"That's… no way…"
The pirates watching Luffy's spar with the soldiers could hardly believe their eyes. They stared, wide-eyed, as an invisible energy, like an ethereal aura, began to coat Luffy's wooden weapon.
"It can't be…"
"No doubt about it… This kid… He's awakened it already…"
One of the veteran pirates wore a grim expression, watching as the faint, swirling energy enveloped Luffy's weapon. "It's still weak, but there's no mistaking it—he's unlocked his inner power."
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" another pirate asked, clueless about the astonished reactions around him.
Jesus Burgess, one of the less experienced members of Shanks' crew, scratched his head in confusion. Known more for his sharpshooting than his brawn, Burgess didn't yet possess the power to understand what the older pirates recognized instinctively.
An older pirate patted Burgess on the shoulder with a grin. "Looks like you rookies are officially the weakest on the ship now."
"That kid's awakened something we usually only see in the New World—Armament Haki!" the veteran explained.
"No way… Pirates usually have to fight for their lives just to reach the New World and learn this stuff… and that brat is already doing it?" The veteran shook his head, feeling a pang of jealousy.
"Is Armament Haki really that strong?" Burgess asked, still skeptical.
The older pirates exchanged looks, then chuckled ominously. "We're gonna have to put you through some training, kid. While we're on this island, expect the worst!"
"After all, we can't have people thinking our crew is weaker than a child!"
With that, the burly veteran playfully wrapped an arm around Burgess, grinning like a predator about to pounce.
"Pfft! Like I'd lose to a kid!" Burgess shot back, though a bead of sweat betrayed his unease.
"Don't be so naive, Burgess. Anything's possible at sea."
---
Luffy, still holding his wooden staff, was equally fascinated by the strange energy flowing through his body and into his weapon. Although it was faint and almost invisible, he recognized it as the legendary Armament Haki.
"I thought I'd awaken Observation Haki first…" he murmured, swinging his staff with renewed vigor, feeling the increased weight and force of his movements.
"But this… this is more than enough!" Luffy smirked, turning to face the surrounding soldiers.
"No more holding back!"
The soldiers, oblivious to Luffy's newfound power, prepared to charge. As they advanced, Luffy shifted his grip and swung his staff in a powerful arc, sending the soldiers flying with one solid strike.
Armament Haki could enhance both defense and offense. When used defensively, it formed an invisible armor around the body, shielding the user from attacks. But offensively, it could add a deadly edge to a simple blow, enough to topple fortresses. Thankfully, Luffy's heart bore no malice, and so his attack was painful but non-lethal.
He chuckled, tossing the staff aside as he turned to leave. "Guess that's enough for now. I'm going to take a nap and then figure out how this power works."
After cleaning up and changing clothes, Luffy returned to his room, picking up his transponder snail and dialing his grandfather's number.
"Bero bero bero… KACHA!"
"Luffy! Is that blasted Shanks giving you any trouble?!"
Luffy chuckled. "Not at all, Grandpa. Guess what—I've unlocked Armament Haki!"
"What?! Already?" Garp's surprise was evident. "What on earth have you been up to?"
"Oh, just some training. So, Grandpa, now that I've got Armament Haki, teach me some cool moves! I don't need Iron Body anymore!"
"Iron Body is one of the coolest moves, you brat!" Garp retorted. "But I suppose with Haki, Iron Body's not as critical… Hmm… Moonwalk, maybe? Nah, it uses too much stamina… Oh, I know—Paper Art!"
In the background, Sengoku could be heard shouting, "Garp! The Six Powers are top-secret Navy techniques. Stop giving them out like candy!"
"What's the big deal?" Garp scoffed. "Luffy's a quick learner—it's not like he'll struggle. He's my grandson, after all!"
Garp explained Paper Art in detail. "Paper Art is one of the Six Powers' defensive techniques. It involves relaxing your body entirely, making it as flexible as paper, so you can dodge attacks by sensing shifts in the air currents around you. In a way, it's like a sixth sense that lets you avoid even the most precise attacks."
"More defense?" Luffy sounded a little disappointed. "C'mon, Grandpa! Isn't there something flashier?"
"This is for your survival, you idiot!" Garp roared through the snail.
"Okay, okay, I get it!" Luffy sighed, hanging up and setting the snail aside. He lay back, already trying to practice Paper Art.
Where Iron Body required every muscle to tense, Paper Art did the opposite, demanding a complete release of tension. After a few attempts, he managed to find the right rhythm, using small, subtle movements to sidestep imaginary blows. The more he practiced, the more he felt a sense of calm. In no time, Luffy drifted off to sleep.
---
Meanwhile, Uta and Shanks were escorted deep into the palace, where they met with the King of Elegia. The palace was lavishly decorated, yet devoid of the usual crowd of ministers and officials.
"This is my daughter, Uta," Shanks introduced, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"She's a lovely young girl," King Gordon remarked, his unusual, elongated face beaming with warmth.
For the occasion, Uta wore a white dress adorned with lace, with pearl earrings dangling from her ears—a perfect picture of a refined artist.
One could easily mistake her for royalty, despite her being the daughter of a pirate.
Gordon nodded approvingly. "The townspeople have spoken highly of your musical talent, Uta. I'd love to hear it myself."
Servants brought in various musical instruments and placed a few scores of popular songs before her. Uta glanced at the sheet music, and then, with a deep breath, she began to sing.
The King and his ministers were visibly moved, some with tears in their eyes. "This is music from another world!" the King declared his voice trembling. "Uta, I will give you everything you need to reach your full potential!"
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