Nen refers to the ability to freely manipulate the life energy emitted from one's body. This energy, also known as aura, can be used for offense or defense. Mastering Nen is also a prerequisite for becoming a true Hunter.
Nen training is categorized into four major principles:
Ten (Enhancing): Stabling the aura flow throughout the body. In combat, the strength of Ten determines one's defense against Nen-based attacks.
Zetsu (Suppressing): Cutting off the flow of aura to hide one's presence. In this state, however, one's defense against Nen attacks drops to zero. Zetsu is also useful for recovering stamina when fatigued.
Ren (Enhancing): Emitting a greater-than-normal amount of aura from the body, significantly boosting strength.
Hatsu (Releasing): The ultimate application of Nen, where users freely manipulate their aura to develop unique abilities tailored to themselves. These personal abilities vary widely based on the individual.
In this world, various schools teach Nen, with the most prominent being the Shingen-Ryu, promoted by the Hunter Association.
The four major principles were largely systematized by Shingen-Ryu, forming the foundation for any Nen novice. Advanced techniques, such as Ko (Focus), En (Aura Expansion), and Ken (Fortification), build upon these basics.
However, even a prodigy with exceptional talent would struggle to master these techniques without proper guidance from an excellent teacher.
"Although I now have this tool-based Nen ability, [4D Treasure Bag], becoming stronger isn't something I can achieve through isolated effort," Morin thought.
In a world where Nen has been practiced for countless generations, Morin knew better than to arrogantly assume that his knowledge from the anime gave him any significant edge.
While his foreknowledge provided certain advantages, the depth of understanding and mastery exhibited by figures like Netero or Zeno Zoldyck far exceeded his own.
"Still, with access to unparalleled tools from the 21st and 22nd centuries, surpassing them isn't entirely out of reach," Morin mused, confidence flickering in his determined gaze.
Morin wanted to determine the Nen category of his [4D Treasure Bag]. However, given his current surroundings—a nearly empty room where even rats would weep at the lack of sustenance—he could only set the thought aside.
"Let's see what item I can draw today," Morin decided, focusing his consciousness on the Nen ability.
The space within the [4D Treasure Bag] was a vast, gray expanse, seemingly endless. Aside from storing items, it also functioned as a colossal storage area.
After all, Doraemon's 4D Pocket was essentially a storage device capable of holding anything.
As Morin's intent concentrated, an object materialized before him.
A peculiar square-shaped item with black dots appeared, resembling a brick.
"Extract!"
He reached out to touch it, and upon closer inspection, he recognized it immediately.
"This is... Translation Konjac?!"
Back in reality, Morin held the soft, squishy object in his hand. The entire process, from drawing the item within the [4D Treasure Bag] to holding it in reality, seemed to take a while in his perception but transpired instantly in the real world.
The moment the Translation Konjac appeared, Morin identified it without hesitation.
Tool: Translation Konjac
Effect: Allows the user to understand and speak any language. To use, simply eat it. The effect applies not only to spoken languages but also to written ones. However, one piece of Konjac is effective for only one language.
The Translation Konjac frequently appeared in Doraemon's movies, playing a crucial role in communicating with beings such as underground people, sea dwellers, or aliens.
"This little thing is exactly what I need right now!"
The Hunter world was filled with cryptic symbols and languages. Learning to read and speak them from scratch could take years, and Morin didn't have that luxury.
Without hesitation, Morin popped the Translation Konjac into his mouth. Simultaneously, he felt his aura and Nen reserves deplete slightly.
As Morin chewed the Konjac, he contemplated the limitations of his ability.
"The first restriction is that I can draw only one random tool per day, and I can't know its function beforehand. The second is the cost in aura and Nen to use these tools."
"Randomness is unavoidable, but I can recognize and understand the tools once I obtain them," Morin thought, analyzing his situation. "This means the real limitation is the aura and Nen consumption."
"Could I impose additional restrictions on myself to reduce the aura and Nen consumption? This could be the basis of a Vow and Limitation..."
While Morin pondered, the Konjac's flavor surprised him—it tasted soft and sweet, like mashed taro.
By the time he finished chewing and swallowed the last bite, Morin was planning his next steps to increase his Nen and aura reserves when—
Creak.
The room's old wooden door groaned loudly as it opened.
A petite girl with lavender-pink hair and golden eyes stepped inside.
"You're awake," she said flatly, her face devoid of expression.
Even her striking golden eyes lacked emotion, as calm and clear as a still lake.
"Yes," Morin responded calmly, though inwardly, he was relieved.
Thankfully, the Translation Konjac worked perfectly!
He began examining the girl more closely. She seemed to be about 11 or 12 years old, with short lavender-pink hair and a delicate face. She wore a white outfit resembling a judo uniform, with a short skirt over black shorts.
Morin couldn't help but feel a growing sense of familiarity.
"Why does she look so familiar?" he muttered internally.