Highlights
- Killua's character development in Hunter x Hunter is evident in his transformation from a cold and callous individual to a friendly and protective friend.
- Killua forms various friendships throughout the show, including with characters like Milluki, Zushi, and Kurapika.
- These friendships play a significant role in Killua's growth and strength as a character, with his developing abilities and the support he receives from his friends making him one of the strongest characters in the show.
Hunter x Hunter's Killua is one of the most popular characters in shonen anime, thanks to his nonchalant and brazen attitude while being badass in battle as one of the strongest transmuters. Killua starts out as a cold and callous individual, but as the show goes on, he becomes friendly with several characters, a far cry from where the character began. Much of Killua's stunted character development comes from his early childhood upbringing in the Zoldyck family, where the concept of friends seemed non-existent.
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While Killua traveled around with Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika, Killua developed his abilities to become one of the strongest characters within the show, partly due to his developing friendships.
8 Milluki
Killua's Brother
- Debut: Anime Episode 23/Manga Chapter 42
Milluki is an interesting side character in the show, as he is one of Killua's older brothers alongside Illumi. From very early on in Hunter x Hunter, Milluki and Killua are shown to have a very rocky relationship, typical for a pair of young brothers. Milluki is introduced into the show as a nerdy brother who wishes to inflict pain on Killua, as shown by Milluki whipping Killua as punishment for leaving the Zoldyck estate.
Milluki comes to aid Killua when searching for the rare and lucrative Greed Island video game, showing he cares for his brother, although both may never acknowledge it.
7 Zushi
Wing's Apprentice Alongside Killua
- Debut: Anime Episode 27/Manga Chapter 44
Zushi first appears in the Heaven's Arena arc, where he meets Gon and Killua while competing. Outside of Gon, Leorio, and Kurapika, Zushi is one of Killua's first friends in Hunter x Hunter. Killua and Zushi grow closer when they undergo Wing's Nen training alongside Gon. Killua is at first cold towards Zushi, but as time passes, Killua becomes protective of his new friend.
Zushi is harassed by 200th-floor contestant Sadaso, forcing Killua to sign up to fight immediately against one of his crew. Killua threatens the rest of the 200th-floor bullies so that Zushi is never messed with again, while also managing to get revenge when he beats his opponent, showing Killua has his back.
6 Canary
Butler To The Zoldyck Family
- Debut: Anime Episode 23/Manga Chapter 41
Despite being a part of the Zoldyck Family's large assortment of butlers, Canary still manages to become friends with Killua. Canary was Killua's first friend before the likes of Gon came around. Killua is shown asking Canary to be his friend in a flashback when they were younger.
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Canary proves her loyalty and friendship towards Killua when she helps escort Alluka and Killua to Gon's location, away from dangers such as Illumi and Hisoka. Once reaching the destination, Gon is resurrected after his injuries in the Chimera Ant Arc. Canary proves to be a true friend to Killua, even with their lack of contact throughout the story.
5 Leorio
Friends With Friction
- Debut: Anime Episode 1/Manga Chapter 2
Leorio has been a mainstay of Hunter x Hunter since the first episode, eventually becoming friends with Killua when attempting the Hunter exam alongside Gon and Kurapika. Leorio's comedic value and stubbornness often cause him to ruffle the feathers of certain characters, with Killua being in frequent annoyance and disbelief at Leorio's antics.
Leorio was present with Killua and the gang at some of the most critical moments of the show, such as their Hunter exam, rescuing Killua from his family, and the Yorknew City battle against the Phantom Troupe. Leorio has served as an underrated and underutilized character, although it is abundantly clear, he is a good friend of Killua.
4 Kurapika
Friends With Killua From The Start
- Debut: Anime Episode 1/Manga Chapter 2
Like Leorio, Kurapika meets Killua during the Hunter exam, eventually becoming his friend as the exam progresses. When the Yorknew City arc places Kurapika as the main protagonist, Killua, along with Gon and Leorio, assists Kurapika in his hunt for the Phantom Troupe despite the immense danger they would have to face.
When Kurapika initially intends to take on the troupe by himself, Gon and Killua call Kurapika, lamenting that they can help since they are friends. Killua, in particular, makes a heartfelt appeal to Kurapika, stating they should assist with the situation. Until that point in the story, Killua had not shown that type of care and passion for someone other than Gon, showing how much Killua values Kurapika's friendship.
3 Ikalgo
From Killua's Foe To Friend
- Debut: Anime Episode 100/Manga Chapter 237
Ikalgo is introduced as a Chimera Ant set on killing Killua. After Killua saves Iklago from dying to a hoard of vicious fish, Iklago returns the favor, saving Killua after he suffers almost fatal injuries due to facing Chimera Ants. Ikalgo gets Killua to a hospital and saves his life, leading to the two characters becoming great friends.
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Killua and Iklago continue their friendship as they are involved in the palace invasion effort alongside Gon, Morel, Knuckle, Meleoron, and Shoot, eventually defeating the Chimera Ants in a long, drawn-out battle.
2 Alluka
Killua's Younger Sibling
- Debut: Anime Episode 138/Manga Chapter 321
Alluka is one of Killua's younger siblings, with Killua being Alluka's only caring family member. Alluka is possessed, and shared her body with a mysterious creature called Nanika, who can grant anyone's wishes if its three demands are met. If those demands are not met, instant death comes to the person alongside potentially several others. Alluka's abilities have been viewed by the Zoldyck family as extremely dangerous and not fully understood, causing the family to lock Alluka away for their safety.
Killua happens to be the only person who fully understands Alluka and Nanika, leading to Killua escaping with Alluka in hopes of saving Gon. Once Gon is revived, Killua decides to leave Gon to spend time looking after Alluka, finally becoming a responsible big brother.
1 Gon Freecss
Killua's Best Friend
- Debut: Anime Episode 1/Manga Chapter 1
The main protagonist, Gon, is Killua's best friend throughout Hunter x Hunter. Killua meets Gon at the start of the Hunter exam, where they become instant best friends. Unlike Leorio and Kurapika, Gon and Killua stay together throughout the show, displaying their great chemistry and bonding throughout several different arcs.
At the start of Hunter x Hunter, Gon and Killua appear to be polar opposites, with Gon being cheerful and optimistic, while Killua often displays a cold and hardened attitude. Gon's influence rubs off on Killua as they spend more time together, making him more positive and friendly as the show progresses.
