"Iron Cutting" and "Observation Haki"

Feeling the rhythms of all things was more complex and profound than simply hearing the "breathing" or "voices" of all things... Was that why he had been unable to cross that threshold for so long?

But once he broke through, his own "Iron Cutting" realm should differ from ordinary Iron Cutting, shouldn't it?

He did not know how much time had passed. The rhythms of the rocks, trees, and flowing water around him were all so unhurried, as though nothing could disturb them.

Yet the rhythms of the distant crowds and animals were so lively, as if they were constantly changing.

Suddenly, a "presence" that had never appeared before emerged within Wright's perception.

This new "presence" was so special, as though it was filled with a unique rhythm. It was... a "collection of wills."

..."Joy," "existence," "longing," "anticipation," "prayer"... The collection of all those beautiful wills made its rhythm incomparably clear. It even... affected all things around it with this abruptly appearing, entirely new rhythm.

This was... "new life." A new life filled with infinite light and infinite possibilities, a new life carrying countless beautiful prayers, had been born.

"Snap..."

It was like a soft crack, as though the frosted glass covering his eyes had shattered. The world suddenly became clear. It was as if Wright were watching an immersive VR film; within the range of his perception, every detail was crystal clear.

The breathing of all things, the voices of all things, the colors of all things, and... the emotions of all things!

Was this some special boon granted by Holy Light Power?

He drew his sword and casually slashed forward.

"Clang—"

Amid the crisp ring of steel, a massive boulder the size of a house was cleaved in two. Yet the few blades of grass directly in the path of the slash remained completely unharmed.

Joy surged from the depths of Wright's heart and filled his chest.

"The Iron Cutting realm!"

"Observation Haki!"

"And... Kuina..."

Before he had even entered the dojo, he could already sense the immense joy enveloping the entire place.

"Wright is back!"

"Wright! Master said to go see him as soon as you returned!"

"Wright, something wonderful happened while you were away these past few days!"

"Hahaha, Wright's the only one in the whole dojo who doesn't know yet, right?"

Looking at his excited senior brothers, Wright could not help regretting that he had delayed his return by several days in order to stabilize his newly awakened Observation Haki. He quickly nodded. "All right, I'll go right away. Is Master calling me over to tell me personally?"

When Wright met Master Koushirou, the man who usually wore a smile had one now that was practically overflowing. Beside him, his mistress looked somewhat pale, but the faint, heartfelt smile on her face as she held a tiny swaddled bundle was so sacred.

"Haha, Wright, you finally came back. The other disciples have already met her. Come quickly and meet your little junior sister, Kuina."

Usually gentle and composed, Koushirou now seemed like a proud collector showing Wright his most precious treasure.

"Congratulations, Master and Mistress. You now have someone to carry on your legacy!"

Filled with emotion, Wright bowed deeply.

His mistress had been moving about without issue these past few days, so it seemed... No, something was still off about her complexion.

"Master, I think Mistress's complexion doesn't look very good..."

"Good child, it's nothing." His mistress smiled. "Just a few minor problems. It's all right. Your mistress is much stronger than you all imagine, you know~"

During the two years since he had entered the dojo, Koushirou and his wife had shown endless care for the diligent, hardworking, courteous, mature, and dependable Wright—a soul in his thirties inhabiting the body of a boy barely in his teens.

His mistress, in particular, had doted on him and treated him like her own son. It made Wright feel that his previous six years of aristocratic life had been utterly wasted.

Now, thinking of the future fates of his mistress and Kuina...

Wright felt that, since he possessed this ability, he should do something now. If he... did nothing, he would definitely regret it.

"Master, Mistress."

"Please forgive me, Master. There is something I have kept hidden from you."

"I am an ability user. I possess the power to heal injuries and illnesses."

"!!!"

Koushirou and his wife widened their eyes in shock. "Wright, you..."

"So that's how it is. No wonder you trained several times harder than the others, yet there was no sign of hidden injuries or underlying damage in your body..."

As though he had understood something, a trace of concern flashed across Koushirou's face.

"Wright, an ability user's power is one of the foundations of their survival, especially a healing ability like yours, one I have never even heard of... Since you practice swordsmanship, your ability should be your final trump card. Why would you..."

"Master, I have now reached the Iron Cutting realm."

"!"

Koushirou and his wife froze for a moment, then rejoiced in unison.

"Good! Wright, you were already on the verge of a breakthrough. Today, you have finally crossed that barrier. Your future path is promising—what a cause for celebration!"

"These past few days have truly brought double happiness. Mistress is so happy for you!"

Wright's Observation Haki could sense the emotions of living beings. At this very moment, the two people before him were sincerely happy and gratified for him, without even the slightest falsehood.

"Master, Mistress, my increased strength is one reason I can reveal my ability to you. The other reason is..."

"Because of the nature of my ability, I am more sensitive to people's physical condition. Mistress's situation may seem minor, but it could lead to serious consequences."

"So please, Master and Mistress, believe in me and let me heal Mistress's hidden ailment."

"You foolish child... You... don't have to do this..." Only then did Koushirou and his wife, who had been immersed in joy, come to their senses.

Thinking of the consequences that might result from Wright revealing this unprecedented ability, then seeing the determination in his eyes, they could only silently resolve never to reveal Wright's ability to a third person.

However, Koushirou and his wife soon discovered that Wright himself would announce his ability to everyone...

Koushirou picked up the swaddled Kuina and moved a little farther away from his wife. Wright extended his right hand, and golden Holy Light gathered in his palm, gradually changing from a flickering ball of light into burning flames.

Unlike the Holy Fire of Punishment Power, these flames were golden-yellow, as though shrouded beneath a hazy veil of gold.

Wright gave a gentle push, and the golden flames drifted to his mistress before merging into her body. Instantly, her entire body seemed to be enveloped in a flowing, burning golden halo—an incomparably beautiful sight.

"Eternal Fire!"

"Mistress's body was weakened by childbirth, and there are also deeply rooted hidden problems. A harsh restorative healing method cannot be used." Wright explained, "The characteristic of Eternal Fire is penetration. It is a sustained, relatively slow, but more thorough method of healing."

A moment later, the halo faded. Koushirou discovered that his wife's complexion had fully regained its healthy rosy color, and the hidden frailty in her eyes had completely vanished. He could not help exclaiming in amazement.

"What a miraculous ability!"

"After this treatment, Mistress's body can be said to be completely free of hidden problems. She will surely enjoy health and longevity."

"Ah, and there's an added benefit too—her skin will become fairer and smoother—"

"..."

"Then this disciple shall take his leave of Master and Mistress."

"This disciple wishes to leave the dojo, sail out to sea, and forge my own path to becoming a great swordsman!"