Gyro’s transformation into a Chimera Ant and his subsequent disappearance from NGL adds mystery to his story. Having not yet made an official appearance in the narrative, Gyro’s role remains unknown, generating speculation about his potential reappearance as a future threat.
7. The Kurta Clan
Mysteries of an Exterminated Clan
The Kurta Clan, notorious in the history of “Hunter x Hunter”, is known for its Scarlet Eyes, highly coveted by collectors. Five years before the Hunter Exam, the clan suffers a brutal massacre at the hands of the Phantom Troupe, leaving Kurapika as the only survivor. The circumstances surrounding the Phantom Troupe’s knowledge of the clan’s location and the motives behind the massacre remain an enigma. Furthermore, the origins of the Kurta Clan itself are a mystery, with little information available beyond what has already been revealed in the series.
6. The Hidden Objectives of Pariston Hill
The Shadow Behind the Hunter Association
Pariston Hill, a former vice president of the Hunter Association and three-star hunter, is an enigmatic character in “Hunter x Hunter.” Recognized for his cunning and manipulative skills, Pariston maintains a dominant influence in the association. During his three-year tenure, 18 hunters mysteriously disappear, and there are suggestions that Pariston may be involved with the underworld. He admits to enjoying being hated, often testing the patience of his colleagues. Despite his intelligence and power, Pariston is unpredictable, and his true goals remain a mystery, which leaves everyone around him in constant tension. His enigmatic nature and potential dangerousness make him one of the most intriguing characters in the series.
5. Ging Freecss’s Nen Skill
The Riddle of Gon’s Father
Ging Freecss, Gon’s father and a renowned archaeologist and ruins hunter, is another mysterious character in “Hunter x Hunter”. He constantly avoids meeting Gon, appearing only when necessary at Hunter Association meetings. Ging is widely praised for his Nen skills, with Netero ranking him as one of the top five Nen users in the world. Despite these accolades, Ging’s true capabilities with Nen are rarely displayed, leaving the extent of his power a mystery. His exceptional intelligence and little-revealed abilities make him one of the most fascinating characters in the series.
4. The Mystery of Gon’s Mother
The Protagonist’s Ancestry
The issue of Gon Freecss’ motherhood has been a topic of curiosity among “Hunter x Hunter” fans since the beginning. The possibility that Gon’s mother may not be central to the plot has not diminished fan interest and theories. When Gon returns to Whale Island after learning about Nen, he discovers a recorded message from Ging. Interestingly, when broaching the topic of his mother, Gon turns off the recorder, stating that Mito is his real mother. The series does not revisit the subject, but Ging’s cryptic message sparked intense speculation in the fan community about the identity of Gon’s other parental figure.
3. Don Freecss and the Expedition to the Dark Continent
The Freecss Heritage
Don Freecss, sharing a surname with Ging and Gon, is a legendary figure in “Hunter x Hunter”. Three hundred years ago, he undertook a journey to the dreaded Dark Continent, exploring the shores of Lake Mobius and documenting his discoveries in “Journey to the New World.” Only the East Edition of this diary has been found, leaving the West Edition shrouded in mystery. Ging proposes three hypotheses: the Western Edition has not yet been discovered, it was never written, or, more intriguingly, Don Freecss is still alive and writing it. This last possibility raises fascinating questions about Don’s identity, the Dark Continent, and its connection to the Freecss bloodline.
2. Hisoka’s Mysterious Past
The Roots of an Enigmatic Wizard
Hisoka, known for his skill in Nen and flamboyant personality, is one of the most enigmatic characters in “Hunter x Hunter”. His Bungee Gum technique and unique personality generate curiosity about his past. However, Hisoka remains silent about his story, and only fragments are revealed through his struggles and behavior. In 2016, “Tokyo Ghoul” author Sui Ishida explored a version of Hisoka’s past in a one-shot, but that interpretation is likely not canon. Hisoka’s past therefore remains a mystery, fueling fan speculation and theories.
1. The Dark Continent: A World Yet to Explore
The True Dimension of the World of Hunter x Hunter
The Dark Continent represents the most surprising and adventurous discovery in “Hunter x Hunter”. The current manga saga revolves around an expedition led by the Hunter Association to the Dark Continent. Revelations from Cheadle Yorkshire, the new president, indicate that the threats from the Dark Continent far outweigh the chimera ants, previously considered level B. The journey includes many civilians, including the Kakin Royal Family, and reveals that the known world is just one small part of a much larger world, surrounded by the immense Lake Mobius. With 149 recorded expeditions and only five successful ones, the Dark Continent remains one of the series’ greatest mysteries, potentially holding answers to many of the outstanding questions in “Hunter x Hunter”.
Hunter x Hunter is available on Crunchyroll.
