Main Points to Note
- Nen Exorcism stands out as a rare and distinct skill within the Hunter x Hunter universe, largely sought after due to the prevalence of Nen curses.
- The nature and impact of Nen curses differ significantly, with exorcism resulting in the curse residing within the exorcist’s aura.
- Handling Post Mortem curses is particularly complex, and only a small number of adept Nen Exorcists are capable of performing this intricate task within the series.
Anime and manga enthusiasts commonly recognize Nen as one of the most intricate power systems ever conceived. It artfully combines various elements, including different Nen types (such as Enhancement, Transmutation, Emission, Conjuration, Manipulation, and Specialization), alongside the Four Major Nen Principles (Ten, Zetsu, Ren, Hatsu), and a range of Advanced Nen Techniques (including Gyo, In, En, Sho, Ko, Ken, Ryu), creating an engaging and comprehensive power system.
Among the enchanting features of Nen is Nen Exorcism. This specialized form of Nen application signifies a rare and notable talent in the Hunter x Hunter realm. Although this ability may be limited in terms of versatility, the demand for Nen Exorcists remains high due to the ongoing threats posed by Nen curses.
Understanding Nen Curses and Exorcisms
Why Nen Exorcists Are in High Demand
Nen curses serve as a specialized application of Nen that target individuals with adverse effects. The variations in Nen curses are as diverse as the individuals they affect, with conditions for breaking these curses differing widely. Many curses found in Hunter x Hunter arise from conjuration, such as Kurapika’s judgment chain, while others, like Knuckle’s Hakoware, stem from Emission.
However, Nen Exorcism is not merely about neutralizing or erasing a curse. The very nature of Nen signifies that following an exorcism, the original curse does not vanish; rather, it is transferred onto the exorcist’s aura, transforming it into a new state. The resulting form of both the aura and the curse is contingent on the exorcist’s Nen type. While the original victim is liberated from the curse, the Exorcist must carry the burden of that curse until specific conditions are met: they must either fulfill the initial terms set by the curse caster, witness the curse victim’s death, or the death of the caster themselves. Nonetheless, these last two options do not apply to Post Mortem Nen curses, which, as their label suggests, manifest effects after the caster’s passing.
Dealing with Post Mortem curses represents a unique challenge, making them among the toughest Nen curses to exorcise, since the curse caster has already died prior to exorcism. The Nen involved often transcends the capacity of living Nen users, leading to a situation where only a handful of Exorcists can manage to perform an exorcism after the curse has taken hold. Reports suggest that fewer than 10 such Exorcists exist within the Hunter x Hunter universe. Thus far, only four have been depicted in the storyline, and only two have demonstrated their exorcism techniques.
Examining Abengane’s Exorcism
Introducing the Series’ First Exorcist
Abengane marks the introduction of the series’ first exorcist, appearing in the Greed Island arc, specifically in chapter 125 of the manga and episode 60 of the 2011 anime adaptation. He was among the 20 Nen users, alongside Gon and Killua, who successfully cleared Tsezguera’s trial, allowing them access to the Greed Island game at Battera’s mansion. When Genthru revealed his betrayal and activated his countdown ability on the alliance members, he demanded all of their spell cards and 90 designated slot cards, subsequently fleeing the scene with the Leave card. Realizing he had fallen victim to Genthru’s curse, Abengane attempted to exorcise it himself.
As a conjurer, Abengane’s exorcism process enables him to eliminate the effects of an imposed Nen curse. His aura manifests as a Nen beast, the attributes and dimensions of which correspond to the curse’s potency.
The exorcism ritual requires Abengane to light a campfire in a wooded area, holding a wooden effigy while reciting prayers to forest spirits. He decorates the effigy with a branch adorned with leaves before casting it into the flames. The campfire’s unpredictable flames, alongside the natural energies of the forest, collaborate with Abengane’s aura to create a Nen beast that encircles him.
This Nen beast stays around Abengane until the specific condition to lift Genthru’s curse is met, which involves physical contact with Genthru while stating:
I have caught the bomber.
One drawback of Abengane’s exorcism method is his inability to assess the curse’s strength until the exorcism has already begun. A notable segment of the Greed Island arc focuses on members of the Phantom Troupe searching for an exorcist to lift Kurapika’s judgment chain on Chrollo. Kalluty’s ability led them to Abengane, and Hisoka negotiated for assistance in removing Chrollo’s curse. While the exorcism itself was not showcased, its success is evidenced by Chrollo’s reappearance in the succession arc without the curse’s effects. However, due to the nature of Kurapika’s curse—lacking a defined condition for removal—Abengane likely remains tethered to the significant Nen beast generated from his exorcism efforts, without a route to resolve it.
Hina’s Exorcism: An Advanced Technique
The Chimera Ants’ Hidden Talent
Hina, previously known as Hirin, is a chimera ant introduced in the Chimera Ant arc, making her debut in chapter 192 and episode 81. She held the position of squad captain under Leol and is among the few chimera ants who appear predominantly human.
While her physical capabilities such as strength and agility only slightly exceed those of an average human, her Nen abilities are exemplary.
As a specialist, Hina’s method of exorcism diverges significantly from that of Abengane. Her skills were prominently displayed when she assisted Cheetu, another chimera ant, in exorcising the curse imposed on him by Knuckles.
Hina’s exorcism procedure does not necessitate the complex rituals typical of Abengane; she simply extracts the curse from Cheetu and stores it within her belly, causing it to expand. The inflated size of her abdomen corresponds to the magnitude of the curse, leading her to appear as if she were pregnant post-exorcism.
Only two additional Exorcists have been depicted throughout the entire narrative. The first is an unnamed Hunter Association Exorcist who attempted to aid Gon during the conclusion of the Chimera Ant Arc but deemed the curse too formidable, claiming that none of her peers could possibly exorcise the curse Gon inflicted upon himself. The second Exorcist, Umanma, emerges in the Succession War arc, serving as a private guard for the Second Prince, Camilla. Thus far, the existence of only four Nen Exorcists, with the abilities of two remaining shrouded in mystery after 400 chapters of Hunter x Hunter, effectively illustrates their remarkable skills and rarity.
Hunter x Hunter can be streamed on Crunchyroll.
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