The Hunter Association manages those that would be given licenses in the Hunter X Hunter universe and allegedly works for an international common interest. Those interested in joining them would have to pass a rigorous exam, one containing many death-defying trials.
Though the group has proved invaluable to the series' main cast of characters, there are dozens of considerations evincing that they may not be as benevolent as they are presented. By examining the best qualities of the Association and juxtaposing them with the worst, we can better determine whether or not it should be disbanded.
10 Bad - They Gave (Literal) Licenses To Kill
The Hunter's License may have facilitated convenient travel for those who earned it, but there was a second and darker provision that made acquiring one invaluable; anyone who used it was able to kill with virtual impunity.
Considering that the exam was organized based on the merit of those taking it and not necessarily their benevolence, this condition has potential to cause unprecedented carnage on a global scale in the wrong hands and much more harm than good.
9 Good: It Cultivates Ambition & Helps People Follow Their Dreams
The Hunter's License provides an opportunity for those with otherwise bleak and dreary lives to make something of themselves. As previously mentioned, it facilitates travel across the world and adventure with the promise of boundless riches.
Subsequently, its mere existence has trained thousands of people to hone themselves to the best of their abilities and reach their highest potential even if they will never become hunters. The notion of an attainable dream is the essence of the organization's values and turns the anime world into a land of opportunity where nothing is impossible.
8 Bad: The Association Doesn't Care Whether Or Not The Licenses Are Sold
Perhaps the most irresponsible part about the Hunter's License is that it can be sold for a generous sum. Though this is usually considered ill advisable since a badge can only be earned once (and since the money it generates has higher potential than its going rate on the market), there are still a massive number of problems with this premise.
The most immediately evident is that it puts licenses into the hands of undeserving people who don't meet the Association's standards. It also grants them a previously mentioned license to kill, one that aristocrats can use irresponsibly.
7 Good: It Helped Gon Find His Father
As one of the figureheads of the Hunter Association, Ging was obliged to come out of hiding in order to help elect a new president. This put him in the sights of Leorio and subsequently Gon, the latter of whom would attempt to reunite with him during his time in the public eye.
In this regard, the organization tangentially reunited father and son after several years spent apart by the mandate it placed on Ging. Further, it validated Gon's struggles and the sacrifices he made throughout his journey.
6 Bad: Hisoka & Ilumi Both Got Licenses
In addition to allowing its hunters to kill indiscriminately, the Hunter Association doesn't screen the candidates that partake in its exams. This was proven through how Illumi Zoldyck and Hisoka Morow got licenses, both of which have displayed murderous tendencies.
They were also each members of the Phantom Troupe at one point in time, a rogue band of marauders who the Association is outspokenly against. By granting them licenses, the Association is inadvertently condoning the atrocities the villains would later commit.
5 Good: The Chairman Is Democratically Decided
After Netero's death, there was a palpable void in the Hunter Association that needled to be filled. To resolve it, they summoned everyone with a license to vote on who would be the group's next leader.
The choice to employ democracy illustrated thoughtfulness and furthered the notion that the Association served the wishes of the people. Moreover, there were a diverse number of candidates to choose from so that the hunters would have plentiful options for an ideal chairman.
4 Bad: A Sociopath Could've Led It If He Wanted To
Pariston was a Machiavellian sociopath who was able to turn the democratic process against itself. He understood how to manipulate crowds of even the most shrewd hunters and dominated Cheadle so decisively in the debates that he even handicapped himself in order to keep things interesting.
His diabolical intelligence was so considerable that Netero solely kept him around so that he'd remain on his toes. Though Pariston technically won the votes necessary to become the fourteenth chairman, his first act as leader was to resign and pass the mantle down to Cheadle. Though this saved the Association from an unprecedented disaster, it was also humiliating for his opponent.
3 Good: It Coached Its Hunters On The Use Of Nen
Since the tribulations of a hunter would invariably place one in critical danger, the Association understood the importance of making sure its subjects were properly equipped for the future. Everyone who passed the Exam was given an instructor to further their understanding of Nen for whatever they decided to do.
This was a massive boon to Kurapika and Leorio especially, who did not have the benefit of Wing's teachings. The former used his newfound gifts to defeat the Phantom Troupe, while the latter developed techniques that would ensure his viability in combat (as proven through his fight against Ging).
2 Bad: It Lessened The Sentences Of Serial Killers
One of the trials necessary to pass the Hunter Exam was to defeat a group of criminals in single combat. The villains were given an incentive to fight back; they were able to shave down their sentences for as long as they could distract their foes.
Considering that Johness (the strongest convict the heroes fought) was an incorrigible mass murderer with no regrets for his atrocities, the Association was (once again) enabling atrocities through their negligence.
1 Good: The Association Helped To Defeat The Chimera Ants
The Hunter Association played a pivotal role in quelling the threat of Meruem's chimera ants. Not only did Netero brave the NGL personally alongside his two most trusted allies, Knov and Morel, he even opened the organization's personal coffers to enlist the help of the Zoldyck family.
Though much of Meruem's bloodthirst had been abated by the time his lesser comrades were defeated and the reckoning with Isaac was at hand, he remained dangerous to the human world since the only check to his carnage was his current disposition. Netero's last act of heroism ensured that the chimera ants would never imperil anyone again.