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As night fell, the lights on the Endless Dream, docked by the coast, shone brightly, and the restaurant aboard was bustling with activity.
"Come on! After this drink, I, the goddess, will perform a superb secret trick for you all!" Aqua stood at the central spot of the restaurant, her cheeks flushed with a tipsy red, raising high the large mug filled with Skypiean beer.
The Birka guards around her, dressed in armor, also raised their mugs and cheered enthusiastically in response.
In the crowd, one could even see Meowth shoulder to shoulder with several guards, dancing an unknown Skypiean dance.
The entire marine restaurant was filled with a lively party atmosphere.
Only Gros, the captain of the guards, sat alone in a corner, looking somber and silently drinking a beer named 'Bankruptcy.'
Here's the situation: to welcome Zyhark and the other far-traveling people from the Blue Sea and to learn more sophisticated swordsmanship and combat techniques, he had offered to treat them to a meal.
Originally, the plan was to have his virtuous wife prepare a lavish meal at home, but Aqua's thoughtless actions turned it into a party, and she even called all the off-duty subordinates...
He had intended to politely refuse using the excuse that his house was too small.
However, the restaurant's owner directly took the cue and mentioned that his marine restaurant was very spacious, and that all expenses for the party on the ship could be discounted by 20%.
Damn it, can't you understand what I'm actually trying to say?
The real issue is not the size of the house, but the size of my wallet!
Merchant, even in the lower Blue Sea, this marine restaurant would undoubtedly be considered a great swindler!
Gros was completely bewildered by Zyhark turning the tables on him. Despite his mouth twitching as if cramping, he had to nod in agreement due to what he perceived as masculine pride.
Thus, the current scene unfolded.
Sigh...
Thinking of his emptied wallet and his wife's ominously kind smile before he left home, Gros couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.
The screenful of sorrow contrasted starkly with the cheerful atmosphere around.
"What's wrong, Mr. Gros? You seem very troubled. Is there something wrong with the food?" Zyhark finally finished his duties and approached with a large beer, slowly sitting down in front of Gros.
"No, it's just some sad memories that suddenly came to mind."
Gros clinked his mug with Zyhark's, forcing a stiff smile.
It was more than just sad memories. Tonight, he might as well prepare for his own funeral...
Zyhark, of course, knew what the stoic yet silly captain of the guards was thinking, but kept a light smile on his lips without revealing anything.
"If it's the past, then as Aqua says, just escape from things you don't like."
It seemed to genuinely comfort Gros, as his dim eyes suddenly brightened: "Really? Can I really choose to escape?"
Seeing his excited expression, Zyhark coughed lightly, putting down his beer mug.
"We still need to settle the bill for the meal."
Gros: "…"
Swindler! You're really a swindler!!
"By the way, Mr. Gros, have you ever heard of Haki?" Zyhark changed the topic.
"Haki? Is it that Observation Haki you mentioned during the duel?"
After thinking it over, Gros slowly shook his head.
Although there had been Blue Sea visitors to Birka before, they were all vicious pirates, always clashing as invaders and defenders, never sitting together for drinks and chats like this.
"Yes, but aside from Observation Haki, similar to your 'Mantra,' there's also Armament Haki, which can enhance your attack and defense capabilities."
Out of reciprocity, seeing how generous Gros was to "host" the meal, Zyhark decided to educate him about the two types of Haki from the Blue Sea.
"Just like this."
He casually picked up a chopstick lying on the dining table, enveloped it with Armament Haki, turning it into a faint black invisible armor, and gently poked it against Gros's steel armguard.
Snap!
The hard armguard was immediately punctured with a noticeable dent.
Gros: !?
What are you doing!
This is my specially crafted Infinite Rotation Super-Indestructible Diamond Armguard!!
You could've demonstrated on this table, the glasses, or even the floor beneath our feet, right?
Oh, right, they're all part of your swindling business!
After a moment of painful realization, looking at the dent in his armguard, Gros's expression gradually turned serious.
A normal chopstick, once covered with that Armament Haki, could penetrate like this. What about using it on a fist or a blade? Wouldn't it enhance their power even more?
"I had no idea such a terrifying power existed in the Blue Sea…"
Having experienced numerous battles, Gros immediately recognized the strength of Haki.
He looked again at the young man before him, his gaze now filled with a hint of wariness.
If Zyhark had used this mysterious power during this morning's test, he probably wouldn't have had a chance to even speak.
"Both Observation Haki and Armament Haki can be obtained through training, you understand what I mean, Mr. Gros?" Zyhark smiled as he spoke.
Compared to swordsmanship, he felt it more sincere to explain the training methods for the two types of Haki to Gros.
After all, he really had nothing substantial to offer in terms of swordsmanship.
Of course, mastering the two types of Haki isn't something that can be achieved in a short time, and it also requires a certain degree of talent.
Whether Gros could learn it wasn't really something he needed to consider.
Upon hearing this, Gros's eyes lit up again.
This time, truly brightened.
The prospect of becoming stronger, for someone who had already stepped into middle age, was nearly a luxury.
Compared to this, what's a mere banquet?
"Brothers, drink! Drink heartily for me!"
"Please, Mr. Zyhark! Tell me how I can train to master this power!"
See, he even used an honorific now.
Zyhark organized his thoughts, pondering where to start explaining, when suddenly a burst of applause erupted from the center of the restaurant.
Turning to look, there was Aqua, holding two folding fans overhead a glass of wine, skillfully displaying her signature tricks.
This goddess, truly a social marauder, had mingled with the guards in just a few minutes.
Meowth seemed to be having a great time too.
Being a peculiar cat that could talk and play music, occasionally puffing up its fur fiercely, its popularity was nearly on par with Aqua's.
Both were true stars of the party!
After this realization, Zyhark put aside any superfluous thoughts and began to explain the training methods for the two types of Haki to Gros.
Why was King not visible?
Influenced by the imposing faces of the strong, the soldiers naturally assumed he was somewhere secluded, intensely training.
However, the real situation was only known to Zyhark.
The guy was currently wearing headphones, tucked away in a room, sipping on Fat Boy Happy Water/Cola and playing video games...
(End of Chapter)