Nothing has been heard from "Hunter X Hunter" since the release of Chapter 360 earlier this year. Fans were elated to have their hands on the manga's latest update but it turned out to be short-lived as another hiatus has happened.
According to the Sports Rageous, chapter 361 of the beloved manga is rumored to be up for release in February 2017. But like all other reports, this is another unverified rumor as to the latest chapter's release. But what was verified in the same report is the cause of the manga's longer than usual hiatus.
The creator of "Hunter X Hunter", Yoshihiro Togashi, has a birth defect called spina bifida which is causing his back pains. According to Spina Bifida Association, spina bifida is a birth defect that happens when a baby's backbone (spine) does not form normally. As a result, the spinal cord and the nerves that branch out of it may be damaged.
In an effort to get an update of the actual release date of the new chapter, RocketNews 24 asked publisher of the Weekly Shonen Jump, Shueisha. But that turned out futile as the publisher cannot give any definite date when the manga may return. As a result, fans at the Hunter X Hunter Subreddit are predicting that it could be, at least, a year-long hiatus for the manga.
Some were even suggesting that since Togashi is in frail health, it would be best for him to hire assistants to ensure the timely release of the manga's chapters. But if Togashi is suffering from an ailment as serious as spina bifida, then it definitely makes sense for him to take a break. Reports are also saying that doctors have prescribed bed rest for him.
At this point, fans are advised to be on the lookout for any updates on chapter 361 and hope that Togashi will feel have some relief for him to continue working on "Hunter X Hunter" and release new chapters sooner than later, even though that seems to be an unlikely occurrence at this point.
