Hunter x Hunter — Chapter 5

Hunter x Hunter Chapter 5 kicks off the first phase of the exam in earnest, and Togashi wastes no time shifting the tone from adventurous anticipation to grueling endurance. After the atmospheric buildup of the exam site and Satotz's cryptic introduction, the seemingly endless underground tunnel run begins. What initially looks like a simple follow-the-examiner test quickly reveals itself as a brutal war of attrition, weeding out the unprepared through sheer stamina and willpower. The chapter excels at establishing the scale of the Hunter Exam, with hundreds of examinees already panting and dropping out while Satotz maintains his eerily calm, steady pace. This trial is particularly effective for developing the core trio's dynamic. Gon's boundless energy and almost naive optimism shine as he treats the marathon like an exciting game, while Leorio's more grounded, complaining nature provides a relatable contrast as he struggles to keep up. Kurapika remains the composed and observant anchor, quietly analyzing Satotz and the situation. Their different approaches to the same obstacle highlight how their personalities complement each other, laying the groundwork for the camaraderie that will be essential to survive what's coming. Of course, the chapter's most talked-about element is the early appearance of Hisoka. His design here is noticeably rounder and less refined than the iconic, sharp-featured magician fans know later, which gives his presence a slightly more clownish yet still deeply unsettling vibe. Even with the softer art, his predatory aura is unmistakable as he looms in the crowd, a silent reminder that the greatest dangers in this exam aren't just physical exhaustion. Togashi's art in this chapter leans into repetition and scale to sell the exhaustion, with long panels of the crowd stretching into darkness and close-ups of strained faces. A small but memorable detail that manga readers love is the brief meal break provided during the descent, a humane touch that was cut from later anime adaptations and adds a bit of realism and early-worldbuilding charm. It's a nice, cute moment of respite that makes the subsequent relentless running feel even more daunting, perfectly capturing the mix of wonder and harsh reality that defines the beginning of Gon's journey.