Chapter 19: Learning Armament Haki (Patreon)

To travel from the first half of the Grand Line to the New World, cutting through the Calm Belt was technically the fastest and safest route. However, the complete lack of wind crippled sailing ships, and the endless swarms of Sea Kings terrified both merchants and pirates alike.

To the seafarers of this world, the Calm Belt was a death zone. You could enter, but you could never leave. It was a gaping maw ready to devour any living thing foolish enough to trespass. Unless backed into a corner, no one willingly sailed into those waters.

But that was a thing of the past. Relying on the research of Dr. Vegapunk, the World Government had successfully conquered the Calm Belt. The brilliant scientist hadn't just solved the propulsion issue; he had lined the hulls of Marine warships with Seastone. The Seastone emitted the same energy as the ocean, tricking the Sea Kings into ignoring the vessels entirely. This invention gave the World Government absolute freedom to travel back and forth between the two halves of the Grand Line.

"Dr. Vegapunk truly lives up to his reputation. They say his mind is five hundred years ahead of the rest of the world. To think he could create something this incredible," a Marine marvelled, leaning against the railing near Axis.

While the rest of the world was still stuck in the age of sails, Vegapunk was churning out sci-fi technology left and right.

"Indeed. His intellect transcends this world entirely," another Marine agreed.

"Of course, this world would be a much better place if it weren't for all these damn pirates," a third soldier chimed in.

"Well said. Wiping out the pirates would definitely make the world a better place," Axis agreed politely.

Aside from a tiny handful of genuine explorers and adventurers, the vast majority of pirates were absolute scum. Then again, the World Government—ruled by the celestial dragons and the Five Elders—was arguably even more detestable. Neither side was truly good.

Axis left the Marines to their conversation and walked over to Admiral Fujitora.

"Like this. Feel it carefully. Your physical conditioning has already reached the limit. Just memorize this sensation, and you will grasp Armament Haki," Fujitora instructed.

The blind Admiral was currently demonstrating Armament Haki to a subordinate. The Marine's physical fitness had hit the threshold required to awaken the power, but he lacked the necessary training and expert guidance.

"Yes! Thank you for the guidance, Admiral Fujitora," the soldier said, bowing deeply. "I will redouble my efforts and master Armament Haki!"

"I am merely pointing you in the right direction. If you lacked the physical foundation, even if I taught you everything I know, you would never grasp it," Fujitora replied modestly.

"I am still incredibly grateful, Admiral. Several men on this ship were on the verge of awakening, and thanks to your instruction, they've successfully mastered it."

"Think nothing of it."

"Bravo," Axis said, clapping his hands as he approached. Kratos stood nearby, watching the lesson with intense interest.

In the One Piece universe, Armament Haki was the ultimate utility skill, excelling in both offense and defense. It hardened the user's body, turning it pitch-black and nearly indestructible. It could be used to block attacks, enhance strikes, and even coat weapons. Most importantly, it allowed the user to bypass the intangibility of Logia Devil Fruit users. In the New World, it was a mandatory skill.

"Admiral Issho, I was wondering if you could teach the two of us how to use Haki?" Axis asked. "We're completely immature. We don't know the first thing about Armament or Observation Haki."

"Haki? You want to learn Haki?" Fujitora paused, genuinely surprised.

It made sense for Axis to want to learn; he was quite weak. But Kratos? How could a powerhouse of his caliber not already know Haki? Was that even possible?

"We really do," Axis confirmed. "If you're willing to teach us, we'll gladly pay you in Berries. We won't ask you to do it for free. Name your price. As long as we can afford it, it's yours."

"Haki is not a forbidden secret. If you wish to learn, I can teach you," Fujitora agreed.

In the New World, Haki was common knowledge. As long as someone had the dedication and the physical prerequisites, nearly anyone could awaken it, though the final power output depended heavily on innate talent. Furthermore, these two were bounty hunters, not pirates. Teaching them wouldn't draw any ire from Marine Headquarters. More importantly, this might earn him a shred of goodwill from the terrifying man named Kratos.

"Thank you very much. I'll have thirty million Berries sent to you shortly," Axis promised.

Axis lived by a strict rule: never accept anything for free, because free things were always the most expensive in the long run. If he learned Haki from Fujitora for nothing, he would owe the Admiral a massive favor, and favors were notoriously difficult to repay.

"The Berries are unnecessary. I will teach you, but I cannot guarantee you will master it. Speaking frankly, Mr. Axis, your physical fitness is currently insufficient to awaken Armament Haki. You may have some success training Observation Haki instead. As for Mr. Kratos, he should have no issues whatsoever," Fujitora advised.

"No, no, no, that won't do. We absolutely must pay you," Axis insisted. "We're taking up an Admiral's valuable time. We have to compensate you. If you don't accept it, we'll feel terribly guilty. Please, just take it."

"As for my physical limits, I'll just train slowly over time. At least I'll know the proper methods."

Axis knew perfectly well his body couldn't handle Armament Haki yet. That didn't matter. As long as Kratos learned it first, the Spartan could teach him later.

"Very well. Let it be so," Fujitora conceded. It seemed this young man was determined not to owe him a favor. He was quite sharp.

"Let me begin by explaining the fundamentals of Armament Haki. Please listen carefully. Armament Haki is drawn out through intense physical training and can be continuously strengthened through practice. The method is as follows..."

Fujitora patiently broke down the mechanics of the ability for Axis and Kratos. After covering the theory, he demonstrated the hardening technique one more time.

"That covers the basics. From here, you must rely on your own practice. As long as your physical condition meets the threshold, grasping Armament Haki is not overly difficult. We will be on this ship for some time. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will answer to the best of my ability."

"Thank you for your time, Admiral Issho," Axis said.

"You are too polite. Just call me Issho from now on."

While Fujitora and Axis were exchanging pleasantries, Kratos drew the Blades of Chaos. With a sharp hiss, the jagged metal of both blades instantly turned a gleaming, impenetrable pitch-black.

After hearing the explanation once and watching a single demonstration, Kratos had completely mastered Armament Haki.

Fujitora "..."

Axis "..."

'So this is the gap between a mortal and a demigod,' Axis thought numbly. 'He just watched it once and figured it out instantly, while I'm standing here completely lost.'