Understanding Beyond Netero: The Current Villain of Hunter X Hunter Explained

The recent revival of the Hunter X Hunter manga has allowed fans to once again glimpse Beyond Netero, the enigmatic leader of the Dark Continent Expedition Team. Even though Beyond has played a significant part in the Succession Contest Arc, his presence in the series has not been consistently prominent.

This, combined with multiple hiatuses by creator Yoshihiro Togashi, has led many fans to feel uncertain about the antagonist’s motives and aspirations. Recall that Beyond Netero is the offspring of Isaac Netero, who was the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association, now deceased. What are his intentions, and why is he on this journey to the Dark Continent?

Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers from the Hunter X Hunter manga.

Understanding Beyond Netero’s Aspirations in Hunter X Hunter

Beyond Netero depicted in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Beyond Netero’s expressed ambitions revolve around venturing into unexplored territories and engaging with individuals yet to be met. His desire is to possess artifacts untouched by others and to explore freely. The Dark Continent, embodying many of these aspirations, is where he intends to make his mark.

While he is determined to fulfill these ambitions, he isn’t inclined to exclude those who wish to join him, nor will he pursue those who opt not to be involved. However, he firmly believes in overcoming anyone who stands in the way of his expedition backed by the Kakin Empire.

Beyond Netero’s Involvement in the Dark Continent Expedition

Isaac Netero portrayed in the anime (Image via Madhouse)

Though it remains a little-known secret within the Hunter Association that Isaac Netero had a son named Beyond, about fifty years ago, the V5 commissioned him to spearhead a covert expedition to the Dark Continent. Though the team successfully acquired the alchemical plant Metallion from an uncharted route, they suffered catastrophic losses due to an unidentified disease on their return journey. Ultimately, the mission was deemed unsuccessful following the plant’s demise.

After that ill-fated mission, Isaac Netero prohibited Beyond from venturing into the Dark Continent until his death. Consequently, Beyond began laying the groundwork for a future expedition by assembling skilled individuals and forming an alliance with Nasubi Hui Guo Rou, the Ruler of the Kakin Empire.

Beyond Netero illustrated in the Hunter X Hunter manga (Image via Shueisha)

After Isaac Netero’s passing, Beyond arranged for Nasubi Hui Guo Rou to publicly announce an open expedition to the Dark Continent, aiming to compel the V5 to join their ranks. This announcement created a stir online, amassing one hundred million views on EyeTube and generating a significant number of applications.

Despite attempts by the V5 to halt the expedition, Beyond’s subsequent announcement caused them to be integrated with the Kakin Empire, forming the V6. Ultimately, they agreed to the voyage led by Beyond Netero. Notably, throughout the expedition, Beyond was to remain confined in the Tier 1 area of the Black Whale until they reached their destination.