NenMaster
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Chapter 94
🕑 Added 2024-12-06 15:08:59 +0000 UTCIf Phinks were to die from his own reckless actions—especially from drowning in the sea in such a senseless way—it would indeed be a rather absurd and pitiful end.
As Feitan went to rescue Phinks, the other members of the Phantom Troupe turned their attention to Morin. Their gazes held a variety of complex emotions that were difficult to articulate.
“Thank goodness I didn’t fight you, Vice-Captain Morin~”
Shalnark feigned relief, patting his chest dramatically. “Otherwise, my fate would probably have been worse than Phinks’.
“After all, I’m not an enhancement type; I don’t have a body as tough as his.”
Shalnark’s eyes darted thoughtfully. “Vice-Captain Morin, you’re amazing!
“Not only did you defeat Phinks with ease, but you also copied and learned about 80 to 90% of his ability—and even used it more flawlessly than he could!”
He gave a thumbs-up and added with a grin, “So, if I were to fight you using my ability, would you copy that too?”
Shalnark’s question was half-joking, though there was a hint of genuine curiosity in his tone.
“What do you think?” Morin countered calmly, turning the question back on him.
“I’m not sure,” Shalnark replied, fluttering his charming eyes that could make any girl’s heart skip a beat.
“Then, what about you, Captain?” Morin asked, casually taking a seat on a nearby rock close to Chrollo.
Chrollo smiled faintly, his sharp gaze focused on Morin. “As for how you’d handle Shalnark’s ability, I don’t know. But with Phinks’ ability, Ripper Cyclotron, I’d say you’ve fully mastered it, haven’t you?
“I can tell from your movements and stance—they weren’t just imitations of Phinks’ technique. You enhanced it based on your understanding.
“If it were merely mimicry or copying, you wouldn’t have achieved such results. That leaves only one possibility: mastery.
“Although I don’t know how you accomplished it, I’m confident that’s the case.”
Chrollo’s words were phrased as a question, but his intelligent gaze and confident smile made it clear he already considered his deduction the truth.
“Absolutely correct.”
This time, it was Morin’s turn to give a thumbs-up. “You’re impressive, as expected of our team’s leader.”
“But compared to you as vice-captain, I have much to improve on,” Chrollo said with a faint sigh.
“From the very beginning, when we left Meteor City, it was you who saved Uvogin and Nobunaga. You even tore down the Elder’s house, leaving behind a reputation that helped me immensely in recruiting members later.
“When we entered the outside world, it was you who arranged our identification documents, captured a Nen user to help us understand the world, and secured our first source of funding.
“Later, you found training methods for each Nen category, giving us direction and a vision for the future.
“These accomplishments, one after another, were pivotal for the Troupe. They’ve had a profound impact on our growth and our future.”
Chrollo shook his head slightly as he listed Morin’s contributions. “You’ve done so much for the Troupe, while I’ve barely fulfilled my duties as its leader.
“I still have much to learn and improve.”
An unusual spark of determination ignited within Chrollo, a rare sight given his typically composed demeanor.
Clearly, Morin’s contributions had inspired him in ways that subtly altered his original trajectory.
Meanwhile, Pakunoda listened quietly as Chrollo enumerated Morin’s deeds. Her appreciation for Morin deepened. She realized that, while he might not always appear before the group, he had been silently contributing all along.
Her large eyes turned to Morin once again, their gaze filled with a subtle, indescribable emotion.
“Uh…”
Morin didn’t quite know how to respond to Chrollo’s words.
Saving Uvogin and Nobunaga had been his responsibility, aided by tools. Capturing the targets involved more luck than strategy, and sharing the training methods had simply been a side effort during his time under Biscuit’s tutelage.
To Morin, these actions didn’t feel like much.
But based on Chrollo’s perspective, Morin’s contributions to the Troupe seemed immense—worthy of admiration and respect.
If that’s how they see it… so be it.
Chrollo could sing his praises all he wanted—Morin wouldn’t mind in the slightest.
Unfortunately, Chrollo didn’t continue his compliments.
“By the way, your ability to learn others’ Nen techniques—is that a result of another Nen ability?”
Changing the subject, Chrollo directed the conversation to a different point of curiosity.
“Don’t misunderstand—I’m just curious.”
As he spoke, an aura surrounded Chrollo’s hand, and a peculiar book materialized.
“This is my ability, Skill Hunter.”
He presented the book to Morin. Its orange cover featured a blood-soaked skeletal hand in the center, with the title Skill Hunter written in large, neon-like characters above it.
In a world where strange Hunter symbols formed the written language, the appearance of such bold, straightforward text was oddly striking.
Yet, there were also instances of neon text appearing in this world.
Moreover, the terms used within Greed Island were written in English.
If neon text and English exist, could it mean there’s a possibility for Chinese characters to appear too?
In fact, the characters for "盗贼" ("thief") on the book’s cover were written in Chinese. (-_-)
However, they were expressed in the manner of neon language—after all, a large portion of their script was derived from Chinese characters.
“My Nen ability allows me to steal someone else’s ability under certain conditions and use it myself,” Chrollo explained.
“It’s similar to your ability to learn and master others’ Nen skills—both involve utilizing someone else’s power.
“So, I’m curious about how you achieve it. Maybe I could draw inspiration to enhance my ability.
“Of course, if it’s inconvenient for you to explain, that’s fine as well.”
Chrollo had already developed his specialist Nen ability, Skill Hunter.
Nen Ability: Skill Hunter
Effect: A conjured book used to steal another person’s Nen ability. Once stolen, the original user cannot use that ability anymore. The stolen ability is sealed within the book, and if the book is destroyed, the stolen ability disappears as well. To use a stolen ability, the book must be conjured and held in the right hand, opened to the page containing the desired power.
Conditions for Theft:
The user must see the target’s Nen ability in action.
The user must ask the target a question related to their ability and receive an answer.
The target’s hand must be placed on the book’s cover, where the handprint is.
Steps 1–3 must all be completed within one hour.
Conditions for Use:
To use a stolen ability, the book must be conjured in the user’s right hand, and the page containing the desired ability must be opened. If the original user dies, the stolen ability is erased from the book and can no longer be used.
Morin was deeply impressed by Chrollo’s ability:
It was an exceptional skill among specialists, allowing him to acquire others’ abilities.
The rules governing theft and usage were stringent, showcasing a perfect balance of power and limitation—a hallmark of classic Nen mechanics.
Chrollo’s mastery in combining multiple abilities for creative combat scenarios left a lasting impression, even though he had only demonstrated it twice.
One fight was against the Zoldyck family’s elder and current heads in a two-on-one battle, and the other was his duel with Hisoka in Heaven’s Arena.
Despite the limited number of appearances, Chrollo’s prowess and strategic brilliance were unforgettable.
Still, even with Chrollo’s exceptional ability, it paled slightly compared to Ging’s freakish natural talent. Ging’s ability acquisition lacked the stringent conditions Chrollo’s required.
“It’s a talent I copied from others using a tool,” Morin said candidly, having no reason to hide the truth.
“As long as it’s an offensive Nen ability, I can replicate and master about 80–90% of it after being hit.”
“Are you serious?!”
Shalnark, who had been listening intently, exaggeratedly widened his eyes and let out a dramatic gasp to liven up the mood. His antics were far more polished than Phinks’ ill-timed jokes, though his shock wasn’t entirely feigned.
“This is true,” Morin said with a chuckle. “I was shocked myself when I first realized it.”
Not just him—Pariston had also been astounded upon learning about Ging’s talent, which defied traditional Nen rules. Even Leorio had called Ging a monster because of it.
“I see…”
Chrollo fell into deep thought before speaking slowly.
“This world is full of unique people. I’ve encountered individuals who awakened their Nen abilities the moment they were born—it was their natural talent.
“So, what you described, Morin, does seem possible.”
“If it’s true, I’d be more inclined to call this ‘talent’ a ‘capability.’”
Chrollo elaborated, “Even though it isn’t technically a Nen ability, it functions like one.
“With the conditions of ‘being struck’ and ‘the attack being a offensive Nen ability,’ it creates the effect of replicating and mastering the opponent’s power.”
He suddenly smiled at Morin. “Your talent is far superior to my Skill Hunter.
“Honestly, you seem much better suited to being the leader of the Troupe—no matter how you look at it.”
“Leader?”
Hearing Chrollo mention this again, even in a joking manner, Morin could sense a hint of sincerity behind his words.
Chrollo valued logic and reason over emotion. If it were in the Troupe’s best interest, there might indeed come a day when he would relinquish the leader’s position.
“Don’t joke around. Things are great as they are now. I’m a pretty laid-back guy and wouldn’t want to deal with so many responsibilities.”
Morin shook his head lightly and quoted a classic line from Blackbeard:
“I have no such ambition.”
Blackbeard was speaking the truth—his ambitions far exceeded that of being a mere squad captain, even if that captaincy was within the ranks of a Yonko-level power.
Similarly, Morin’s words were true—he had no interest in leading the Phantom Troupe.
In fact, if not for the Troupe’s unity and family-like bonds, Morin might have ventured out of Meteor City alone.
After all, it was merely a title. If he truly became the brain of the operation and gained everyone’s support, what difference would it make whether or not he was officially the leader?
Surely no one would naively believe that a group of people from Meteor City—individuals who treated life itself with indifference—would care about such an insignificant title.
When the time came, as long as the right person took charge, it wouldn’t matter who held the title of "Leader."
As Morin and Chrollo continued their conversation, Feitan hauled Phinks out of the sea.
"Is this guy savable?" Feitan casually tossed the soaking-wet Phinks onto the ground, shaking water droplets off his hands in distaste.
At this moment, Phinks looked pitiful.
His right arm was twisted beyond recognition, with bone spurs visibly protruding through the skin. His once muscular upper body now resembled a deflated sandbag.
“Is he dead?”
Morin stepped forward to examine Phinks’ injuries.
“Looks like he’s still got a breath left.”
Feitan checked Phinks’ breathing and nodded. “Can he be saved?”
Feitan rarely found someone he could work well with, and it would be dull if Phinks were to die at Morin’s hands.
Despite Phinks’ questionable mindset, his style resonated with Feitan.
"If he’s not dead, he can be saved."
Morin pulled out the Doctor’s Kit once again.
After a diagnosis with the stethoscope, it became clear that Phinks had sustained severe internal and external injuries. As Feitan said, he was hanging on by a thread.
Phinks’ reckless use of his Return to Heaven technique had worsened his condition. After activating the ability twice, he concentrated the remainder of his aura in his arm to clash with Morin.
This left his right arm unable to withstand the force of Return to Heaven, and he had no aura left to protect his body.
As a result, not only did Phinks fail to endure the impact of Return to Heaven, but his unprotected lungs and internal organs were severely damaged. Adding insult to injury, he was knocked into the ocean, inhaling enough seawater to develop pulmonary edema.
Phinks’ condition, while technically alive, was dire. From both a medical and physical standpoint, any hospital would have declared him unsalvageable and sent him home to await death.
But for Morin, anything was possible.
“Fortunately, injuries like these can still be treated with the Doctor’s Kit,” Morin said.
The Doctor’s Kit could cure almost any major ailment, as long as Morin had enough aura to generate the necessary healing solution.
Phinks’ injuries were severe, and Morin had to expend considerable aura before producing an IV bag for treatment.
After a few sips of the healing liquid, Phinks’ injuries visibly began to heal. The dislocated and exposed bones in his arm started to set and mend.
In a short time, the unconscious Phinks was breathing steadily again.
“This thing is really that effective?”
Feitan eyed the Doctor’s Kit in Morin’s hand, which looked like a toy for children playing doctor.
“Such serious injuries were healed with just a few sips of liquid?”
Feitan squinted, clearly deep in thought.
“With this kind of safety net, I won’t have to hold back in battles anymore,” he said, giving Morin a serious look.
“You always bring out unexpected tools that surprise everyone.”
Feitan then stated bluntly, “If the leader dies, I’d have no problem with you taking over as the leader.”
Feitan’s candid thoughts seemed to align with Chrollo’s own. Though Chrollo might not outwardly express it, he nodded slightly in agreement.
If one day Chrollo were to fall, having Morin lead the Troupe would undoubtedly ensure its legacy and continued momentum in the world.
Kortopi and Shalnark, who had just met Morin, didn’t comment, as they weren’t familiar with him yet.
Pakunoda didn’t say anything either, but her gaze clearly conveyed her agreement.
