The Wait Is Finally Over
After 567 agonizing days of silence, Hunter x Hunter has officially returned. Chapter 411 hit Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #31 on June 28, 2026, marking the end of one of the longest hiatuses in the manga’s turbulent publication history. For fans who have spent nearly two years refreshing Togashi’s Twitter and clinging to every cryptic sketch update, this moment feels nothing short of miraculous.
But here is the part that has the entire manga community losing its mind: this is not just one chapter. Yoshihiro Togashi has confirmed that he has completed work all the way up to Chapter 430. That means roughly 20 chapters are already in the pipeline, ready to roll out over the coming months. Volume 39 is also set for a July 2026 release. For a series that has become synonymous with indefinite breaks, this is an unprecedented level of preparedness.
Where the Story Left Off: The Succession War Arc
If you have been away from Hunter x Hunter for a while, here is a quick refresher on why this return matters so much. The manga is deep into the Succession War arc, widely considered one of the most ambitious and complex storylines Togashi has ever attempted. The setting: the Black Whale, a massive ship carrying the Kakin Empire’s 14 princes toward the Dark Continent. Each prince is supported by their own army and Nen users, and a deadly battle royale has erupted where only one heir can survive.
The arc has been a masterclass in tension and political intrigue. Prince Benjamin is fighting for survival after being poisoned. The threat of martial law on Tier 1 has completely shifted the atmosphere aboard the ship, with tensions between royal families reaching a critical boiling point. Meanwhile, the Phantom Troupe is still hunting Hisoka through the lower tiers of the ship, adding another volatile layer to an already explosive situation.
And then there is Morena Prudo and the Heil-Ly Family. Morena’s growing influence has quietly become one of the most unpredictable and terrifying elements of the arc. Her ability to grant Nen powers through a game-like system has created a ticking time bomb below decks. Borksen’s recent decision only added more uncertainty to an already chaotic scenario.
Why Togashi’s Return Is Different This Time
Hunter x Hunter fans are no strangers to comebacks that fizzle out. The manga has gone on hiatus multiple times since 2006, often due to Togashi’s chronic back pain issues. But this time feels fundamentally different, and there are real reasons for optimism:
- 20+ chapters completed — Togashi has been steadily working since at least August 2025, when he returned to social media to update fans on his progress. By April 2026, he confirmed completing work through Chapter 430.
- Regular social media updates — Unlike previous hiatuses where Togashi vanished entirely, this time he maintained a consistent presence on X (formerly Twitter), sharing progress sketches and inking updates that kept the community engaged.
- Volume 39 on the way — The July release of Volume 39 means the chapters are not just written but fully polished and ready for publication.
- Shueisha’s commitment — The publisher has clearly invested in giving Togashi the time and support he needs, rather than rushing or pressuring him.
In a recent post, Togashi even mentioned receiving tons of motivation from his wife (famous Sailor Moon creator Takeuchi Naoko), which fans have taken as a heartwarming sign that the creator is in a good place both physically and mentally.
Perfect Timing: Kagurabachi Goes on Hiatus
The timing of Hunter x Hunter’s return could not be more strategic. In the very same issue that Chapter 411 dropped, Kagurabachi announced a temporary hiatus. Kagurabachi has been one of Shonen Jump’s hottest new titles, and its brief absence creates a perfect opening for Hunter x Hunter to reclaim the spotlight.
For Weekly Shonen Jump, this is a calculated editorial move. Having Hunter x Hunter fill the gap left by Kagurabachi ensures that readers stay engaged with the magazine rather than drifting to competing publications. It is a win-win: fans get their HxH fix, and Jump maintains its readership momentum.
What to Expect Next
With 20 chapters already completed, fans can reasonably expect a sustained run of weekly releases for the next several months. The Succession War arc shows no signs of wrapping up quickly — there are too many plot threads, too many characters, and too many unresolved conflicts. Here is what we are watching for:
- The Dark Continent arrival — The Black Whale is still en route, and when it reaches its destination, the scale of the story will expand dramatically.
- Kurapika’s fate — As the arc’s central figure, Kurapika’s battle against the princes is reaching a critical juncture. His Emperor Time ability continues to drain his lifespan with every use.
- Hisoka vs. the Phantom Troupe — This confrontation has been building since the manga’s return, and it promises to be one of the most explosive battles in the series.
- Gon and Killua’s status — Both characters have been notably absent from the Succession War arc. Whether and how they will re-enter the story remains one of the biggest mysteries.
The Manga Community Reacts
Social media erupted when the news broke. Within hours of Chapter 411’s release, Hunter x Hunter was trending globally on X. Fans shared their reactions, memes, and emotional breakdowns. The consensus is clear: Hunter x Hunter’s return is the biggest manga event of 2026, and possibly the decade.
For a series that started serialization in 1998 and has only reached 411 chapters due to its numerous hiatuses, the dedication of its fanbase is remarkable. No other manga could disappear for nearly two years and come back to this level of excitement. That is the power of Togashi’s storytelling — when Hunter x Hunter is good, it is among the very best the medium has ever produced.
Read It Now on Manga Plus
Chapter 411 is available to read for free on Manga Plus in English. If you have been putting off catching up on the Succession War arc, now is the time. With 20 chapters incoming and no signs of another imminent hiatus, Hunter x Hunter is entering what could be its most productive stretch in over a decade.
Welcome back, Togashi. We missed you.
What are your predictions for the Succession War arc? Do you think Gon and Killua will return before the arc ends? Drop your theories in the comments below!
