Hunter x Hunter: Navigating the Complexities of the Hunter Exam

Hunter x Hunter: Navigating the Complexities of the Hunter Exam

As a seasoned anime enthusiast with a special place in my heart for Hunter x Hunter, I can confidently say that this series stands out as one of the most intellectually and emotionally engaging anime I’ve ever watched. The Hunter examination arc is an absolute masterpiece, showcasing a level of complexity and unpredictability that few other animes even come close to achieving.


Hunter x Hunter is a popular anime about exceptional individuals who possess extraordinary abilities and strength. They journey across the world in search of rare treasures, exotic creatures, and secret places, all while holding a special permit known as the Hunter License. This license grants them unprecedented freedom to travel globally. Hunters operate with minimal restrictions wherever they go, utilizing their license for purposes that ultimately contribute to human welfare and global prosperity.

Every year, I face an unpredictable and perilous test to earn this coveted Hunter’s license. The exam is never the same twice – its content and location shift annually. This test isn’t easy, and many fail or don’t make it out alive due to its intricacy and danger. It’s a grueling, multi-phase challenge that only seasoned players with quick thinking and adaptability stand a chance of passing. No room is given for greenhorns who walk into it blindly.

The Mental And Physical Requirements Of The Examination

A Test Beyond Strength

The Hunter examination is one of the most challenging examination concepts portrayed in an anime. The tests are extremely difficult and require a range of skills and adaptability that can only be found in either talented people or veterans. The examination needs both physical strength and endurance, as well as the mental fortitude to undergo these tests, regardless of how dangerous they are. Multiple instances within the Hunter exam arc show that the examination requires a complete person, as the tests are random and often require critical thinking, mental fortitude, and some physical strength. Fans see this in the two-choice quiz episode and the disguised Kiriko quiz. Both of these tests were unique to that year’s Hunter examination and required critical thinking from the protagonists.

In many cases, contestants in this exam tried to dominate others through aggression or bullying, yet such behavior usually led to their elimination from the competition. It’s worth noting that there are no restrictions against violence or killing fellow contestants, making it common for them to settle scores and eliminate rivals. Only those who are highly skilled and exceptionally capable stand a chance of earning a license; otherwise, failure is inevitable. The Hunter exam is notoriously tough, but considering the advantages of acquiring a Hunter license, it seems appropriate.

The Moral Dilemma Of Hunter Prospects

Survival Requires Certain Choices

Hunter x Hunter: Navigating the Complexities of the Hunter Exam

1. In the Hunter exam, it’s essential to demonstrate specific qualities and make moral decisions to advance. The Hunter examination storyline frequently puts the protagonists’ morals and values to the test. For instance, Leorio might have failed a crucial decision if not for Kurapika’s intervention; this wouldn’t necessarily prove his lack of morality had he failed, but it would significantly impact his exam results. The fight against the inmates at Trick Tower served as a significant moral trial for Kurapika. During this test, Kurapika came across an inmate pretending to be his sworn enemy, the Phantom Troupe, and challenged him to a deadly duel.

1. In the Hunter Examination arc, Kurapika demonstrated his noble character by controlling his anger towards an inmate who wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. Meanwhile, Killua grappled with reconciling his identity as an assassin and his desire for friendship and a different lifestyle away from his assassin family. The unique structure of the Hunter Exam continually assesses the moral compass of participants, yet it remains open to individuals regardless of their allegiances. Characters such as Hisoka, who exhibit violent inclinations and skewed values, can sometimes manipulate or outsmart this system, raising doubts about how stringently the Hunter Association enforces its ethical standards.

The Unpredictability And Dynamic Nature of The Exam

The Hunter Exams Require Thinking On The Fly

Hunter x Hunter: Navigating the Complexities of the Hunter Exam

The allure and challenge of the Hunter Examinations stem from their unpredictability and fluidity. Unlike traditional exams where cramming boosts your chances of success, the Hunter tests undergo yearly transformations. The locations, types of questions, and even the number of stages vary every year, ensuring that the Hunter Examination remains a constant source of difficulty. This ever-changing aspect requires participants to be flexible and adaptable, making it less likely for newcomers to pass in their initial attempt compared to veterans who have more experience navigating these unpredictable tests.

As a veteran test-taker, I can say that my past experiences have given me a slight advantage over newcomers, but it doesn’t significantly impact the overall failure rate of the examination. Those who manage to conquer every stage of the Hunter exam are deemed elite, effortlessly tackling tasks fitting for elites across their respective fields and areas of expertise.

Most Important Parts Of The Hunter Exam In The Anime

The Highs And Lows Of The Examination

The “Hunter Examination” storyline laid the foundation for the entire anime series, filled with both humorous and heartfelt scenes that kept viewers on edge. As our heroes navigated through treacherous challenges, they were subjected to a thrilling ride of suspense. The initial stages of this journey held significant weight, as Gon’s discovery of his father’s departure to pursue an exciting life as a Hunter served as his primary motivation. Pivotal moments throughout the arc also underscored the selflessness of our protagonists, which proved crucial in overcoming tests such as the two-choice quiz and the disguised Kiriko quiz.

Other tests emphasize the main characters, Gon, Killua, and Leorio, by demonstrating their unwavering resolve. For instance, viewers notice this persistence in Leorio during his triumph over the endurance run test despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Gon’s perseverance and talent as a proficient tracker become apparent when he manages to swipe Hisoka’s badge, an accomplishment that speaks volumes given Hisoka’s superior strength. The arc of the Hunter examination is filled with such memorable instances, underscoring the challenging journey required to secure a license.

Hunter x Hunter is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

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2024-09-03 22:04