Gon and Killua's friendship is the heart and soul of Hunter X Hunter. Their bond has a profound impact on both boys individually, and there are many touching quotes that highlight just how much they mean to each other.
Beginning as two kids with nothing in common but their age, Gon and Killua meet during the Hunter Exam and have many adventures together. Whether training at Heaven's Arena, honing their Nen abilities in Greed Island, or fighting chimera ants, this pair is glued at the hip. Through a variety of memorable scenes, Gon and Killua leave viewers desiring a friendship like theirs.
A New Adventure
Killua: "I Want To Be Friends With Gon."
During the Hunter Exam's final phase, Killua and his older brother Illumi face off in battle. Instead of physically fighting, Illumi uses Nen and psychological warfare on Killua, attempting to convince him that he doesn't have feelings aside from the desire to kill. Killua, however, knows otherwise.
As a promising young assassin, Killua grew up isolated from the rest of the world. The one thing he always craved most, a friend, seemed unattainable until he met Gon. By now, Gon has long thought of Killua as a friend, but this is the first moment Killua realizes it's true. This powerful statement marks the genuine beginning of their bond.
In It Together
Killua: "I'll . I Don't Want To Leave Gon Behind."
When Gon is injured during his fight with Gido in Heaven's Arena, his teacher, Mr. Wing, bans him from studying Nen for two months. Killua is free to train as usual. However, when Mr. Wing offers to continue teaching him Nen in the meantime, Killua declines.
For Killua, this journey is special because he's on it with Gon. He can't get too far ahead because then the two of them would cease to be on the same level. What Killua cares about more than anything is the new companionship he's found in Gon, not his Nen ability or how strong in battle he is. If his friend isn't by his side, it isn't worth it.
Travel Buddies
Gon: "Let's Travel Around And See The Whole World Together, Just You And Me."
Killua gets to experience a normal childhood for the first time when he goes to Whale Island with Gon. After a day of playing together, the boys discuss their futures. Gon reveals that he wants to continue the search for his dad, but Killua is unsure of what's next for him.
In this heartfelt scene under the stars, Gon is clear that he wants Killua by his side. When Killua its that he envies Gon for having a plan, Gon gives him this temporary one. Killua's embarrassment at Gon's words proves how deeply touched he is, and shows how much he wants to stick with Gon too, even if he can't bring himself to say it.
Best Friend Levels Unlocked
Gon: "I'm Glad You're Here With Me. No, I'm Really Glad I Met You In The First Place."
Gon says this to Killua at the start of Greed Island, the real-life video game for hunters, embarrassing Killua yet again with emotional honesty. Killua is outwardly uncomfortable but privately thinks to himself that he's the one who's glad he met Gon.
At this point, Gon and Killua's friendship is exemplary. They've been through multiple ordeals together, most recently fighting the Phantom Troupe, and their respect for each other continually increases. Gon's acknowledgment of this as they're about to embark on their latest adventure shows viewers exactly where their relationship stands and serves as a reminder of their closeness.
His Strength
Gon: "There's Only One Reason I Can Focus Everything I've Got On Hitting The Ball. It's Because I Know Killua's The One Holding It."
To obtain the "Strip Of Beach" card, Gon, Killua, and their friends face off against Razor in a Nen-fueled dodgeball match. Gon uses his Janken Rock power to beat him, and Killua has to hold the ball while Gon gives it all he's got, scorching Killua's hands in the process.
The fact that Gon is bolstered more by Killua's help than anyone else's, along with Killua's willingness to keep going despite the agony he's in, demonstrates a unique strength that only the best of friends can give each other. With Killua there, Gon has the energy to keep up his attacks. In turn, Gon's desire for Killua alone to hold the ball makes Killua feel needed, allowing him to play through the pain.
Best Friends Or Brothers?
Gon: "I'll Introduce Him To Killua. I'll Tell Him He's My Best Friend In The World!"
After beating Greed Island, Gon thinks he's about to finally meet his father. When Biscuit asks about his plans, he reveals that the first thing he wants to do is share with Ging the most important person in his life – Killua.
Gon's desire to introduce Killua to his father creates the feeling that they're now family. Their plan to use an "Accompany" card to bring Killua along shows that Killua is irreplaceable to Gon. Meeting Ging is a highly personal accomplishment for Gon, and his wanting to share that moment with Killua speaks volumes. Biscuit's emotional reaction to this quote mirrors how every fan feels when watching this scene.
His Light
Killua: "Gon, You Are Light Itself. Sometimes You're So Bright I Can't Even Look At You."
Killua thinks this to himself after saving Gon from Neferpitou and leaving Kite behind. He beats himself up for not being able to save Kite as well, but Gon is optimistic that they will find and rescue him.
Killua wrestles with many self-esteem issues and in his mind, Gon brought him out of the world of darkness and allowed him to bask in borrowed light. Killua feels so unworthy of this positivity that he sometimes has to look away. This scene shows how precious Gon's friendship is to Killua, and how he can't help but to be continually drawn to him despite his feelings of inferiority.
More Important Than His Own Life
Killua: "I Don't Ever Want To Lose Him!"
After fighting with Knuckle, Gon is temporarily unable to use Nen, leaving Killua to protect him. While Gon is on a date with Palm, chimera ant Rammot picks up their scent and Killua must face him alone. Only the the thought of losing Gon gives him the courage to win.
In a huge step of personal growth, Killua is able to say out loud that Gon is his best friend. Gon is now a part of Killua's identity, allowing him to overcome the power of Illumi's needle planted in his brain telling him to run. This breakthrough of emotional maturity pushes him to finally reciprocate Gon's declarations of their friendship.
Lessons Learned
Killua: "I'm Only With Alluka Now Because Of The Time I Spent With You."
To save Gon from certain death, Killua rescues his sister Alluka from their family who held her captive due to the powers of the wish-granting spirit that shares her body, Nanika. This is when Killua realizes his true purpose in life is to keep his sister safe.
Killua acknowledges that if he hadn't been friends with Gon, he never would've broken away from his family. He wouldn't be the person he became and Alluka/Nanika would've been locked away forever. Gon taught him about who he really was, showing him that he carried light inside himself all along, and bringing forth his desire for a life where he fights to protect those he loves.
Best Friends Forever
Gon: "No Matter Where We Go, We're Part Of The Gang."
Quoting the reborn Kite, Gon says this right before he and Killua part ways. It's both bittersweet and full of promise, as Gon is about to finally meet his father and Killua is starting his new life with his sister.
This line proves that after everything, Gon and Killua's friendship is enduring. Killua physically saved Gon's life while Gon emotionally saved Killua's. The moment of separation isn't easy. The years they spent together set them on their own paths to maturity but they both know that no matter what, they will always be connected.