Gon

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Gon Freecss (小杰)
Gender	Male
Age	12 107
Affiliation	Hunter Exam candidates; travels with Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, and Liber during the exam
Occupation / Role	Hunter Exam candidate; professional Hunter after receiving his Hunter License 143
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 105

Background / History

Gon enters the 287th Hunter Exam alongside Kurapika and Leorio. Although Leorio initially considers Liber suspicious, Gon openly describes Tonpa as a “warmhearted” person despite being given expired juice, establishing his trusting and naïve first impression. 105

During the first phase, Gon meets Killua while running through the underground passage. The two immediately bond over being the same age and begin a friendship marked by competition, shared playfulness, and mutual support. 107

In the wetlands, Gon is attacked by Hisoka and nearly strangled to death before Kurapika intervenes. Despite the danger, Gon refuses to leave Kurapika and the unconscious Leorio behind, choosing to continue with them even at the risk of failing the exam. 112

Gon and Kurapika later expose a Kiriko disguised as Liber. Gon identifies the impostor by smelling blood on it, then helps defeat the magical beasts using his fishing rod. 113

During the fourth exam phase on Zevil Island, Gon draws Hisoka as his target. Though afraid of confronting someone far stronger than himself, he resolves to pursue Hisoka’s number tag rather than choose an easier target. When Liber takes the tag for him, Gon refuses to accept it as a gift; he ultimately trades his own target’s tag, Number 197, for it. 128 131 132

In the final test, Gon faces Hanzo. Hanzo brutally outmatches him, breaking his arm and threatening to permanently maim him, but Gon refuses to surrender. Hanzo eventually forfeits because Gon shows neither hatred nor killing intent despite the abuse. 137 138

Gon receives his Hunter License after the exam. He then plans to travel with Kurapika and Leorio to find Killua at the Zoldyck Family estate. 143 144

Appearance

Gon is a twelve-year-old boy with spiky hair and an innocent-looking face. He is roughly the same height as Killua. 105 107

• Often carries a fishing rod and backpack during the Hunter Exam. 117
• Wears travel boots, which he uses creatively during his game against Chairman Netero. 119
• His small stature leads opponents such as Hanzo to underestimate him. 137

Personality

Gon is optimistic, straightforward, and unusually trusting. He initially believes Tonpa’s friendliness despite the expired juice he offers, and he remains open toward strangers in an exam filled with deception and hostility. 105

He possesses a strong personal sense of fairness. Gon refuses Hisoka’s tag because he did not earn it himself, even though accepting it would nearly guarantee his advancement. He only accepts it after arranging an exchange with Liber. 131 132

Gon is fiercely determined when pursuing a goal. He chooses to target Hisoka despite recognizing the difference in their strength, and he withstands Hanzo’s torture rather than surrender his chance to become a Hunter and find his father. 128 138

His kindness extends even to enemies. After Liber severely injures Hisoka, Gon hopes Hisoka survives—not out of fear, but because he had wanted to obtain Hisoka’s tag through his own effort. 131

Abilities & Skills

Physical Endurance and Speed

Gon has exceptional stamina for his age and can keep pace through the Hunter Exam’s prolonged running test. His speed and endurance are among his principal advantages in combat. 106 123

• Keeps running through the first-stage underground passage alongside Liber and Killua. 107
• Continues challenging Chairman Netero after Killua gives up, aiming to force Netero to use both hands. 119
• Endures severe injuries from Hanzo without surrendering. 137 138
• His physical ability remains far below experienced fighters such as Hanzo. 137

Instinct and Senses

Gon relies heavily on intuition and sensory awareness.

• Detects that the apparent Liber in the wetlands is a Kiriko by its smell of blood. 113
• Chooses the safer route in Trick Tower based on an uncomfortable feeling about the alternative passage. 122
• Notices frightened animals fleeing the aftermath of Liber and Hisoka’s battle. 130

Fishing Rod Combat

Gon uses his fishing rod as both a weapon and a utility tool.

• Strikes a Great Stamp’s vulnerable forehead to bring it down. 115
• Uses the line to entangle two Kirikos’ legs, then slams them into a tree. 113
• Launches the hook to challenge Geretta after detecting his presence. 134
• Trades the fishing rod with Killua in exchange for trying Killua’s skateboard. 126

Improvisation

Gon can quickly adapt when direct strength is insufficient.

• Defeats Sedokan’s candle game by blowing out Sedokan’s candle after recognizing the switch trick. 123
• Uses a thrown shoe to extend his attack range against Chairman Netero. 119
• Uses the possibility of his own death—and Hanzo’s disqualification—to pressure Hanzo during their match. 138

Survival Skills

Gon is an experienced fisherman and can prepare food in the wilderness.

• Catches fish while traveling on Zevil Island. 135
• Is capable of making grilled fish and omelet rice, though Killua grows tired of eating grilled fish repeatedly. 135

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Fishing rod — Gon's primary tool and weapon; used for combat, hooking, and entangling opponents. 113 115
• Backpack — Carried throughout the Hunter Exam. 117
• Hunter License — Received upon passing the 287th Hunter Exam. 143
• Hisoka’s Number 44 tag — Obtained through an exchange with Liber during the fourth exam phase. 132

Relationships

• Killua Zoldyck — Close friend met during the first exam phase; they immediately connect over being the same age, compete together, and support one another throughout the exam. 107 119 135
• Kurapika — Trusted companion; Kurapika saves Gon from Hisoka, and the two fight together against Kirikos and support each other through the exam. 112 113
• Leorio — Companion and fellow examinee; Gon remains concerned for Leorio after Hisoka injures him and refuses to abandon him in the wetlands. 112 114
• Liber — Friend and powerful ally; Gon trusts Liber after the Kiriko incident, admires his abilities, and insists on exchanging rather than accepting Hisoka’s tag freely. 113 117 131 132
• Hisoka — Dangerous adversary who nearly kills Gon in the wetlands; Gon later chooses Hisoka as his target because abandoning the challenge would make him unable to face Hisoka again. 112 128
• Hanzo — Final-exam opponent; Hanzo forfeits after Gon's resolve and lack of hatred wear down his will to continue hurting him. 137 138
• Chairman Netero — Tests Gon and Killua through a ball-grabbing game; Gon continues alone after Killua quits, seeking to make Netero use both hands. 119

Notable Quotes

“If I give up without even trying and choose to get points from someone else, then if I ever meet Hisoka again, I'm afraid I'll never have the courage to face him.” 128

“I don't want my legs cut off and to lose the ability to walk, but I also hate surrendering to others! I have to become a professional Hunter!” 138

Trivia

• Gon and Killua are both twelve years old. 107
• Gon has not decided what type of Hunter he wants to become. 114
• He is notably bad at concealing his thoughts and emotions, particularly when he is worried or excited. 128 131