Kite had no intention of guiding Joey step by step. This wasn't only due to their current situation and limited time—it also reflected his own approach.
Joey understood that clearly, so he raised no objections. He knew Kite was not his teacher.
Being helped to awaken Nen was already more than enough.
For further improvement, Joey would have to rely on himself—especially on his own memories.
Perhaps he would find better opportunities after leaving NGL. But for now, as Kite had said, the priority was simple: learn how to use Nen to move faster.
---
"The fundamentals of Nen are divided into four basic techniques: Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Hatsu.
Ten is the foundation—it stabilizes the flow of aura around your body. In this state, your speed will improve slightly, which should be enough for what's coming.
However, with your current level of Ten, maintaining it for long will drain your stamina rapidly. And that's without considering your ability to use Nen beasts.
So the best course of action is to master Zetsu as soon as possible.
Zetsu involves sealing your aura completely within your body. It accelerates recovery and suppresses your presence. For this mission, it's essential.
Once you can use Zetsu properly, you can partially release aura—such as opening the pores in your legs—to sustain movement over longer distances.
If you manage to reach Ren, it may give you a chance to survive in critical situations.
Of course, all of this depends on your physique, talent, and mental strength."
---
Kite's explanation was precise, focusing only on what Joey needed in the short term.
As for Hatsu—the most personal and advanced aspect—he didn't elaborate.
Joey, however, already understood.
Before developing an ability, one must first determine their Nen type.
That required the Water Divination Test.
By placing a leaf on a glass of water and infusing it with aura, the reaction would reveal one's affinity. Nen was divided into six categories:
Enhancement, Emission, Transmutation, Manipulation, Conjuration, and Specialization.
Joey had no way to test himself right now.
But he wasn't in a hurry.
He understood the danger of trying to do too much at once.
So after listening to Kite, he immediately asked about training Zetsu.
---
Starting with Zetsu was no small challenge.
He had only just learned Ten—keeping his aura flowing outward. Zetsu required the exact opposite: completely sealing it.
Two opposing directions of control.
Naturally, it was far more difficult.
Still, Joey trusted Kite's judgment. There had to be a reason he believed Joey could learn it quickly.
Especially his mention of physique, talent, and mental strength.
Joey's physique was average. His talent was uncertain.
But his mental strength?
That, he was confident in.
And instinctively, he felt that was exactly what Kite had noticed.
---
"Start from your extremities," Kite said calmly. "It'll help you grasp Zetsu faster.
You still have time to try. Don't rush. Even highly talented users need time to master maintaining Zetsu for extended periods."
He paused before adding:
"Later, you'll continue practicing while riding. Escorting the translators back will be your training time. On the return trip, I expect you to keep up."
---
Joey almost cursed inwardly.
Training on horseback?
That was borderline inhuman.
But then again—if he didn't ride, was he supposed to stay behind alone?
Suddenly, the horses didn't seem so bad.
---
Killua and Gon returned with four people and five horses.
An afro-haired youth and a short boy shared one horse—Kite's companions. Though they hadn't passed the Hunter Exam, they were still skilled amateur hunters.
The other two were a bearded middle-aged man and a gentle-looking young woman. Both rode separately, posing as translators.
In reality, they were observers.
Everyone knew it.
After a brief explanation, Kite made his arrangements.
One horse was assigned to Ponzu and Joey.
Ponzu's job was simple: make sure Joey didn't fall off.
The last horse carried Gon and Pokkle, with Pokkle standing behind, keeping watch. His Seven-Colored Bow was ideal for dealing with Chimera Ants at range.
Joey didn't complain. He climbed onto the horse, closed his eyes, and focused entirely on his Nen.
Kite and Killua followed behind, ready to support the group.
Once Ponzu confirmed Joey was stable, they set off toward the border at full speed.
---
Joey could clearly feel Ponzu's presence behind him.
But he had no room for distraction.
All his focus was on one thing:
closing his aura nodes.
This was essential for survival.
At first, progress was slow.
He couldn't fully grasp Zetsu.
But something unexpected happened—
his control over aura was improving rapidly.
Almost visibly.
Joey immediately understood.
Spiritual power.
After transmigrating, his soul had fused with another, even absorbing fragments of the original owner's weakened soul. Compared to ordinary people, his mental strength was far greater.
And Nen… was deeply connected to the soul.
That meant greater control over life energy.
---
As he continued, Joey noticed something else.
The aura flowing into him from the "wallet" contained an unusually vibrant life force.
It felt different—full of vitality.
He suddenly opened his eyes.
In his palm, a faint wisp of emerald-green aura flickered—then vanished back into his body.
In that instant, something clicked.
He focused on that sensation—the process of drawing that special energy inward—and began to replicate it.
Gathering his own aura into his palm…
Then pulling it back.
"That's it…"
---
Not far behind, Kite had been observing the entire time.
When he saw that not a single trace of aura leaked from Joey's palm, his eyes narrowed slightly.
___________________________
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