After more than a decade in the making, the Hunter X Hunter anime was put on abrupt hold after the anime production ran out of manga chapters to animate. However, after the long break, the anime officially returns to Shonen Jump to relive its glory days. Togashi Yoshihiro's diverse characters, impeccable story, and fighting sequence are still relevant today. Apart from the main character, Gon, one person who stands out is Hisoka.
There is an infatuation Hisoka has for Gon that seems far-fetched and sometimes ridiculous. Gon always pushes his limits, and his development is visible throughout the series, but as his power grows, so does Hisoka's obsession with him. Gon's endurance and bravery always drive him to train, increase his power, and grasp the fundamentals of En, Ko, Gyo, Ten, Zetsu, and Hatsu.
What is Hisoka's Obsession With Gon
Right from the beginning of the hunter exam, Hisoka has had his eyes on Gon. Hisoka’s interest in Gon most likely started on the day Gon rescues Leerio from his grasp. During the exam, Hisoka swiftly takes out his opponents. When it is Leerio's time to meet his end, Gon comes to his rescue, a reckless act that also puts him in a precarious situation. At this moment, Hisoka had his fist wrapped around Gon's neck but eventually let him go. Hisoka discerns the fire and fighting spirit in Gons' eyes which impresses him and makes up his mind to fight him. All the card clown wants is to fight with the best, which explains his obsession with fighting the Phantom Troupe's leader, Chrollo Lucilfer.
Hisoka can recognize hidden potential, which he saw in Gon and nurtured into something extraordinary. As a result, no matter how often they met, killing Gon was never on his agenda. At the Heavens Arena, Hisoka had the opportunity to kill him, but he did not. When Hisoka sees him and realizes he isn't ready for battle, he leaves him be. Hisoka's obsession with Gon is the equivalent of fattening a pig for slaughter.
This fixation on Gon grew more intense after the dodgeball match. Hisoka witnessed improvement in Gon's Nen, and he became more determined to fight him. Hisoka's obsession is not perverted, as many fans believe. Regardless of Hisoka's physical appearance, his intent is clear: to put himself to the test against powerful opponents. Hisoka holds himself in high regard, and his narcissistic nature drives him to become one of the world's most fearsome fighters. Thus, his inclination to test himself among the strongest. Hisoka desired so much power that he would go to any length to protect his latest catch(Gon). An instance is when Hisoka and Ilumi Zoldyck almost fight when the latter tries to stop Killua from saving Gon.
Although the protagonist should be praised for his development as a result of his perseverance and bravery, Hisoka's role cannot be overlooked. Hisoka's constant taunts and reproach during combat always irritate Gon. This bothers Gon so much that he pushes himself to overcome all challenges and grow stronger. Hisoka is a bridge he must cross for a tenacious little hero like him. He gave Hisoka his Hunter badge as proof that he was a worthy opponent. Bold acts like these entice Hisoka even more, and when Gon lands a blow on him during the Heavens Arena tournament, one can imagine Hisoka's satisfaction that he chose the right person.
Aside from the Hunter exam, Yoshihiro's plan for the Gon's growth and power level is the Heavens Arena. It's no coincidence that the creator includes Hisoka, who plays a vital role in Gon's power manifestation. Gon's devil-may-care attitude plays right into Hisoka's hands as he grooms him to be a worthy opponent. Fans of Hunter X Hunter want a fight between Gon and Hisoka, but with the long hiatus that has put the production on hold for years, they might have to wait for a while. However, the recent release of new manga chapters is a light at the end of the dark tunnel to make this wish come true.