Just a gal who's a bit (a lot actually) obsessed with Hunter x Hunter. I might occasionally talk about other things that I love, like ASOIAF, Dragon Age, and Mass Effect.
What are your favorite fanon things you accept as canon in your heart?
For me personally, Gon has freckles even if his character design actually doesn’t. And he still has a scar from Kon in his arm. Gon to me also has a small tooth gap between his front teeth and dimples.
I subscribe to the headcanon of Gon being tan, having freckles, and having a gap tooth. It just matches him so well, and I love seeing fanart of it. I also would imagine him having a big scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou.
Yessssssssssssssss! I agreee with all of this! Do you think Killua would have lichtenburg scars from his electric torture training? I also expanded on that last point, If Gon has a scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou then Killua has a borderline obsession with it. Like stroking the scar with his finger or making sure to always hold that hand in particular
Killua totally would have all kinds of scars from his torture sessions. And I totally agree that Killua would be obsessed with Gon's scar. I think he would love and hate it at the same time. He would hate it because it would remind him of the worst moment of his life, but he would also love it in a way because it would remind him that Gon is still here alive with him. They would both be very tender with each other and be in deep thought about the other scars.
Adding on, I think Killua has werid habits from recent trauma and past horrible abuse. So Killua really likes to lay his head on Gon chest to hear his heartbeat and even match his own heart to match. Or listening to Gon breathing when he sleeps or staring intently at his neck knowing there’s blood there pumping keeping him alive. This includes him getting the habit of stroking Gon pulse point on his wrists. He especially does this to the scarred from Pitou arm.
Yessss!! I love the idea of that. Killua loving to hear Gon's heartbeat while sleeping is so cute! And I feel like it would be in character, too. I honestly can see Gon doing the same tbh.
I honestly see Gon doing the same, especially knowing he has canonical abandonment issues. He wants to know if Killua is still next to him and safe. (Though I will mention I see him using mainly his nose for this, Killua slight scent of ozone makes Gon feel safe. Gon will sniff the people he loves including Killua)
What are your favorite fanon things you accept as canon in your heart?
For me personally, Gon has freckles even if his character design actually doesn’t. And he still has a scar from Kon in his arm. Gon to me also has a small tooth gap between his front teeth and dimples.
I subscribe to the headcanon of Gon being tan, having freckles, and having a gap tooth. It just matches him so well, and I love seeing fanart of it. I also would imagine him having a big scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou.
Yessssssssssssssss! I agreee with all of this! Do you think Killua would have lichtenburg scars from his electric torture training? I also expanded on that last point, If Gon has a scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou then Killua has a borderline obsession with it. Like stroking the scar with his finger or making sure to always hold that hand in particular
Killua totally would have all kinds of scars from his torture sessions. And I totally agree that Killua would be obsessed with Gon's scar. I think he would love and hate it at the same time. He would hate it because it would remind him of the worst moment of his life, but he would also love it in a way because it would remind him that Gon is still here alive with him. They would both be very tender with each other and be in deep thought about the other scars.
Adding on, I think Killua has werid habits from recent trauma and past horrible abuse. So Killua really likes to lay his head on Gon chest to hear his heartbeat and even match his own heart to match. Or listening to Gon breathing when he sleeps or staring intently at his neck knowing there’s blood there pumping keeping him alive. This includes him getting the habit of stroking Gon pulse point on his wrists. He especially does this to the scarred from Pitou arm.
Yessss!! I love the idea of that. Killua loving to hear Gon's heartbeat while sleeping is so cute! And I feel like it would be in character, too. I honestly can see Gon doing the same tbh.
What are your favorite fanon things you accept as canon in your heart?
For me personally, Gon has freckles even if his character design actually doesn’t. And he still has a scar from Kon in his arm. Gon to me also has a small tooth gap between his front teeth and dimples.
I subscribe to the headcanon of Gon being tan, having freckles, and having a gap tooth. It just matches him so well, and I love seeing fanart of it. I also would imagine him having a big scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou.
Yessssssssssssssss! I agreee with all of this! Do you think Killua would have lichtenburg scars from his electric torture training? I also expanded on that last point, If Gon has a scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou then Killua has a borderline obsession with it. Like stroking the scar with his finger or making sure to always hold that hand in particular
Killua totally would have all kinds of scars from his torture sessions. And I totally agree that Killua would be obsessed with Gon's scar. I think he would love and hate it at the same time. He would hate it because it would remind him of the worst moment of his life, but he would also love it in a way because it would remind him that Gon is still here alive with him. They would both be very tender with each other and be in deep thought about the other scars.
What are your favorite fanon things you accept as canon in your heart?
For me personally, Gon has freckles even if his character design actually doesn’t. And he still has a scar from Kon in his arm. Gon to me also has a small tooth gap between his front teeth and dimples.
I subscribe to the headcanon of Gon being tan, having freckles, and having a gap tooth. It just matches him so well, and I love seeing fanart of it. I also would imagine him having a big scar on his arm from his fight with Pitou.
Codependency is a common topic when discussing Gon and Killua's relationship, and I wanted to share my thoughts because I think I'm in the minority in this topic.
Side note: This is a very long post. I want to be as honest as I can with debating this topic and explain why I think their relationship isn't codependent, but also explaining why I can see the other believing that it is codependency. Feel free to disagree with me and tell me your thoughts. Btw you guys voted for one post, so you guys better read this all the way through.😤
Here are a couple of sites if you want to learn more about codependency.
Codependency is a dysfunctional relationship dynamic in which one person assumes the role of “the giver,” sacrificing their own needs and we
Personally, I do not see their relationship as codependent as codependency is losing your individuality and ignoring your needs to completely devote yourself to a certain person while that person is heavily reliant on you and they never hold responsibility and continue to use and take from you while never giving anything in return. And to me, Killua never does that (I'll explain this when talking about specific moments), and Gon doesn't really display "the taker" traits and actually actively opposes that role.
Also, codependency involves the caregiver usually being resentful and feeling numb, but Killua seems to have fun the majority of the time. I will agree that there are some signs here and there, but overall, the codependency label kinda falls flat when truly examining their friendship, the situations they're in, and their reactions to it. In short, the context matters.
The first thing to note is that Killua does display the background check of codependency. People who come from abusive families are more likely to engage in codependent relationships. But I believe Killua's story is about escaping that abuse and finding himself, not getting into another abusive relationship, and I think he did that successfully. He never makes Gon his entire life. He just cares about him immensely.
Another thing to note is that Killua is very vocal. He voices his opinion all the time, and he doesn't enable Gon at all. He lets him know every time he's being stupid and when he disagrees with him. And Gon allows him to voice his opinion. In fact, he encourages him to, and he asks for his input constantly while also contributing. That kind of stuff is not present in codependent relationships. The caregiver is constantly afraid to speak up in fear of losing their relationship, but Killua is almost never afraid to speak up. Sure, he has a hard time saying no to him sometimes, but usually Gon has good points to argue his case, and Killua comes to the conclusion and even enhances the plan. Killua isn't a doormat. He keeps his power and never loses his voice.
Their goals:
Gon: Become a hunter and find his dad.
Killua: He doesn't have a goal yet, but he does say that he just wants to be a kid and be friends with Gon, and his journey with Gon is literally accomplishing that. But he's not making Gon is goal, Gon is just a part of it. Not to mention, when he does find his purpose; protecting Alluka/Nanika, he leaves Gon to pursue it. Gon is Killua's inspiration to finally be himself and discover what he truly wants in life. This isn't codependency.
Now, I want to speak about some moments that people use to prove that they have a codependent relationship and push back against the codependency claim.
Heaven's Arena arc
Why it can be considered as codependency: No one really brings this up, but I wanted to talk about this arc as a whole because it does have early codependency material here that I feel I should point out. The whole reason they're here is specifically because of Gon. Killua does sacrifice his Heaven's Arena journey at the very beginning to go alongside Gon, and he turns down Wing when he offers him to train with Zushi while Gon recovers so he can train with Gon. He says to Wing when asked their true goal here, "we're here because Gon wants to fight a guy named Hisoka, that's all." That is Gons' goal, not Killua. But this seems to be Killua just wanting to enjoy this experience with his new friend, not someone whose only purpose in life is Gon.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Remember Heaven's Areana was Killua's idea. Gon was the one not sure what to do next, and Killua is the one who organizes what was next for them. Then, later, when they discover nen, Killua redirects their goalpost with going to the top floor. Killua finds out the secret of Zushi and convinces Wing to teach them entirely on his own will. Killua wants this knowledge to know more about Illumi's powers, nothing to do with Gon. When they do reach the 200 floor and Gon gets injured, this is the real test of codependency; Killua's reaction. Killua is annoyed and disappointed in Gon. He scolds him and calls him a moron. He doesn't see it as admirable and doesn't endorse it. He calls it stupid because that's exactly what it was. Then, at the very end, Killua states, "we met all our goals." Note the wording there. He says we. Killua considers that he had goals and meeting them.
The promise underneath the stars (I talk about their goals here again)
Why it can be considered as codependency: It may seem codependent when Killua talks about not having any idea what to do with his life. "I don't have a plan. I guess I'll go along with you." He seems to attach himself to Gon. But there's more to this.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Killua ends it by saying, "until I find something to do." The statement implies that this will eventually end. That Killua wouldn't be following Gon and only doing things he wants. Codependency runs on unspoken need and denial, but this is a problem that is addressed and has a time limit. And the thing is, Killua does exactly this in the election arc. Another thing to point out is Gon's words: "It'll be a journey for me to find my dad and for you to find out what you want to do." These two both have a purpose that will be met in the future, and Killua's is individuality. Gon isn't recruiting a person to follow him blindly. He's going on an adventure with his friend, and Killua wants to go too.
"It's my job to be reckless, and it's your job to keep me in check."-Gon
Why it can be considered as codependency: Looking at this quote out of context it is definitely alarming, to say the least. Gon is assigning roles here as him as the risk taker and Killua as the babysitter, but after reading and analyzing the whole scene, the codependent take kinda shatters imo. However, it is understandable to see it as such as it's still an unfair and heavy burden to ask on Killua however he interprets it.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Gon is essentially saying, "I do not want you to risk your life for me." He is rejecting Killua's sacrifice here. In codependency, one person usually holds all control and responsibility (Killua) while the other is in need of rescuing and never taking responsibility (Gon). This is not Gon and Killuas' friendship or what is really happening here. Both boys are assigned a role; Gon being the risk taker and Killua as the rational one to make sure that Gon never goes too far. He isn't asking Killua to take care of him as you ask someone to take care of someone who is unable to stand on their own two feet, only to help him when he needs it as he would with Killua (I mean, he literally did when Killua almost sacrificed himself). That's friendship and, more specifically, that's a healthy relationship. Codependency requires both sides, enabling each others behaviors. What Gon offers is a give and take, which codependency doesn't truly have. Gon gives Killua authority and value, and Gon receives an anchor and companionship. Killua gives Gon stability and his trust, and Killua receives a sense of self-worth and a purpose. They both are helping each other, not Gon using Killua.
One thing that I would like to mention is that this quote is Gon admitting to a flaw of his. He knows that he can be reckless and stubborn to a fault. But he never really states this as "Killua, I need you, don't let me down." It's "I can be pretty stupid at times, and I need to be called out." He encourages Killua to challenge him when he needs it. That is very mature and a very healthy trait to have.
The dodgeball scene
Why it can be considered as codependency: This is probably the biggest piece of evidence as codependent. Killua does bring some codependent traits here. Killua sacrifices his hands to win a dodgeball game for Gons' goals. And he actively hides it from Gon. Killuas need to feel useful is visiable here. But rather using the word codependency, I think this moment is mutual trust.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: While Killua does display the giver role, Gon, on the other hand, isn't fulfilling the "taker" role. Gon is giving his complete trust to Killua, and that's something that couldn't be transferred to the others like Tsezguerra, Hisoka, or even Bisky. Gon isn't saying, "Killua, you have to do this for me." This is a partnership. This is something they both want to do. Killus wants to do this, and Gon is respecting that and allowing that because they're partners. They aren't people who can't live without one other.
I know what y'all are thinking or about to type. What about when you said that Gon stopping Killua from sacrificing himself when they were trapped by the Phantom Troupe was evidence against codependency? Gon is saying the same in both situations. Gon is saying, "You are not worth less than me, and you don't get to act like you are." Sometimes that requires stopping Killua, and sometimes that requires trusting him. Codependency can't tell the difference between the two. Gon can. That discernment is the argument.
The light scene
Why it can be considered as codependency: I think it depends on your interpretation of whether this is an example of codependency. If you see this scene as Killua putting Gon on a pedestal and talking down on himself asking "can I still stand by your stand?" It seems to indicate that Killua feels that he doesn't deserve to be by Gon's side. If you interpret it this way, then I totally get why people describe their relationship as codependent during the CAA. But I do not interpret this scene like that.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Killua does have low self-esteem. It is clearly shown that here, but it is way more than that. There are other important things happening. The first thing Gon does when waking up is thanking Killua, and Killua can't even understand why Gon is thanking him. "Why? Why thank me?" But Gon responds with acknowledging that if he lost control, he would've put all three of them in danger. Killua, who was probably expecting Gon to be angry with him for taking away his choice, is instead thanked by him. Then Gon tells Killua that Kite is still alive and that he needs help. Killua is literally in awe when Gon says this. The light is a metaphor for hope/optimism. Killua isn't becoming dependent on Gon. He's learning to have hope. He wants to have hope. So he chooses it and believes alongside Gon. He's not putting him a pedestal. This is just Gon inspiring him.
Then, we have another reading into this scene. Does Killua fall in love with Gon during this scene. I believe so. So if we're putting that interpretation into account. The "but still, can I still stand by your stand" line isn't just about having low self-esteem. It's also someone who's scared of losing someone they love, which is a normal thing to feel when you have feeling for someone, especially for queer kids.
I think Togashi put a mix of all this in this scene. Killua's wound caused by his family is definitely present here, not wanting to feel useless and afraid of losing his closing bond is apart of Killua's arc, but it later gets resolved by Killua physically removing it, so he can finally be free to choose himself. Then Gon inspires Killua in a way that was never allowed to him and actively chooses to embrace Gon's "light." And finally, we have Killuas' final thoughts. His frightened question: if he can stay by Gons' side, that is the sound of an old wound and of a heart opening. The question is hidden beneath the needle, which is why he can't hear that Gon has been answering it in his usual stubborn way, "Of course, that was never in question." Killua removes the needle and then gets the answer to his question. The answer isn't Gon rescuing him from him needing Gon. It's Killua deciding for himself that he gets to stay. That isn't Killua leaving dependency. It's someone who is finally being loved enough to be able to choose for himself.
"Gon, I'm sorry. I couldn't be of any use" -Killua
Why it can be considered as codependency: Killuas 'last words' do sound codependent. The word he uses is very telling here. "I couldn't be of any use." It's almost as if he's only putting value in himself depending on how useful he is to Gon. But I think it kinda misses some other aspects of this scene.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Remember this was after seeing Kite and then witnessing Gons' small breakdown when faced with Morel. Killua knows how affected Gon is right now and knows that Gon is reckless. Gon proclaimed that he would take Pitou on by himself. I just think Killua wants to be there for him as most true friends would want. Yes, the word 'use' is worrisome, but I feel like it's actually kinda normal here. It's normal to want to feel and be useful to people you love, especially going through a dark time. I never really got the feeling that Killua thinks that his sole purpose is to be useful to Gon because Gon never made him feel like that. His family did. He uses the word "use" because his vocabulary is limited. But I truly believe he meant to say, "I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you when you need me the most."
"Oh, but I won't budge, so it's okay. He'll protest but have to give in."-Gon
Why it can be considered as codependency: It can feel like their relationship has a power imbalance favoring Gon. But codependency doesn't involve arguing. Codependency would mean Killua would just shut up and do as Gon says because he fears that Gon will leave him. But that's not what Gon is insinuating in this quote.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: This is just Gon knowing Killua. Killua would have an issue. He would argue against it, but Gon would be stubborn and try to reason with him as he usually does. These are just two close friends who know each other and have arguments as most friends do. Something to point out too is that when Gon and Killua talk on the phone, Gon tells him about Meleoron, Killua doesn't even tell Gon about Ikalgo. I would argue that that's worse than when Gon said that he wouldn't budge about trusting Meleoron.
Gon's breakdown and Killua's reaction to it
Why it can be considered as codependency: People site this moment as Killua being afraid to speak up against Gon. And that Killua is being the giver here again, sacrificing his needs for Gon. But is that what's really happening here? I don't think so. But this does seem to be the first time Gon is angry because Killua is not reacting the same way he's reacting, and that can be a sign of codependency, but Killua's reaction is what makes this not codependency.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: If Killua feared abandonment and rejection to an extreme point of it being labeled as codependent, then Killua's reaction would try to mirror Gon's, but he doesn't. He doesn’t even stay silent. He yells at him and calms him down, and Gon listens to him despite his rage. This is not a moment of codependency, this is a moment of someone seeing someone they love go down a path of despair and destruction, and it hurts Killua to witness it. He doesn't know what to do. Not because he's scared of abandonment, but of Gon losing himself. Killua has a normal reaction here.
"It means nothing to you." These are Gons' words to Killua. But this isn't really Gon, and Killua knows this. This isn't how their relationship operates, not even in the slightest, which is why Killua told him to get ahold of himself. Killua does not enable Gons behavior, which is something someone who's in a codependent relationship would do.
Killuas confession in the hospital: The end of the "codependent" relationship
Why it can be considered as codependency: This scene can feel like someone leaving a codependent relationship. Killua's line, "You run ahead, I clean up your mess, every time," does describe a caretaker role. It's real, and it is a recurring lopsided pattern. Killua does feel the need to feel useful, as said during the scene where Killua almost dies. Those two traits are found in codependency. However, those two can be read as innocent as well: the pattern is a description of Gons' recklessness more than Killua's need, and the "use" line is tangled with abterm that the Zoldyck family hammered inside him.
Why I wouldn't consider it codependent: Simply because I never even considered their relationship as codependent. They just never truly had consistent signs of codependency. Here are reasons why:
They separate at times and never suffer from separation anxiety.
They bicker and blame each other without any type of fear.
Killua keeps independent resources, an independent information life, and independent relationships (Ikalgo, Palm, Alluka)
He negotiates risk with Gon as an equal
Strike actually contracts
Invoices his sacrifices for authority in return
He holds a separate emotional position (calm while Gon rages)
When Gon says the cruelest possible thing, Killua stays intact and stays hurt. Which requires a boundary.
He makes demands. He expects reciprocity.
In the end, his love for Gon expands his world, not shrinks it. Which leads him to Alluka.
And all this evidence is found across throughout the story in every arc. These are the main reasons why I never believed their relationship was codependent. Because it was never consistent with codependent traits throughout the story. There were just times when their relationship had problems, and their self-sacrifice became a little too unhealthy at times.
What term would I use to describe their relationship instead?
Interdependence: Interdependence (or interdependency) suggests that partners recognize and value the importance of the emotional bond they share while maintaining a solid sense of self within the relationship dynamic. That's the word I would use for this relationship. They mostly share a positive and healthy relationship with occasional rocky moments. But at the end of the day, they are separate people who support each other constantly and have individual goals. Gon's is finding his dad, and Killua escapes his family to finally make friends and enjoy being a kid and then leaves to protect Alluka/Nanika. Never once did I feel like Killua and Gon were heavily dependent on each other in unhealthy ways. Are there some moments of ugliness? Yes, there is, but that ugliness never outshines the good potion, nor does it define their relationship.
I'm not trying to be rude, but if you believe that Gon and Killua have a codependent relationship, then you have to believe that they have an unhealthy relationship. Because codependency is quite literally an unhealthy relationship. Just because they have some ugly/unhealthy moments in their relationship (as most relationships have), it doesn't equate to codependency. Killua/Gon having some traits/moments of codependency doesn't mean their relationship is automatically codependent cause if that were the case, a lot of relationships would be considered as codependent.
Codependency is much more in-depth than that. Also, codependency is a consistent pattern, not something that occasionally happens.
people who say that gon doesn't care about right or wrong often use the fact that gon befriended killua (an assassin) as proof, and it really confuses me. gon's relationship with morality and justice is much more interesting than "he doesn't care", it's actually quite the opposite to me. his sense of justice is very strong, he cares a lot. he just doesn't approach it in the way you expect, and that is because he is an inexperienced kid. he has his very own definition of what's right and what's wrong, and sticks with it. he also thinks in a very black and white way sometimes, which just emphasizes this.
gon befriending killua doesn't mean he doesn't think the fact he is an assassin is important. this point of view is stupid to me because gon befriended killua BEFORE he knew he was an assassin. gon got to know killua, and then learned he was an assassin, when they were having a conversation on the airship. gon trusting and liking killua for who he is before he knew this, is pretty much the point to me : because that is who killua really is. gon understood this. so when he learned that killua was born in an assassin family, he didn't stop being friends with him because he knew that's not who killua is at his core.
it kind of disappoints me when people think this because that is quite litteraly the whole point of their relationship in the hunter exam
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