Chapter 4: The Gate of Nen

The sharp sounds of impact echoed through the dark forest as a shadow moved with ghostlike precision between the trees. Each strike left deep gouges in the bark, as if carved by steel rather than human hands. Some of the smaller trees simply snapped on contact, their breaking adding to the percussive rhythm of destruction.

After several minutes, the figure halted in a clearing where moonlight filtered through the canopy, revealing Oboro's sweat-drenched face. He examined his palms, scratched up but not seriously injured and allowed himself a satisfied smile as he surveyed the devastation he'd left in his wake.

"Hard work pays off," he murmured, pulling up his status screen.

Host: Oboro

Age: 16

Combat Class: Fighter (Potential advancement: Martial Arts Fighter)

Overall Evaluation: Above average human

Skills: Iron Body Technique, Diamond Finger Technique

Compared to two months ago, his capabilities had increased dramatically, though he had yet to transcend normal human limitations. The evaluation was brutally honest about this, physical attributes like strength, constitution, and endurance had improved significantly, but true combat ability encompassed far more.

From his knowledge of the Hunter world, Oboro knew that elite fighters like Hisoka, Chrollo, and the Zoldyck family achieved their status through a combination of raw physical ability, tactical thinking, combat experience, and split-second decision making. Their mastery of Nen merely amplified these fundamental qualities.

"Even with just the basics of Iron Body and Diamond Finger techniques, I only rank as a fighter, not even a proper martial artist," he mused, dismissing the screen.

Time was running short, less than a month remained before the Royal Glam performance. After that, he knew his days with the circus would be numbered. The question of his next destination weighed heavily on his mind.

His position within the troupe had grown increasingly precarious. Morittonio's obvious favoritism toward Hisoka had intensified the other members' antipathy, and Oboro's association with the boy had begun to taint his own relationships. Those who had once shown him kindness now kept their distance, treating him with the same wariness they reserved for Hisoka.

"If it weren't for needing to learn Nen, I'd have nothing to do with that psychopath," Oboro sighed heavily.

The key to unlocking his aura nodes lay with Morittonio. And Morittonio's attention was firmly fixed on Hisoka.

At noon the following day, the circus leader took his three youngest members, Abaki, Hisoka, and Oboro, into Glam Gas Land's city center for supplies. Oboro had noticed Abaki's gradual warming toward them, likely at Morittonio's encouragement.

The bustling streets reminded Oboro of European architecture from his previous life, though the crowds here moved with an energy unique to this world. Their shopping expedition came to an abrupt halt when they encountered a large crowd gathered around a wall of wanted posters.

"It's John Doe, the serial killer terrorizing the Yorbian Continent!"

"Look at those lifeless eyes..."

Oboro studied the portrait of a large man with dead eyes and dull features, then cast a subtle glance at Morittonio. None of the others realized the gentle circus leader beside them was the very killer they discussed in frightened whispers.

"I've heard of John Doe," Abaki spoke up, intrigued. "It's a common alias, sometimes used for fictional characters. This killer's victims are all found crushed to death, their bodies flattened. But surveillance footage shows him with different builds and appearances each time. That's how he got the name."

"How do you know all this?" Hisoka asked, his perpetual smile widening slightly.

"We've seen the wanted posters in other cities," she replied simply.

Oboro caught Hisoka's knowing look and realized the other boy had also pieced together the truth. Morittonio's Nen ability allowed him to alter his appearance, the same technique that Hisoka would eventually master and name Texture Surprise.

"Some say he's a makeup artist showing off," Abaki continued, unaware of the killer standing beside her. "I didn't expect the murders to reach here."

"Probably just some attention-seeking madman," Morittonio commented, adjusting his hat. "Let's move along. And children, stay inside after dark. The streets aren't safe."

Later that evening, Oboro found himself dining alone with Hisoka, the other troupe members having made themselves scarce. Their deliberate isolation of the "two little devils" had become increasingly obvious.

"Thanks to you, I'm treated like a pariah," Oboro commented flatly between bites. His training regimen had dramatically increased his appetite.

"Isn't that convenient?" Hisoka smirked. "No one around to discover your secrets." He twirled his fork thoughtfully. "Speaking of secrets... you've been developing some interesting new abilities lately. I can sense the change in you."

A vein pulsed in Oboro's forehead. "Mind your own business."

"But you are my business. You're my only friend here."

"Colleague," Oboro corrected sharply.

"If you say so," Hisoka's agreement came too easily.

The door opened suddenly as Abaki entered. "You two, come see the captain after dinner."

"Finally," Oboro thought, his heart racing. This had to be it, Morittonio was going to teach them about Nen. While he knew Hisoka would take to it naturally, Oboro's own potential remained uncertain. The system gave him confidence that he could develop Nen abilities eventually, but his lack of natural talent might mean a longer journey.

He understood the three primary paths to awakening Nen:

1. Gradual training under a master's guidance, slowly opening one's aura nodes through meditation and exercise

2. Forced awakening through initiation by a Nen user, effective but dangerous

3. Natural awakening - extremely rare, occurring only in those with extraordinary potential

Despite his comprehensive theoretical knowledge of Nen gleaned from his previous life's familiarity with Hunter × Hunter, Oboro's attempts to sense his own aura had failed. He possessed an encyclopedic understanding of Nen users, their abilities, and the intricacies of the power system itself, but theory alone wasn't enough. Like any martial art, Nen required more than just academic knowledge.

Finishing his meal quickly, Oboro left without acknowledging Hisoka's questioning look. His time had finally come.

"Hmm?" Hisoka's eyes narrowed with interest. "How unusual to see him so eager... This should be entertaining."

...

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