ALL NOVEL Chapter 15: CHAPTER 15
"Then, I will personally guide you in mastering Armament Haki and Observation Haki," Rocks declared, his tone authoritative yet laced with anticipation.
Hearing Rocks' offer, Kaito nodded seriously, understanding the weight of being trained by the legendary pirate captain himself.
Rocks, a master of Advanced Armament Haki and Future Sight Observation Haki, stood unparalleled in his understanding of these abilities. However, when it came to Conqueror's Haki, Rocks had no intention of training Kaito just yet.
"Conqueror's Haki isn't something that can be practiced," Rocks explained. "It evolves as your spirit and willpower grow stronger naturally. Mastering it isn't about technique—it's about the strength of your very soul."
Rocks' piercing gaze fell on Kaito as he continued, "The power of Armament Haki comes from within—the ability to manifest an invisible armor using your internal energy. To deepen your mastery, you must learn to harness the very life force of your body and channel it into raw, destructive force."
He then shifted to discussing Observation Haki. "Observation Haki stems from sharpening your senses—sight, hearing, touch, smell, and even instinct. It allows you to sense the presence of others and predict their movements. But to advance it further, you must tap into the flow of the world around you and refine your perception."
Kaito listened intently, every word from Rocks embedding itself into his mind like a mantra. Hours passed as Rocks drilled him on techniques and concepts, not just guiding him but subtly influencing his thoughts, aiming to solidify Kaito's loyalty.
Then, in the midst of his intense training, a familiar voice echoed in Kaito's mind.
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. Armament Haki has reached the Intermediate Stage!"
"Ding! Congratulations, Host. Observation Haki has reached the Intermediate Stage!"
Kaito couldn't suppress a smile. For a year, he had battled countless pirates to reach this point. Yet, under Rocks' guidance, he had broken through to the next stage in mere hours.
Testing his new strength, Kaito enveloped his arm in a dense coating of Armament Haki. The blackened armor gleamed, its hardness and defensive properties far surpassing his previous capabilities. This was Advanced Hardening, the hallmark of an intermediate Armament Haki user.
"So this is what it feels like…" Kaito muttered, exhilarated by the leap in his power.
Rocks, observing this, couldn't hide his surprise. "You're more talented than I expected," he said, his voice tinged with rare admiration. "Even among my crew, few can advance so quickly in Armament Haki. You've taken a step most people struggle their entire lives to reach."
Kaito responded humbly, "Thank you, Captain Rocks. Without your guidance, it would've taken me years to reach this level."
But Rocks, ever the calculating strategist, simply smirked. "Don't get complacent. This is only the beginning. If you want to truly stand at the top, there's much more to learn."
"Have you even realized the advanced techniques of Observation Haki?" Kaito's question echoed, and Rocks found himself momentarily stunned.
This was not the first time Kaito had caught him off guard. It reminded Rocks of the time he had guided others to awaken Armament Haki, helping them tap into their latent potential. But how had Kaito, so young and inexperienced, managed to elevate his mastery of Observation Haki so quickly?
"It would have been interesting if you were born in my era," Rocks muttered with a rare, reflective smile. "I believe you could have been my greatest rival, the biggest obstacle on my path to domination." His words were half praise, half challenge.
Rocks wasn't prone to admiration. His crew boasted legends like Whitebeard (Edward Newgate), Golden Lion (Shiki), and Charlotte Linlin (Big Mom). Yet even among them, Kaito's potential stood out. For the first time, Rocks wondered: If Kaito had been born in my generation and started at the same point as me, who would stand at the top of the world?
Though Rocks had always believed in his supremacy, Kaito's unique talent unsettled him. Kaito's swift mastery of haki, particularly Observation Haki—akin to Naruto's sensory abilities when blending Sage Mode and his innate instincts—made him unpredictable. But Rocks dismissed the thought for now. After all, talent alone wasn't enough to dethrone him.
"Kaito is still too young," Rocks mused. "His potential will only matter if he survives long enough to grow."
Nevertheless, Rocks saw Kaito as an investment. If nurtured correctly, Kaito could become an invaluable asset to the Rocks Pirates, much like a future admiral among marines. Perhaps, Kaito's growth would tip the scales in Rocks' favor in his quest for world domination.
"Just kidding, Captain Rocks," Kaito replied with a chuckle, though his eyes betrayed unwavering confidence. Deep down, he was certain: If we had started on equal footing, I'd surpass him. Rocks may be the strongest now, but his power isn't absolute. A smirk formed on Kaito's lips as he thought: After all, does Rocks have a system guiding him?
"Training's over for today, Kaito," Rocks interrupted, his commanding tone leaving no room for argument. "If you need guidance, come to me again. Don't squander your potential."
"I understand," Kaito replied with respect, knowing full well the value of having the strongest man in the world as his mentor.
As Rocks walked away, he placed a heavy hand on Kaito's shoulder. "Don't disappoint me, boy," he said, leaving behind words that carried both a warning and a challenge.
Watching his captain's retreating figure, Kaito sighed with a faint smile. "How little faith he has in me," he murmured. But it wasn't unwarranted. Onboard the Rocks Pirates, trust was as rare as loyalty. Every crew member was vying for power, plotting for the day they could stand alone at the top.
As Kaito returned to his quarters, he paused. In the moonlight, a towering figure stood by his door—a man exuding an overwhelming presence. Kaito's brows furrowed in confusion before recognition set in.
"Huh? What's this about, Edward Newgate?" Kaito asked, addressing none other than Whitebeard himself—the future "Strongest Man in the World."
Whitebeard didn't respond immediately, his piercing gaze locked onto Kaito. Despite their lack of interaction since Kaito's arrival on the ship, Newgate's presence now spoke volumes.
Kaito, curious and wary, realized this was no mere coincidence. A meeting with Whitebeard was always significant, especially in a crew as volatile as the Rocks Pirates.