In the anime world, especially the shonen demographic, many fans appreciate thrilling debates on the characters they think are the strongest. While these arguments are subject to disagreements and opposition, it allows the anime fandom to get a closer look at their favorite characters. With that in mind, one of the longest-running debates revolving around the Hunter x Hunter franchise is the strength comparison between Gon & Meruem.
Gon is the protagonist of the Hunter x Hunter series, who revealed a darker side to his personality and powers in the Chimera Ant Arc – a power that came at a great cost. On the other hand, Meruem is the Ant King, one of the main antagonists in Hunter x Hunter. Adult Gon and Meruem never clashed, but what would be the probable outcome if they did?
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Adult Gon – Limitation Transformation
Gon has always been a talented Nen user. Even before he learned the technique officially, he was able to use some variations of the technique unknowingly. Alongside Killua Gon evolved his Nen-based abilities at a speedy rate, managing to conquer different obstacles. In the Nen world, Gon is an Enhancer, meaning that his Hatsu abilities are structured in a way that heightens his physical strength and durability. Gon’s Hatsu is the Jajanken technique – an ability that allows him to use about three attacks, each holding deadly offensive power. Despite Gon’s kind-hearted nature, he can equally be cold and downright frightening sometimes. Proof of this was displayed in the Chimera Ant Arc, where Gon faced off with Neferpitou (or rather, brutally killed the Chimera Ant).
The Adult Gon or Gon’s Limitation Transformation was a development following a bunch of sad experiences. However, the major leading factor was the death of Gon's mentor, Kite, at the hands of Neferpitou, the Chimera Ant general. After managing to force Neferpitou into trying to heal Kite using a malevolent aura, the results were unprofitable as Kite’s state didn’t change for the better. Enraged by this outcome, Gon made a Nen contract, allowing him to sacrifice all the Nen he will ever have in his life to kill Neferpitou. The result of Gon's action allowed his body to mature into that of a prime, muscular adult with immense power and Nen aura. At this point, even Neferpitou speculated that Gon was capable of killing Meruem, the Ant King he serves, with his immense strength.
Out of the blue, Neferpitou tried a deadly sneak attack on Gon in his transformed state. Still, it wasn’t powerful enough as Gon vanished instantly, appearing outside. This marks one of Adult Gon’s attributes: immense speed. Using just a kick, Gon was able to put Neferpitou in a sorry state, causing the ant to cough out blood. Finally, Gon's Jajanken reached its peak in this state as the technique became capable of causing large-scale damage. Furthermore, using his immense strength, Gon beat Neferpitou to a pulp. This chilling battle makes this version of Gon one of the strongest series, but does this ability hold up against the Ant King, Meruem?
Can Adult Gon Defeat Meruem?
Meruem, the Ant King, who stands at the precipice of the Chimera Ants' evolution in Hunter x Hunter, is one of the strongest characters in Hunter x Hunter. In the Chimera Ants Arc, the Chimera Ants were capable of defeating most Hunters, signifying just how powerful they are. However, their power pales in comparison to Meruem. With just a flick of his tail, Meruem was capable of killing humans in a swift, precise manner. However, despite his many characteristics, Meruem’s true capabilities were revealed in the fight he had with Chairman Netero – the former head of the Hunter Association.
Chairman Netero was once revered as the Strongest Nen user in his prime, and this proved to be true when fans witnessed his ability, 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva. Using a Buddha-like summon, Netero delivered more than 1000 blows in a minute, all of which were ineffective against Meruem. What's more, even the Zero Hand – an aura-based technique with an incredible attack power was useless against Meruem. This ant's impressive durability is certainly unrivaled in the franchise. If not for Netero's poison attack ploy, Meruem would have been a terror for the Hunter Association and the human world.
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Adult Gon has a chance against injuring Meruem but based on the Meruem-Netero fight, it is reasonable to infer that it will be difficult if not impossible for Gon to defeat Meruem. Unlike Neferpitou, Meruem possesses immense strength, and his speed is comparable to Gon's as he was able to move at supersonic speeds at different points in the series. Furthermore, Meruem is a being that evolves even in a fight. Using Aura Synthesis, he can become stronger and possibly strip even Gon of his power.
Consequently, even though Gon has the upper hand at the start of the fight, Meruem's wits can overpower Gon. The biggest shortcoming of the Adult Gon ability is that the timeframe is limited. In a drawn-out fight, it is plausible that Meruem will outlast Gon in terms of stamina. The creature's speed, agility, and durability are on another level – a fact revealed by the Netero-Meruem clash. Adult Gon is overwhelmingly powerful, no doubt, but it will take more than just power to defeat a creature like Meruem.
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