Chapter 4: The Servant

Kaizen understood exactly what Maha was about to do.

Aura Types was divided into several categories. Six, to be precise: Enhancer, Conjurer, Manipulator, Transmuter, Emitter, and Specialist. Each type excelled in specific areas, and the nature of one's aura determined which path would be most effective to follow.

Specialists, though, were an exception—more of a catch-all category for individuals whose abilities didn't fit neatly into the other five. Their potential could be immense or mediocre, depending entirely on their development. Having a unique or inherited trait, like the Scarlet Eyes, could give a natural advantage.

Knowing your category—your Nen type—meant you could develop abilities more efficiently. Without that knowledge, a person risked wasting time and effort on the wrong path.

Now it was Kaizen's turn to undergo the Water Divination— a traditional method of determining one's aura type.

A maid entered the room, carrying a clear glass cup filled with water, a small green leaf floating atop it.

"Kaizen, take the glass with both hands," Maha instructed.

"Yes, great-grandfather," Kaizen responded obediently, wrapping his hands around the cup.

"Now, release Zetsu—let your aura flow naturally."

Kaizen exhaled softly, focusing his aura.

"Good. Now, condense the aura around your hands. Gather it slowly, and focus only on that."

Kaizen followed Maha's guidance, concentrating the flow of aura from his body into his palms. The energy on his arms surged toward his hands.

The water in the glass shifted slightly—and then something strange happened.

The clear water changed color.

Maha Zoldyck's expression tightened slightly, and Kaizen noticed the subtle shift.

"According to the divination, if the water changes color, it indicates an emitter," Maha murmured.

"Еmitter,s tend to be quick-tempered, impatient, even reckless. But that doesn't quite fit you."

Kaizen frowned. He considered himself calm and deliberate, far from the traits typically associated with Transmuters.

Then the water shifted again.

It returned to being clear—just as if nothing had happened.

Even though Kaizen hadn't stopped condensing his aura, the change reversed itself.

"The water changing back…" Maha muttered thoughtfully. "This is unusual."

He squinted, focusing aura into his eyes using Gyo, which allowed him to see subtle flows of energy invisible to others. After examining Kaizen for a moment, he lowered his gaze.

(T/N: Gyo is an advanced application of Ren by which a Nen-user concentrates a larger than normal portion of their aura into one specific body part.)

"Your situation is… complicated."

Maha crossed his arms, lost in thought.

"The initial color change suggests an Еmitter, but the reversal points toward a Specialist. It seems you're leaning towards being a Specialist, but with strong Еmitter tendencies."

"Does that mean I need to develop Еmitter abilities, then?" Kaizen asked.

"Yes, but not exclusively." Maha nodded. "You should explore Еmitter techniques, but keep in mind that your true potential might lie in abilities that don't fully adhere to that category."

Maha's tone was patient but stern.

"Many Еmitters focus on abilities like mind bullets or creating aura beasts. You'll have time to explore what works for you."

Kaizen absorbed every word, committing the advice to memory.

"When you master Ten, Zetsu, and Ren, you can begin working on Hatsu—your unique ability. But for now, focus on the basics."

"Understood, great-grandfather."

Maha gave him an approving nod. "Good. Keep practicing."

At that moment, a familiar figure approached from the side.

"Grandfather," the old man greeted Maha with a slight bow.

It was Zeno Zoldyck, his silver hair glowing faintly in the afternoon light. Despite his advanced age, Zeno still carried the aura of a predator.

Maha gave a brief nod in return. "Zeno."

Zeno's gaze drifted toward Kaizen. "I hear the boy's started learning Nen."

"Yes."

Zeno's eyebrows lifted. "Then it's time. He'll need a servant."

Maha nodded again. "Find someone from Meteor Street. They'll suit him best."

Zeno didn't argue. "I'll take care of it."

The Zoldyck family was large in power, but small in number. Each member had a dedicated servant and several maids, not just to serve them but to assist with tasks around the estate. Until now, Kaizen hadn't needed one, but with his training underway, it was time to assign someone to him.

With a single leap, Zeno vanished from the courtyard.

Half a Month Later

The days passed quickly, filled with rigorous training under Maha's watchful eye. Kaizen steadily improved, mastering the foundational techniques of Nen: Ten, Zetsu, Ren, and Gyo.

One afternoon, Maha called him over.

"You've made progress. Now, it's time to learn In—a technique used to completely hide your aura. It's essential if you want to avoid detection."

(T/N: In is an advanced form of Zetsu used to almost completely conceal one's aura. However, unlike Zetsu, In does not require the user to stop their aura flow, but hides it instead, making this technique perfect for launching a sneak attack or laying traps.)

Kaizen nodded, eager to learn.

"Focus. Close your Aura Nodes one by one. It's like holding your breath—not physically, but spiritually."

Kaizen closed his eyes and began to shut down the nodes along his body. Slowly, the flow of aura diminished until it was almost nonexistent. A sparrow landed on his shoulder, chirping softly, completely unaware that Kaizen was even there.

Maha observed him carefully. "Good. You've reached the right state."

Kaizen opened his eyes.

"Next, we'll move on to the practical applications of In. You'll need it for stealth—and survival."

Maha gestured to a maid standing nearby. "Fetch a glass of water with a leaf floating on it."

The servant at the gate and the maid by the door remained silent, their postures rigid and alert. They stood like statues, indifferent to the conversation between the great-grandfather and great-grandson.

The maid nodded and quickly went to retrieve the items as requested.

Maha turned back to Kaizen. "We're just getting started."

Kaizen smiled slightly. His journey into the world of Nen was only beginning, and with Maha Zoldyck guiding him, he felt ready to face whatever lay ahead.