Almost all shonen anime feature complex systems for ranking power among characters. In Naruto, Chakra serves as a life energy source for different jutsu techniques. My Hero Academia introduces Quirks and superpowers possessed by nearly everyone in its world. The Dragon Ball series uses Ki as the energy for powerful martial arts techniques.

In Demon Slayer, Breathing Techniques are central to the character's combat skills, while Jujutsu Kaisen utilizes Cursed Energy and Cursed Techniques as its power system.One Piece features Devil Fruits, granting characters special powers upon consumption, such as Luffy's Gum Gum Fruit. In One Piece, Haki is a mysterious power that gives users various abilities, including heightened senses and increased willpower. In Hunter x Hunter, Nen is the central technique, allowing characters to manipulate their life energy in diverse and unique ways.

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What is Nen?

Nen is a powerful and versatile technique that allows individuals to manipulate their life energy, also known as aura. Users can develop unique abilities, called Hatsu, based on their natural affinity for specific Nen types—Enhancement, Emission, Manipulation, Transmutation, Conjuration, and Specialization.

The Four Principles of Nen

There are four principles of Nen - Ten (Protection), Zetsu (Suppression), Ren (Refining) and Hatsu (Release). Together, these principles form the foundation of Nen techniques, allowing for both defending and attacking, while also letting a user make their abilities special and unique.

The principle of Ten is to maintain one's aura around the body as a form of defense. This protects the user from attacks on their life energy. Zetsu involves closing off one's aura nodes completely. This makes the user invisible to other Nen users, but it leaves them vulnerable to attacks. Ren is the principle of intensifying one's aura output. It allows users to increase their physical and Nen abilities significantly. Hatsu is the personal application of Nen, where individuals develop their unique abilities. This is the most diverse and personalized aspect of Nen.

Advanced Techniques of Nen

Advanced Nen techniques go beyond the basic principles of Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu. There are seven advanced techniques of Nen - In (Concealment), En (Enlargement), Ken (Fortification), Shu (Enfold), Kō (Projection), Ryū (Flow) and Ko (Concentration). These advanced Nen techniques allow skilled users to refine and specialize their abilities.

It involves concealing one's aura to become undetectable to others. Skilled Nen users can use In to hide their presence completely, making it challenging for opponents to sense their location. En is a technique where a Nen user expands their aura around them, creating a large field. This allows the user to sense the presence of anything within its range, making it an effective tool for detecting hidden enemies. Ken is a defensive technique that involves distributing one's aura evenly throughout the body, enhancing the user's overall durability and resistance to attacks.

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It's a more advanced and refined form of Ten. Shu is the technique of enveloping an object with one's aura to enhance its properties. This can be used to reinforce weapons, making them stronger in combat. Kō is a technique where a Nen user focuses their aura on a specific part of their body, significantly increasing the power of that body part. It's a specialized form of Ren and is often used for powerful, focused attacks. Ryū is a technique that allows a Nen user to manipulate the flow of their aura, directing it in specific patterns.

Skilled users can use Ryū to change the properties of their attacks to deceive opponents. Ko is an advanced technique where a Nen user concentrates their aura into a specific point, usually a part of their body or a weapon. This technique is often used for powerful, concentrated strikes.

The Different Types of Nen

There are six types of Nen. An individual's Nen type is determined by their inherent personality, characteristics, and natural affinity for specific aspects of Nen. The process of discovering one's Nen type is known as the Water Divination Test. It involves placing a leaf on the water's surface and then applying Nen to it. Different Nen types have distinct effects on the water.

Enhancement Nen users are strong and direct in how they affect things around them. They have better physical strength, toughness, or the ability to heal. In the water divination test, water will overflow with energy when an Enhancer does it. Gon Freecss is an Enhancer who uses Jajanken - a rock-paper-scissors inspired technique. Uvogin of the Phantom Troupe is known for his immense physical strength and durability.

Emission Nen users specialize in separating their aura from their bodies, allowing them to affect things at a distance. During the water divination test, the water will be displaced, moving away from the user. Knuckle Bine is an Emission Nen user, who uses this ability to track and attach to his opponents. Leol, a lion Chimera Ant, uses Emission in his ability "Rental Pod," which allows him to borrow Nen abilities.

Manipulation Nen users can influence and control both living and non-living entities. In the water divination test, their aura causes the leaf to move on the water's surface. Illumi Zoldyck is an example of a Manipulator, using needles to control the minds of others. Shalnark, a member of the Phantom Troupe, showcases manipulation with his ability to control others using his antennae.

Transmutation Nen users can alter the properties of their aura, often mimicking the characteristics of various elements. During the water divination test, the water's taste or color changes. Killua Zoldyck is a Transmuter who transforms his aura into electricity. Hisoka Morow is another example, transmuting his aura to give it a rubbery texture called Bungee Gum.

Conjuration Nen users manifest physical objects with unique properties through their aura. In the water divination test, the water becomes denser, causing the leaf to sink. Kurapika is an example of a Conjurer, conjuring chains with specific properties. Kite conjures a unique and powerful weapon with different forms called Crazy Slot.

Specialization, the most unconventional Nen type, and can not be categorized within the other five types. During the water divination test, Specialists may exhibit unpredictable or unique effects. Chrollo Lucilfer is a Specialist, using Skill Hunter to steal and use other people's abilities through a conjured book known as Bandit's Secret. The Chimera Ant King, Mereum, is also a Specialist and his powers allow him to absorb Nen powers by consuming others.

Hisoka has a distinctive method for categorizing individuals into Nen types based on his observations of their personalities. According to his theory, Enhancers are characterized by simplicity and a strong focus on their goals. Transmuters, on the other hand, exhibit whimsical, unpredictable, and manipulative traits. Emitters tend to be impatient, impulsive, and prone to bouts of violence. Conjurers, in Hisoka's view, are analytical and overly cautious in their approach. Manipulators are described as argumentative and logical individuals who prefer to engage in strategic thinking. Lastly, Specialists are considered independent and charismatic, possessing unique qualities that set them apart.

The Takeaway

Ultimately, Nen empowers characters by allowing them to tap into their life energy, ultimately enhancing their physical and mental capabilities. Chrollo would not have been able to hold his own against the incredibly strong and fearsome Zeno and Silva Zoldyck. Kurapika would never have defeated Uvogin, and Gon would never have been able to turn into Adult Gon and defeat Pitou were it not for Nen.

Understanding Nen, its advanced techniques, and knowing your type can be a matter of life or death in this world. Nen isn't just a power boost; it's the key to survival in the dangerous challenges characters face. In crucial moments, it's the difference between victory and defeat. Hunter x Hunter shows that in this world, Nen isn't just a skill – it's the ultimate game-changer, shaping the fate of characters in many ways.

Hunter x Hunter is available to stream on Prime Video.

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