Hunter × Hunter Chapter 46: Nen

Gon and Killua stand on either side of a towering, intricate structure that dominates the center of the page. Gon's spiky black hair frames his determined face on the left, while Killua's wild white hair and sharp eyes appear on the right. The massive vertical tower rises like a futuristic skyscraper or antenna, detailed with multiple platforms, windows, and mechanical elements. At the base of the tower, bold lettering spells out 'NEN' with an arrow, next to a sign reading '№046'. The cityscape stretches below the structure. The page serves as the title splash for the chapter focused on Nen.

Killua stands in the ring after delivering a devastating blow, his opponent already down. Massive impact effects and "OUA!" sound effects explode across the arena as the announcer declares, "DOWN! NO, HE WON'T RISE AGAIN!" A narration box reads, "ONCE MORE, KILLUA INFLICTS A K.O. WITH ONE HIT!" In the panel below, Killua is shown mid-strike with "OUA!" and "DOUN!" effects while the crowd watches. Another narration states, "EACH ONE TOTALS A 6TH CONSECUTIVE WIN IN THREE DAYS OF PARTICIPATION!" Beside it, Gon is seen in an identical ring right next to Killua's, also knocking out his opponent with the same one-hit power. The final narration asks, "AND ON THE RING SITUATED JUST NEXT TO IT, GON IS DOING THE SAME!!" Close-up panels show Gon with a determined expression saying, "GON, PUSHING THEM OUT OF THE RING!!" and Killua with a sharp gaze, "KILLUA, WITH THE SHARP OF HIS HAND..." A final narration wonders, "HOW FAR WILL THEY GO LIKE THIS? AND WHO WILL BE ABLE TO STOP THEM?!"

Killua and Gon stand in their new private room on the 100th floor. Killua points upward and says, "THIS'S IT! A ROOM OF OUR OWN!" A large "TADAN" sound effect marks their arrival. Killua continues, "BECAUSE THERE IS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GETTING TO THE 100TH FLOOR AND STAYING ON IT." Gon replies, "YOU KNOW, FROM THE 100TH FLOOR, IF YOU LOSE, YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR ROOM..." Killua adds, "I'D LIKE TO KNOW WHERE THE OTHER ONE IS..." and "WE DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT MONEY AND ACCOMMODATION ANYMORE." A long-haired fighter warns, "AND A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HERE HAVE BECOME MASTERS OF THE ABILITY OF SURVIVING A LONG TIME." Another voice states, "OBVIOUSLY, NO ONE WANTS TO LOSE." Gon notes, "SO, EVERYONE IS READY TO DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO KEEP WHAT THEY WON." The long-haired fighter concludes, "THE WELCOME YOU RECEIVE WHEN YOU CLEAR THE 100TH FLOOR IS A LOT BETTER THAN BEFORE." At the bottom, a dramatic panel shows a tower-like structure with "FUUUUUU" and "KURA KURA KURA" effects as someone warns, "SO KEEP YOUR GUARD UP! IF YOU SHOW EVEN THE SMALLEST WEAKNESS TO THESE GUYS, I'LL DEFINITELY BE QUICK..."

A massive impact sends a lanky opponent flying backward with spiraling eyes and limbs flailing, the huge onomatopoeia BLAM dominating the panel as Gon stands ready in his fighting stance. The defeated fighter thinks 'GUYS LIKE THIS ONE'. The scene cuts to Gon and Killua watching a small television screen showing the same fight. Narration declares 'ONCE MORE, ONE SHOT, ONE VICTORY FOR GON!!' Killua remarks 'MAYBE I GOT WORRIED OVER NOTHING.' Below, a tall tower silhouette rises against the sky. In the lobby, spectators discuss the recent matches. One says 'IF WE JUST REMEMBER THAT ONE WEEK AGO, WE WERE OUT OF MONEY...' Another replies 'REALLY... I'VE NEVER SEEN THAT MANY NUMBERS BEFORE.' A third adds 'THANK YOU.' The final panel shows two figures at a counter with the announcement 'REWARDS FOR THE FIGHTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE DESIGNATED ACCOUNTS.'

Killua recounts his first visit to the tower, noting it took him two weeks to reach the 150th floor. Gon reacts with surprise. They continue walking through the hallway as Killua mentions seeing Zushi on television while still on the 50th floor. Gon observes that Killua is only six floors ahead. Killua wishes he knew what the 'ren' technique could be. In a lower panel, Killua suggests asking Zushi directly would speed things up and that higher floors will bring them opponents like the one they just saw. The final panel reveals a seated figure in robes and a head covering, hands clasped, watching them approach.

A boy with short hair stands confidently, raising one finger as he explains the core of combat training. "THE FOUR PRINCIPLES ARE THE BASIS OF EVERY FIGHTING TECHNIQUE RELYING ON SPIRIT ELEVATION, AND IT'S HARDENING," he declares. "'REN' IS ONE OF THE FOUR PRINCIPLES OF THE BIG TRAINING." In smaller panels, Gon, Killua, and Zushi react with confusion and surprise amid question marks and motion lines. Gon shouts, "I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING!!!" while Zushi adds, "THAT'S ALL!!" The scene shifts to Wing facing Gon and Killua on a staircase. Wing states, "GON, KILLUA... THERE'S AN OLD SAYING, 'WE UNDERSTAND EVEN LESS OF THINGS WHEN WE HAVE HALF OF THE INFORMATION THAN WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ANY.'" He continues, "SINCE WHEN HAVE YOU BECOME STRONG ENOUGH TO TEACH OTHERS WHAT I HAVE TAUGHT YOU?" Zushi reacts with shock, "EHH..." as Gon and Killua look taken aback.

Killua appears in close-up against a dark background, his spiky hair prominent. "BECAUSE THERE'S A RELATION BETWEEN THIS AND MY BROTHER'S SECRET!" he states firmly. In the following panels, Killua negotiates with Wing. "IF YOU ACCEPT AND TEACH ME... I WON'T MISUSE IT," Killua offers. Wing replies, "BUT I WON'T BE CONTENT WITH HALF-KNOWLEDGE. I WANT TO UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING." Killua persists, "ANYWAYS, IF YOU DON'T WANT TO, I'LL JUST DISCOVER IT BY MYSELF." Wing asks, "WOULD YOU MIND TEACHING IT TO ME NOW?" Killua confirms, "YOU MEAN YOUR BROTHER USES NEN?" and answers "YES." Wing then invites, "COME TO MY FLAT." He adds, "IT'S OKAY..." The final panels show an urban night scene with street lamps and buildings, accompanied by the text "WHAT WE CALL 'NEN'..."

In a bright training room, Wing stands with his back to the viewer, facing Zushi, Gon, and Killua near the windows. He declares, "WE CAN RENAME IT WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE WILL." A second voice explains that the term "HAS THE MEANING OF 'INFLAMING HIS SPIRIT'." Close-up panels show Wing in profile as he breaks down the concepts: the Ren Zushi used matched the thought "I WON'T LOSE" and "REN," the finishing step, enlarges the will. The four most important principles are practices aimed to increase the will. With "TEN," which means "the point," one concentrates spirit on a single thing while thinking about oneself and choosing an objective. With "HATSU," the projection, thought changes into motion. With "ZETSU," translated to "language," the thought becomes a word. Wing then leans forward with a calm smile and asks, "DO YOU MIND? I THINK I'M GOING TO KILL YOU." Killua answers, "BUT NOTHING IS BETTER THAN PRACTICE..."

Killua protests, "ANYWAYS, YOU SHOULDN'T BE ABLE TO." Gon and Killua stand side by side while Wing's back is visible. Wing closes his eyes and states, "TEN." An SFX of "FFF" appears. He continues, "LET'S PROCEED IN ORDER." A panel shows the three boys and Wing with large stylized letters and SFX "Shiiin" and "DOOON." Wing sits on a desk with legs crossed, hands clasped, and explains, "YOU CAN SAY THE WORDS IN YOUR HEAD OR SPEAK ALOUD, EITHER WAY WORKS." He then says, "ZETSU." In the final panels, Gon stares forward with wide eyes while Wing smiles and declares, "I'M GONNA KILL YOU."

A stern close-up fills the frame as Wing stares forward with intense focus, his spiky hair and glasses catching dramatic light rays. Below, Gon and Killua react in shock, eyes wide and sweat flying as a massive "DON" impact sound erupts between them. The scene shifts to a wide view of three figures standing against radiating speed lines: Killua on the left with wild hair, Wing in the center wearing his collared shirt, and Gon on the right with his spiky hair. In the lower panels, Wing tilts his head slightly while Gon points forward with both hands, small "FSHII" sound effects bursting around him as his expression shifts to surprise.

A huge "DAMN!!" SFX slams across the top of the page. Wing, seen in profile, explains with speech bubbles: "THAT WAS THE REN." and "IF THE REN (WILL) IS POWERFUL, THE HATSU (ACTION) IS TOO." In smaller panels, Gon is shown running then walking away in the distance. Wing continues: "BY EXTENSION, WE ALSO CALL IT A 'BLUFF'..." and Gon replies with a serious face, "EXPRESS YOUR SUPERIORITY WITH THE CRY, AND WITHOUT MOVEMENT, YOU'LL MAKE YOUR ENEMY MOVE BACK." The final panels show a close-up of a hand glowing with aura as Wing concludes, "THAT'S WHY IF THE SPIRIT ISN'T READY, IT'S MORE REASONABLE TO WAIT." and "AFTER SOME TIME, THE REN BECOMES STUBBORN, AND WE LOSE THE ABILITY OF DISCERNING GOOD AND BAD THINGS."

Wing is hurled backward by an unseen force, crashing into a cabinet with a loud POM as he clutches his chest. He explains that once Ten is mastered, the user will not be repelled by an opponent's psychic aura. He tells Zushi that to learn Nen, one must first be dedicated in Ten, and that Zushi, as an apprentice, is in the phase of spirit formation. Zushi walks away with a TAP sound. Outside the room, Gon and Killua react with surprise as Killua is knocked back. Zushi emerges into the hallway and shouts a loud thanks. Wing steps out, tells Zushi they will start their exercises, and the two walk off together down the corridor while an old woman watches from the stairs.

In a dark room, Wing instructs Zushi to begin with Ten coordination; Zushi replies yes while standing with arms crossed. The scene shifts to night outside where Gon and Killua discuss the earlier events. Killua wonders if Wing lied about the force being real. Gon notes Zushi's endurance and that the force deployed by Wing was real, but questions why everything was not explained. They recall that during the fight Wing could have put Zushi on the floor yet stood up each time after being hit, and that Gon finally landed a real hit.

Zushi leaps onto Killua's back and slams him violently into the arena floor with a heavy VLAM impact. Killua grunts in pain as ARGH... echoes. The force sends Killua tumbling across the ring. In the next moment Killua is seen sprawled on the ground after being hurled out of the ring, small figures scattering in the background. Zushi's intense close-up face shows fierce determination. Killua pops back up outside the ring with a surprised expression, fist raised, and blurts out 'OUPS!'

The announcer declares that everyone must think Killua has won a trip to the hospital as he is ejected from the ring. Killua sits on the floor looking shocked, thinking 'I LOST MY TEMPER...!!' and 'DAMN!' Zushi stands tall in the ring after the critical hit, the arbiter noting he totals 11 points for a point victory for Killua. The crowd reacts with OOOOH! as Zushi is called immortal. Killua stares in disbelief, thinking 'IT'S NOT POSSIBLE...!!' while unseen voices discuss needing more will and another secret.

Wing sits calmly with a book while addressing Zushi, whose Ten is visibly disturbed. "YOUR TEN IS DISTURBED. WHAT'S WRONG, ZUSHI?" Zushi responds quietly, "MASTER ..." Gon and Killua react in the foreground with surprise. "HM? WHY DID YOU LIE TO THEM?" A large panel erupts with Gon's furious close-up as he shouts, "YES!! LIED? YOU MEAN THE EXPLANATION FROM EARLIER? YOU LIED BECAUSE THEY'RE NOT YOUR DISCIPLES?! THE MEANING OF THE FOUR MAIN PRINCIPLES YOU REVEALED TO THEM IS FALSE!" Wing remains composed, adjusting his glasses and replying, "THE NEN I TAUGHT THEM IS AN ESSENTIAL PRACTICE TO PREPARE THE SPIRIT. I DIDN'T LIE."

Zushi stands alone on a raised platform under a spotlight while Wing continues the explanation from his seat. "TO ACHIEVE THE REAL NEN, THE SENSES." Wing elaborates that real Nen requires the senses and warns that misusing it can turn it into a dangerous weapon. He adds that the temporary "inflammation Nen" the students displayed is not the true form. A small inset shows a television screen displaying a muscular fighter. In the adjacent panel Gon and Killua appear side-by-side, Gon wearing a shirt labeled "GON." The page ends with a large panel of Killua looking serious amid impact lines and debris, his hand extended forward.

A soda can labeled Po sits on a table as a hand hurls a sheet of paper toward it. The paper slices through the air with a sharp TCHING, cutting cleanly into the can. In a burst of motion the paper shreds apart with explosive force, FUUUU, sending fragments flying while the can is hurled backward. The same paper is then reshaped mid-flight into a rigid blade and a protective shield. A young man with glasses watches the demonstration and explains the technique. We can transform a piece of paper into a sharp blade, he states. We can also form a shield from it. Smaller panels show the paper continuing to strike the can with crisp TAC and SHLAT sounds, the liquid inside splashing out as the demonstration concludes.

Wing holds up a small object between his fingers while speaking. So it's impossible to choose who you teach it to correctly, he says. Nen is only a matter of effort. Anyone can acquire it. Below him, Zushi bows deeply in apology, shouting SORRY!!! and AAAAH!!! while admitting the can was his. The book, I hadn't read it yet, he adds. Master, he calls out. The scene shifts to a towering structure rising into the night sky. A large speech bubble declares PASS THE 190TH FLOOR WITH ONLY ONE SHOT!! Another bubble adds GON AND KILLUA.... The massive Heavens Arena building dominates the panel under a starry sky.