I don’t think Hunter x Hunter is commended enough for its power system, and that needs to change

Hunter x Hunter likely has one of the most unique power systems in all of animanga. Nen refers to the technique by which one can control their own life force, or aura. Individuals who can do this are known as Nen Users. In the story, Nen's immense flexibility in crafting dangerous and distinct abilities makes it something that is kept out of public view, for fear of misuse.

However, the idea of Nen doesn't end at simply manipulating aura. To fully understand Nen, one must first grasp the Four Major Principles of the Shingen-ryu school of Kung Fu. Additionally, Nen has properties that are visible when it mixes with what aura carries, i.e., emotion, death, nature, etc. Tied into Nen is aura, which itself has types and a broad range of techniques.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

Hunter x Hunter: Nen being quite an underrated power system needs to change

Nen in Hunter x Hunter may just be one of animanga's most unique and detailed power systems. It goes far beyond the basic technique of manipulating one's aura. For one, its knowledge is limited and hidden from society due to how versatile it can be. A Nen user starts training by learning to control the Aura Nodes in their body to control the flow.

One's inherent potential and training regime are major factors in determining how strong a user ends up becoming. This falls under a ranking that places users according to proficiency—skillful, excellent, natural, and extreme. The series also introduces Nen exercises designed to smooth the flow of aura and improve its control.

Additionally, Hunter x Hunter establishes that aura itself doesn't flow alone, i.e., it carries different things with it, including emotions, desires, curses (unfulfilled wishes/grudges), and an affinity with nature (as seen in the fact that Meruem and the Royal Guards controlled their aura flow right from birth). This places Nen as a technique of unprecedented power, flexibility, and scope.

Not only that, there are four major principles that need to be understood to fully grasp Nen. In order of study, they are Ten (contain and shroud/envelop), Zetsu (suppress), Ren (refine/enhance), and Hatsu (release). Each one teaches the user the basics of using Nen. After this come advanced techniques like Gyo, En, Shu, In, Ko, and many more. They are options the user can access during battle.

They either boost attack power or bolster defense. Needless to say, they draw from the user's Nen reserve. However, one of the most intriguing aspects of Hunter x Hunter's Nen is its types—a person is born with one of six aura types, i.e., enhancement, transmutation, emission, conjuration, manipulation, and specialist. Upon ascertaining the type, they can learn techniques that best suit their personality.

Nen users have 100% efficiency with abilities aligned to their aura type. Adjacent categories yield 80%, opposite types 40%, and the remaining 60%. Most unique is that it is usable only by Specialists, but some others may be able to use it later. While it isn't impossible to use techniques different from one's own main type, it can stagnate progress due to "memory overload."

Only masters, like Biscuit and Netero, have found success in multiple categories regardless. As seen, Biscuit rallies behind balanced training to further overall Nen proficiency.

Final thoughts

Hunter x Hunter masterfully crafted its power system, Nen, blending strategy, self-awareness, and philosophy. Yet, it looks to be a surprisingly underrated power system in the animanga landscape. Unlike traditional systems that focus on raw strength, elemental affinities, chi, magic, etc., Nen functions on complicated principles that bring out creativity, emotional depth, and self-awareness.

From the basics in the Four Major Principles to understanding and discovering the aura types and efficiency levels, Nen is personal and endlessly versatile. The fact that its knowledge is restricted and away from the public eye reinforced how powerful and dangerous it can potentially be. Nen becomes holistic given that it is influenced by emotion, nature, and even curses.

Not shortcuts, but gradual progression and hard training are rewarded in Hunter x Hunter. The level of detail of Nen makes it very deserving of far more acclaim. In many ways, it transcends being a technique and becomes a philosophy, one of animanga's most intricate power systems.

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About the author

Casey has been an anime writer at Sportskeeda since almost a year. Being drawn into the world of animanga after watching the Dragon Ball series almost a decade ago, Casey's interest in the genre, along with his love of crafting plot theories influenced his writerly endeavors. Presently pursuing a Master's degree in International Business, Casey worked for Uneake and FootballExpress for 1.3 years before joining Sportskeeda.

Casey's writings reflect his commitment to producing the most reliable content, evidenced by his flair for in-depth reporting. He places a high value on meticulous research and complete factual accuracy.

Although it was legendary Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus that influenced his love of animanga, Casey soon branched out and explored other titles. The unique ways in which mangakas express ideas, as well as their far-reaching effects, have inspired Casey in his creative pursuits.

When not busy writing, Casey enjoys working out, listening to music, strumming the guitar, and playing football.

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Edited by Casey Mendez