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"Perfect. Today, I'll demonstrate how to use Observation Haki to lock onto a target hidden inside something created by an ability."
The laughter stopped abruptly.
Several days earlier, inside the secret chamber with the world map hanging on its wall.
The rumors about the "Golden Airship"
were still a subject of debate among the Five Elders, but the Donquixote Family's expansion was a plainly visible fact.
No further evidence was needed. The new markings continually appearing on the nautical chart said it all.
"They must be restrained."
The first voice spoke.
"Agreed."
"Seconded."
"Proceed."
After the brief vote, a plan to curb that Family quietly went into motion.
Faced with the greatest power on the entire sea, any individual or group had to learn to lie low-otherwise, why were those legendary pirates all huddled in the New World?
The lofty explanation was that rival powers were competing in the strongest sea. Strip away the veneer, and they were merely banding together for warmth after the Marines had driven them into a corner.
Any so-called "Emperor-level force"
that confronted the Marines alone-
One needed only recall the war at Marineford.
At that moment, in the waters on the outskirts of Totto Land.
On the deck of the Cold Crow · Numancia Flamingo, the lesson had just begun.
Rossi stood with his eyes closed, his presence as still as the deep sea.
Everyone around him held their breath, watching the Slime Creation Trebol had made slowly writhe and change shape on the deck.
"Perception isn't about using your eyes."
His voice was level, as though stating common knowledge.
"It's about 'listening.'"
The waves, the wind, the creaking rigging, everyone's restrained breathing-all sound suddenly faded away. A subtler vibration came from within the slime, faint but regular, like a heartbeat.