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Togashi. It is a technique that allows a living being to use and manipulate their own life energy
(known as aura).[1] The word "Nen" can also be used in conversation to refer to aura.
Contents
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Properties of Nen
Creation and Use
Nen teaches one to control their own aura flow and utilize the energy.
Aura is the life energy produced by all living bodies vital for survival. Aura from all parts of the
body has a tendency to flow together, producing one mass of energy. This happens without the
individual's awareness, typically resulting in a slow leak of aura continually escaping the body.[1]
If one were to lose their entire aura, it would be equivalent to using up all the energy keeping
them alive, which would be fatal. The pores or points on the body from which aura flows out
from are called "Aura Nodes (, ) shk)." Controlling those nodes is the first
step to being a user of Nen.[2]
Learning to use Nen is the final step in becoming a professional Hunter because most contracted
jobs require the use of it as the minimum requirement. The technique has the ability to enhance
the strength of physical attacks or objects depending on the quantity of aura employed and an
individual's aura type, as well as allows for para-psychological abilities to exist in reality.
Because one can craft just about any sort of psychic power through only using their mind, Nen is
also a dangerous power unknown to the public at large.[3]
Ten (, Point): Focus the mind, reflect upon the self, and determine the goal.
Geniuses
Some of the world's most famous and influential people have naturally learned Nen.
Nen is like any other skill, in that there are those who will learn it faster than others. Some are
able to discover and learn to manipulate their aura on their own without having formally learned
it. These individuals are typically known as "geniuses," "psychics," or "superhumans" to the
public.[2] This can be anything from inadvertently being able to use the basic techniques of Nen[2]
or unconsciously developing a unique Nen ability that can be used without really understanding
how or why one is able to do so. Typically, geniuses of Nen are exceptional artisans in their own
fields and their abilities are related as such.
Notable geniuses within the series include:
Given that three of these geniuses are Specialists (Neon, Alluka and Komugi), it is possible all
geniuses are indeed Specialists.
Exorcism
Hina
The Unknown
Though Nen is influenced by one's mental condition and emotional state, it is difficult to judge
exactly how these factors affect Nen. In certain instances, these factors may even lead to one
exceeding the 100% limit cap. However, using one's powers beyond their capacity will
ultimately cause strain. Potentially, this could become either a weakness or fatal to the user.[10]
Gon is the example of exceeding the 100% limit cap after he enters a rage state in response to
Neferpitou not being able to bring Kite back as his wished: after the boost, he would have died
without Alluka's intervention, and even so, he became unable to use Nen at all. Isaac Netero is
the only case seen so far, in which a character has exceeded their 100% limit cap without forcing
some extreme consequence, and even so, to reach that point he had to complete 1000 punches of
gratitude a day and pray after he fulfilled this for almost a decade.
Nen also does not necessarily disappear following death. In fact, sometimes death can reinforce
an ability's strength. If someone dies holding a deep grudge, his Nen will remain and seek out the
object of his hatred.[10]
Ten
Zetsu
Ren
Water Divination
There are six types of aura; every individual is born having one of these six different aura
types. Upon learning one's own aura type, a student of Nen can set about learning to apply the
technique in a unique way that suits their personality, which can develop into a unique skill.[3]
The most popular way (and the only sure-fire way seen in the series) of determining one's
aura type is through water divination. Divination requires one to float a leaf atop a glass of
water. A student of Nen will place their hands around the glass and perform Ren. The resulting
effect from one's aura contacting the glass will determine a person's aura type.[3]
It is best to base a Nen ability on one's individual aura type. Though it is possible for one to
develop abilities outside of his primary aura type, one is typically less proficient at using those
abilities.[3] By creating an ability that one isn't suited for, one risks stagnating their potential by
overloading their capacity for using Nen[3] something Hisoka calls "Memory Overload".
However, this is not the case with those who have absolute mastery over Nen, e.g. Biscuit
Krueger and Isaac Netero. Biscuit is able to materialize several Nen masseuses (only Cookie was
shown so far) that involve the mixture of Emission, Manipulation and Transmutation, and with
casual ease.
Hisoka also claims that he is able to judge a person's Nen type based on their personalities.
According to him, all people of one aura type are generally of the same personality type.
However, he also states that this method is similar to trying to find someone's star signs or blood
type just from personality analysis it is not always correct.[12] According to his theory:
Enhancers are determined and simple.[12] Most of them never lie, hide nothing, and are
very straightforward in their actions or in their thinking. Their words and actions are
often dominated by their feelings. They are generally very selfish and focused on their
goals. This is reflected in their nen as enhancers typically rely on simple and
uncomplicated hatsu techniques.
Transmuters are whimsical and prone to deceit. Transmutation users have unique
attitudes, and many are regarded as weirdos or tricksters. Often they put forth a facade
while hiding the truer aspects of their personalities. Even when they don't hide their
personalities they rarely reveal their true intentions.[12] Many transmuters rely on
techniques that give unique and unpredictable properties to their nen that reflects their
personalities.
Conjurers are typically high-strung or overly serious and stoic.[13] They are often on
guard as to be cautious. They are very observant and logical, rarely falling into traps.
Being able to analyze things calmly is the strength of Conjurers. Many of the items that
conjurers create are often used by them in a very deliberate and practical, logical fashion.
Emitters are impatient, not detail-oriented, and quick to react in a volatile manner. Many
of them are quick-tempered and hot-blooded.[13] They resemble the Enhancers in building
their impulsivity, but the difference with them, they probably tend to calm down and
forget easier. Because of the nature of emission, many hatsu techniques created by
emitters are primarily long range.
Manipulators are logical people who advance at their own pace.[13] They are all for
arguments and tend to want to keep their families and loved ones safe. On the other hand,
when it comes to pursuing their own goals, they do not listen to what others might have
to say about it. While manipulators often use techniques that allow them to control their
opponents they also prefer to use an inanimate medium to control that can be used
versatility (such as smoke or pieces of paper hardened with Shu).
Specialists are individualistic and charismatic.[13] They will tell you anything important
on them, and refrain from being close friends. But, because of their natural charisma that
draws others, they are always surrounded by many people. Because specialization is
unique and can have many facets, most specialists posses only one hatsu technique.
Aura Types
Enhancement
Gon Freecss
Kastro
Uvogin
Phinks
Nobunaga Hazama
Isaac Netero
Maha Zoldyck
Tsezguerra
Rammot
Palm Siberia
Menthuthuyoupi
Hollow
Gido
Transmutation
Hisoka
Killua Zoldyck
Silva Zoldyck
Zeno Zoldyck
Machi
Worm
Feitan
Biscuit Krueger
Sadaso
Zazan
Conjuration
Kite
Owl
Kurapika
Abengane
Shizuku
Kess
Kortopi
Genthru
Basho
Knov
Welfin
Cheetu
Bonolenov
Tsubone
Emission
Leorio Paradinight
Pokkle
Riehlvelt
Mizuken
Melody
Shachmono Tocino
Franklin
Goreinu
Razor
Bloster
Pike
Knuckle Bine
Bat
Manipulation
Illumi Zoldyck
Milluki Zoldyck
Kikyo Zoldyck
Kalluto Zoldyck
Zushi
Squala
Baise
Leech
Shalnark
Morel Mackernasey
Shoot McMahon
Flutter
Ikalgo
Shaiapouf
Boki
Specialization
Chrollo Lucilfer
Neon Nostrade
Pakunoda
Neferpitou
Leol
Meleoron
Alluka Zoldyck
Komugi
Omokage
Advanced Techniques
After learning the basics, any skilled user of Nen will learn to utilize these advanced techniques.
Most of them are achieved by using a combination of the basics. Most Nen users learn Ten,
Zetsu, and Ren first before attempting these techniques. The Hatsu, being a Nen-user's individual
skill, is often something that a Nen-user will develop gradually over a long period of time.
Gyo
In
Uvogin trapped within Kurapika's chains, concealed from view through In.
In (, Conceal) is an advanced form of Zetsu used to almost completely conceal the presence of
a Nen-user's aura. In can be used on a Nen-user's Hatsu ability to make it invisible to other Nenusers. In can be countered by using Gyo in the eyes or through En.[7]
En
Shu
Ko
Biscuit's Ko.
Ko (, Temper) is an enhanced version of Gyo in which all of an individual's aura is
concentrated into one particular body part. Zetsu is used to completely stop the flow of Nen in all
other parts of the body. This makes that one body part exceptionally powerful, but leaves the rest
of the body completely unprotected. This is used by some Nen-users as an offensive technique (a
Ko-punch would carry all 100% of your aura with it), but it is a risky move leaving the rest of
one's body unprotected in a fight against another Nen-user is generally not a good idea. Ko
results in one's aura creating a high-pitched dissonance, somewhat akin to the sound of metal
being ground.
Ryu
Biscuit's Ryu.
Ryu (, Flow) is the term for real-time use of Gyo (the adjustment of aura concentration in
various body parts) by a Nen-user in battle. For example, the use of Gyo to increase the amount
of Nen in a fist as one strikes with it, to increase damage done; or to increase the amount of Nen
in an arm as it is used to block a blow, for extra defense.
Trivia
The terms used for "Vows" and "Limitations" are homophones in Japanese (,
Seiyaku).
Kurapika is the only character who falls under two different Nen categories.
According to Wing, some people are able to use Nen without themselves being aware of
it and also never having been initiated. He calls them "geniuses" In general, they are
specialists in their own fields. Given that Specialization is synonym with
expertise/mastery, it is possible that all known geniuses in the series (e.g. Zepile and
Benny Dellon) are indeed Specialists.
According to Hisoka, Enhancers and Transmuters have opposite personalities, and they
might be attracted to each other because of it. There are several instances of this
happening in the series:
o Gon and Killua: They are best friends.
o Gon and Hisoka: Hisoka is attracted to and fond of Gon, and has aided (or
refrained from harming and/or killing) him on numerous occasions, although the
interest is not reciprocated.
o Biscuit Krueger, Wing and Gon: Biscuit acts as a mother figure to Gon. She also
gets along well with her former student Wing.
o Phinks and Feitan.
o Netero and Zeno: According to the latter, they are like "Yang" and "Yin"
respectively.
o Nobunaga and Machi: They appear to have a good friendship.
o It is interesting to note that there are enmity between Transmuters and Enhancers
in the series. For example, Enhancers Uvogin, Phinks and Nobunaga didn't get
along well with a Transmuter Hisoka. Phinks, along with Feitan, nearly got into a
serious fight with Machi, a Transmuter, along with Pakunoda and Kortopi.