There was a flash of surprise in Dunn's eyes.
A new ability had appeared on his digitized panel.
[Observation Haki (Initial Mastery): You have an initial perception of the energy of all things in the world.]
Just like that?
It was so effortless that Dunn found it almost hard to believe, hence his astonishment.
"Energy, huh?"
Dunn keenly noted the digitized panel's specific phrasing for Observation Haki.
"Energy? That's a good way to put it."
Hearing Dunn's soft murmur, Shimotsuki Koshiro was momentarily taken aback. He fell silent for a few seconds before speaking with a smile.
"That is a description of what you perceive yourself to be. Whether you call it 'breath' or 'energy,' it represents your own understanding of the concept. It seems you truly do comprehend it."
Koshiro's tone carried a hint of profound emotion.
Earlier, based on his conversation with his father, he had vaguely sensed that Dunn had already awakened Observation Haki. But Dunn's performance just now proved he had definitively grasped the ability.
The speed of this mastery was enough to make anyone feel ashamed of their own progress. Even Koshiro himself had to start with swordsmanship, slowly sensing the "breath of all things" before he could truly master Observation Haki.
"Thank you."
Dunn closed his eyes again. Once that singular, strange sensation returned, he opened his eyes and offered his thanks.
"Since you've mastered Observation, Armament Haki may not be difficult for you either," Koshiro said, wasting no time. He actually intended to explain Armament Haki right then and there.
"In my homeland, Armament Haki is known as Ryuo. It is a power born from within one's own body. If your physique isn't strong enough, it's very difficult to manifest this power.
It is a force that can flow and be driven; once mastered, it provides not only formidable defense and attack power but can even allow one to contend with certain powerful Devil Fruit users."
As Koshiro spoke, he gave Dunn a meaningful look. Scorching heat occasionally radiated from Dunn's room; with his mastered Observation Haki, Koshiro could sense it clearly.
"So, if Observation is the sensing of energy from things outside oneself, then Armament is actually the application of a certain energy from within one's own body?"
Dunn was starting to connect the dots. The description for Observation mentioned "energy." Following Koshiro's logic, Armament was likely the same.
If it was hard to grasp as an abstract concept, Dunn found it much clearer to think of it as "internal qi" or "inner energy." While there were likely differences, the general gist was likely the same.
"Hmm... perhaps it is so."
Koshiro fell silent for a moment, pondering Dunn's phrasing before nodding.
"My own strength is limited, so I can only explain it based on my own understanding. There are many on this sea stronger than I am; perhaps my explanations of Observation and Armament are technically incorrect in their eyes," Koshiro cautioned.
"You are too modest, Master. You are very strong," Dunn said, shaking his head slightly.
In the original story, Luffy encountered many powerhouses who pushed him to the brink, but those individuals represented only a tiny fraction of the world's population. A top-tier master swordsman was already an elite pinnacle in the grand scheme of the sea.
"Everyone has their own specialties. My own talent is limited, and I can see the ceiling of my potential. But you, Dunn... I cannot see your future clearly."
"Is that a compliment?" Dunn smiled.
"No, I am merely stating a fact. This world is not peaceful. I suspect you know quite a bit about this world, so you should understand what its true face looks like."
As Dunn listened, the conversation started to feel a bit too heavy, so he immediately raised a hand.
"I've heard that Armament is a guided power—to imagine wearing an invisible suit of armor over the body?"
A blunt change of subject. Koshiro noticed it, of course. He realized he might have been talking a bit too much. He had a feeling that Dunn would one day become a pivotal figure on this sea. And people like that, no matter what they do, have the potential to impact the entire world.
"You are correct!"
Koshiro said as he raised his arm in front of him.
Dunn squinted. Within his Observation perception, he could see a layer of something covering Koshiro's arm.
"This is the most basic use of Armament. When the volume of your Haki is sufficient, it looks like this."
As Koshiro spoke, his arm turned a dark, metallic purple, as if actually coated in a layer of armor.
"And like this!"
Koshiro reached out and picked up a cup from the table. The dark purple hue spread over the cup as well.
"Hardening, or Ryuo—these are all applications of Armament."
Dunn nodded slowly. "I understand."
"If you understand, you can try to guide your own Armament Haki later. But it is no easy task; many spend their entire lives unable to draw out this energy. Of course, for you, it shouldn't be too difficult."
Dunn looked down at his hand and gave it a brief try, but he didn't succeed. It seemed he would have to put in more effort.
"One thing I must remind you: the amount of Haki is finite, not inexhaustible. If you consume too much, you need time to recover. This recovery time varies from person to person, as does the total capacity—and all of it is tied to your physical constitution."
"I see. I'll keep that in mind," Dunn nodded.
"In that case, head back for now and try it on your own. Starting tomorrow, I will personally spar with you. If you want to quickly understand how to apply your blade and your Haki, combat is the best teacher."
Koshiro smiled, though there was a hint of "mischief" in his tone. Dunn, however, wasn't the type to be intimidated.
After taking his leave, Dunn exited the room. He took out a silk scarf and tied it over his eyes, immediately activating his unrefined Observation Haki. Regardless of anything else, practice makes perfect.
While excessive Haki consumption might negatively affect a normal person's body, Dunn could completely ignore such drawbacks due to his digitization.
At the dojo, Kuina was practicing her swings alone. In the woods behind, Zoro was swinging a bamboo sword weighted with stones with both hands. Dunn returned to his room to begin attempting to guide his Armament Haki.
At dusk.
An inconspicuous merchant ship slowly approached Shimotsuki Village and docked at the pier. The people disembarking all wore grey cloaks to hide their faces. However, the head of one individual was notably exaggerated in size.
"Be quick. Collect the provisions and leave immediately. Our identity is sensitive," a low voice rang out. The others nodded in unison.
The group moved silently through the paths. Before long, they arrived at the Isshin Dojo, where Shimotsuki Koshiro was already waiting.
"The provisions are all ready."
Koshiro spoke in his usual slow, unruffled tone. It was clear he had an established arrangement with these people.
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