Hunter x Hunter: Machi’s Nen Thread, Explained

Machi Kocimane, member 3 of the Phantom Troupe, is one of their strongest soldiers, despite being only ranked sixth in terms of physical strength, mostly due to her Nen ability. Among the many unique Nen abilities in the series, Machi Komacine’s Nen Thread is one of the most versatile.

Introduced in episode 40 of the 1999 Hunter x Hunter anime and episode 32 of the 2011 reboot, she has been proven to be a formidable opponent to the protagonists, and this is due in part to her ability to cause mayhem with her Nen Threads. Seeing as she plays an important part in the show going forward, fans must familiarize themselves with Machi Komacine, her Nen Thread ability, its capabilities, limitations, and the ways she uses it in combat and beyond.

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Understanding Machi’s Nen Category: Transmutation

The Basis Behind Her Nen Technique

As a member of the Phantom Troupe, Machi is very proficient in Nen usage. She is originally a Transmuter (she can transmute her aura to mimic the properties of something else), but also possesses an affinity for Enhancement—as all transmuters do. However, Transmuters are not to be confused with Conjurers, who can create fully independent material from their aura. Transmuters can only mimic the properties of these materials with their aura. Machi can also use Hatsu, In, Ren, Gyo, and Ten, with Ken also being a possibility. Despite being a Transmuter, she is also capable of using Emission to a certain level.

She uses her nen to transform her aura into thin, durable threads that she can manipulate with astonishing precision. Machi can extend the threads to various lengths, control their strength, and manipulate their movement to perform many tasks. She can also make her threads invisible with In and reinforce them to hold up to a metric ton of load, all through her mastery of transmutation.

Her Nen Threads Are One Of The Versatile Abilities In The Story

A Unique Ability With Many Twists

Machi’s Nen Threads are versatile, with offensive and defensive capabilities that make her a valuable asset to the Phantom Troupe. One of Machi’s most remarkable uses of her Nen Thread, in conjunction with needles, is for medical treatment based on a technique named Nen Stitches. She can stitch wounds with incredible accuracy by using the threads like stitches, which has earned her a reputation as the Phantom Troupe’s unofficial medic. She uses this ability in combination with Enhancement on her eyes to see and stitch muscle, blood vessels, and even nerves together, essentially granting her the ability to reattach severed body parts, like she did with Hisoka during the Yorknew City Arc. What’s more mind-blowing is that Hisoka was able to move his fingers moments after she was done reattaching his arm, demonstrating just how powerful of an ability she wields.

Machi’s threads can also be used to restrain and capture opponents, as they are strong and flexible enough to bind an enemy tightly. When using her threads this way, Machi can immobilize her target and control their movement, giving her a unique advantage in combat because manipulating enemies is usually exclusive to Manipulation-type Nen users. Her threads can extend long distances, allowing her to trap her targets before they realize it. Puppeteering targets is her signature move, and it was on full display during the Yorknew City arc when she took over the mafia’s forces and made them kill each other without breaking a sweat.

Although primarily known for her restraining abilities, Machi can use her threads offensively. By increasing the thread’s density and tensile strength, she can use them as cutting weapons to slash through opponents and objects. She can also reinforce and use her threads to defend against physical attacks. While Machi’s thread may not deliver raw power in the way that an Enhancer-type might, they are well suited to her skills and ability to think on her feet while in battle. However, these Nen Threads also give her an edge in both close-quarters and mid-range combat as there are lots of ways she can utilize them.

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Limitations of Machi’s Nen Thread

The Weaknesses Of Such A Strong Ability

Her Nen Threads are highly effective due to their flexibility, as she can quickly adapt them to a variety of complex situations, from medical work to swift, efficient attacks. However, the technique also has a couple of limitations. Machi must exercise considerable control to use this ability effectively. The thread’s strength and durability also depend on her Nen output, meaning she might face difficulties if forced to use her abilities extensively in prolonged combat. Additionally, the strength of the threads reduces significantly if they become detached from her hand, so she might find it difficult to gain value with it against masters of close-range combat like Enhancer-type Nen users who rely on brute force to get things done.

Machi Komacine’s Nen Threads are a textbook example of the creativity and depth of the Nen system in Hunter x Hunter. There are tons of unique abilities like this in this story with each one more intriguing than the last. Machi’s rise from the slums of Meteor City to being one of the most powerful characters in the story and a top member of the Phantom Troupe exemplifies the principle that the most powerful Nen abilities are not necessarily the most destructive, but those that maximize efficiency and adaptability.

Hunter x Hunter is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Hunter x Hunter

In Hunter x Hunter, young Gon Freecss discovers his long-lost father is a legendary Hunter, an elite class of adventurer with the license to go anywhere or do almost anything. Determined to find him, Gon sets out to pass the Hunter Examination, a life-threatening challenge that draws hundreds of hopefuls seeking fortune, fame, and adventure. Along the way, Gon becomes friends with other candidates, including the vengeful Kurapika, the ambitious Leorio, and the enigmatic Killua. Together, they face a world filled with bizarre creatures, sinister criminals, and unpredictable adventures.

Studio

Madhouse

Creator

Yoshihiro Togashi

Number of Episodes

148