Hunter x Hunter is a beloved anime, rich with unforgettable characters, captivating arcs, nefarious villains, and one of the most expansive anime worlds. It follows the story of Gon Freecs, a young boy seeking to become a Hunter so that he may find his father. He encounters various trials, trying tests, varied characters, and important lessons along the way.
Yoshihiro Togashi, the author, cites his motivation for creating the story as being tied to his love for collecting. The anime has many life lessons to impart to its viewers, centered around friendship, presence, and courage. These quotes are quite the collectors' items.
10 "You Should Enjoy The Little Detours To The Fullest. Because That's Where You'll Find The Things More Important Than What You Want." — Ging Freecss
Ging Freecs is anime's epitome of an absentee father. Despite this, his son and Hunter x Hunter's main protagonist, Gon, has no ill will towards him. Gon simply wishes to understand how being a Hunter could lead to Ging abandoning his son. When Ging and Gon finally meet and speak about their adventures, Ging speaks this memorable line.
It serves as Ging's exhortation to Gon and the audience to enjoy the little moments along the way. It is alright to have a main goal, but the journey must be intentionally experienced. Gon's path to being a Hunter to find his father gave him friends, values, and defining moments. Enjoying these types of things is the stuff of life.
9 "In The Hands Of An Incompetent, Power Brings Nothing But Ruin." — Meruem
Meruem is the key antagonist of the Chimera Ant Arc, an award-winning arc revered by anime fans worldwide. Meruem is a genius and extremely powerful, initially hellbent on destroying humanity. Given his high intellect, he has qualms with certain aspects of human society.
Upon learning that human hierarchies were based on bloodlines and connections as opposed to merit, competence, and power, he utters this painful truth. He desires to purge earth from haughty officials who have everything by oppressing the poor and creating a world with no inequality.
8 "You Believe I Cannot Pray With A Single Arm? A Prayer Comes From The Heart." — Isaac Netero
Netero was the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association. The strongest nen-user during his youth, Netero retained a vast amount of his prowess and abilities even in his old age. As Meruem's opponent, Netero is overwhelmed by Meruem's power. Having lost his right leg, then his left arm, Netero tells Meruem the above.
Netero's resolve is unwavering and he continues battling after losing all his Nen. This causes Meruem to honor him, marveling at humanity's ability to surpass its limits and hailing Netero as the standard. Netero's words leave a deep imprint and are a reminder to always strive.
7 "No Matter The Pain, I Will Keep Living. So, When I Die, I'll Feel I Did The Best I Could." – Koala
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Koala is a chimera ant that has the form of a pink koala. Unlike many chimera ants who lost their memories after being reborn, Koala has somewhat managed to retain his. While speaking to Kite, Koala says that he was an assassin in his human life, and he took this line of work as it was easy.
Koala confesses his guilt at having taken a young girl's life despite his intention being to save her from the torture she would have been subjected to. This quote urges doing the hard things that will leave a sense of fulfillment and pride.
6 "Gon, You Are Light. But Sometimes You Shine So Brightly, I Must Look Away. Even So, Is It Still Okay If I Stay At Your Side?" — Killua
Kite is one of Gon's mentors and teachers during the Chimera Ant Arc. When they infiltrate the Neo-Green Life complex while looking for the ants' nest, Neferpitou shows up and cuts off Kite's arm. Killua incapacitates Gon and quickly escapes with him, judging the battle to be too much for their abilities and deciphering that Kite will die.
When Gon awakens, his absolute faith in the fact that Kite is alive coupled with his trust in Killua's assessment leads to Killua realizing how innocent Gon is. Feeling grateful to be his friend, Killua thinks the above, a testament to one of anime's purest friendships.
5 "I Do Not Fear Death. I Fear Only That My Rage Will Fade Over Time." — Kurapika
Kurapika is the last surviving member of the Kurta clan. At the age of 12, his entire clan was massacred. The clan's eyes are considered rare jewels, and 35 pairs are scattered throughout the world. After obtaining his Hunter license, Kurapika begins a destructive journey to avenge his clan's murder and collect all the remaining Kurta eyeballs.
This leads to his ruthless deeds in the Yorknew City Arc and his eventual triumph over the Phantom Troupe. His rage, this quote, and subsequent deeds serve as a warning. Letting go of hate and anger frees space to experience love and companionship, which Kurapika disregards.
4 "Whenever Humans Encounter The Unknown, They Tend To Lose Perspective." — Knov
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Knov is one of the Hunters recruited as exterminators during the Chimera Ant Arc. Given his hide-and-seek ability, which places exit and entry points that can be conjured at will, he is a critical part of the team. Knov is a serious, calculating, and slightly paranoid Hunter.
Upon encountering a beat-down Gon and Killua, he utters this quote to Killua, mocking his assertion that they might be no match for Neferpitou. In an ironic twist, Knov has a mental breakdown upon encountering Shaiapouf's aura, something he does not understand. It reveals that his statement is part of the human condition, not something to be frowned upon.
3 "An Apology Is A Promise To Do Things Differently Next Time, And To Keep The Promise" — Ging Freecss
Ging Freecs is not obtuse to the fact that he is an absentee dad. He's actually quite aware of this, and during his and Gon's first meeting, admits he is not sure about seeing a son he left due to selfish reasons. As the two speak and share tales of their escapades, Ging reminds Gon of the importance of honest apologies.
Maintaining bonds and being true to one's words are useful traits to have that will help Gon along the path he has chosen. As much as Ging is not present in Gon's life, the life lessons he imparts during their brief encounter are timeless.
2 "If I Were The Only Person Who Really Loved You In The Whole World, Well, Would That Make You Sad?" — Killua
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Alluka Zoldyck is Killua's younger sister. Under unrevealed circumstances, she was possessed by a dark spirit that the family named Nanika. The spirit's power is to grant wishes, albeit at the cost of human lives. Due to this and the family's fear and inability to control her, she is locked up and ostracized.
Killua decides to escape with her to gain Nanika's help in healing Gon. After Gon's healing, Killua demands that Nanika disappears. This angers Alluka when she comes to, leading Killua to realize his mistake. When Nanika reappears, Killua says the above words, and the power of genuine care to move even a dark spirit produces one of the anime's finest emotional moments.
1 "When I Say It Doesn't Hurt Me, That Means I Can Bear It." — Killua
Killua has been brought up in a family of assassins. His father has earmarked him to take over the family business, given his exceptional skill, nen use, and ruthlessness. However, Killua wants to carve out a different path for himself, and through his interactions with Gon, realizes that he wants to protect his sister.
As his brother tortures Killua upon his return to the Zoldyck residence, Killua says this as he breaks free. The quote speaks to Killua's mental fortitude and framing of events, using his grit and resilience to calmly power through the toughest situations.