The Shadow Dance cut through the waves, its bow raised high as it cleaved across the latter half of the Grand Line. This fine vessel from the Revolutionary Army was personally commanded by Sabo, carrying the three guardians toward the legendary Aurora Island.
Lin Ye stood at the center of the deck, his purple robe snapping in the sea wind. Luffy and Ace stood on either side of him, the purple runes on their arms flickering in and out of sight beneath the sunlight, subtly pulsing like living things.
"Now, focus your attention," Lin Ye said calmly, his voice clear even over the crashing waves. "Feel the energy flowing within you, as naturally as blood flowing through your veins."
Luffy closed his eyes and tried to follow Lin Ye's instructions, but soon frowned. "This is so hard! I can't feel anything special."
Ace did better. The rune on his chest had already begun to glow faintly. "I can feel a warm current, but I can't control where it goes."
Lin Ye smiled slightly. "Don't rush. This takes time and patience. Rune Energy differs from the Devil Fruit abilities you know. It isn't an external power, but a resonance between your own souls and the dimensions."
He gently raised his right hand, and a wisp of purple light emerged from his fingertips. As his fingers moved, the light shifted into various forms—a sword, a shield, a bird, a flower. Each shape was lifelike before briefly lingering in the air and fading away.
"Observation Haki helps you sense the outside world, Armament Haki strengthens your power, while Rune Energy connects different dimensions, allowing you to touch possibilities beyond reality."
Luffy's eyes widened as he watched Lin Ye's demonstration in amazement. "That's amazing! Can I do that someday too?"
"Of course, as long