Chapter 32: The Master of Mantra

The sky above Skypiea was unlike anything I had ever seen—endless and boundless, untainted by the chaos of the world below. The air was lighter, and every step I took felt weightless. It was a strange feeling, but my body quickly adapted.

As I walked through the floating city, the Skypieans observed me with curiosity. Though they had welcomed me, there was still a sense of caution in their eyes. Blue Sea dwellers were rare here, and even rarer were those who arrived without conflict.

However, as I interacted more with them, I began to notice something unique about certain individuals.

Their movements were smooth, their reactions precise. It was as if they could predict what was coming before it even happened.

It didn't take long for me to confirm my suspicions. They were highly skilled in Observation Haki—but here, they called it something else.

Mantra.

Seeking Out the Masters of Mantra

During my stay, I approached some of these warriors, inquiring about their skills.

"I have trained in a similar ability before," I told them. "But your level of awareness and reaction is beyond what I have seen. I want to learn your ways."

The Skypieans exchanged glances before one of them, a tall man with deep, focused eyes, spoke.

"You have already reached a high level of Mantra, but there is someone who surpasses even the strongest of us. Our elder, a man who has spent decades refining his Mantra to the absolute peak. He can hear the voices of all things. If you truly seek mastery, he is the only one who can guide you."

Hearing this, my interest was piqued. I had trained my Observation Haki to a high level, nearly reaching future sight, but if this elder had reached a level beyond that, I couldn't ignore the opportunity to learn.

"Take me to him," I said.

Meeting the Elder

They guided me to a secluded part of Skypiea, an ancient temple made of solidified cloudstone, where an elderly man sat in meditation. His aura was calm, but the air around him felt heavy with presence.

Though his body was frail with age, his eyes—sharp, piercing, and endless like the sky itself—felt as if they could see through everything.

I knew instantly. This man was a true master.

He opened his eyes slowly and studied me, his gaze unwavering. "You seek Mantra," he said, his voice carrying wisdom that felt older than the island itself.

I nodded. "I have trained in something similar, but I can tell that your mastery is far beyond mine. I want to learn from you."

The elder was silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "Mantra is not simply about seeing or predicting movements. It is about hearing the world, sensing the very breath of life itself. Few reach the level of true mastery."

"I am willing to endure whatever it takes," I said.

He raised an eyebrow. "Many have said the same. Many have failed."

I smirked slightly. "Then let me be the first to succeed."

The elder let out a deep chuckle, as if entertained by my confidence. "Very well," he said. "But know this—this will not be easy."

Training Begins

Training started immediately.

Unlike traditional Observation Haki training, where I focused on predicting attacks, Mantra was deeper.

The elder sat me down in meditation, instructing me to listen—not with my ears, but with my entire being.

"Mantra is not just about seeing what will happen next," he explained. "It is about sensing the presence of all things. The wind, the trees, the breath of the sky itself. Only when you truly listen can you move beyond just prediction."

At first, I found it difficult. I was already at a high level, but this was different.

I could sense movements. I could predict the immediate future. But this elder… he could hear emotions, feel intentions, and sense the world itself shifting.

It was on another level entirely.

I tried to push myself, but it felt like I was hitting an invisible wall.

The elder sighed. "You are strong. But your mind is too focused on what is ahead. Stop looking forward. Listen to now."

It was difficult. I had always relied on foresight, planning ahead in battle, reacting before the opponent even moved. But Mantra required something different—absolute clarity in the present.

As I struggled with my training, the elder placed a hand on my shoulder.

And in that moment—I felt it.

The Copy System Activates

Ding!

A blue panel materialized before my eyes, displaying new skills available for copying.

Copy System Update: Scanning Target – Elder of Mantra

✅ Supreme Mantra Mastery – The ability to hear the voices of all things. Enhances Observation Haki to a divine level, allowing one to sense not just movements, but intentions, emotions, and even the flow of the world itself.

✅ Complete Presence Awareness – The ability to feel every living being in a vast radius, even beyond sight. Can detect enemies with perfect clarity, making ambushes and stealth impossible.

✅ Breath of the Sky Technique – Allows the user to move seamlessly through the air, using their perception of Mantra to react to wind currents and gravity with absolute precision.

My breath caught in my throat.

These abilities… they weren't just Observation Haki. This was a completely new realm of awareness.

I looked at the elder, his gaze calm as if he already knew what I had seen.

"You are gifted," he said simply. "But the path to true Mantra is long."

I clenched my fist. I had a decision to make.

Which skill should I take?