Chapter 30: The Depths of Haki

As the duel ended and the last echoes of our clashing blades faded into the wind, I found myself sitting with Shanks near the shore of the island. The once-pristine battlefield now bore the scars of our fight—deep craters in the earth, shattered rock formations, and splintered trees scattered like broken spears.

Despite our intense battle, there was no hostility between us. Instead, there was a mutual respect, an unspoken understanding between warriors who had truly tested each other.

Shanks let out a hearty chuckle as he took a sip from his flask and offered it to me. I accepted, taking a small drink. The strong liquid burned my throat, but I endured it, watching as Shanks leaned back against a rock, gazing up at the sky.

"You're something else," he said, his voice carrying a genuine sense of admiration. "You've already reached a level that most swordsmen can only dream of."

I remained silent, listening.

He turned his head toward me, his sharp, scarred eyes filled with an undeniable presence. "But it's not just your swordsmanship," he continued. "Your will… it's strong. Stronger than most people I've ever met. And that's what truly sets apart the great from the legends."

I knew what he meant. Haki.

I had always known that Conqueror's Haki wasn't just about knocking out weak opponents—it was about willpower, about imposing your presence, about standing above all others as an unshakable force.

And if I wanted to surpass Kaido, liberate Wano, and stand at the top, I needed to master my will.

Returning to My Ship

After parting ways with Shanks and his crew, I walked along the docks where my newly built ship was waiting. The shipwrights had done an incredible job, crafting it to withstand the Knock-Up Stream that would take me to Skypiea.

But for now, I had something more pressing to deal with.

I boarded my ship and entered my private quarters, sitting cross-legged on the wooden floor. The fight with Shanks had pushed me to my limits, and yet, deep inside, I knew there was still more room for growth.

I took a deep breath and summoned my System Panel.

The System Panel Update

A transparent blue screen materialized before me, displaying my current skills and new potential choices.

✨ Skills Available for Copying from Shanks:

✅ Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery – The ultimate level of Conqueror's Haki, wielded by only a few in history. Enhances the user's aura, allowing them to dominate battlefields with sheer presence. Conqueror's Haki-infused attacks become exponentially stronger.

✅ Advanced Armament Haki (Unyielding Defense & Lethal Strikes) – Enhances both offense and defense. Can harden weapons to their maximum durability and break through even the toughest defenses.

✅ God-Level Reflexes & Instinctive Battle Sense – Shanks has honed his body and mind to near-superhuman levels, making him nearly untouchable in battle.

✅ Unparalleled Combat Adaptability – Mastery over countless fighting styles, allowing Shanks to adjust instantly to different opponents.

I scanned the list, my heart beating slightly faster as I considered my options. Each skill was powerful—each could take my abilities to the next level.

But my eyes locked onto one.

Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery.

Choosing Supreme Conqueror's Haki Mastery

The moment I selected it, my entire world shifted.

A massive surge of knowledge and power flooded into my mind, as if an ocean of raw energy had been unleashed within me.

My breath hitched, my muscles tensed, and for a moment, I felt as if I were being submerged in a vast, infinite sea of sheer willpower.

My body trembled as I saw visions of legendary warriors before me—great conquerors who had once ruled the seas with nothing but their presence.

Roger.

Whitebeard.

shanks.

Each of them had reached the pinnacle of Conqueror's Haki, standing as immovable forces, kings of their own domains.

And now, I was stepping into that realm.

The Awakening

I felt it.

I truly felt it.

My Conqueror's Haki had changed.

Before, I could coat my attacks with it, use it to clash with strong opponents. But now—now, it was something entirely different.

It wasn't just about attacking anymore. It was presence, dominance, control.

I could feel it radiating off of me, like an invisible force stretching out beyond my body, pressing against everything in its range.

If I wanted to, I could make weak-willed enemies collapse without lifting a finger.

If I focused, I could channel it into every movement, every step, every breath, making even a simple glance carry the weight of absolute authority.

And when I wielded my sword—every strike would be amplified beyond what I had ever thought possible.

I clenched my fist, watching as the very air around it shimmered and cracked with unseen energy.

This…

This was the true power of a king.

The Future Awaits

As the last remnants of my awakening settled within me, I took a deep breath. My muscles still trembled from the sheer force of my Haki expanding to a level I had never experienced before.

I slowly stood up, feeling the wooden floor beneath my feet, yet somehow, it felt… lighter. As if gravity itself had lost some of its hold on me.

I stepped outside onto the deck of my ship, looking out over the vast sea.

I had defeated countless foes.

I had stood toe-to-toe with Mihawk.

I had fought Shanks as his equal.

And now, I had taken the next step.

The world would soon come to understand the weight of my name.

But first, I had a Devil Fruit to claim.

I turned my gaze toward the sky.

Skypiea awaits.