"Dont worry if you didn't catch all of it. We'll have plenty of timr to learn it. I wont be able to teach every intricacy. As expirence is the best teacher. But ill make you more than ready" He shook his head as he slid his hands into his pockets
Leroy was gobsmacked. His mouth agape as he heard it all. It was all tied together. Everything made sense. That blast he released as far back Water 9…Leery's ability. All of that flash at the war. That blackened blade that Barbary had. Vane and saying his was immense. Leroy sensing Astrapi in Skyderia. He'd been subconsciously using Haki, seeing haki. Experiencing it the entire time in the most serious life or death situations!
But he wasnt alone…Kále had expirenced it too! Back on Arabasta. The sensing of his blades. The internal awarness of his intent and Intellect allowing him to understand the concept of 'Breath of Steel' to when he was against Kalikard. Perhaps his 5 Sword Style was one of the types of Haki that Zeke had just mentioned? Hannibal would be the perfect teacher.
Noir also had similar moments. From Water 9 to Arabasta against Mar-Syl. He also had expirence subconsciously with Haki and its applications. Awarness. Power. Will. Domination
All of them would learn in some form or another. But 4 years doesnt make up for a life time of experience
In Four Years. They Would all need to be ready to face those that could utilize their ambition. Theyd need to hone their own
It was like insanity to Leroy, in a good way. All the pieces. All the threads. Connected and consolidated together into this moment of revelation
From as Far back as against Barnum. To Arabasta. Vane. Skyderia. Wringly. Water 9. Leery. Barbary. Desmare. Styx…Marineford
Haki had been there from the beginning…
Left in awe. Leroy and Zeke continued to walk. Before coming to the center of the island. Where a single large rock circle with a large palm in the middle that was warped and seemed mutated sat. It was like an Oak and Palm together.
"Whats this place?" Leroy asked walking into the clearing. There seemed to be nothing around. Even small animals or bugs. He could see some creatures roaming in the shadows outside but not one crossed the threshold.
"This is the heart of the island." Zeke pointed to the formation
"This place seems to be affected by any of the weather on the island. Not even a breeze passes through like how to even a single animal enters. I think its something Zhang did. But also the Tree. Produce Capsaicin, Menthol, Caffeine, and Citrus. But to us." He takes a deep inhale. Nostrils flaring as he closed his eyes before releasing a satisfied sigh
"Smells amazing." Like a slight minty coffee taste with a hint of cinnamon or pepper subtly in the back. A complex aroma to indulge.
"I see…Well…" He stepped forward. Hands on his hips taking a deep breath. If this was a safe place. Then he knew what to do with it
"I think its time to retire being a pirate for just a little bit…Like a butterfly is still one even as a catapillar." He smiled softly. In his mind. Images of the War on Ingens flashed in his mind. How he struggled. How he felt that he didnt even have the strength to grow. All he did was suffer. Hurt. And injury himself. Ending up like he was now. Covered in bandages and recovering from near death and the true death of his own brother…
"I need to grow. So…For the Next Four Years." His hands ran around to the back of his Sash. Smoothing it out and undoing the fold. The meters long length of crimson cloth came free. Fingers picking the trinkets from his pocket inside it. Pen, coins, picture. Placing them into his pockets before pulling a finale object from the storage.
Zekes vivre card. He tucked it into his opposite pocket for just a moment and held his sash up to the sky. The fabric thin to let light of the afternoon sun pass through it. Illuminating his face with a soft smile
He looked it over. It was so well loved. Warn. Repaired. It was his story. It was him. It was his Crew too. It was what he represented. A length that could stretch and reach and wrap around anything. Rather for comfort or for style
Those small freys in the edges. Minor stains and dark spots from blood. His and others. Sweat. Tears. Hed used it as a blanket and pillow for so long. But now it was even more than that. More than his own greatest treasure. It was a symbol. And icon the world over knew. Even if they didnt know the stitches. The moment to moment. They all knew what it meant
But for now…At least to the Public.
Red Sash Leroy. And The Red Sash Pirates. Were Retired and Disbanded
Leroy wrapped the sash around a wide rock that almost looked like a waist. He folded, tied and tightened the fabric. The Cloth hanging limp from the stone. Just waiting to be retrieved. His hand ran down the smooth elastic fabric.
With a satisfied smile. He turned and walked away…
As his voice grew distant. Leroy declared "Alright Zeke! Give me everything you've got! I got all the time in the world!" He screamed!
"Hey! I ain't gonna go easy on you! It takes years to master Haki! And we only got 4! Better than most! But you're gonna have to train your ass off!"
"Ahahaha!" Leroy Laughed.
In 4 Years. The Red Sash Pirates Will Return.
All across the Grandline, the crew will lay in wait and grow over the Next 1,460 Days. How will they get ready for the New World? What are they doing to train and get stronger? How will they change? Who will they be when they meet again…
We will see it all in action. Through their experiences and stories over the months and weeks of 4 years.
The World Is Changing: Its the Dawn of a New Era.
End Of Act 1 of ONE PIECE: Dawn Of A New Era
[GO TO NEW WORLD]