Dunn's eyes widened in surprise.
A new ability had appeared on his digitized Panel.
[Observation Haki (Basic Mastery): You have an initial sense of the energy of all things in the world]
He'd mastered it just like that?
It had come so easily that Dunn could hardly believe it. That was why he was so surprised.
"Energy?"
Dunn had keenly noticed how the digitized Panel described Observation Haki.
"Energy? That's a good way to put it."
At Dunn's quiet remark, Shimotsuki Koshiro froze. After a brief silence, he smiled.
"That's how you describe the things you perceive. Whether you call it breath or energy, it represents what you understand. It seems you really have grasped it."
Koshiro's voice carried a note of emotion.
He'd already suspected from his earlier conversation with Dunn's father that Dunn had awakened Observation Haki.
But now Dunn's actions made it clear he'd already sensed this ability.
His speed of mastery was humbling.
Even Koshiro himself had started with swordsmanship. Only after gradually sensing the breath of all things had he mastered Observation Haki.
"Thank you."
Dunn closed his eyes again. When that strange sensation returned, he opened them and expressed his gratitude.
"Since you've mastered Observation Haki, Armament Haki may not be difficult for you."
Koshiro didn't waste any time. He moved straight on to explaining Armament Haki.
"In my homeland, Armament Haki is called Ryuo. It's a power born within your own body. Without a strong physique, it's difficult to wield.
"It's a power that can flow and be directed. Once mastered, it can grant you tremendous defensive and offensive power. It can even counter certain powerful Devil Fruit Users."
As he said this, Koshiro gave Dunn a meaningful look.
Now and then, a scorching sensation came from Dunn's room.
Koshiro, who had mastered Observation Haki, could clearly sense it.
"So Observation Haki senses the energy of things outside yourself, while Armament Haki is the use of some kind of energy within your body?"
Dunn had begun to understand.
Observation Haki's description mentioned energy.
So perhaps, according to Koshiro, Armament Haki was energy too.
If he thought of it as inner energy, something easier to understand, the idea became clearer to him.
Of course, there might be some differences, but that was probably the general idea.
"Hmm... Perhaps that's right."
Koshiro fell silent for a moment as he considered Dunn's explanation, then nodded.
"My abilities are limited. I can only explain it according to my own understanding. There are many people stronger than me on these seas, so I may be wrong about Observation Haki and Armament Haki, too."
Koshiro cautioned him.
"You're too modest, Master. You're very strong."
Dunn shook his head slightly.
In the original story, Luffy had encountered many powerful opponents on his journey, most of whom had given Monkey D. Luffy a tough fight. But those were only a small fraction of the strong people on these seas.
And a top swordsman was already among the best in the world.
"Everyone has something they excel at. My talent is limited, and I can see the limits of it. But you, Dunn—I can't see what your future holds."
"Is that a compliment?" Dunn smiled.
"No. I'm simply stating a fact. This world isn't at peace. I know you may understand this world very well, so you should know what it's like."
As Dunn listened, he began to feel that something was off. He quickly raised a hand.
"I've heard Armament Haki is a power you bring out by imagining that you're wearing invisible armor."
He abruptly changed the subject.
Koshiro had naturally noticed.
He also knew he'd said a little too much.
He had a feeling that Dunn might one day become an influential figure on these seas.
And someone like that could affect the whole world, no matter what he did.
"You're right!"
As he spoke, Koshiro raised his arm and held it in front of him.
Dunn narrowed his eyes. Through his Observation Haki, he sensed something covering Koshiro's arm.
"This is the most basic use of Armament Haki. Once you have enough Haki, it'll look like this."
As Koshiro spoke, his arm seemed to be covered in a layer of dark purple armor.
"And like this!"
Koshiro reached out and picked up the cup on the table in front of him.
Dark purple Haki covered the cup.
"Hardening, or Ryuo—these are all ways of using Armament Haki."
Dunn nodded slightly.
"I understand."
"If you understand, you can try to draw out your own Armament Haki later. But it isn't easy. Many people can never bring this energy out, no matter how long they live.
"Of course, for you, it probably won't be difficult."
Dunn lowered his head and looked at his hand. He tried briefly, but nothing happened.
Looks like it'll take some work.
"There's one thing I need to remind you of. Haki is limited; it isn't endless. If you use too much, you'll need time for your Haki to recover.
"The recovery time varies from person to person, as does the amount of Haki they have. All of this is related to your physique."
"I understand. I'll remember."
Dunn nodded.
"Then head back for now. You can try it out on your own. Starting tomorrow, I'll spar with you myself. If you want to quickly learn how to use your sword and Haki, battle is the best way."
Koshiro said with a smile.
There was a hint of mischief in his voice.
Of course, Dunn wasn't afraid of him.
After getting up and taking his leave, Dunn walked out.
Once outside, Dunn took out a scarf and blindfolded himself, then awkwardly activated his Observation Haki.
No matter what, it couldn't hurt to use it more.
Using too much Haki could affect his body, but Dunn could completely ignore that drawback.
Kuina practiced sword swings alone at the dojo, while Zoro stood in the woods behind it, swinging a Bamboo Sword with a stone tied to it in each hand.
Dunn returned to his room and tried to draw out his Armament Haki.
At dusk.
An unremarkable merchant ship slowly approached Shimotsuki Village and docked.
The people who disembarked wore gray cloaks that hid their faces.
One of them, however, had an unusually large head.
"Move quickly. Once we've gathered the food, we'll leave. Our identities are sensitive."
A low voice rang out, and the others nodded together.
The group hurried along in silence. Before long, they arrived at the entrance to Isshin Dojo, where Shimotsuki Koshiro was already waiting.
"The food is all ready."
Koshiro spoke in his usual unhurried, unruffled tone. Clearly, he and these people had made arrangements in advance.
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