"Instead, it's about the judgment of the situation.
"Regular attacks, when accumulated, can deal tremendous damage.
"Defensive stances and regular attacks are just as important as ultimate abilities.
"For Nen users, battles are the same way.
"A Nen user who places all their bets on a specific ability won't get far.
"If someone discovers your ability's details...
"If you find yourself in an unfavorable position...
"Then defeat is your only option.
"That's why we need to improve our general combat capabilities.
"Regular attacks and defensive skills are both necessary.
"This is what I mentioned to you before: the importance of close-combat skills.
"Improving your physical strength, speed, reflexes...
"Only then will you become stronger.
"And without obvious weaknesses."
"But my ability is based on Barrett and Thunder Shells. I can't fight like a martial artist, right?"
"Of course not," Ron replied, shaking his head.
"Your role is long-range combat. Fighting like a martial artist would be counterproductive. However, even in long-range combat, there are moments of direct confrontation.
"For instance, what if your opponent is also a long-range Nen user?
"If you're both attacking each other, you'll need to evade their attacks.
"Or what if your enemy discovers your position and approaches you? You wouldn't just sit there and admit defeat.
"You'd want to create distance between yourself and your opponent.
"Only then could you effectively use your Barrett ability."
"My emphasis on regular attacks and defensive skills isn't to say they're more important than specific Nen abilities.
"For Nen users, specific abilities are the most critical element.
"They're what distinguish Nen users from ordinary people.
"But improving your general combat capabilities ensures that your Nen abilities are more effective.
"Of course, this primarily applies to combat-oriented Nen users.
"For non-combat Nen users, it's even more crucial. In battle, they can only rely on their general combat skills."
Both Shizuku and Nina were non-combat Nen users.
Ron and Sally, however, were combat-oriented.
For Ron, general combat capabilities ensured his body wouldn't become a liability.
This allowed his Nen Beasts to perform at their best.
Otherwise, if his physical self became a burden, his Nen Beasts' effectiveness would significantly decrease.
The same applied to Sally.
Enhancing her general combat capabilities would allow her to create distance from her enemies when discovered.
Once she had the necessary distance, her Barrett ability would shine.
A series of knocks echoed at the door.
White Bear barked in the direction of the door.
Nina glanced at Ron. "It's Senior Julie."
Ron stood and walked to the door.
When he opened it, Juliana stood there, looking dishevelled, her face bruised.
She had been soundly defeated in her earlier match with Ron.
In contrast, Ron had emerged nearly unscathed, and he hadn't even used his Nen Beasts.
This made Juliana keenly aware of the gap between them.
Before the match, she had anticipated a fierce battle, expecting to gain much from the experience.
Instead, she had been utterly crushed.
Having realized this, Juliana made a decision.
"I hope you can teach me. In exchange, I will join your team and become one of your members," Juliana said, glancing at Nina and the others.
To Juliana, it seemed Nina and the others had joined Ron's team to receive his guidance.
And compared to Nina and the others, Juliana believed herself to be stronger.
This deal, she thought, was one Ron wouldn't refuse.
Nor would she object to it herself.
As long as it made her stronger, nothing else mattered.
"Sorry," Ron said, shaking his head.
Juliana's eyes widened, and her pupils contracted sharply.
She hadn't expected Ron to refuse.
The reason for Ron's refusal was simple.
Juliana wasn't strong enough. Her talent, in Ron's eyes, was also lacking.
Currently, Ron's team consists of three members.
He had invited Nina partly because her circumstances evoked his sympathy.
She reminded Ron of Nina from the world of Fullmetal Alchemist, prompting him to help her.
Additionally, after her experience with "synth beasts," Nina's potential had significantly increased.
Her abilities were unique and irreplaceable.
It was nearly impossible to find someone with a similar ability in this world.
In any team, support-type Nen users often proved more important than combat-oriented ones.
This view was shared by Ron, Chrollo, and even Netero.
Among the Twelve Zodiacs of the Hunter Association, there were relatively few combat-oriented Nen users.
The second member was Shizuku.
Ron knew about her future potential and abilities.
Her Nen ability, "Blinky," allowed her to store items—a rare and valuable skill.
While not entirely irreplaceable, it was extremely uncommon.
In the original storyline, Shizuku had become a member of the Phantom Troupe and even knocked out Nobunaga during a sneak attack using "Blinky."
This demonstrated her capability.
Although she might rank low in combat ability within the Phantom Troupe, joining the group was already a high bar to clear.
At the very least, she was stronger than the Shadow Beasts.
Did Juliana have the potential to surpass the Shadow Beasts?
The third member was Sally.
A combat-oriented Nen user specializing in long-range attacks, she was relatively replaceable.
However, when Ron met Sally, she was already a C-class Nen user.
Her strength and potential far surpassed Juliana's.
Ron envisioned his team having a balanced configuration:
A team that could function seamlessly with him present.
A team that could still operate effectively in his absence.
Juliana simply didn't fit the bill.
She wasn't strong enough, nor was her talent sufficient.
Compared to her, Ron felt another Sky Arena competitor, Kastro, would be a better choice.
An Enchanter-type Nen user who had piqued Hisoka's interest.
If Kastro followed the right path and developed the right Nen abilities, he would undoubtedly surpass Juliana.
"You're not quite suitable," Ron said bluntly.
He refrained from elaborating to avoid sounding overly harsh.
After all, Juliana's attitude had been respectful.
"My team doesn't have a place for you, but I can offer you some advice."
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