Yoshihiro Togashi, the reclusive creator of the beloved manga series Hunter × Hunter, has revealed that he has prepared three distinct possible endings for the epic tale of Gon Freecss and his friends, along with a contingency plan should he pass away before completing the work.

The disclosure, shared widely on social media on June 29, 2026, has sent ripples through the anime and manga community, reigniting discussions about the series’ future amid its notoriously lengthy hiatuses

Hunter × Hunter, which follows young Gon as he becomes a Hunter to find his father Ging while navigating a world of Nen abilities, dangerous exams, and complex antagonists like the Phantom Troupe, has captivated readers since its debut in 1998. Despite its massive popularity spawning anime adaptations, films, and a dedicated global fanbase the series is infamous for extended breaks due to Togashi’s health issues.

Chapters resume sporadically, with the latest serialization efforts drawing renewed attention as of late June 2026.

In a recent statement that has gone viral, Togashi outlined his approach to the story’s conclusion. He has developed three primary endings labeled A, B, and C. Ending A is projected to receive strong approval, with an estimated 8 out of 10 readers in favor and only 2 disapproving.

This version likely represents a more conventional, satisfying resolution that ties up the adventures of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, and Leorio in a crowd-pleasing manner.

Ending B is expected to split the audience evenly, offering a balanced mix of triumph and tragedy that reflects the series’ nuanced exploration of friendship, ambition, and the costs of power.

Public Reaction

Fans have speculated this could involve partial victories, lingering threats from the Dark Continent arc, or moral ambiguities surrounding characters like Hisoka and the Chimera Ant remnants.

The most intriguing revelation concerns Ending C, which Togashi personally favors despite anticipating overwhelming disapproval roughly 1 in favor and 9 against. “The reason I’ve kept Pattern C-where the ‘disapproval’ votes are overwhelming-is simply because it’s my personal favorite,” he noted.

This darker, more philosophical conclusion aligns with Togashi’s storytelling style, which often subverts shonen expectations by prioritizing themes of loss, the futility of certain pursuits, and the harsh realities of the Hunter world over straightforward heroism.

Speculation among fans runs wild. Some suggest Ending C could feature major character deaths, including potential tragedies for Kurapika and the Phantom Troupe, or a bleak resolution where Gon’s journey leads to profound personal sacrifice.

Others point to the series’ ongoing Succession Contest arc on the Black Whale ship, where political intrigue, Nen battles, and high-stakes confrontations could naturally lend themselves to somber outcomes.

Comments on the viral post range from excitement for a “sad philosophical Ending” to pleas for Togashi to pursue his vision regardless of backlash.

Adding another layer of contingency, Togashi has prepared a fourth option, referred to as the “If I Die, This Is the Ending” scenario. This backup plan, sometimes discussed in fan circles as Ending D, was detailed in earlier interviews. It involves a significant time skip where Gon becomes a grandfather, echoing his father Ging’s absentee legacy and leaving behind his own family-a meta commentary on cycles of abandonment and adventure.

Togashi has expressed a strong desire to complete the manga properly to avoid relying on any of these pre-planned conclusions, particularly the more divisive ones.

The news arrives at a pivotal moment for Hunter × Hunter. With recent chapters advancing the intricate boat arc featuring bodyguards, princes, and escalating threats that some fans argue eclipse the main cast in narrative importance-the series continues to showcase Togashi’s genius for world-building and character depth.

Unlike many battle shonen that prioritize constant action, Hunter × Hunter delves into strategy, psychology, and societal structures, making any ending a potential masterpiece or polarizing statement.

Industry observers note that Togashi’s transparency demonstrates both humility and confidence. By polling hypothetical reader reactions and admitting his bias toward the unpopular choice, the author invites fans into his creative process.

This openness contrasts with the frustration many feel over hiatuses but reinforces why the series endures: its creator’s commitment to artistic integrity over commercial expediency.

For longtime readers, the revelation stirs mixed emotions. Many discovered the series through the 2011 Madhouse anime adaptation, which covered up to the Chimera Ant arc and left viewers yearning for more. Others have followed the manga through thick and thin, collecting volumes and debating theories on forums.

The possibility of an author-approved ending provides comfort amid uncertainty, yet fuels anxiety about whether the journey will conclude as hoped.

As Hunter × Hunter resumes serialization, attention turns to how these planned endings might influence upcoming chapters. The Dark Continent expedition and Succession Contest remain fertile ground for any of the outlined paths.

Ultimately, Togashi’s preparations highlight the precarious nature of long-form storytelling. Health challenges have shaped the manga’s irregular pace, but his foresight ensures the world of Hunters will have closure.

As one commenter put it, approval or not, Togashi’s vision deserves respect for its authenticity.