Haki is a powerful force in this fiery world. It is divided into three types: Armament Haki, Observation Haki, and Conqueror's Haki.
Every person's body contains the potential seed of Haki, but few can develop and wield it.
This is a great power deeply hidden within the heart, and the only way to awaken it is through immense determination, confidence, and obsession.
The essence of Haki is the special fusion of one's physical strength and spiritual power. Among the three types, Armament Haki leans toward physical strength, mainly improving physical capabilities and enhancing offensive and defensive power; Observation Haki leans toward the mental aspect, primarily enabling the ability to foresee attacks; while Conqueror's Haki, which only one in millions can possess, represents the perfect sublimation of an individual and is a symbol of royal potential. It is said to have the power to make all things submit.
"Haki?" Kuzan was also taken aback.
Of course, it was not because Kuzan didn't know Haki. What a joke! How could one of the three Admirals of the Navy not know Haki? What surprised him, however, was Shanter's age.
Although Shanter was much taller than his peers, Kuzan could tell at a glance that he was not even ten years old. To awaken Haki at such a young age—this was something even Roger and Garp couldn't do. In fact, across the entire world of One Piece, the only one who awakened Haki before turning ten was Fire Fist Ace.
"Conqueror's Haki, no less? This brat actually has the potential of a king? Where did he get this great ambition?" Kuzan thought secretly, both surprised and a little alarmed.
If Shanter had originally been just an ordinary nerd who accidentally transmigrated to this fiery world, then the idea of him possessing royal potential would be utter nonsense. No matter which universe, a strong will is always a prerequisite for success. If someone truly had the potential to be a king, they wouldn't be talking about a lack of opportunities. They would create opportunities for themselves. But if someone were just an ordinary mortal, even if they gained extraordinary encounters, treasures, and techniques during their transmigration, without firm will and faith, they would never be able to hold onto them. They would simply become pawns for others to use.
But Shanter's previous life was that of a world-shaking leader in the Central World. Although he wasn't the supreme ruler, if he didn't have royal potential, then something truly was wrong.
"Come on!" As Shanter's Haki burst forth, his heart seemed to relax. Even Kuzan, the mighty Admiral, no longer seemed so invincible.
Of course, Shanter was also fully aware that this was merely an illusion caused by his sudden surge in strength. The gap between their true powers had not diminished much. Kuzan was not a half-hearted CP9 member.
Kuzan nodded. As an Admiral, he should not have made the first move, but since Shanter had no intention of attacking, he had no choice but to take the initiative. After all, Kuzan didn't want this fight to drag on indefinitely.
"Freeze—Polar Spear!"
With a sharp, biting wind, a long spear shot toward Shanter with a whistling sound.
Shanter didn't dodge. Instead, he released a burst of Haki, wrapping it around his fist, and struck the sharp spear, shattering it with one punch.
"Oh? He's already trying to use his Haki right after awakening it? This is a tough little brat!" Kuzan couldn't help but admire inwardly.
Although Kuzan appreciated Shanter's abilities, he was not the kind of person who would go easy just because he admired someone.
"Frozen Moment—Capsule!"
Kuzan unleashed a massive wave of ice and snow, unlike the casual ice spear from before. This attack had a vast range and was extremely fast.
Shanter examined the appearance of the wave of ice and snow, and recalling the fate of Salron, he realized he couldn't take it head-on. He quickly pulled his body into a more compact position, minimizing the contact area, and coated his skin with Haki, hoping to withstand the blow.
Haki has the ability to temporarily negate the powers of Devil Fruit users, but that required a successful hit, and Shanter knew he couldn't land a blow on Kuzan.
However, Shanter's defense proved effective. Kuzan's wave of ice and snow didn't harm Shanter.
"Oh?" Kuzan was secretly surprised and became a little more serious. Of course, that didn't mean he was fully focused yet—just slightly more so.
"Fine, let's end this quickly."
"Frozen Moment—Capsule!"
This time, the attack was at least ten times more powerful, a storm of ice and snow descending upon Shanter.
Even with Shanter's strong mental fortitude, seeing the sky filled with ice and snow, despair rose within him.
In the face of absolute power, techniques were useless, and Shanter himself had no technique—only raw combat instincts. And those instincts didn't stand a chance in a battle like this.
Of course, if Shanter still retained all the memories and skills from his past life, with his current level of power, taking on Kuzan might not lead to victory, but at least Kuzan would suffer a bit. But right now, Shanter was powerless.
"Is this... the end?"
"I can't fall here!"
Shanter was already encased in ice, but he struggled fiercely, causing the entire block of ice to shake violently.
"Ah—" Haki surged uncontrollably from Shanter, and the massive ice block began to crack, as though it might shatter at any moment.
"I cannot fall here!" Shanter roared. In his mind, countless faces appeared—his father, mother, sister, Angelina, Cardod... faces like slides flashing through his heart. Finally, they froze on Robin's smiling face.
Kuzan, standing nearby, was slightly moved. However, he had no intention of going easy.
Kuzan placed his hand on the ice: "Frozen Moment!"
The ice block's cracks disappeared completely, and it hardened several times over. Its thickness increased, rendering Shanter's struggle futile.
Though increasingly weak, Shanter didn't stop resisting.
"Complete justice can sometimes drive one mad. I'm curious to see what kind of growth that seed, protected by Salron, will undergo after escaping this island." Kuzan lightly spoke, his hand resting on the ice.
"Even though I've seen you struggle so hard in battle, here's your reward," Kuzan silently thought.
Upon hearing Kuzan's words, Shanter's struggle immediately ceased.
Shanter, encased in ice, had been exhausting himself quickly. It was only his unyielding will that had kept him fighting. But hearing Kuzan's words, he felt an unexpected peace settle in, and his strength drained away, leaving him almost entirely exhausted.
"As for you, I won't kill you. I won't take you back to be imprisoned in Impel Down either. You'll stay here. Whether you live or die is up to fate."
"You can have your own perspective on justice, and it's your freedom to hold those views. As for me, I will only persist in my own sense of justice."
"Justice can be viewed differently from different stands. If by some stroke of luck you survive, remember this."
With that, Kuzan turned and left, not caring whether Shanter had heard him or not.
---
Enjoying the story? Want to read ahead?
Get early access to 30+ Chapters and faster updates by
joining the Pirate King Membership tier for just $5! You can choose to support me on :
Patreon : https://www.patreon.com/KZ478
Your support helps keep this story alive, and I deeply appreciate every contribution
Thank you for reading and supporting my work.