"You teach them about Nen." Killua's words immediately reminded Biscuit of the main issue at hand. However, she quickly passed the task to Wing.
After that, Biscuit went to sit on the sofa, casually flipping through a beauty magazine. With her level of skill and Nen ability, no beauty products could compare, and being a master of Nen, she had no need for cosmetics.
Still, the fact that she didn't need them didn't stop her from enjoying the magazines. Just like she enjoyed reading magazines about handsome men—purely for appreciation.
"Mr. Wing, what is Nen?" Before Killua could say anything, Gon stopped him, and Gon promptly directed the question to Wing.
"Well, fine. I'll tell you what Nen is." Wing began explaining that Nen is the ability to control life energy, allowing one to freely manipulate the life force that emanates from within.
Human potential is immense, and theoretically, anyone can learn Nen, unless they're dead. While explaining what Nen is, Wing also clarified why he had previously taught Gon and Killua a false version of the Four Major Principles.
The Four Major Principles are the steps to learning Nen: Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu. What Wing had shown them earlier wasn't entirely false; it was just an incomplete explanation.
Wing had delayed teaching Nen to Gon, Killua, and Daniel because he was evaluating their personalities. Due to Nen's destructive power, it's common practice to assess a person before teaching them such a dangerous skill.
Of course, this evaluation varies from person to person. A typical moral worldview doesn't quite fit in the world of Nen users. After all, this is a world where an assassin family can exist openly and pay taxes.
This evaluation mainly focuses on the thoughts of the professional Hunter. If they get along, the teacher will impart everything about Nen; if not, they'll only teach the basics and leave the rest to the student.
In the original story, Wing only taught Gon and Killua the Four Major Principles, but Kurapika's teacher taught him about Vows and Limitations, knowledge that most Nen users never learn.
"Nen's destructive power is immense, and mastering it is quite difficult. There's no way you can master it before midnight, so give up."
As Wing said this, he demonstrated Nen's destructive power. He picked up a book and tore out a piece of paper. The crumpled paper straightened in his hand. Then, as he threw the paper forward, it sliced through a nearby soda can, continuing until it embedded itself in the wall. Only then did it soften again.
This scene caused both Gon and Killua to widen their eyes. This wasn't an ordinary piece of paper—it was a deadly weapon.
"So, what did Hisoka do to stop us from advancing earlier?" After a brief pause, Killua asked again.
"Oh, that's simple." As soon as Wing spoke, Killua's face changed, as if encountering something terrifying, and he quickly retreated.
"That was a Nen aura barrier. It's useless against people who can use Nen, but to those who can't, it's a deadly threat." Wing explained what an aura barrier is.
"Both of you have excellent talent. Don't rush. In time, you'll master Nen. There's no need to be too anxious now. Those people up there all know Nen, and anyone who doesn't will be thoroughly tested." Wing continued, persuading Gon and Killua to give up their midnight plans to ascend.
He then explained the situation of the fighters above the 200th floor. There's a vast difference in power between those who can use Nen and those who cannot. Every year, many fighters reach the 200th floor, but few survive.
The gap in strength is too great. A single strike from a Nen user can be fatal to an ordinary person. Those who survive with disabilities are actually the lucky ones. Their bodies, after withstanding a Nen attack, allow them to learn Nen, though at a high cost.
"I remember you said there was a way for us to make it to the top," Killua said, turning his gaze toward Biscuit, who had been silent but was focused on her magazine.
In fact, Killua didn't care much about reaching the top, but since Gon wanted it, he would go all out to support him.
"Wing, tell them," Biscuit said without looking up from her magazine.
"Well, alright." Wing sighed. Seeing Biscuit's attitude and the determined look in Gon and Killua's eyes, he reluctantly explained how they could quickly master Nen.
The method was to have a skilled Nen user forcibly open their aura nodes. This could quickly allow someone to use Nen, but it was dangerous. Many of the crippled fighters on the 200th floor had learned Nen this way.
Later, even the Chimera Ants learned Nen through this method after being punched by Gon.
"Let's do it." Despite Wing explaining the dangers, Gon and Killua remained resolute.
"And what about you?" Wing turned to Daniel, who had been silent the entire time.
"I'm not in a hurry. I'll train the normal way." Gon wanted to challenge Hisoka, and Killua would accompany him, but Daniel had no such desire. Training the proper way would be more beneficial in the long run, especially if he intended to teach others in the future. After all, once he mastered Nen, learning the rest wouldn't be difficult.
As for the Sky Arena, Daniel wasn't concerned. Besides, he still had one more chance to fight and could earn another prize—a hefty two billion Jenny.
The Hunter world is a place where the poor stay poor, and the rich get richer.
Boom.
After Wing forcibly opened Gon and Killua's aura nodes, their life energy manifested visibly around them. This dense aura shocked Wing, and even Biscuit paused to watch them carefully.
"Focus on sensing the life energy around you, then try to control it," Wing instructed, teaching the basics of Nen control.
Under his guidance, Gon and Killua's life energy began to move and slowly retracted into their bodies.
For most people, life energy is their lifespan. Uncontrolled outbursts of aura are a waste of life force, and using Nen in battle is, to some extent, fighting with one's lifespan.
Of course, this is all theoretical. In reality, no one can perfectly control their life energy without any loss. If they could, they'd be immortal.
Even the strongest Nen users can only delay the depletion of their life force, effectively extending their lifespan.
Not even supreme sorcerers like the Ancient One or gods like Odin can achieve immortality. If Odin could, he wouldn't have grown old and died.
Before long, Gon and Killua managed to retract all their life energy, binding it within their bodies using Ten. By doing so, they could strengthen their physical bodies, making themselves stronger or even maintaining youth. Biscuit's youthful appearance was the result of using Nen.
Ordinary people can't fully harness their life energy, just like most can't use their soul energy. Nen, however, allows users to tap into these life forces.
For Daniel, this was a game changer. Combining Nen with the physical training from the One Piece world would give him an overwhelming advantage. The experts of the One Piece world, after all, were those with immense life energy and devastating physical power.
If Nen were introduced into the One Piece world, it would surpass even Raftel. Combining this power with the physical prowess of that world would be truly formidable.
For Daniel, mastering both would be like quadrupling his power. Nen combined with the physical techniques of the One Piece world, plus the magic of Kamar-Taj, would make him a force to be reckoned with, both physically and spiritually.
This wasn't just one plus one; it was an exponential increase in power.
To overcome Hisoka's Nen aura and enter the Sky Arena, Gon and Killua spent the rest of their time practicing Ten, covering their bodies in life energy to enhance their defense, similar to Haki in the One Piece world.
Meanwhile, Wing also began teaching Daniel how to develop his own life energy and open his aura nodes.
"Time's up, Gon. Let's go."
"Yeah, Killua."
As midnight approached, Gon and Killua stopped their training, ready to head to the Sky Arena.
"Remember, you can only register. Don't challenge anyone. Wait until you've fully mastered Nen before fighting," Wing reminded them again as they prepared to leave.
At this point, Gon and Killua had only learned Ten. They weren't ready to face the Nen masters in the Sky Arena. Many fighters above the 200th floor targeted newcomers, using any means necessary to win and increase their victory count for a chance to challenge the floor masters.
On the 200th floor and above, only floor masters reap both fame and fortune. A victory in the biennial Battle Olympiad grants the floor master two years of fame and dominance.
For these fighters, Daniel held nothing but contempt. Using dirty tricks to win without improving their own strength was foolish. They were courting death if they thought they could challenge the floor masters that way.
The floor masters of the Sky Arena were formidable. Even Hisoka sought to challenge them. One master in particular was well-known: Chrollo Lucilfer. Daniel had spotted his name on the list of floor masters.
It was only then that Daniel realized Chrollo was one of the floor masters. This was surprising, as Daniel hadn't known that Hisoka and Chrollo had once had an intense battle in the Sky Arena.
Their fight was not just a contest of Nen power but also a clash of their wits. In the end, Chrollo outsmarted Hisoka, killing him and earning Hisoka the title of the "Toilet God of War," after which Hisoka went on to
kill two members of the Phantom Troupe.
Thinking he could use underhanded tricks to challenge a floor master would only lead to disaster. But those fighters lacked Daniel's knowledge—or rather, Daniel's intelligence.
"Let's change rooms. Don't you think this one is a bit small?" Daniel suggested after Gon and Killua left, and the group moved to a presidential suite.
The room Wing had been staying in wasn't small for just him and Zushi, but with four more people, it was cramped.
Though the Sky Arena offers luxurious suites to fighters on the 200th floor, Gon and Killua wouldn't be staying there, as they still needed to learn Nen.
Floor masters enjoy the privilege of owning an entire floor. From the 230th to the 250th floor, there are 21 floor masters, each claiming a floor. Winners of the biennial Battle Olympiad earn the right to occupy the top floor for two years.
If they win again, they can continue their reign. The Sky Arena's rewards are astonishing, backed by the powerful V5.
Boom.
In a deserted valley southeast of the Sky Arena, Daniel stood, his life energy erupting from his body, creating a massive crater with a radius of nearly 30 meters.
Considering his strength, once Daniel realized he could use his life energy to open his aura nodes, he immediately sought out a secluded place to train.
Although Daniel was new to Nen, his knowledge and physical training far surpassed that of Gon and Killua.
"With this combined with Haki, I might even be able to take on a Yonko," Daniel thought, feeling the changes in his strength.
"Biscuit is from the Shingen-ryu school. Maybe I could learn the 100-Type Guanyin from her. Imagine Guanyin versus Sengoku's Buddha. That would be something to see."
Daniel pictured a battle between Sengoku's Devil Fruit form and Netero's 100-Type Guanyin. Of course, in their current states, Netero wouldn't stand a chance against Sengoku, but if Netero trained for a few years in the One Piece world, he'd undoubtedly reach Yonko-level strength.
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter
Get 33% off all subscription levels from Jan 10–17! Use code: CF4C2
Every world has its geniuses. These individuals don't fail to progress because they lack the ability, but because the world limits them. Take Kokushibo from Demon Slayer, for example—if he were in the One Piece world, he would undoubtedly be a great swordsman and a Four Emperors-level powerhouse.
Figures like Netero and Ging would also excel in the One Piece world. It's not that the Hunter world lacks stronger characters; it's just that Netero has reached his current ceiling, making further progress without external help difficult.
Bringing Netero to the One Piece world was indeed an idea Daniel entertained. This elderly man, who had dedicated his life to martial excellence, dying in the Hunter world seemed too wasteful. Not to mention, having Netero in the One Piece world would add a significant ally. The One Piece world, already teeming with strong characters, could only benefit from one more like Netero.
However, even if Daniel intended to bring Netero to the One Piece world, it wouldn't be now. Currently, Daniel focused on training his Nen abilities.
"Today, we'll test your Nen attributes." With Gon, Killua, and Daniel having learned Nen and the Four Major Principles, Zeno brought out a glass of water with a leaf floating on it, placing it before them.
Zeno had already explained the six categories of Nen: Enhancement, Emission, Transformation, Manipulation, Conjuration, and Specialization.
The Water Divination method is now the mainstream for testing Nen attributes. While there are other methods, they are often too cumbersome and complex compared to the convenience of Water Divination.
Water Divination can directly test all six categories at once, whereas other methods require testing each category individually.
"Zhi Xi, demonstrate for them." At Zeno's request, Zhi Xi placed her hands around the glass and used her Nen. Shortly after, the leaf inside the glass moved slightly.
"You're a Manipulator. Who's next?" Zeno nodded at Zhi Xi and then looked at the three.
"I'll go first." Gon approached, imitating Zhi Xi's hand position, and used his Nen. The water began to overflow.
"You're an Enhancer."
"It doesn't seem to change," Killua said after using his Nen and seeing no change in the glass. He turned to Zeno, puzzled.
"Taste the water," Zeno suggested with a smile.
"It's sweet," Killua reported after dipping his finger in the water and tasting it.
"You're a Transmuter," Zeno confirmed.
"What about mine?" Curious, Daniel placed his hands around the glass and released some of his aura.
Crack.
To everyone's surprise, the entire glass cracked, and its contents—water, leaf, and even the glass itself—transformed into countless crystals, shining brilliantly before disappearing.
This scene stunned Zeno, Zhi Xi, Killua, Gon, and even Biscuit.
"What just happened?" Killua asked, snapping out of his shock.
"You're a Specialist," Zeno explained, astonished. Specialists are extremely rare among Nen users, as rare as Nen users are among the general population.
Following Zeno's explanation, Gon, Killua, and Zhi Xi all looked at Daniel.
"Now is not the time for you to develop your Nen abilities. Focus on building a solid foundation," Zeno instructed, directing them to continue training in the first three principles: Ten, Zetsu, and Ren. He advised against focusing on Hatsu for now, as it would be meaningless with their current level of aura.
Hatsu involves projecting one's aura, and without sufficient aura, training in Hatsu is futile. Ren is about nurturing and maintaining the aura field, which is crucial for long-term development.
"After all these years, you haven't made much progress," Biscuit remarked, discarding her magazine.
"Master?" Zeno looked at Biscuit, puzzled.
Ignoring Zeno, Biscuit's gaze lingered on Daniel, Gon, and Killua. After a moment's hesitation, she finally spoke, "Take a break for today. Starting tomorrow, you three will train with me."
She was referring to Daniel, Gon, and Killua, excluding Zhi Xi.
"Master?" Zeno questioned again, confused.
"Your training plan is fine for Zhi Xi but too conservative for these three. Such training wastes their potential."
With that, Biscuit left. Zhi Xi looked down, feeling disheartened. Although he had been exposed to Nen the longest, Daniel and the others had quickly caught up, leaving him feeling inadequate.
"Don't be too disheartened, Zhi Xi. There will always be geniuses, the kind who appear once in a million. You're still exceptional, one in a hundred thousand."
"Master, that's not much of a consolation," Zhi Xi replied, his simple nature keeping him from feeling jealous of his talented peers.
While Hisoka's method of determining Nen types based on personality is effective, it's not foolproof. For instance, Zhi Xi should theoretically be an Enhancer based on his personality, but he's actually a Manipulator.
"Aren't we supposed to be training? Why are we watching Hisoka's match?" The next day, the group sat in the audience watching Hisoka face Castro.
"Gon wants to challenge him, so it's important to observe," Biscuit explained.
"Doesn't this guy know how to use Gyo?" Daniel sighed, watching Castro remain unaware of the aura threads Hisoka had set around him.
Gyo is a crucial technique in Nen battles, especially against someone like Hisoka. Not using it is almost suicidal.
Castro made another fatal mistake: as an Enhancer, he trained in Conjuration, using his double to enhance his Tiger Bite Fist into True Tiger Bite Fist. This, while strengthening him, was ultimately misguided. Had he focused solely on Enhancement, he would have been far stronger.
Training in other categories is possible but requires talent and caution. For example, Biscuit, a Transmuter, relies on her well-honed physical abilities rather than her combat-ineffective Magical Esthetician Cookie.
However, cross-category training is challenging and depends on one's talent. The six categories are represented in a chart, showing logical progressions. For instance, Enhancers can effectively train in Emission and Transmutation, like Gon's Jajanken, which uses Enhancement, Transmutation, and Emission.
Castro's training in Conjuration and Manipulation was too ambitious, diverting his focus from his core Enhancement abilities. Only Specialists can effectively train in all categories, like Kurapika when his eyes turn scarlet.
"Do you know why Castro lost?" After the match, Biscuit took the three back to the presidential suite to review the fight.
"Hisoka's behavior was strange because of his Nen, right?" Killua was the first to speak.
"Correct. Today's lesson is Gyo, concentrating your aura in your eyes. Your task is to discover Hisoka's Nen ability," Biscuit explained before returning to her magazine.
Gyo is not easy to master, as the eyes are a vulnerable spot. Concentrating aura there requires precise control.
Many Nen users don't use Gyo in battle, not because they don't want to, but because they can't. Advanced techniques like Gyo, Shu, En, In, Ken, Ko, and Ryu distinguish skilled Nen users from novices. Mastering these techniques means you're on par with the Phantom Troupe; without them, you're no better than the Shadow Beasts.
"Hisoka uses aura threads—thirteen of them. It's likely a Transmutation ability," Daniel quickly identified Hisoka's ability.
"His other technique to conceal his severed hand seems to be another Nen ability, perhaps with a visual illusion effect."
Daniel shared his observations as if they were speculations. Hisoka's abilities, Bungee Gum and Texture Surprise, were accurately identified.
Soon after, Killua and Gon also managed to see the aura threads Hisoka used.
"In Nen battles, Gyo is crucial. From now on, when I raise a finger, you must use Gyo to see the number on it. If anyone is slow... heh heh." Biscuit's unfinished sentence, paired with her mischievous smile, gave Gon and Killua a bad feeling.
"1."
"4."
"12."
The room echoed with the trio's responses and occasional yelps of pain.
"For the time being, you'll train here. I've checked your arena registration times, and there's plenty of time left."
Biscuit led the three to a deserted island in the archipelago east of the arena for secluded training.
The Four Major Principles were a daily requirement. Biscuit added advanced techniques like Ken, an extension of Ten and Ren, to their regimen. Advanced techniques are combinations of the Four Major Principles. For instance, Ten and Ren can be practiced as Ken, but also contribute to learning En.
Shu is an advanced form of Ten, and In is an advanced form of Zetsu.
Gyo and In are opposing techniques, often used together in battles. Hisoka's Bungee Gum frequently incorporates In.
Biscuit's training was much stricter than Zeno's. For most people, it would be impossible to complete her regimen, even for geniuses like Gon and Killua.
Fortunately, Biscuit's Magical Esthetician Cookie allowed for deep relaxation, giving Gon and Killua more time to train.
Additionally, Biscuit included techniques that Gon and Killua would only start learning after their encounter with Neferpitou and Kite's incident.
"From today, you two will train separately. You, come with me." After some time, Biscuit divided the group, assigning Gon and Killua to her training plan while she personally trained Daniel.
During the training, Biscuit's true form and age were revealed, adding humor when Killua occasionally teased her, calling her "Muscle
Granny," which resulted in him being beaten until he learned to keep quiet.
Biscuit didn't mind revealing her true form. She appeared as a twin-tailed blonde girl not just to look cute but also for training purposes.
Biscuit, a student of Netero's Shingen-ryu school, emphasized foundational strength over the special effects of Nen abilities. Regardless of one's Nen ability, without a strong foundation, it wouldn't be effective.
For instance, Chrollo Lucilfer's theft ability didn't work against the Zoldyck family, yet he still held his own against two of their top fighters.
Daniel, while training with Gon and Killua, didn't show his full strength but was still much stronger than them.
Therefore, he needed a different training approach to advance his skills, as nothing beats practical experience for growth.
"This well-honed muscle, though not attractive by female standards, makes Biscuit formidable. Hisoka might not even win against her," Daniel mused during their sparring sessions, where he matched Biscuit's strength without revealing his full power, still impressing her.
Through constant sparring, Biscuit gradually used her full strength, and their intense battles motivated Gon and Killua to train harder.
During these sessions, Daniel sought Biscuit's guidance on developing his Nen abilities. Biscuit, intrigued by Daniel's Specialist category, was eager to see what abilities he could develop.
"This is my Nen ability? Is it because of the Surgery Fruit?" Daniel wondered, feeling excited about the potential of his new ability.
"Replication... no, it's Analysis."
___________________
Read Ahead
P@treon.com/Mutter
Get 33% off all subscription levels from Jan 10–17! Use code: CF4C2
You may also Like
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT