Hunter x Hunter Episode 89: Compassion x and x Strength
As the battle with Knuckle begins, Gon is told that his Janken technique is fatally flawed - but Gon exploits this weakness, countering as his opponent tries to take advantage. Just as Gon is about to deal a finishing blow, he collapses from exhaustion. With the deadline the next day, the final showdown is looming. As Gon sleeps, Biscuit spars with Killua, after which she explains the nature of his own weakness. She issues an ultimatum - should he lose the next day's battle, he must leave Gon's side.
Full recap
Gon and Knuckle finally engage in a serious fight, and Knuckle quickly identifies the major flaws in Gon's **Jajanken**: it takes too long to charge and leaves Gon vulnerable while he concentrates aura into his fist. Gon keeps pressing forward anyway, using feints and sudden changes in rhythm to try to catch Knuckle off guard, and Knuckle is impressed enough to recognize Gon's ability to learn quickly in battle.
As the fight continues, Knuckle repeatedly exploits Gon's weak points and makes him look inexperienced, while Gon gradually starts adapting his timing and movement to hide his intentions better. Killua, who is watching nearby, also trains with Biscuit in preparation for his own fight, and she focuses on his emotional and mental weaknesses rather than just his physical skill.
Gon keeps pushing despite the damage and exhaustion mounting on him, and at one point he manages to use a deceptive move to force Knuckle to react. He then suddenly charges another **Jajanken** and, after confusing both Knuckle and Killua, launches **Paper** instead of a close-range strike. Knuckle blocks it without difficulty, showing that Gon's attack still lacks the power needed to finish him.
By the end of the episode, Gon's aura and stamina are nearly depleted, and he can no longer keep up the fight. Killua carries him away, and the episode also shows Biscuit continuing to evaluate Killua with a harsh, blunt training approach before leaving the next steps of their preparation to him.
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