Naoko Takeuchi is rumored to continue the illustration for "Hunter X Hunter" episode 361 to prevent its cancellation.
According to Movie News Guide, Weekly Shonen Jump's publisher Shueisha is reportedly left with no other choice but to cancel the series if Yoshiro Togashi's health condition does not get better.
Previously, it was reported that the publisher hired new creators and appointed Togayashi as a consultant in order to not prevent the series' cancellation; however, the outcome seemed not what they expected, so they opted to put a halt to the release of the anime once again.
Now, rumor has it that the publisher is also considering the idea of having Naoko Takeuchi, who happened to be Togashi's wife and a known manga illustrator herself, continue "Hunter X Hunter" series. After all, she is also believed to have helped in the illustration of the manga.
For those uniformed, Takeuchi is the mind behind "Sailor Moon," a series which is locally and internationally celebrated. In fact, its franchise is one of the most successful in the history of manga animation as it sold almost 35 million copies, making it possible to garner the Kodansha Manga Award.
Takeuchi also seemed to be more than qualified for the job as she is a highly acclaimed manga writer and artist herself, and received various awards for her works. To name a few, she holds the 2nd Nakayosahi Comic Prize for newcomers for her work "Yume Ja Nai No Ne" and New Artist Award in 1986 for her "Love Call."
There is no confirmation yet if the publishing company has already called on Takeuchi to do the job, but fans already expect that "Hunter X Hunter" episode 361 will be released soon. In fact, many already speculated that the episode will feature "Dark Continent Arc."
Meanwhile, it is rumored that Studio Pierrot is considering to release "Hunter X Hunter" Season 3 in small screen since there is already enough materials for it.