Fans of "Hunter X Hunter" are eagerly waiting for Chapter 361 to come out, but mangaka Yoshiro Togashi is reportedly suffering from back pains so the series has been halted once again.
"The last time the series was put on hold, it was because of Togashi-sensei's lower back pain, and once again, his condition has gotten worse, necessitating a break again," Weekly Shonen Jump publisher Shueisha said, as quoted on Rocket News 24 in July. "At this time, it is not certain when we will be able to resume the series."
Fans were excited when the manga made a come-back in April after almost 20 months of absence, and the return of the hunters did not disappoint fans. The quality of Togashi's artwork was, as the report puts it, "better than usual" - followers are undoubtedly familiar with some of the past chapters that looked like mere sketches although still really good.
Because of the hiatus, there are many contradicting speculations on what's going to happen to "Hunter X Hunter." Of course, fans don't want it to cease without a proper ending, and there's still so much more to the story of Gon, Killua, Kurapika, Leorio, Hisoka, and other characters. It is likely that the series will continue once the 50-year-old mangaka regains his health, and some rumors say it's going to happen in early 2017.
However, there are also rumors that Shueisha will drop Togashi and replace him with other writers, with the mangaka to remain as consultant. The publication, however, has not given any indication that they are planning to do this.
At the moment, the Dark Continent story arc is heating up, with Chapter 360 ending with Kurapika in a very tight situation. Inside the Black Whale, a number of parasite-type Nen Beasts - creatures that not everyone can see and even the hosts are unaware of - suddenly appeared. He was able to make a call to others, asking about their situation, but it remains to be seen how he can protect the lowest ranked queen Oito and her baby and get away. Kurapika is about to face one guard who has been taken over and has killed three others.
"Hunter X Hunter" Chapter 361 will not be coming anytime soon so all fans can do at the moment is wait.