"They are Ten, Ren, Zetsu, and Hatsu!"
"Ten is about maintaining the Nen around your body, reducing the rate of Nen loss."
"Ren involves focusing your mind, controlling your body and spirit, and refining more life energy. Regular practice of Ren can increase your maximum Nen capacity."
"Zetsu is about closing the aura nodes, preventing life energy from flowing out completely. This allows you to conceal your presence, making you appear as an ordinary person or even as an inanimate object."
"And then there's Hatsu, which encompasses specific techniques."
"Ron, do you remember the video games you used to play?"
Ron was momentarily taken aback; he hadn't expected Maha Zoldyck to use video games as an example. From what Ron understood, Maha Zoldyck had little exposure to that world and didn't seem to care for it. He had always come across as quite traditional, and there was nothing modern in the courtyard. Now, Ron realized he didn't know enough about his great-grandfather—Maha Zoldyck was likely far more modern than he'd imagined.
"I remember."
"Hatsu is akin to the skills of characters in video games. The uniqueness of Nen users lies in Hatsu. Different Nen users develop unique abilities based on two factors."
"One is your active thoughts."
"The other is your passive subconscious."
"Don't resist it; go with the flow. In most cases, the abilities Nen users develop are suited to them, especially if they already possess knowledge of Nen and have undergone sufficient physical and mental training before learning it. There's nothing to worry about."
Ron listened attentively. He was aware of this information from the original plot, but hearing it directly from Maha Zoldyck provided a depth of understanding that the manga did not convey.
"Now that you've learned Ten, let's move on to learning Zetsu."
"Yes, great-grandfather."
Maha Zoldyck shared his experiences and techniques with Ron, while the butler at the door and the maid nearby stood like statues, alert to the outside world. Their conversation seemed to go unnoticed.
After a while, Maha Zoldyck paused.
"Give it a try."
"Yes."
Ron closed his eyes and recalled what he knew about Zetsu. In the original plot, Gon had suddenly comprehended Zetsu during a battle with a Nen user named Gido in the Sky Arena. No one had mentioned Zetsu to Gon before that.
"Zetsu is about closing the aura nodes and controlling life energy to prevent it from flowing out. First, you need to calm down."
Ron steadied his breathing and heartbeat.
---
Ron slipped into a state of profound tranquility, feeling as still as stone. Nothing from the outside world could disturb him. A sparrow could flutter its wings and land on Ron's shoulder, but he would remain completely motionless.
Time passed slowly.
Ron used a method similar to the Ten technique he had learned—first controlling a small area, then gradually expanding it to encompass his entire body to achieve mastery.
"Tick-tock!"
The sound was like a drop of water falling onto the surface of a calm lake. Ron succeeded.
Centering his focus on the area around his lower abdomen, he directed his mind and consciousness toward the aura nodes.
One, two, three...
One by one, the aura nodes closed. The life energy spilling out grew less and less. The aura enveloping Ron's body also diminished.
The rate of aura loss now fell below the rate of life energy flowing out from the aura nodes.
Before long, most of Ron's aura nodes were closed.
"Zetsu!"
With a thought, Ron commanded. After Zetsu, the aura around Ron's body quickly vanished. In a short while, it all disappeared. Ron's state now resembled that of an ordinary person.
He opened his eyes and looked at Maha Zoldyck.
"Great-grandfather, I've completed it."
"Hmm." Maha Zoldyck nodded. "Now we can begin the next phase."
He then turned to the maid standing nearby.
"Lilith, go get a cup, fill it with water, and place a leaf on top."
Upon hearing this, Ron immediately understood Maha Zoldyck's intention.
Nen users are classified into various categories, with six main types: Enhancement, Transmutation, Conjuration, Emission, Manipulation, and Specialization. Each category excels in different aspects. However, Specialization isn't a single category; it encompasses Nen abilities that don't fit into any of the other five categories, serving as an "other." Finding a template for Specialization can be challenging. If developed well, it can be incredibly powerful; if poorly developed, it can be quite weak. This is especially true unless it's a hereditary specialization ability, such as the Scarlet Eyes.
Knowing which category you belong to can significantly enhance your ability development.
In the original plot, there's a notable negative example: a Nen user named Kastro. Although he belonged to the Enhancement category, he attempted to develop abilities in Conjuration and Manipulation category, leading him down the wrong path and ultimately resulting in his demise at the hands of Hisoka.
The "Water Test" is a common method used to determine a Nen user's category.
Before long, the maid returned with a cup.
"Ron, hold the cup with both hands."
"Yes, great-grandfather."
Ron grasped the cup, a transparent glass filled with water, a green leaf floating on the surface.
"Release the Zetsu state."
"Yes."
"Use your mind to control the aura on the surface of your body and gather it in your hands."
Ron followed Maha Zoldyck's instructions.
At this point, he had not yet mastered the Conjuration technique. However, he could feel the aura flowing on the surface of his body. The aura on his arms surged toward his palms.
At that moment, Ron noticed a change in the color of the water in the cup. Maha Zoldyck furrowed his brow slightly.
Ron felt somewhat perplexed as well. According to the Water Test evaluation method, a change in water color indicated an Emission-type ability. Typically, Emission-type users are characterized as impatient, hasty, and careless. But Ron didn't see himself that way; he believed he was quite capable of remaining calm.
Suddenly, the color of the water changed again, reverting to its original clear and transparent state.
However, Ron did not dissipate the aura he had gathered in his palms. In other words, he was still undergoing the Water Test.
"The water changed color but then reverted back to its original state…"
Maha Zoldyck focused his thoughts.
"Gyo!" (IMG)
Maha Zoldyck concentrated the aura in his eyes, allowing him to perceive the aura surrounding Ron.
"Ron, that's enough"