Key Takeaways
- Killua Zoldyck, a member of the Zoldyck family of Assassins, goes on a journey of self-discovery and freedom from his dark past.
- Despite enduring mistreatment and family pressure, Killua maintains resilience and forms bonds with others, rejecting his assassin identity.
- Killua’s evolution through trials like the Hunter Exam and battles against powerful foes showcase his growth as a powerful ally and hunter.
Hunter x Hunter is known for its memorable characters, who present a wide array of powers and personalities. Most of them come and go depending on the arc, but one character who remains a consistent presence and stands by the protagonist’s side is Killua Zoldyck. He appears in the Hunter Exam arc as a mysterious and talented kid who quickly gets along with Gon and ends up on a team with him.
It is soon revealed that Killua has a dark past. He is a member of the famed Zoldyck family of Assassins, and his life path was decided for him from the beginning. This causes Killua to have an internal conflict, as he does not want to be an Assassin and instead runs off to pursue his own adventures. Killua’s discovery of his identity and his evolution past his family’s expectations are key parts of his character arc.
8 Endured His Family’s Trials
Went Through A Life Of Mistreatment
Killua was a son of Silva and Kikyo Zoldyck and was expected to follow in the footsteps of a ruthless assassin. His parents would make Killua endure countless trials, and his siblings did not make it any easier for him. They were also willing to punish Killua any time he disobeyed as well as isolate him from society.
Nevertheless, Killua did not become bitter or hateful. He harbored a fair bit of resentment toward his family members, but it never stopped him from forming bonds with others and seeking a new life for himself. Despite everything that his family did to make him an obedient slave, Killua did not break under the pressure.
7 Defeated A Dangerous Criminal
Demonstrated His Prowess
When Killua met his future friends during the Hunter Exam, convincing them of his prowess took time. Leorio especially remained skeptical, considering that despite all of his skills, Killua is just a kid. However, the former assassin maintained his calm demeanor and quickly demonstrated that he was a force to be reckoned with.
During one of the trials, the group meets criminals who stand in their way, and each of them has to partake in a challenge of strength or wit. Killua faces off against the strongest opponent, Johness the Dissector, a serial killer. Killua demonstrates his power by killing the enemy in a matter of seconds and ripping out his heart.
6 Accepted His New Self
Moved Past His Assassin Days
His family’s influence overshadowed Killua’s life, often leaving him vulnerable to their schemes. Despite his resilience, Killua was still deeply affected by their words, especially those of his brother Illumi, which caused him to nearly cut ties with all of his friends after the Hunter Exam, but he grew past all of the abuse.
Killua stopped listening to his brother or parents, and with time, he became more decisive about making his own choices in life. His freedom is finally achieved when Killua removes Illumi’s needle that he planted in his younger brother’s head to make him retreat when necessary, allowing Killua to reclaim his full agency.
5 Performed Well In The Heaven’s Arena
Mastered Transmutation
Killua might have failed his first Hunter Exam, but he didn’t let this hold him back. He was keen to help his friend Gon get his rematch against Hisoka, leading to their participation in Heaven’s Arena. This was an inevitably challenging trial, as the battles got harder with each new floor, and defeat grew more costly.
Killua managed to endure by mastering his new abilities with the help of Wing, allowing Killua to unlock his potential as a transmuter. Later, he used those abilities to battle countless opponents in the arena, including those with a high victory streak. In Heaven’s Arena, Killua got to test his skills and help out his best friend.
4 Escaped The Phantom Troupe
Got Out Of A Deathtrap
The Phantom Troupe is one of the most dangerous organizations in the universe of Hunter x Hunter. They are known to be ruthless bounty hunters and murderers, and they are responsible for exterminating the Kurta clan. Nevertheless, Kurapika isn’t the only one who deals with them, as Killua and Gon had to deal with multiple members simultaneously.
Gon and Killua happened to be in New City, reunited with Leorio, searching for the game of Greed Island. They spy after the Phantom Troupe and get captured and interrogated. At the time, Killua and Gon don’t know about Kurapika’s recent activity against them, but they manage to escape the Phantom Troupe and later help their friend against the group.
3 Passed The Hunter Exam
Got The License
Greed Island arc has seen a lot of development for Killua as he perfected his abilities and talents, despite friction with his new teacher. However, during this arc, he leaves the game to take on a new Hunter Exam and claim his license after the previous failure. Killua sets aside a lot of time for it, but it ends up being unnecessary.
The first challenge presented by the Hunter Exam is a physical one, a battle between all the new participants in which they are supposed to claim badges from their opponents. This turns out to be perfect for Killua, as he easily overwhelms each of his opponents and triumphs over them all, impressing the examiner. This easily earns him the title of a Hunter.
2 Battled The Chimera Ants
Became A Powerful Ally
Killua followed Gon into the fray. He became Kite’s pupil and took part in a war against the invasive species of the Chimera Ants. They were the most dangerous opponents Killua faced yet, as they were incredibly powerful and adaptive, eventually learning to use Nen. Killua and Gon managed to slaughter some of the ants at the beginning but had to run from a royal guard.
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Nevertheless, Killua grew stronger after his training with Knuckle and Shoot. He demonstrated his abilities multiple times, specifically in a battle with Rammot, a powerful Chimera ant. Even though he struggles, Killua eventually conquers his fears and reclaims his agency, resulting in a triumphant victory against Rammot.
1 Fought A Royal Guard
Saved Knuckle
Menthuthuyoupi is a powerful royal guard in service of the Chimera Ant King and an opponent for Killua. The first time Killua fought a Royal Guard, Neferpitou, he was absolutely powerless and had to retreat, allowing this experience to traumatize him. When he came back to fight the Chimera Ants, Killua was far more prepared.
This time, his opponent was Youpi, and Killua managed to go toe to toe with him. His most important moment was when he saw Knuckle charge at Youpi, willing to sacrifice his life to lay a blow on the royal guard. Killua saved his friend just in time and took the opponent upon himself, fighting Youpi with his new lightning abilities.
