The character development of Killua Zoldyck is just one aspect of what makes Hunter X Hunter brilliant. He was brought up in a harsh environment that discouraged him from expressing emotion. As a member of the Zoldyck family of assassins, Killua was trained from childhood to be a killing machine, devoid of individuality and freedom. He was tortured, poisoned, and electrocuted to harden him and prepare him for his work.
Upon meeting Gon, Killua’s personality shifted towards something more human. Gon’s infectious kindness and selflessness had a profound impact on the young assassin and in Gon, Killua found his first friend. This softening heart opened him up to the rest of the world and, throughout his adventures, the Zoldyck prodigy has formed bonds that will last a lifetime.
10 Zushi And Killua Spent Time Training Together
Zushi was the first of Wing’s students and a talented Nen user. He trained alongside Killua and Gon when practicing Nen. Zushi was an exceptional talent but struggled to keep pace with Killua’s absurd potential.
Despite starting his Nen training months before the young Hunters, he quickly fell behind. But Killua continued to encourage Zushi, ensuring he didn’t feel too disheartened. The three kids formed a strong bond and each helped push the other to new heights.
9 Wing Taught Killua The Basics Of Nen
As Killua’s first Nen teacher, Wing likely holds a place a special place in Killua’s heart. They meet during the Heavens Arena arc after Killua defeats Wing’s pupil Zushi. Wing takes both Killua and Gon on as pupils since they’d likely die on the hundredth floor if they couldn’t use Nen.
Wing is an excellent teacher, providing detailed descriptions of the components of Nen and demonstrating his own mastery with practical examples. Still, Killua and Wing occasionally clashed due to Wing’s slower, more conservative approach to teaching. But he has their best interests at heart, something Killua appreciated.
8 Silva Zoldyck Trusts Killua To Forge His Own Path
There’s nothing conventional about the Zoldyck family, but Killua and his father share some moments that portray a genuine father-son bond. Silva has high hopes for his son and expects him to become head of the family in the future. But he knows that confining his son to the norms of the Zoldyck life is not the way to go about it.
Silva encourages his son to pursue his friendships — a foreign concept to most Zoldycks — and listens intently when Killua describes his adventures with Gon. Silva’s granted freedom demonstrates a genuine love for Killua, who clearly loves and respects his father in return.
7 Kite’s Time With Killua Was Short But Profound
Kite’s time with Killua was short yet profound. Despite their young age, Kite trusted Killua and Gon to accompany him on a potentially dangerous mission. Facing off against powerful Chimera Ants, Kite’s guidance yet careful lack of intervention helped Killua grow exponentially. These life-threatening situations also helped Killua think critically during battle.
Kite’s strength and knowledge impressed Killua and the young Hunter immediately liked Kite. His death had a profound impact on Gon as Kite was his sole connection to his father. But Kite was the first friend Killua had lost, showing him the painful side of death that his occupation as an assassin didn’t.
6 Ikalgo And Killua Formed An Unlikely Friendship
Often the unlikeliest friendships are the most iconic. Ikalgo is a Chimera Ant who briefly fought Killua during the Chimera Ant arc. The octopus lived a miserable life, considering himself ugly in comparison to beautiful squids. But upon encountering Killua, his outlook changed.
This was mostly due to Killua calling him “cool” and suggesting they could be friends. Ikalgo had never been told this before and it resulted in his own self-acceptance. Changing allegiances, Ikalgo assisted Killua and the rest of the extermination team, helping take down the Chimera Ant king.
5 Bisky Was There For Killua Throughout Multiple Arcs
Biscuit Krueger is Gon and Killua’s talented yet terrifying teacher. She first appears in the Greed Island Arc and decides to train the pair after assessing their overwhelming potential. Killua is first dismissive of Bisky due to her youthful appearance, but upon seeing her power, Killua changes his mind.
The nature of their relationship starts off as very much student-teacher, with Bisky pushing them to improve their Nen stamina and overall fitness. Naturally, they grow closer and she later helps the pair during the Chimera Ant arc. Killua now views Bisky as a friend, although he fears her enough to keep up the student-teacher formalities.
4 Leorio Will Face Anyone Who Threatens His Friends
Killua once found Leorio to be loud and annoying. Actually, he still does. But the young assassin has also seen the positive aspects of Leorio’s personality, including his total dedication to his friends.
The nature of their friendship is different from Killua and Kurapika’s, which is based on mutual respect for the other’s abilities. Leorio lacks the natural talent and analytical mind that Kurapika has, but he might be the most passionate character in the series. He will confront any opponent, no matter how strong, if they hurt those he cares about. Leorio fearlessly stood up to Illumi, something Killua took note of.
3 Killua Respects Kurapika’s Own Immense Talent
Initially, Killua didn’t seem too keen on either Kurapika or Leorio. They were companions of Gon’s, nothing more. But as the anime progressed, Killua came to respect, and later care for, Kurapika.
This was obvious during the Yorknew City arc, where Kurapika’s mastery of his Nen surprised Killua. The scarlet-eyed Hunter was no longer Killua’s inferior, and in many ways, Killua wanted to learn from him. This respect later developed into friendship when Kurapika sacrificed his opportunity to kill Phantom Troupe members to instead save Killua and Gon’s lives.
2 Alluka And Nanika Will Always Be Family To Killua
Alluka and Nanika are two separate entities. Despite this, Killua’s relationship with one is completely dependent on the other. This is demonstrated when Alluka berates Killua for asking Nanika to go away and never return.
Alluka is Killua’s younger sister who’s possessed by a creature from the Dark Continent known as Nanika. With the ability to grant any wish, but with dire consequences, the pair were locked away by the Zoldyck family due to fearing such a power. But Killua deeply cares for both his sister and Nanika, understanding they’re nothing more than victims of their own ability. After Nanika heals Gon, the siblings decide to travel the world together.
1 Gon And Killua’s Friendship Is The Stuff Of Legend
No surprises here; Gon and Killua’s friendship is iconic, standing out among the incredible bonds forged throughout anime. Gon changed Killua’s life, opening up the hardened assassin to a world of compassion and kindness. Gon’s trusting and enthusiastic nature shaped Killua’s present-day personality. The talented Zoldyck now has many friends and trusted advisors, something inconceivable when the series first began. And it’s all thanks to Gon.
But this friendship isn’t completely one way. Killua’s careful and analytical nature has blunted Gon’s naivety and impulsiveness. Not everyone can be trusted and dangers exist around every corner, something Gon is now aware of.
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