The third time was this [Erudite] advancement quest (continued)

As everyone knew, the two basic properties of Armament Haki were "emission" and "hardening."

Emission represented Armament Haki in motion.

Ryuo was the advanced form of emission, allowing the user to strike an object from a distance without touching it.

Mountain-Crushing, in turn, was the advanced form of Ryuo, capable of the more difficult and more damaging effect of Internal Destruction!

His Armament Haki, already at maximum level, had received another boost to its overall strength.

Adrian was in an excellent mood. For some inexplicable reason, even Rayleigh's retreating back looked much more pleasing to him.

"Although it isn't a Specialty, a Haki property isn't all that different from one."

"But come to think of it, I didn't feel the effects of Sword Aura Penetration at all during that fight with Rayleigh, even though we clashed swords so many times."

"Right, Scale Armor! The scattered damage from Sword Aura Penetration probably couldn't break through his defenses..."

"Beautiful! Just beautiful! Who knew I'd see this day!"

Adrian followed Rayleigh all the way from Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 8 to Peninsula 12.

After numerous twists and turns, they finally found a small bar with a wooden sign reading "Shakky's Rip-off Bar."

Rayleigh pushed the door open first, and Adrian followed him inside.

It was a dimly lit bar with a fairly cozy interior.

Aside from the short-haired woman sitting behind the counter, there wasn't a single customer present.

"Hmm?"

The bar's proprietress, who sported neat, short black hair and a jacket patterned with a black spider, looked toward the door with mild surprise, a slim cigarette held between her index and middle fingers.

"Oh? How come our Great Pirate is back so soon this time? How much did you swindle out of people by selling yourself?"

At his woman's teasing remark.

Rayleigh adjusted