Leorio is most probably the most overlooked, and often times misunderstood, character in the whole anime. Even I had judged him quite badly at first (great thanks to GMA and how they compared him to Kazuma Kuwabara *I'm gonna MURDER those people!!!*). But eventually, I started to notice how admirable he really is. And this was confirmed by a classmate who never even watched HxH in her entire life. She said that Leorio was cute *swoons*.

And so, I decided that, Hey, he's not as bad as most people say he is! And with that said, here are a few of the reasons I've compiled to prove my point. Hopefully, I might change any skeptic's mind ^_^

Btw, thank you to Sarj-san's personal lists of reasons for liking Leorio. I found the text file while scanning through the files in the Hunter_X_Hunter ml, I hope you don't mind ^_^ It gave me very good ideas to start with. Thank you very much! *bows down gratefully*

Now, enough with the introductions and acknowledgments. Here's the list:

He's a Hunter

The very fact that he's a Hunter proves that he is a person worthy of praise. Sure, some people may say that he only won in the last parts because of Killua, but how do you explain his victory in the other parts? In truth, Leorio has done pretty well, and his abilities have helped him go through the Hunter Exam with flying colors. Well, maybe not with flying colors, but that's beside the point =P

He has good looks.

Really! The only reason why some people might tend to disagree is because Leorio seems to be the anime's comic relief, so most of the time, he's deformed or drawn quite exaggeratedly. But if one would look closely, he really is not so bad. In fact, he has the most charm and charisma among all of the other characters. Well, maybe next to Killua for some people (though I still say it's Leorio), but you get the point ^_^ Actually, if you ask me, he's the most handsome in the whole group. Gon is mainly childish cute, I can't fit the word 'manly' or 'handsome' anywere at all. Killua may be referred to as that if only he'd be a few more years older. Right now, he still fits in the 'cutesy' category. Kurapika is mostly beautiful. Leorio owns 'handsome' as his adjective ^_^ Also, he's very neat. He carries a neat suitcase around with him, and he's elegant and debonair. I won't be surprised if we find a cologne somewhere in his things ^_^

He's clever and streetsmart.

So maybe he's not as intelligent as Kurapika or as physically sensitive as Gon, but he's the one who knows more about the outside world than all the other two (or three, including Killua) combined. He knows what to do in certain situations that involve money and society. He even brags that he can get various items for free!

He is humble.

If you only saw the first parts of the anime or read the first parts of the manga, you may disagree. But I bet that you'll think twice in disagreeing once you get to know Leorio more later on in the story. He's very humble. He knows his limitations, and he admits his mistakes. He knows where he must improve, and he doesn't brag about things that he isn't capable of proving. His respect in himself and his dignity is honest and true.

He is selfless.

He cares a lot about people, especially his friends. He will go to great extent just to be able to see his friends safe and happy. Even if he tends to show us that he only cares about himself (sometimes he even prefers to be seen that way), one way or another, he's going to prove to us that he is not. He loves other people enough to set a goal that involves a very noble act of working without pay. And a doctor at that. What more can you ask for?

He is never an idle member.

Leorio may probably be the strongest when it comes to physical strength, but when we're talking about power, we all can't deny the fact that he is the weakest. He hasn't even mastered the arts of nen, and we all know how weak one will be if they don't know how to use nen if faced against somebody who knows how. But despite that, he is never useless or idle. He helps out where he is needed. He's very versatile. If not in direct battle, he's very useful in other situations.

He doesn't allow people to be sad for him.

I think this can be categorized under the 'selfless' part, but I just want to emphasize it. If we look at ALL the characters in HxH, Leorio seems to be the one who laughs the most. He is also the one who pulls the craziest antics. But if anyone would think about it, Leorio's past and background is not as happy as he wants to show. He experienced the pains of losing somebody close to him, and he now lives a life blaming himself for the tragedy. How can anybody still smile while living a life like that? Well, Leorio can ^_^

He has a very noble reason to become a Hunter

And most probably, he's the only one who actually HAS a noble reason. Gon may be a nice kid, but his true purpose in becoming a Hunter is to find his father, and to prove that he is worthy of being called his son. Kurapika's reason is to avenge his tribe. It may be noble among the Kuruta clan as a warrior and a member, but still, his revenge involves murder. As for Killua...*sweatdrops* don't ask. Hisoka and Illumi are most definitely out of the question. But Leorio wanted to become a Hunter to gain money, enough to sustain his daily needs so that he wouldn't have to ask people for money in return of his services.

He is not as ambitious as one may think.

I don't even know if we can call his goal an 'ambition' at all. He doesn't want to be rich, he just wants what is enough. Being a Hunter is what most people in the Hunter World aim for, but becoming one is just a part of what Leorio intends to do. It is merely a stepping stone that would help him reach his real goal, and that is to make up for the death of his friend that he blames himself for.

He knows how to control his emotions.

Mild emotions like anger and irritation does not apply here. Leorio IS a bit quick-tempered after all. But he does know how to control his emotions well. Unlike Kurapika and Killua who turns deadly in just a snap of a finger, Leorio is more warm-hearted and at ease. He is a very good companion because he is peaceful and he is somebody who only fights when necessary. Senrithsu even commented that he has a good heartbeat, which means that he has inner peace and knows how to maintain his cool.

That's it for now. If anybody wants to add in anything, please e-mail me, I'll be eternally grateful ^_^

 

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