Gon climbs to the top of the World Tree, where Ging expects him, and the two finally talk heart-to-heart. Throughout this conversation, Ging reveals his intentions to explore the world beyond the current boundaries known to mankind, and Gon tells him about all his adventures. Meanwhile, his friends keep following their separate ways, each one of them with their own dreams and goals to pursue. During their talk, Gon remembers to give the Double-Star Hunter License that Kite gave him back to Ging, the original owner.

Gon apologizes to Kite for not being strong enough to save him. Kite tells him they will always be friends and that he should go get to know his dad. Gon returns to the Election Hall only to find a note that Ging has gone to the World Tree. Gon, Killua, and Alluka journey to the World Tree where Killua reveals Alluka's powers to Gon. Killua vows to protect his sister and says farewell to Gon, promising they will meet again. Gon, in turn, promises to introduce Killua to Ging when they meet again.

Gon apologizes to Ging for failing to save Kite and his father instructs him to apologize to Kite himself instead, affirming that he will wait for him to return. Meanwhile, Killua seals Nanika away, to ensure that Alluka can live a normal life beside him.

Leorio is about to win the election, but loses all motivation to continue after a fully healed Gon appears before him, thanks to the power of Alluka, opening the way to Pariston's victory. Surrounded by his friends and the other Hunters who celebrate his recovery, Gon meets his father at last.

Cheadle turns to Ging for advice on beating Pariston. During a debate, Killua arrives at Gon's infirmary room. After Leorio gives his speech he is shocked with a roar of applause. With Leorio seemingly about to win the election, Pariston steps in with a speech of his own.

Illumi and Hisoka easily defeat all the Hunters sent after them. Finally cornered by Illumi, Killua is forced to reveal another rule to Alluka's abilities. Illumi, now satisfied, allows Killua to leave, but promises that until Alluka's powers are completely revealed, she'll never be free. Hisoka then proceeds to kill Teradein.

Gotoh is killed by Hisoka, while Tsubone, Amane, and Canary continue to chase after Killua. Killua with the help of Morel sends a group of Hunters to capture Illumi. Meanwhile, to keep the integrity of the association alive, Teradein, Bushidora, and Loupe decide to reinstate the Pure Paladin Squad.

Due to his actions, Leorio rises to the third place in the election. Killua deduces that even though most of the Zoldyck Family wants to control Alluka's power, Illumi plans on killing her. After being separated from Killua, Gotoh is confronted by Hisoka.

Multiple butlers from the Zoldyck Estate are ordered to follow and keep tabs on Killua. If he breaks any rules he'll be brought back home. Leorio who arrives at the election conference, asks Ging why he hasn't gone to see his son yet. After hearing Ging's answer, out of anger Leorio attacks Ging with his Nen ability, earning a large applause from his fellow Hunters.

Illumi explains to Hisoka, the events that led to Alluka's ability becoming forbidden. If Killua's wish is granted it could lead to the death of tens of thousands of people, including the entire Zoldyck Family. Though originally restrained to the room, Killua who reveals a new rule to Alluka's wishes and uses his mother's life as a wager is able to leave Kukuroo Mountain and head towards Gon.

After another failed round, the Zodiacs add a new set of conditions to the election, in hopes of meeting the 95% voting rate. Killua returns home and asks to use the power of his little sister, Alluka, so that he can heal Gon. Though reluctant at first, Silva allows him to do so. After someone fulfills a series of requests from Alluka, they are granted one wish, however declining four of her requests in a row ends in death.

The Zodiacs hold a meeting to determine how the next chairman will be selected. Due to Ging cheating, with help from Beans, his rules are chosen. The first round of the election is considered invalid, since the set conditions aren't met, and another round will be held. Hisoka and Illumi discuss Gon's situation and the existence of another Zoldyck brother.

The Chimera Ants go their own way. While Welfin, Hina, and Bizeff travel to Meteor City to find Gyro; Bloster and Shidore (who is revealed to be the reincarnation of Reina) become residents of one of NGL's villages. Meanwhile, Gon is revealed to be in critical condition and Killua vows to save him, but on one condition: Gon has to apologize to him later.

By telling the whereabouts, Palm is allowed to watch over Meruem and Komugi with her eye. They play Gungi together, well-knowing that the King is poisoned and that Komugi might be affected by it too. However, the two continue playing Gungi until their final moments.

Meruem uses his final permissible En and enlightens his surrounding with that and approaches to Welfin who was not detected by his En earlier. Caught between the desire to live and avoidable death, Welfin finally utters the name of Komugi and the secret Shaiapouf was trying so hard to protect now is finally revealed with Meruem regaining all of his memories about Komugi.

A message of hostage exchange sends Welfin on the field. One moment he encounters Menthuthuyoupi, and the next, Shaiapouf finds Youpi lifeless. When he returns to the King, Meruem demands Shaiapouf's secrets. On their way, Shaiapouf unsuspectingly coughs out blood, just like how blood trickled from the King and Menthuthuyoupi.

The King still struggles to retrieve his memories as he and his two remaining Royal Guards return to the palace. He eventually knocks out Meleoron and Knuckle Bine with his En, and later engages Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi in a race against time. Meanwhile, only two remain, Palm and Ikalgo, and hide an unconscious Komugi underground.

Neferpitou declares it must kill Gon Freecss for the King's sake. Enraged after Kite's death, a dark aura envelops Gon, outclassing the Ant’s strength completely. When Killua arrives at the scene, he discovers his transformed friend standing next to Neferpitou's corpse, which begins to move out of their devotion to the King.

Shaiapouf continues his plan to remove anything that could trigger Meruem's memory of Komugi as the King arrives at the palace. Killua continues to hold onto Komugi, and meets with Palm. Gon and Neferpitou arrive where Kite is, however, Gon must now face the truth.

Shaiapouf's plan to kill Komugi is thwarted when Killua faces him in a battle of words and speed. When the King arrives in the palace, Shaiapouf is resolved to get rid of the Gungi board before the King can remember anything else. Finally, Neferpitou and Gon arrive at the place of their long-awaited battle.

Shaiapouf and Menthuthuyoupi sacrifice a part of themselves for the King's speedy recovery. Meruem suffers from memory loss, prompting Shaiapouf's other clone to return to the place and kill Komugi. The clone is intercepted by Knuckle and Meleoron; Palm announces that the King is alive and well.

Neferpitou's time to heal Komugi is up, and Gon demands for their fight. Knuckle and Killua are tasked to watch over Komugi while the battle rages. Meanwhile, Menthuthuyoupi and Shaiapouf reach the explosion and find a burned and deteriorated Chimera Ant King.

Meruem's claim of checkmate to Netero continues as they fight to the death. In his final stand Netero activates his most powerful attack, the Zero Hand, which does little to no damage to the King. However, it was Meruem who had been in checkmate all along when Netero activates the Poor Man's Rose.

Gon presses to Neferpitou the remaining ten minutes for Komugi's recovery. Meanwhile, King Meruem and Chairman Netero continue on their battle, succumbing into an underground tomb, which Netero states will be Meruem's tomb.

Palm finally awakens from her cocoon after being captured by the Chimera Ants only to encounter Killua. Killua and Palm then engage in a heated battle when their interests concerning Gon conflict. The situation comes to an unexpected conclusion when Killua breaks down in the middle of the fight.

Welfin confronts Ikalgo but things turn upside-down when Welfin gets shot instead. Black centipedes grow inside Ikalgo's head, and only Welfin can stop it. Confined in a cocoon for days, Palm Siberia finally awakens.

The showdown between Hunter Chairman Netero and Chimera Ant King Meruem should have begun, if not for the King's refusal to fight. Netero tries his best to coax the King into fighting, and finally gets his chance. He offers to tell Meruem his name if the King could make the Chairman admit defeat.

Shaiapouf is forced by Gon to stay within the room. Meanwhile, Menthuthuyoupi achieves a new form and hunts a wounded Morel down. However, he showed his respect for the Hunters' determination. He lets Morel live, who is later taken by Knov. Meleoron and Knuckle set out to hunt the remaining Royal Guards.

The fight between Shaiapouf and Morel begins, but ends the moment Morel loses his smoke pipe. He is forced to fight Menthuthuyoupi with little to none of his puppets, but Knuckle arrives just in time to assist. Neferpitou pleads Shaiapouf not to disrupt the process of Komugi's healing.

Killua briefly takes on Menthuthuyoupi in a battle and overpowers him. Meanwhile, Ikalgo plans various attempts to escape from Bloster. His weakness takes over, being unable to kill Bloster when he had the chance.

Menthuthuyoupi fakes his rage in order to draw Knuckle out. Meanwhile, Ikalgo is unable to find Palm and is encountered by the suspicious Bloster. During the climax of the fight, Knuckle hits Menthuthuyoupi eight times with the help of Killua. And to let off some steam, Killua takes on Menthuthuyoupi.

Cheetu challenges Zeno Zoldyck into a fight but ends up being crushed by Silva Zoldyck. In the palace, the battle between Menthuthuyoupi and Knuckle continues until the Royal Guard loses his temper and sets off an explosion.

Gon and Killua finally come face-to-face with Neferpitou. However, things get complicated when Neferpitou begs Gon to wait in order to heal and save Komugi. Despite his overwhelming anger and frustration, Gon allows Komugi to be healed and agrees to wait for an hour before their fight begins.

Welfin takes action to clarify his suspicions against "Flutter". Knuckle takes his fight with Menthuthuyoupi outside the central staircase as Gon and Killua finally come face to face against Neferpitou.

The King and Netero decide to fight in a remote location. Meanwhile, during his battle with Menthuthuyoupi, Shoot gets terribly injured, prompting Knuckle to step forward and challenge the Royal Guard in a new fight.

The Extermination Team gets separated after Menthuthuyoupi destroys the central staircase. Morel confronts Shaiapouf in the throne room, while Killua absentmindedly kills two Ants to help Ikalgo. Gon arrives at the topmost tower and sees the Chimera Ant King and Netero who points to the location of Neferpitou.

As Gon and others appear at the main staircase, Menthuthuyoupi instantly readies himself for combat. The Hunters' progress is momentarily halted when Dragon Dive finally hits the palace. Neferpitou locates Meruem and upon arriving, it finds the King holding the injured body of Komugi. The King asks the royal guard to heal the girl while inviting his two opponents to fight elsewhere for their convenience.

Zeno Zoldyck and Isaac Netero begin the invasion and the fight outside the palace. Despite Neferpitou's effort to use her best ability against Netero, the Chairman quickly overpowers the Royal Guard upon their first encounter. And while Neferpitou falls down from the sky, they watch in horror as Zeno's Nen dragons rain down on the palace.

Welfin investigates and discovers that there are two infiltrators in the palace. Minutes before the selection, the King orders a security system change as the extermination team members prepare themselves to begin the invasion.

The Extermination Team thoroughly reviews their infiltration plan for attack. It begins with the citizens marching directly to the palace and the Royal Guard preparing themselves. Meruem is once again unsure of who he is and why he was brought into the world. The team moves out and only ten more minutes remain before the infiltration.

Bothered by Komugi's influence on the King, Shaiapouf is tempted to kill her. The extermination team gets ready as the selection draws near, splitting up into two groups. After a game, Meruem finally decides to kill Komugi but finds her being attacked and wounded. The King rushes to her aid and begins to question himself about his behavior.

Morel and Leol battle as the Chimera Ant shows off his abilities. He recognizes Leol's ability to be of his friend, making it personal. Palm finds a way to reach the King, but she faces the same evil aura that Knov felt. Killua, now fully healed, rejoins Gon and others, along with his new friend, Ikalgo.

Knov reaches the palace, opening exits with his ability at several locations. Upon facing an evil aura, he decides to retreat. Palm also infiltrates the palace as one of the women sent for Bizeff. Knov, now outside, suffers from a mental breakdown, realizing that he has abandoned Palm. Morel stands before Leol, itching to know his opponent's ability.

Meruem proposes a wager in the next game. Komugi explains losing would be like death, so Meruem rips off his left arm as a sign of apology. Shaiapouf asks for Neferpitou's assistance and Knov takes this opportunity to infiltrate the palace. Meanwhile, Palm disguises herself and proceeds with her infiltration.

Welfin and Bloster assist Leol under Neferpitou's orders. Meruem's losses continue to increase despite Komugi's one and only hesitation. As the battle commences, Morel finds a way to easily defeat Cheetu and Knov takes out Flutter. Leol is forced to use his ability in front of the reinforcements he does not trust.

Meruem and Komugi start to play Gungi, in which the King loses consistently. Morel delays Neferpitou and the Selection and then faces Cheetu, who is confident about his newfound ability, in a fight. Cheetu traps him, and the only way out is catching the fastest Chimera Ant.

While Ikalgo tries to save Killua, Meleoron reveals his real motives on joining Gon as well as revealing him his Nen abilities. Eating every opponent in every board game thus far, the King's next challenger is a mysterious girl that would change his fate?

Killua confronts Ikalgo, but later saves him from getting eaten by his own subordinates. The Ortho Siblings confront Killua in a 1-501 dart game, where Killua gets continuously attacked. After faking death, Killua beheads his opponents in a flash. While leaving the cave, Killua collapses on the floor due to extreme blood loss and nearly dies.

Cheetu swears loyalty to the King and heads towards the palace. Leol sends his subordinates to attack Killua who gets injured in the process and meets Ikalgo, a parasitic Chimera Ant officer.

Gon faces difficulty as he fights against two Chimera Ants while Killua proceeds with his plan on disrupting the selection. Neferpitou sends Leol, Flutter and Hina to kill whoever it is disabling her puppets.

Once inside East Gorteau, Gon and Killua go their separate ways in preparation for the attack on the palace, but once alone, Gon is suddenly ambushed. An Ant named Meleoron watches him from afar, hiding his presence thanks to his Chameleon-like powers.

The Phantom Troupe reaches Zazan, the leader of the Ants, eliminating all opposition on the way. Fighting Zazan by himself, Feitan is forced to unleash part of his true power against her, which is feared even by his companions.

Six members of the Phantom Troupe return to Meteor City only to find that Chimera Ants, lead by the self proclaimed Queen Zazan, have invaded it. The Troupe decide to eliminate the Chimera Ants themselves.

After their fight with Cheetu, Morel and Knuckle reunite with Shoot and Knov and take Gon and Killua to see Kite. Gon gets his Nen back. Morel tests Gon's resolve. The King invites the citizens of the Republic of Gorteau to his palace in ten days for a screening using the controlled corpse of Ming Jol-ik. The Chairman contacts the team and informs them of the plan.

Divided between fleeing and protecting Gon, Killua realizes that he is under the control of one of Illumi's needles. He easily kills Rammot after breaking free from it. Meanwhile, Gon's date with Palm takes a turn for the worst when he claims that he can't stay by her side. As Shoot returns to check on them, Morel and Knuckle confront Cheetu, who is on the run.

The King and the Royal Guards siege the capital of East Gorteau. Gon and Palm go on a date while Killua watches over Gon from the shadows. Killua soon realizes a Chimera Ant is nearby and lures it away. It turns out to be Rammot.

Colt, along with the Chairman and the other Hunters, attempts to save the Queen. Gon recovers from his defeat and is ready to move on to train. Meanwhile, the Chimera Ant soldiers set out to establish kingdoms of their own.

The Chimera Ant King finally takes birth and is lead out of the nest by the Royal Guards to find better food. Colt pleads the Hunters to save the Queen. Meanwhile, Shoot and Knuckle enter NGL after defeating Gon and Killua.

The final duel between Gon and Knuckle begins. As promised, Knuckle doesn't hold back and uses a special technique, forcing Gon to defeat him as fast as possible. Meanwhile, Killua confronts Shoot, but gets himself in a pinch when his old habit to avoid stronger enemies is triggered.

Gon gives Knuckle a serious fight. Killua spars with Biscuit in preparation for his fight with Shoot.

Gon and Killua advance in their training and keep fighting Knuckle. The third Royal Guard, Menthuthuyoupi, finally takes birth. Meanwhile, Netero, Knov, and Morel continue to slaughter Chimera Ant squadrons.

Gon and Killua challenge Knuckle. Meanwhile, Netero, Knov, and Morel take out squads of Chimera Ants—something that does not go unnoticed by Colt, Peggy, and the other Ants at the nest.

Gon and Killua meet Knov's student, Palm. They also reunite with Biscuit and begin training for their battle with Morel's students, Knuckle and Shoot.

As they head toward the Chimera Ants' nest, Kite, Gon, and Killua are attacked by Neferpitou as it attempts to gauge its own power. After successfully escaping with Gon thanks to Kite's sacrifice, Killua meets up with Chairman Netero along with two other pro-Hunters sent to exterminate the Chimera Ants.

Gon, Killua, and Kite cause Hagya's squad to retreat back to the nest. Neferpitou awakens and turns out to be a Specialist. It manipulates Pokkle to learn about Nen. Meanwhile, Colt's own Nen power awakens.

Netero receives an order from the leaders of the world and prepares to eliminate the Ants. Colt and his fellow Ants are eager to learn more about Nen. Gon, Killua, and Kite battle a group of Ants in a one on one battle.

Kite and company arrive at NGL's drug factory and run into Yunju's team, where a fight begins. Meanwhile, Rammot is introduced to Nen.

Gon and Killua have their first Chimera Ant fight against Rammot, who they manage to defeat, but not kill, due to Colt saving him at the last minute. Back at the nest, Rammot develops a grudge against these two and promises revenge as word spreads about humans with special abilities.

Gyro's past is revealed. Pokkle and his crew are attacked by Zazan's squad. Kite's crew receives a message sent by Ponzu.

Upholding their policy of not allowing any kind of manufactured or artificial material inside their borders, the NGL only allows Kite, Gon, Killua and two other members of their party to enter their country, with the rest forced to stand by and await their return. Meanwhile, the second team of Hunters is attacked by the Chimera Ants, whose human DNA triggers in them a sense of individuality that brings conflict among their ranks.

Kite and his party trace the whereabouts of the Chimera Queen and conclude that it is located in the neo-ludite nation of NGL. As both Kite's group and another separate team of hunters depart to NGL to investigate, the Queen establishes her stronghold and instructs her soldiers to gather a huge number of humans for her to consume in order to give birth to the King.

Kite is shown a huge severed member which it is believed to be from a Chimera Ant Queen that has grown to the height of two meters. As Gon and Killua join him in his search for the Queen, their fears are confirmed when it starts consuming humans to enhance its army of soldiers.

Recently beating the game his father and friends created, Greed Island, Gon and Killua use the cards they brought back with them to teleport to whom they believe is Gon's father.

Gon, Killua and Biscuit are challenged when they finally get all 99 reserved card slots. An in-game event takes place to win the #00 card. Who will win?

Gon is overwhelmed by Genthru's power, but he isn't backing down.

Tsezguerra's group does not return to the game and a one-on-one battle ensues with Gon taking on Genthru, Killua battling Sub, and Biscuit taking on Bara.

Tsezguerra suggests that Gon and his friends should continue training while his team distracts Genthru.

Gon, Killua, and Hisoka face Razor head on, and a winner will finally be crowned in this dodgeball showdown.

Gon comes up with a plan to beat Razor, and it requires Killua's help.

Gon and his friends team up with Hisoka and Goreinu to challenge Razor again. Also helping out is Team Tsezguerra.

In order to stop Genthru from clearing the game, Gon and Killua are asked to join an alliance.

Gon and his friends meet the pirate boss Razor, but are overwhelmed by his power.

Killua passes the Hunter Exam on his second attempt and returns to the game. Once reunited, Gon, Killua, and Biscuit begin steadily collecting cards.

Gon continues to hone his special ability by using the Enhancer, Emitter, and Transmuter aura types.

Gon and Killua wrap up their training, while the Bomber appears before the players who have formed an alliance.

Biscuit announces to Gon and Killua that she will be their teacher.

Gon and Killua head for Masadora, the City of Magic, in search of spell cards.

Gon and Killua enter Greed Island. There they enter a town and meet other players, where they learn more about the game Greed Island.

Gon and Killua attend the player selection test in a bid to gain access to Greed Island.

Gon and Killua attend an auction of Greed Island to scout out potential employers hiring Hunters to clear the game.

Kurapika negotiates with Pakunoda to secure the exchange of Gon and Killua. Pakunoda returns to the Troupe's hideout to announce the terms of the exchange to the remaining members.

Gon and Killua are captives of the spiders. Kurapika, Melody, and Leorio hatch a plan to capture Chrollo and use him as leverage to force the remaining Spiders to release Gon and Killua.

Chrollo tries to discover Kurapika's whereabouts by using readily available information on Neon.

Just as Chrollo's fortune predicted, Hisoka is suspected of betraying the troupe. Meanwhile, Kurapika learns that the Phantom Troupe is still alive. He teams up with his friends to capture Pakunoda.

Kurapika recounts the events that have occurred and reveals his new Nen ability.

The leader of the Phantom Troupe is dead. The sudden news shocks Kurapika, who heads to the auction site in disbelief, determined to confirm it for himself.

Zeno and Silva of the legendary Zoldyck family of assassins arrive to eliminate the Phantom Troupe.

Kurapika's desire to destroy the Phantom Troupe gets him recruited into a newly formed team of assassins.

The Phantom Troupe secures a double capture.

Gon and the others plan to raise the money they need by collecting the bounties placed on the Troupe.

At the antiques market, Gon discovers a foolproof way to appraise valuable items.

Kurapika finds himself face to face with Uvogin.

Kurapika sends the Boss away to safety, and then waits to confront the Phantom Troupe alone.

Kurapika has captured a member of the Phantom Troupe.

The Mafia's secret weapon, the Shadow Beasts, set out to annihilate the Phantom Troupe.

The Phantom Troupe takes over the auction site and the merchandise disappears without a trace, along with the guests.

The auction is finally about to begin. Gon, Killua and Leorio are working hard to amass enough money to buy Greed Island.

Gon and Killua try to get enough money to buy Greed Island. The Phantom Troupe leader gathers all members for a new mission.

Kurapika and the other job seekers arrive at the home of a human trophy collector and are attacked by an unknown force.

Kurapika learns about Nen and finds his first job as a hunter.

Gon decides to listen to the cassette tape found inside the small box.

After mastering Nen and becoming a real Hunter, Gon returns to Whale Island with Killua.

After punching Hisoka in the face, Gon returns the tag from the Hunter Exam. Hisoka is ecstatic to see Gon's development.

The fight between Gon and Hisoka begins.

Gon and Killua both defeated Riehvelt and Gido, Hisoka being impressed with Gon in his matches appeared in Gon's way and invite him to be his next opponent.

Gon and Killua resume their Nen training.

Kastro creates a double of himself with his mastery of Nen and steals Hisoka's arms.

The match between Hisoka and Kastro is about to begin.

Gon's first battle in the Heaven's Arena on the 200th story is against Gido, a Nen user.

In order to break down Hisoka's Nen barrier, Gon and Killua ask Wing to let them awaken their Nen abilities.

Zushi's mentor, Wing, tells Gon and Killua about the existence of something known as Nen.

Gon and Killua go to the Heaven's Arena, a place where they can train and earn money by fighting other opponents. Gon and Killua quickly advance to the 150th floor, beating their opponents with a single strike.

Aunt Mito receives another letter from Gon.

Gon and his friends meet the butler, Gotoh, who proposes a game to see if they are worthy enough to be friends with Killua.

Thanks to Canary's help, Gon and the others get closer to the mansion.

To be able to see Killua, Gon and his friends choose to go through the Testing Gate.

After arriving in the Republic of Podokea, Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika board a tour bus to Kukuroo Mountain, where Killua lives.

After winning the exam everyone is on their path. Gon,kurapika and leorio team up to help killua.

Gon wakes up and finds himself being congratulated by Satotz for being the first person to pass the Hunter Exam.

Gon and his friends have advanced to the final phase of the Hunter Exam.

Gon and his friends have been trapped inside a cave by poisonous snakes.

Killua grows tired of having Imori shadowing him so he challenges Imori to a fight.

Kurapika and Leorio are targeted by Hisoka, but they negotiate a truce.

Gon bides his time for the perfect opportunity to steal Hisoka's badge.

After exiting Trick Tower, the contestants are taken to Zevil Island to begin stage 4. Each contestant picks a number out of a box and must hunt the contestant with that number on the island.

A letter from Gon arrives at Whale Island for Aunt Mito.

The group must spend the 50 hours Leorio gambled away in a confined room. Once they are out, they must decide by majority on which path to take: one takes 45 hours and allows all 5 to pass, the other takes is faster but only 3 can pass.

Leorio's match continues and he struggles to think of bets he is certain to win. Killua faces a serial killer in a fight to the death.

Leorio has to postpone the start of his match until Kurapika officially ends his. However, his opponent is unconscious and cannot surrender. Leorio eventually begins his match, in which the game is gambling.

Gon faces off against Sedokan and Majitani faces off against Kurapika who reveals a startling and scary secret.

For the third phase, the candidates are abandoned at the top of Trick Tower, wherein long-term criminals are kept. They are given 72 hours to get out alive and pass the exam.

Chairman Netero sees and challenges them to a game that involves getting a ball from him, telling them that they will automatically become Hunters if they succeed.

Gourmet Hunters Menchi and Buhara task the applicants to cook a pork dish with meat from the worlds most dangerous pig for the second phase, to the annoyance of applicants.

The marathon through the wetlands starts, with Leorio and Kurapika getting separated from Gon and Killua. In the fog, many applicants try to take down Hisoka.

Gon befriends Killua. Leorio nearly gives up, but Gon waits for him until Leorio gains the motivation to catch up. Later, the group shares their own reasons of becoming Hunters.

Gon, Kurapika, and Leorio arrive at Zaban City, the venue of the Hunter Exam, where they meet Tonpa another friendly veteran examiners.

If Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika cannot answer an old woman's question correctly, they will be immediately disqualified.

Twelve-year-old Gon Freecss catches Whale Island's monster fish, the "Master of the Swamp," to gain permission from his reluctant "aunt" Mito to take the Hunter Exam. Aboard the ship going to the Hunter Exam, Gon meets Leorio and Kurapika.