Hunter x Hunter · Story arc
Hunter Exam
Gon takes the lethal Hunter Exam and befriends Kurapika, Leorio and Killua.
The 287th Hunter Exam tests hundreds of candidates in deadly trials. Gon meets his future companions and first crosses paths with Hisoka and Illumi.
- Position
- Arc 1 of 8
- Saga
- Exam Saga
- Canon status
- Canon
- Manga
- 1-37
- Anime
- ep. 1-21 (2011)
Arc events(13)
- Gon leaves Whale IslandHunter ExamGon passes Mito's test and sets out to become a Hunter like his father Ging.
- The ship and the stormHunter ExamHeading to the exam site, Gon meets Kurapika and Leorio; the captain tests their character during a storm.
- The 287th Hunter Exam beginsHunter ExamIn Zaban City, Gon meets Kurapika, Leorio and Killua as the first phase thins out the candidates.
- First phase: Satotz's runHunter ExamExaminer Satotz leads the candidates on an endless tunnel run. Killua joins Gon; Leorio and Kurapika find their resolve.
- Killua and Johness the DissectorHunter ExamDuring the first phase, the serial killer Johness attacks candidates: Killua instantly dispatches him by ripping out his heart, revealing his assassin nature.
- Swindler's SwampHunter ExamCrossing the trickster-beast swamp, Hisoka "examines" candidates by maiming some examiners; Gon saves Leorio and draws Hisoka's interest.
- Second phase: the cooking trialHunter ExamGourmet examiners Menchi and Buhara fail nearly everyone; Chairman Netero arrives by airship and offers an alternative trial with Spider-Eagle eggs.
- Third phase: Trick TowerHunter ExamCandidates must escape the tower within 72 hours. The group faces prisoners in majority-rule duels; Leorio and Kurapika win by wits.
- Fourth phase: the hunt on Zevil IslandHunter ExamEach candidate must steal a target's badge. Gon targets Hisoka and, with a fishing-rod strike, takes his plate then returns his own.
- Netero's ball gameHunter ExamAboard the airship, Chairman Netero challenges Gon and Killua to take a ball from him: the two glimpse the gulf between them and a true master.
- Gittarackur is IllumiHunter ExamThe candidate Gittarackur removes his needles and reveals his face: he is Illumi Zoldyck, Killua's elder brother, come to watch over him.
- Gon vs HanzoHunter ExamIn the final phase, the ninja Hanzo tortures Gon to force a surrender, but the boy's unbreakable stubbornness unnerves him: Hanzo forfeits instead.
- Final phase and Killua's withdrawalHunter ExamIn the final duels Hanzo faces Gon; Killua, manipulated by Illumi, kills a candidate and is disqualified.