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After this amazing show of fast learning that left others feel unworthy, Akira went to Marigold, the one who maybe teached him about the haki.
"Thank you very much," Akira expressed his gratitude to Marigold, his tone sincere.
Marigold waved off the thanks, somewhat embarrassed. "You're welcome. Armament Haki is rare in most places, but it's quite common in the New World. Even if I hadn't taught you, you'd eventually learn it from someone else."
"Regardless of where we learn it, we should always show gratitude to those who teach us," Akira replied kindly, his words soft but meaningful. "Since you've taught us Haki, I'd like to return the favor and teach you something in return, as a token of appreciation."
"What are you going to teach us?" asked one of the women from the Kuja Pirates, eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is it that Ninjutsu thing?"
The rest of the Kuja Pirates perked up, intrigued. After witnessing the Uchiha trio's skills, they were eager to learn more about Ninjutsu, a power that had thoroughly captured their imagination.
Akira shook his head. "Ninjutsu requires Chakra, which, like Devil Fruit abilities, can't simply be taught to someone else. However, I can teach you something else—Snake Breathing"
"Snake Breathing?" the Kuja Pirates echoed in confusion.
"Yes. Breathing techniques are a method of enhancing your physical capabilities through controlled breathing. Over time, practicing the Snake Breathing will subtly improve your physical fitness. When using these techniques, your body's strength and reflexes will be drastically enhanced. And if you can master it, you'll be able to maintain this heightened state naturally."
Snake Breathing also called Serpent Breathing is a Breathing Style derived from Water Breathing. It mimics serpents/snakes, specifically their slithering motions and fast striking attacks, and replicates it with the user's movements, techniques and abilities.
Most, if not all, known techniques and forms focuses on twisting and bending the sword like how a serpent slithers. The attacks are not direct and constantly meander which can ultimately strike anywhere, which can fool opponents and catch them off guard.
Hearing the explanation, the women of the Kuja Pirates exchanged glances, their expressions becoming serious. They immediately understood the potential of this technique. The ability to enhance one's physical abilities through breathing alone was unlike anything they had ever encountered. This secret could shake the world if it were known.
"Are you serious?" Hancock asked, her eyes narrowing in suspicion as she stepped forward.
"Why don't you find out for yourself?" Akira said, looking directly at her. His eyes changed to the Sharingan, the tomoe spinning fast. Hancock found herself mesmerized for a brief moment, her surroundings shifting. She suddenly realized that she was no longer aboard the ship, but instead, standing in a lush forest. Akira was there, alone with her.
"Don't be alarmed. This is an illusion," Akira's voice came from everywhere at once. "Here, I will teach you Snake Breathing and its corresponding sword techniques."
In the real world, only a few seconds had passed. Hancock blinked, snapping out of the trance. She looked around, everything appeared unchanged, but in her mind, she now had a clear understanding of the Snake Breathing technique.
"What's wrong, Sister?" asked Marigold, sensing something unusual.
Hancock waved her hand. "Nothing. I've learned this Snake Breathing. I'll teach it to you later. For now, continue teaching them Observation Haki. I'm feeling a bit tired, so I'm going to rest."
With that, Hancock turned and walked back towards her quarters, her footsteps slow, almost contemplative. The rest of the Kuja Pirates stared after her in disbelief. If Hancock said the technique worked, then it must be true. Their excitement rose—they were about to gain a powerful new ability.
For the women of Amazon Lily, strength was beauty. To be chosen as members of the Kuja Pirates, they had to be the strongest among thousands. Their thirst for power was greater than that of most men. Now, that thirst burned even brighter.
As Hancock lay on her bed, her heart was pounding. She placed her right hand over her chest, frowning at the unfamiliar sensation. "What is this?" she muttered. "Is it the breathing technique causing this?"
But as her thoughts turned to Akira, her heart raced even faster. His face kept flashing in her mind. "No, not him again!" she thought, frustrated. "I can't keep thinking about that annoying man!"
For the first time, Hancock had a feeling that she could rely on someone.
In an attempt to regain her composure, Hancock began practicing the breathing technique she had just learned, focusing entirely on mastering it.
Meanwhile, back on the deck, Sandersonia began teaching Akira, Shisui, and Itachi Observation Haki. She explained that Observation Haki enhances one's senses, allowing a person to detect the presence and emotions of others and anticipate their movements.
"Observation Haki can be used for a variety of purposes," Sandersonia said. "It can predict attacks, sense the strength of others, read emotions, and even determine the number of people nearby. With advanced training, it's even possible to see into the future but this is just a legend."
"However, using it requires great focus and mental calm. Emotional instability will disrupt it."
As before, Akira quickly mastered the basics, his understanding of the technique growing rapidly. In the transparent world state, he could control every part of his body and sharpen his five senses to a razor's edge. The birds in the sky, the fish beneath the water, and the members of the Kuja Pirates—all their movements and locations appeared vividly in his mind.
Sandersonia, who had been instructing them, continued to explain, "Observation Haki requires not only talent but also hard work and understanding. It's not something that can be mastered overnight—"
"Thank you. I've learned it," Akira said, cutting her off with a calm smile.
Sandersonia was left speechless once again like her sister beside her. How could someone learn such a complex technique so quickly? Yet, there it was—Akira had mastered Observation Haki in a fraction of the time it would normally take.
The Kuja Pirates were left in awe once more, their perception of what it meant to be a genius completely shattered. Akira's rapid progress, along with that of Shisui and Itachi, left them with only one conclusion—they were witnessing a new breed of prodigy, the likes of which the world had rarely, if ever, seen.
...