Mito Freecss

Background
Mito Freecss is the aunt of Gon Freecss and foster mother. She has had custody of Gon since he was baby. Although, she tells Gon that his parents died in an accident when he was a baby this was not the case. His mother is unknown and his father, Ging Freecss, is a Hunter who left Gon in her care. Originally, Ging returned to his home on Whale Island to ask his grandmother to babysit Gon for him. More specifically, Mito forced Ging to give up custody of his infant son because she believed he was irresponsible. He has never returned.

Mito was against Gon becoming a Hunter from the start. She only lied about his parents to keep him from following his father's path and leaving her behind. Eventually, she makes the promise that should Gon catch the giant fish known as the Master of the Swamp, she will sign Gon's application to take the Hunter Exam. However, she only made this promise because she believed the task was impossible, even giving Gon his father's fishing rod for the job. Despite the difficulty, Gon's strength and patience allow him to succeed, and Mito signs the application.

Mito is shown again when Gon returns to Whale Island after his Nen training at the Heavens Arena. She tells Gon about his father and gives him a keepsake left behind by Ging.

The Nippon Animation adaptation of Hunter x Hunter changes Mito's familial relationships. Mito's grandmother was changed into her mother, Gon's mother was changed into her sister, and Ging became Mito's brother-in-law instead of her cousin.