Chereads / One piece: But MC is smart / Chapter 3 - chapter 3: Haki

Chapter 3 - chapter 3: Haki

Rashed's boots clicked against the worn path as he trekked through the dense forest, his gaze unwavering. The island's terrain was rugged, with steep hills and narrow, winding trails stretching out before him, but he felt no fatigue. His heart was calm, and focused—there was a challenge ahead, a goal to achieve. He had learned all he could from the System's offerings, yet there was one more test to prove his growth.

A quiet morning in the dojo of Shimotsuki Village. The soft chirping of birds outside contrasts with the sharp clinks of wooden swords within. The dojo is illuminated by the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the rice paper walls. Students pause their training as a mysterious figure enters—a man with an aura of raw, untamed power.

Rashed, his body exuding sheer physical dominance, bows respectfully to Koushirou. "Sensei, I've come to learn the way of the sword in this world. But first, I wish to test my skill against yours."

Koushirou smiles serenely, his weathered face calm. "The way of the sword is not just about power, young man. It is about control, precision, and harmony. If you insist on a duel, I will oblige. But do not take this lightly."

System scan all the moves koushirou will use in the duel and save them in the archive.

Koushirou adopts a traditional kendo stance, holding his katana with both hands, the blade glinting. Rashed wields a bokken, his iron-like bones making the wooden weapon a deadly force. His body tenses like a coiled spring, his 1-millisecond reaction time evident in his readiness.

The students watch in awe as the two bow to each other.

Koushirou strikes first, his blade cutting through the air with precision. Rashed counters with a swift upward parry, the sheer force behind his bokken forcing Koushirou to step back.

"You're fast," Koushirou notes, eyes narrowing. He shifts to Observation Haki, sensing Rashed's every subtle movement. Rashed lunges forward with a strike aimed at Koushirou's torso. Koushirou sidesteps, the movement effortless, and counters with a quick slash that Rashed barely avoids.

Rashed's nerve reactions kick in, allowing him to block Koushirou's follow-up strike mid-air. The sound of wood meeting steel reverberates through the dojo.

The clash intensifies as Rashed unleashes a flurry of strikes, each faster and stronger than the last. His concentrated muscles and enhanced blood cells make every movement explosive. Koushirou's blade dances, parrying and deflecting with the grace of decades of experience.

But even Koushirou begins to feel the strain. "This isn't an ordinary body," he murmurs, activating Armament Haki. His blade now glows faintly black, reinforcing it against Rashed's overwhelming physical power.

The next exchange is a flurry of sparks as the bokken meets the Haki-infused katana. Rashed's strikes are relentless, targeting Koushirou's head, wrists, and torso with pinpoint precision. Koushirou maintains his distance with impeccable Maai, using Ayumiashi to glide effortlessly out of Rashed's reach.

Rashed, sensing he cannot land a decisive blow, employs his grappling skills. He feints a strike, forcing Koushirou to block, then closes the gap, attempting a joint lock on Koushirou's sword arm.

But Koushirou's Observation Haki sees through the ploy. He shifts his weight, flipping Rashed over his shoulder in a seamless throw. Rashed lands on his feet, his enhanced energy allowing him to recover instantly.

Koushirou presses the advantage, his strikes are now faster and more deliberate. He uses techniques like Iai (quick-draw) to keep Rashed on the defensive. His breathing is controlled, his focus unshaken.

As the duel reaches its climax, Koushirou channels his Armament Haki fully, coating his blade in a deep black sheen. "You are skilled, Rashed, but raw power alone cannot win every battle."

Rashed charges, his bokken aiming for Koushirou's head in a decisive strike. Koushirou counters with a perfectly timed Shishi Sonson—a swift, precise slash aimed to disarm rather than harm.

The clash is deafening. Rashed's bokken splinters under the force of Koushirou's strike, the wooden shards scattering across the dojo. Rashed freezes, the remnants of his weapon in his hands, as Koushirou's blade stops just shy of his neck.

Koushirou sheathes his sword, bowing deeply. "You have incredible potential, Rashed. But remember, the way of the sword is not just strength or speed—it is understanding, discipline, and control."

Rashed nods, a rare smile crossing his face. "Thank you. I will learn."

The students cheer, the tension in the dojo dissolving into admiration.

Leaving the dojo he goes to the liquor shop to take the money.

Rashed: old man, did you get the money?

Old man: Oh; you are back. I just came back, here is your money of 8 million.

Rashed: thank you. Here take 500,000 for yourself. Upgrade the store I will come to eat here sometimes. Have a good day.

The old man, with tears welling in his eyes, grasped Rashed's hand firmly. "You've saved this humble shop, young man," he said, his voice shaking with gratitude. "I've lost count of how many times these bandits have come to take what's mine. You've given me hope again." He bowed deeply, "I'll never forget your kindness. Thank you, truly."

system use customization authority to transform my newbie ship into a semi-submarine naval with Camouflage ability. Outside it can look like a normal ship due to its camouflage ability inside it can transform into a submarine with modern equipment.

Ding!

Granted ship: semi-submarine model. "Phantom Tide"

Description: Evokes the stealth of a phantom combined with the unstoppable force of a tidal wave. Ideal for a vessel that can strike unseen and disappear into the depths.

Wallet: 26.5 million belli

system. show me the result of the scan:

Armament Haki (Busoshoku Haki)

"Armament Haki is the ability to create invisible armor or to harden one's body or weapons, increasing offensive and defensive capabilities. At its core, it's the manifestation of one's willpower—a mental fortitude that channels intent and focus into a physical form. This strengthened resolve allows the user to overcome external defenses, such as Devil Fruit abilities, with ease."

Armament Haki strengthens physical combat by coating weapons or the body with a hardened aura. It's not just a defense but a tool for overcoming the limitations of mere flesh and bone. Your refined body, with iron-like bones and incredible muscle concentration, is naturally suited to enhance and channel this ability, allowing the process to be more efficient. The price is only 250 SP due to your body already meeting the requirements.

Observation Haki (Kenbunshoku Haki)

"Observation Haki grants the user the ability to sense and predict the intentions of others. This is not simply a passive sense, but an active awareness of the world around you—a heightened intuition and perception of one's surroundings. As the user's mental and sensory faculties sharpen, they can read minute cues from the environment, including the movements and emotions of others."

At its heart, Observation Haki is the product of a sharpened mind and a clear focus—an ability to see beyond the surface of reality, like a finely tuned instrument. The connection to your 1 millisecond reaction time and enhanced mitochondria allows you to process information quickly, making Observation Haki a natural fit for your heightened awareness. As a result, the cost is only 200 SP, making it an affordable option for your already refined senses.

buy them both.

ding!

acquired skill: Armanent haki Level 1 +

Observation haki Level 1 +

SP : 800 SP

As Rashed activated Armament Haki for the first time, an overwhelming sensation coursed through his body. His muscles tightened instinctively as if his very being had been fortified with an unbreakable resolve. The faint, shimmering black coating on his hands felt almost alive—a tangible extension of his will. He clenched his fist and struck the air, feeling a newfound strength that wasn't just physical but deeply primal, as though he could shatter mountains with nothing more than his determination. For the first time, he felt truly invincible, his body and spirit acting as one.

When Observation Haki awakened within him, it was a completely different experience. The world around him slowed, every detail sharpened with breathtaking clarity. The sound of the wind brushing against the leaves, the subtle shifts in the posture of those nearby, even the faintest flicker of emotion in a person's eyes—all of it flooded his mind like a symphony of sensations. His reflexes, already unparalleled, now felt otherworldly, as though he could move before the world itself decided to act.

Together, these abilities made Rashed feel like he was standing on the edge of something monumental—not just stronger but more attuned to the essence of existence. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt like he could take on fate itself.