The hit manga series "Hunter X Hunter" remains on hiatus as mangaka Yoshihiro Togashi continues to be in poor health. However, it is said that the hiatus will end next year, and "Hunter X Hunter" will continue with or without Togashi.

Speculations suggest that publisher Shueisha managed to come out with a new crop of writers and illustrators for the continuation of the series. However, as the work is supervised by Togashi himself, it is said that the mangaka's standards don't coincide with the new group's vision, resulting in continued hiatus for the "Hunter X Hunter" series.

With the continued stand-off, it is said that the publisher is actually thinking of cutting the series short. In a previous interview, Shueisha stated: "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. At this time, it is not certain when we will be able to resume the series."

Another rumor is that to ease Togashi's standards, Shueisha will either part ways with him on the project or ask his wife, Naoko Takeuchi, to take over. It will be a smart move on Shueisha's part since Takeuchi herself is a noted mangaka. She is credited to be behind another hit manga series, "Sailor Moon."

The "Hunter X Hunter" series has been in an on-and-off, hiatus-ridden status since its recent releases. The story now places Kurapika and Leorio in the spotlight, as Killua travels the world. Gon, on the other hand, needs to train again after discovering that he is a "normal" person again and that he is unable to use Nen.

Should the hiatus end early next year, it will immediately continue with Kurapika's journey to the Dark Continent. Kurapika and Leorio have been previously nominated as members of the Twelve Zodiacs. The duo also came with the excursion into the Dark Continent.