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I found that Binolt sequence to be somewhat chilling. I was reminded of a tigress who wounds a prey animal to slow it down, so that her cubs can play with it and learn how to kill. Biscuit has certainly slowed Binolt down (at the cost of one of her twintails), but he’s still a formidable opponent – and she wants to see exactly what Gon and Killua are capable of.
What follows really is most like a predator toying with a wounded prey animal, as the boys grow stronger and stronger and wear Binolt down, and it becomes clear to all concerned how things will turn out. Gon even stops Killua from ending the fight because he wants to keep going until each of them are capable of defeating Binolt without the other’s help – an example of the kind of detached hard-headed practicality that occasionally makes Gon a scary little man, despite his generally kind and loyal nature.
That sequence also happens to be brilliantly choreographed and gorgeously animated – some of the best extended action sequences in a series full of them. The ending is fascinating too - Bisky has promised to kill him if he’s defeated, but once Binolt has had enough Gon shows his kind side – expressing gratitude for the invaluable help in getting stronger and declaring “We won’t kill you!” Would Biscuit have felt the same way, if Gon hadn’t taken command? We can’t say for sure, but the series of events provides a revealing glimpse of the two sides of Gon. “You’re flawless – a perfect gem. But that perfect nature could be your undoing.”
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