Gon’s Shocking Transformation: The Nen Vow That Changed Everything!

Since 1998, Yoshihiro Togashi’s acclaimed series has been ongoing, with just three years left until its 30th anniversary in 2025. While the anime adaptation concluded at the 13th Hunter Chairman Election Arc, the manga has persevered through various breaks to present one of the most extensive HxH storylines yet – the Succession Contest Arc. Last year, Togashi surprised readers by publishing multiple chapters, and fans eagerly anticipate more releases in the future.

In summary, the most intense battle observed in the anime was between Gon and Neferpitou, although the Chimera Ant Arc carried on for multiple episodes afterwards. However, nothing in the subsequent episodes of the anime compared to that intensity. When Gon transformed into an adult and mercilessly defeated one of the strongest characters from Hunter x Hunter, it was a breathtaking sight to witness. Nevertheless, many viewers were puzzled about the specifics of his extraordinary transformation, not to mention the Nen requirements involved. However, clues pointing towards the unique vow Gon made to obtain immense power had been subtly planted in Hunter x Hunter prior to this event.

What Is Nen in Hunter x Hunter?

Nen Forms the Power System in HxH

Every well-known shonen anime incorporates a power system, such as Devil Fruits in One Piece or Quirks in My Hero Academia. However, the power system in Hunter x Hunter stands out as being more intricate and detailed. It boasts numerous components and specialized vocabulary, each serving different functions. In essence, every living character in Hunter x Hunter holds life energy, but only a select few can channel this vitality into an energy known as Nen. From Nen, various applications can be developed and transformed into abilities. This is why the secret of Nen has been kept from the general public, who generally lack the ability to use it.

Readers are already familiar with the six fundamental Nen types, as they have been thoroughly explored throughout the storyline. Gon, being an Enhancer, primarily relies on his feelings to drive him forward. His bluntness can be amusingly over-the-top at times, and he is also self-centered when it comes to his own ambitions. This characteristic of Enhancers is what pushed Gon to such perilous extremes against Neferpitou. Conversely, Killua’s ability to Transmute classifies him as indecisive and cunning, and his survival instincts would never lead him to perform the actions Gon did. The other three common types of Nen-users are Emitters, Conjurers, and Manipulators, with Kurapika’s Specialization being the least prevalent among them.

Nen Carries Various Conditions & Limitations

Nen Can Be Boosted With Vows

The origins of the power known as Nen in Hunter x Hunter remain undisclosed, but with the storyline continually exploring the Dark Continent, fans are speculating that this enigmatic location could be the origin of Nen. Regardless of its source, users of Nen possess the ability to establish certain stipulations to enhance their abilities, a process that bears striking similarity to the Binding Vow technique in Jujutsu Kaisen, which empowers sorcerers with various benefits according to the strength of the pledge. In essence, individuals aiming to reach their maximum potential with Nen can set conditions upon themselves.

The concept of Conditions is much like the Equivalent Exchange principle seen in the anime ‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’, where one thing swaps for another. In this context, Hisoka’s magical items serve as the Conditions to ignite his Nen powers, while Melody needs a flute for her Enchanting Music skill. Illumi Zoldyck uses needles to transform individuals into puppets, but it’s important to note that objects aren’t always the necessary Conditions for Nen abilities. In the Greed Island Arc, Genthru the Bomber followed a detailed sequence of words and actions before his Countdown ability was set off.

The challenge with Nen and its stipulations lies in the restrictions they bring about. The more severe the restriction, the greater the advantage it provides. A user of Nen who vows to employ it only at specific instances or against particular targets might witness a significant enhancement, but this benefit is temporary and will vanish once they violate their promise. Managing these restrictions can be intricate, as they come with disadvantages that could potentially lead to failure. However, if the conditions are strong enough, they may result in extraordinary improvements. Yet, the limitations also bring about equally detrimental outcomes.

Kurapika Made a Nen Vow to Defeat the Phantom Troupe

Kurapika’s Vow Foreshadowed Gon’s Transformation

In the gripping battle between Kurapika and Uvogin, as far back as Episode 47, titled “Condition × And × Condition,” it was evident that Hunter x Hunter introduced the concept of Nen Vow. Uvogin, underestimating his opponent due to his perceived weakness, exhibited an air of overconfidence. This miscalculation proved costly for him as Kurapika skillfully manipulated the situation.

Uvogin, boasting the highest physical strength among the Phantom Troupe members, relentlessly tried to break Kurapika’s Chain Jail, but to no avail. It was intriguing to observe how the seemingly invincible Uvogin kept meeting his match in this seemingly weaker adversary.

In the climax of their confrontation, Kurapika revealed a crucial detail – he’s only a Conjurer when his eyes are normal. However, when they transform into the iconic shade of Kurta Scarlet, his Specialist powers surface, turning the tide of the battle in his favor. This revelation added another layer to Kurapika’s character and set the stage for the intriguing narrative that unfolded in subsequent episodes.

A later scene shows Kurapika making a vow with his Nen ability, ensuring his restraints could withstand attacks from the Phantom Troupe. This came at the cost of his life if he ever breached this promise. Essentially, Kurapika forfeited his own life in exchange for mastery over his Emperor Time technique, as employing it would diminish his lifespan significantly. Notably, Kurapika is not alone among HxH characters in making such a significant sacrifice for increased power.

Shoot Covers One Eye to Strengthen His Nen

Initially considered a coward and added unexpectedly to the Chimera Ant Elimination Team, Shoot McMahon proved his mettle in battles just as fiercely and faithfully as the rest of the squad, even against formidable opponents like Menthuthuyoupi. Interestingly, when Shoot chose to obscure one of his eyes, his fighting abilities multiplied significantly, forcing Menthuthuyoupi back. This suggests that there are numerous other hidden abilities or ‘Conditions’ that can be triggered, as demonstrated by the potential for enhanced power through visual impairment.

Gon Made an Extremely Dangerous Nen Vow

Gon Couldn’t Defeat Neferpitou Otherwise

During the Chimera Ant Arc, Gon’s Enhancer abilities maintained his intense determination towards finding Kite, even when others might have given up. It seemed as though he was the only one who held onto hope that his mentor was still alive, despite the audience witnessing Neferpitou toy with Kite’s severed head. When Gon threatened Komugi, a surgeon in the midst of a critical operation, Neferpitou felt compelled to make an untruthful promise to revive “Kite.

After securing Komugi, Neferpitou transported Gon to where Kite was last known to be. The shocking revelation that Kite had perished and couldn’t be revived left Gon reeling emotionally. As his journey had primarily been about rescuing his cherished mentor, this news plunged him into turmoil. At the time, Gon was significantly weaker than Neferpitou, yet still, he made a daring Nen Vow to balance the power dynamics. Although it’s not directly mentioned in either the manga or the anime, their dialogue implies this decision.

Gon indicated he was making a Nen Vow to harness all the power he would ever possess in his lifetime. Neferpitou added that Gon had somehow forced his body to grow rapidly so he could defeat her. However, it turned out that Gon’s determination to carry out this feat was actually his decision to never use Nen again in the future. Essentially, Gon gave up on his unlimited potential for one shot at revenge, and there was nothing anyone could do or say to change his mind. In the end, Neferpitou was nearly destroyed by Gon’s grown-up form.

Gon Was Completely Cured by a Deus Ex Machina

Nanika’s Wish-Granting Power Couldn’t Restore His Nen

Despite Neferpitou’s demise, they persisted in their attempt to rescue the Ant King. If not for Killua’s intervention, Terpsichora’s attack on Neferpitou’s remains would have claimed Adult Gon’s life. After shrinking back to his original size, Neferpitou retained his long hair. They managed to escape to safety. However, things quickly worsened when the Hunter Association’s Exorcist failed to mend Gon’s extensively damaged body. Gon lay in a hospital bed while Killua pondered a solution.

In the end, due to circumstances, Killua had no choice but to rescue his baby sister Alluka from the Zoldyck estate. This was the only way to help Gon, who was in a critical state. Alluka seemed to be under the influence of a being from the Dark Continent called Nanika, who could grant any wish as long as it adhered to a complex set of rules. Since Nanika favored Killua, she agreed to save Gon without imposing any conditions. The power to grant wishes is undoubtedly one of the most unusual abilities presented in ‘Hunter x Hunter’, and it’s unclear whether it stems from Nen or not. However, Nanika proved to be a convenient solution to bring back a hero while preserving the gravity of Gon’s situation. Although Gon is now alive and well, he can no longer use Nen.

What’s Gon Been Up to in Recent Manga Chapters?

As an ardent fan of “Hunter x Hunter,” I can’t help but reminisce about Gon, Alluka, and Killua’s extraordinary journey to the World Tree. There, we bid a temporary farewell to the Zoldyck siblings. Later on, Gon crosses paths with his father, Ging, atop this colossal tree, where he unveiled tantalizing secrets about the “outside world,” a cryptic reference to the enigmatic Dark Continent. This encounter led him to rediscover Kite, whose existence could have altered the course of Gon’s Nen abilities. Despite these dramatic events, Gon has been relatively absent in the Succession Contest Arc. However, we later find him back home on Whale Island, reveling in a tranquil life devoid of Nen with his dear aunt Mito. As the central character of “Hunter x Hunter,” fans are eagerly anticipating what’s next for Gon before the series reaches its conclusion.

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2025-05-29 22:52

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