The morning breeze carried the scent of salt as Xiao Yan watched Shanks and Benn's daily training session. After witnessing Haki in action at Azure Reef, he'd taken to observing these morning routines with scholarly interest. Xiaojin perched beside him, its divine flames burning steadily as it too studied the display of power.
"Observation Haki," Benn explained between exchanges, "isn't just about sensing presence." He dodged a strike from Shanks that seemed impossible to avoid at that speed. "It's about reading intent, seeing possibilities before they happen."
"SHAHAHAHAHA! Like seeing when your opponent is about to do this!" Shanks suddenly released a controlled burst of Conqueror's Haki.
Xiaolong, who had been dozing in the water nearby, lifted his head with interest. The dragon's scales sparkled as he sensed the invisible force, his own divine nature responding to this different form of power.
A News Coo swooped down, momentarily distracting everyone as it dropped the morning paper. The bird hesitated near Xiaojin, apparently remembering their last encounter, before hastily departing.
"Speaking of sensing things," Shanks said, picking up the paper, "looks like there's been some interesting movements in the Grand Line. The Marines are investigating something about ancient weapons."
Within his dantian, Xiao Yan felt the spiritual bead pulse gently. The herbs from Azure Reef were growing well in its space, but his attention was now drawn to how this world's powers might interact with his own understanding.
"Your Haki," he observed, watching as Shanks demonstrated another technique, "it responds differently to various threats. Like water taking the shape of its container."
"That's... an interesting way to put it," Benn raised an eyebrow. "Though I suppose different situations do require different applications."
Their discussion was interrupted by the Den Den Mushi's alert. The snail's expression shifted to match the caller's excitement as it relayed news about marine movements nearby.
"Looks like we might have company soon," Shanks grinned, not appearing particularly concerned. "Care to see how Haki handles a marine battleship?"
Before anyone could respond, Xiaolong suddenly tensed, electricity crackling along his scales. Something massive was moving beneath the waves.
"Sea King," Benn announced calmly, lighting a cigarette. "Bigger than usual."
The creature that surfaced was indeed impressive, its scales reflecting the morning sun as it rose from the depths. However, instead of attacking immediately, it seemed to pause, its ancient eyes studying the divine creatures aboard with peculiar interest.
"Now this," Shanks said quietly, "might be more interesting than marines."
Xiao Yan watched as Xiaojin took flight, its divine presence causing the Sea King to pull back slightly. Xiaolong circled the ship, electricity dancing across the waves in a display that spoke more of communication than threat.
"Your companions," Benn observed, "they relate to these creatures differently than to normal animals."
"Divine nature recognizes certain truths," Xiao Yan replied simply, noting how the Sea King's aggression had completely faded. Instead, it now watched Xiaojin's flight with something approaching reverence.
"Different powers, different approaches," Shanks mused, his usual grin carrying a hint of deeper understanding. "Though I must admit, your way of handling sea kings is certainly more peaceful than ours!"
The morning continued with more discussions about power as the Sea King eventually departed, seemingly having learned something from its encounter with divine beings. Uta emerged on deck to find Xiaojin attempting to explain something to nearby seabirds through elaborate aerial maneuvers.
"Your world's powers," Xiao Yan commented later, as they watched Shanks demonstrate more advanced applications of Haki, "they grow through understanding as much as through strength."
"And yours don't?" Shanks asked curiously.
Xiao Yan's slight smile gave nothing away as he felt the spiritual bead pulse gently in his dantian. Some truths, after all, were better understood through observation than explanation.