The story begins with a young boy named Gon who aspires to be just like his father Ging. Ging had left his son in the care of Mito, Gon's aunt, and has not been back since. In order to prove his ability to take the exam, Gon catches the local monster fish, "Lord of the Lake". Although Mito is reluctant to let Gon leave his home, she relents after seeing his determination to understand why his father left and what his interest of becoming a Hunter was. After saying goodbye to Mito and the townspeople, Gon boards a ship with participants from other lands and sets sail for the exam venue...