Chatting × Excuses × Endurance (おしゃべり×ヘリクツ×根くらべ, Oshayberi × Herikutsu × Konkurabe) is the 28th episode of the original Hunter × Hunter anime. It first aired on May 20th, 2000.
Overview[]
The next fight is between Hanzo and Gon. Gon tries his hardest against Hanzo, though he is no match for the ninja. Hanzo severely injures Gon by breaking his arm, but Gon will not admit defeat. Gon feels that if he is to ever find his father, he must pass the Hunter Exam now.
Synopsis[]
Hanzo chops Gon at the back of his neck
Menchi questions the fairness of the match between Gon and Hanzo, pointing out that Hanzo has a clear advantage in both skill and power. However, Satotz explains that Gon's overall performance left a strong impression on Netero, leading the chairman to rank Gon higher. After a brief exchange between Hanzo and Masta, the match’s referee, Gon confidently trusts in his abilities and sets his plan to face his opponent. Relying on his speed, Gon dashes around the arena, but Hanzo keeps up with him effortlessly. In one swift move, Hanzo strikes the back of Gon's neck, knocking him down. Hanzo helps Gon to his feet, ensuring he stays conscious, and urges him to give up. However, Gon stubbornly refuses to surrender. Frustrated by Gon's persistence, Hanzo slaps him hard on the back.
Hanzo forcing Gon to quit the match
Hanzo persistently urges Gon to surrender, but when Gon refuses yet again, Hanzo forcefully slams his head into the ground. Concerned for his friend’s safety, Leorio shouts, imploring Gon to quit. However, Kurapika, who recently found himself in a similar situation, reminds Leorio that they would make the same decision if they were in Gon's position. The examiners, especially Menchi, express growing concern over Netero’s approach, questioning the fairness of the match and Gon’s ability to endure. Despite the overwhelming pressure, Gon refuses to yield and forces himself to his feet. However, the effects of Hanzo’s earlier attacks impair him, causing temporary blindness. Determined to fight on, Gon relies solely on his hearing to strike back, but Hanzo easily counters and delivers a devastating blow to Gon's right ear, rendering it useless. Now relying only on his left ear, Gon stubbornly stands again, ignoring Hanzo’s repeated attempts to convince him to surrender. Killua tosses a bottle of water to Gon, allowing him to refresh himself.
Leorio enraged seeing Gon getting crushed
Over the course of three hours, Gon endures relentless punishment from Hanzo, making it difficult for the other examinees to watch the brutal match. Hanzo taunts Gon, he asserts that he is being underestimated by the refusal to use his fishing rod against him. In response, Gon insists that he does not underestimate any opponent and explains that he refrains from using the Fishing Rod because he wants to win the final phase without relying on a tool that belongs to his father, who has supported him throughout his journey up to this point.
Unmoved by Gon's reasoning, Hanzo continues his assault on the helpless Gon, who is now lying on the ground. Unable to bear the sight any longer, Leorio shouts at Hanzo, challenging him to fight him instead. The referees intervene, warning Leorio that if he disrupts the match, Gon will be disqualified. Hearing Leorio’s outburst, Gon gratefully acknowledges his friend’s support, struggling to rise as he asserts that there is nothing he cannot handle and vows to keep fighting.
Infuriated by Gon’s defiance, Hanzo pins him down and threatens to break his arm if he does not submit. Despite the warning, Gon refuses to quit, prompting Hanzo to proceed with the brutal act of breaking his arm. The audience watches in horror as Gon screams in agony. At his breaking point, Leorio urges Kurapika not to stop him if Hanzo lays another hand on Gon. Kurapika replies that he has no intention of holding Leorio back, acknowledging that he might also struggle to control himself at that moment.
Gon kicks Hanzo
Hanzo begins recounting his past, taking his time with the narrative; Gon gradually regains strength. Seizing the opportunity, Gon quickly kicks Hanzo’s face, sending him crashing to the ground. The atmosphere around them shifts dramatically. Hanzo quickly recovers, rising to his feet and revealing a weapon concealed up his sleeve. He warns Gon once more to surrender, threatening to cut off his legs. Maintaining a serious demeanor, Gon expresses that while he does not want his legs harmed, he also refuses to accept defeat. He urges Hanzo to resolve their conflict in a different manner.
In a silly response, Hanzo scoffs at Gon’s attempt to negotiate, playfully asserting that he is not in a position to make demands. Observing the exchange, both examiners and fellow examinees can’t help but chuckle at the situation's absurdity. Feeling the pressure, Hanzo continues to share his predicament, prompting Gon to inform the referee that if Hanzo were to cut his legs, it would result in severe blood loss, ultimately leading to his death and Hanzo's subsequent disqualification. Gon's argument leaves Hanzo momentarily speechless.
Satotz begins to understand why Gon ranks higher in Netero’s estimation, recognizing that Gon possesses a rare quality that draws people to him. Even the judges, who are meant to remain neutral, find themselves rooting for Gon, alongside the other examinees.
Hanzo questions Gon's stubbornness while pointing his weapon on him
Hanzo instantly shifts to a serious demeanor, pointing his weapon at Gon's forehead. He warns Gon that killing him would not be a problem, as he could always attempt the exam again next time. Frustrated, Hanzo questions Gon's stubbornness in refusing to quit and risking his life when he still has another chance to try. Gon responds earnestly, explaining that his determination stems from his desire to find his father. He emphasizes that giving up now would mean losing the opportunity to reunite with him.
In response, Hanzo declares that Gon is finished, raising his weapon into a striking position as a drop of blood falls to the ground.
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Anime and Manga Differences[]
- In the 1999 anime adaptation, after Hanzo is left with a bloody nose from Gon's kick, one of the referees gives him a handkerchief to wipe off the blood. In the manga, Hanzo simply wipes the blood off himself with his arm.
- The 1999 anime adaptation adds the following:
- Gon vs. Hanzo is extended:
- Gon is shown struggling with his vision due to Hanzo's blows to his head.
- Hanzo crushes Gon's right ear in an attempt to disorient him further and prevent him from relying on his hearing to attack.
- Killua tosses Gon a water bottle, helping him to refresh and regain his senses.
- Hanzo asks Gon why he isn't using his fishing rod, given that weapons are allowed in the tournament. Gon replies that the fishing rod previously belonged to his father (a detail exclusive to the 1999 anime adaptation), and he refuses to use it because he wants to pass the final stage of the Hunter Exam using his own strength.
- When Gon suddenly lightens the mood of the room with his amusing response to Hanzo's threats, Satotz and Menchi discuss how the strong impression Gon leaves helped to rank him so highly amongst the remaining examinees.
- After Gon reaffirms that he will not give up, Hanzo seemingly moves to finish Gon off, ending the scene on a cliffhanger for the next episode.
- Gon vs. Hanzo is extended:
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