The episode culminates in the start of the First Phase—a marathon led by the Examiner . On the surface, the task is simple: follow the leader. However, as the miles turn into tens of miles, it becomes a psychological war of attrition.
Episode 3 of Hunter x Hunter (2011) is where the "training wheels" come off. It moves the story from the harbor to the heart of the conflict, introducing the nuances of the Hunter world: the psychological warfare of Tonpa, the innocent lethality of Killua, and the terrifying charisma of Hisoka. By the time the credits roll, the viewer realizes that the Hunter Exam is less a test of skill and more a trial of character.
Conversely, Hisoka’s introduction is visceral and unsettling. When an applicant bumps into him and "loses" his arms in a flurry of cherry blossoms (a censored but effective stylistic choice), the show signals that it is not afraid of brutality. Hisoka represents the unpredictable nature of power. He isn't interested in the Hunter License for its prestige; he is there for the thrill of the kill. The voice acting in the dub lean into Hisoka’s flamboyant yet predatory nature, making him an instantly iconic antagonist. The First Phase: A Test of Will
Killua’s entrance is deceptively casual. While others are sweating and anxious, he glides through the tunnel on a skateboard. His interaction with Gon is the spark of the series’ most vital relationship. In the dub, Killua’s voice reflects a cool, detached confidence that contrasts sharply with Gon’s earnestness. This meeting is brief but sets the stage for a friendship built on mutual respect and equal footing—a rarity in Shonen anime.