Hunter x Hunter is a series filled with adventure, a blockbuster story, and outstanding combat. It also has a reputation for swapping around between characters. The current main character is now Kurapika, not Gon Freecss. The story took a turn as it moved into a darker and more complicated part.
Hunter x Hunter started with Gon as the clear lead. He was a cheerful boy searching for his father and chasing adventure. Gon’s journey led him through tough battles and strong friendships. He met Killua, Leorio, and Kurapika. The story focused a lot on these four in the beginning.
But as the manga went on, the focus began to shift. Gon’s story seemed to reach a stopping point after the Chimera Ant arc. He found his father, Ging, and lost the ability to use Nen. While fans still love him, the story moved on.

Hunter x Hunter later started to focus more on Kurapika. He is the last surviving member of the Kurta Clan. His people were killed for their eyes, which turn bright red when they feel strong emotion. Kurapika became a Hunter to get revenge and recover his people’s stolen eyes. He is still bent on getting revenge on the Phantom Troupe, too.
His story became more central in the Succession War arc. This is the seventh arc of the story and comes right after the 13th Hunter Chairman Election arc. The arc is also called the Succession to the Throne arc or the Black Whale arc. The arc starts from Chapter 340 and is currently ongoing.
The arc shifts the location of the previous arc. Isaac Netero’s son, Beyond, organizes an expedition to the Dark Continent. There is a lot of drama with the Zodiacs and the Hunter Association, especially with the new Chairman Cheadle.

This part of the story also shows a battle between princes of the Kakin Empire for the throne. Kurapika joins this deadly war as a bodyguard for Prince Woble Hui Guo Rou, the youngest of the 14 princes of the Kakin Empire. He risks his life to recover the stolen eyes from his employer’s older brother, Prince Tserriednich.
In Hunter x Hunter, Kurapika is the most active and focused character in the latest chapters. His actions drive the plot forward. He faces enemies like never before and makes big sacrifices. Unlike Gon, Kurapika is more mature and calculated.
His missions are dangerous and often full of political tension. This makes the tone of the story very different from earlier arcs. Kurapika has become the new main character, as his actions drive most of the plot. He has to navigate through the world of Mafia Families, Kakin’s Military, Provisional Hunters, and the iconic Phantom Troupe.

Hunter x Hunter is famous for having really long breaks. The creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, has dealt with health issues throughout the years. This is why the manga frequently takes breaks. During these breaks, fans often ask who the story is really about. At a point, Hunter x Hunter took a break in November 2018 and resumed in May 2022.
The latest chapter was released on December 9th, 2024. But when new chapters return, it’s clear that Kurapika’s journey is the current focus. The Succession War arc gives him more screen time and development than any other character.
Even though Gon is not the main character right now, his story is still important. In Hunter x Hunter, characters often take turns being in the spotlight. Killua and Leorio also had their moments. This is one reason why fans love the series. It doesn’t always follow one path. It grows and shifts with each arc. But for now, Kurapika is at the center of things.

But the latest chapters clearly put Kurapika at the front. He takes on more responsibility, faces harder challenges, and has deeper emotional conflicts. He is no longer just part of the team—he is the lead. His story is intense, personal, and very important to the current plot.
For new fans of Hunter x Hunter, it’s good to know that the anime stops before this shift. The 2011 anime ends after the election arc, right after Gon meets Ging. That means that Kurapika, being the main character, is manga-only for now. To see the most recent parts of the narrative, you’ll have to read the manga.
Themes in Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter continues to be one of the most unique stories in anime and manga. It’s not just about battles and powers. It’s about choices, loss, and what it means to grow up. Kurapika’s current journey adds layers of emotion and meaning. The story may shift again in the future, but for now, he holds the lead role.

Kurapika’s current role adds a darker, more serious feeling to the series. This matches the complex politics of the Succession War arc. In Hunter x Hunter, the role of “main character” is not always clear. The story changes over time, and so does the focus.
Hunter x Hunter uses each character to explore different ideas. Gon represents childhood and adventure. Killua shows what it means to choose your own path. Leorio stands for loyalty and hope. Kurapika stands for pain, justice, and revenge. These themes help the story stay fresh, exciting, and thought-provoking, offering deep insights into human nature.
Conclusion
In the world of Hunter x Hunter, nothing is ever simple. The characters grow, the story changes, and the stakes rise. That’s what keeps fans coming back. Whether it’s Gon, Killua, or Kurapika, every main character brings something special to the narrative.
But at this moment, it’s Kurapika who stands in the spotlight, leading the charge through the manga’s darkest and most gripping arc, with ever-evolving challenges ahead.