The long wait for chapter 361 of the highly popular Japanese manga series "Hunter X Hunter" could finally end this February. Its creator Yoshihiro Togashi is believed to have been back to work as he was already seen attending several manga events in early 2017.

Based on fans' discussions at Reddit, the new chapter could be released in February as publisher Weekly Shonen Jump has reportedly told Togashi that he should begin issuing new chapters during the month or they will be hiring someone to write it. Togashi was also reported to have commissioned his wife, Naoko Takeuchi, to write the next chapters of the series and the script of the new chapter is allegedly already under production.

Fans are excited about this development as they believe that the award-winning Takeuchi will be up to the task. Her more popular works include "Codename: Sailor V" and "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon."

"Huntex X Hunter's" serialization stopped in July 2016 due to the chronic lower back problem of Togashi and its publisher has not announced any expected resumption of publication. Togashi has also been silent about his possible return. Fans, therefore, were left in the dark about the fate of their favorite manga series. They, however, remain optimistic that the series will eventually be continued.

"Hunter X Hunter" chronicles the story of a boy named Gon Freecss and his adventures as he search for his father, whom he thought was already dead, but is actually alive and a famous Hunter. His father's job as a Hunter includes treasure hunting, finding rare or unidentified animal species, and capturing or hunting down lawless persons. Freecss took the Hunter Examination to follow in his father's footsteps in the hope of finding him.

Due to its popularity, the manga series was also adopted into an anime film, an anime television series, and as original video animation (OVA).

Watch out for more updates on the "Hunter X Hunter" manga series in the coming weeks.