this part makes me emotional, because yes, ging is alive and well and gon's mother is nowhere to be seen but maybe alive or dead we don't know (though I believe in the pregnancy stone's theory until togashi says otherwise), but at that moment gon thinks his parents are dead and he is protecting a cub who just lost his mom and has no parents just like him, and sorry for the spam but just look at his little face. he's crying but feeling so determined, and he's protecting the foxbear against kite who thinks the best option is to kill the cub. he wants to take care of the foxbear even if it's hurting him. and all this before kite finds gon's look similar to ging's and asking gon about it
Nowadays, I started reading romance again. I've always been a fan. However, my experience now as a hxh fan is finding a lot of romance tropes Togashi used for his work, which is fun! (I feel validated bc I've been saying he uses a lot of romance tropes since the first time I've read his work).
Nonetheless, I wanted to talk about one specific scene: "Gon, you are light". The parallels of light and darkness is commonly used in shonen (and it always ends up being so gay), but something that may happen in romance is the following. The love interest seems to shine in front of the protagonist (and vice versa), and it usually happens when the MC is feeling so much love for the other person for one reason or the other. The emotions are so strong that well, that person seems to be shining because they are so bright. It's a vulnerable moment for the characters.
And I can't stop thinking about that and then this scene.
And since I couldn't stop, I remembered some other times in which Gon must have shone so brightly that Killua had to physically look away (since I'm sure this wasn't the first time it happened, he literally said "sometimes", refering to more than once).
And when are some other times in which Killua physically had to look away?
The "I'm really glad I met you" scene.
The dodgeball scene.
I'm sure there's a lot of more times in which Gon shone. For instance, during Gon and Hanzo's fight. Killua was literally having a whole moment trying to understand what was happening (of course, it adds to the other conflicts that I'm not mentioning).
That scene is kind of a theory of mine (I don't usually see it being talked about), but I do believe it's really important. Some chapters later, we see Killua really excited and talking about that fight to his dad.
And then this scene. Illumi explicitly says that to Killua, Gon is "a radiant presence".
I really love how Togashi wrote this metaphor since the very beginning and how he continued to developed it. And I can't stop thinking about it so now I'm here on Tumblr. I avoided the angst of the Chimera Arc, of course.
all the times gon showed affection, interest, care and basically relied on killua
Did I search all the times Gon explicitively expressed his affection to Killua? Yes, yes I did. Do I regret it? No, no I don't.
I decided to choose the manga since it's what Togashi wrote. However, it is important to note that there are a lot of more times if we add both versions of the anime and the movies. In addition to this, I chose the most explicit times in which Gon expressed himself so there is no misunderstanding. (Though I do think it's basically the whole manga.)
This post is hella long and had to be divided into parts, so bear with me. This is just the beginning. (Edit: Here's the link of the full post.)
Hunter Exam arc
When they first met and Gon was impressed by Killua's trick.
2. Gon happy to be with Killua and to explore with him.
3. Gon's interest in Killua's family, and surprising Killua in the process.
4. Gon being impressed by Killua's technique, curious about it and expressing "Killua is an amazing guy."
5. Gon defending Killua against Illumi and seeing right through the situation.
6. Gon swearing to take Killua away from Illumi.
Zoldyck Family arc
7. Gon's refusal for the Zoldyck's intent on separating themselves from the rest of the world and more than ready to climb the wall if it is to reach Killua.
8. Gon's phonecall with Gotoh.
9. Gon's intent on climbing up the wall to reach Killua.
10. Gon accepts to train if it means he will reach Killua.
11. Gon getting hit over and over again if it means he will reach Killua.
12. Gon playing against Gotoh while waiting for Killua.
13. Gon happy to see Killua again.
14. Gon impressed by Killua's ability to know other's strenghts, and embarrassing Killua in the process.
Heavens Arena arc
15. Gon relying on Killua's advice to win.
16. Gon happy because Killua wanted to go to his house.
Do u think maybe when killua was stalking gon it was because he was jealous of gon and not palm for going on a date with palm or just going on a date?like what proof do we have that he was jealous of palm other than him not liking palm?and when he asked gon if he had went on a date before gon said yes and killua had a rock drop on his face😭and he kinda envied him like hes so experianced,maybe he was jealous of gon not palm
Eh, the third magical option?
The thing is, Killua doesn't show any interest in dating. Not then, not before and not after. And, as you pointed out, he doesn't even like Palm. What we do know about Killua is that he wants to be with Gon forever.
Let me explain my thoughts a bit more, with all the proof.
Disclaimer: This is how I see it. Just my perspective on this topic. Literally, just my opinion.
Before talking about the date, I think it's necessary to talk about the scenes that came before. Everything it's clearer with context, and I think it's better if we don't see the date in isolation.
Killua's conflict in these scenes (and more) revolves around his love and care for Gon. Being more specific, his desire to stay with Gon. These scenes are written mostly focusing on Killua's perspective, too.
“Gon, you are light.”
The scene is really powerful and important for Killua as a character and in his relationship with Gon. Here, Togashi focuses mainly on Killua’s feelings towards Gon, as it is shown through the art and the inner-monologue. Before, Killua was feeling down thanks to what Knov, Netero and Morel said to him. Here are some examples of what they said:
It directly links to Killua’s weakness, which is presented later in this part of the arc.
However, Gon thanks him and makes him feel better. What I want to take from this scene is 1. Killua sees Gon as light.
Togashi literally portrays Gon as light by using the white space, lines that seem to come from Gon, and adding subtle white lines to Killua’s shocked expression. To Killua, he shines so bright he can’t keep on looking at him.
If you ask me, I don't think this is the first time Killua sees Gon like this. I think Gon was bright to him since almost the moment they first met, though I do think Killua's feelings grew more and more as the story continued. However, it is the first time we, the readers, are told by Killua about it. This is the first time Togashi shows Killua thinking in those terms about Gon.
And 2. He asks himself, “But… can I still stay by your side?” This is important because Killua, here, is already questioning himself if he, being the person he is, can stay with Gon.
2. Palm
When this scene ends, we meet Palm. What I want to take from these scenes is the following.
First, Palm is introduced as a highly disturbing character, and clearly not mentally well. Her design resembles a horror character (she looks like the girl of The Ring), her speech bubbles are wobbly as if she's trembling, and her behavior is truly unhinged in more ways than one.
It's also important to take into account that Togashi loves dark humor, and he makes a lot of jokes with Palm.
Second, neither Killua nor Biscuit know how to talk to her. They are deeply disturbed by her (and rightly so) and uncomfortable. The only one who can speak to her normally is Gon. Not because he is not disturbed or because he is totally oblivious, he was weirded out at first, but he has a clear goal (train and rescue Kite) and knows how to behave around her better than the other two.
Examples of Biscuit and Killua:
Gon is acting determined and positive, which leads to Palm liking him. Killua, in these cases, is disturbed by Palm and he notices Gon is able to deal with Palm, something Biscuit and him can't do.
Third, Palm is highly worried about Gon and Killua not being able to beat Knuckle and Shoot. She's presented like a threat to the trio, and she warns them more than once about it.
If Palm gets angry, they could be killed. That's why Biscuit ends up running away.
3) Killua's weakness
Here we, the readers, are informed for the first time of Killua's weakness in battle. If we pay attention to Killua's behavior in previous scenes, we would realize that this is something that he has been doing since the beginning.
What I want to take from this is the following:
This spell takes “an enormous effort to break.”
2. Killua gets scared and worried that, if he can't get over his weakness and beat Shoot, he will have to “stay out of Gon's life” because one day he could “let Gon down and leave him to die.” Killua does not want to leave Gon and does not want Gon to suffer because of him. This is linked with the first point I explained, and Killua questioning himself about being able to stay with Gon.
What Biscuit said to him served as a wake-up call for him to try and change.
However, despite his best efforts, he still lost against Shoot. Killua feels awful about that because it means he will have to leave Gon. He made up his mind that it was for the best, but since Gon is nenless, Killua feels like he can't leave him alone just yet. He needs to protect him.
4) The date!
First, when Gon and Killua arrive, Palm is destroying dolls of Gon with a knife, and wanting revenge because Gon and Killua failed despite Gon's promise. Both react shocked, but Gon is the one who tries to make it up to her, since he was the one who made the promise and failed.
Here, Killua is clearly unhappy about the situation. He gets angry and disturbed. He understands the concept of dating and he doesn't like that Gon will have a date with Palm. He tries to object and complains to Gon and to Palm, going back and forth. He doesn't want Gon to go out with Palm, not because he wants to go on a date instead of Gon but because Gon will go out with Palm. I don't think Killua would have cared this much if another person instead of Gon would have gone out with Palm.
It's one of the cases where we could say Killua was jealous, as he is taking an active role to avoid this date from happening.
Second, the gym scene. As I mentioned before, Killua was already thinking about Gon being able to deal with Palm, so here he asks him about dating (since he made the connection between the two.)
When Gon answers that he did, as you mentioned, Togashi draws a rock drop, a device to show that Killua was extremely shocked by Gon's answer (and also for comedic effect.) Killua relaxes a bit when Gon says it was mostly with Mito, but he again reacts shocked when he hears there were others.
The fact that Killua thinks Gon “is so experienced” together with Gon saying that “They call those types cougars” while looking so innocent is a joke of dark humor. We don't know the true nature of these dates, to be honest, but it's what gave Gon the experience to know how to behave around Palm so she doesn’t hurt them.
Killua here does not act like he envies Gon, he's more shocked than anything (and a bit disturbed.) What's interesting in this scene is when Gon asks Killua back about dating, Killua answers a bit nervously and completes his sentence in his mind: “And I thought we would stay together.”
If you ask me if he's okay with Gon dating other people, I would say he isn't because of these reactions.
Killua is not interested in dating someone else, he just wants to stay with Gon. What comes to his mind at that moment is what Biscuit said to him (what I explained in point 3, Killua's weakness.) He truly doesn't want to leave Gon, but he thinks it's for the best.
And I may have no proof, but it looks as if he shed a tear or two and he wiped his face fast. Togashi did hide Killua's face when Killua was about to cry.
Third, the date. Before delving into how Togashi wrote it, we need to take into account that this date is a romance trope often found in shoujo. There is a lot to say about the shoujo elements Togashi includes in his stories, but I'll focus only on this one.
This trope is still pretty popular, but it was easily found in romance during the 2000s, especially in school romance. I believe the Hunter X Hunter chapters of this scene came out around the early 2000s (at least that's what my own volume says), so it makes sense that Togashi wanted to include something of the sort in his work.
The trope has different forms, however, Togashi follows the most traditional one. It is usually used to add drama and tension to the love story. Literally, to stir up some drama. The third person is shown as a possible threat to the main couple (typical love triangle) and helps the couple and the characters to grow in some way.
In relation to the scene, it consists of the main character going on a date or simply going out with a third person outside of the relationship (sometimes it can be the second male/female lead or someone else) while the main love interest follows them making excuses as to why but worried about them being together.
Togashi follows the same format in this scene, with his own goals. It's one of the reasons why I think the reader would think Killua is jealous, since he's acting like the love interest in hiding.
Generally, the character wears a hat, glasses, or both to go undercover. Killua wears a hat.
The love interest in hiding makes excuses as to why he's following them. During the date, Killua follows Gon and Palm (and lies about his whereabouts to Gon), and he keeps on saying he’s following them because “he needs to protect Gon,” which could sound like an excuse to justify himself. He even feels self-conscious about what he's doing, but says to himself that he's doing this to protect Gon.
It adds to the fact that from the beginning, as I've explained before, Killua feels like he needs to protect Gon. Killua, despite losing against Shoot, stayed with Gon because he would be vulnerable against the enemies and Palm. He thinks more than once that he needs to protect Gon.
3. Killua gets annoyed by Palm's new appearance, which is another reaction that the love interest in hiding usually has. In my opinion, Killua was shocked by it and he was also mad because now she looked more like a possible love interest to Gon.
Also, another thing about the trope, Gon takes Palm out for a date so he can make it up for failing her. He takes her to several places that are used for dates in shoujo (the aquarium, for example). I think it's interesting to know that, too.
During the date, I'll admit that Killua's reactions smell a bit like jealousy of Palm (at least to me). He also continues being disturbed. But I repeat, he doesn't show interest in dating. The thing is, the focus is in his worry for Gon's safety and his deepest desire, which is to stay with Gon.
To end this section, it is also interesting to mention that when the date ends, Gon rejects Palm at the same time Killua leaves to find the chimera ant. The main character (in this case Gon) rejects the second love interest (in this case Palm) since he's not interested in them.
5) The conclusion!
I know you only mentioned the date, but I think it's important to talk about how all of this ends, since it has to do with Killua's turmoil I mentioned at the beginning and Killua's stand on Palm and Gon.
Killua fights the chimera ant and finally takes Illumi's needle out of his head. This scene must be one of the most powerful scenes of Killua. After failing in his fight against Shoot, he is now fighting against a dangerous enemy, who does want to kill him and Gon. (I hate that ant.)
Killua makes a tremendous effort and is able to take the needle out because of his own strength and desire to not lose Gon. What gave him so much strength is his love for Gon. He literally frees himself.
When he returns, he's a lot firmer with Palm. He does look a lot freer than before, too. Killua doesn't have to leave Gon anymore.
I would like to highlight some dialogues in this scene. It continues to resemble a love triangle between the three of them (Gon, the main character, Killua, the main love interest, and Palm, the third character who comes to make drama), among other things.
Before, Palm already said to Killua, “Stop interfering, it's between him and me.” Killua complained but it didn't get him anywhere.
Now, Palm repeats to Killua, “Stay out of it. It's none of your business,” which in turn Killua answers, “You stay out of it. In fact, just go away.” At this moment, this Killua is able to stand up for himself a lot better than before. He's clearly showing his discontentment for Palm and her dating Gon.
Something interesting about this is that Palm notices Killua's cuts from the fight at that moment, too. Killua is also able to dodge Palm's attack with no effort and to run away with Gon.
Palm gets extremely angry because Killua is interfering in her relationship with Gon. She literally wants to find him and kill him.
She doesn't because Knov appears, lol.
Togashi finishes this whole Palm's adventure with Gon and Killua thinking how Gon can get free from Palm. Just like Killua was not interested in dating Palm, Gon wasn't either. He was just forced.
So yeah! This is how I see it. I'm sorry I can't give you a more confident answer. You're free to make your own conclusions.
I think Killua's annoyance can be easily interpreted as jealousy of Palm (the romance trope doesn't help his case lol). And I think it's safe to assume that part of the reason why Killua doesn't like Palm is because she likes Gon.
However, at that moment, I don't think Killua has still reached the point of wanting to date Gon (maybe he surprises me in the future), or anyone for that matter. Though I do think if Gon asks him to date for real, he wouldn't say no.
Killua does show genuine concern for Gon and a deep desire to stay with him. And it's obvious that he loves him a whole lot. If you ask me if that love is romantic or not, I would say that yes, but it's a lot deeper than that.
I think it's highly interesting that Togashi wrote such important scenes for Killua with Palm in mind. I can't get over the fact that he literally used a romance trope to make Killua grow. Food for thought, to be honest.
I hope I answered your question and that I'm not too late, omg. I had a good time writing this, so thank you. I got really excited when I saw your question because I love speaking about this. However, I hope I was coherent enough. For you and anyone who is reading this.
i need to come here and say what we all already know, but early killua's design is so pretty. he looks so delicate and sharp at the same time, with a hint of danger
I'm sure this observation was pointed out before, but I can't find it anywhere to quote it. Original post, you take all the credit. I just needed to express my thoughts because I can't stop thinking about it.
I feel like it's been a hot minute since the last time I've made one of these, but here I go.
the scenes
In chapter 64, Gon and Killua promise to stay together under the stars and they have a heart-to-heart. When the scene ends, we see a shooting star in the sky.
English Translation: VIZ Media
In chapter 286, Killua talks about commiting "shinjū" with Gon (translated as "I'll go down with flames with him") to Meleoron, tries to make it seem like a joke and Meleoron's inner monologue makes us understand there's more to the story than what Killua is saying out loud. When the scene ends, we again see a shooting star in the sky (and move to Gon and Pitou's scene.)
English Translation: VIZ Media
side-note
Do I really think that this detail has a bigger meaning than it has? No, Togashi most probably just likes shooting stars and thought this was a good transition between scenes. However, I think it would make a nice analysis if I connect the concept of the shooting star with certain aspects that are present in both scenes and the story in general. I just couldn't help myself, I find it so interesting and beautiful.
my brief and informal analysis
To begin with, what does it mean to see a shooting star? There's three popular and mostly global beliefs I would like to point out.
1) Wishes: Shooting stars have always been associated with dreams, wishes and promises. Many believe that if you make a wish on the shooting star, it will come true.
2) Positive Change: They are typically considered to be signs or messages from the Universe. They tend to symbolize new beginnings, transformations, and spiritual development.
In relation to these two, I believe it would be also connected to the meaning of encouragement. It can serve as encouragement to take risks or make important life decisions.
3) A Sign of Love: Seeing a shooting star can represent the love and connection between two people.
Then, which of these meanings are actually related to these scenes? The three of them, but let me explain a bit more.
In the first scene, Gon and Killua promise to stay together and continue their journey. As shooting stars are often associated with wishes or promises, in this context, it could symbolize the sincerity and earnestness of their promise to each other. By including the shooting star at the end of the scene, it seals their promise and it also marks a new beginning for them. At that moment, they are making an important decision in their lives, it's a new and positive change for them.
For the next meaning, I would like to point out first what scenes with two people under the stars at night usually mean. As we probably know, those type of scenes are ideal for characters to share their feelings and even secrets. The darkness and the soft lighting of the stars allow this space of intimacy to just talk to someone, which is what Gon and Killua do. They are already friends, but it's at that moment that they talk about what they are going to do and speak about topics such as Mito. The shooting star marks a significant bond between Gon and Killua. It represents their connection and love (platonic or not) for each other, as shooting stars can also symbolize a new love. This is related to the hope we have when seeing a shooting star, which is connected to that hope (and excitement) we feel when we start a new relationship. Using the shooting star could work as a narrative device to highlight the importance of this moment and the bond between Gon and Killua.
In the second scene, Killua discusses the possibility of a double suicide if something were to happen. Again, the shooting star appears at the end before transitioning to the next scene.
As I said before, shooting stars commonly symbolize wishes and promises. In this context, it could symbolize Killua's inner turmoil and/or even his determination to protect Gon (and be with him), possibly hinting at a resolution or decision he has made internally. Because of his words, we can guess he made the decision to die with Gon if that's what is needed. What he says can even foreshadow significant events or intense emotions, such as the ones that follow in the story. For example, Killua running to reach Gon and save him. It could even be related to other characters, such as Meruem and Komugi committing double suicide.
Killua's statement about a double suicide is a serious and intense moment, and the shooting star might emphasize the gravity of the situation. In this case, I wouldn't say this is a "positive change," though we could argue that for Killua maybe it would have been because Gon would have included him.
However, it is a moment in which Killua makes a big decision, one that would take to risk practically his life just to stay with Gon or protect him.
In addition to this, it could also bring us back to the first scene, in which they promise to stay together, symbolizing their strong bond. This is emphasized by the fact that the next scene is about Gon and Pitou. However, in this case, both Gon and Killua seem to be in different head-spaces. On one hand, Killua is worried he could lose Gon to the darkness, as he feels their bond is wavering and he can't reach him no matter how much he tries. On the other hand, Gon is too focused on his goal to save Kite. He is in too much pain and despair while trying to control the situation on his own terms.
In both instances, the shooting stars seem to add a layer of emotional depth and narrative emphasis to the scenes. They highlight the sincerity of promises, the intensity of emotions, and the transient nature of crucial moments in Gon and Killua's lives.
side-note
Something that adds to my delusional mind to all of these and I think it's really interesting is the following:
The fourth ending Nagareboshi Kirari seems to mean "sparkling shooting star". The song is an exploration of longing and hope, entrusting wishes to the stars, unanswered thoughts and unspoken feelings. It delves into the theme of connection, particularly the emotional bond between the narrator and a distant loved one. There's a lot to say about this song and its lyrics, but that should be a whole new post.
I think the song speaks perfectly about Gon and Killua's situation in general (not only about what I mention here, of course) and I think it's a good way to finish this post.
Thank you so much for reading! Have a good day or night, whichever the time is when you're seeing this.
