Nico

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Nico (尼可) 70
Species/Race	Human 70
Gender	Male 70
Affiliation	Leo's team; Heart Source School; Morel's expedition team 100 270 334 439
Occupation/Role	Computer expert, intelligence gatherer, Nen support specialist, bounty hunter, expedition communications coordinator, and species-record compiler 70 117 176 439 454
Status	Active; last seen observing Bullet's training and assessing his growth after his Nen awakening 496
First Appearance	Chapter 70

Power Progression

Stage / Realm / Level	Chapter	Notes
Aspiring disciple	70	Sophia rescues him from mafia-linked gunmen. Leo offers him the chance to become Sophia's formal disciple if he reaches Heaven's Arena's 150th floor.
Heaven's Arena, 80th floor	79	Advances while balancing physical training, Arena matches, and Phantom Troupe intelligence work.
Heaven's Arena, 100th floor	96	Reports major progress after training under Sophia; Leo begins personally supervising his development.
Shimele Wetlands training	96 97	Completes a 114-kilometer non-stop run, endures two months of survival and combat training, and kills a four-meter King Crocodile with a punch through its skull.
Heaven's Arena, 200th floor	101	Reaches the Nen-user level of Heaven's Arena; Sophia formally accepts him as her disciple and teaches him Nen fundamentals.
Licensed Hunter	117	Passes the Hunter Exam alongside Kastro and states his ambition to become a bounty hunter.
Network Canopy developed	174 176	Gains a Nen ability built around communications control, intelligence sharing, and battlefield coordination.
Granted Leo's power	270	Receives the revocable Proof of Humanity · Weakened Version alongside the rest of the team, gaining life-energy-based leveling, physical enhancement, and accelerated self-healing.
Level 50	393	Reaches Level 50 before the Dark Continent expedition; works with Goreinu, Asher, and Kalluto on efficient clearing operations.
Network Canopy expanded deployment	409 439	Uses the ability as essential expedition support where ordinary communications fail. Maintains a mobile five-kilometer domain with mental communication and external signal blocking, and later monitors allied forces in real time.
Approximately Level 82	454	Following nine months of Dark Continent travel, Nico and Leo's other companions have reached approximately Level 82.

Background / History

Nico was a freelance hacker who accepted a job to breach a company's database, only to discover that the company was connected to the mafia. Three armed men tracked him down; Sophia happened upon the scene and subdued them alone. Inspired by her strength and unwilling to remain helpless, Nico begged to become her disciple. 70

Leo did not accept him immediately, judging Nico physically weak and mentally unprepared. Instead, Leo required him to fight his own way to Heaven's Arena's 150th floor before Sophia could formally take him as a disciple. Nico began intensive physical training under Sophia while using his hacking expertise to collect information on the Phantom Troupe. 70 72

Nico's steady progress convinced Leo to personally supervise his training. In the Shimele Wetlands, he completed a 114-kilometer run without rest, endured two months of harsh conditioning and solo creature hunts, and returned after killing a King Crocodile. Leo deemed him capable of reaching the 200th floor. 96 97

After reaching the 200th floor, Nico became Sophia's formal disciple and learned Nen. He later passed the Hunter Exam with Kastro, choosing to pursue bounty hunting like Sophia. 101 117

As Leo's group expanded its activities to the Dark Continent, Nico became one of its indispensable support personnel. His communications ability enabled coordination in regions where ordinary human networks could not function, while his computer-stored wilderness knowledge helped the group assess unfamiliar environments. 409 420

Nico also continued accepting technical work independently, taking a data-analysis commission for a new project after Leo became chairman of the Hunter Association. Before the Dark Continent expedition, he reached Level 50 through steady leveling and coordinated clearing operations with Goreinu, Asher, and Kalluto. 342 393

During nine months of renewed Dark Continent exploration, Nico compiled detailed records of more than ten thousand new species, including photographs and environmental descriptions. By the end of this period, his level had risen to approximately 82 alongside Leo's other companions. 454

Appearance

Nico initially appeared as a chubby, timid young man who habitually lowered his head and clutched his laptop. Training reshaped him into a sturdier and more composed fighter. 70 96 97

• Initially had a round body and face; lost substantial weight during Sophia's early regimen. 72 79
• After wetland training, his former body fat had been replaced by defined muscle; he had grown taller, broadened his shoulders, and carried himself confidently. 97
• Often carries a laptop or computer equipment for intelligence work and ability use. 175 176 243
• Wears glasses while working at his computer. 174
• Receives an ability-granting tattoo on the back of his hand when Leo bestows his leveling system. 270

Personality

Nico began fearful and self-conscious, with his near-death encounter leaving him determined never to be powerless again. He responds strongly to recognition from Sophia and Leo, initially becoming flustered when praised but steadily gaining confidence through tangible results. 70 83 96

He is exceptionally diligent. His routine combined early-morning physical training, intelligence work, Heaven's Arena matches, and late-night data analysis; he regularly trained for more than ten hours a day while continuing to code into the early morning. 79 83

Despite his analytical nature, Nico does not consider himself limited to support work. He volunteers for dangerous field operations, develops a combat-oriented physique, and proves willing to engage capable Nen users directly. 174 246

Nico remains methodical and well-prepared during expeditions. Before entering hazardous terrain, he compiles and stores wilderness and survival data for immediate mental retrieval through his ability. 420

His growing confidence also appears in negotiations and tactical discussions. He helps prevent Kastro's confrontation with Hisoka from disrupting their mission, negotiates Hisoka's cooperation, and later devises a deception to draw hidden Chimera Ant Squadron Leaders into an ambush. 243 305

Abilities & Skills

Hacking and Intelligence Gathering

Nico is a highly capable computer expert whose work provides Leo's group with reconnaissance, surveillance, and operational planning.

• Breached a security-system backend in ten minutes, impressing Sophia. 70
• Built an extensive information network using the dark web, Hunter Association public databases, and illegal channels to trace Phantom Troupe activity. 77 79
• Identified smuggling routes, port checkpoints, warehouse access points, guard rotations, and convoy personnel for the Carlson Family operation. 175 176
• Regularly supplies Leo with leads on wanted criminals, including a B+-rank target located before the Carlson Family operation. 169 172
• Can recognize when a target's encryption or clearance level makes further intrusion too dangerous; he halted his investigation into Liam rather than trigger anti-tracking measures. 213
• Identified Liam as a deputy director in V5's Security Defense Department and traced his rapid promotions, but could not penetrate his encrypted files with the three methods he attempted. 207 213
• Stores wilderness-environment and essential survival information in a computer, then accesses the information mentally through his ability during expeditions. 420
• Compiled detailed files on more than ten thousand new species during nine months of Dark Continent exploration, with photographic records and environmental descriptions for each entry. 454

Network Canopy

Nico's Nen ability controls communications and enables coordinated operations.

• Signal-blocking field — Using a conjured computer as its base, Nico initially creates a one-kilometer field that blocks phones, radios, internet access, and other signals. He can selectively authorize allies to communicate mentally within the field. 176
• Battlefield coordination — From a secure position, he tracks allies and enemies, relays terrain information, and directs movements in real time. 176 177
• Long-distance communication — Using himself as the base, Nico can remain stationary and provide unlimited-range communication to allies wearing his conjured headphones. 176
• Team link — During the Chimera Ant investigation, he used the ability to connect the team's consciousnesses and immediately share intelligence between separate groups. 287
• Expanded communications network — By the Dark Continent expedition, Nico could maintain a five-kilometer domain centered on himself while walking. Marked allies communicate mentally without equipment, while the domain blocks external signal detection and network scanning. During later Chimera Ant-clearing operations, the network displayed allied positions, routes, and battle status in real time while keeping Leo's two teams in contact. 409 439
• Dark Continent support — The ability remains functional where conventional human communication networks are unusable, making it indispensable for passing intelligence and warning the expedition of danger. 409
• Information retrieval — Nico can mentally access environmental and survival knowledge stored in a computer through his ability. 420
• Limits — At its initial demonstration, maintaining the one-kilometer field consumed most of his aura, prevented him from attacking or using Ken, and ended if its computer base was destroyed; its duration was about two hours at that time. The later five-kilometer domain still consumes most of his Nen and prevents attacks or the use of Ken. 176 409
• Long-distance risks — While serving as the stationary long-distance communication base, any attack interrupts the ability. He then enters Zetsu for a day and cannot use the ability again for three days. 176
• Protection requirement — Because maintaining the ability prevents him from attacking or using Ken, allies such as Shoot and Knuckle remain close to protect him during dangerous expeditions. On the Dark Continent, they stay within three paces of him. 409 415

Proof of Humanity · Weakened Version

Leo grants Nico a weakened form of his leveling ability to improve his chances of surviving the Dark Continent. It supplements Nico's existing abilities rather than replacing Network Canopy. 257 270 409

• Life-energy absorption — After killing a living being, Nico can absorb its residual life energy to increase his level. 270
• Physical enhancement — Level increases strengthen his body and improve his physical recovery and self-healing. 270
• Level cap — Recipients can reach only half of Leo's current level; the displayed maximum when the power is first bestowed is Level 42. 270
• Restriction on unjustified killing — Killing fellow humans without cause deducts one level and one year of lifespan, with stated exceptions for ability users and enemies hostile toward and attacking humans. 270
• Revocation — Leo can reclaim the ability at any time. If withdrawn, its enhanced physical effects gradually fade. 270
• Scope — The granted version provides leveling, bodily enhancement, and self-healing, not the other effects of Leo's full Proof of Humanity. Nico's own Nen abilities remain unrestricted by the grant. 257 270

Close-Quarters Combat

Leo's physical training transformed Nico into a capable frontline fighter.

• Learned fundamental punching, kicking, blocking, dodging, force application, and combat rhythm under Leo. 97
• Killed a King Crocodile by punching through its skull after surviving alone in the Shimele Wetlands. 97
• Fought Sabu in close quarters during the battle against the Bomber group, landing heavy punches and coordinated strikes with Goreinu's Black Sage. 246 247
• Exploited openings created by Goreinu's White Sage to strike Sabu with a flying knee and maintain a relentless assault despite sustaining injuries himself. 247

Tactical Planning and Assessment

• Negotiated Hisoka's assistance against the Bomber group, explained Genthru's contact-dependent abilities, and planned to lure the enemies out through a trade involving Specified Slot Card No. 75. 243
• Proposed having Kastro and the others disperse and appear vulnerable to entice hidden Chimera Ant Squadron Leaders into attacking. The resulting valley ambush drew in six Squadron Leaders and eight subordinate units, which the Hunters eliminated. 305
• Helped establish communication with the captured Chimera Ant Novak by demanding a verbal response or nod before the group's questioning. 437
• Assessed Bullet's growth after his Nen awakening, predicting that another half year or more of training at his current pace would leave Leo as the only person able to suppress him. 496

Equipment / Weapons / Items

• Laptop/computer equipment — Used for hacking, data analysis, route planning, and as the base for one form of Network Canopy. Leo initially provided several million Jenny for top-of-the-line computer equipment. 72 176
• Multi-screen workstation — Uses three screens for intensive investigations and data analysis, including his inquiry into Liam. 207 213
• Conjured computer — Required to establish Network Canopy's initial one-kilometer signal-blocking field. 176
• Conjured headphones — Allow selected allies to receive Nico's long-distance mental communications. 176
• Hunter License — Obtained after passing the Hunter Exam. 117
• Teleportation medium — Carries one of Asher's prepared mediums as an emergency safeguard, allowing him to request a portal for evacuation. 185
• Species database — His expedition records contain files on more than ten thousand new species, with photographs and descriptions of their environments. 454

Relationships

• Sophia — His rescuer and formal master. Nico admires her strength, trained under her before reaching the 200th floor, and seeks to follow her path as a bounty hunter. 70 101 117
• Leo — Sophia's master and Nico's “Grandmaster.” Leo recognizes Nico's usefulness, personally trains him in the Shimele Wetlands, entrusts him with vital intelligence work, grants him additional power, and later works alongside him in expedition command. 72 96 129 270 439
• Goreinu — Teammate and field partner. Nico cares for Goreinu during his hospitalization and later supports his operations through hacking and Network Canopy. Goreinu also joins him in washing dishes after a team Nen-control game and participates in clearing operations with him before the Dark Continent expedition. 129 168 176 393
• Kastro — Teammate and training partner. The two enter the Hunter Exam together, operate alongside Goreinu, and fight together in Greed Island. Kastro's dedication to training motivates Nico to avoid slacking off. 101 102 176 243
• Morel — Expedition teammate and operational commander. Nico supports Morel's group through Network Canopy during coordinated Chimera Ant-clearing operations. 334 439
• Hisoka — Temporary ally during the Greed Island operation. Nico negotiates Hisoka's assistance against the Bomber group in exchange for information on a game administrator. 243
• Shizuku — Fellow member of Leo's team. She supports Sophia in reprimanding Nico after he accepts a dangerous commission without informing his master. 193
• Shoot and Knuckle — Expedition teammates and close protectors. They remain within three paces of Nico while he maintains Network Canopy, compensating for his inability to attack or use Ken. 409 415
• Asher and Kalluto — Teammates with whom Nico conducts efficient clearing operations alongside Goreinu while progressing toward Level 50. Asher also provides Nico with an emergency teleportation medium. 185 393
• Bullet — Nico observes his training after his Nen awakening and recognizes his potential to outgrow everyone except Leo if his current rate of improvement continues. 496

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recruitment and Phantom Troupe Investigation

Sophia brings Nico to Leo after saving him from mafia-linked attackers. While working toward the Heaven's Arena requirement for formal discipleship, Nico becomes the team's primary source of digital intelligence and traces Shalnark and Kortopi to Newgara City. 70 77

After these leads, Nico struggles to locate further targets as the Phantom Troupe becomes more cautious. Leo warns him to conceal his investigations and leave no traces that could expose him to the Troupe's counter-surveillance. 83

Shimele Wetlands Training and Hunter Exam

Leo personally pushes Nico through endurance, survival, and combat training in the Shimele Wetlands. Nico reaches the 200th floor, becomes Sophia's disciple, passes the Hunter Exam, and chooses bounty hunting as his future path. 96 97 101 117

Nico enters the exam venue in Saba City with Kastro on January 7, 1999, receiving examinee badge No. 65 while Kastro receives No. 66. 102

Carlson Family Operation

Nico joins Goreinu and Kastro against the Carlson Family, identifies their most profitable smuggling route, disrupts the convoy's communications, and coordinates their successful ambush. 174 176 177

Injury at Colton Manor

During the wider conflict between the Colton and Douglas Families, Nico is ambushed by Worm and Porcupine of the Shadow Beasts and suffers severe injuries while defending the Colton Family. Leo heals most of his wounds, while Sophia reprimands him for taking the commission without informing her. 185 186 193

Greed Island and the Bomber

Nico enters Greed Island with Kastro and Goreinu. He organizes their cards and strategy, negotiates a temporary alliance with Hisoka, briefs the group on Genthru's abilities, and fights Sabu in the ensuing melee. 231 240 243 246

Heaven's Arena Invasion

When Heaven's Arena is seized by armed intruders, Nico attempts to access his laptop but is held at gunpoint. He nevertheless alerts Leo and Kastro to the invasion and identifies the 230th-floor main control room as a likely source of control over the building's systems. 260 261

Chimera Ant Investigation

Nico accompanies Sophia's team into NGL. He investigates disappearances, brings computer equipment despite the region's restrictions, and uses Network Canopy to keep the team's separate groups in constant contact. 282 284 287

When repeated attacks cause the Chimera Ant Squadron Leaders to hide, Nico suggests presenting dispersed Hunters as vulnerable prey. The deception lures six Squadron Leaders and eight subordinate units into a narrow valley, where Leo, Netero, Morel, and the other Hunters carry out a successful ambush. 305

After Leo's battle with the Ant King, Nico joins the companions who arrive through Asher's portal to confirm Leo's safety and assist with the aftermath. 326

During later Chimera Ant operations, Nico and Leo oversee the battle from Little Azure. Nico maintains Network Canopy across a five-kilometer area, allowing Morel's and Kastro's groups to eliminate patrol squads while continuously sharing routes, positions, and combat information. 439

Expedition Team

After receiving Leo's bestowed ability, Nico later departs Colton Manor with Sophia, Kastro, Goreinu, and others as part of Morel's expedition team. 270 334

Following Leo's appointment as Hunter Association chairman, Nico temporarily pursues a data-analysis commission while other companions undertake their own work. In the months before the Dark Continent journey, he works with Goreinu, Asher, and Kalluto on efficient clearing operations and reaches Level 50. He subsequently assembles with the group for the expedition's departure. 342 393 395

Dark Continent Exploration

Nico serves as the expedition's communications and information specialist on the Dark Continent, where normal communication infrastructure cannot be relied upon. He prepares environmental and survival reference data for the group and depends on close protection while maintaining Network Canopy. 409 420

During the group's encounter with the captured Chimera Ant Novak, Nico crouches near the prisoner's head and demands that it demonstrate whether it understands their speech, helping initiate the questioning. 437

After the group returns to its base, it ventures back into the Dark Continent and travels across half of the outer region over the following nine months. By this point, Nico has reached approximately Level 82 alongside Leo's other companions. 454

Throughout this journey, his growing records accumulate detailed files on more than ten thousand new species. Each includes photographic documentation and environmental descriptions, expanding the expedition's knowledge of the continent's unfamiliar life. 454

Bullet's Nen Training

Nico later observes Bullet's training after Leo saves his life and teaches him Nen. Recognizing Bullet's rapid improvement, Nico predicts that another half year or more at the same pace would leave Leo as the only person capable of suppressing him. This is an assessment of Bullet's future potential, rather than a confirmed outcome. 496

Trivia

• Nico is described as having originally been the first examinee to give up during the Hunter Exam's long-distance run; in this story, he instead completes the exam and becomes a licensed Hunter. 70 117
• He initially viewed himself as someone who could only “wait to die” when confronted by armed enemies, but later insists that he can do more than work behind a keyboard. 70 174
• He finishes last in Leo's dinner-party Nen-control competition, earning dishwashing duty; Goreinu volunteers to help him. 168
• His explanation of swamp ecology prompts Goreinu to comment on the breadth of his knowledge. Nico attributes this preparedness to the environmental and survival information stored in his computer and retrieved through his ability. 420