Hunter x Hunter introduces viewers to a world where supernatural abilities, known as Nen, plays as important of a role as the characters themselves. Nen is a powerful technique that allows individuals to use and manipulate their life energy, also known as aura.

It plays a significant role in battles, character development, and the overall narrative of the anime as a whole. Nen itself is not the only important aspect of being a Hunter. One must also understand their Nen type. There are six different Nen categories - Enhancers, Emitters, Conjurers, Manipulators, Transmuters, and Specialists. And while most characters figure out their Nen through a Water Divination Test, there is another way that was invented by one of the series' biggest and most iconic antagonists.

One such being Hisoka Morow. Hisoka is introduced during the Hunter Exam arc, which he passes. He is a licensed Hunter and, at one point, was a member of the Phantom Troupe - a group of thirteen criminals who are exceptionally talent at the use of Nen. Hisoka is an unpredictable character who is driven by a strong desire to fight. But, not just anyone. He is constantly seeking out powerful opponents who can provide him with a challenging fight. Hisoka is not only interested in defeating strong opponents but also in nurturing and witnessing their growth. So much so, that he will spare individuals with great potential, like Gon and Killua, is motivated by his desire to see them become stronger over time. He sees the potential for them to become formidable opponents in the future, and he wants to enjoy a more satisfying and challenging battle when they reach their full potential. This also leads to him at times helping them.

One such time was during the Heavens Arena arc. During a fight, Hisoka is able to accurately deduce what Nen-type Gon is. While most Nen users discover their type using a Water Divination test, how is Hisoka able to tell?

Hisoka’s Nen Test

Enhancers

According to Hisoka, Enhancers are typically simple and determined individuals. As far as abilities, Enhancers typically strengthen their bodies, making them physically more powerful, and they often excel in hand-to-hand combat. Hisoka can accurately guess that Gon Freecss is an Enhancer. (Although, he has trained in at least two other Nen types, Emission and Transmutation, thanks to Bisky.) Gon’s Nen ability is known as Rock-Paper-Scissor. Rock-Paper-Scissor's ability reflects his Enhancer nature by focusing on enhancing different aspects of physical combat, such as strength, speed, and precision. Another known Enchancer is the 12th Chairman of the Hunter Association - Issac Netero. Netero's most famous and powerful Nen ability is the 100-Type Guanyin Bodhisattva. While the technique is a culmination of a multitude of different Nen types, his characteristics contribute to the intense power behind each strike delivered by the Bodhisattva.

Emitters

Emitters are characterized as short-tempered. They are often impulsive and enjoy taking action. Emitters have the ability to project their Nen out of their bodies and often create projectiles or emit energy blasts. Killua Zoldyck is an Emitter. While not easily excited, Killua does enjoy taking action, which reason he was such a good assassin for such a long time. As far as ability, Killua's Godspeed allows him to transmute his aura into electricity. Another Emitter is Franklin - a member of the Phantom Troupe. Franklin can release aura from his fingers in the form of bullets.

Conjurers

Conjurers are known for being high-strung and nervous. They prefer to think things through and plan carefully. Conjurers have the ability to create objects out of their aura and can materialize a wide range of objects, weapons, or creatures with unique properties. Kurapika is a Conjurer. His signature ability is to create chains extending from each finger on his right hand. To increase the effectiveness of his chains against them, Kurapika placed strict limitations on the usage of his chains.

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Kite is also a Conjurer. His Nen ability is called Crazy Slots. It involves a magical clown-like scythe that has various numbered slots. When Kite activates Crazy Slots, the scythe randomly selects one of the slots, each corresponding to a specific weapon. Kite can summon and utilize the chosen weapon for different situations.

Manipulators

Manipulators are argumentative. As the name suggests, they tend to be very manipulative and tend to be devious and sneaky. Manipulators can control or manipulate people, objects, or even the environment according to their will and their Nen. Illumi Zoldyck, Killua’s older brother is a manipulator. Illumi's primary Nen ability involves the use of needles. By inserting these needles into a target's body, he gains control over their actions and can manipulate them as if they were puppets.

Illumi implanted needles in Killua's head during his childhood. Illumi also often uses this technique on himself to alter his appearance. Shaiapouf, one of the Royal Guards serving the Chimera Ant King, is also a Manipulator, and his technique - Beelzebub - allows him to not only manipulate his own body and transform into smaller forms but also manipulate the feelings and thoughts of others, influencing their behavior.

Transmuters

Transmuters are whimsical liars. They can be mischievous and playful. Transmuters can change the properties of their aura to mimic something else. They often create unique abilities by changing the characteristics of their aura to suit a particular need. Hisoka is a Transmuter. His Nen technique is called Bungee Gum and it allows him to turn his Nen into flexible and stretchable, resembling both rubber and gum as he can control its elasticity and adhesion.

Hisoka has precise control over the Bungee Gum, enabling him to use it in a versatile and unpredictable manner during battles. Another Transmuter is Bisky Krueger. Bisky's main Nen ability involves Transmutation, allowing her to change the properties of her aura, as well as her appearance. Most of the time, Bisky appears to be a cute, young girl. However, Bisky's true form is an extremely muscular and tall woman. She conceals this form to mislead others about her true powers.

Specialists

Specialists tend to be independent as they are individuals with abilities that don't fit neatly into the other categories. They may have diverse and specific talents that set them apart. Meruem, the King of the Chimera Ants, was a Specialist. Meruem possesses immense physical strength, speed, and agility. Meruem used En, an advanced Nen technique, to extend his aura and sense the presence of those within a certain radius.

Additionally, Meruem demonstrated the ability to absorb and integrate the aura of other beings, enhancing his strength and Nen abilities. He also has the ability to heal rapidly from injuries. During his intense battle with Isaac Netero, Meruem displayed some of his abilities, however, we never got to see the full extent of what he was able to do with his Nen. Chrollo Lucifer, the leader of the Phantom Troupe, is also a Specialist. Chrollo's primary Nen ability is called Skill Hunter. This ability allows him to steal and use the abilities of other Nen users. He uses a book called The Bandit’s Secret to store and access these stolen abilities.

The Takeaway

Hisoka's whimsical and unpredictable personality mirrors the traits of a Transmuter and Chrollo's independent and unconventional thinking aligns with the tendencies of a Specialist. The flexibility within these categories also allows for character development, as individuals may exhibit traits from multiple types. This adds depth to the characters and their Nen abilities, as their personalities influence how they apply their techniques. While the system may not be foolproof, the interplay between personality traits and Nen types creates an interesting narrative where characters' abilities are not only a reflection of their strengths but also a reflection of the characters themselves.

Hunter x Hunter is currently available to stream on Netflix.

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