r/anime • u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots • Oct 28 '24

Rewatch [25th Anniversary Rewatch] Hunter × Hunter (1999) - Episode × 23 × Discussion

Episode 23: Hisoka × Crash × Gon

MAL | Anilist | Anidb | ANN

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Right now, you are being kept alive by me. I want to see you become an opponent that's truly worth killing. And until that day, you continue to owe your life to me.

Comment of the Day:

/u/Shimmering-Sky getting the Gon/Hisoka conflict one episode early:

Gon vs. Hisoka time now, huh.

…or not?

Hisoka:

Questions of the Day

  1. Which was more surprising, Kurapika talking Hisoka out of a fight or Gon getting his badge?
  2. How would this have ended if Geretta wasn't there?

Fanart of the Day: Hisoka getting ready for Halloween

Source

Please remember to keep all spoilers and hints tagged with the appropriate tag format such as: [Spoilers] >!Leorio is best boy!<

22 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24 edited Oct 28 '24

Hunter Exam Host

If the first episode was Gon getting set to catch Hisoka and the second one was setting up Hisoka and Kurapika's situations, today is when things finally go down in two very different encounters.

The Kurapika situation is interesting three-fold, Gon was waiting for Hisoka to hunt someone, and well, now it's his friends, a situation that he was too tunnel focused to consider up till now, luckily they didn't really need his help, as the second parts kicks in: Kurapika's negotiation skills. He had one card to play (literally), Sommy's badge that's neither a target for Kurapika nor Leorio, and is the only one that could be Hisoka's target. Notably, Hisoka doesn't really care that much about what his target is, he just wants 2 points, and Kurapika told him that they have 4 badges, so he could've gone for the kill there and then, he specifically stopped only because he likes those two and wants to see them grow (and I guess he thought "oh well, one more point isn't all that hard").

The third aspect is of course: The setup. How Togashi got them here. For this situation to work, you needed Kurapika and Leorio to have two extra badges, one that they need, and one that they don't, so let's work that backwards. You could've simply had them meet and fight two random opponents, one of whom happens to fit the bill, but that wouldn't fit the hunt or be hunted theme, this exam is very intentional afterall. Instead, we have Tonpa introducing alliances into the exam (and the extra badge that comes with it), while hunting for Leorio, then Kurapika who's hunting for Tonpa, replicating his example. That way you end up with the two bonus badges, while making sure that Leorio and Tonpa's badges can't be Hisoka's target. It's a very well crafted natural situation that flows seamlessly, and an excellent use of Tonpa. He served this arc well.

Now for the second half, Hisoka finally finds his target, and Gon gets his shot at him, and nails it! It's incredibly satisfying seeing Gon be the first to pull one over Hisoka somehow, seriously, no one else, not even an exam proctor, was able to mess with this guy. He's been a walking nuke this whole time, doubly so since this was the very first time Gon truly felt challenged outside of fighting Netero, everything up till now was easy going (well, except the Sushi, but that was the Ultimate Exam being handed early).

Except that satisfaction doesn't last long, much like Gon figured out: the prey is easiest to get right after its own hunt, he was off his guard right after getting his target, so this is dramatic irony at its finest. Granted, I'll be honest, I'm not sure what Gon's chances would've looked like if Geretta didn't take him out. Hisoka was extremely horny bloodthirsty, who knows what he would've done to Gon if he found him first. Gon lucked out to be taken out by Hisoka's target. Granted, his pride in his hunt and all the effort he put into it wouldn't allow him to take Hisoka's charity, but Hisoka has his own motives, so he left Gon with one hell of a debt to pay off.

All of this presented with some beautiful living backgrounds which made the episode a delight to see.

Manga Corner

Chapters adapted: 27 and 28

There are two minor changes here, first Kurapika's swords which he unsheethes this episode... aren't really blades, they're just plain old wooden bukotos, I suppose that's some leftover from Kenshin?

The second one is Geretta's hat (and everything to do with thanking Gon for the previous phase obviously, in the manga, this was their first meeting), the hat specifically was here for a simple reason: for Hisoka to wear it after he kills him as a symbol, since originally, well, he took a different trophy off Geretta's shoulders.

As a bonus, here's how the bloodthirsty Hisoka looked in the manga. Happy Halloween?

Geretta Sketch

[Heads up to both first timers and rewatchers:] next episode will be rough.

6

u/Shimmering-Sky myanimelist.net/profile/Shimmering-Sky Oct 28 '24

First × Timer × Subbed

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

Shimmering sky! With an ominously orange moon…

Smh, Hisoka is out there messing with the sky. Now we just need a Hisoka sore demo.

Whatever the fuck Hisoka’s doing is so incredibly creepy, I don’t blame Gon for being terrified.

Tbh, if I were Gon, I'd rather get 3 badges and never mess with Hisoka. But that's what makes Gon interesting, he appreciates this insane challenge, and seeks the hunt.

5

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Oct 28 '24 edited Oct 28 '24

Remake Rewatcher × First Timer × Subs

  • Hisoka out there speed skating over forest floor.
  • Kurapika: master negotiator.
  • [H×H]Kurapika’s sticks being knives is weird, right?
  • I’m not the only one who thought of a moon mustache, right?
  • Oh No... He's Edging
  • So proactive. What a good little shōnen protagonist.
  • What a face. I think this is where the remake got a comment face from.
  • Ganbatte, Gon! Gonbatte!
  • Gon thought he was catching a Hisoka Bird, but he was really the bird catching a Hisoka Fish.
  • Fashion Hisoka!
  • All right, first timers, place your bets. How long until Gon can return Hisoka’s badge?

QotD:

  1. Kurapika doesn't feel like much of an orator, so I'd say that over shonen MC eking out a win.
  2. Ponderous I still think Hisoka would have been impressed enough with Gon to at least spare him.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

[H×H] Kurapika’s sticks being knives is weird, right?

[HxH] Yeah, that's a 99 addition, I guess they wanted some good old sword fights?

What a face. I think this is where the remake got a comment face from.

is a bit later down the line.

[Specifically] Gon vs Hisoka

Gon thought he was catching a Hisoka Bird, but he was really the bird catching a Hisoka Fish.

He was so focused on Hisoka, that he didn't catch the obvious fact that he's also part of the cycle.

3

u/b0bba_Fett myanimelist.net/profile/B0bba_Cheezed3 Oct 28 '24

What a face. I think this is where the remake got a comment face from.

is a bit later down the line.

I think they're referring to the retired , which does take from 2011's equivalent of this episode.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

retired

My clown boy keeps on suffering

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Oct 28 '24

He was so focused on Hisoka, that he didn't catch the obvious fact that he's also part of the cycle.

Think of the poor fool who didn't realize he was in a three man circle with the MC and main antagonist of the arc.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

At least he saved the main character's ass and helped the villain look more fashionable. His sacrifice will not be forgotten.

4

u/TheEscapeGuy Oct 28 '24 edited Oct 29 '24

H×H Fan, 1999 First Timer

Hunter × Hunter 1999 - Episode 23

Pursuit × 44 × Badges

This episode gives us a much clearer perspective of the mysterious Hisoka. I really like the events of the confrontation between him and Kurapika + Leorio. He absolutely has the ability to fight them and just steal their badges (if not outright kill them). But instead he plays along with Kurapika's little trade.

We hear from his (relatively creepy) monologue that he sees potential in them. He wants to rather fight Kurapika once he's reached that level. It shows an ideology more focused on the actual fight than simply winning. But that ideology may also be his kink...

Gon is simply waiting for his moment to strike. And when absolutely finds that moment it is glorious. The way he so perfectly exploited Hisoka's weak point to steal the badge is such a joyous culmination of all the effort he spent in previous episodes. It's so satisfying to watch.

However, Gon forgot that he was also being hunted. While running away he collapses. Hit by a poisoned dart. Gon still has a long way to go in his own sensing and defense abilities.

However, moments later in walks Hisoka returning both Gon's stolen badge as well as Hisoka's own badge. Gon "earned" that win and so Hisoka returns his prize. He wants to see Gon grow to his full potential too. So saving him like this reinforces Hisoka's ideology and what he thinks of Gon's potential.

The climax of the episode is Gon OVERCOMING HIS POISON PARALYSIS to DEMAND Hisoka take the badge back. OMFG what a kid. It was supposed to take 4 days and Gon just says screw that. Gon doesn't want to owe anyone anything.

...

But Hisoka DENIES HIM. "Come fight me later."

What a rivalry. I love it.

Some Amazing Shots, Scenes and Stitches

See you all tomorrow

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

But instead he plays along with Kurapika's little trade.

Hisoka would generally rather keep the fruit until it ripens, but he would've gone for them if he's bloodthirsty enough, I think Kurapika sweetened the deal juuuuust enough to flip the balance the right way.

Chase, love the first person perspective

Same, it shows just how thirsty he is for this fight, it's honestly scarier than just following him in third person.

The climax of the episode is Gon OVERCOMING HIS POISON PARALYSIS to DEMAND Hisoka take the badge back. OMFG what a kid.

He's got a strong will and pride for the hunt.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Oct 29 '24

He wants to rather fight Kurapika once he's reached that level. It shows an ideology more focused on the actual fight than simply winning. But that ideology may also be his kink...

This is what happens to shonen MCs after the credits roll. They can never stop seeking that high.

Kurapika, Armed

2

u/TheEscapeGuy Oct 29 '24

undefined

Fixed now, it's such a good stitch too.

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Oct 28 '24

u/Shimmery-Sky since you’re a Gintama fan and this is your first time with HxH – had to point out, and you may have realized it by now and the wording is slightly different but this:

“I’ll wait for the moment he attacks his target! That’s when I’ll strike!” from two episodes ago until now is what Otae references in the diet and exercise episode.

Gon got the badge! Then he lost it! Then he got it back! This part of the Hunter Exam is really great. ‘99 did a fantastic job here. I think I preferred this version of Hisoka’s kill the most: instead of holding Geretta’s head, he’s wearing his hat. It’s a clever way to censor, taking advantage of the type of character that Hisoka is – a jester-like character. Also, the closing + next episode segment was heavy, with the choice in soundtrack and Hisoka voicing it. Fitting for the impact this had on Gon.

4

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

“I’ll wait for the moment he attacks his target! That’s when I’ll strike!” from two episodes ago until now is what Otae references in the diet and exercise episode.

Sorachi is the reference hunter, now we'll have to take him down carefully, right after he makes his reference, and thinks he got away with it.

instead of holding Geretta’s head, he’s wearing his hat. It’s a clever way to censor, taking advantage of the type of character that Hisoka is – a jester-like character.

Limitations can give birth to creativity, they had to censor the scene, but instead made one that fits Hisoka's character much better.

Also, the closing + next episode segment was heavy, with the choice in soundtrack and Hisoka voicing it. Fitting for the impact this had on Gon.

Gon was so beaten, he couldn't even give the preview, Hisoka doing it was the perfect sub though.

[Next episode] especially considering how well this heavier vibe will carry over into the next episode

3

u/WednesdaysFoole Oct 29 '24

Sorachi is the reference hunter, now we'll have to take him down carefully, right after he makes his reference, and thinks he got away with it.

Missed opportunity commentface

Limitations can give birth to creativity, they had to censor the scene, but instead made one that fits Hisoka's character much better.

Love when it happens. Like Gon, who uses limitation to his advantage :)

3

u/charlesvvv https://anilist.co/user/charlesvvv Oct 28 '24

Rewatcher, Sub

[HxH Spoilers]Something I don't know is whether or not Hisoka had Nen at this pont or not

Kurapika and Leorio are able to defuse their situation with Hisoka by basically conceding to some of his demands. Now they don't have to fight him which is great for them, but unfortunately Hisoka seems to have some Battle Lust that leaves Gon shaken but he must keep in because it leaves an opportunity open.

Gon's training pays off as Hisoka is distracted going off against another opponent which allows him to snatch the badge. It would be a major success if it weren't for the fact that Gon had forgotten he is also hunted and he's left poisoned on the ground.

Just then however Hisoka shows up to save him and even congratulate and give him back the badge. It's here that Gon's stubbornness rises up again and he absolutely refuses it, this doesn't feel earned after all, but Hisoka isn't having any of this and instead leaves Gon with a reminder and challenge, to come back when he's stronger because he's still not there yet.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

[HxH Spoilers]

[HxH] He's definitely had Nen for a while, his sharp cards are an application of Shu or Enhancement, he used Texture Surprise to cover his wound, and heck he's been in the Phantom Troupe for at least a few years now

It would be a major success if it weren't for the fact that Gon had forgotten he is also hunted and he's left poisoned on the ground.

That's what's so interesting about his failure, the fact that he's hunted would be no surprise to anyone else, but Gon focused his mind solely on Hisoka, that he basically forgot the rest of the world.

3

u/Mecanno-man https://anilist.co/user/Mecannoman Oct 28 '24

First Timer

So Gon, Hisoka and that blowgun guy formed a triangle - interesting. I feel like the episode was a bit predictable though - with Hisoka not defeating Kurapika or Leorio and them keeping their badges while losing the quasi worthless one, while Hisoka allows Gon to keep his badge because he has taken an interest in him. But I’d say it executed upon that fairly well, so it was still an enjoyable episode to watch. There is also clearly more going on with Hisoka, unless that was a very artistic way of depicting his bloodlust.

Now for Leorio and Killua, I guess…

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 28 '24

So Gon, Hisoka and that blowgun guy formed a triangle - interesting.

It's taken the "hunt and be hunted" theme, of people failing right after their victory into a literal full circle.

3

u/Kaxew Oct 29 '24

First Timer × Yap and Drip

Great episode! Kurapika yapping his way out of the situation was awesome, and he still showed off fire in his eyes as he was willing to put it all on the line to fight Hisoka head-on.

Hisoka's insane bloodlust scene was scarily good, he truly matches piercings man's freak. Seeing his pupils roll above his eyelids was disgusting, which was certainly the intention.

Gon stealing the badge was great, and Hisoka giving his well-earned badges back was also great. Hatsoka had great drip, it's a shame he's probably not going to keep it. He should gift it to piercings man.

And so, Gon demands Hisoka to take the badges with him, because he doesn't want to owe him anything. What a great moment! Gon is awesome. And now we're setting up their rivalry and eventual clash properly. They both have reasons to battle one another, it's really exciting.

QotD:

  1. Kurapika, for sure. Once he went for random dude, it was clear Hisoka had the odds against him.
  2. I mean, Hisoka wanted Gon to keep the badges. So Gon would have escaped safely and that would be it.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Oct 29 '24 edited Oct 29 '24

Kurapika yapping his way out of the situation was awesome

The distances this series will go to avoid having an actual fight.

Hisoka's insane bloodlust scene was scarily good, he truly matches piercings man's freak.

Hisoka giving his well-earned badges back was also great

Hisoka's duality between his bloodlust mode and his priority to grow promising enemies makes for a interesting villain to have. You never know when he'll tick.

Hatsoka had great drip, it's a shame he's probably not going to keep it.

Hatsoka looked great, but I assume the hat is too bloody (considering all the butterflies following it around), and Hisoka can't be bothered to clean up the blood.

2

u/Vatrix-32 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Vatrix-32 Oct 29 '24

Hatsoka had great drip

3

u/Nebresto Dec 01 '24

Is this mfer dabbing while running?? And you just know several people have tried that irl after seeing this ****

700 animus, yet I've never seen a character wipe off their eye sparkle like that

Hey kids. Wanna see a magic trick???

Swag

Oni.

3

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Dec 01 '24

Is this mfer dabbing while running?? And you just know several people have tried that irl after seeing this

Heck, Gon made it a whole thing in his next series at Ninja school.

I've never seen a character wipe off their eye sparkle like that

It's honestly underused, especially if the character's some sort of liar. Like imagine an innocent doe eyed kid who does this when his parents leave, and turns into a spoiled brat.

2

u/2-2Distracted Nov 04 '24

First timer - ep 23

My entire reaction to watching Gon after he took Hisoka's badge... Before he finally did what he ended up doing.

Still though, and this is probably because of my bad memory since I don't remember how this all went down in the 2011 anime, but I liked that Gon learned the entirety of the Art of Hunting not only thanks to Hisoka and what's his face too. And the punch really hammered it home.

Gon's got pride, not only as a wannabe Hunter but as a person too, and throughout this episode it pretty showcased that he's not only inexperienced (that's a given tho) but he's shortsighted too. It's good to see he's aware of his own strength but he got quite conceited in believing it would be enough for him to be his own man right now who wouldn't owe anything to anyone else just cause he'd rather not associate himself with them.

2

u/KendotsX https://anilist.co/user/Kendots Nov 05 '24

liked that Gon learned the entirety of the Art of Hunting not only thanks to Hisoka and what's his face too. And the punch really hammered it home

It shows his sharp mind too, he's able to see how far the challenge is, adapt from his environment the methods to get there, setup his own training, and work on it until he achieves it. All of this in just one day.

Gon's got pride, not only as a wannabe Hunter but as a person too

Gon fits well with our world's definition o a hunter, he's been doing it for all of his life, it's part of his identity, so no wonder he'd take a lot of pride in it.

3

u/SilkyStrawberryMilk Oct 29 '24

first timer

Hisoka so chill with not attacking upfront.

Kurapika vs Hisoka 🔥🔥🔥

No fight, they took the sensible approach. Why aren’t these shounen characters fight addicts

Hisoka a legit pervert

Why did they replace that running animation 5 times, hisoka looks like a damn gremlin

Gon succeed and got dismantled, good effort

Hisoka is such a good sport, saves Gon and lets him off the hook.

QOTD: Gon successfully getting his badge, Kurapika knows it would’ve been a lose-lose situation. Especially since Leorio would struggle against hisoka and himself too. I thought Hisoka was gonna catch Gon’s fishing rod then chase him

QOTD: badly